It’s obvious that the pandemic changed golf. Play increased nation-wide last year because the sport was a safe outlet for people in need of exercise and this year, according to industry reports, play is up another 15 percent over that. “There’s been a 40 percent bump in new golfers coming into the game or players…
Author: lenz
Whistling Straits is ready as the Ryder Cup closes in
KOHLER, Wis. –Patrick Cantlay dominated the PGA Tour’s season-ending FedEx Cup Playoffs and the final PGA Tour cards were determined at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship on Sunday. Coupled with Team Europe’s 14 l/2-13 l/2 win in the LPGA’s Solheim Cup on Monday, the golf season would seem to have reached its climax, right?…
The Baths is making a big splash with golfers at Blackwolf Run
Can you imagine golfers interrupting their round for a dip in this “bath?” KOHLER, Wis. – Whoever heard of allowing golfers to go swimming in the middle of their round? Well, probably nobody – until now. The Baths of Blackwolf Run is allowing players to enjoy a swim on its new 10-hole par-3 course that…
Korn Ferry finale could be a stepping stone for Vince India
Golf’s post season playoffs haven’t been kind to Chicago area players. Wheaton’s Kevin Streelman was eliminated from the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup Playoffs on Sunday and now Deerfield’s Vince India faces a tough battle in the Korn Ferry Tour Championship. The Korn Ferry event at Indiana’s Victoria National determines the final 25 from the PGA’s…
Don’t sell golf short in the Wisconsin Dells
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – The Wisconsin Dells area never grew much in population. Its namesake city has never had more than 3,000 residents. Still, the Dells has been one of the Midwest’s most popular travel destinations since its founding in 1856. Boats trips brought tourists in first because they liked the scenery. A wide variety…
A big win for Mistwood’s Mickelson
The Illinois PGA Championship dates back to 1922, but rarely has it had a tournament like the one that Andy Mickelson won on Wednesday at Ivanhoe Club. Mickelson, the director of golf at Mistwood in Romeoville, was the only player to complete the 54 holes under par. He was at 3-under 213. That was the…
Senior LPGA awaits farewell at French Lick
An era of women’s golf is ending this week. Indiana’s French Lick Resort, a favorite destination for golfers since the 1920s, will host the Senior LPGA Championship for the final time. the The tournament tees off on Friday on the Pete Dye Course. “This is our ninth year working with the senior women,’’ said Dave…
Hardy will become the next Chicago area PGA Tour player
Chicago has another PGA Tour player. Northbrook’s Nick Hardy earned his membership for the 2021-22 season by finishing No. 20 in the point standings during the Korn Ferry Tour’s regular season. It ended on Sunday at the Pinnacle Bank Championship in Omaha, Neb. Hardy missed the cut in that tournament but maintained his spot among…
Heritage Oaks, Oak Meadows projects show major progress
Two of the biggest golf projects in the history of the Chicago area reach milestones this week. The Northbrook Park District’s new Heritage Oaks course holds its dedication ceremony on Thursday while the DuPage Forest Preserve District’s Preserve at Oak Meadows, in Addison, has announced the opening of its new clubhouse. Both were a long…
Stonebridge fits Tee-K Kelly’s golf game to a tee
Tee-K Kelly was the whole show at the 72nd Illinois Open, no question about that. The Wheaton resident, Ohio State alum and Medinah Country Club member led wire-to-wire in winning the biggest event for Illinois resident. He was a record-tying 17-under-par, posting a 54-hole score of 199 at Stonebridge Country Club in Aurora. His rounds…