Getting new clubs, insist on Fujikura Shafts a leader on several professional tours. Titleist the new Irons are out, visit your proshop, golf retail store and Titleist.com. The Mistwood Golf Club has opened McWethy’s Tavern, see Mistwoodgc.com for details.      _____________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. With the LPGA International Crown Trophy.

The 2016 LPGA International Crown needs a new home. It will not be played at Rich Harvest Farms as had been planned next July.

The question now is where does it go.

The LPGA issued a statement late Wednesday saying that the LPGA and Rich Harvest Farms have mutually agreed to relocate the 2016 UL International Crown. Both parties say they remain open to working together again the future, citing past success with the Solheim Cup at Rich Harvest Farms in 2009.

The release states that the LPGA is working to find a new home in the Chicago area for 2016, and the event will be played as scheduled in Korea in 2018.

When reached by Golfers on Golf last night at Rich Harvest Farms, owner Jerry Rich confirmed the relocation of the event he helped create.

Rich said he “wished the LPGA well and hoped the International Crown would play out well at another Chicago area course.”

Rich did not rule out working with the LPGA again the future.

Jerry Rich (L) with LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan at the 2014 International Crown at Caves Valley CC near Baltimore.

In the meantime Rich said he and his staff are now “full speed ahead on the 2017 NCAA Men’s and Women’s National Championships,” that will be played at Rich Harvest Farms.

Rich added that he and Rich Harvest Farms are looking forward to hosting the 2018 WGA Western Golf Association Junior Championship. And that he and his staff are working closely with the golf team at his alma-mater Northern Illinois University on the NIU Invitational, that is played at Rich Harvest Farms every fall.  Rich says that the event is gaining popularity in the college golf ranks, as more and more high profile college golf teams attempt to earn invitations.

Rich, who has strong connections with many veteran LPGA players, could not say if he would seek a U.S. Women’s Open, or attempt to land the new U.S. Sr. Women’s Open that will be launched in 2018 by the USGA.

When reached in Mexico City, LPGA Chief Communications Officer Kraig Kann could not add much more that what was sent out in a very thin the press release.

Kann said the LPGA hoped to have more announcements regarding the future of the International Crown in a few weeks. Kann did confirm that the LPGA still plans to hold the event in 2016, and would like to keep the event in the Chicago area if they can.

There has already been speculation on where the LPGA could move the event to. Some courses that have surfaced are the Chicago Highlands Golf Club, the Merit Club that hosted the 2000 U.S. Women’s Open, or Cog Hill.

Olympia Fields is already hosting the 2017 KPMG LPGA Championships and Kemper Lakes is hosting the same event in 2018, are not likely candidates. But could opt to change events and dates. Kemper Lakes would be a more likely choice, since Olympia Fields is not likely to give up their courses for major events two years in a row after hosting the U.S. Amateur this past August. There is no word on whether or not Medinah Country Club would have an interest, but the answer there is likely no.

If the LPGA could not reach and agreement in the Chicago area, they could look north to Wisconsin and the American Club courses in kohler. It’s been rumored that Herb Kohler has an interest in hosting the International Crown at some point.

Kohler Company has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Underwriters Lab (UL) the sponsor of the International Crown has not yet commented on the situation either, but apparently will remain as title sponsor.

   McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood Golf Club opens today for business in the new Mistwood Clubhouse see Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333. Fujikura shafts, with the new “Speeder Shaft” No.1 on several professional tours. Pinehurst Resort the house that Donald Ross built. Play Pinehurst 2, see how you can at Pinehurst.com.        _____________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. At the GolfTec center in Des Plaines.

You might have heard the name GolfTec, but your not sure exactly what it means. It might even sound to technical, but is it.

Not really, but it is a way to break down your swing, what’s good about it, or what’s missing from a standpoint of using the latest up to date golf technology.

How does your swing stack up to tour players, at GolfTec you can see video of over 200 professional players from the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and other tours, and GolfTec can show you how your swing compares to them, in some cases maybe even your favorite players in the pro ranks.

The statistics on GolfTec are this. A leader in the golf industry in golf improvement, GolfTec teaches 20% of all lessons given in the United States, and claims to have a 95%  success rate.

GolfTec has a staff of what they call Certified Personal Coaches, that have given millions of lessons to clients and have put them on a “proven path”, GolfTec says their clients are enjoying the game more and are shooting better scores. The client list is now over 250,000 golfers, that start their path at over 145 locations in North America ( Nine Chicago area locations), and GolfTec has been in business for over 15 years.

 As part of my lesson from Justin Bentley, I was hooked up to video and other monitors that checked my swing for a variety of factors.

GolfTec will tell you that there is no quick fix for most swing issues. A friendly tip, glancing at an instruction page in a book or golf magazine is normally not the cure all that most golfers need.

Bentley adjusted my stance, and re-shifted my weight to proper positions while hitting a driver, since I had constantly been re-adjusting my approach with the driver, after buying a new Titleist 915 earlier this year. While my overall swing wasn’t bad, weight transfer was an issue, I was hitting drives too often off my back foot and not making a proper weight transfer.

My body had settled in a way where I was swinging in a position that was comfortable for it, but not giving me the best results off the tee. The new weight distribution and hip rotation on my takeaway, left me a bit stiff and sore by the night of my lesson and the next day, but it was because I was not using the muscles that professional golfers use to make a swing that will yield optimum results.

Justin Bentley is the Director of Instruction at GolfTec in Des Plaines, and the GolfTec Center Manager.

As a result I am now working on a swing change, that is not a full swing change. I’m not swinging the club any different, but my weight redistribution should allow for more swing speed, and bringing the club head through the impact zone on a path that leads to better contact. I’ll report back on the results at later date, that might take a while due to the winter months closing in on the Chicago area.

In many cases, seeing is believing. Until a golfer watches himself or herself on video, it’s difficult to believe that you are making certain mistakes with your swing. You can’t see behind your head or back, while swinging the club. It can be hard to watch your follow through with the club after impact.

This monitor was on the floor next to me, with Justin’s help I could watch my swing right after I hit a ball, without moving back to his desk in the back of the hitting bay.

In the Des Plaines Golf Tec facility I went to, the complex has a triple decker driving range, and outdoor private area for instruction, a full size with two greens for chipping and bunker work. There is a 9-hole par 3 course, and GolfTec clients have full use of these areas.

If you start your work inside, and move it outside, the video of your work gets posted online so when you get home, or to work, you can pop up the video of your lesson or practice session and review it. Your coach can make comments on the video, so to aid with the instruction package. My online video was on my computer by the time I got home from my session.

The Wall of Fame from GolfTec in Des Plaines, golf balls from students who shared special achievements with the facility.

GolfTec uses video to compare your swings to touring professionals. If your swing is in the Green Zone you are right where you should be.

Yellow Zone means your swing is close to where it should be, and it needs some minor adjusting. Red Zone means that part of your swing needs some immediate attention, and perhaps a major change or two.

GolfTec uses a technical fact based approach in improving your swing, there is no guess work from the swing coach, about you needing a little of this or little of that and all will be fine.

Click here to hear the interview with Justin Bentley Center Manager and Swing Coach at GolfTec in Des Plaines.

GolfTec does not just give lessons, they can also help fit you for a proper set of clubs if you plan to purchase new clubs. Over 250,000 clients have used GolfTec and most of them have found the success on the golf course they are looking for.

So if you are ready to try something new to improve your golf game, or upgrade what’s in your golf bag. Consider GolfTec before you make any final decisions. Nine Chicago area locations, and over 150 location across America. With some locations in warm weather climates for those golfers heading south for the winter months.

GolfTec can be reached at (877)0-4-GOLFTEC or visit online golftec.com.

 MCQ’s Dome (Left) part of the McWethy Golf along with the Mistwood Golf Club, is now open for the golf dome season. Links & Tee’s in Addison is now open for the winter as well, visit Addisonparks.org. White Pines Golf Dome in Bensenville is now open.       _____________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. On a cool day on top of the Volcano Bunkers on the Pete Dye Course French Lick Resort.

The temps are dropping and the winter golf domes are opening. The Chicago winter golf season is starting.

But that doesn’t mean the outdoor golf season is over just yet. The next couple of days aren’t supposed to be to bad, temps in the low 60’s. Golfers in the Chicago area will take that in November anytime.

But then the fall golf season will drop off starting on Thursday, will we get a few days where it comes back in the next couple of weeks ? well that’s unknown for now. Hopefully there will be a few more outside days after this Wednesday. If it’s not to be, then dome season is truly upon us.

THAT HOLIDAY SEASON is coming up as well, the Gog Blog will have some thoughts about gifts for the golfer or golfers in your life. Stay clicked in for details and ideas and those will be coming in just a couple of weeks.

MCQ’s Dome. I have written a lot in the last week or so about MCQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook. MCQ’s is still continuing to evolve under owner Jim McWethy. McWethy has put a lot of money in to MCQ’s to make it a place to go, for golf and more. If you are looking for a chance for some free golf, you can go to MCQ’s OTB and try to make a few bucks playing the ponies first, and use that to pay for your golf.

The OTB has been expanded this year, and so has the back area of the MCQ’s Bar. There is more parking spaces outside, and the range mats and balls are new. The targets are bigger, better and in some cases newer. If they look like a cross promotion for Mistwood, well it might be because they are. In the restaurant the menu still has the great BBQ, but there are more choices this winter to pick from.

This Wednesday the new McWethy’s Tavern will open, and from my interview with Jim McWethy it also sounds like a menu worth checking out. I will be there before long to do just that.

I HAVE To hand it to Jim McWethy for his commitment to golf and his two properties, everything has been done first class and the golfers are appreciating it. I expect 2016 to be the best golf season Mistwood has ever had. No word yet on the annual Mistwood holiday sale, but golfers are going to want that hat or shirt that says “Mistwood”. Get yours before they are all gone.

In the last few days I have been sent information from Titleist Golf, Cleveland Golf and some apparel lines on new product. I’ll be writing about them in the days to come.

PHIL MICKELSON has been in the news. Lefty has split with longtime coach Butch Harmon, and is now working with Grayhawk GC Instructor Andrew Getson. Phil says he is looking to hear some new ideas, it would nice to see him win that elusive U.S. Open title.

Tiger Woods former caddie Stevie Williams is not one of my favorite people, but it might be interesting to read his new book about his days of caddying for Tiger.

Williams like most other people wasn’t treated all that great by Woods on many occasions, and said Woods made him feel like a “slave” on many occasions. For all the people who want to know more about Woods, I’m surprised by the people who seem to be upset by the book, and claim nobody was asking for a book like this to be written. Nobody said it shouldn’t be written either, and it still amazes me how many people want to defend Woods, the more the truth gets out about the kind of person he really is.

A FEW WEEKS back the talk was about whether or not, Woods or Mickelson should be a future Ryder Cup captain. Well for everyone who thinks Fred Couples is such a great choice, Mickelson has a lot of Couples in him and would make a better choice than Woods. I would think future Ryder Cup captains should be Steve Stricker at Whistling Straits in 2020. Even sooner in 2018, does anyone have Paul Azingers number.

JOHN DALY would love to be captain, that would be a scream. I’m not sure if the USA team would win, but stories of fun times would get told for years.

I SAW A DRONE VIDEO of the new Arlington Lakes Golf Club look in Arlington Heights, the renovation by Mike Benkusky that is taking shape. Get well wishes to Benkusky who is on the mend after minor surgery. The Arlington Heights Park District will keep it’s 9 Hole Par 3 course Nicholl Knoll open until this Wednesday. The course on (Walter) Payton’s Hill is always fun.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS fired it’s AD Mike Thomas today. Hopefully whoever the new person is,will do at least one thing right. That is stay out of the way of Coach Mike Small and the men’s golf team. They are #1 for a reason and they are best thing the Illinois sports program has going for it.

In the days ahead I’ll have more on the Arlington Lakes and Oak Meadows renovations.

The clock is ticking on the final days of outside golf, go enjoy. I know I will. RS

   Mistwood Golf Club of Romeoville, new clubhouse is open, McWethy’s Tavern opens this Wednesday, the Mistwood Clubhouse and Performance Center Open Now-Year Round. see Mistwoodgc.com. Mistwood and MCQ’s owner Jim McWethy. MCQ’s Dome this winter more room, more food, more space to bet horses, and more fun. MCQ’s Dome in Rt.53 in Bollingbrook, see what everyone is talking about and bring your clubs. ______________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. In the Performance Center at Mistwood Golf Club.

There is an old saying, “build it and they will come.”

Well that’s exactly what Mistwood Golf Club and MCQ’s Dome owner Jim McWethy is hoping for.

You see McWethy isn’t new to golf in the Chicago area, but he has now made a name for himself in the market.

It’s a name you can put up there with the likes of Jemsek, Rich, Wittek and a few others. In a time where some folks are taking a step back in the game of golf, McWethy has put his best foot forward and it’s about to start paying off all winter long. It’s also expected to continue in the summer months as well.

Workers scrambled last week to put the finishing touches on the new clubhouse at Mistwood.

McWethy is pleased about what his golf properties have turned into, and he is not afraid to tell you. But he can do that, because he has put his money where his mouth is. He can also put his name on the restaurant in Mistwood’s new clubhouse.

No McWethy isn’t all about being McWethy’s Mistwood National, you won’t ever confuse him for throwing his name around like Donald Trump does at his golf venues.

For McWethy, it’s about bringing that family name of his that has roots in Scotland and England, when Robert Macwithey Macrory moved from Scotland to New York, the family had arrived, it just took several generations for the name McWethy to emerge. In a tribute to his family roots, McWethy’s Tavern and the Great Hall (Mistwood’s new banquet room) has been created.

  McWethy’s Tavern dining room (fire place and bar not in view), the Great Hall gets ready for it’s first banquet. Can easily hold 250 guests, and is now taking reservations for your special event.

The other part of the new Mistwood Clubhouse, is the pro shop and the sales office.

McWethy had hoped that the clubhouse would actually be open this past summer, but it got delayed several times, including back past the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open played every summer in late July.

Labor Day and then Halloween came and went and the clubhouse was still not ready. But the good news is now it is.

So while most golf operations are closing up for the winter, McWethy Golf that is comprised of both Mistwood and MCQ’s Dome is now ready to roll.

The Par 5, Third Hole at Mistwood, is a half-island green.

No the Mistwood Golf Club is not going to stay open all winter. In fact it will close this coming Sunday for the season.

Bit the new clubhouse will be open all year and the Performance Center will now be open as well. It’s become too popular to close down just because of a little cold and snow.

A few miles away is the other phase of McWethy Golf, located in Bollingbrook is MCQ’s Dome. Formerly known as the Ditka Dome, McWethy has turned the place into something that can be enjoyed by all, and not just golfers.

MCQ’s Dome is being found by more and more golfers all the time.

Kids and families and now enjoying MCQ’s Dome, for golf, baseball and softball, horse racing and betting in the Off-Track Betting Parlor (OTB). In the winter MCQ’s is now an official Blackhawk bar. That meant the bar was filled with Blackhawk fans during the run to last springs Stanley Cup.

Need more ?, Okay how about some of the best BBQ in town. The menu at MCQ’s not only has great BBQ, but a full list of food that anyone will enjoy.

MCQ’s might be open all year round, but it’s really the place to be during the colder winter months. The golf dome will be loaded with special golf events, and golf club demo days by the main golf equipment companies all winter long.

Click here to hear our interview with Mistwood Golf Club and MCQ’s Dome owner Jim McWethy. He talks about his two golf and more properties at length, find out more about how golfers should be spending their winter in Chicago. Mistwood and MCQ’s Dome open all year round.

The new Mistwood Clubhouse with McWethy’s Tavern (open on Wednesday), the golf course until this Sunday, the Performance Center all-winter long. MCQ’s Dome all-winter long.

For more information, Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333, or MCQ’s Dome call (630)-739-7600 or visit Mcqsdome.com. McWethy Golf is gearing up for the winter while others are gearing down. A great place for Christmas or holiday gifts and parties.

  THE M&M WEEKEND, Mistwood and MCQ’s, the new clubhouse at Mistwood is open and MCQ’s Dome in Bollingbrook is now open for the indoor golf season. McWethy’s Pub in the new Mistwood Clubhouse is open daily starting this Wednesday. Visit online Mcqsdome.com and Mistwoodgc.com. McWethy Golf is now open all year round.            _____________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. On the Black Course at Bethpage State Park.

From the Editor:

I’m sad to report that as November rolls in, that beautiful time of the year to play golf is fading away. The temps are dropping and some courses are getting ready to close before the snow hits, which unfortunately is likely just a couple of weeks away.

The Good news is that there does appear to be a few outdoor days left where the mercury will hit into the 60 degrees range. That is more than enough to still get outside and hit the little white ball around, unless you play another colored golf ball.

Indoor Golf Dome season is sneaking up on us, and MCQ’s Dome in Bollingbrook has opened for golf as of today. Owner Jim McWethy is proud to report that his new clubhouse at Mistwood in Romeoville is open for the golfers to check in today. McWethy’s Pub for daily dinning starts on Wednesday. Call (815)-254-3333 for details on golf at Mistwood until the course closes, or dining in the new McWethy’s Pub.

U.S Open destination Torrey Pines in La Jolla California, near San Diego.

DO YOU wanna golf away. Yes if golf travel is on your mind already as the cold weather creeps in, then one warm destination is now ready to welcome you for a stay & play.

Torrey Pines host site of the 2008 and the 2021 U.S Open is now offering some golf specials if you stay at the Torrey Pines Lodge. Rates start at $399 per night and the specials run through and must be completed by December 21st. Call the Lodge at Torrey Pines at (858)-453-4420 and enjoy a U.S. Open Course that you can play.

The Range Barn at Cog Hill in Lemont.

Cog Hill in Lemont has Winter Range memberships now available. A great way to keep your game in shape all winter.

Memberships run from Nov. 1st through Feb. 29th. A single membership is $349, and a full family membership is $449.

THE BLACK FRIDAY outing on November 27th is a 9:30 Am shotgun on Course No.2. Fees are $136 per team.

The Cog Hill Turkey Shoot outing is tomorrow Sunday November 8th, at 9 AM on Course No.3. teams are 4 players and fee to enter is $312.

Play Dubsdread #4 tomorrow for just $100, with BMW pin placements from the final round of the 2011 BMW Championship.

The Cog Hill Thanksgiving dinner is Thursday November 26th, from 11 AM until 3 PM, this event sells out quickly so sign up soon.

The Christmas Open House is Saturday Dec. 5th from 10 Am to 3 Pm.

How about taking care of the junior golfers for all of 2016. A Cog Hill Junior Golfer rate is now available for all of 2016. The membership includes golf, range, and Cog Hill Junior Tour membership.

For information on Cog Hill, tournament sign up or more call (866)-Cog-Hill or online see Coghillgolf.com.

The Glen Club home of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame.

In October the 2015 World Speedgolf Championship was held at the Glen Club in Glenview.

When the 2-Day event was completed, Ireland’s Rob Hogan was crowned the champion.

The formula to win, is your score for 36 holes, plus the amount of time it takes you to play 18 holes added together. Hogan’s two day score was 243:28, Scott Dawley from Houston was second 6 minutes and 32 seconds behind Hogan.

Fujikura Shafts are the No.1 shaft on the PGA and LPGA Tours.

Fujikura shafts are making the worlds best performance golf shafts.

According to the Darrell Survey that keeps track of what the players have in their bags while playing on tour, Fujikura’s numbers are growing every year.

Fujikura Speeder brand shaft is now the #1 rated shaft on the LPGA Tour for accuracy with close to 90% of fairways hit for three years running.

Fujikura was the #1 shaft found, in the bags of PGA Tour players at every event during the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs. It was the top shaft used at the Frys.com tournament that helped launch the 2016 PGA Tour season. Fujikura is the only company with the Enso Technology. So if your ordering new clubs over the upcoming winter, tell your fitter you want Fujikura Shafts, you will be glad you did.

Titleist 716 AP1 and AP2 Irons. Titleist.com

Titleist has launched their new 716 AP1 and 716 AP2 Irons as of October 23rd.

AP1 Irons are for players seeking maximum distance and forgiveness.

AP2 Irons are for players seeking distance and forgiveness in a tour-proven Iron.

What the Titleist Staff players are saying about the new Irons.

Jordan Spieth: “The first time I looked down at the new AP2’s they looked even cleaner. I thought they looked like a blade. As an amateur, you can now get consistent speed. The forgiveness of an 716 AP2 is now on par with a 714 AP1 and brings distance control in a players club to an entirely new level. Please see Titleist.com for more information on new products for 2016. Golfersongolf.com will have more information on other new Titleist products shortly.

Cantigny Golf in Wheaton, CantignyGolf.com

Cantigny Golf has announced golf fitness workshops with Dr. Paul Callaway, and in partnership with Callaway Golf Fitness.

Workshops are twice monthly through May of 2016.

The sessions run from 7:15 PM at night, through 8:30, cost is $10 dollars for adults and $15 for couples. Junior golfers under 18 are free when they are accompanied by an adult. The November and December schedule are as follows.

Nov. 10th How to design an off-season conditioning program. Nov. 24th Pro’s Secrets for Maximum Power and Distance, Dec. 8th Posture, Balance and Stability Training for greater Accuracy and Consistency. Dec. 22nd Core Strengthening Essentials for gaining Swing Speed, Power and Distance. To sing up for one or more classes call (630)-567-7572 or email Paul@CallwayGolfFitness.com. For moreinformation on Cantigny visit Cantignygolf.com.

The 2016 Sr. PGA at Harbor Shores Golf Club in Benton Harbor Michigan.

The PGA of America has announced that a limited number of volunteer positions do remain for the 77th Sr. PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid.

The Championship does need 2,000 volunteers for championship week. Championship week is Memorial Day Weekend May 24-29.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Senior PGA Championship and help us deliver a spectacular experience for the fans, players, sponsors and guests,” said Ryan Ogle, championship director.

If you are interested in volunteering for the championship, you can register online at www.SrPga.com or by calling Volunteer Operations Manager Rachel Wright at (269)-487-3200.

CONDOLENCES to the friends and family of renowned golf trick shot artist, Ben Witter who passed away this past week after a long batter with cancer. Witter was 51. Witter a three-time NCAA All-American and former NCAA long drive championship passed at his Myerstown PA. home. Witter attended IU-Pennsylvania, and is a member of the schools sports hall of fame.

The flower hole at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin.

The Sentry World Golf Course in Stevens Point Wisconsin, has closed for the 2015 golf season.

The good news is that merchandise sale is now running in the pro shop. The sale will run through November 25th. Get a head start on your holiday shopping now by checking our all the merchandise.

The PJ’s restaurant at the club is getting ready to roll out it’s new restaurant menu starting on November 16th. For more information on Sentry World golf, see Sentryworld.com.

THE NORTHWEST PROFESSIONAL GOLF SALE will be held at the Twin Orchard Country Club on Friday and Saturday Nov. 20th and 21st. great discounts on clothes, shoes, gloves, hats and more.

The American Club in Kohler Wisconsin. 5 Stars-5 Diamonds.

The River course and Whistling Straits that played host to this years 2015 PGA Championship won by Jason Day, are now closed for the season.

But the Irish Course and the Meadow Valley Course will remain open as long as weather permits in the month of November.

Kohler has announced that the “End of Season” golf sale  will be held in the Blackwolf Run (Wolf Pack/ Bear Clan Rooms) on Friday November 20th (9AM – 7PM) on Friday November 20th and Saturday November 21st from 8AM to 4 PM. Great rates for November golf in Kohler. Call the pro shops for details.

Srixon’s new Z-Swing Analyzer Fitting System

Srixon has announced a new Srixon Z Swing Analyzer fitting system powered by Swingbyte* swing motion capture technology.

The Srixon Z Swing Analyzer continues Srixon’s brand promise of Improving Your Game, and providing a quick way to fit all golfers into an optimal Srixon Z Series club for their game.

Srixon Z-Swing features an easy to use app linked to a Swingbyte 2 sensor that is attached to a 45 inch driver, and within two swings the analyzer can recommend the right driver and irons for your game.

Follow Srixon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and watch for upcoming contests and prize giveaways. See Srixon.com/zswinganalyzer/ for more information.

The Par 4, 17th hole at the Forest Dunes Golf Club

Tom Doak’s 18 hole reversible golf course is coming together at Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon Michigan.

The grass is starting to grow in on several holes and will be really taking shape in 2016.

Forest Dunes currently has one Top 100 Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf. The club has an award winning clubhouse, lodge and new cottages to stay in.

No date has been set yet for the opening of the new golf course. Golfersongolf.com will have a full story on the progress coming up shortly right here. You can go to Forestdunesgolf.com for more information on the property.

JohnDeereClassic.com

The John Deere Classic has announced that it raised a record amount of money through it’s famed Birdies for Charity program at the 2015 John Deere Classic.

This years record amount was $8.734 Million dollars, a whopping increase of over $2.4 million in 2014. It’s beats the all time record of $6.79 million by almost two million dollars. It’s the fourth consecutive year in which the tournament has raised over $6 million dollars for local Quad Cities Charities.

“Everyone associated with the John Deere Classic is extremely proud, gratified and appreciative that individual donors, companies and family foundations that stepped up in a big way to make this years charitable contribution by far the largest in tournament history,” said Clair Peterson.

This brings the total amount raised for charity from the JDC to $70.18 million since the tournament began in 1971. The 2016 John Deere Classic will be played for one year in the month of August.

NOVEMBER NEWS by the Gog Blog will return again later this month. Go Play outside while you still can. RS

 The new Mistwood Clubhouse opens this weekend, see MistwoodGC.com for more details. Pinehurst the home of American Golf, home of Pinehurst Course No.2, the 2017 USGA Four-Ball Championship, 2019 US Amateur-2024 US Open. See Pinehurst.com ______________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy, with the Chick Evans portrait at the Glen View Club.

The University of Illinois Men’s Golf Team has won yet another tournament, it’s fourth of the year, by winning the Inaugural East Lake Cup Title.

This event put on by The Golf Channel, saw the final four of college golf on both men’s and women’s teams from the previous spring, square off in a match play event.

The two semi-final losing teams last May, both advanced to finals this time. When it was over No.2 Illinois was the champion.

In a rematch of the NCAA semi-finals of last spring, Illinois defeated No.8 USC 4-1 in a match that lasted two days because of a weather delay. In the other semi-final the No.17 University of Georgia who had lost to LSU in the semi-finals last spring, this time defeated the Tigers and moved on to play Illinois.

In the championship match, Illinois defeated Georgia 3 1/2 to 1 1/2.

“It was a very productive two days,” head coach Mike Small said. “We learned a lot about ourselves as a team and as individuals, and everybody contributed today. It was a good way to wrap up a successful first half of the season. Not only that, but we got a lot of exposure as a program. This was the first regular season collegiate golf event to be nationally televised, so to be a part of that and to win the event is something to be proud of.”

The championship match with Georgia went right down to the end. With Illinois leading 2-1, Senior Alex Burge had his match with Georgia’s Greyson Siggs go into extra holes. Burge then won the match and the cup for Illinois with a win on the 19th hole. Once the Illinois had won the cup the match between Nick Hardy and Georgia’s Lee McCoy was was not completed with the the score at All-Square. As a result the match was halved.

The next match for Illinois is the Tinervin Cup in February in Florida.

While at the East Lake Cup, Burge was awarded with the Tom Cousins Award. The new award will be awarded annually to the male and female golfer who exemplify the values of the East Lake Foundation, excels in academics, is engaged in their community, and has overcome adversity.

Cousins helped rebuild the East Lake community in the Atlanta Georgia area.

Illinois Coach Mike Small said,” the Illinois Golf Program is very proud of Alex for winning the award, this honors the quality person that he is, and we’re proud he is a member of the Illinois Golf.”

 The Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville is ready to open their new clubhouse this weekend, more on that coming up soon. Right Mistwood owner Jim McWethy has a lot going his way these days, after making a big investment in his golf club Mistwood. For more information on Mistwood call (815)-254-3333 or online visit Mistwoodgc.com.         ______________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. At the Mistwood Golf Club Performance Center.

Mistwood’s Andy Mickelson with the PGA Assistants Trophy.

Yes it was just a nice getaway, a vacation to Florida is what Andy Mickelson the director of golf at the Mistwood Golf Club had on his mind as he took off to play in the PGA Assistants Championship in Port St. Lucie.

Yeah, just a little vacation, with some golf mixed in. There was this tournament to play in, Mickelson just wanted to make sure he did not embarrass himself in the event, and was hoping to make the cut. That would be fine Mickelson thought as the trip to Florida started.

The banquet hall in the new Mistwood Clubhouse.

You see, Mickelson along with the entire staff at Mistwood have had a busy summer.

There was a lot more than the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open going on in the last few months.

Phase three of a three phase renovation of Mistwood was well underway. The new clubhouse that owner Jim McWethy had wanted to have open by the 4th of July, had seen it’s opening day pushed back until late July, then mid-August, Labor Day weekend, October 1st, late October, and now it will be this weekend. All of the delays took it’s toll on everyone. Mickelson along with Dan Phillips, Dan Bradley, teaching pro’s like John Platt all had to work around the construction, the noise and dust.

As a result of the work, work and more work, Mickelson and his staff did a lot to keep Mistwood running, it left little time for their golf games. Mickelson admit’s he only played golf once in the prior couple of weeks before heading to Florida, he didn’t spend time in the Mistwood Performance Center checking his putting stroke in the SAM Putt lab. The launch monitors don’t have any numbers of Mickelson getting his swing ready.

The new pro shop and sales office at Mistwood.

When Mickelson did arrive in Florida he started his preparation right away, with two strong days on the course and at the range.

The practice time paid off well for him, as he was able to post an opening round score that keep him in position to make the cut.

In round day 2 it all came together for Mickelson, after a good front nine that saw him get under par, Mickelson saw a leader board that showed he was in contention. Then he added a few more birdies on the back nine and jumped into the lead, his final score was 65, but a putt on the last hole lipped out or it could have been 64.

Reality started to settle in later in the day, when he spotted his name in the crawl on the bottom of his TV screen that was tuned to the Golf Channel.

Playing in the final group on Sunday, his playing partner Adam Rainaud make a couple of quick birdies and took the lead. Mickelson admitted he was a little nervous, but then sensed Rainaud was the feeling the same way when he took the lead. Rainaud started to struggle with the driver and within a couple of holes Mickelson was back on top.

With a two shot lead coming down the stretch, Mickelson held it together. Once he cleared the water on the 18th hole of the Wanamaker Course and hit the green he knew he had won.

With a wife and kids, Mickelson says he is not headed out to try for the PGA Tour. He loves his job at Mistwood and working for McWethy. Mickelson says he might try to Monday qualify for the 2016 John Deere Classic, and go through U.S. Open qualifying to try and play at Oakmont next June, but that’s about it.

In the meantime he is back to setting up his new office at Mistwood, and getting ready to welcome the clubs members and public golfers to the new clubhouse. Where his new trophy is on display. “A great way to honor our owner and all he does for us,” says Mickelson.

Click here to hear the interview with 2015 PGA Assistant Championship winner Andy Mickelson.

Mickelson says he plans to return to Florida in 2016 and defend his title.

  The home of American Golf is the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. Above Left the Carolina Hotel, Right the Donald Ross home off the third hole of his famed Pinehurst Course No.2., Pinehurst home of the 2017 USGA Fourball Championship, the 2019 U.S. Amateur, and the 2024 U.S. Open. For more information visit Pinehurst.com.     ______________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. With the flag stick on 18 at Pinehurst #8.

What started out as a sleepy little community in the Sandhills of North Carolina, has turned into something much more than that.

Pinehurst North Carolina is a place that attracts golfers from everywhere, because it is as advertised, “The Home of American Golf.”

It’s a place where the game of golfs greatest architect lived, yes you can say Donald Ross slept here.

The games governing body is a frequent visitor. The United States Golf Association can’t get enough of Pinehurst, which is why they will bring three of their championships to town in the next nine years. Yes, one of those is a U.S. Open in 2024. It will be the fifth open to played on the Ross masterpiece course Pinehurst No.2.

Four of those opens will be on the men’s side, but in 2014 the USGA played the men’s and women’s opens there in back-to-back weeks. That had never been tried before, and of course, Pinehurst pulled it off with flying colors.

The 18th green on Pinehurst No.2, made famous when the late Payne Stewart holed his U.S. Open winning putt there in 1999.

While some courses can’t land one U.S. Open after years of trying, Pinehurst will have 5 in just 25 years, no other course can boost that kind of record.

Much of what most people read about Pinehurst, is about the famed No.2 Course. But Pinehurst is much more than that, in fact the resort now has 9 courses. More than any other resort in the country.

It’s believed that Pinehurst will have a 10th course before too many years pass us by, the resort bought a nearby course called “The Pit” a few years ago. The resort doesn’t hide the fact that designers Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore have been on site there, and have done a preliminary routing, but nothing seems to be happening on that front right now, but someday it’s likely that a course No.10 will happen. Happening early in 2016, will be a new sports pub behind the 18th green of course No.2 and located in the main clubhouse, called “Deuces.”

  What has happened at Pinehurst in the last year is the resorts acquisition of a Pinehurst No.9 golf course (formerly known as Pinehurst National Country Club by Jack Nicklaus, above left the Par 3, second hole), and the building of a state of the art pool complex (right). Which has received rave reviews from the guests and members who have enjoyed it.

Members, yes members. Pinehurst is a resort but it is a golf club with memberships, and some of the locals will tell you it’s one of the best deals to join a club you will find anywhere. The members clubhouse located behind the first tee and 18th green of the famed No.2 course has had a recent renovation, that is also getting a lot of praise. One of the new features in the members clubhouse is Payne’s Pub, complete with tributes and memorabilia from the late 1999 U.S. Open Champion at Pinehurst, Payne Stewart. If you enjoy a great variety of beer or liquors from anywhere in the world, you will find them there.

Putterboy is the proud symbol and logo of Pinehurst.

Putterboy and Putterboy golf apparel is a big part of Pinehurst. Putterboy was created in 1912 by Lucy Richards, it’s size and location are because Putterboy was originally designed as a sundial.

Putterboy has been a part of the U.S. Open logo’s for the 1999, 2005 and 2014 U.S. Opens. It will be interesting to see what Pinehurst will create for upcoming USGA events that will be held at the property.

The main dining room in the Carolina Hotel, home of the famous Pinehurst breakfast.

The main dining room in the Carolina Hotel has recently been remodeled, but still oozes with the charm it’s always had.

Regardless of how early their tee time is, most Pinehurst golfers do not pass up a chance to enjoy the best breakfast in golf.

Whatever your choice is for an All-American breakfast, you will find it in the main dinning room. Fresh fruit, cereal, bacon, eggs, toast, omlets, french toast, waffles and much, much more. With all the Pinehurst breakfast has to offer, there is no reason for any golfer to be hungry on the first tee or Maniac Hill.

What is Maniac Hill. It is the reason golfers have so many places to practice. Plain and simple it was America’s first driving range, the facility includes the Thistle Dhu putting course and a full-sized short game area.

Tom Pashley is the resort president of Pinehurst. Pashley has been moving Pinehurst into the future, while preserving it’s tradition and history.

Pinehurst is the home of american golf, but it is made up of more than golf.

The Spa at Pinehurst is how golfers are relaxing between rounds. The spa has 28 treatment rooms, a full-sized fitness center, steam rooms, lap pool, whirlpools, a salon and boutique.

There is no reason now for Pinehurst golfers to have aches and pains between rounds of golf, whether they are riding, or enjoying the tradition of golfing while walking with a caddie.

Pinehurst has more traditions than golf. Like enjoying the beach club at the 200 acre Lake Pinehurst, playing tennis on one of the 24 tennis courts. Lawn bowling has never been more fun than when you play it in Pinehurst. There is plenty of places to shop, or see while ride through Pinehurst in a horse-driven carriage. If you are bringing the kids to introduce them to Pinehursts charms at an early age, do make sure they take full advantage of the Kids Club.

Jack Bickart is Pinehurst’s Vice President of Sales, Jack and his team are waiting to put together your next visit to Pinehurst.

In addition to the having the best breakfast in golf, there are plenty of other places to eat and drink in Pinehurst.

The historic Holly Inn was the first hotel in Pinehurst, it dates back to New Years Eve in 1895 where 20 guests paid three dollars a night to stay in the hotel, and welcome in the year of 1896.

The holly was the first hotel in Pinehurst. It is home to the 1895 grill and “The Tavern”.

The list doesn’t stop there. There is the Donald Ross Grill, the Fairwoods dining room at Pinehurst 7, the Centennial Dining Room at Pinehurst 8, the Ryder Cup room in Carolina Hotel that now has a fireplace and couches to enjoy your food and beverages like you are in the comfort of your own living room.

The Donald Ross portrait in the Donald Ross 91st hole dining room.

The courses that Ross left his name on in Pinehurst, are courses 1-4 between 1901 and 1919. Ellis Maples designed Pinehurst 5 in 1961, George and Tom Fazio were the creators of Pinehurst 6 in 1979, in 1986 it was Rees Jones that built Pinehurst 7, and in 1996 Tom Fazio designed Pinehurst 8, the newly acquire Pinehurst 9 is the only Jack Nicklaus design in Pinehurst, it was opened for play back in 1988.

If you love golf, enjoy golf, or just play golf here and there, you must play Pinehurst and you must play a Donald Ross course or four. Pinehurst is where Ross, who built over 400 golf courses, built his masterpiece course No.2. In Pinehurst Ross is not forgotten, when planning your next golf trip, don’t forget Pinehurst. Call (844)-662-0534 or visit online Pinehurst.com, experience golf at it’s very finest, and at it’s roots.

      Putter Boy is still standing tall in Pinehurst, his history and more coming up in our story on Monday. Fall specials available, go to Pinehurst.com. Home of the 2024 U.S. Open. ______________________________________________________________________

The national landmark hotel, the Carolina at Pinehurst.

Pinehurst the home of american golf and the famed Donald Ross classic Pinehurst #2 course.

The Gog Blog recently returned to Pinehurst, and finally not in the months of January or February.

This time there were friends along and some serious golf to be played.

It’s always fun to take people or golfers to Pinehurst for the first time, they don’t want to leave and they can’t wait to come back. Whether it’s enjoying the golf on a U.S. Open course, walking it with caddies, enjoying the food and beverage, the spa or the new pool. One visit to Pinehurst has a way of hooking one for life.

Our full story returns tomorrow on Monday. Enjoy the end of warm weather golf season here in Chicago too, it happens over the next few days. RS.