GOLF NOW! CHICAGO April News
Easter, Spring and The Masters -- Creative Ways to Enjoy Golf & Celebrate!
We hope everyone is doing well and staying safe during these unprecedented and uncertain times. Our world has changed almost overnight as golf courses closed, businesses shut down, directives to shelter in place were given, and professional golf tournaments were cancelled or postponed due to the world’s coronavirus pandemic. However, this is a great opportunity to spend time with family and to look for creative ways to help others, and to celebrate the upcoming Easter holiday … and, of course, still get our Masters Fix this weekend!

With millions of golfers and golf rounds being played every year, this pandemic has negatively affected the golf industry in more ways than one. The National Golf Foundation has put out a great report with various information on courses open and closed by state throughout the country, as well as the impact the coronavirus has had on the golf industry to date.
Missing Masters Week? Still Get Your Fix & Stay Safe!
Warmer weather, blooming azaleas and The Masters are usually the arrival into spring and the unofficial start of the golf season. Not only is the grass greening up and golfers are dusting off golf clubs, but the world’s best PGA pros are eyeing the coveted green jacket worn by the winner of The Masters -- the most coveted event in professional golf. 

Many times, Masters Week coincides with Holy Week and Easter Sunday --- such as it is this year and 17 other times in the past. However, this time, things are very different as Easter celebrations are not in churches and The Masters tournament is postponed, as the coronavirus pandemic has much of the world sheltering in place, working from home, going to church on Facebook, and playing golf in family rooms instead of outdoors on a golf course. 

The Masters , that would have taken place this week, has been rescheduled to take place on November 9-15 this year, much like many of the other professional golf tournaments.  

There is good news, however. You can still get your Masters Fix this weekend on TV, as CBS, ESPN and Golf Channel will all televise memorable Masters moments. Three networks - CBS, Golf Channel and ESPN - will be reliving many of the greatest moments from Augusta National and The Masters. 

ESPN will televise five memorable final rounds Wednesday through Friday, starting at 3 p.m. ET Wednesday (1986); 2 p.m. ET (2012) and 7:30 p.m. ET (1997) Thursday; and noon ET (2013) and 6 p.m. ET (2005) Friday. On the weekend, CBS picks up the action with three final rounds: 1:30-2:30 p.m. ET (1975) and 2:30-6 p.m. ET (2004) Saturday and 12:30-6 p.m. ET Sunday (2019).

You might recognize the champions a few of these years - Jack Nicklaus in 1986, Phil Mickelson in 2004 and, of course, Tiger Woods, last year.  

Golf Channel's week-long schedule will be complementary to the tournament action. Golf Channel will air GOLF Films featuring Masters champions, including Arnie, Jack and Hogan, and several hours of Masters highlights throughout the week, including Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo, Gary Player, Tom Watson, Billy Casper, Larry Mize, Seve Ballesteros and Bob Goalby. These are just a few of the many “Masters Memories” that will be shown on TV.
Golf Will Be Back! BMW Championship & Other Professional Golf Events Have Announced New Tournament Dates 
With so many professional golf tournaments getting cancelled or rescheduled, it’s great to see that the professional golf world has come together to share some great news. On April 6, 2020 , united by what may still be possible this year for the world of professional golf, and with a goal to serve all who love and play the game, Augusta National Golf Club, European Tour, LPGA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, The R&A and USGA have come together and issued a joint directive and updated schedule of events.
Golf World Presents Revised Calendar of Events for 2020
Safety, Health and Well-Being of All Imperative to Moving Forward
The 2020 BMW Championship which was to be played on August 18-23, will now be played on August 24-30 at Olympia Fields Country Club , one week later. Tickets are on sale now at www.BMWChampionship.com . Tickets are digital this year, so if you have purchased tickets already your tickets will be updated on the digital version to reflect the new dates.
Can’t Golf Outdoors? 
You can still work on your golf game and get golf ready. Checkout our replay of fantastic golf tips to work on indoors with PGA Professional Jay Williams who uses fun, a sense of humor and his own living room to teach golf!
PGA Professional Jay Williams has been around the Chicago and Northwest Indiana golf scene for many years. Originally from Springfield, MO, Jay has spent time at Olympia Fields CC, Lincolnshire CC and for the past 24 seasons, Briar Leaf Golf Club in LaPorte, IN. He’s well-known for his work with junior golfers, having twice been nominated for the Indiana PGA Section’s Youth Player Development Award. In addition to running the day to day operations at Briar Leaf, he is a highly sought-after golf instructor by players of all ages and abilities. 

GOLF NOW! Chicago thought in these uncertain times with so many golfers unable to hit the links due to the coronavirus pandemic that it was appropriate for us to revisit a popular in-door video series from Jay Williams, PGA Golf Pro at Briar Leaf Golf Club, “Living Room Lessons,” that he has created, which continues to be popular through social media. You can practice your golf skills now in the comfort of your own home and stay safe and well during these challenging times.
Chicago Golf Show Prize Winners! – Seems Like Yesterday! 
Yes, the Chicago Golf Show was only a few weeks ago, and it seems like yesterday given the 360-degree change in our world today. We would be remiss if we did not send out a big thank you to all of our gracious advertising partners who donated prizes and for those attendees who stopped by GOLF NOW! Chicago’s Booth #815 and registered for one of our fabulous giveaways. See the list of giveaways below with all the winners listed next to the giveaway . All prize winners were notified by email following the end of the show.  All those who registered also will be entered for a chance to win an exclusive VIP experience to the upcoming 2020 BMW Championship at Olympia Fields Country Club on August 24-30, 2020!
Golf Events & Other News Update:
The Will County Amateur scheduled to be played at Balmoral Woods on April 18-19 has been rescheduled to September 26-27. All competitors have been notified. Visit www.balmoralwoods.com for more information.
White Hawk Country Club is open for golf with restrictions and will also be offering curbside carryout for your Easter dinner. Play some golf and pick up Easter dinner for your family afterwards!  Visit whitehawkcountryclub.com for more details.
Our NEW 2020 annual golf guide & complete course directory is out, featuring great editorial, premier Chicagoland golf courses, “stay & play packages”, special offers and upcoming professional golf tournaments.

Click here to view the digital version of GOLF NOW! Chicago, Chicagoland’s Premier Golf Destination Guide!