Congratulations to El Jefe the 2024 LUV Golf Tour Champion!
To complete a legendary season, El Jefe won the 4th annual Tour championship by 4 shots propelled by his 5 medals that he accumulated throughout the 2024 season. We congratulate him and are proud to have him as our champion golfer of the year. Paluch and Cole rounded out the top 3.
Tour Championship October 20th at Forest Preserve National Preview
Check out the coverage leading up to the most exciting event of the LUV Golf Season the Tour Championship! Click Here to visit the preview page.
El Jefe Prevails at Makray in 19 holes over Kirk for the Match Play Title!
In a day that saw 30mph wind gusts, the competitors fought all the way to 19 holes. El Jefe managed to get the ball up and in multiple times throughout the day with great pitches and clutch putts. In typical fashion for Kirk, he never trailed in the match thru 18 holes but found himself in peril starting on the 17th tee when his direction left him amiss and he started a streak of hitting a ball OB on 17, 18, an 19th holes in a historic meltdown. In the mean time, El Jefe holed a brilliant putt on 17 and chipped to 1 foot on the 19th hole to secure the win. The magic we are used to seeing out of Kirk in his LUV golf career around the greens disappeared on the back-9 and this was most evident on the 15th hole, a long difficult par 5. After reaching the fringe in 2 with just an iron for his 2nd shot, Kirk lipped out his eagle chip, then missed the birdie putt coming back. Meanwhile, El Jefe made his winding par putt for par (net birdie) to tie the match and from then on Kirk never regained any confidence or momentum as 15 was the same hole Kirk won the championship on in 2023. El Jefe has unseated the top dog in the history of the Match Play Championship by hitting the shots that he needed to on a grueling golf course in grueling conditions. Congratulations on becoming the 1st new Major Champion of 2024 El Jefe!
Kirk successfully defends scratch title!
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Kirk successfully defends scratch title! 〰️
Prairie Bluff held the 4th annual scratch championship and saw Kirk Heil successfully defend the title. After starting off -2 thru the first 4 holes, Kirk gave it all back with some poor play and had to claw back the rest of the day. Kirk played the last 5 holes at -1 featuring an amazing up and down for par on 18 to seal the 1 shot victory over Bukes for the second year in a row.
Match Play Championship Match is set! Kirk vs El Jefe at Makray
Makray will host the final for the 3rd straight year. El Jefe has pretty much etched his name on the Rookie of the Year award on the LUV Golf Tour having won the International 2-man and now reaching the match play final. After a grueling 19hole match against past champion Nero in the opening round, El Jefe has rode the momentum throughout the bracket and found himself playing for the championship against a grueling opponent in Kirk Heil. Kirk is 9-1 in his career in matches on the LUV Golf Tour often finding any way around the green to win matches. In the final-4 at Dubsdread Kirk chipped in on the 15th hole to go dormie against Paluch in another one of his magic displays on or around the greens in this exciting championship. More coverage to come in our coverage leading up to the final set for October 12th at Makray Memorial. Stay tuned!
On a cool rainy day at Cog Hill Dubsdread Kirk prevailed over Nick 5&3. Nick jumped out to an early lead and gave Kirk a gift on the par 3, 6th hole that turned the momentum and Kirk went on to win 5 straight holes on the world famous Dubsdread
Final 4 September 22nd!
Paluch advances to the final-4 for the first time in his LUV Golf Career. Kirk makes his 3rd straight appearance. Paluch has been dominate so for in the 2024 match play due to a combination of elite driving and putting which almost always gets rewarded in match play. Kirk has had elite putting performances and elite ball striking performances this year and will need to match each of these up to get by Paluch at the Dubsdread side of the Cog Hill Country Club. The boys will be playing the course around 6,700 yards. Kirk will be giving around a dozen shots for the match and the expert consensus is a tossup. Paluch’s strength in the match should be his accurate driving while Kirk’s advantage should be his ability to escape with par from anywhere around the greens at the world famous Dubsdread.
Kirk in the final 4 for the 3rd straight year
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Kirk in the final 4 for the 3rd straight year 〰️
Kirk defeated Jimbo at Mistwood to reach the final-4 for the 3rd straight year. Kirk came out swinging playing the first 8 holes at 1 under par and cruised to a 5&3 victory. Unlike Kirk’s normal matches where he dominates around the greens, Kirk just displayed elite ball striking missing just 2 greens and 1 fairway all day. A normal sure bet for a tough match, Jimbo failed to find his mojo all day until it was too late often struggling on the Mistwood greens. Kirk’s career match play record on the LUV Golf Tour is now an astounding 8-1. He will now face Paluch at the Dubsdread side of the Cog Hill Country Club on September 22nd. El Jefe awaits the winner.
El Jefe drops the Rick Roll at Prairie Bluff 3&2
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El Jefe drops the Rick Roll at Prairie Bluff 3&2 〰️
El Jefe has pretty much sealed his Rookie of the Year award in 2024 as he defeated one of the most accomplished match players in LUV Golf history, Rick McPartlin. The match was up and down with each player having a lead at some point but El Jefe prevailing at the Prairie Links layout that has been a favorite on the LUV Golf Tour.
Paluch takes down Gonnella at Prairie Bluff 5&4!
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Paluch takes down Gonnella at Prairie Bluff 5&4! 〰️
Paluch was consistent and rode a hot putter to victory to reach the final 4 for the first time in his LUV Golf tour career! Gonnella was out of character at his home course and couldn’t find his normal magic with the big stick on a windy day at the prairie links course.
El Jefe def Pearce 2&1 in the Year Long Match Play to reach the final-4!
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El Jefe def Pearce 2&1 in the Year Long Match Play to reach the final-4! 〰️
PMac battled back from 4 down thru 10 holes to 1 down with 2 to play but lost the 17th hole to lose to match 2&1 to the current front runner for Rookie of the Year on the LUV Golf tour.
Schmitty wins 4th Annual Playaz Championship August 3rd!
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Schmitty wins 4th Annual Playaz Championship August 3rd! 〰️
Congratulations to Schmitty for his 1 stroke victory at the 2024 Playaz Championship! He edged Brett by one shot on a hot sticky day at Springbrook Golf Course.
Two past champions lead the field in the 4th annual Playaz Championship. 2 medals are on the line, 1 for low gross and low net. Paluch (2022 Champion) and PMAC (2023 Champion) are the favorites going into this championship.
One for the history books
Nero wins 2024 TPC Spring Classic by one shot over P-MAC. In a day that came down to the wire, Nero was able to hold off challenges from P-Mac and Augie. Bukes takes low scratch. Medals: 2 to Nero for Championship, 1 to P-Mac for 2nd place and 1 to Bukes for low scratch. Highlights to follow.
2024 TPC Spring Classic is Next on the LUV Golf Tour!
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2024 TPC Spring Classic is Next on the LUV Golf Tour! 〰️
LUV Golf Tour stars will be out at the TPC Deere Run again in 2024 competing for the championship helmet. The 36-Hole event features 2 past champions and 4 major champions in the field. Will Augie continue to write the story as this event’s most dominant champion? Will Kirk or Nero complete the LUV Golf career grand slam? Can Gonnella go back to back? Will there be a new first time major winner? More analysis leading up to the championship but in the mean time here are the first odds:
Congratulations Israel the 2024 Master's International Champion
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Congratulations Israel the 2024 Master's International Champion 〰️
The 2024 Master’s International was close until the last 4 holes when Israel went on to play holes 15-18 at -5 and finish at 67 in the best ball format. USA and Germany finished on the podium as 2nd and 3rd respectively. Highlight video coming soon.
Congrats to Alex Nero the 2023 Love Golf Tour Champion!
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Congrats to Alex Nero the 2023 Love Golf Tour Champion! 〰️
The 2023 Love Golf Season has ended with a dominate victory by Alex Nero. Nero was powered by an accurate driver and strategic use of his 3 medals from 2022 that he kept in reserve for the 2023 championship. Kovach and Bukes rounded out the top-3 in a season conclusion that did not disappoint. Nero now joins Augie as 2-time major champions only trailing Kirk Heil’s 3 majors.
Kirk Heil wins 2nd tournament in a row to the Love Golf Tour. Now 1st player in tour history to win back to back tournaments.
In a back and forth day, Kirk edged Bukes down the stretch highlighted by 2 brilliant chips on 15 and 16. On the 15th Hole Kirk pitched to about 6 inches and on the 16th hole, Kirk chipped in from off the green from about 40 feet for birdie to force a 4 shot swing in 2 holes.
Kirk Heil is the 2023 Scratch Champion!
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Kirk Heil is the 2023 Scratch Champion! 〰️
Scratch Championship October 15th
Venue: Prairie Bluff Golf Club
History: Defending champion Ryan “Bukes” Buikema looks to defend his title at the Love Golf Tour favorite venue Prairie Bluff. As tradition, the players will be playing the back of every tee box pushing this Prairie Links layout to over 7,000 yards. Last year saw 2021 Scratch champion Kirk Heil and Ryan go down to the wire with Ryan ultimately prevailing after Kirk’s 3 shot lead with 4 holes remaining disappeared and then he missed a 15-foot putt on the 18th hole that would have forced extra holes. Expert consensus: Ryan repeats in 2024. Odds: Bukes -110 Field +300
Kirk Heil defeats Rick McPartlin 4&3 to become the 2023 match play champion for his 3rd Major title. Kirk now holds 2 of 3 majors on the Love Golf Tour!
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Kirk Heil defeats Rick McPartlin 4&3 to become the 2023 match play champion for his 3rd Major title. Kirk now holds 2 of 3 majors on the Love Golf Tour! 〰️
Kirk Heil defeats PMc to advance to the Match Play Final for the 2nd consecutive year.
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Kirk Heil defeats PMc to advance to the Match Play Final for the 2nd consecutive year. 〰️
Kirk won 7 of the first 11 holes at Lost Marsh Golf Club and closed out the match 5&4. Kirk’s absolute domination of this championship continues as he has trailed only 2 holes in 3 matches. His ability to recover and get the ball in the hole from anywhere has been tough to get by. Highlights coming soon.
PMc takes 2 medals and is the 2023 Playaz Champion!
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PMc takes 2 medals and is the 2023 Playaz Champion! 〰️
Pearce edged Brett by one shot at Sandy Pines Golf Club on a hot humid day in Northwest Indiana. After a long day, it was a 2 man race at the end. Highlights coming soon.
Sandy Pines to host the Playaz Championship 8/19!
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Sandy Pines to host the Playaz Championship 8/19! 〰️
A new venue on the Love Golf Tour is Sandy Pines! The Playaz are excited to play the visit the “midwest TPC Sawgrass”.
Odds (post time 11am 8/19):
Ryan Bukes +150; Pearce +200; Brett +400; Holmes +400, Kirk +500; Kovach +500; Field +800
Expert Consensus: Bukes and Pearce have both played plenty of golf at this tricky course so should put up some good scores. Brett has been practicing harder than anyone in the field and should make a run at the crown.
〰️Rick rolls again! This time to the final! 5&4!
〰️Rick rolls again! This time to the final! 5&4!
Best friends make best rivals. Kirk told Pearce this and Pearce said, “I didn’t know we were even friends…” It’s already getting heated between these two before a peg is in the ground. May 18, 2019 was the last time this pair played a match ending in a 3&2 victory for Kirk and this showdown certainly will not disappoint. Pearce talks a big game and claims to be the “best ball striker on tour” but this is just a strange self claim—especially since he has never won any of the big ones. Just last year Pearce was double digits out of the lead at the Scratch Championship. In the 2019 match, Pearce hit 5/16 greens and had zero birdies—certainly not any validation of how he boasts himself. Hopefully, we see good sportsmanship out at the Lost Marsh and the story of the day is good play and a great match on a tremendous test. Kirk comes in under the radar playing great golf in stretches often firing up to 5-6 birdies per round which can be very tough in match play. Pearce has also played well in stretches but similar to Kirk has not put together a great round that we all know he is capable of. Expert consensus: Kirk’s short game propels him to a comfortable win 4&3 Line: Kirk -200 Pearce +200 History: Kirk Heil career Love Golf Tour match play record 4-1 ; P-Mac 1-1
Kirk defeats Gonnella on 1st playoff hole! Kirk Heil will face PMc in the semi-final!
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Kirk defeats Gonnella on 1st playoff hole! Kirk Heil will face PMc in the semi-final! 〰️
Gonnella finishes birdie-birdie, rallies from 3 down to extend match against Kirk. Sudden-Death at Big Run Sunday August 6th!
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Gonnella finishes birdie-birdie, rallies from 3 down to extend match against Kirk. Sudden-Death at Big Run Sunday August 6th! 〰️
A match-up between 2 reigning major champions on the Love Golf Tour— a first time occurrence in the Year Long Match Play. These players flipped a coin for the match and Kirk, having won the coin toss, pulled a Bill Belichick and deferred to Matt’s choice of Mt Prospect Golf Course. This match is crucial for each of these players as they each seek to become the first player in Love Golf Tour history to hold 2 major titles at once. Historically, Kirk has put up really low scores on the back-9 at Mt Prospect however he needs to get there first for it to matter and this classic setup is one of Gonnella’s favorites in the Chicago area. Kirk will need to play near perfect golf spotting shots to the current Spring Classic Champion. Expert consensus is a match that comes down to the 18th hole with a 1-up victory for Gonnella. Odds: -150 Gonnella; Kirk +150
Upset alert! Jimbo goes down to Mitch 5&3 at Silver Lake!
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Upset alert! Jimbo goes down to Mitch 5&3 at Silver Lake! 〰️
Watch highlights from the featured 1st round Match between Rick and Paluch!
Rick rides a red hot putter to hold off Paluch 1up at Palatine Hills
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Rick rides a red hot putter to hold off Paluch 1up at Palatine Hills 〰️
The match that never happened in 2022 is about to go down on the Love Golf Tour. Almost 12 months of build-up and trash talking all comes down to this. These were the two grittiest competitors in the match play last year both only going down in playoffs to the 2022 champions and runner up. Jimbo finally gets to pick a venue in his 4th match and has picked Silver Lake. Expert consensus predicts Jimbo 4&3 as he is taking the driver out of Mitch’s hands with the 6 par-3’s at Silver Lake South. Odds: Jimbo -300 Mitch +300
Gonnella defeats Brett 2&1 in a see-saw match at Prairie Bluff
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Gonnella defeats Brett 2&1 in a see-saw match at Prairie Bluff 〰️
Rick moved on in the play-in round against Kovach and looks to continue his momentum into the bracket as he faces his nemesis in 2022, Paluch. Last year it came down to the last hole and the question is whether RIck will be fired up from that last hole in the 2022 match and seek revenge. Neither player has ever played Palatine Hills so the advantage may just come down to who can hold up under the pressure in what promises to be another match that will come down to the wire. Expert consensus is that RIck avenges his loss in 2022: Rick 1up Odds Paluch +150 Rick -150
Gonnella, the reigning Spring Classic Champion, looks to keep the momentum going into the summer in what promises to be an amazing match. Each player calls Prairie Bluff their home course and is sure to be in excellent form going into the match. Brett was totally out of character and hit a buzz saw against Jimbo in 2022 and has been waiting all year to get back in the mix in this championship. Expert consensus: Toss up. Money line “pick-em” -110
Kirk Heil holds on to defeat Cole Glassner 1up at Crystal Tree
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Kirk Heil holds on to defeat Cole Glassner 1up at Crystal Tree 〰️
Kirk and Cole face off for a much anticipated match that promises to feature few ties and many up and downs. This is Cole’s Love Golf Tour debut. Will he relish in the spotlight or fold under the pressure of this coveted major title on the Love Golf Tour. Our experts have Kirk as a very strong favorite to go all the way in this competition but he must get past this first round for it to matter. Odds Kirk -300 Cole +300. Expert consensus Kirk wins 3&2.
Rick defeats Kovach 2up in play in match, Pearce defeats Nero 1up in early 1st round action
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Rick defeats Kovach 2up in play in match, Pearce defeats Nero 1up in early 1st round action 〰️
Congrats to Gonnella on winning the 2023 Spring Classic at TPC Deere Run!
Congrats to Gonnella on winning the 2023 Spring Classic at TPC Deere Run!
See highlights from Gonnella’s historic upset at the TPC Deere Run!
Pearce loves George Dunne—the course and the man. However, Nero has gone from a 14hcp to a 17 in the last few weeks to prepare for this match which promises to make the match extra interesting. Most experts think Pearce’s fondness of this golf course will help him over come this deficit and most have him as the favorite on this beloved Cook County, Government owned facility. Odds Pearce -200, Nero plus +200. Consensus prediction: Pearce 5&3. The bookmakers have been wrong before in this tournament and Nero has shown to come up with big shots when it matters down the stretch, so that is why they will have to play the game. Good luck to each of these competitors.
2023 Match Play Bracket is out! See the matchup announcements!
The 2023 season is underway!
Check out the exciting highlights from the 2023 Kickoff!
Entering our 3rd season, the Love Golf Tour was founded in Chicago with the goal of creating fun, competitive experiences for golfers of different ages and skill levels. Each event offers the chance to win a medal which is good for one mulligan or foot wedge in the yearly tour championship and possession of the Love Jug for the following year.
The Love Jug is the most prized possession on the Love Golf Tour awarded to the yearly winner of the Love Golf Tour Championship
See you in 2023 for our 3rd season!
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See you in 2023 for our 3rd season! 〰️
Nero wins match play Final!
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Nero wins match play Final! 〰️
The Match Play Final is On! Kirk vs Nero at Makray Memorial at 1pm on Sunday, October 16th!
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The Match Play Final is On! Kirk vs Nero at Makray Memorial at 1pm on Sunday, October 16th! 〰️
Kirk defeats Mitch in 20 Holes. We have a championship match between Kirk and Nero!
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Kirk defeats Mitch in 20 Holes. We have a championship match between Kirk and Nero! 〰️
Both Final-4 Matches went to extra holes. Check out the exciting action above.
It’s not going to be a frost delay, but it there will be a chill in the air when these 2 tee it up Wednesday morning. Temperatures are anticipated to be around 45* at game time and maybe just creep into the 50’s by the time the match is over. We don’t call it the Love Golf Tour for nothing. You gotta want it. Much trouble lurks at this lengthy prairie links style golf course that can set up for much excitement. Kirk has played the Preserve every year in the fall for the last few years with little success, but just the experience alone may go a long way. Mitch will be getting some shots here so if Kirk is going to come away with the win, he is going have to birdie many of those higher hcp holes. Vice versa, Mitch will have to take care of business on the toughest holes and avoid the big number to force Kirk to hit clutch shots. Bookmakers are giving the slight edge to Mitch because he is getting these strokes and rides the momentum of his back-9 performance against Paluch. Kirk is coming off a disappointing weekend on the Love Golf Tour failing to defend the Scratch Title in a heartbreaking finish.
Odds:
Kirk +120
Mitch -140
Kirk and Ryan had a see-saw match all day with Ryan turning a 2 stroke margin into a 1 stroke victory as Kirk played the last 3 holes at 3 over, while Ryan parred those three holes. Clutch driving, accurate iron play, and a clutch chip on 16 allowed Ryan to chase Kirk down.
What promises to be another exciting match on the Love Golf Tour, Mitch looks to make his Love Golf Tour debut with a victory. Mitch selected Ruffled Feather’s thinking he was going out for a nice Saturday round. Little did he know that Paluch is the only player on tour with 2 victories in 2022, is tied for the medal lead and will stop at nothing to put up another W. In addition, Paluch is very familiar with the quirky layout of the Ruffled Feathers Golf Club as it is the home to the Tour Championship. Look for Paluch to avoid the big numbers but if he doesn’t put Mitch away early, anything can happen on the back nine of this Pete Dye masterpiece. The winner will face Kirk in the final-4.
Odds:
Paluch -150
Mitch +110
18 holes not enough in Jimbo-Nero Match. Sudden death playoff for finals up next! Watch highlights below!
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18 holes not enough in Jimbo-Nero Match. Sudden death playoff for finals up next! Watch highlights below! 〰️
Crivellone surges to final-4 with win at Prairie Bluff in the Match Play Championship
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Crivellone surges to final-4 with win at Prairie Bluff in the Match Play Championship 〰️
Jimbo is riding the momentum of back to back victories in the Match Play and heads to the Calumet Country Club to face Nero in what promises to be a back and forth match. Both players can play 12 holes around even par in any given round. Will they manage to blow up on the same holes or will one of these streaky players gift the other? Jimbo has been a bookie killer throughout this tournament and if he finds a way be beat Nero on a course he has never seen, he will continue to do so. Check back on September 14th for highlights from the match.
Betting Odds due Sept 12th by 8pm:
Nero: -200
Jimbo +200
Crivellone Beats Pearce 1up at the Ravines to move on to the elite 8 in the year long match play
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Crivellone Beats Pearce 1up at the Ravines to move on to the elite 8 in the year long match play 〰️
Latest Results
Paluch Takes his 2nd Medalof the season at Heritage Bluff Net Championship
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Paluch Takes his 2nd Medalof the season at Heritage Bluff Net Championship 〰️
May featured the seasons first Major at the TPC Deere Run and the kickoff of the Year-Long Matchplay. Watch the highlights below.
Love Golf.
Love Golf Tour was founded in 2021 by several friends sick of the grind of low level amateur tournaments. We feel we have built a fun, relaxed community that allows for social interaction and just enough competition to get the nerves up and keep the competitive juices flowing. Each week of competition awards a medal for the winner of the given game. At the end of the golf year, each medal is worth 1 mulligan or 1 footwedge in the Tour Championship.
The Home of the Love Golf Tour Championship
Ruffled Feathers Golf Club
The Love Jug is the most prized possession on the Love Golf Tour.
The First Champion Etching
The First Love Jug Celebratory Drink
