THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road. The 27 hole renovation is now complete. You can play all 27 holes this winter on the simulators on the lower level of the clubhouse. For more details visit SchaumburgGolf.com or call (847)-885-9000.      ______________________________________________________________________

THE SIMULATORS in the basement of the Schaumburg Golf Clubhouse.

The Schaumburg Golf Club has it’s pro shop open, and it’s 3 simulator bays in the basement are open as well.

Unfortunately, Chandlers Chophouse a great place for food and beverage is currently closed, because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Chandlers is located on the main floor of the clubhouse.

Now included on the simulators, is your chance to play the Schaumburg Golf Club. So be ready when the snow melts and temperatures warm up this spring, to play the Schaumburg Golf Club. Because all three bays give you the chance to play all 27 of Schaumburg’s renovated golf holes.

2021 will mark the first year in the last five years, all 27 holes will be open all season. But of course you can play other championship venues on the simulators.

Schaumburg’s pro shop has a full supply of apparel, golf balls, shoes and other items, if your looking to be comfortable for the rest of the winter season. Or if your looking to get ready for the summer months ahead.

So go play a round of golf on the simulators at the Schaumburg Golf Club, make your tee time by calling (847)-885-9000. Learn more about the club by visiting online Schaumburggolf.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily. But you must reserve a hitting bay in advance. Lessons and club fittings are available. So book those appointments online. McWethy’s Sportsbar in the dome is open-with restrictions. Call the dome at (630)-739-7600 or visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com. THE SCHAUMBURG Golf Club has opened it’s simulators in the lower level of the clubhouse. Call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000 to book your tee time. Schaumburg GC also offers golf lessons. _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook, and connect on LinkedIn. On the new first tee at the Schaumburg Golf Club.

THE YEAR 2021 is underway, and so is golf season.

But golf season is underway in different ways depending on where you live.

IF YOUR the PGA Tour, the first real tournament of the year is in the books. After Harris English won a playoff to win the Tournament of Champions, at Kapalua Maui in Hawaii.

Now it’s off to Oahu, and the Sony Open, and week 2.

But here up north, golf season has moved indoors to golf domes, and golf simulators. But there is a golf season. The Cog Hill range in Palos Park. Is a recent GRAA Top 50 award winning facility, it’s open outside under the heaters daily, 8 Am to 4 Pm.

***BREAKING NEWS this morning.

THE PGA of America has pulled the 2022 PGA Championship from Trump National Golf Club-Bedminster in New Jersey.

SO DID THE PGA wet it’s bed pulling the championship. Likely so. If you move the championship, a good reason to move it would be to cut back on the far too many major golf events, in the New York-New Jersey area.

By 2022 Donald Trump will not be the President of the United States, and there won’t be an election coming up shortly after the tournament is played. So this pulling of the championship at this time, seems unwarranted. You take your championships to the clubs worthy of hosting them, not based on ownership, or member policies.

A  few years ago the PGA Tour made a knee-jerk reaction of taking WGC from Trump-Doral Miami, and moving the tournament to Mexico. It wasn’t the most popular move in spite of what some people would like you to believe. Players got sick from food and water, and security was always an issue. Reports are now that the tour is leaving Mexico and headed back to Florida, maybe not Doral, but Florida. Give the tour credit for recognizing it’s mistake and moving back to the sunshine state.

THE ONE WAY the PGA could get this right. Is moving the 2022 PGA Championship to Valhalla in Louisville Kentucky, a club the PGA owns. Valhalla already has the 2024 PGA Championship, that championship should then get moved to a market that would benefit having major golf exposed to it. A market that might not already have a major championship coming it’s way, and a course that’s been overdue to host a major golf championship.

Mistwood golf Club fitter Eric Russell in the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook.

IT IS that time of year for new club fitting.

Because you should not wait until you have played 10 bad rounds in April and May, to decide hey-maybe, it’s time to get better equipment.

But if you order now, you can be ready for the start of outdoor golf season.

Even without taking a lesson, which BTW is always a good idea too. Hopefully you saw our recent features with Mistwood club fitters Eric Russell and Chris Ioriatti. The fitting experience will show you how much better you can be.

So visit the Mistwood Golf Dome website to schedule an appointment with Eric or Chris. And to view pricing for the type of fitting your requesting.

CLUB CHAMPION has announced new locations in Memphis Tennessee, Bradenton Florida, and Jupiter Florida. Clubchampiongolf.com.

GOLFERS ON GOLF is proud to welcome the Schaumburg Golf Club back as a winter sponsor for our content. GOG is Chicago’s only year round golf news source.

ZIEHM and SPEARS the 2021 Podcast Series-Volume 1 returns later this week. So do stay clicked in.

BIRTHDAYS-Happy Birthday to golf Hall of Fame inductee’s Len Ziehm (Illinois) and Gary D’Amato (Wisconsin), who both celebrated this past weekend. Get well wishes to D’Amato who is home from a 10-day Milwaukee hospital stint, after a bad fight with Covid-19. Ben Crenshaw is 69 today.

CONGRATULATIONS to Todd Campbell the former Gm at Forest Dunes in Michigan, and former Director of Golf at Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells. Campbell takes over as the new General Manager at the Four-Seasons Island Resort in Pembine Wisconsin (North of Green Bay). Campbell will also serve as Director of Golf at Timberstone in the UP-of Michigan.

WINTER GOLF SHOWS. The Chicago and Tinley Park golf shows are cancelled. So have the Indianapolis and Fort Wayne shows in Indiana. And the Minneapolis Minnesota golf show. But the shows in Madison and Milwaukee scheduled for March dates, have not been cancelled. The big golf show in Novi Michigan (west of Detroit) is still on with March dates in Michigan. But stay tuned, there could be changes.

FINALLY I don’t have all the details yet. But I’m honored to be selected as a national award winner by the ING (International Network of Golf) for my work in the golf media. The official presentations will be made on January 27th.

THE GOG BLOG will return this week. So stay clicked in. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME with Dan Phillips (L) and Master Club Fitter Eric Russell (R). The Mistwood Golf Dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook and is open daily. Lessons and Club fittings now available. So visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600. THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB located at 401 North Roselle Road has opened it’s three simulators downstairs in the clubhouse. For hours and rates, please visit SchaumburgGolf.com. or call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000.       _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS. Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook or connect on Linkedin. In the Mistwood Golf Dome teaching area.

The Schaumburg Golf Club has opened it’s simulators on the lower level of the clubhouse.

Because of Covid-19 restrictions, it is suggested you call the pro shop to learn about times and procedures.

For more information call (847)-855-9000. Schaumburggolf.com. But lessons and club fittings are available, and are done in a safe manner.

So you can be ready for summer when for the first time in five seasons, Schaumburg Golf Club will have all 27 holes open for play. All year long. Schaumburg GC is located on Roselle Road, and just 5 minutes from Woodfield Mall.

Mistwood Golf Dome among the best ranges for the fourth straight year.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME in Bolingbrook has been awarded an honor from the Golf Range Association of America (GRAA).

For Mistwood this is the fourth straight year, it’s been named to the Top 50 Ranges.

Currently Mistwood has 30 Toptracer hitting bays open, but you do need to call and make a reservation in advance.

GRAA also honored Mistwood golf professional John Platt, with a Top 100 Grow the Game Instructor award.

CHAD JOHANSEN has his indoor golf operation running full steam ahead in the winter months. In the Go For It Sports Dome. So learn more at CJGA.com.

Blackberry Oaks Golf Professional Chad Johansen is running indoor winter golf programs, including the 4-Step Process.

All winter long at the Go For it Sports Dome on Galena Road in Yorkville, located down the road from Blackberry Oaks.

Johansen can help you improve your game all year round. So for more information, see CJGA.com or visit Fourstepprocess.com. But you can also call (630)-383-1698. Blackberry Oaks 2021 memberships are now available.

The General at Eagle Ridge in Galena.

Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, has announced that 2021 Individual and Family memberships are now available.

But that’s not all. The new 2021 East Course Players Pass is now on sale for $500.00.

Contact Director of Golf Ryan Brown, at (815)-776-5251.

So for golf grip repair and or lessons, contact Brown at the number above. More details at EagleRidgeresort.com.

Topgolf’s playing field.

Dallas based Topgolf, announces continued world-wide growth and expansion.

Topgolf is planning to add six locations around the Far East.

So for more information see Topgolf.com.

Topgolf locations in the Chicago area include Schaumburg and Naperville.

CABOT CLIFFS in Canada has residences for sale. But they are selling quickly so you have to move fast if your interested. Cabotlinks.com

Welcome to Cog Hill

Cog Hill has announced a Torrey Pines Toptracer event on the Cog Hill range next weekend. On Saturday January 16th.

But this event is limited to the first 22 teams that sign up at $200.00 per team.

Need more ? How about the optional skins game for $40.00. Because golf season never ends at Cog Hill. You can call Cog Hill at (866)-264-4455 COGHILL. Or visit CogHillgolf.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily. But you need a reservation in advance to reserve a hitting bay. Club fittings and lessons are available, book your time on line. McWethy’s Sports Bar is open for beverages and food orders to go. See more at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600. #Mistwood ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook and connect on LinkedIn. In the Mistwood Golf Dome.

As the Chicago area settles into winter, the golf season is not coming to an end.

Because with the Mistwood Golf Dome in full swing, the golf season in Chicago never goes away.

Mistwood Golf is one of the few year round golf operations in the Chicago area.

If your in need of lessons, or club fittings now is the time to do it.

Both McWethy’s the Tavern at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville and the McWethy’s Sports Bar are open, with beverages and food orders to go.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME and it’s new shell. The welcome sign in front of the dome. Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600 McWethy’s Sports Bar is open daily 12-8 Pm, call (630)-739-1592 McWethysSportsbar.com.

MCWETHY’S TAVERN at Mistwood, with the food order “To Go” pick-up right in front.

McWethy’s Tavern is open at Mistwood Golf Club on Renwick Road in Romeoville. But currently for to-go orders only. Call Mistwood at (815)-254-3333. For food at McWethy’s Tavern see McwethysTavern.com or call (815)-254-7001.

Tired of being locked in your house, head to Mistwood and McWethys. All year round.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open daily. But you must reserve a hitting bay in advance. Lessons and Club Fitting’s are available. Mistwood Golf-Chicago’s Year Round golf operation. The dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook (630)-739-7600.       ____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or friend him on Facebook, connect on Linkedin. In the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook.

IT’S a new year and one of the best ways to get your golf game rolling, could be to get new clubs.

Because doing it now in the “off season” of winter, can have your game ready for when the courses open in the spring. And your ready to take it back outside.

There are advantages to getting fit indoors in a golf dome, like the Mistwood Golf Dome located in Bolingbrook.

So while some golfers will think nothing of going for a fitting of a new driver or irons and wedges. But they think twice of getting fit. When it comes to getting fit for a new putter, or making changes to their current putter.

Mistwood club fitter Chris Ioriatti shows off putter options in the SAM Putt lab in the Mistwood Performance Center.

But Mistwood club fitter Chris Ioriatti doesn’t think that should be the case.

When asked Ioriatti will tell you that golfers can learn a lot from being custom fit for putters.

It’s no different than drivers Ioriatti says. And the days of just picking a putter and sticking it in you bag, because of it’s feel, looks, or because your favorite PGA Tour player uses that model are over.

Ioriatti looks at the display monitor in the SAM Putt lab in the Mistwood Golf Center.

Ioriatti works with the SAM (Science and Motion) Putt Lab, to help determine what is wrong with a golfers current putting stroke, and what type of putter a golfer should be using.

A recent visitor to the Mistwood Sam Putt lab, had received three new putters in recent months. And could not figure out which one to use.

But while all three putters were top brand name putters, Ioriatti suggested that maybe none of these three putters were the right putter for that particular golfer.

Mistwood Golf club fitter Chris Ioriatti watches a recent visitor roll putts in the SAM Putt Lab (L). And (R) makes an adjustment on site, saving the golfer time in waiting for a change to their current putter.

Ioriatti found that the golfer he was testing, would benefit from a larger grip on the putter. In addition the same golfer would be better-off having a heavier putter, and making their putting stroke straighter to the point of impact at contact.

If your not making your share of putts, or having too many three putts cost you birdies and pars. Contact the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook located on Rt. 53 by calling (630)-739-7600 or book on line a fitting appointment with Chris Ioriatti or Eric Russell.

Mistwoodgolfdome.com and follow the link to fitting.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily. So is the McWethy’s Sportsbar for beverages in the dome, and food to go. Both lessons and club fittings are available. (L) teaching professional Dan Phillips and (R) master club fitter Eric Russell show off the teaching station inside the new dome shell. Currently you must reserve a hitting bay in advance. Details Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook, and connect on LinkedIn. In the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook.

The TaylorMade Golf Company has named Mistwood’s Eric Russell one of it’s finalists for fitter of the year, for 2020.

Russell who is part of the Mistwood Golf fitting team along with Chris Ioriatti, was announced as one of 40 finalists.

There is currently no date to announce the next step of the award process.

For Russell one of the busiest times of the year is right now at the Mistwood Golf Dome. Because many golfers based up north, use the “off-season” to update what’s in their bag. So they can make changes while the temperatures outside are cold, and their is snow on the ground.

Eric Russell in the Mistwood golf dome, located in Bolingbrook.

Russell explains in our interview below that are benefits in working through a fitting both in summer or winter.

In the summer months, when fitting is happening at Mistwood’s performance center at the Mistwoof Golf Club, or in the winter at the Mistwood Golf Dome.

Because some golfers want to watch the full ball flight, of being outdoors.

But seeing ball flight under the roof of a dome, has it’s advantages as well.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Eric Russell at the Mistwood Golf Dome.

Schedule club fittings with either Eric Russell or Chris Ioriatti currently working out of the Mistwood Golf Dome, see Mistwoodgolfdome.com. And see pricing for the type of fitting you need. Drivers, Woods, Irons, Wedges or Putter.

The dome can be reached by calling (630)-739-7600. Because the time is now to get ready for the 2021 golf season.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOMES new shell inside look. Lessons and Club Fittings are now available. The dome located on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook is open daily. McWethy’s Sports Bar is open for carry out’s or beverages in the dome. For details (630)-739-7600. ______________________________________________________________________

BY: RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or friend him on Facebook, and connect on LinkedIn.

                       Troon Golf

Troon, a leader in club management, development and marketing, has announced it’s acquisition of Indigo Partners.

(Formerly known as Billy Casper Golf).

Indigo Golf Partners one of the largest golf companies in the country, is headquartered in Reston VA., with regional offices across America. The company owns and operates more than 160 golf courses, country club and resorts in 29 states.

“Leaving the industry better than we found it has been a guiding principle of Indigo Golf Partners, and Bob Morris and I hope to achieved that in our over 30 year history in the industry,” said Peter Hill, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Indigo Golf Partners. “Troon aligns with our commitment to quality service and has a complementary course portfolio making it the right company company for us to join. So we are confident in growth ahead for Indigo and appreciate the dedication and commitment of all team members and partners, who have made our great company what it is today.”

But currently plans call for the Indigo Golf Partners office in Reston, to continue to support managed clubs throughout Troon’s full family of brands. This includes Troon Golf, Troon Prive’, Honours Golf, OB Sports and more. In addition to it’s national head quarters in Scottsdale Arizona, in 10 other American cities and in Dubai.

“Peter Hill and I have been friends for years,” said Troon Founder and Executive Chairman Dana Garmany. “While we have been friendly competitors over time, we’ve always shared a mutual admiration for each other’s company. We share common values and a similar approach to putting our clients interests first and foremost. While working to impact the golf industry in a positive fashion.”

Troon’s purchase of Indigo Golf Partners, follows it’s acquisition of Green Golf Partners in May of 2019. And three other company acquisitions during 2018 and 2019.

Troon is already the largest golf management company in the world. But now it will increase it’s portfolio to 585 locations around the globe, that include 630-plus 18 hole golf courses.

So for more details please visit Troon.com

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open daily, but you need to reserve a tee time for a hitting bay. Lessons and Club fittings are currently available. The golf dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, for more information Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600.  ______________________________________________________________________

THE WILD ROCK GOLF CLUB in the Wisconsin Dells is part of the Wilderness Resort.

BY: RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation, for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook, Connect on LinkedIn.

*Once the holidays concluded-Golfers on Golf connected with Wild Rock Director of Golf Operations Pat Stein. Below is that interview.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Wild Rock Golf Club’s Director of Golf Operations Pat Stein.

The Par 3, 15th hole at Wild Rock.

Wild Rock is already taking orders for season golf passes.

So if you think golf in Wisconsin is all about flat golf courses, think again.

Because at Wild Rock you get a full dose of elevation change, especially from holes 6-14.

But then the 15th hole is one of the best looking holes in Wisconsin. The quarry hole, the par 3, 15th hole is a fun challenge regardless of your skill level.

Architects Dr. Thomas Hurdzan and Dany Fry didn’t stop work in Wisconsin when they built Erin Hills closer to Milwaukee. So for round two they moved across the state and closer to Madison.

Wild Rock is part of the Wilderness Resort, that comes with great restaurants, rooms and a award winning spa.

For more information visit WildRockgolf.com or call (608)-253-4653 (Golf).  For more details on the Wilderness Resort see WildernessResort.com.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME the new shell inside and out. The Mistwood Golf Dome is open daily, but you need to reserve a tee time for a hitting bay. Club fittings and Lessons are available. All McWethy’s are open for carry out food orders. You can get a beverage while hitting balls in the dome. Mistwoodgolfdome.com McwethysTavern.com The Mistwood Golf Dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, details at (630)-739-7600. _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook. 2021 is a Ryder Cup Year.

2021 is finally here. Took long enough.

So everyone is ready for a fresh start, and I can’t say I blame them.

But what will this new year be like, how will it turn out ?

The first week of golf in 2021, has the largest field at the Tournament of Champions in Maui, at Kapalua. So that sounds promising.

Bad news is that some tournaments scheduled for later this month or next month, are already talking no fans. I though that was behind us. Because you do know that people are getting their Covid shots.

Well okay, not everyone right away, but every month more and people will get them. I’m curious how long it will take for CBS or ESPN to show Masters promo’s this week. “Hey everyone it’s only 90 days out.” Didn’t Dustin Johnson just win his first green jacket. So let’s let him enjoy it, at least for a few more months anyway.

I’m looking forward to the return of the John Deere Classic, and seeing the 50th Anniversary of that tournament in July. The PGA sounds much more appealing this year, with the Ocean Course at Kiawah on tap. Torrey Pines is a great tour stop, it doesn’t excite me as a course for the U.S. Open. It will be nice to have the British Open back as well.

IF RESTRICTIONS remain in the overkill mode here in Illinois, I wonder how fast golf course operators will move to get our local courses open this spring. Root for warm weather by March and a lack of snow.

I know the biggest question is, can golf sustain the growth boom it’s had over the last 6 months. My prediction is this, golf numbers will fall somewhere in between where they were in 2019 and where they ended up in 2020. I suspect those who bought equipment in 2020, will continue to play as much or more. What’s likely to happen, is tee times should remain full, because golfers who could not play as much as they wanted to in 2019, will take those tee times that now become available.

Will the PGA of America merchandise show have the impact it normally does. Being in the virtual format, means it won’t. So hopefully it’s not a total waste of time. Here’s hoping it’s back to being a main stream industry event in 2022.

Locally the Chicago District golf Association should be to play a full schedule, and the Illinois PGA as well. No reason not to, unless spring weather is awful.

On the equipment side, when will companies release new products. Hard to say, here’s hoping there are plenty of new releases over the next two months. I’m sure there will be quite a few as golf season readies a return to the northern states.

LEN ZIEHM and I will have more thoughts from our crystal golf ball when our podcasts return around the 14th of this month.

I’ll be looking forward to the opening of the Preserve at Oak Meadows Clubhouse in Addison. The golf course and clubhouse at Sportsman’s in Northbrook. A full year at Schaumburg Golf Club with all 27 holes open.

Now all I need is a new shaft in my driver, and I’m still badly lacking 4-Iron in my bag.  I need to get one-quickly. The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

TOUGH CHOICE-Yes it is. Both are great places to eat. The golf dome also has hitting bays to practice in. Mistwood Food & Golf a Year Round operation. See Mistwood On-line websites. Golf Lessons and Club Fitting’s available, make reservations in advance.  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, friend him on Facebook, or connect on LinkedIn. RoryGolf18 on Instagram.

THE Eskimo Open is today at Cog Hill, tee times are 7 Am through 11 Am, you should be in early enough to see the Bears-Packers game. Details at Coghillgolf.com.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR DEALS, many courses or club places still have 2020 year end deals in place through today or tomorrow. Do inquire before purchasing. Need a course membership, new clubs or golf balls. Do ask.

THE ZIEHM AND SPEARS Podcast series returns January 14th.  So stay clicked in.

The Gog Blog’s look ahead at 2021 comes tomorrow on Monday. Coming up this week a few more features, as the PGA Tour returns at Kapalua on Maui-Hawaii. RS