Kosin, 58, created the publication Chicagoland Golf in 1989 and hosted the "Chicagoland Golf Show" that most recently aired Saturday mornings on WSCR-AM 670.

Kosin also started the Illinois Women's Open in 1995 and covered 32 consecutive Western Opens.

"He had an encyclopedic mind, and he was always upbeat," said his wife, Kathy Kosin. "He was passionate about golf and had the best sense of humor."

Michael Miller, president of the Illinois PGA, lauded Kosin's passion.

"Phil earned a reputation as a very credible and respected voice within the industry," he said.

He was a champion of the common golfer, according to John Kaczkowski, chief executive officer of the Western Golf Association.

"Phil was dedicated to giving golf fans in Chicago unfiltered views on all aspects of golf, adding his own unique perspective," he said.

Susan Wagner, past president and longtime official in the Women's Western Golf Association, called Kosin "a giant in the golf industry."

Len Ziehm, a Sun-Times golf reporter for 40 years and Chicagoland Golf columnist for 20, said: "He was the good friend of all who cared even remotely about golf."

Visitation is 3-9 p.m. Thursday at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville.

A funeral mass will be said at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Andrew the Apostle, 505 Kingston, Romeoville, with burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Justice.