THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-DEAD AFTER THE OPENING TEE SHOT

  THE SHACK GOLF CLUB has extended Chicago’s golf season. Located at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview, The Shack now has seven simulators and a putting green. It’s a place where Arnie will always join you at the bar. So with top dates filling up quickly, book your bay today and start hitting the ball. TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905. Lessons and club fittings are available, try out Bettinardi Putters.

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content and creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy or connect at LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram In the fitting tent at Heritage Oaks GC in Northbrook.

HAPPY NEW YEAR…

I HOPE YOURS is off to a great start.

HERE at Golfers on Golf, I’m not so lucky. Because digging out of a 5 day brutal illness, is no way to start the season.

Have you ever hit your opening tee shot Out-of-Bounds. Then some joker yells “that’s two.” A joker who deserves a shot in the chops with 56 degree wedge.

But none the less, I feel like the opening days of the 2025 year or golf season have been brutal. Because I have no interest in being back on the “DL.” With the PGA Show 3 weeks away, I don’t want to be on the “IR.” I don’t want to be hitting 4 off the first tee box either. But it sure feels like that’s exactly where I am. So I am starting to feel better, so I’m back here on the forum. I will try to get caught up, but I’m running at a pace that averages out to slow play.

OKAY ENOUGH ABOUT ME… now some other golf topics.

THE PGA TOUR IS UNDERWAY with the Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua, my old Hawaiian haunt. I have played about 20 rounds on the Plantation Course, which is a fun golf course. Almost as much fun as blasting a long iron past Mark Rolfing’s fishing poles that hang out behind his house on the resorts Bay Course. Chris Kirk is the defending champ, but didn’t have the best 2024 season after winning the season opener in 2024. I don’t expect him to repeat. Sahith Theegala last year’s runner-up, Justin Thomas or Collin Morikawa have a better chance of winning this year.

SOME OF THE BIG NEWS to start the season, is that Max Homa has bolted from Titleist to join Cobra-Puma. Homa could use a spark in his game after a sluggish 2024, and will need one to make this years Ryder Cup team. Homa has brought in a new swing coach to go along with new clubs, new clothes and new shoes.

VICTOR HOVLAND the 2023 BMW Champion at Olympia Fields broke his toe while banging his foot on his bed while sleeping. So Hovland is taping up the toe as much as possible and taking some drugs. But as each round goes on-his limping is starting to show.

THE GOLF WORLD/MEDIA WORLD has been hit hard by some year-end passing’s. USA today writer Steve Dimeglio (63) lost his two year fight with cancer earlier today, only a couple of weeks after Geoff Babineau (62) passed away from natural causes.

DAN BAKER (58) of the PGA of America, who was very involved with the upcoming PGA Merchandise Show, was killed in a car accident last month, in route home from volunteering at a season ending LPGA event in Naples Florida.

THE NEW CALLAWAY CLUBS-ELYTE Woods and Irons are getting strong reviews. I can’t wait to test them out vs my Paradyms. May the best model win. Demo day at the PGA Show should be much more exciting now, I’m also hearing that Elyte with the right Fujikura Shafts can be a real dynamite combination.

TITLEIST GOLF has announced the new PRO V1 golf ball is coming out at the end of show week.

Locally Oak Brook Terrace based Zero Friction products has announced a return to the PGA Show.

NOW I just need to get healthy, I’m getting pumped for the show. But coming soon, my list of 10 courses I want to play in 2025, add them to your list as well. RS

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025 FROM GOLFERS ON GOLF

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Bolingbrook Drive in Bolingbrook. So get a start on 2025 by taking your game & clubs to the Mistwood Golf Dome. (630)-739-7600 #MGD

   OWNER NICK LARKIN invites golfers to enjoy the warmth of the winter golf season at TheShackgolfclub.com at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview. Call (847)-904-2905 #SGC

   THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road Schaumburg IL. Check in for three simulators located right below Chandlers Chophouse (847)-885-9000.

                          Happy New Year from Ed Stevenson (L)-Rory Spears (M) and the IPGA Hall of Famer Len Ziehm.

Golfers on Golf is the longest running golf show in Chicago broadcasting history, and four-time national award winner. Entering it’s 35th season on radio, while Golfersongolf.com enters it’s 16th season. So stay with us all year for the best in Chicagoland Golf and beyond.

2025 is here, it’s drive time. Let’s go.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM GOLFERS ON GOLF

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook-CLOSED TODAY-will reopen tomorrow. Merry Christmas. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600 #MGD

  THE SHACK GOLF CLUB 1717 Chestnut Ave. Glenview TheShackgolfclub.com or call (847)-904-2905. Merry Christmas.

MERRY CHRISTMAS from all of us at Golfers on Golf.

Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears. May the golfing Santa bring you what you need for 2025.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-TRYING OUT NEW COURSES

  THE NEW PUTTING GREEN at The Shack Golf Club-1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview. The Shack has seven simulators and a great bar-where Arnie will always join you. So book your bay today at TheShackGolfClub.com where the golf season has just gotten longer. AT THE SHACK you can get lessons or club fittings, so call (847)-904-2905.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X or connect at LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram. Rory on the new Pinehurst #10 course.

SO DO ADD to your 2025 golf wish list.

Playing new golf courses.

Recently I saw a column by one of my playing partners at Pinehurst #10 earlier this year Jason Lusk, who writes for Golfweek Magazine.

Lusk suggested that playing different courses, is one of the keys to enjoying golf.

Lusk is on to something. Because I know I have had a friend tell me, he would play more golf, he he got to play more of the golf courses I play as I travel around the country. He said it gets boring playing the same course or same few courses all the time. I agree.

The bar is open at the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. So book a hitting bay with Toptracer golf today at (630)-739-7600 or at Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

PLAYING A VARIETY of courses does several different things.

It gives you new challenges to test your golf game. You play different yardages, you hit different types of shots.

Green speeds are different, bunkers and the sand in them are different.

Some courses have deeper rough, faster fairways, more trees or less trees. Water or no water, some have lakes, ponds or just creeks. Courses that provide plenty of risk reward, always a great test. Longer par-3’s, par-4’s or par-5’s. Maybe a few shorter ones.

So the bottom line is-variety. Some call it the “spice of life”, but trying out new golf courses really is a good thing.

But when I say this, I’m not saying you need to quit the club you have a membership at. Keep your membership card, and keep paying your monthly dues.

MOVE AROUND- but if your asking to where, for many that’s something which isn’t hard to do. But if your in a more remote area, yes it’s a little harder to do. So what do you do.

TRAVEL. Which may or may not include getting on a plane. It might or might not mean getting in a car and driving several hours. It does not mean you have to go pay top dollar at a fancy resort, even though it could. The road trip could mean traveling with the guys, or the gals.

But for many golfers some of the best golf trips are ones where you just bounce from course to course, in an area that has several choices to pick from.

During this year in spite of my health issues I played about 13 new golf courses. I do include Medinah #3, that I played before. But with all the changes during the renovation, it’s practically a new golf course.

SO WHETHER YOU JUST TRAVEL or create a “Bucket List” do add some new courses to your play list in 2025. You will be glad you did. My list of best new courses will be out later in the week. RS

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook, is your dome home for winter golf. So check out Toptracer golf, get your yardage numbers, play Top 100 courses, or play in the upcoming Ice Bowl Tournament. But check out the hours for Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. Get your lessons or club fittings, MistwoodGolfdome.com

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

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE!

YES IT IS-now less than 48 hours out and it will be time to open the presents and hopefully a few have something to do with golf.

I did have to label today’s column the way I did. Because I do like the song done by the Peanut’s crowd in the holiday special. But as the song goes, it is the most wonderful time of the year.

At least up here in the north where it’s cold and sometimes snowy, there are now golf domes and golf simulator places so the season never really ends.

THE LIVE GOLF SEASON ended yesterday at the PNC Father-Son or Mother Daughter tournament scramble. The tournament Team Woods and Woods just can never win, even with younger Woods making an ace. So again this year Golfers on Golf does have the winners for you, since most media folks at the PNC never tell you.

THE SHACK GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Avenue in Glenview (847)-904-2905, now with 7 simulators and a putting green. So book you bay today at TheShackGolfClub.com where golf season just got longer.

WELL THE GOOD NEWS IS that Team Langer and Son have won again. Better yet is that Bernhard Langer took advantage of the senior tees since he is 67. Rules are rules and Langer used them to his advantage, which left fans of the W & W team crying foul. Awww! cheaters they gasped aww. Bernhard Langer is one of the class act’s in golf, and he would never cheat. So deal with it cry-babies. As we say here in Chicago, wait until next year. In all honesty maybe it’s time for the PNC to call it career.

THE MATCH can go with it, ratings were in the tank for the Scottie Scheffler-Rory McIlroy vs Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka walk around Las Vegas under the lights. Because this match decided nothing, regardless of who won, it wasn’t going to decide which tour is better. But Bryson’s new puffy coat he wore around the course, did look warm and comfy. Hopefully the new sponsor is happy with the TV time.

WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO GET GOLF WISE FOR CHRISTMAS. So for me it’s new luggage for the winter golf trip that includes the PGA Show in Orlando next month. I could also use a camera bag to properly haul around my camera gear. Because it is an area I need a serious upgrade. Santa usually brings me a golf calendar for the year ahead, so hopefully there will be one for 2025.

DID YOU SHOP for your favorite golfer. SO IF YOUR still in need of a last minute golf gift, go to your local pro shop or golf retail store and get something. But if your not sure what to buy, gift cards are always good. Golf balls make a good choice, but do buy some good ones, yes they will be the ones that cost more. But it’s Christmas so do go the extra mile. Good news is that some courses are running last minute sales-so go take advantage.

Whether your favorite golfer is a he or she, a senior or a junior. Odd’s are they could use some new golf apparel. If the golf clothes they are wearing, are old and have sun and sweat stained. Please do go buy them something new.

IF YOU ARE AHEAD of the game and have already bought somebody new clubs, even though they should get fitted first. When they get the clubs, do expect them to want to go hit them right away. Some courses are still open for outdoor play in the Chicago area. But golf domes and golf simulator stores or clubs might have to be the choice, so either way, by Thursday the 26th, golf is going to be on somebody’s calendar.

IF THAT WARM WEATHER TRIP is coming up quickly, do go hit the new sticks right away. Don’t wait until Florida or Arizona to pull off the plastic and first start swinging them. So if you receive money or a gift card for a new club or new clubs. Go book your fitting ASAP, because people have year-end time off and the fitters can get very busy.

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE so go make the most of it. May Santa bring you something “golf like” that was left under the tree. RS.

BIGGER-BOLDER-BETTER, KEMPER LAKES RAISES THE BAR

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is located on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook and is the home of Toptracer golf, including the annual ICE BOWL Tournament. So whether it’s lessons, club fittings or chicken wings in McWethy’s Sports Bar, it’s time to enjoy the winter golf season in the dome. So visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600 #MGD

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory @GogBlogGuy on Twitter-X or at LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram

The Kemper Lakes Clubhouse-has plenty of changes both inside and outside.

IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN to Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer lately, a return visit might leave you pleasantly surprised by the improvements.

Because Kemper Lakes is no longer your fathers Kemper Lakes, and the golf course is plenty different than the one where the late Payne Stewart won the 1989 PGA Championship.

It’s not the course that Hale Irwin shot 63 on to win the Ameritech Senior Open, or the course that Sung Hyun Park survived a three-way playoff to win the 2018 KPMG Championship.

Kemper Lakes is so much different that 1989 head golf professional Emil Esposito might not recognize the club, neither might Kemper’s 2018 head golf professional Jim Billiter.

What Kemper Lakes has become is a beast, that can test the games best players and the longest hitters.

The Gauntlet holes 16-17-18 are no longer the only challenge at Kemper Lakes.

The Chicago area now has an old venue (founded 1979), that has raised it’s game to be a modern day championship golf venue.

So if certain golf bodies such as the USGA and PGA of America were smart, they would revisit Kemper Lakes and view it as a future site.

What the PGA Tour could do, is send a few of it’s staff members up to see Kemper Lakes. Since they are in town prepping Medinah Country Club for the 2026 Presidents Cup. They would be surprised with what they would find.

Kemper Lakes was recently named as host site for the 2025 Illinois Open, the first week of August ( 4-5-6).

The reality of what lies ahead hits the golfer right on the new first tee box at Kemper Lakes.

Recently retired golf architect Rick Jacobson in one of his final projects, put the bite back in the golf course.

Jacobson’s added improvements at Kemper Lakes, could be considered some of his best work in the home stretch of his career.

The courses original designers the late Dick Nugent and Ken Killian, should both be looking down with a smile and a grin.

The par-4 second hole’s new tee box, sits back left of the old tee. It forces the drive to be out to the right, where two new fairway bunkers are waiting.

Jacobson didn’t just add length to Kemper Lakes (240 yards), but added some new bunker locations while reshaping others.

Several of the holes had pretty safe landing area’s, but not anymore.

Because now there are plenty of new fairway bunkers to be found. Located in the area’s where tee shots will be landing.

Even though there is a new bunker on the first hole, it’s tucked into an area short and left of the green. New fairway bunkers in the landing zones, can be found on holes 2,4,5,7,8,10,14,15. Many of the fairway bunkers that remain from the prior design have been reshaped, with bunker faces lowered, and grass “tongues” added to break up the overall size.

Grass bridges are now in between what was formerly large bunkers, to improve green access and improve pace-of-play. Kemper Lakes largest bunker than ran down the left side of the 14th fairway has been replaced. The new left side bunker is now “bunkers” and they make up a nest of smaller traps.

Owner Nick Larkin (L) and legendary caddie master Greg Kunkel (R) invite golfers to visit “The Shack Golf Club” at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview. 7 simulators and a new putting green. See TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905, and you can join Arnie at the bar.

The new tee boxes add anywhere from 20-40 yards per hole. They are located on holes 1,2,5,6,9,10,13,14,15 and 17.

During the renovation process some thought was given to adding a new back tee on the par-5 7th hole. That tee would have been placed on the other side of the water back inline with the sixth green.

It would have made the 557-yard par 5 hole play closer to 650 yards. So maybe that idea will be saved for when the next renovation comes along.

There was not a new tee box built on the par-4 16th hole, since at 465 yards the hole plays long enough as it is. Legend has it that Cog Hill owner the late Joe Jemsek called the 16th hole, the toughest par-4 in the Chicago area. The 16th hole is the first of the three Gauntlet holes-good luck.

But with plenty of sand and water already in place. The only change over the last three holes is the new back tee on the par-3 17th hole. The club’s “signature hole” made golfers uneasy as they tried to hit the island green from just over 200 yards. So now they can try it from 223 yards.

The back tee view on the 621 yard par-5 16th hole, which is the golfers tune up for the Gauntlet holes.

Brad Slocum is the Illinois PGA Assistant Executive Director and Manager of Tournament Operations. Slocum now has plenty of options for course set up Open week.

Slocum if he so decides, could make the 2025 Illinois Open (Aug. 4-6) one of the toughest and most challenging Illinois Opens in recent history.

Since Slocum still has seven months to finalize his masterplan on course setup, nothing is now finalized. But since the players will start on both tee’s 1 and 10, Slocum could make both par-4’s play long and tough. Slocum now has 7,417+ yards to work with.

The par-3 13th hole from the new back left tee box, that makes the hole play over 200 yards over bunkers.

The par-5 fourth hole plays only 508 yards, which sounds like a birdie hole. But it’s likely the hole will be set up as a par-4. That will force longer drives away from the right side water. So players will play towards the new fairway bunkers left of the fairway.

But now with two different tee’s on the par-3 13th hole. Slocum could have the field playing it’s drives into the green from different directions. the right side tee box can now push the yardage to 250 yards. But while the left side tee box is shorter at just over 200 yards, the tee shot to a back or back left pin will need to be a nice draw over bunkers. The par-3 17th hole the island green could play as short as 142 yards, or 223 yards, if the wind blows strong, shots from either length will test the players nerve.

The new clubhouse patio is complete with outdoor dining and a view of the 18th green, and rebuilt practice green behind the 18th green.

KEMPER LAKES has made numerous improvements on and off the golf course. Both inside and outside of the clubhouse.

The main dining room has been moved to an area that includes a new bar, and all-glass wine storage area.

Outside the new patio area has both under-roof dining, and a not-covered area complete with couches and firepits.

The old practice green that sat behind the 18th hole green, has been restored. It suffered damage from hospitality tents during the KPMG. Now the newly improved green can have putting play under the lights, with an audience from the patio.

The new main dining room and bar complete with golf course views.

The former main dining area, still has a bar. But it has been fashioned into a full comfort area, with couches and large chairs. This area is for those who wish to relax and talk without the noise of the main dining room.

The banquet room that holds events for up to 250 people, is used for golf simulators in the off-season.

Kemper Lakes has plenty of acres to work with for championship professional golf. Because the course can accommodate 50,000 patrons per day. The par-3 13th could be set-up stadium style, like the famed 16th hole in Phoenix. Right next to the golf course, is over 5,000 paved parking spots surrounding the office complex.

So when will top level professional golf return to Kemper Lakes, that’s still something that remains to be seen.

Kemper Lakes General Manager John Hosteland will join Golfers on Golf in early January. He will discuss the recent facility wide improvements. Including membership opportunities, and the potential return of championship golf to Kemper Lakes.

But for more information on Kemper Lakes, please visit Kemperlakesgolf.com.

PGA WEST FINISHES MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR RENOVATION

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily until 10 Pm. but Christmas eve hours at 8a to 2p. The dome is closed on Christmas Day. But will be open on the 26th from 8a to 10p. So put your shoes on and book a hitting bay today at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (630)-739-7600. Don’t forget McWethy’s Sports Bar #Wings

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X or connect at LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram

The Stadium Course-Hole 17 the west coast island green. Photo’s by JP Henebry

PGA WEST “The Western Home of golf in America” has announced that the multi-million dollar, three-year restoration of it’s three Pete Dye golf courses is now complete.

The 2,000 acre golf property that first opened in 1985, is fully ready for both members and guests.

Hankuk Industry and Chairman Shin II Yoo, is the owner of golf courses throughout both the United States and Japan. Hankuk and Chairman Yoo, made the investment to keep PGA West among the best-in-class destination properties in America.

The 16th Hole on the Mountain Course.

To restore the charm of the Architect Pete Dye’s classic designs, PGA West brought in well known Dye Designs architect for three decades, Tim Liddy (ASGCA).

Perhaps the most famous of the three golf courses is the renown Stadium Course. The Stadium Course plays host to the PGA Tour’s American Express tournament (January 16-19, 2025).

“The goal of this restoration project was to bring the courses back to their original conditions as Pete Dye first conceived them, while also upgrading elements for enhanced playability and sustainability,” says PGA West Executive Director Ben Dobbs. “We are thrilled to showcase the results of each renewed course, offering an unforgettable experience for golfers of every skill level while solidifying PGA West’s standing as one of the top golf destinations in the world.”

THE SHACK GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview. Now with 7 simulators and a putting green. So book your hitting time now at TheShackGolfClub.com or call The Shack at (847)-904-2905.

Liddy called the project an archeological dig, uncovering the original aspects of the greens and then restoring the shapes and contours.

So much of the project was to restore the visual impact of the golf courses, that has been lost over the years.

Hand digging was done around the bunkers and the greens, to find original sand lines. Then turf was removed along with layers of organic materials that had built up through time.

The 14th hole on the PGA West Mountain Course.

All of the improvements were not done on the golf course.

There were extensive improvements made to the Pete Dye Clubhouse. Open to the public, there are now area’s for events and refurnished pro shop. The center piece of the clubhouse is the new restaurant called “The Bunker Bar.” The restaurant has outstanding and scenic views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, and four new Trackman Simulators.

PGA West has five courses, all of which are open to the public. But memberships are available and do offer members plenty of recreational and dining opportunities.

So for more information please visit PGAWest.com

BONITA BAY CLUB COMPLETES NAPLES CAMPUS RENOVATIONS

  NICK LARKIN (L) AND ALL-WORLD CADDIE MASTER GREG KUNKEL welcome you to start your winter golf season at The Shack Golf Club 1717 Chestnut Ave-in Glenview Seven simulators and a putting green are open for play. Then enjoy great food and beverages at the bar where Arnie hangs out. TheShackGolfclub.com (847)-904-2905.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy or at LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram.

Welcome to the Bonita Bay Club.

THE BONITA BAY CLUB has announced that work at it’s Naples Florida Campus is now complete.

Because the prestigious Florida club has finished the $50 million dollar masterplan, to complete work on its Sabal Golf Course.

But part of the project on the Naples campus was the rebuilding of the clubhouse, that serves both the Sabal Course and the recently renovated Cypress Course that reopened for play in 2022.

Architect Tom Marzolf part of the Tom Fazio design team, led the redesign of both the Cypress Course and the Sabal Course.

Since 2022 the Bonita Bay Club’s masterplan has included, two golf course renovations and a renovation of the 14 acre practice facility.

This work includes two new golf performance centers, and the rebuilding of the Naples Campus Clubhouse.

The recent $16.5 million dollar renovation of the Sabal course, done over 16 months, included multiple improvements to all course features from drainage to greens.

Golf on the Naples campus of the Bonita Bay Club.

Sabal is a member-friendly course with five par-5’s, and 5-par-3’s. Which changes the playing experience from the Cypress Course, winner of the Renovation of the Year in 2023 by Golf Inc. in the Private Club Category.

The newly rebuilt clubhouse was a $12 million dollar project, by D. Garrett Construction and the AM Design Group.

So inside the clubhouse is a decor comprised of natural woods and stone accents. But the dining area’s now allow for both inside and outside enjoyment. The bar  is four-sided, with eight big-screen televisions.

The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook is open daily. Club fittings, lessons, Toptracer and McWethy’s Sportsbar. Call (630)-739-7600 or visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

“The recent renovations of the golf courses and the Naples Clubhouse put an exclamation mark on the investments the club has made to enhance the Naples campus, “said Fred Fung, Bonita Bay Club’s CEO and General Manager. ” So it is all about maximizing our members experiences and enjoyment levels. We are confident these dramatic upgrades have accomplished these goals.”

Bonita Bay Club members have access to five golf courses. Because there are three Arthur Hills-designed courses in the Bonita Bay community. Which is located between Fort Meyers and Naples.

So for more information please visit Bonitabayclub.net.

PAYTON’S HILL AT NICKOL KNOLL PARK-THE WORK BEGINS

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-RT. 53 IN BOLINGBROOK is your home to winter golf in the dome. Mistwood has Toptracer golf which allows you to test your swing, learn your yardage numbers, and gather the data you need. But if you need more, how about a club fitting. So you can have the right clubs in your golf bag when outdoor golf returns in 2025. McWethy’s Sports Bar is home to great food and a large choice of beverages. So book a hitting bay now at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome-(630)-739-7600.

By Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy  Facebook/LinkedIn/Instagram.

THE WORK HAS STARTED in Arlington Heights.

Nickol Knoll Park on the North Side of Arlington Heights, is home to Payton’s Hill and the Nickol Knoll par-3 golf course. A few years ago the Arlington Heights Park District renovated it’s main 18-hole golf course, Arlington Lakes GC under the eye of architect Mike Benkusky.

So after that successful project brought even more golfers out to Arlington Lakes, Benkusky is back at Nickol Knoll.

But long before Nickol Knoll was a park, it was a landfill used for training by Chicago Bear great, the late Walter Payton. Because early in Payton’s career, Payton was an Arlington Heights resident.

The par-3 third hole at the top of Payton’s Hill, is thought of as the courses “signature hole”.

Payton would park his car on the side street next to the hill, and start running the hill up and down.

Sometimes other athletes would try to run the hill on their own, or with Payton. But they often had little success before tiring out.

What Payton could accomplish on that hill, his hill, others simply could not. Today Nickol Knoll Park remembers Payton both in the golf course clubhouse, on the golf course, and with a monument on the property.

  A NEW TEE BOX will go into place on the third hole (L). The plaque honoring Payton sits near the top of the hill.

Benkusky’s masterplan presented to the Arlington Heights Park District, would add improvements and tributes to Payton, who made the hill and the park famous.

  THE TEE SHOT from the tips on the third hole (L). The Bears logo now is on all the new Yamaha golf carts at Nickol Knoll.

Recently the Bears and the local Arlington Heights school districts reached a tax deal on the land of the former Arlington Park. Land now owned by the Bears which required a tax agreement, before any Bears stadium could be built.

The Payton Place apartments sit adjacent to that land. So as the work begins on the golf course known as Payton’s Hill. The footprint of the Bears in Arlington Heights is continuing to grow.

    NICKOL KNOLL PARK is located on the Northside of Arlington Heights, between Dundee Road and Lake Cook Road. Wilke road to the west and Arlington Hts. road to the east. Architect Mike Benkusky (R in photo) recently served as the national president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).

Renovation work will continue in 2025.  So for more information on Nickol Knoll Park and the Arlington Heights Park District golf facilities and programs, visit AHPD.org.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-HOW MUCH MONEY

  TIME TO PUT YOUR SHOES ON and head over to the Mistwood Golf Dome located on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook. Because the Mistwood Golf Dome is your one stop shop. Go hit some range balls, getting your distance numbers on Toptracer, or playing top rated golf courses from around the world. The fitting team of Eric Russell, Scott Hogan and Matt Carter is ready to put you into a new club or clubs for the 2025 golf season.

BUT IF YOUR IN NEED OF LESSONS. There are plenty of great teachers on the Mistwood Staff that will help you get it figured out. So you can take a better game to the course. So while you are there, enjoy great food from Chef Danny and the award winning chicken wings. Mistwood Golf is one of the Chicago area’s full year-round golf programs. So book a hitting bay today at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn-Facebook or Instagram. At the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook IL.

HOW MUCH MONEY $$$$$$

Do Team USA Ryder Cup players need?

Because most of them are sitting pretty well in the bank. But now they get an additional $500K for playing in the Ryder Cup next year at Bethpage.

So let me break this down. $300K is supposed to go to charity of the players choosing. $200k the players can keep, or give to charity. But the question will be, what charity. Because in the past some players have just donated the money to their own foundation. So will players keep the money they are allowed to keep, or donate it.

IT IS THOUGHT that some players on TEAM USA will donate their share to various charities. But the bigger question that is being raised is, why do they need to be paid at all. Team Europe’s players will not be paid. This is at their request.

BUT IN ALL FAIRNESS to TEAM USA, they have to play every year, USA players never get a year off like Team Europe players do, or the International Team does. Because having both a Ryder Cup and a Presidents Cup every other year, forces Team USA to have 12 players ready every year. So maybe their needs to be an event where Team Europe and the International Team play each other. This way Team USA gets a year off. A great idea-but one that will never happen.

Shack owner Nick Larkin invites golfers to golf all year round at The Shack Golf Club, 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview. Seven simulators and a putting green. So come hit it and join Arnie at bar. TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905.

NEW CLUBS…

IS IT TIME FOR SOME…or at least one new club.

SO YOU have time off around the holidays. Go get fitted for some new clubs.

But while you can get better deals if you buy new sticks at the time of a fitting. You don’t really have to buy that day. But it’s not such a bad idea to get an idea of what you need, to make your game better.

So if your tired of losing all the bets, tired of always having to buy lunch or the beer after a round. Never winning a skin-pot during an outing, seeing your handicap score go up. Maybe it’s time you update your clubs. But if your going to upgrade only one club, and not an entire set. I recommend the following. Go buy a driver first. Second go buy a putter. Finally and maybe the cheapest way out, is to buy a wedge. A new wedge can get you closer to the pin, or help you get out of the rough or a bunker.

NEW CLUBS PART TWO. It’s no longer the era of all the equipment companies releasing the new clubs at the PGA Show in late January. Because if you look around online, you can now see some of what’s new for 2025.

Golfers on Golf-Editor and DOC Rory Spears (L)-with LAB GOLF CEO Sam Hahn (R) at Rich Harvest Farms.

SO FAR a few things are standing out. The new Ping, Tour Edge and Callaway drivers look pretty good. But the world of putters is changing really quickly.

LETS CALL IT THE LAB GOLF REVOLUTION OF PUTTING. Because there was a time when LAB Golf putters were referred to as, those funny looking putters. But nobody is laughing anymore, as the LAB Golf army of golfers is growing every day. LAB Golf putters are showing up on every golf tour. No longer just mini-tours where players need something to get them to the next level.

LAB GOLF is not just about a style or design. It’s about the science of putting the proper roll and speed on a putt. It’s about putting the control of a putt back in the hands of the golfer. Which is something every golfer can use. So if your in the market for a new putter. Check out LAB Golf putters at Labgolf.com before you buy anything.

WEDGES. Buying one or two wedges is never a bad idea. Because getting out of the rough, or a bunker is key to keeping your score in check. Having the proper wedge, that gives you some spin from the fairway or chipping areas is key.

BEFORE YEAR’S END… I will post my favorite clubs, golf balls and other golf equipment brands. Then I will have some year end results or rankings on courses and Best of 2024. But then some hopes for 2025 on the golf course.

      Len Ziehm speaks with two-time Western Open Champion and three-time major champion Nick Price about his newly opened Soleta Golf Club design, complete with a David Ledbetter Academy in Myakka City Florida. Memberships and homes now available. Soletagolf.com.

But you can read Len Ziehm’s review of Soleta Golf at Lenziehmongolf.com. Golfers on Golf will visit Soleta next month around the PGA Show.

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS