THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-DJ AND HIS NEW JACKET

A FINAL LOOK at the Next MAJOR-Cog Hill pro shop sale starts today. Coghillgolf.com  _____________________________________________________________________

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. Wearing the new Sqairz golf shoes.

DJ GETS A NEW GREEN JACKET!

Congratulations to Dustin Johnson on winning the Masters, who was my pick to win.

20 Under Par at Augusta National is pretty special golf. DJ seemed calm, cool and collected all 4 days that was until after he won, when he was almost to choked up to speak at the ceremony.

So now with the men’s 2020 majors complete, we can look forward to the next major in 2021. The Masters is up on the tee again in just 5 months, a very short time for Johnson to be reigning champion. But who knows, he might win two in-a-row by next April.

A few other closing thoughts on Masters week in the fall. This tradition unlike any other can go back to being in April. It was something neat this past week to be able to see, but I can’t wait to have the Masters back in April. When it kind of launches golf season here in Illinois, and for much of the northern part of the country. I’m looking forward to seeing the patrons back as well on the hallowed Augusta National grounds, one can only hope that is what we will see.

THE OTHER 2021 men’s majors are in May, the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island in South Carolina, on Pete Dye’s Ocean Course. In June the U.S. Open goes west to Torrey Pines in California, on the South Course. The British Open is in July at Royal St. George’s. The rescheduled Ryder Cup is at Whistling Straits in Haven Wisconsin, in late September.

MAJOR SEASON is not over for 2020. The Women’s U.S. Open will take place at the Champions Golf Club near Houston next month, stay tuned.

A PERFECT 10. I didn’t expect that from Tiger Woods, but it’s not surprising. Augusta National can jump up and do that to anybody, if you hit the ball in the wrong spot on the right hole. The fact the both Tiger and Phil Mickelson made the cut, made it a good week for them. I’m not sure how much longer that will happen. Both players walked off into the sunset after their final hole yesterday by making birdie on 18, great way to end the week.

It was interesting to hear people this week call Woods the old man, even though he walks like it these days. But Phil is older, and so were some of the past champions, including Bernhard Langer, now the oldest player to make the cut at age 63.

HERE’S HOPING there is nothing really wrong with Bryson DeChambeau who said he didn’t feel well this past week. DeChambeau said he was suffering from some dizziness and other issues. These days it’s normally the fans who get dizzy watching DeChambeau’s long drives.

COG HILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB starts it’s holiday sale in the pro shop today. While supplies last, golf shoes are 50% off, hats are in the buy 1 get 1 free mode. Stop by Cog Hill and see all the sales. Learn more at Coghillgolf.com.

PRODUCT REVIEWS I have received a few products over the last few months to check out, and here are my thoughts.

Sqairz Golf Shoes, with all the traction you could ever need.

SQAIRZ golf shoes.

They are different, but they are good. It’s taken me a bit to get comfortable in them.

Sqairz depending on which model you get, can be a much heavier golf shoe than many golfers are used to. They did create different wear spots for me on my feet. As a result after the first time I wore them, I had 2 cuts on each foot, and a blood blister on one toe. The good news is that I am glad I did not give up on them, because 5 rounds later they are now feeling broke-in and much more comfortable. The extra weight on my pair of Sqairz shoes is keeping my feet from moving around as much when I swing. I’ve started scoring better in recent rounds since I have worn them. Sir Nick Faldo loves them, you might too. Check out a pair, great holiday gift, get the holiday bundle on sale all month long.

The other highlights about Sqairz, is that when they say they are waterproof, they are. I have never had a shoe keep my feet so dry on wet days, or when the morning dew is in full force. Another strong point for me with Sqairz, is the little bubble on the shoelaces, that help keep them tied through the entire round. I’ve always had trouble keeping my laces tied with other brands, and it’s annoying having to keep retying your shoes every two holes.

Canteen Spirits Vodka Soda

Canteen Spirits Vodka Soda, designed by a golfer for golfers, in five different flavors.

I did not get to try the lime flavored that I would like too try, but I had a couple of other flavors from the line.

The first one I tried was the Black Cherry. It was good, but I thought the Black Cherry flavor did not stand out as much as I would have liked. Watermelon was even better and the watermelon flavor was much more apparent in the taste, I thought the watermelon flavor was really good, and would be a great thirst-quencher on the golf course. It’s also a sugar-free drink.

I received a can of the Cucumber flavor. I’m not a Cucumber person, so I had a friend who loves Cucumbers try it and they loved it. Calling it tasty, refreshing, and thirst- quenching. Check out more spirits by Canteen and visit the website DrinkCanteen.com.

Scotland-Home of Golf

SCOTLAND-HOME OF GOLF.

A great new book by the father and son team of photographers Iain and Christopher Lowe, from St. Andrews.

The text and illustrations are from David Joy.

The book is considered a love-letter from the all the great courses in Scotland, that are currently missing those who love the game, links golf and can’t travel to Scotland because of the pandemic.

The Lowe’s photography captures 14 of Scotland’s best golf courses, ten of the courses have a long history including many Open Championships. Four of the courses are considered new, having opened since the year 2000.

A perfect holiday gift, available through Amazon.com or ScottishgolfLibrary.com with a cost of $45.00. Once you read this book, 175 pages of mostly pictures. You will want to plan your first or next visit to Scotland.

LEN ZIEHM has posted a story on architect Rees Jones and his redo of Coral Springs Golf Course in Florida, where he grew up, by the golf course his father designed and kept his offices. See LenZiehmongolf.com

THE MASTERS IS OVER but there is still some time left to get a LAB Golf masters themed putter, see Labgolf.com.

WEDNESDAY to SATURDAY the weather is not too bad. Get out and play while you still can. The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

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About Rory Spears

Rory spent over 8 years growing up working at Rob Roy Golf Club in Prospect Hts.IL, then two years at Chevy Chase in Wheeling. He has covered golf in Chicago since 1986. Rory was one of the initial members of WSCR all-sports radio Chicago and covered golf there for 5 seasons, before moving on to work for ESPN/Sportsticker and ESPN Radio. In addition to hosting Golfers on Golf Radio on WCPT AM820 Chicago, he writes for both the Chicago District (CDGA) Magazine, and formerly Chicagoland Golf. Rory has played over 525 courses in 39 states, and rates golf courses. He does golf course management and communications consulting, within the golf industry.