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

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open everyday. But you need to call in advance to reserve a hitting bay. Dan Phillips (L) is one of the professionals on staff for lessons. Eric Russell (R) is one member of the club fitting team. For information see 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 @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook-LinkedIn.

FRANK JEMSEK Cog Hill owner in the booth at the 2020 Chicago Golf Show in the Rosemont Convention Center.

THE FIRST GOLF OUTING of 2021 tee’s off tomorrow at Cog Hill Golf Club in Palos Park.

Over 200 hundred golfers are signed up, are you. Details at Coghillgolf.com or call Cog Hill at (866)-264-4455 (Cog Hill). Temperature expected-Mid to Upper 30’s.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN TODAY-UNTIL 10 PM. The Mistwood Golf Dome is located on Route 53 in Bolingbrook. Learn more at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600. Lessons & club fitting are available. Call for a tee time. ______________________________________________________________________

HAPPY NEW YEAR-from all of us at Golfers on Golf Radio and Golfersongolf.com.

Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger- Rory Spears and Golfers on Golf Radio Contributor Len Ziehm from Lenziehmongolf.com

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. Happy 2021 golfers. May it be a great year on the links, or for now in the dome.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN NEW YEARS DAY FROM 8 AM TO 10 PM, but you must make reservations to reserve your hitting bay. Please 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. Connect on LinkedIn or Instagram.

2020 Ends today. For most people it can’t end to soon.

While 2020 had it’s share of problems, in golf there was some positive’s.

Along with my podcast partner Len Ziehm, we laugh at people who write ridiculous stories, or make stupid headlines that say “The Pandemic Saved Golf.”

First up-golf didn’t need saving. It was doing okay-Thank You very much. You could say growth was small, but compared to some other sports that are shrinking in numbers and participation, golf was growing. Stories that took numbers that showed golf was decreasing, usually ran outdated statistics from 10 years ago. 10 years ago was a different time when the economy struggled, and affected life as we know it.

Mistwood Owner Jim McWethy passed away this past summer from a lung condition. Many of those who knew him still haven’t gotten over it.

But once state and local governments finally got straightened out. Golf courses fully reopened, and in some cases with few other options open for business, most golf courses became “a destination property.”

In Illinois, our state was lagging behind the curve, and not being a leader in bringing golf back online.

It took the right lobbyists to get to our Governor’s J.B. Pritzker’s people. None of who played or understand golf, to get the ball rolling and flying off the tee boxes again. The governor and his staff got a great push from the combined forces of the allied golf organizations of Illinois. The Illinois PGA, the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA), the Western Golf Association (WGA), The Club Managers Association. Which Springfield sorely needed.

Once that first happened, golf in Illinois still struggled under exceptionally harsh restrictions. But come June with the shackles off, things exploded. Because record amounts of rounds were played and courses recouped much if not all the money, they lost earlier in the year. Club sales skyrocketed as well for three months, in mid-to late summer. Record dollars in sales were recorded.

Travel to destination properties was limited, but is expected to return in force in 2021. So let’s hope that’s exactly what happens.

Finally some thoughts to wrap up 2020.

Special thanks to everyone I work with at Golfers on Golf Radio and Golfersongolf.com. Along with GOG Radio contributor Len Ziehm, who doubles as my podcast partner. Len and I will return with the next Podcast around January 13th.

I’m looking forward to another year of Golfers on Golf Radio with Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and Len. Thank You is in order to WCPT GM Mark Pinski, and our producers Devin  Andrekus and Paul Chivari.

Our sponsors, the French Lick Resort and Brendan Sweeney. Mistwood Golf, including GM Dan Bradley and the professional staff. Erin Hills, including Rich Tock and John Morrissette. Thanks to Brett Barcel at Mt. Prospect Golf Club, Tim Govern at Arlington Lakes, Jon Parsons at the Schaumburg Golf Club, Margie Wilhemi at Arrowhead golf Club, Jakes Pizza on Grand Avenue in Franklin Park, DuPage Golf. There were others who were going to work with us in 2020, but Covid derailed those plans. Hopefully they will be with us in 2021.

I did get to enjoy playing Whistling Straits during what was Ryder Cup week. Playing both Prestwick Country Club and Crooked Stick home of the WWGA and WGA 2020 Amateur Championships. Playing Pinehurst #3 allowed me to finally play all 10 of the Pinehurst Resorts golf courses. Some of the other courses I enjoyed were, The Fort in Indianapolis, and the new Indiana University PFAU Golf Course in Bloomington.

In Wisconsin, both Trappers Turn and Wild Rock are great courses in the Wisconsin Dells area. During the PGA Show trip in January, I also enjoyed the Innisbrook Resort courses in Florida. The Pine Tree Golf Club in Boynton Beach Florida, and the members course at Reynolds Plantation in Georgia. Talamore and Mid-South in Southern Pines North Carolina. The fall trip to Firestone Country Club in Akron Ohio was outstanding, if you get there do play all three golf courses. They are all good.

I played golf in November at Cog Hill, Green Meadows and Mistwood. Then in December at Pine Meadow, something you don’t always get to do. It was fun. In 2020 I Added some new clubs, and learned more about the one’s I have from the fitters at Mistwood Golf and Club Champion. The club fitting process is interesting.

It was strange listening to Len talk about being at the The Players Championship, and having that tournament go from normal, to no fans, to being cancelled in just over 12 hours. Hopefully the PGA and the major championships get back on track in 2021.

Our golf world lost some great people in 2020, I’ll take a moment to remember them.

I only got 45 rounds in during 2020, here’s to year ahead with more time on the golf courses of America. With that good-bye 2020, I’m ready for a better 2021. I’ll have my crystal ball out come Monday, with thoughts about the year ahead.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone, especially golfers everywhere.

RORY SPEARS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME in Bolingbrook is open on New Years Day from 8 Am until 10 pm. But you need reservations for a hitting bay. Call the dome (63)0-739-7600.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE WILD ROCK GOLF CLUB and the CHULA VISTA RESORT home of the Cold Water Canyon Golf Course, make up two of the top golf facilities in the Wisconsin Dells.

The Wisconsin Dells just north of the sate capital of Madison, provide travelers with another great part of the State of Wisconsin to visit.

For golfers that have fallen in love with certain golf resorts in the state, you should know that golf in Wisconsin doesn’t start and end in Kohler, Sand Valley, or Northwest of Milwaukee at Erin Hills.

The first hole at Wild Rock.

In fact if you like Erin Hills, and you should, Erin Hills course architects Dr. Michael Hurdzan and former partner Dana Fry, didn’t just leave the Dairyland after Erin Hills was finished.

There was still work to do about 90 minutes away.

Wild Rock Golf Club designed by Hurdzan & Fry is the more scenic of the two golf courses, if you really enjoy elevation change golf holes, through the woods of Wisconsin.

The Par 3, Ninth hole at Wild Rock.

Golfers get a nice scenic drive to the first hole. Then first few holes at Wild Rock give you a chance to settle-in to your game. Because you do have some elbow-room to work the golf ball.

But then the fun begins around the 6th hole, as the elevation really kicks in, and offers another challenge to your round.

Because what goes up-must come down. You will start heading down from high points of the golf course during the closing holes.

The Par 3, 15th hole is cut in around a quarry.

While the closing holes are all good holes and fun to play. But it’s the par 3, 15th hole that’s the eye-catcher.

It’s not a long hole, only 179 from the back tees. But it plays from several different angles around the quarry, and is a fun challenge, not matter which tee you use.

It’s one of the best places on the course if you have your camera out, and something for your social media account.

Wild Rock has hosted some USGA Qualifiers and other golf tournaments, it could get more in the future. Wild Rock is part of the Wilderness resorts and Waterparks properties. The course has been around since 2008, and has really matured into a great golf course. Unfortunately sometimes overlooked because of the big name resorts that host professional championships.

You will see some wildlife at Wild Rock. Because while golfers are looking for birdies, they might find some deer that roam around during the round. Food and beverage are served in the stylish log cabin clubhouse, that over looks the practice range.

There are 5-sets of tees. They play anywhere from 7,246 par 72, to a yardage of 5,050 par 71. Regardless of where you playing golf in Wisconsin, Wild Rock should always be on your bucket-list. So find out more by visiting Wildrockgolf.com or call (608)-253-4653.

Welcome to the Cold Water Canyon golf Course.

The Cold Water Canyon Golf Course (Est 1923) is among the five oldest golf courses in Wisconsin.

The front nine that is. But the second nine that created the full 18 holes came at a later date.

Golfers will find an older more traditional parkland style course on the older holes. With a more open links style back nine.

The first hole at Cold Water Canyon Golf Course.

(Editors Note* the round of golf was cut short to 1 hole. As a massive rain storm cancelled play on the day of the visit at Cold Water Canyon).

Cold Water Canyon isn’t a long golf course. So no worries if your not a big hitter.

In fact the back tee’s-tip out at 6,027 yards. While the front tees, are just 4,649 yards. Par is 71.

Cold Water Canyon is part of the Chula Vista Resort, on the northside of the Dells. The resort is home to over 600 rooms and condo’s. But if your looking for conference space in addition to fun attractions like golf, boat rides, and great food including large steaks at Kaminski’s Chop House. Then the Chula-Vista resort is the place for you to visit.

For more information on the Chula Vista Resort, see Chulavistaresort.com or call (866)-825-6337. Golfers don’t forget to add the Wisconsin Dells to your bucket list of where to play golf when in Wisconsin. You will be glad you did. 2021 specials are starting to be available. So don’t wait too long to your travel schedule for next year. Because we all know it’s time to get back on the road, and enjoy the fun in 2021.

To learn more about the Wisconsin Dells area, please visit Wisconsindells.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME’S NEW SHELL is shown off by Mistwood Professional Dan Phillips (L) and Master Fitter Eric Russell (R). Russell is a national finalist for Fitter of the Year in 2020. The MGD is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook call (630)-739-7600 to get your hitting bay tee time scheduled. Lessons and Club fittings are now available.      _____________________________________________________________________

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 or Instagram. In the clubhouse at Trappers Turn in the Wisconsin Dells.

YOU HAVE HEARD about all the great golf destinations in Wisconsin. Or have you ?

So you know about Erin Hills, Kohler, Sand Valley, the Lake Geneva Area. Yes they are good.

But there is another place to put on your bucket list if your heading north into Wisconsin to play golf.

The Wisconsin Dells.

Located just north of Madison, and a easy commute from the Chicago area. In fact less than three hours.

So you have heard about all the water parks and slides in the Dells. Yes there are some of them, and one really massive rollercoaster that will make your head spin. But there is also some really great golf in the Dells, giving you a place to make your wedges spin golf balls on the greens.

The new Trappers Turn massive putting green, should open in June of 2021. It will have lights for night putting.

Trappers Turn was designed by 2-time U.S. Open Champion Andy North, who is back at work again on the property.

Not only is North over-seeing the one-acre putting green that will have lights for night putting, but he is creating a new 12 hole par 3 course as well.

The new par-3 course called “North 12” is because there is 12 holes. North is working on the design with Craig Haltom, from Oliphant-Haltom Golf. So if your wondering about the land used for the course, Haltom is good at finding top notch land for golf holes. In fact Haltom is so good, he helped create one of the best golf resorts in America. Haltom found Sand Valley in Wisconsin when it belonged to a lumber company. He called Mike Keiser and the rest is history.

But the new history in the Wisconsin Dells, begins next June, or at least that’s the plan if winter isn’t too harsh. A new king-sized putting green with lights, a new short course with 12 par-3 holes (that should have lights).

One of the new Par-3 holes, on 12 North at Trappers Turn. Opening June of 2021.

More improvements off the golf course are in place or are coming.

A vineyard has been growing on property since late 2018. But sorry no home-brewed wine is coming at the turn. So do you like brandy ?

If so, that might be an option before too long. But for those of you who do enjoy wine, the 1,000 bottle wine room is already open-enjoy.

Trappers Turn has 27 holes, three great nines, the Lake, the Canyon, and the Arbor. There are 83 bunkers on the golf course, and you will find water on 13 of the holes.

The par 3-7th hole on the Canyon Nine is one of the most photographed holes on the golf course.

If you have a score of 64 for 18 holes in your bag, you can challenge Ryder Cup Team USA Captain Steve Stricker’s course record from the Wisconsin State Open some 30 years ago.

Ownership of the golf course, are the same people who own the nearby Kalahari Resort.

The resort has a water slide, and indoor pool. There are plenty of good rooms at the resort, but maybe even better are the log cabin villa’s at Lake  Delton, just a couple of miles from the main resort.

There are plans that have been delayed for a lodge with at least 28 rooms on property at the golf course. Once the threat from Covid-19 passes, those plans are expected to move forward.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the interview with Trappers Turn GM and Director of Golf Patrick Steffes.

For more information on everything happening at Trappers Turn, please call (608)-253-7000 or visit TrappersTurn.com.

This story is Part 1 of 2, from our fall trip to the Wisconsin Dells. Part 2 features Wild Rock Golf Club, and the Chula Vista Resort. Chula Vista is home to the Cold Water Canyon Golf Course, one of the oldest clubs in the State of Wisconsin.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-Complete with a new shell for the 2020-2021 and beyond golf seasons. The dome is open, but hitting time reservations are currently needed. Lessons and club fittings are available. For details Mistwoodgolfdome.com.      _____________________________________________________________________

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 FINAL FEW DAYS OF 2020 is upon us, but will the jump into 2021 be much better.

I think we should all hope it has to be.

The year ahead could be off to a slow start, until most people have their Covid shots.

But for now the good thing about the year ahead, is that the first golf outing of 2021 is THIS SUNDAY. Because the Eskimo Open at Cog Hill is on the tee.

The Bears-Packer game is now pushed to 3:25. So plenty of time to get your 18 holes in, and finish in time to see the entire game.

About 200 golfers are already signed up, and it appears there won’t be large amounts of snow on the ground. Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-264-4455 (COG-HILL). Home of the honey. So have you had Cog Hill honey, made by honey bees at Cog Hill. I gave some out as Christmas gifts and the feedback reports are all positive.

AND an even bigger thumbs-up came back from the Erin Hills Pilsner I gave as gifts to family and friends. Currently Erin Hills is closed and out of stock on it’s beer for 2020.  Because somebody bought out the remaining stock a few weeks back. I wonder who-LOL.

IF YOU NEED A GIFT or want to spend a gift card. Here are two great idea’s that got two thumbs-up from friends and family, I gave these items out as gifts over Christmas.

So coming up on the week ahead. I’ll have more on my fall trip to the Wisconsin Dells. Plus on New Years Eve, I’ll wrap up 2020. Because in spite of the virus, it was an amazing year for golf.

SO DID YOU get clubs for Christmas, or gift cards to go get clubs. If so, are you in the now what to do. First thing is. If you have time off this week or next. Go test out clubs before you buy. Plenty of places to go do that. I don’t have any schedules yet on demo days from the golf domes or equipment companies.

But there is plenty of new equipment that came out in the last 90 days for you to go hit. Do so. Because there is everything from drivers to putters to test out. IF someone bought you clubs without telling you in advance, don’t be afraid to return them if you need to. Club fitting, whether it’s at the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook, Club Champion, PGA Tour Store or your local club, is still the best way to go.

As the real part of winter approaches, is it time to get away now. Or are you ready to plan that spring trip with friends or family. I will have more thoughts on travel within the next week. DO NOT get scared into staying home, because the state wants you to, and threatens you with quarantine rules.

I AM really excited for our friend golf architect Ray Hearn from Holland Michigan. Ray has plenty of projects going on for next year, which means there is more great golf ahead for golfers who will play courses with his designs. I see some trips to Michigan ahead. Locally Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville is a Hearn design, open to the public. For more information see my story from last weekend on Ray Hearn.

THE LOCAL RENOVATION’S continue in 2021 at the Olympia Fields Country Club. With the South Course seeing 9 holes getting done in 21, and the other nine in 2022.  But when it’s all done, the South Course could be missing a bunch of trees.

OVER THE NEXT COUPLE of days, I’ll have some stories on the Wisconsin Dells area. And it’s still not too late to book a New Years Eve stay. RS.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME in Bolingbrook is open daily. But go on the website and your reservation before you arrive for a hitting bay. Mistwoodgolfdome.com for details.    ______________________________________________________________________

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. Happy Holidays.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME and McWethy’s Sports Bar are open, for carry-outs. Please call ahead for food or golf.

Lessons and club fittings are available. And you can schedule time online. Mistwoodgolfdome.com. Call (630)-739-7600.

Fitter Eric Russell has been named by the National Club Fitting Council, a finalist for Fitter of the Year. Congrats to Eric, here’s to a solid finish when all the votes are in.

For hitting balls, yes you do need to make a reservation in advance. So please arrive only 10 minutes in advance. So you can be ready to go when it’s your time to hit.

McWethy’s Tavern at the Mistwood Golf Club is open for to-go’s, see McwethysTavern.com for more information.

The Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, is ready to welcome golfers on Jan. 3rd for the Eskimo Open.

COG HILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB has announced that field is filling up quickly for the first golf outing of 2021.

Because the annual Eskimo Open starts next Sunday January 3rd at 7 Am, with tee times running through 11 Am.

So as of Christmas Day the field is at over 190 golfers.

To learn more about fees, and awards, call Cog Hill at (866)-264-4455 (CogHill). So start your 2021 golf season in the Eskimo Open on January 3rd.

MISSION INN RESORT 35 minutes northeast of Orlando Florida, is offering a great way to welcome in the New Year. New Years Eve special’s. So why stay in Illinois where everything is closed, go to Florida and enjoy warm weather great golf and more. Do call Mission Inn Resort at (800)-874-9053 or visit MissionInnResort.com. Because it’s time to start the new year the right way.

Play Pinehurst Course 2, the U.S. Open Course.

So do you need a deal. Because starting 2021 the right way, is a great way to get back to normal.

Are you ready to visit the Cradle of Golf in America ?

Right now through the end of February, you can visit Pinehurst for the best rates of the year. So grab them while you can.

So trade in your mittens for 1-Glove and enjoy the $243.00 per night rate.

And see what all you get by visiting Pinehurst.com. Because it’s always a beautiful day in Pinehurst. Pinehurst a U.S. Open anchor site.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. And all week long. RS

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Call (630)-739-7600 for details on hours & reservations due to Covid restrictions. Lesson & Fittings available. _____________________________________________________________________

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

Architect Ray Hearn in the Ross Tartan jacket, for members of the American Society Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).

ARCHITECT RAY HEARN based in Holland Michigan, is one of the few members of the American Society Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), who is also an Evans Scholar (Michigan State University).

Hearn is best known for his work in the Chicago area at both Mistwood Golf Club, and Flossmoor Golf Club.

But when it comes to Chicago, Hearn is far from done. In fact, Hearn will be in town at least one day a week, every week from August to December in 2021.

However Hearn is not waiting until August to make his first windy-city appearance next year. He will have three projects that are moving forward.

The Par 3 7th hole at Flossmoor Golf Club.

Hearn did a renovation of the Flossmoor Country Club, as it was known when the project started in 2006. (Now Flossmoor Golf Club).

It wrapped up in 2008, but not exactly how Hearn had hoped it would. Hearn in will return in 2021 to Flossmoor, and begin the tree removal plan he didn’t finish over 10 years ago.

Several hundred trees were removed the last time around, and now 500 more are expected to be removed this spring. That and some other minor tweaks will add to the new look Flossmoor.

Hearn’s bigger task in town next year is the Midlothian Country Club in the south suburbs. Midlothian will host the 2023 Western Junior Championship. Hearn says he will have the course, championship ready before 2023. Because of improvements to the bunkers and a increase of yardage.

The golf course at the Oak Brook Hills Resort is on Hearn’s hit list, but the time tables on that project seem “to be determined”. But decisions are expected in 2021.

The par 4, 4th hole at Mistwood Golf Club, designed by Ray Hearn.

Hearn takes pride that his work at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, that will host the Illinois State Amateur in 2021.

But it comes with some sadness for Hearn. Mistwood owner Jim McWethy passed away this past summer, and Hearn calls the loss of his good friend a “punch in the gut.”

“This was a tournament that Jim always wanted to host at Mistwood,” says Hearn. “This would have meant a lot to him this coming summer during tournament week.”

Hearn’s profile continues grow on a national level, and even more in his home state of Michigan.

First up for Hearn in 2020, was renovation work at Metedeconk Country Club in New Jersey, this Robert Trent Jones Sr. project, with follow-ups from Jones assistant Roger Rulewich. Work is on-going as winter sets in. But Metedeconk is seeing some Top 100 recognition from a few national rating services, as improvements are made.

Back in Michigan Hearn is getting ready for several projects. The Water’s Edge Golf Course in Freemont Michigan, that will see the creation of new holes and a large practice area. That will be one of the biggest in Michigan.

Washtenaw Country Club an 1899 design will have Hearn taking out some 400 trees as part of a restoration. White Lake Golf Club that has many of it’s members from the Chicago area, will have Hearn reworking this Tom Bendelow classic.

Lincoln Golf Club in Muskegon County will have Hearn working on it’s practice range. While Hearn will also be kept busy at the 1920 Classic Coldwater Golf Course in Coldwater Michigan.

The 3rd hole on the Donald Ross Memorial Course at Boyne Highlands.

But perhaps one of Hearn’s biggest projects in his home state, will be a 3-course project to start with at Boyne Resorts.

The Donald Ross Memorial Course at Boyne Highlands will be updated.

A second project will be the Moor Course at Boyne Highlands, followed by a par-3 course that Hearn has big expectations for.

Outside of Michigan, Hearn is very excited about creating a brand new 18-hole golf course in Idaho. In addition to a project in New York that will have Hearn restoring an old-classic 9 hole Donald Ross that is now under new ownership. But that’s not all, as the new owner of the Ross Course has purchased over 100 acres of adjoining land. So Hearn will be constructing new holes on that part of the property.

At Midlothian, Hearn and the club’s maintenance team discovered a bin, of old notes and plans from Donald Ross. During the time Ross consulted at the club in 1912-1913, prior to the 1914 U.S. Open. Hearn called the find, “pure gold” if your an architect trying to learn from the clubs history and original designs.

Golfers who play in Chicago and Michigan, can find much of Hearn’s work. Over the next few years, they will find a bit more of Hearn’s handiwork to test their game against.