Every few years, it seems, somebody in Butler National Golf Club’s membership suggests that the all-male facility may be willing to accept women as members, thereby making it possible for big-time golf to be played in Oak Brook again. Citing “industry sources,’’ that same old story surfaced again in a Chicago newspaper this week. Such…
Author: lenz
PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW: Nicklaus says golf is “at a crossroads”
ORLANDO, FL. — The biggest show in golf started on a sobering note Thursday, and it was offered by the game’s greatest player. Jack Nicklaus gave the keynote address as the 59th PGA Merchandise Show opened its three-day run at the Orange County Convention Center. In it he voiced concerns about the game’s future, then…
PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW: Demo Day delights
ORLANDO, FL. — Getting to the Demo Day kickoff of the 59th PGA Merchandise Show wasn’t easy. There were traffic jams and long lines at the check-in points — even when the gates opened at the Orange County National Golf Center. The Demo Day was closed to the public and required a 45-minute shuttle bus…
PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW PREVIEW: Wilson is going belly-up
ORLANDO, FL. — Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods may have the richest heritage in golf. More major championships have been won by players using the company’s irons than any other, the majors number won now at 62 and counting. Still, Wilson won’t be stuck in its past at this week’s 59th annual PGA Merchandise Show. Among…
MY OAKHURST VISIT: America’s first course provides a mystery
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Any devoted golf aficionado should want to visit Oakhurst Links, long billed as the first golf club in the United States. A book — “Oakhurst: The Birth and Rebirth of America’s First Golf Course’’ (by Paula DiPerna and Vikki Keller, Walker and Company, 2002) — was even written about this…
THIS `Big Three’ is ready for action
This “Big Three” may not be anything like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, but we feel we can make a positive impact on golf — especially in the Chicago area. We are three golf reporters with a combined 102 years of experience covering the sport we love. We’re kicking off 2012 by announcing…
JUST MY OPINION: Luke Donald has topped them all
On Sunday Luke Donald finished third in the Dubai World Championship and became the first golfer to win money titles on both the U.S. and European PIA Tours while holding membership in both. This is something for the history books, and the feat hasn’t gotten the attention it should have from the sports media both…
Tourney sites are intriguing for CDGA, WGA
The Chicago District Golf Assn. and Western Golf Assn. have made major announcements in their tournament sites just a few days apart. In announcing its tournament slate for 2012 the CDGA revealed that Cantigny, the 27-hole public layout in Wheaton, will host the concluding four-day match play portion of the CDGA Amateur. That’s significant because…
Introducing wire-grass at Pinehurst No. 2
PINEHURST, N.C. — My frequent golf travels have led me to introduce you to a term you’re certain to hear more about in the next few months and years. It’s called wire-grass, the key ingredient in the recent renovation of North Carolina’s Pinehurst No. 2 — one of the world’s most famous courses, as well…
Ryder Cup enthusiasm builds
Sure, Medinah’s week to host the 39th Ryder Cup is still a year away. Still, the task of getting ready for the biggest team event in golf is a major undertaking. Michael Belot, the tournament director, and five staffers have been working feverishly from Medinah and report making great progress. Belot should know, becuase he…