MCWETHY’S TAVERN at Mistwood Golf Club & McWethy’s Sports bar at the Mistwood Golf Dome are now BOTH OPEN for indoor dining. The Tavern is at Mistwood Golf Club on Renwick Road in Romeoville, & the Sportsbar at the golf dome Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. See McWethysTavern.com and McWethysSportsbar.com for details-Dome open for golf. ______________________________________________________________________

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, Instagram or connect on Linkedin. In the Mistwood Golf Dome.

PGA TOUR: Arlington Hts. native Doug Ghim is having a good week at the WGA Championship in Palm Springs.

So watch the tour and root for one of our local players. The Buffalo Grove high school and University of Texas alum Doug Ghim.

Ghim opened Round 1 with a 5 under Par 67, and followed that up with a XX that left him X shots off the lead heading into the weekend.

A great bounce back for Ghim who missed the cut last week in Hawaii at the Sony Open. Check out the PGA Tour today for the final round.

Mistwood Golf Club Fitter Eric Russell in the golf dome, is ready to get you fitted for new clubs.

THERE IS SO MUCH good news coming from the Mistwood Golf Dome.

Because it is club fitting season, and a Callaway fitting session is coming up this Tuesday from 4-8 Pm, cost is $60.00 dollars. The new Epic Speed family is coming soon. Enquire at the dome, with Eric Russell or Chris Ioriatti.

But then it’s TaylorMade coming in on Thursday the 28th from 12-4 Pm. There is no charge for this session.

Space is limited for both of these sessions and you should reserve a spot online. While at the dome McWethy’s Sports Bar has reopened for indoor dining. So enjoy the famed wings, and burgers or sandwiches. Visit MistwoodGolfdome.com.

The 13th hole at Pawley’s Plantation in Myrtle Beach SC.

THE MYRTLE BEACH BEAT: The First 2021 Rewards Package has now been announced.

The four night-four round offer gives golfers an opportunity to select from the Founders Group International stable of 21 golf courses.

But when you select the package, golfers receive a $100.00 gift card for food and beverage, or in the pro shop.

Courses can choose from include the Grande Dunes Resort Course, TPC Myrtle beach, Pawley’s Plantation and Kings North at Myrtle Beach National. For more information please visit, MyrtleBeachGolfTrips.com. Golfweek Magazine has just rated 9 of the courses in the Grand Strand area in the Top 200 resort courses in the area.

THE NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL CLASSIC will be played from Oct. 31 to Nov. 4. But this year there is a new course rotation for the 4-Day event. So enter now because the event registration will close out at 288 players. There will be both 2 and 4 man teams.

But now you can enjoy these four courses, Grande Dunes-Wild Wing Avocet, World Tour, and Pine Lakes. To enter visit NLEOMGC.com

Callaway Golf-the new Epic Speed Driver

CALLAWAY GOLF is ready to unleash the new Epic Speed Driver.

But if you need an option, you can try the new Callaway Epic Max driver.

Because when your ready to upgrade your driver in 2021, you deserve options.

Epic Speed driver could be the fastest driver yet, created by the A.I. of Callaway design.

So you want more. Callaway/Odyssey has designed a new White Hot OG Putter. But for all the details and launch dates, please visit Callawaygolf.com.

Club Champion’s Willowbrook location is ready for your next fitting.

IT’S A NEW YEAR. So are you ready for new clubs ?

Because right now is club fitting season. Whether it’s for a full bag of clubs, or to just replaces the ones that work very well in last year.

New models are coming out, and with some companies, you can now order the latest and hottest new product on the market.

Current specials include 50% off fittings with purchase. So visit Clubchampiongolf.com.

Rich Harvest Farms-tournament golf is back.

Live tournament golf is back at Jerry Rich’s Rich Harvest Farms in 2021.

Because this June 11-13 the Palmer Cup returns. But the field now includes the ladies, unlike in 2015.

In 2015 Team USA defeated Team Europe, that was lead by current World Golf #2 Jon Rahm.

This October 2-4, the Rich Harvest Farms Intercollegiate hosted by Northern Illinois University will see a strong field challenge the Huskies on their home turf. For details see RichHarvestFarms.com.

JUMBO MAX Golf Grips has announced it will participate in the virtual format PGA Merchandise Show coming up this week. More information at JumboMax.com

THE WRITERS of Golf Pass, have named Boyne Golf Resorts in Petosky Michigan, one of the Top 25, Golf & Ski resorts in America. Details at BoyneGolf.com.

SUN MOUNTAIN announces a new golf bag with speakers built-in. If your one of those golfers that enjoys some tunes while they are playing golf. Now Sun Mountain might have the golf bag for you. Boom Bag is now at a golf retailer near you, for only $329.00. For more information call (800)-227-9224, or visit SunMountain.com.

THE BGT Putter Shaft is back in the black.

BREAKTHROUGH GOLF TECHNOLOGY (BGT) is now introducing the Stability Black, A Barney Adams limited Edition putter shaft, created with a black matte Shaft and glossy branding

Because of it’s high grade of quality, each shaft will come with an authentication card. And will have a holographic numbered seal to ensure it’s authenticity as a true piece of premium golf equipment. This limited edition model retails for $299.99, and are now back in-stock. Details to order at Breakthroughgolftech.com.

Shot Scope hits America

The time is right for the release in America of the new Shot Scope PRO L1 laser range finder.

Because of the demand for even more advanced range finders. PRO L1 brings Adaptive Slope Technology and Dual Black & Red Optics.

Shot Scope features can be turned on or off, if used for tournament play. That have restrictions on measuring devices. So an even new option is making yardage available in yards or meters. Because golfers never know what kind of weather they could have on the golf course, PRO L1 is water-resistant. PRO L1 has a maximum range of 875 yards.

Locations for purchase include Dicks Sporting Good, PGA Tour Superstore, and Golf Galaxy. Learn more at ShotScope.com

The diamond black Ben Hogan Irons

FORT WORTH TEXAS based ben Hogan Golf has introduced a Limited Edition of Players-Combo Iron sets with Black Metal Finish.

Because of strong demand and the best selling Hogan clubs in recent history. The Black-Combo set is back.

“Quite candidly we were blown away by demand for the Player’s Combo set. But we knew it was a great concept, but never expected it to become the cornerstone of our product line. Because through the later part of 2021, we just couldn’t keep up with the demand,” said Scott White, President and CEO of the Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company. “But on top of that has been the demand for sets to be made in black finishes. So the Player’s black Combo is the response to that demand. An 18 degree VKTR Hybrid will be available to those who purchase this package for $100.00. Players Combo sets run in the $810.00 to $840.00 range. See BenHogangolf.com for more information.

The Titleist Vokey M Grind.

SO YOU WANTED TO KNOW BOB VOKEY’S favorite grind.

And the winner is-The “M”.

The M-Grind is now available in 50-52 and 54 degree lofts through the Vokey “M” Grind Collection.

This grind WAS only available on SM8 design and lob wedges of loft from 56-62 degrees. The “M” Grind is for players who like to rotate the club face open and closed to create shots around the green.

Vokey Tour Representative  Aaron Dill says this grind,” allows for golfers to open up the wedge and get under the ball easier. So the front of the wedge allows you to get out and produce lower and straighter ball flight.” Toe engravings and stamping options are available. Cost $199.00 and see Vokey.com for more information.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS

IN THE SIMULATOR or IN THE DOME, Chicago’s Golf season doesn’t end. Play golf in the Schaumburg Golf Club’s simulators, or on Toptracer in the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook. Schaumburg Golf Club 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg, call for simulator times at (847)-885-9000, schaumburggolf.com. Call the dome at (630)-739-7600. Check websites as indoor dining at both locations might be reopening shortly.        _____________________________________________________________________

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.

The stands at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill are going up. Photo by Larry Spalla.

THE STANDS ARE GOING UP, not many of them, but it’s a start.

The Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Invitational sponsored by Mastercard, to be held in March in Orlando Florida, will have fans.

With upcoming tournaments still shutting out the fans, it’s nice to see things getting back on track.

So maybe it’s not quite yet a full normal, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Arnie would be very proud.

Come April at the Masters Tournament, there will be patrons back on the grounds. But how many is not yet known.

Rumors around Orlando, and none of this is official, but fans at Bay Hill could be anywhere from 5,000 to 8,000 per day. Not exactly a full house, but enough room to properly social distance.

Stay clicked in, Golfers on Golf will pass along fans allowed in numbers as I get them, for various tournaments.

(L) ERIC RUSSELL and (R) CHRIS IORIATTI comprise the Mistwood Golf Club Fitting team. Mistwood Golf is a year round operation. Currently it’s up and running in the dome in Bolingbrook. Lessons and Fittings available. See MistwoodGolfDome.com The domes is located on Rt. 53 or Bolingbrook Drive. Call the dome at (630)-739-7600          _____________________________________________________________________

(L) LEN ZIEHM the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2019, and RORY SPEARS (R) have teamed up to produce the Chicago area’s most complete weekly golf report.

This week Len and Rory talk the PGA Tour, and Northbrook native Nick Hardy’s great week at the Sony Open. Bay Hill getting fans. The PGA Tour leaves Mexico. The Illinois PGA and the CDGA release schedules.

Stonebridge Country Club to host the Illinois Open. Bull Valley Golf Club gets a pair of majors. Tiger backs out again-it really is his back. The reality version of the PGA Merchandise Show. Olympia Fields South Course approved for renovation.

CLICK HERE to hear Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2021-Volume 2

A special thanks to our sponsors at Mistwood Golf and the Mistwood Golf Dome. And to the Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle Road in Schaumburg, where the simulators are now open.

Volume 3 is back next week-so stay clicked in. Thanks for listening Len and Rory.

ERIC RUSSELL (L) and CHRIS IORIATTI (R) comprise the Mistwood Golf-Club Fitting Team. See MistwoodGolfDome.com to book fitting appointments on line. Mistwood Golf Dome is now open daily at 8 Am, and McWethy’s Sports Bar is open. (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, and LinkedIn.

Testing new equipment in a Club Champion simulator bay.

Kissimmee Florida based Golf Datatech, has announced more growth in golf equipment sales.

Datatech the golf industry’s leading independent market research firm for retail sales, consumer and trade trends, says U.S. golf equipment sales were up in December of 2020-58% over the same period in 2019.

Monday, the National Golf Performance Report for Rounds Played and sales for 2020, will be released.

“December sales are consistent with the golf industry momentum we’ve seen over the last seven months of 2020, ” said John Krzynowek, Partner, Golf Datatech, LLC. “As we all continue to deal with the pandemic in our everyday life, golf equipment sales continue to surge, up over 40% for the June through December time frame.”

So what products lead the way in sales for 2020.

Those categories include, golf bags and wedges up 29% and 26%. Green Grass pro shops saw a 1% increase with Off course sales growing by 16%.

“Results show that Green Grass pro shops sales were heavily impacted by government mandated closures and restrictions on businesses,” said Krzynowek. So even though courses may have been open to play golf. Indoor shopping and buying products inside a golf shop did not explode like an Off Course Specialty channel. Which exploded from a significant expansion off online sales.”

IN THE DOME OR IN THE SIMULATORS. Golf season doesn’t end anymore in the Chicago area. Visit the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, opening daily at 8 Am call (630)-739-7600. The Schaumburg Golf Club has opened it’s simulators on the lower level of the clubhouse. You can play all 27 of the recently renovated golf holes at the Schaumburg Golf Club, located at 401 North Roselle Road. Call (847)-885-9000.      _____________________________________________________________________

The Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA).

The Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) has announced they have now opened registration for 2021 CDGA Championships.

2021 marks the 108th season of conducting golf championships.

This years championship schedule has eight gross championships, and numerous qualifiers.

Golfers can look forward to the 90th Illinois State Amateur Championship at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. And the 101st CDGA Amateur Championship June 21-24 at Bull Valley Golf Club.

Registration is now open at CDGA.org.

Currently there are two events that focus on mid-amateur players (age 25 and up). Three events for seniors only (age 55 and up), and one Four-Ball event that is open to all ages.

Registration for the CDGA’s list of social events starts on Monday Feb. 8th. All events will be conducted under health guidelines in a safe manner. Guidelines and policies could change during the 2021 calendar year as needed.

The Gog Blog is written 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 or Instagram.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily starting at 8 Am. But you need a reservation for a hitting bay in advance. Because of current Covid-19 rules. Lessons and Club Fittings are available. See MistwoodGolfDome.com (630)-739-7600. ______________________________________________________________________

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

The new Zero Friction Copper Flex Golf Glove.

Oakbrook Terrace based Zero Friction a maker of golf gloves, golf balls, golf bags and other golf products is adding a new product to it’s line.

The Zero Friction new CopperFlex Golf Glove is on the market.

So why CopperFlex ?

Because like other gloves created by Zero Friction, it works well with it’s main responsibility, helping a golfer grip the golf club.

But with copper that’s infused into the glove at the major points of the lining, CopperFlex helps reduce or eliminate hand fatigue, joint pain, stiffness and soreness.

“CopperFlex has been developed to enhance play for those players that have hand fatigue and soreness,” said Zero Friction Founder John Iacono. “Copper is also a natural antimicrobial and decreases the spread of bacteria.”

Like the other styles that make-up the Zero Friction golf glove line. This glove is a universal fit glove, that will mold to your hand and give golfer a guaranteed fit. So you need more. The palm side of the CopperFlex glove, is made with 100 percent Cabretta, which adds durability and comfort. Because of a leather finger patch, that is engineered around the first finger. Golfers get an improved grip on the golf club. And currently comes in three colors, black, white and gray.

So for more information on the new CopperFlex golf glove created by Zero Friction. You can call (630)-317-7700 or visit online Zerofriction.com

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook and is open daily starting at 8 Am. Closing hours do vary. Lesson’s and Club fittings are available, and you can book them online. McWethy’s Sports Bar is open for take out (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, and connect on Linkedin.

Rory Spears in the hitting bay at Club Champion in Willowbrook.

WHAT A WEEKEND on Oahu in Hawaii.

Congrats to our two local players who made the field for this past weeks Sony Open.

To Arlington Heights native Doug Ghim who shot 72-69, but missed the weekend cut. And to Northbrook’s Nick Hardy, who made the cut with four rounds in the 60’s.

Great playing to both. Doug here’s hoping your next tournament brings you two straight rounds in the 60’s, and getting to play the weekend.

Nick Hardy-great job. During Round 2, Hardy needing three birdies in his last 11 holes to make the weekend, made 7. A pair of 66’s on the weekend put Hardy at 16 under par. But it also earned him a check for $113,000+. Well played.

Nick Hardy at the 2020 Evans Scholars Invitational

So what’s next for Hardy. Because he does have a few more weeks off before the Korn-Ferry Tour resumes play in 2021, come mid-February.

It’s always a good idea to strike while the iron’s hot, so why not try a few more Monday qualifiers. And that’s exactly what he will do.

In my interview with Hardy today, he says he will try to Monday qualify at both the Farmers Insurance event at Torrey Pines, and at Waste Management in Phoenix.

CLICK HERE to hear our interview with Nick Hardy after his week at the Sony Open in Hawaii and his T-14th finish.

Welcome to Sand Valley Resort in Nekoosa Wisconsin.

REBUILDING THE LIDO.

The Lido is one of the most historic golf courses ever built on Long Island in New York.

But the original Lido built from 1914 to 1918, when it finally opened in the spring of that year will return in the middle of Wisconsin.

So you ask how ?

Golf architect Seth Raynor built the original Lido over a four year period for a cost of $1,430,000. But back in those days, the average cost of building a golf course was slightly north of $50,000.

The Lido was the place for the upper-class families in those times, as the Lido “roared” into the Roaring 20’s. But come 1942 and with the United States now engulfed in WWII, the U.S. Government needed the land, and the original Lido, a monster of a golf course in it’s day, that played tough to begin with. And was even tougher when the winds blew off the Atlantic Ocean, then went away.

But after the war ended, Robert Trent Jones Sr., came along and created another Lido on another site not far from the original. But it’s now a public course, and has never enjoyed the fame or notoriety of the original Lido.

REDO-Part 2. The idea of recreating the Lido back in it’s original form, has been around since Old Macdonald was constructed at Bandon Dunes almost 15 years ago. But Mike Keiser didn’t feel the land was right, and nixed the idea.

Re-enter architect Tom Doak who was hired a few years back by Keiser to create the third full-sized 18 hole course at Sand Valley, called Sedge Valley. But enter Covid-19 that puts things on hold, and now with some time to think. Keiser breaches the idea of a Lido rebuild with Doak, on the land that was planned for Sedge Valley.

After Doak agrees in part, saying only if the Lido can be rebuilt properly, will he do the project. After finding the right person through Golf Club Atlas, who had enough information on the original Lido, so only then was Doak was confident he could build it the right way. The rebuild of the Lido, the original Lido, the way it was in 1918 is back on the table. Doak’s table, the Keiser families table, and Sand Valley’s table.

Construction is underway, preview play coming in fall of 2022. There might not be an Atlantic Ocean at Sand Valley, but amazing things keep happening there. Stay tuned, the Keiser’s are involved. And that means something special for those who love golf. Stay clicked in-more as I get it.

THE Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road, is another Chicago area year round golf operation. The clubs golf simulators are programmed with all of the recently renovated 27 holes at Schaumburg Golf Club. So now you can play Schaumburg Golf Club year round, inside or outside. To book your hitting bay, call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000 or Schaumburggolf.com. Chandlers Chophouse in temporarily closed.    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and friend him on Facebook or connect on LinkedIn. At Stonebridge Country Club home of the 2021 Illinois Open.

ON THE PGA TOUR THIS WEEK !

Congratulations to Northbrook Illinois resident Nick Hardy, the former Big Ten Champion at Illinois, traveled to Hawaii for the Sony Open’s Monday 4-spot qualifier.

But Hardy did survive a 4 for 1 playoff, for the last spot into Sony. Hardy was then paired with another Illinois local player Doug Ghim from Buffalo Grove.

Hardy and Ghim played Illinois Junior Golf (IJGA) tournaments together growing up. But while Hardy made birdies on 7 of his last 11 holes on in Round 2, to make this weekends cut. Ghim shot 72-69 to miss the weekend cut by 5 shots. Hardy backed up Friday’s 63, with a 66 on Saturday. So while he enters todays final round 6 shots back of leader, Wilson Golf sponsored played Brendan Steele. Hardy is T-17 and earned a pairing with 2020 PGA Champion Colin Morikawa.

The Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein.

Pine Meadow Golf Club is announcing that it’s 2021 Ambassador Passport’s are over halfway sold out for 2021.

So you should purchase yours as quick as possible, because this rate of sold passports does not normally happen until into March.

Full season anytime passports are $2495.00, and Junior passports for the season are just $695.00

For more information, see Pinemeadowgc.com or call the pro shop at (847)-566-4563.

FORT LAUDERDALE based Orca Customized golf bags, has been named the official golf bag for the LPGA Amateur division, and the LPGA teaching division. For more information on Orca products, see Orca-golf.com.

Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club-Palm Harbor Florida.

Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor Florida is offering specials.

So are you ready for Florida ?

Because the time is right to head there is now. Forget about winter.

Wouldn’t you rather be playing golf. Innisbrook offers four golf courses.

Including Copperhead, home of the Valspar championship on the PGA Tour. But now the tournament will be played in April. So you can play Copperhead now. Innisbrookgolfresort.com part of the Salamander Hotel and Resort chain.

Chad Johansen’s indoor golf facility at the Go For it Sports Dome in Yorkville.

Chad Johansen and the Chad Johansen Golf Academy is a year round golf operation.

Because now it’s not just Blackberry Oaks, it’s the Go For It Sports Dome in Yorkville. (Near blackberry Oaks).

Chad is teaching the 4-Step process that is helping amateur golfers lower strokes from their score. To hear all the testimonials, see ChadJohansen.com. So head to the Go For it Sports Dome, on Galena Avenue in Yorkville. (630)-383-1698.

The Biion Wonder Woman Shoes

ARE YOU READY-to Walk Like a Warrior on and off the golf course.

Because now you can.

Biion Footwear, made in Canada and now in conjunction with Warner Brothers, has created the Wonder Woman shoes.

Timed with the release of Wonder Woman 1984. For more information please visit BiionFootwear.com.  Because Wonder Woman foot wear is now in style.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME says now it’s club fitting time. Including a special Callaway fitting session at the dome on January 26th from 4-8 Pm. But you need an appointment for a fitting in this session. The new clubs are coming out by multiple companies. So call the dome (630)-739-7600 or Mistwoodgolfdome.com

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, is open daily starting at 8 Am. Lessons are available from teaching professionals like Dan Phillips (L) and club fitting through fitters like Eric Russell (R). You must call in advance to reserve a hitting bay- due to Covid restrictions. Visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (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, or connect via LinkedIn. At Stonebridge country Club home of the 2021 Illinois Open.

The Illinois PGA Section has announced a majority of it’s 2021 championship schedule.

But not all of it’s events have course sites listed currently. So some are still (TBD).

The big news comes with the announcement that, the 72nd Illinois Open scheduled for August 2-4 will be contested at Stonebridge Country Club in Aurora.

Stonebridge was supposed to be the second course in 2020 for the Illinois Open. But unfortunately had to be dropped due to a format change, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Black Sheep Club assistant professional Bryce Emory is the defending champion.

The Radix Cup on display at Oak Park Country Club.

So after having to be dropped from the 2020 schedule, the Radix Cup is back in 2021.

Returning on June 17th at it’s long time home, the Oak Park Country Club.

The 59th Radix Cup, is expected to be another hard fought battle, between the Illinois PGA Section professionals, and the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) amateurs.

Welcome to the Ivanhoe Club.

The Illinois PGA Section Championship, will move for the first time to the Ivanhoe Club in Lake County.

The section championship that is a qualifier for local IPGA section professionals, to advance into the National Club Professional Championship, will be held from August 23-25.

Ivanhoe was a recent home to a Web.com tour (Now Korn-Ferry Tour) event sponsored by Rust-Oleum. Illinois golf coach Mike Small is the defending champion.

The clubhouse at the Bull Valley Golf Club.

The IPGA Section’s first major championship of 2021, will be the IPGA Match Play Championship.

But the championship moves back to the spring in 2021, and to a new venue the Bull Valley Golf Club in Northwest Suburban Woodstock.

The championship will be played from May 10-13.

Elgin Country Club head golf professional Jonathon Duppler is the defending champion.

Welcome to the Illinois PGA Section.

The Illinois PGA Players Championship, that was won by White Eagle Country Club’s Director of Golf Curtis Malm in 2020 at Conway Farms Golf Club, does not yet have a host site.

A return to Conway Farms in 2021, is not possible, due to a course renovation that will be underway by the last week of September. When the Players Championship is scheduled to be held.

Stonebridge Country Club located in Aurora Illinois will host the 72nd Illinois Open, August 2-4.

Stonebridge Country Club is currently working through a course lengthening renovation, through the Fazio group in conjunction with local architect Mike Benkusky.

Stonebridge’s back tee’s will now measure over 7,000 yards. Involved in the project is past Illinois Open Champion and current Stonebridge Country Club board member Joe Emerich.

The Illinois PGA also announced the return of the Thompson Cup Matches at Ridge Country Club, and the Senior Masters Championship at the Onwentsia Club. Those events were cancelled in 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

For more information visit IPGA.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME LOCATED ON Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily starting at 8 Am. Lessons and club fittings are available, and you can register online. To reserve a hitting bay, sign up online and arrive 10 minutes early, due to current Covid protocols. For more information visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600.      _____________________________________________________________________

The Wisconsin PGA Section

The Wisconsin PGA Section has announced it’s Omega Players of the Year award winners for 2020.

And the section has announced it’s schedule for the 2021 season.

Madison Wisconsin native Jim Schuman-Blue Mound Golf and Country Club (Wauwatosa), was Player of the Year in both the member and Senior Division for the fourth consecutive year. The member honor is the seventh for Schuman (2001, 2002, 2011, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) and his senior honor is his sixth straight.

“It was really great,” said Schuman after wrapping up his year with a win in the match play. “It means a lot, especially at the end of this year.”

The 2020 Assistant Player of the Year award went to Josh Grisa, PGA of Blackwolf Run (Kohler) during his first season as a Wisconsin PGA affiliated associate.

“Winning the honor is right up there in my golf accomplishments,” Grisa said. “It ranks how I played my final year at UW-Stout. It was great we were able to have a season of competing in WPGA tournaments.”

“The year 2020 was far from normal, but one thing that stayed the same was the great golf played by the WPGA OMEGA Players of the Year,” said Chris Hoel, WPGA Assistant Executive Director. “The winners knew they had to perform from the start as they faced an abbreviated schedule with less competitive opportunities to earn points.”

The Wisconsin PGA also announced it’s 2021 schedule. Because in 2021 there will be over 40 tournaments from March through October. The 2021 Wisconsin State Open will be played at two neighboring courses. Blackwolf Run-Meadow Valley Course, and the Pine Hills Country Club in Sheboygan. The state open will have an increased field in 2021, now featuring 204 players.

So for more information see the Wisconsin PGA Section website at Wisconsin.PGA.com.