The Ryder Cup is here and Team USA is ready! Looking to ramp up fan support for the 2016 U.S. Ryder Cup Team, the PGA of America officially launched the "We Are 13" fan campaign at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Created to encourage fan support and excitement for the 2016 Ryder Cup, the idea for "We Are 13" is to unite the entire nation behind the 12 U.S. players in their quest to reclaim the Ryder Cup. In developing the campaign, U.S. fans will be asked to support the "We Are 13" pledge:

"We are 13.
12 players plus 1 nation.
This is the Ryder Cup.
Our country. Our course. Our team.
We'll rep the red, white and blue on the green.
We'll go big, get loud and show respect.
We'll see golfers become legends,
moments become memories and
can't wait to see what's coming next.
We'll be watching.
We'll be cheering.
We are 13!"
 

As summer fades into the background and the leaves are starting to fall, many of us start thinking of the upcoming holidays and the season of giving, as well as planning for 2017. Golf provides so many wonderful ways to give back through the various golf organizations nationwide, as well as local charities and events. Recently held was the Luke Donald "Taste of The First Tee" Wine Tasting Event to support the First Tee of Greater Chicago! With over 250 attendees, and a special guest appearance by 2016 FedEx Cup Champion, Rory McIlroy, the event helped to raise over $350,000 for this fabulous charity.

Giving the gift of golf is also a great way to say thank you to a colleague, friends, spouse or customer. As the golf season winds down, many courses will be offering great discounts on apparel, equipment, lesson packages, greens fees, etc. The discounts are tremendous and the selection is great. It's perfect timing to get a jump on the holidays and say thank you to the special people in your life. Or purchase ticket packages for the 2017 professional golf tournaments coming to the region next year.

Fall is fabulous and so are the golf getaways in Michigan this time of year! With a short drive you can play one of Arnold Palmer's Signature Golf Course - Ravines Golf Club in historic Saugatuck, Michigan. The natural beauty and challenge of the "King's" finest West Michigan golf course awaits your arrival. Ask the staff about the FREE "Emergency 9" when you call to book your round at Ravines!

The next day head over to Quail Ridge for another 18 fabulous fall holes of golf. This 18-hole championship course is known for its stunning natural beauty and lush greenery. Ask the staff about the FREE "Emergency 9" when you call to book your round at Quail Ridge.

 Cap off a great getaway with your final 18 holes. Play the challenging and sporty golf course, Heritage Glen on your way back home. Mention GOLF NOW! Chicago when you book your foursome at Heritage Glen and your 4th player plays free!

 Now is the time also to start planning your 2017 golf event and outing. Courses will have time to meet with you and to put together all of the details of that special fundraiser or golf event!

Enter GOLF NOW! CHICAGO's End of Summer "DREAM GOLF" GIVEAWAY! Our lucky winner will be chosen on September 30 and will receive "Golf and Carts for Two" to all five of the following courses: George Dunne National, Whisper Creek Golf Club, Water's Edge Golf Club, Orchard Valley Golf Course and Chicago's Sydney Marovitz Golf Course ... just a few of the many fabulous Chicagoland courses managed by Billy Casper Golf! It's a golfer's dream come true!