The 2016 Line of Antigua Golf Apparel has been announced, visit ShopAntigua.com or Antigua.com for information on the new lines, styles and colors. Ready to visit Scotland in 2016, how about St. Andrews. Well it’s time to book your trip now and let the folks at USA.Golfbreaks.com handle everything. The Black Friday sales event at MCQ’s Dome starts at 10 AM, clothes clubs and more MCQ’sDome.com. Open for winter golf season. ______________________________________________________________________

As Chicago area park district courses like Glenview and Mt. Prospect came back on line from renovations, courses like Arlington Lakes and Oak Meadows went off line for renovations.

This winter it’s Arlington Lakes in Arlington Heights, that has had it’s renovation work completed, and now keeps it’s fingers cross as winter moves through in the months ahead. A mild winter and a kind spring could have golfers back out on Arlington Lakes, maybe a little sooner than they were in Glenview and Mt. Prospect.

When Arlington Lakes reopens around July 1st of 2016, it will have a new look. Several things will jump out at golfers who know the course right on the first tee, that’s because the first tee, is no longer the first tee. The clubhouse will look different too (more on that later).

The nines have been flipped to allow the front nine to play in 3-hole, 6-hole and 9-hole loops. There is a new hole and that’s the short par 3, 8th hole that is guarded by a pond on the right side.

Golfers should enjoy the fact they are much less likely to be in a bunker. Architect Mike Benkusky who drew up the plans for the new Arlington Lakes, took out some of the bunkers. In fact over 60 bunkers are no longer part of Arlington Lakes, and golfers are much more likely not to be on the beach, but hitting from the grass. (106 bunkers are now about 40).

Benkusky not only improved the sand quality in the bunkers, but the drainage as well. The fewer amount of bunkers should improve pace of play Benkusky believes.

Teeing area’s have been rebuilt and leveled, and junior golfers will find a new set of tees at about 2,700 yards so they learn the game from a distance that will keep it fun until they get a little bigger.

Cart paths now run through the entire golf course, so carts will now be allowed out even after excessive rains.

The greens have been reshaped on holes 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 17, and 18. The putting green has been moved and has been rebuilt. It now is double the size of the old practice green.

While many renovations today remove trees for several reasons, one of them being the opportunity to add length to golf course. Arlington Lakes will lose a couple of yards because of work being done around the clubhouse area.

The Arlington Heights Park District board of directors has just approved to spend around $400,000 dollars for clubhouse improvements.

Tim Govern the director of golf operations for the AHPD, says the top priorities are the bathroom and locker room area’s. Giving the pro shop and restaurant area’s some separation. Then creating an outdoor bar and grill area, so diners can watch golf while enjoying the food and beverages Arlington Lakes has to offer.

In addition to the course renovations, the concept of 3-hole and 6-hole loops in the new routing have caught the eye of the United States Golf Association (USGA). As a result Benkusky and Govern will be guest speakers next January at the USGA forum on pace of play.

Click here to hear the interview with architect Mike Benkusky on the renovation of the Arlington Lakes Golf Club, and what he did on the old 9th hole (now 18), the place that many golfers thought was the biggest issue with the golf course.

For more information on the Arlington Lakes Golf Course renovation, please visit AHPD.org or call (847)-577-3000. The Arlington Heights Park District also operates the Sunset Meadows driving range and learning center, and the Nickol Knoll 9-hole par 3 golf course on the north side of Arlington Heights.

  Fujikura Shafts the No.1 Shaft on several professional tours, Fujikuragolf.com. The Titleist 716 AP-1 and AP-2 Irons now available Titleist.com. Cassy Tully Art and Golf Art, in time for the holidays, see Cassytully.com and see her line of holiday ornaments.   ______________________________________________________________________

The Antigua Group is one of the nations leading designers of lifestyle and golf apparel. As 2015 draws to a close, Antigua is now announcing their new lines for 2016.

Antigua hasn’t just been successful on the men’s side, but on the women’s side as well.

Now heading into 2016, Antigua, comes in off of two strong years with Women’s Performance Collection Outerwear.

“The addition of multiple outerwear styles has been a turning point for us in the women’s collection,” says Danielle Dellios, head of women’s design at Antigua. “I have found there are so many different types of outerwear that it was easy to expand the offering by adding in shell pieces along with knit pullovers that act like layering pieces.”

Style Expression uses a polyester/spandex heavy interlock fabric and features drawcords at the side seems for cinching capability.

One of main features on the garment is the wearer can decide how much to cinch or leave it fully extended to wear as a pullover. The fabric is lightweight but feels dense, due to the heavy brushing and the nature of the jacquard pattern.

What this fabric does is keep the wearer warm, while still breathing. Colors for 2016 are focusing on saturated jewel tones.

“We feel that neon colors are slowly fading away and more basic colors, primary colors were coming into play,” said Dellios. “Color direction in the sportswear line has been stagnant, so we took cues from high fashion and made our version of a primary palette. For the first time in years, we decided not to run pink. Instead we did a bright clean red called fire.”

Colors a Kelly green called Verdant, a royal blue named Hypnotic, a sunshine yellow called Starburst, and a berry color called Mardi Gras. These tones are paired with black and white through out the collection.

Antigua is now using a moisture-wicking technology called Desert Dry, that was created exclusively for Antigua.

Antigua has also announced its Spring of 2016 line of Women’s Performance Collection Activewear.

The collection combines polyester and spandex, unique prints, color palettes that include jewel tones. This collection is light to mid-weight overtops, plus a strong use of heathers through the assessment of polos and sheerless polos. All fabrics and silhouettes have been LPGA Tour-tested.

“During the development of the Spring 2016 collection, I felt a desire to be more conservative with styling and spent my time focusing on fabrication,” said Dellios.” The activewear marketplace has reached it’s threshold and consumers are inundated with product offerings. So our design team had to create something unique. I wanted to refine the overall look of the collection, by eliminating trend-specific details and keep styling at a minimum. By doing that the collection ended up being more sophisticated and classic looking.”

The 2016 Men’s Performance-72 Fashion Golf Wear collection has been announced. The 2016 style comes from current trends in fashion that are growing, from couture to ready-to-wear.

Colors are along the lines seen on ladies side.

“Seeing the boldness of these colors offered in tandem is such a refreshingly bold punch of newness that it’s compelling to want to process them all,” says Sean Gregg,vice president of product development and product support.

Antigua’s Spring 2016 Men’s Performance-72 Fashion Golf Wear collection includes both of our state-of-the art moisture-wicking Desert-Dry technologies.

Antigua has announced that it’s 2016 Exceed Long-Sleeve Shirts are designed for Ultraviolet Protection (the UP-Factor is a rating of 50). Like the SPF rating system used with sunscreens, a garment with a UPF of 50 blocks 49/50ths or 98 percent of the UV radiation, allowing just 1/50th of it’s falling on the surface of the garment to pass through.

The Antigua Exceed solid-colored polo, that are 100 percent polyester micro flat pique with Desert Dry. These are available in both men’s and women’s styles. The men’s has a three-button placket knit collar and open cuff, that comes in white, dark red, dark purple, dark royal, navy and black.

“Our long sleeve Exceed for men and women has a 50 UPF factor,” says Ron McPherson, president and CEO of Antigua. “It’s strong protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. These fine products are worn for protection by golf and tennis players. It’s a great shirt in cool to cold weather. But is excellent sun protection as well.”

Antigua returned again this past October as the official apparel provider at the National Long Drive Competition. Antigua has also showed it’s commitment to women’s golf by signing an agreement with the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA).

The EWGA has over 3,000 members that competed in the EWGA’s Championship and Match Play Series this past fall. “Partnering with the EWGA is a perfect fit for us”, said McPherson.

Antigua is headquartered in Peoria Arizona, and his license agreements with the NFL, NHL, MiLB, MLB, NBA, and UFC. Along with the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour,and the PGA of America. For more information on Antigua and it’s variety of products, please visit Antigua.com or ShopAntigua.com.

 The new Mistwood Clubhouse is open, including McWethy’s Tavern every day. Don’t forget the Mistwood Performance Center is open, and so is MCQ’s Dome for golf in Bolingbrook. See Mistwoodgc.com, Mcqsdome.com or call Mistwood (815)-254-3333. Watch for our story on the new line from Sunice Golf Sportswear for 2016, sunice.com. Oak Meadows might be closed until 2017, but Maple Meadows just across the street is open and taking reservations for your holiday parties, still some dates open. Book now before they all fill up. Call the clubhouse or go online to dupagegolf.com for details.        _____________________________________________________________________

NOVEMBER NEWS…

The Work is moving forward at Oak Meadows, with the renovation that should have the golf course open by May of 2017.

The Gog Blog expects to speak with both, Director of Golf Operations for the DuPage County Forest Preserve District Ed Stevenson, and architect Greg Martin in the days ahead for an update on the project, stay clicked in for an update. Other news from Dupage Golf, if your league needs a new home for 2016, call Chris Malek at (630)-451-3400, Chris can get you set up at either Maple Meadows or Green Meadows. IT’S TIME to get your outing booked for 2016, with Oak Meadows closed for 2016, those outings will be moving over to Maple Meadows, get your date in place as soon as possible. SPEAKING of DATES What about your holiday party plans, it’s not too late to host your party in the Maple Meadows Clubhouse, call Tom at (630)-616-8424 for details and reserving your date. See DuPagegolf.com.

WANNA GOLF AWAY. South Carolina on the coastline is some of the best golf in the south.

Hilton Head Island is home to some of the best courses in the Palmetto State. So why not look to Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, home of 54 holes created by architects like Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio and Arthur Hills.

In the past decade alone, all three courses have been honored as the South Carolina Golf Course of the Year. Several of the national golf publications have awarded Palmetto Dunes various national awards in the last few years, and have added these courses to various Top 100 or Best Resort Courses lists.

Right now the resort is offering a “Monthly Stay and Play Resort Membership” that offers accommodations, unlimited golf and more, including Tennis, bikes and Kayaks from $3,667 per month. There is a monthly golf membership that offers a 30-day unlimited golf pass to all 3 courses, plus discounts in the grill, pro shop and range. Cost is from $670 per-person to $1,112 per couple. For monthly resort membership packages call (843)-686-9697 for monthly golf memberships call professional Samm Wolfe at (843)-816-1571 or visit Palmettodunes.com an award winning website.

IF YOUR ready for that long overdue trip to Ireland, now is the time to book it for 2016.

For traveling oversea’s especially to the UK or Ireland, start your planning with the people at Golfbreaks.com. The Golfbreaks staff is located here in the United States based in Charleston South Carolina, with it’s main offices in Windsor of the UK. To earn a free Callaway Big Bertha Drive, book a trip for yourself and three friends by November 30th. Imagine yourself on the tee at Ballybunion a course Tom Watson calls, “the finest seaside course in the world.” Play other top Irish Courses like Tralee, Lahinch, Waterville and Old Head. For more details on planning your Ireland golf getaway see USA.Golfbreaks.com or call (855)-699-5853 today.

                      Links Capital Advisors of Evanston and owner Chris Charnas, have announced that LCA has sold the Glen Flora Country Club located in Waukegan. No further details were announced.

LCA is now presenting it’s newest listing the Gambit Club in Vienna Illinois. It is regarded as the best golf in the area. The 18 hole golf course is a Richard Osborne design, with Bermuda fairways and Bluegrass rough. Bentgrass greens and a full service clubhouse with growth opportunities for outings and events. There is a 12 room motel, commercial site and development parcel included in this sale. It is considered to be an excellent redevelopment opportunity.

LCA has also just listed the Lake Wissota Golf Course, in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin, the club is located on Lake Wissota and is an 18 hole par 71 course. it is leased from the local Elks Club with a deal through 2057. The new clubhouse can host up to 313 guests for special events.With several recent improvements by current ownership, rounds and revenue have increased over the last two years. Asking price is $1.5 million dollars.

For more information call Chris at (847)-866-7192 or chris@linkscaptialadvisors.com.

THE NEW STONEHOUSE 2016 GOLF CALENDAR is now available for only $14.50, some of the courses that appear are Streamsong Resort, Baltimore Country Club East Course, Old Head Golf Links, Top of the Rock in Branson, Oakmont Country Club, the Club at Porto Cima and the Hazeltine National Golf Club home of the 2016 Ryder Cup, to order your calendar call (800)-949-7274 or visit Stonehousegolf.com.

SAVE THE DATE:

Monday May 23rd in 2016 is the annual Ann Liguori Foundation Charity Golf Classic at the Friar’s Head Golf Club on the East End of Long Island.

To reserve your foursome please contact Jean Skidgel at jlskidgel@gmail.com or Ann at annliguori@gmail.com. The day includes great gifts, raffle items, and awards, with top notch food and wine. The outing raises money for several charities including St. Judes for the Kids, and various cancer charities and more.

ARE YOU looking for a membership that won’t cost top dollars, you can do that at the Blackberry Oaks Golf Course in Bristol.

The course is open to the public, but memberships are available, and if you buy now for 2016, you can save some money.

In addition there are gift card specials, get a $50 card for $40, or a $100 dollar card for just $75 dollars.

The 2016 Platinum membership a $2,200 value is now available for just $1,950 before January 1st, you can pay in three installments. Specials on winter lessons and putter fittings as well. Contact GM Chad Johansen (creator of the Perfect Putting Aid) at (630)-553-7170 or Blackberryoaks.com.

NORTHBROOK BASED KEMPERSPORTS is now managing The Bog in Saukville Wisconsin. The par 72, 7,065 yard course designed by Arnold Palmer can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. The course has played host to Wisconsin State tournaments and USGA Qualifiers.

The course is now offering it’s 2016 memberships, and if you purchase a membership by December 1st, you will receive Early-Bird incentives. Inquire now for the Advance Ticket Program as well. The 10,500 foot clubhouse with bar, restaurant and banquet facilities make it a great destination for weddings. the 50 acre practice facility is an award winner from GRAA (Golf Range) Magazine. See Golfthebog.com for more details on the club.

KSM has announced it’s now managing the Desert Rose Golf Club in Eastern Las Vegas and only minutes from the famed “Strip”. The course is a Dick Wilson and Joe Lee design built in 1964. The course is now reopening after being closed for over two years due to renovation. The golf course has been renovated by architect Randy Heckenkemper (recent other work is the champions course at TPC Scottsdale, and with Phil Mickelson at McDowell Mountain Club), and the clubhouse has been redone as well.

The course had it’s holes redone to move them further away from neighboring homes and widening the fairways adding more enjoyment for the golfers. The Municipal course is open to the public.

KSM TO MEXICO: Grupo Vidanta a leading developer of tourism infrastructure and resorts to Mexico and Latin America, has selected Kemper Sports to provide the management for Vidanta Golf properties in Neuvo Vallarta, Puerto Pernasco and Riveria Maya. The courses are a Greg Norman design and three courses designed by Jack Nicklaus. For details on Vidanta Golf see vidanta.com.

SHORT GAME GURU Stan Utley has added a video update alert.

The following putting tips are now available.

#1: Get the Ideal Putting Grip.

#2: Avoid Tension-Swing Free.

#3: Hot above the balls Equator

The new putting video’s are in the members section at StanUtley.com. Not a member yet…you can be, see StanUtley.com Current Tip #4 is on bunker play and Tip #5 is on starting your full swing.

IF YOUR getting ready to make your golf ball order just in time for the holidays.

Well from now until December 31st, you can order all Titleist Golf Ball Models and get FREE personalization, even on the Pro V1 and Pro V1x models the most trusted and best performing ball in golf.

Personalization includes up to three lines of block text (17 characters per line) imprinted on each ball, in black, blue, green, red or pink ink. You can get your name, nickname, social media handle, or the name of your club. You want a real high number, well maybe not on the scorecard but on your golf ball numbers from 00-99 are available. What’s your birthday or lucky number. Orders can be placed at any Titleist Golf Shop. To find a shop see Titleist.com/find-a-golf-shop.

THE GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT in Acme Michigan is proud to announce Mark Hill, as the resorts new head golf professional and director of golf instruction.

Hill believes that what you teach on the driving range doesn’t always transfer to the golf course.

“That is why I encourage and incorporate playing lessons,” said Hill, whose range of golf experience comes from working with instructors like Dave Pelz, Rick Smith, Ken Venturi, and Gene Sarazen.

“I have found over the years that people have a hard time managing themselves around the golf course, because they are not sure what to do in situations they have not seen on the practice tee.”

It’s never too early or too late to start learning golf, or working on your game at Grand Traverse Resort, you can also work on your game all winter long, because the state of the art golf academy stays open during the “off-season”.

Hill says,” your spring rounds will go much better if you keep your game in shape all winter.”

Grand Traverse Resort is has recently completed a $7 million dollar renovation of it’s guest rooms in the 17 story glass tower. The Tower is the tallest building in Northern Michigan and completes the $34 million dollar renovation of the property by it’s owners. For more information on the Golf Academy call (231)-534-6550 or toll free (800)-236-1577. Online see Grandtraverseresort.com.

FUJIKURA SHAFTS are the #1 shaft on many professional tours.

The new Pro60 Shaft is now available as a shaft option for the new Taylor Made M1 Driver.

“The new Fujikura PRO 60 shaft is a great line extension as it adds a higher launch profile to the Pro Series Shaft line-up,” said Fujikura Marketing Manager Stephanie Hardgraves.

The new PRO60 shaft is the latest addition to the Fujikura PRO-Series, a tour proven line of shafts played by dozens of PGA Touring Professionals. The Fujikura team of engineers used Fujikura’s Enso Technology to develop these high performance shafts that maximize the energy transfer from the golfer to the club head at impact.

To learn more about Fujikura Shafts like the Fujikura PRO 53, the PRO 63, the PRO 73 and which shaft is right for your clubs, please visit Fujikuragolf.com. leading the way in shafts on multiple professional tours.

THE GOG BLOG says Stay Clicked in more posts coming up over the weekend. RS

  Take the long awaited for UK or Ireland Golf Trip, play St. Andrews and other great “Open Championship venues, attend the 2016 Open Championship, Golfbreaks.com. Cassy Tully Artwork in time for the holidays, her famous ornaments and more. Golf art and non-golf art, from the heart of Wisconsin. Visit Cassytully.com                                   ______________________________________________________________________

As golf season heads south for the winter, one of the stops along the way to the far south end of the United States is South Carolina.

The Palmetto State is well known for it’s golf in Myrtle Beach, Charleston and Hilton Head. In those area’s along the coastline there is plenty of well known golf. Kiawah Island, Wild Dunes, Harbor Town, and Palmetto Dunes.

But what about golf across the rest of the state of South Carolina. Well from those who know, it’s pretty good in spite of not getting all the publicity that the all the golf along the coastline gets.

“People don’t realize that the upstate and non-coastal areas of South Carolina have great golf as well,” says Strauss Moore Shiple.

Shiple was a major mover in putting together the new “Mountains to Midlands” golf marketing alliance that represents four regions of South Carolina, from the center of the state to the far Northwest tip.

The Mountains to Midlands (M2M) area, includes both scenic and historic parts of South Carolina, where several interstate highways make travel easy and the golf courses very accessible. Add in more stable and often more consistent weather, the MDM area is starting to be a more well known part of the state, and considered more affordable.

One area is called the “OED”, as in the Olde English District. It’s a part of the state where the Sandhills meet the Lowcountry.

Golfers in this area flock to a course at Cheraw State Park and it’s named for park, it was designed by Tom Jackson around the 309-acre Lake Juniper.

But the “OED” area isn’t done just there. 30 minutes south of the Charlotte Douglass International Airport, where golfers will find several courses that include the Springfield Golf Club in Fort Mill, or the Fuzzy Zoeller lake and golf community at Edgewater Golf Club and Carolina Lakes. The courses have a variety of ponds, streams and the Catawba River wondering though them.

Lake Murray Country has Columbia the states capital in the center of it. The area is not just known for Lake Murray but three scenic rivers. Boating Magazine calls the area, “One of the Top 10 places to Live if you own a boat.” There are 33 “championship” golf courses in the area.

The top of list is the private Windermere Club, that has some public access through the Golf Packages of SC, designed by P.B. and Pete Dye. Oak Hills Golf Club by Davis Love III and Steve Melnyk.

The Old 96 District has courses like the Patriot Golf Course and the Grand Harbour Golf and Yacht Community.

The Mount Vintage Plantation Golf Club a 27 hole semi-private facility. The Links at Stoney Point and Hickory Knob designed by Jackson that’s in McCormick SC. that borders on the SC and the Georgia state line. If you need more, there is, “The Upcountry” part of the M2M alliance that includes several outstanding golf experiences.

The Walker Course at Clemson University is the home course of the Clemson Tiger Golf Team, that includes several great finishing holes along the shores of Lake Hartwell. The Preserve at Verdae is designed by William Bird and cut out of the Carolina Forest located in mid-town Greenville.

The Upcountry area includes the Blue Ridge Mountains, that settle around the Woodfin Ridge Golf Club in Inman. Jacob’s Creek crosses the course along the scenic Lake Bowen.

Are you ready to take you game through inland South Carolina. For information on the Mountains to Midlands Golf and travel package, contact Ricky Saucier at (888)-501-0954, or by email rick@golfpackagesofsc.com or visit golfpackagesofsc.com.

South Carolina Golf, more than just the coastline on the sea.

  The new Mistwood Clubhouse is open and that means McWethy’s Tavern is now open everyday, see Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333. Now is always a great time to visit Pinehurst the home of American Golf. See Pinehurst.com for details and specials.   ______________________________________________________________________

Wanna Golf Away. If your looking to take your golf game on the road, and you are finally considering that golf trip to the UK or Ireland, there are things to consider before you go.

To follow up on our story from yesterday, Golfbreaks.com is giving golfers planning ideas on how to set up your trip, so you can enjoy it to the fullest.

If you enjoy seeing the British Open of the Open Championship as it’s called outside of the United States, Golfbreaks can help you attend the championship in person.

In July of 2016 the Open Championship will be played at Royal Troon Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland. If you are interested in attending this event, in the middle of a golf trip next summer you can do it by using the folks at Golfbreak.com.

Zach Johnson is expected to be defending his open title.

Golfbreaks in an effort to help you book your trip,has offered the following tips for travel.

BOOK NOW : At least 6-12 months in advance in our to secure tee times at the more prestigious courses. Many hotels or places for lodging in the hot spots are small and can fill up quickly, especially in the peak summer months. Flights between the US and the UK can be booked up to 11 months in advance, book early and get the best deals.

USE A SPECIALIST or Golf Travel Company. They have established relationships on the ground overseas, and they get you the best return on your dollar, and take way the stress of trying to plan the trip yourself. The are many pieces in putting together a trip across the pond, and having accurate advice, and knowing where to play and when is important. If your need to make changes once you have arrived, you have support on the ground with you.

DON”T DO TOO MUCH ON ONE TRIP : Seven nights with five rounds or 10 nights with 7-8 rounds are perfect. While distance between areas to golf in the UK or Ireland might not be far apart, roads are often slow and travel times can be longer than expected. Don’t add stress trying to get in too much in too little of time.

BEST TIME TO GO: it’s really April through October, most of time British climates are around 70 degrees in the summer months, the weather can be unpredictable. Therefore you must pack for all seasons.To enjoy the UK style of golf, you must be dressed in a proper manor. Bring lots of layers, golf gloves if you wear them and maybe an extra pair of golf shoes.

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THE BIG NAMES : Trying to play all the big name courses can be expensive, so it’s recommended to add a few of the hidden gems. Some of these courses hold open qualifiers because they are a solid test of golf. You might end up having your most memorable experiences at a course like this.

Book your trip and at least three others by November 30th to receive a Callaway Big Bertha Driver.

Call Golfbreaks.com Today at (855)-699-5853 and visit USA.Golfbreaks.com established in 1998, offices in Windsor, UK, Charleston SC., and Denmark.

  The new Mistwood Clubhouse is open. Come and enjoy McWethy’s Tavern open daily, see Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333. The American Club in Kohler Wisconsin, the Five Star-Five Diamond Hotel is open all year round see Destinationkohler.com         ______________________________________________________________________

Does your 2016 golf plans finally include that trip to Scotland, are you looking to finally play the home of golf St. Andrews. You want to finally get it off your bucket list. Did watching Zach Johnson win the Open last year get you inspired to finally make the trip over.

Well due to the fact that St. Andrews, is, well St. Andrews, getting tee time is not always very east to obtain.

If you would like to wrap up and by able to guarantee an Old Course tee time for 2016, the only way to do it is through a golf course operator like Golfbreaks.com. If you don’t, the only way to get on the course is to take your chances with the daily ballot, or getting there before dawn to stand in line.

Right now you can reserve an Old Course tee time by booking a 7-day golf package with Golfbreaks.com, that includes St. Andrews, Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, Gleneagles and the New or Jubilee courses at St. Andrews from $5985.00 per-person.

If you wish to take your chances with the ballot, and ballot success rates are high, you can work with Golfbreaks.com to make changes in other tee times or schedule changes to make sure you make your Old Course tee time.

“We will do all the work for you,” said Daniel Grave, CEO of Golfbreaks USA. “Our experienced team in the UK office is on hand to support you when on your trip, give advice and accommodate any last minute changes to your schedule.”

When you plan your Scotland trip, Golfbreaks.com can take care of everything. From tee times, to hotels, flights and ground transportation. Golfbreaks can offer you the best prices and packages to suit all budgets.

Right now through November 30th if you book a golf trip to the United Kingdom and or Ireland for themselves and at least three other people, will receive a free Callaway Big Bertha Driver.

To learn more about 2016 golf packages, and or receiving a Callaway Driver, call Golfbreaks at (855)-699-5853 or visit USA.Golfbreaks.com.

Golfbreaks.com contact them today and get your trip for 2016 all booked and ready to go, all you have to do is pack your clubs and enjoy the trip.

 The new clubhouse at Mistwood is open, and that includes McWethy’s Tavern. Need more, okay how about a banquet room that seats 250 people for your next special event. Open all year, the Mistwood Clubhouse, see Mistwoodgc.com or (815)-254-3333 ______________________________________________________________________

Wanna Golf Away, well the golf season north of our border might have slipped away, but it’s not too early to think about heading north in the warmer months of 2016.

Canada’s smallest province Prince Edward Island that has been known as a place where fantasy comes to life, is now being inspired by the game of golf as well.

It might have taken golf a while to get there and leave a foot print, but now there are some two-dozen courses within a 30 minute drive of each other. That spells out, swing away.

Golf on the island is thought to have started as early as 1909 at a location called he Belvedere in the capital city. But then the game hit a snag from that point forward until 1993.

That’s when the “golf-boom” started into the mature foothold it is today.

In 1993 the Thomas McBroom designed links at Crowbush Cove located on the north side of the island.

Eight holes of the course do play on or near the sea and by the dunes near the shoreline,this became a springboard for golf to continue in the area.

” I remember going to Prince Edward Island when there were only a few course on it to speak of,” said Bryan Sullivan, a former touring pro on the Canadian Tour in the 1980’s. “It was like going back in time.

Current trips to PEI are now more like a chance to return to simpler ways in life, more so that going back in time.

Getting to and from PEI has been much easier since 1997, with the construction of the Confederation Bridge. This 8 mile crossing is the largest in world over ice-covered water. The bridge connects the island to New Brunswick, the rest of Canada and then the Northeastern part of the United States. Prior to the bridge opening, one needed to fly in, or take one of the two-ferries out to the island.

Crowbush Cove that is credited with the starting of the building boom in the area, is still rated as one of the top 10 designs in Canada.

McBroom created a design where he blended together a mix or parkland and links-style golf. It’s been called by some as a “mixture of nature and imagination”. Golfers who have played there feel like they have gone to Scotland or Ireland.

Dundarave Golf Course was created by Dr.Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, and is located next to it’s sister course Brundel River. The course has a red sandstone look and has some memorable bunker designs. In 2006 Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson played a Legends of Golf event there.

Green Gables Golf Club is one of the courses on the island that goes back to before the building boom of the early 1990’s.

Green Gables was designed in 1939 by famed Canadian designer Stanley Thompson, McBroom came along in 2007 for a renovation.

This course for the most part is tree lined and the only golfers you see on most holes, is the rest of your group.

A few of the other courses on the island that have received solid reviews are the Brundel River Golf Course, and the Mill River Golf Course, both clubs have been designed by Robbie Robinson. Brundel River dates back to 1969.

24 courses in just a 30 minute span. When it’s too hot in the summer to head to southern destinations where there is golf in those numbers, head north and enjoy Canada and Prince Edward Island. A new golf destination north of our American border.

For more information please visit GOLFPEI.ca or you can call 1-866-GOLF-PEI which is (465-3734). Or try email reservations@golfpei.ca.

    Plymouth Wisconsin (Kohler) based Artist Cassy Tully, visit CassyTully.com for art and golf art. In time for the holidays. MCQs Dome is now open for the winter golf season, new mats and balls, great BBQ and the OTB. New for this season is more indoor space and more parking. See MCQSDome.com MCQ’s in Bolingbrook, part of McWethy Golf.   ______________________________________________________________________

XXIO Golf part of the Srixon and Cleveland Golf family, has announced a new line of clubs.

Drivers, Fairway Woods,Utility Clubs, and Irons are all part of the new release.

The launch date for all of these clubs will be on December 8th, just in time for Christmas if you act quickly.

XXIO clubs made their debut in 2000, the new XXIO driver is the 9th generation of the series.

The new driver will have a minimum advertised price (MAP) of $649 plus tax. The (MAP) for the XXIO fairway woods will be $429.00 plus tax, on the 3-5-7 fairway foods.

The new XXIO9 series clubs are set with new technology by maintaining longer wrist cock without having to adjust your swing to create a change in the head path. This change increases the head speed to allow for greater distance, 5.5 more yards with this driver than the previous model.

XXIO9 drivers have not changed their core values of distance, forgiveness and sound since the release of the first model. Golfers should like the new series being more advanced, and with the ability for more distance with an easier swing. XXIO drivers have been the NO.1 seller in japan since the club has come on the market.

THE XXIO Fairway Woods, do provide the golfer with a heavier head and a newly created shaft. These features help result in an improved head path and greater distance on the shot, the new sweet spot is 10% bigger than the previous model, to help with shots that are hit just a little off-center.

The XXIO Utility Club is now available in the U3, U4 and U5 models. Like the Driver and Fairway Woods, these models will in the stores by December 8th. The price on these models at (MAP) $279.99 and tax per club.

The new Utility series line features a new technology that maintains wrist cock longer without adjusting the swing to create a change in head path. This change allows for an increase in head speed to help deliver more distance than the previous model.

The face on the club has been upgraded from the previous open-faced edition, to a new cup-faced style that enhances the performance area across the entire club face. Like on the fairway woods, the newly created sweet-spot is 10% larger than the previous models.

XXIO has created a new of Irons. The 5 club set is from 6 Iron to PW. But additional Irons 4-5 GW and SW will soon be available.

The technology for the irons is much like the woods and utility clubs. Changes in the technology will create more head speed to deliver more distance.

This is the 8th series of XXIO Irons, and they have been the leading seller in Japan for 16 years. The irons will give the golfer more distance, while the golfer can make an easier more controlled swing.

The 5-club set will sell for a (MAP) of $1,049.99 plus tax for graphite shafts, and $849.99 for steel shafts.

Dunlop Sports has placed a high-density tungsten-nickel inner weights in the toe and heel. The end result is the lowest CG in XXIO history and a high left-to-right MOI. This allows the ball to airborne with ease and further improve the carry distance for off center shots.

The 9th generation of women’s clubs in the XXIO series will be available on the same day as the new men’s lines on December 8th.

Prices for the line of women’s clubs are as follows.

The driver price will be a (MAP) $649.99 plus tax, $429.99 plus tax for all fairway woods 3-5-7. $279.99 plus tax for each utility club U4-U5 and U6. $1,049.99 for the 5-club iron set, 7-9 PW, SW and $210.00 for each individual iron 5-6-AW.

The new XXIO9 women’s model driver is a 12.5 degree loft, send the ball an additional 4.1 yards per carry, than the XXIO8 driver. The new L Shaft 38 grams is lighter than it’s predecessor resulting in a higher head speed.

For more information on XXIO clubs and products please visit xxiousa.com, or for Srixon of Clevenad Golf products see srixon.com or clevelandgolf.com.

   Cassy Tully Art and Golf Art, just in time for the holidays, see Cassytully.com for more information. Atlantic City more than just casino’s, over 20 courses within 20 minutes of the downtown, visit PlayACGolf.com and plan your next golf getaway today.                    _____________________________________________________________________

When it comes to some sports teams, it takes years of new faces to rebuild, in the case of the University of Illinois Men’s Golf Team, Coach Mike Small these days just reloads.

Coming off a top four finish in the country this past year, and winning five more tournaments this fall, Illinois is ready to take that next step and win a NCAA National Championship.

But like any college program these days, good players don’t stick around all that long. The graduate, turn pro early, transfer, or get home sick and leave.

So credit Small for keeping the cupboard full and bringing in his next wave of new recruits, and from what’s known about them, they should be good ones.

Small signed four players to letters of intent, and here is a look at the incoming players who will Illinois in the fall of 2016.

“We are excited to have all four of these successful junior golfers join our program next fall,” head coach Mike Small said. “They are all coming from different area’s of the country, and the world, but they all share a common desire to play for Illinois and represent this university at the highest level. With their best golf ahead of them, I know they are excited to get on campus next year and begin to build their own legacy within the Illinois Golf program, and we are looking forward to helping them achieve their goals.”

The four new golfers are:

Bryan Baumgarten, from Granite Bay California. Baumgarten made the round of 32 at the U.S. Junior Amateur, and was a U.S. Amateur qualifier. Coach Small says,”Bryan has risen quickly over the past summer in the national spotlight, his best golf is in front of him”.

Michael Feagles, from Scottsdale, Arizona. Feagles was a AJGA Third-team All-American, and was second at the Arizona High State Championship. Coach Small says,” Michael is not afraid to challenge himself, and has a strong determination to be a successful player.”

Ryoto Furuya, from Alpharetta Georgia. Furuya was the 2015 Southern Amateur Qualifier Medalist. A Top 10 Finisher at the AJGA Open at Innisbrook. Coach Small says,” Ryoto is a strong, fundamentally sound golfer with raw potential, and I expect him to grow in this culture.”

Giovanni Tadiotto, from Belgium. Tadiotto is the Belgium International Boys (U18) Champion, and Top 15 finisher at the European Nations Cup. Coach Small says,” Giovanni continues our tradition of Belgium players, he has proven he can play with the best players in all of Europe.”

For more information on Illinois Golf visit FIGHTINGILLINI.com

  The new clubhouse at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville is now open, along with McWethy’s Tavern inside. More than 130 guests dined their on opening day last Wednesday. MCQ’s Dome is open for the winter golf season, come by and enjoy the new and improved MCQ’s, great BBQ, or play the horses in the OTB, Mcqsdome.com.   ______________________________________________________________________

Frank Jemsek the owner of Jemsek Golf and the Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont, spoke with Golfers on Golf yesterday regarding a few stories going around town in the golf business.

It was brought to the attention of Golfers on Golf that things were changing at Cog Hill.

One report that has made the local press, is the possibility of change in the water system, and some annexing of land that includes Cog Hill.

Cog Hill after running on well-water for years, could be switching to city water. Cog Hill could have the chance of changing it’s address from Lemont to Palos Park. On the surface it might not sound like much, but Palos land or a Palos address is said to be worth more than a Lemont address.

As a result, a story working it’s way around town is that if Cog Hill becomes part of Palos Park, with increased land value, the Jemsek family was going to sell off all or part of Courses 1 & 3 for new homes. In which case Cog Hill would become either a 36-45 or 54 golf facility, instead of the 72 hole facility it is now.

When asked if he and his family were ready to sell off some of the courses at Cog Hill, Jemsek responded, “absolutely not.”

“I like having four golf courses and my family does too,” said Jemsek. ” Someday 40 or 50 years from now when I’m long gone, if the grand-kids think it’s the thing to do, they can sell. But right now my grand-kids like the idea of four golf courses.”

Jemsek did say that the family does own some 300 to 400 acres around Cog Hill, that is not part of the golf course.

“We bought that land so we could control what gets built next to us,” said Jemsek.

Some of that land, Jemsek might listen to a sales pitch for, but even that was not a certainty.

So in the meanwhile, if someone approaches you with a story about how Cog Hill or part of Cog Hill is getting sold off, forget it. It’s not true.

THE 2016 INTERNATIONAL CROWN AT COG HILL ?

Well it’s not out of the question, but according to Jemsek the answer is “not likely”. It’s not that the Jemsek’s wouldn’t like a tournament back at Cog Hill, they would. But the timing of this tournament might not work because of the July 19-24 dates of 2016.

That week is a busy week, with multiple four-course shotgun outings already booked, and several other outings already booked. That’s a lot of business and a lot of money that would have to be moved. Jemsek is not sure he could move those events, and if he did, he risks those annual customers not coming back in 2017.

While Cog Hill has everything you need for a major golf event, the timing of the International Crown’s dates just might not work. Maybe the Crown can adjust it’s dates, but that’s up to the sponsor UL (Underwriters Labs in Northbrook) and the LPGA Tour. But moving dates at this point in time, especially with the major championships and the Olympics already set, would be hard to do.

Jemsek did say that he felt sorry for Jerry Rich, because he knew Rich launched the idea of having an International Crown Tournament, and put a lot of time and money into the event.

Whether the LPGA international Crown comes to Cog Hill or not for now, remains in question. But one thing that is for sure, is that Cog Hill will have four golf courses for years to come.