Fans have alternatives in absence of Cog Hill
In 1962 Jacky Cupit won the Western Open at Medinah Country Club.
Since then, names such as Palmer, Nicklaus, Watson, and Woods have won in Chicago and had their names engraved on the J.K Wadley Cup.
But for the first time in 48 years, the Chicagoland area will not host a PGA Tour event.
In an attempt to reach out to new audiences, the PGA chose to rotate the BMW Championship (nee Western Open) to different cities, with Cog Hill the site every other year.
This year, the tournament will be held at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis.
For fans whose annual tradition includes trekking to Lemont in the summer to watch their favorite golfers, here are a few local alternatives that might help fill that void.
Nationwide Tour
What: Bank of America Open
Where: The Glen Club, Glenview
When: May 29- June 1
Overview: Defending champion John Riegger won this event last year at age 43. In dramatic fashion, Riegger sank a double-breaking 20-foot putt on the final hole to defeat B.J. Staten by a shot. Past champions of the event include Jason Dufner (2006) and Chris Couch ('05)
PGA Tour
What: John Deere Classic
Where: TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Il.
When: July 10-13
Overview: Known in past years for granting Michelle Wie a sponsor's exemption, the John Deere is played the week before the British Open. Last year, Jonathan Byrd birdied 3 of his final 5 holes to overcome Tim Clark for the win. Past champions include Payne Stewart ('82) and Vijay Singh ('03).
What: U.S. Bank Championship,
Where: Brown Deer Park GC, Milwaukee, Wis.
When: July 17-20
Overview: This tournament is played the same week as the British Open. In 2007, Joe Ogilvie eagled the par-4 16th hole, which allowed him to break away from Tim Clark. It was the first PGA Tour win for the 33-year-old Ogilvie. Past champions include Corey Pavin ('86 and '06) and Greg Norman ('89).
LPGA Tour
What: State Farm Classic
Where: Panther Creek Country Club, Springfield
When: July 17-20
Overview: Sherri Steinhauer rallied on Sunday to pass Christina Kim and Annika Sorenstam for the win. Past champions include Nancy Lopez ('80 and '92) and Sorenstam ('06)
Illinois PGA
What: 59th Illinois Open Championship
Where: Hawthorne Woods Country Club, Hawthorne Woods
When: July 28-30
Overview: This tournament is for Illinois PGA professionals and amateurs with less than a 10 handicap. Last year, University of Illinois golf coach Mike Small won his third straight Open. Kevin Streelman finished second. Past champions include Chick Evans ('68) and Mark Hensby ('96).