MCWETHY’S TAVERN at Mistwood Golf Club on Renwick Road in Romeoville is open for indoor dining. So before or after your round, come enjoy McWethy’s Tavern one of the best 19th holes in the Chicago area. See MistwoodGolf.com or call (815)-254-3333.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn. With Mistwood fitting instructor and IPGA professional Chris Ioriatti, in the Mistwood Performance Center.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB has been awarded a ‘Best Golf Schools & Academies’ 2021 award by the Editors of Golf Digest Magazine.

But while the club is a first time winner in this category, it’s no stranger to receiving recognition from numerous golf organizations. Golf Range Magazine has honored Mistwood 8 times over the last decade.

Golf Digest called Mistwood a place that has created a unique, and fun experience, with an award winning staff and technology.

“It’s an incredible recognition to be on this list of some of the most elite instructors and facilities in the country,” said Andy Mickelson, Director of Golf. “Because the backbone of Mistwood has always been a strong golf culture. Because that begins with having the best PGA and LPGA professionals leading your instruction. So whether it’s working with the beginner whose goal is to make contact, all the way up to top high school talent looking to play in college. The Mistwood team is best suited to help you reach your goals.”

BECAUSE MISTWOOD at the golf club or in it’s Bolingbrook Golf Dome. Offers technology like Toptracer range, multiple Trackman’s, SAM Putt Lab, and a V1 Sports Branded academy. Your options to be a better golfer are all at one location. But if you need a full service club repair and fitting studio’s, Mistwood can offer you that.

CLICK HERE-to hear the full interview with Mistwood Director of Golf Andy Mickelson.

So to learn more about Mistwood and it’s golf programs for this summer, see MistwoodGolf.com or call (815)-254-3333.

JOHN DEERE CLASSIC TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR CLAIR PETERSON speaks at Media Day in 2019. Welcome to the home of John Deere. Nothing Runs Like a Deere.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Instagram. At the 2019 John Deere Classic.

THE JOHN DEERE CLASSIC (JDC) returns this year from July 8-11.

But other news includes, not only will there be a JDC in 2021, but a limited amount of spectators will be allowed in to see all the action.

Because of the pandemic there have been changes to all aspects of this years JDC.

But in spite of no tournament last year, the JDC and it’s Birdies for Charity program still raised $12.2 million dollars. These funds were delivered to 465 organizations in the Quad Cities area.

“We are excited to kick off our annual Birdies for Charity fundraising effort. We’re also prepared to welcome back fans and sponsors to TPC Deere Run this summer with the highest safety standards in place,” said John Deere Classic tournament director Clair Peterson at this weeks media conference at Smart Lexus of Quad Cities in Davenport Iowa.

Peterson added,” we are promising that each participating organization be paid a minimum of a 5% bonus on all monies collected on their behalf. Tournament revenue is a key component in the Birdies for Charity model, and we are optimistic that having fans back will help us do even better than in 2020.”

Dylan Frittelli is the defending champion for this years John Deere Classic.

DYLAN FRITTELLI is still the defending champion for this years JDC, based on his win in 2019.

But this year there are changes to the Birdies for Charity program.

Donation amounts will not be tied to the number of birdies recorded by players in the field. Donors can just make a flat contribution to the charity of their choice.

But donors can still try to guess the amount of birdies made in the pro-am and the 72 holes of the JDC. The winner will still get a 2-year lease on a 2021 Lexus NX. Because of capacity limitations there will be no complimentary tickets this year. This applies to charity tickets, donation requests, and Partner Program credentials.

So the deadline for contest and Partner donations is June 21, 2021. All pledge forms are available at BirdiesforCharity.com. There is no in-person pickup. But for more tournament information, please see JohnDeereClassic.com

BRAD BREWER STANDS BY THE SIDE OF HIS GOLF ACADEMY in Orlando Florida. (Photo’s by Rory Spears).

Brad Brewer, a Winona Minnesota native, who went on to become a teaching golf professional in Orlando Florida, has passed away at age 60, after a short battle with cancer.

Brewer was first diagnosed earlier this year, and the aggressive form of cancer took his life within a 3 1/2 month period.

Brewer’s golf academy is located at Rosen-Shingle Creek Golf Club, a popular golf facility in the Orlando area. But for many years Brewer was an assistant to Arnold Palmer at Bay Hill, and ran golf schools for the King. Brewer not only worked with Arnold Palmer as Palmer’s teaching professional, but numerous other top name golf professionals.

But during his time with Palmer, Brewer learned so much about golf and life, Brewer turned author and penned the book, Mentored by the King a popular seller. But in addition to golf and writing, Brewer was also an artist and painted many famous golf courses and golf holes from around the world. Several of his paintings hung on the walls of his golf academy.

The Brad Brewer Golf Academy will remain open, with golf instruction now being headed up by Chris Spalla. Spalla grew up in Orlando Park Illinois, learning and playing the game at Olympia Fields Country Club.

More information about Brad Brewer and his golf academy can be found at Bradbrewer.com.

All of us at Golfers on Golf, send our heartfelt condolences to the Brewer family. RS

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO IS BACK TOMORROW APRIL 17TH. Tee time is at 4 Pm, at least for now on Am 820 WCPT. Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and Rory Spears all return, along with Illinois Golf Hall of Famer the Daily Herald’s Len Ziehm who will the show’s first round live. Brendan Sweeny from the French Lick Resort will also be live on the show. Chicago’s award winning golf show is back for 25 weeks in 2021-Time to hit it ______________________________________________________________________

Rory Spears (L) and Len Ziehm (R) record the Ziehm & spears podcast in sunny Florida this past February.

ZIEHM & SPEARS are back.

Podcast Series 2021, Volume 12, with all the Chicago and beyond golf news.

So hear all the local golf news as it happens right here at Ziehm and Spears.

Because this week Len and Rory discuss the return of Golfers on Golf Radio.

What’s news at Cog Hill, where the driving range has been redone for night time hours for the first time ever. But there is more about the range renovations, listen to Ziehm and Spears to learn more.

Mistwood Golf Club has won a national award from Golf Digest for it’s golf schools. The Heritage Oaks Clubhouse is progressing. So is the golf course as it grows in for a mid-summer re-opening. Clubhouse progress is happening at Fox Run in Elk Grove, and at The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. But has not started yet at Settlers Hill in Batavia.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2021-Volume 12.

So learn more about the season ahead at the French Lick Resort in French Lick Indiana. Thanks for listening Len and Rory.

THE PINEHURST PINE CONE one of the best beverage carts in America, will move to other places around the Pinehurst Resort his fall. The new Cradle Bar will replace it this fall. To learn more about Pinehurst, the home of American golf, go visit Pinehurst.com.   _____________________________________________________________________

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO RETURNS this Saturday with a tee time at 4 Pm on Am 820 WCPT Chicago. (L to R) Rory Spears-Ed Stevenson, and Bill Berger.

Chicago’s longest running and only award winning golf show is back on the airwaves this Saturday on WCPT-AM 820.

Illinois PGA member Ed Stevenson, PGA Life member and former PGA Tour player Bill Berger, and long time Chicago golf and team sports media member Rory Spears return for the shows 31st season.

But FOR NOW there is a new tee time of 4 Pm, with the show putting out at 5 pm. So you the golfer will have live commentary while the PGA Tour, PGA Champions Tour, The Korn Ferry Tour and the LPGA Tour and the years major championships are on the air.

To round out the staff, 52 year veteran golf writer, 2019 Illinois Golf Hall of Fame inductee and the Daily Herald golf columnist Len Ziehm returns again this year, as weekly contributor and fill-in show host. Ziehm can still be heard weekly on the Ziehm & Spears podcast series.

Illinois Golf 2019 Hall of Fame Inductee Len Ziehm returns for another season on Golfers on Golf Radio.

Golfers on Golf had hoped to return on April 3rd, but would have to do so on our sister station WNDZ-AM 750.

So we decided to start in one place on April 17th, and stay there for the season, however long that might be in 2021.

Because over the course of the summer and beyond, there will be plenty to talk about. So stay with us at Golfers on Golf. There will be more about the return of one of America’s Top 3 rated golf radio shows in America. All this week on this site and social media pages.

The Arnold Palmer Cup at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

THIS JUST IN. As of NOW there will be no spectators allowed in to ‘The Arnold Palmer Cup’ on June 11-12-13. The matches will be held at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

Two weeks ago 10,300 fans were allowed into Wrigley Field for the season opener in April. But it appears that Kane County is scared to let anyone into a sporting event come mid-June.

What’s up with this ? This situation needs to be revisited before long. Because it would be nice to get a few thousand fans into The Arnold Palmer Cup all three days in June. The Korn Ferry Tour and the Western Golf Association (WGA) is allowing spectators into the Glen Club. As the Evans Scholars Invitational (ESI) returns to Glenview at the end of May.

PITCH FIX a leader in golf repair tools, and other golf products. Today announced the launch of a new website. www.pitchfix.com.

TITLEIST has released several new clubs in the last 30 days. So check out our recent features on everything Titleist in the posts below. The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville is holding a pick you pin scramble this weekend. Sign up today as the event is almost full. For more details call the Mistwood Pro Shop at (815)-254-3333 or visit Mistwoodgc.com. #McWethys       _____________________________________________________________________

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

THIS WEEKS EDITION of the Sunday Morning Short Game-News Column, is a look at several new products that are just now on the market by the Titleist Golf Company.

The Titleist TSi4 Driver

TITLIEST has created yet another new driver, with the addition of the new TSi4 low spin but with advanced speed and better distance.

Because of what this driver brings to the tee box, three Titleist staff players Adam Scott, Russell Henley and Richy Werenski have added this driver into their golf bag.

“The TSi4 fulfills the ultra-low spin product within our TSi lineup,” said Stephanie Luttrell, Director of Titleist Metalwood Development. “For those players that need aggressive spin reduction to improve their distance, we now have that product in the TSi lineup.”

The (CG) on this driver is the lowest in the TSi family. It comes with the new ATI 425 Aerospace Titanium face construction never before used in golf. So Titleist is touting this driver as the straightest-best looking, and best sounding Titleist driver ever made.

TSi4 is available in lofts of 8.0-9.0-10.0/LH 9.0. There are multiple shaft options, with a featured Golf Pride Grip. The TSi4 driver is now available with a MAP of $549.00.

The TSI1 metals line.

TSi1 Metals were created to build on the success of the Titleist TSi2 and TSi3 metals.

But TSi1 family metals are made for those golfers with moderate (less than 90 mph) swing speed.

Because this swing speed says Titliest represents 30% of all golfers.

The TSi1 metals are now available in pro shops and golf shops everywhere. So you want lightweight ? How about a driver that at 460cc is nearly 40g lighter than most standard drivers. But like the TSi drivers, the TSi1 metal driver comes with the new ATI 425 Aerospace Titanium Face.

Luttrell says,” this product takes Titleist speed to another level to another level for the moderate speed player. Golfers will enjoy greater consistency and maximizing their club speed.”

The TSi1 fairway metals are a true lightweight set-up-almost 50 grams lighter than standard fairway metals. So to make the club lighter, 10 grams of weight was taken out of the clubhead. TSi1 features an Aldila Ascent lightweight shaft 40g, and offers a lightweight Golf Pride grip.

So for more information on lofts and pricing (drivers $549.00 and fairway metals $299.00) see Titleist.com

TSi2 and TSi3 Hybrids

THE ADDITION of TSi Hybrids brings a new standard to the Hybrid game.

Because Titleist promotes hybrids as a scoring club, not a rescue club. But the new TSi hybrids are engineered for golfers, looking to change out long irons from their bag.

So the new TSi2 and TSi3 hybrids come with new looks and playing options.

Because Tsi2 is a forgiving ‘workhorse’ that provides a high launch and should be a favorite choice for players who like the look of a fairway metal. They offer a mid-launch with precise distance, and iron-like control.

The options on these two hybrid designs, built with input from the Titleist pro staff set them apart, while being able to adjust these clubs is something many golfers will appreciate.

The TSi2 and TSi3 hybrids are now available in golf shops worldwide at a MAP of $279.00. But see Titleist.com for more information on grips and shaft options.

VOKEY SM8 Wedges Blue Slate.

NOT TO BE left out of this run of Titleist products, are the Vokey SM8 wedges.

Ultra Premium-Slate Blue.

“A player has to love their wedge when they look down at it,” said master wedge designer Bob Vokey. Vokey wedges make up almost half of all wedges played on the PGA Tour. Vokey says that finishes might look great. But don’t often last long with consistent use. But Vokey says the new Slate Blue will last through normal course of play.

The other finishes available in Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel, Raw and Jet Black finishes. You can now purchase SM8 with Blue Slate as of March 19th. Cost is $199.00, True Temper Shafts Dynamic Shafts Gold S200, come with a variety of grip options. So you want more, yes custom stamping is available. For more information see Vokey.com or Titleist.com

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT has reopened all three of it’s golf courses for 2021. So book your tee time and overnight stay at FrenchLick.com Sr. LPGA now August 23-29.    _____________________________________________________________________

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

THE NEW SCOTTY CAMERON 2021 Phantom X Putters.

SCOTTY CAMERON has added to it’s line of Phantom Putters, with new editions for 2021.

So while the Phantom X 5 and X 5.5 will replace the current options available. The new Phantom X 11 and and X 11.5 models, with wingback mallets – will add new options that are engineered for performance.

Both options are now available for purchase in golf shops around the world.

All four of the putters come with a solid stainless steel face, and bodies with shapes and neck configurations.

The 2021 Scotty Cameron Phantom 5

“Working with our games best players gives me the perspective   into what they are looking for in a mallet putter. From the types of metals used to subtle changes in shaft, these new Phantom X models offer a brand new, highly requested options that build on our most popular models from 2020. I’ve had so many people asking for a putter like Justin Thomas’ gamer-and the Phantom X 5.5 is my direct answer. It has a solid 303 stainless steel face and body with aluminum in the sole and a small slant or ‘jet’ neck for more tole flow.”

“For less toe flow, we have the Phantom X 5 with a single bend shaft. With the Phantom X 11 or X 11.5, I was able to design a more compact wingback mallet with a stainless steel face in conjunction with a 6061 aircraft aluminum for a look and that just performs while being very stable and forgiving. This line extension adds for new options that will most definitely pique the interest of mallet players,” said Scott Cameron Master Putter Designer.”

Because the Phantom X 5 goes beyond an upgrade. Scotty completely did a redesign on the new X 5. This redone mid-mallet will bring in comparisons to past Futura models.

But the Phantom X 5.5 is inspired by the Justin Thomas’ tour setup, the new Phantom X 5.5 replaces it’s predecessor and includes a small slant neck inspired by JT’s upgrades to the putter.

Phantom X 11 has comparisons with the wingback Phantom X 12 and the new Phantom X 5. But it provides newer options in a compact, performance mallet. But this edition of the Phantom line adds darker visual alignment cures at address.

Phantom X 11.5 is identical to the X 11. But it’s shaft configurations are different. Because the low-bend shaft enhances tow-flow. This model has swept-back trimmed wings, and a clean topline. Now available at a MAP cost of $429.00. For more information see Titleist.com or Scottycameron.com/2021-phantom.x

SAVE THE DATE-Wednesday August 11th, it’s the 2021 Links Technology Golf Outing at the Schaumburg Golf Club, benefitting the Schaumburg Park Foundation in it’s 40th year of supporting recreation and leisure opportunities in the community. Because this outing sells out quickly, you should sign up quickly for this day of golf. But is followed by prize drawings & steak dinner at Chandlers Chophouse. To register call (847)-885-9000. ______________________________________________________________________

Architect Greg Martin walks a restored green at the Park Ridge Country Club in fall of 2020.

BATAVIA BASED ARCHITECT GREG MARTIN, has been busy the last several years, and 2021 will be no different.

Because Martin has had a great run in restoring Chicago area golf courses, and gets his clients the most bang for the buck. Which is key when in many cases you working with public money in terms of tax payer dollars.

But one of Martin’s recent projects was a private club. The Park Ridge Country Club needed upgrades in time for this summers Women’s Western Golf Association’s (WWGA) Amateur Championship. Because of the pandemic, Park Ridge was able to take advantage of the shutdown, and get a head start on the project. As a result it’s now ready for the WWGA Championship. Martin Design also has done restoration work at the Aurora Country Club, that will host this summer’s WWGA Girls Junior Championship.

The 11th green at Park Ridge Country Club. Photo courtesy of Martin Design.

At Park Ridge Country Club there was a list of improvements needed, to make the course championship ready. But also for better day-to-day play for it’s members and guests.

Creating a refreshed playing strategy for the golf course, in conjunction with infrastructure improvements, such as bunkers, drainage, minor grading, and some green and tee expansions.

“There was a number of items on the clubs wish list. Including bunker maintenance, downsizing, relevance, playability and bunker recovery after a rain event,” said Martin. “These were 20-year-old bunkers with flat bottoms and steep grassed faces with unmaintainable and unplayable slopes. There were some very interesting architectural characteristics and other that were ill-fitting. So the intent was to consolidate, realign and regrade the bunkers and other nearby features to soften the edges. But to take advantage of landscape characteristics and more the golf course more playable without removing it’s teeth.”

The 18th hole at Park Ridge Country Club.

Martin added,” the golf course was refreshed and invigorated. For most of the membership, there will be places to play away from the hazards, but the course will hold up against better players. Hazards will be more visible and less arbitrary. But drainage systems have been simplified to allow for a more rapid recovery after heavy rains.”

Wadsworth Construction completed the work on time and on budget, at this historic Herbert Tweedie design.

Chris Clark, the Green Chairman for Park Ridge said, “the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The membership has been energized and engaged throughout the process. The visual effects, the layering of the bunkers, and the playability have been enhanced tremendously.”

Park Ridge Country Club, founded in 1906.

But Clark went on to add,” our goal was to ensure that Park Ridge Country Club remains one of the finest golf experiences in the area. In these uncertain times, it is critical to have a top-notch golf facility. You will be glad to know PRCC currently has a waitlist, and membership that is very strong. That’s due in large part to our crown jewel: our renovated golf course.”

“The visual and strategic impact of the renovation is outstanding and the golf at Park Ridge is now the best it’s ever been,” said Joel Purpur Park Ridge Country Club’s golf superintendent.”

SETTLERS HILL GOLF COURSE in Batavia is undergoing a full renovation in 2021 by Greg Martin. The course is closed in 2021 and will reopen in mid-summer of 2022. (R) The re-shaping of the first hole.

By fall of 2020, Martin had completed the design of the new four-hole short course/Youth Links, with holes from 50 to 110 yards. But this includes a central based hitting area that offers hitting to all the greens during instruction.

A new practice range comprising 36,000 sf. of natural grass teeing area, with multiple targets has been shaped in. Tree clearing to help with improvements on various holes. Which paves the way for the installation of the new pump house.

“The golfers of Kane County should be very excited,” said Martin. “Because this landscape is so dynamic. Tailoring the feature development to the scale of the property is vital. I am excited to see how these improvements are coming together.

Martin announced upcoming improvements to both Naperville Park District courses Springbrook and Naperbrook. So both courses will be open for play for all of the 2021 golf season. But some work will begin this fall.

GREG MARTIN is a past president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA). His work at both Phillips Park in Aurora, and the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison, have received national awards form various associations and national golf publications.

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

A NEW DAY IS RISING at the French Lick Resort in French Lick Indiana. So when it’s time to travel-travel back to the French Lick Resort. Play and stay’s at FrenchLick.com.  _____________________________________________________________________

Len Ziehm and Rory Spears in the PGA Village studio’s in Port St. Lucie Florida.

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2021-Volume 11.

Len and Rory discuss the Masters Tournament and some of the major players in the field, and how their week is going.

But there is talk about our Chicago area players, Nick Hardy on the Korn Ferry Tour and Doug Ghim on PGA Tour.

NCAA college golf is back, plus one former University of Illinois player is headed back to his home state of Indiana. But speaking of Indiana, golf has restarted at the French Lick Resort. The Senior LPGA Championship is back at the end of August on the Pete Dye Course.

But there is even more from Indiana, because a new Pete Dye Golf Course is opening in Zionsville Indiana. So be on the look out for Holliday Farms Golf Club.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast series 2021-Volume 11.

LEN & RORY discuss the Par 3 Cradle Course at Pinehurst and the new on course bar coming this fall. So thanks for listening. Len and Rory.

THE MANOR INN of Pinehurst. Remodeled, Redone, Ready for you. Arnie loved the Inn, you will too. Walking distance from the Pinehurst Brew-Pub. Visit Pinehurst.com       _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and connect on LinkedIn or Instagram. Photo by Jack Bickart.

IT’S BEEN NAMED one of the best par-3 golf courses in America.

So why make it better ?

Because they can, and the demand from golfers to play and stay, for hours out on the Cradle at Pinehurst is creating a need for even better options on the golf course.

Credit the Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst North Carolina, the home of American golf, for taking the concept of par-3 golf to the next level.

A look at the new Cradle bar

Designer Gil Hanse made the most of the land he had to work with, which really wasn’t much.

So what Hanse accomplished in just over 3 acres is amazing. Because the Cradle has become one of the hot spots of Pinehurst.

The Cradle has become a home for golfers of ages, and skill levels. But since Pinehurst has offered an all-day rate to play the Cradle. Golfers have spent hours on the course just having fun.

The famed Pinecone-Pinehurst’s unique beverage cart.

But while the ‘Pinecone’ one of the most unique beverage carts in golf, was keeping golfers hydrated, and offered some munchies. Pinehurst has decided to expand those options.

Because the new ‘Cradle Bar’ will offer not just food and drink, but restrooms that were lacking on the course.

So the good news is that, while the Cradle Bar that will open this fall (official date TBD) the Pinecone will not go away, but it will get strategically moved around the resort where needed.

So learn more about a Pinehurst Resort stay and play at Pinehurst.com.