The golf lessons that Richard Franklin offers aren’t for everybody. “Some people look at what we do and say it’s not even golf,’’ admitted Franklin, but he can live with that. Franklin, 38, calls himself “a game designer.’’ That’s what his group lessons are – a series of games for youngsters as young as 4…
Author: lenz
Illinois Am champion skips Western, takes aim at winning State Open
This week’s 119th playing of the Western Amateur may have one of its strongest fields ever at the Glen View Club, in Golf, but one notable name is missing. Ethan Farnam, who repeated as the Illinois State Amateur champion last week, won’t be there. “I didn’t even apply for the Western Amateur,’’ said Farnam. “Usually…
Here’s how the Illinois PGA events have changed
While the four major championship on the PGA Tour are now history, the Illinois PGA has three of its four still coming up. The next is the Illinois Open, Aug. 2-4 at Stonebridge, in Aurora. IPGA leadership did considerable soul-searching in trying to salvage the pandemic-impacted 2020 season, and their efforts are reflected in…
Ownership change triggers big changes at Illinois’ Eagle Ridge
GALENA, IL. – I love Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa. There, I’ve said it. Actually, it’s not that earth-shaking a statement. I’ve had good vibes about this place since my first visit, probably in the early 1970s. There have been a lot since then, the highlights being an invitee to the Grand Opening of the…
Streelman looks for a bounce-back at the British Open
Last week’s John Deere Classic wasn’t kind to Wheaton’s Kevin Streelman, the top local player on the PGA Tour. He missed the 36-hole cut at the JDC, but he’s still in this week’s British Open at England’s Royal St. George’s course. “It’s a different level of everything. Everything’s elevated – the adrenalin, the crowds, the…
Glover bucks the trend in winning the John Deere Classic
SILVIS, IL. – Lucas Glover isn’t supposed to be the type of guy who wins the John Deere Classic. That event has been one for young players – like Payne Stewart, Jordan Spieth and Bryson DeChambeau — to kick-start their careers. They were among the 23 first-time PGA Tour winners among the JDC’s 50 champions….
Glover ends a trend in winning the 50th John Deere Classic
SILVIS, IL. – Lucas Glover isn’t supposed to be the type of guy who wins the John Deere Classic. That event has been one for young players – like Payne Stewart, Jordan Spieth and Bryson DeChambeau — to kick-start their careers. They were among the 23 first-time PGA Tour winners among the JDC’s 50 champions….
Munoz makes another big splash in regaining John Deere Classic lead
SILVIS, IL. — The John Deere Classic, which concludes its 50th anniversary celebration on Sunday, is known for its long history of first-time winners on the PGA Tour. The tourney has had 23 of them in its first 49 years and is on a streak of three straight champions who cracked the win list for…
Recharged List passes Munoz for lead at midway point in John Deere Classic
SILVIS, IL. – Sebastian Munoz knew that shooting a 63 in Thursday’s first round of the John Deere Classic – with birdies on the last five holes to boot — wasn’t all good. “It’s never easy showing up the day after you shoot 8-under,’’ he said. And it wasn’t easy for him on the first…
Did Stricker make a mistake in returning to the JDC?
SILVIS, IL. – Did Steve Stricker make a bad decision in helping the John Deere Classic celebrate its 50th anniversary, albeit a year late? Stricker is a legend in the PGA Tour stop played three hours from his Wisconsin home. He won the John Deere Classic three straight times, from 2009 to 2011. He’s won…