SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is one of the Chicago area’s full year round golf operations. Because you can golf inside or outside all year. Currently the simulators are open, and they can help have your game ready for when the outdoor season returns. But now there is more, Chandlers Chophouse in the clubhouse is open for indoor dining (Closed Monday’s). So book your tee time by calling (847)-885-9000, where you can play the recently renovated 27 holes at SGC on the simulators. Schaumburggolf.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. At the Mission Inn pro shop-Howey in the Hills Florida.

I’M AT THE LAST STOP of my almost 1 month long trip, and it’s back to where it all started.

The Southern Pines-Pinehurst area. This time I’ll see the Pine Needles-Mid Pines Resort. That will host the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open.

This trip has been eye-opening when it comes to golf and travel. Next Monday this column will be-what we learned, a full recap of almost 1 month on the road, seeing golf properties in three states.

Coming up this week, I’ll have more stories on the properties I visited, and the next edition of Ziehm & Spears Podcast Series 2021. Innisbrook Resort GM Mike Williams sat down with Len and I for a talk about the resort in Packard’s Restaurant, named for the great golf architect Larry Packard. Who lives at Innisbrook until he passed away a few years ago at age 101.

The first big golf event in the Chicago area this year, will be the Arnold Palmer Cup at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. Recently Len and I caught up with Rich Harvest Farms owner Jerry Rich at the famed Pinetree Golf Club in Boynton Beach Florida.

Rich is excited about the Palmer Cup for this year coming up in June, he hopes for a good fan turnout, and that pandemic guidelines will allow that to happen. Because it would be nice to see 5,000 to 7,000 fans a day walking the grounds at Rich Harvest Farms for the matches.

IT’S TOO BAD that there is a weather setback today in the Chicago area, because it seems like some courses were starting to open for the season. But-hey, it’s only March no reason to rush things. Because the courses need some dry out time anyway. There was a lot of snow for a while, and when I left town. Now I’m hoping it’s all gone when I get home in a few days.

BTW-the next time you hear that nobody is traveling anymore. Don’t believe them. You should also not believe the saying, everyone is working from home now. They aren’t. I couldn’t get a hotel for 2 days as I started up and out of Florida. Everything was booked solid, no rooms were available. One golf property could not fit me in for a visit, because they have been full for months. Amazing. Golf is back and traveling is heating up. Hopefully the weather and temperatures are as well.

OUR LOCAL PGA TOUR PLAYER Arlington Heights native Doug Ghim, had a great run at the Players Championship, but had another Sunday blow-up, this time with 2 bad holes. Ghim is showing a lot of progress on tour, he now just needs to learn how to close on Sunday. Keep going Doug, your getting there.

NOW I’m off to see more of what LPGA Hall of Famer Peggy Kirk-Bell created at Pine Needles and Mid Pines Resort. Now with a third Donald Ross Golf Course, with the recent purchase of the Southern Pines Golf Club. The course is getting improvements with an architect Kyle Franz renovation.

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily at 7 Am. Call today to reserve a hitting bay and golf with Toptracer. Lessons and Club Fittings are available with the Mistwood Staff professionals. McWethy’s Sportbar is open for indoor dining. So get your game ready for the outdoor season. 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 to Mission Inn Resort and the historic El Campeon golf course.

TODAY IS THE FINAL ROUND of the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.

So tune in and watch Arlington Heights native Doug Ghim battle for the title. Because Ghim is in contention as the final round begins today on NBC.

BUT MORE good news comes in the fact that courses around the area are starting to open. But that could change if some expected snow hit’s the area.

Blackberry Oaks, Pine Meadow and Maple meadows are among golf courses that have opened in the last week to some capacity. And you can add White Deer Run as another golf course that has opened for the year.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein has announced some TaylorMade fitting days, and the PGA Jr. League schedule. So see it all at PineMeadowGC.com or call (847)-566-4653. While fellow Jemsek Golf Course’s Cog Hill, have announced their PGA Junior League schedule, learn more at Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-COG-HILL.

COG HILL also is taking pre-orders for your St. Patrick’s Day meal. Call Cog Hill at (866)-COG-HILL

BIG TEN GOLFERS OF THE WEEK in the last few weeks golfers of the week have included.  Sr. Michael Feagles of Illinois, twice after helping Illinois to win two tournaments. Northwestern Sophomore Irene kim with a +5 score and a second place finish at the Bruin Invitational in Somis, California. This past week Iowa Hawkeyes Sophomore Mac McClear shot a final round 65, to win the Spartan Collegiate his first win at Iowa. McClear a native of Hinsdale Illinois.

SENTRY WORLD in Stevens Point Wisconsin will reopen in 2021, after being closed for Covid-Precautions. The pro shop will open June 1st, and the golf course will reopen on August 17th, after improvements are completed to have the course ready for the 2023 U.S. Senior Open. Details at SentryWorld.com

CABOT LINKS in Canada, is announcing the Hillside homes that will be getting built. So for more information see Realestate@cabotlinks.com

TOPGOLF is announcing a new facility in Fort Myers Florida. It will be the 7th Topgolf facility in Florida. Details at Topgolf.com.

BEN HOGN GOLF COMPANY has added two new programs for golfers looking to but Hogan equipment. HoganFit and changes to it’s demo club program. For those who wish to not visit Brick & Mortar stores during the pandemic. Details BenHoganGolf.com.

NICHOLAS DUNLAP of Huntsville Alabama and Jacqueline Putrino were the winners of the Dustin Johnson World Junior Championship at TPC Myrtle Beach. Both players had to come from behind in the final round to win.

TOMORROW GOLFDATATECH will release it’s annual report on equipment and apparel sales for the golf industry. So stay tuned for all the numbers.

CLUB CHAMPION has signed Lexi Thompson as an ambassador. Thompson joins Jordan Spieth, David Ledbetter and Paige Spiranac as Club Champion amabassador’s, Thompson is already sporting the Club Champion log on her bag.

HOMEWOOD ILLINOIS has voted to ‘Not Approve’ the land in Orland Park that is currently part of Silver Lake Golf Course and Country Club. But this will not be the end of this attempt to sell the club for rezoning into homes.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT is back tomorrow. RS

OUTDOOR GOLF SEASON IS COMING so have you game ready by heading indoors at the Mistwood Golf Dome on RT. 53 in Bolingbrook, call (630)-739-7600 or visit MistwoodGolfDome.com. SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road has it’s simulators open on the lower level, with all 27 recently renovated holes at the Schaumburg Golf Club available for play. SchaumburgGolf.com or call (847)-885-9000.  ______________________________________________________________________

ZIEHM & SPEARS and SCHMIDT in Sterling Hall at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor Florida.

ZIEHM & SPEARS in Florida is back-and for the first time with a guest.

When Len and Rory took the streets of Florida, to study golf and the travel industry, we found an old friend and veteran golf sales executive.

Because when you have to know what’s going on, you find someone that has always been in the know.

So our first stop was Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor Florida. Where we connected with former Kemper Sports Management executive, Charleston South Carolina Partners Director, and Innisbrook Sales manager Doug Schmidt.

But even though Schmidt is normally out by his fishing hole these days. A chance to appear on Ziehm and Spears was too much for Schmidt to pass up.

So let the golf stories roll, and when it comes to Innisbrook and the resorts golf architect Larry Packard, there was plenty to tell. Because when your ready to travel and that should be any day now, think Florida, think Innisbrook. Golf, business, weddings and more.

CLCIK HERE TO HEAR THE Interview with golf industry executive Doug Schmidt. We hope you enjoy this part of the Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2021-Volume 7.

Thanks for listening, Len, Rory & Doug.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily at 7 Am. Lessons and club fittings are available, or golf with Toptracer. McWethy’s Sports Bar is now open for indoor dining. For more information visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com. or (630)-739-7600. ______________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram. In the pro shop at Mission Inn.

(Reporting from Streamsong Florida)

So what do you get when your dad and his friend, head out from the North Shore of Chicago, and travel through Mexico by horseback to see the country.

If your Bud Beucher you end up moving to Howey In The Hills Florida at age 7, to help your family run the golf course it just bought.

But there is more. Because as the years go by, that golf course becomes two golf courses, and a clubhouse becomes a full-blown resort, with rooms, restaurants and swimming pools.

Mission Inn resort owner Bud Beucher stands by the Spanish themed artwork in his office. A place where you can usually find him hard at work. Photo by Rory Spears.

Because Beucher had five older brothers and sisters attend Notre Dame for college, by the time it was his turn for college, Notre Dame was the last place he wanted to go.

So off to University of Arizona went Beucher, where he found Mission Inn’s current Director of Golf Michael Bowery in the parking lot his first day on campus. The two were three rooms apart in the dorm, and are both a big part of Mission Inn today.

Welcome to the Mission Inn resort.

But while Beucher handles the heavy lifting of the Mission Inn daily resort operation, he does have his sister Donna Line to lean on for help.

Line is the buyer for the resort and has a keen eye for apparel. Because if your stuck on which great looking golf shirt you should purchase in the pro shop, just ask Donna which one is best for you. She will have you looking stylish in no-time.

Welcome to the historic El Campeon golf course, one of the oldest in Florida. Now 104 years old.

Bud Beucher loves to tell the history of the Mission Inn, and how it became his families history.

Because from an early age on, Mission Inn became Beucher, and he became Mission Inn.

So when your looking for him, try his office. He basically lives on the resort property, and is in his office almost every day. 6 Am on Tuesday, he is there, 8 Pm on Wednesday. Beucher is likely still in his office.

Because it’s what it takes for a family business like Mission Inn to keep hitting on all cylinders. So if your traveling and want to get away from the hustle and bustle. But you want to be able to enjoy a theme park like Disney World (just 35 minutes away), Mission Inn resort is for you.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the interview with Mission Inn owner Bud Beucher and learn how Mission Inn Resort grew into what it is today.

One of things guests can count on when they visit Mission Inn, is top notch hospitality. but with all the comforts of home. So you want to play golf, two great courses to pick from. But if you need relaxation, try the spa. How about the pool and hot tubs, located near the main area of the resort. The poo area is complete with balconies and decks, that are lit up at night with some flame, and sparkle.

The resorts first course El Campeon is part of the great history of Florida golf, at 104 years old its elevation change provides some fun golf.  But it’s challenging too, just enough that Buecher speaks proudly of the high school championships played on the course. But the LPGA and USGA are coming over more often for tournaments and qualifiers when they need a good course in Florida.

So are you traveling with your family. If so, let the Beucher family welcome your family to Florida and Mission Inn. Because this family run business still knows how to do things the right way, with class and style. But with a touch that should allow you to relax when your away from home. But if your from the Chicago area, don’t be afraid to say-so. Because the Beucher’s enjoy having guests from their old-neck of the woods.

You can learn more about Mission In, and it’s long history, by listening to the interview above with Bud Beucher. Or please visit MissionInnresort.com.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB and the MISTWOOD GOLF DOME two of the Chicago area’s Year-Round golf operations, can get you ready for the upcoming golf season ahead. So head over to the simulators at the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road, or to the golf dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Call Schaumburg GC at (847)-885-9000 Schaumburggolf.com or Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600.      _____________________________________________________________________

Len Ziehm (L) and Rory Spears (R) back in Len Ziehm’s PGA Village Studio’s after 13 months.

SO THEY ARE BACK !

Ziehm & Spears Podcast Series 2021-volume 6.

So while Rory Spears has been traveling the last two weeks, and stock piling great golf stories.

Len Ziehm has put the studio back together at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie. With Ziehm’s bobble heads between us for social distancing, the podcast team with Chicago’s most complete weekly round up of golf news is back together again. Live or is it Memorex from Florida.

This week Len and Rory discuss the PGA Tour, Annika Sorenstam playing on the LPGA Tour after 13 years. Silver Lake Golf & CC up for sale. IPGA award winners. The Abbey Springs renovation. What’s new at Talamore-Mid South resort in Southern Pines. Public golf course memberships growing at more facilities. Michael Whan to the USGA. Topgolf and and Club Champion expanding with new locations around the country.

CLICK HEAR to hear Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2021-Volume 6.

Thanks for listening Len and Rory.

ZIEHM & SPEARS is comprised of Illinois Golf Hall of Fame inductee Len Ziehm, a Chicago area golf writer for over 50 years. Rory Spears is a co-host of the award winning Golfers on Golf Radio show, rated one of the top 3 golf radio shows in America. Rory has covered golf in the Chicago area and beyond for over 30 years.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME open daily at 7 Am, now with McWethy’s Sports Bar open for indoor dining. Lessons, Club Fittings and Golfing with Toptracer are now available. Call to book your hitting bay at (630)-739-7600 or MistwoodGolfDome.com. Located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. McWethy’s Tavern is open at Mistwood Golf Club.     ____________________________________________________________________

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- 3 spots still left.

Welcome to the Abbey Springs Golf Course in Lake Geneva.

THE ABBEY SPRINGS Golf Course in Lake Geneva/Fontana, has announced the course will close starting August 2nd, of 2021 for a $2.5 million dollar renovation.

The renovation project will be led by the Bob Lohmann-Todd Quitno golf course architectural firm.

Most recently in the Chicago area, Lohmann-Quitno has guided renovation projects at both White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville, and the Schaumburg Golf Club in Schaumburg. Which is part of the Schaumburg Park District.

A proposal of the new look 17th hole at Abbey Springs.

The renovation project will target an overhaul of the green complexes, improving fairway drainage and expanding 5 pond retention areas on the golf course.

Because of the renovation, the course will be closed from this August until April 30th in 2022.

The property owners of Abbey Springs voted to approve the project, last month. It will be the first major improvements on the golf course since the course opened for play.

Because it’s been 50 years since the Ken Killian and Dick Nugent design first opened, it became time to make the renovations. So among the improvements include, 16 green complexes, and the greenside features. The resurfacing of 3 greens, with fairway drainage improved on 15 holes.

“The product our team puts together for our members on a daily basis is tremendous,” said PGA professional Jack Shoger, who has been with the club for over 30 years. “But providing that quality product for our members on a daily basis has become more difficult in recent years. Because the game has changed a lot since I have arrived here, and the climate and viability of the game. The time was right to make changes and bring the golf course up to todays standards.”

“When I first came to Abbey Springs twenty some years ago. I could see then the property was special,” said Lohmann. “But it was time to improve the golf course, to make it appealing to future generations who will play it.”

More information is available at Abbeysprings.org.

IN THE DOME or IN THE SIMULATOR golf season in Chicago never ends. THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily from 7 AM. Lessons, Club Fittings or golfing with Toptracer are all available. McWethy’s Sports bar is now open for indoor dining. Learn more at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has it’s simulators open daily. SGC is located at 401 North Roselle Road, just minutes from Woodfield Mall. Chandlers Chophouse has reopened (closed Mondays) for indoor dining. Call the pro shop for simulator times at (847)-885-9000 visit SchaumburgGolf.com play all 27 SGC renovated holes and more.   ____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or Friend him on Facebock. Connect on LinkedIn, or Instagram. With the Caravelle Cup at the Caravelle Resort. Myrtle Beach SC.

(Reporting from Howey in the Hills-Florida and the Mission Inn Resort)

Jordan Less of Elmhurst is still a Huskie, a Northern Illinois University Huskie.

Less has one degree, and will work on his Masters degree while enjoying another year of eligibility from the NCAA, due to the pandemic.

A few years from now he hopes to playing in the Masters. But for now, it’s one step at a time.

Because those steps include having a great week this week at the Mission Inn Resort, where the PGA Mackenzie Canadian Tour Q-School is taking place. Less started Round 1 with a 75 (+3) on the famed 104 year old classic golf course El Campeon. But Less was was still confident about how he played, and expected better the next three rounds.

Jordan Less in the press area of the Mission Inn Resort, after Round 1 of PGA Mackenzie Tour Q-School. (photo by Rory Spears)

So in Round 2, Less was better. A one under par 71 had him moving up the leaderboard into 35th place.

Less said in Round 1, he hit a shot Out-of-Bounds, but rallied to save a bogey on the hole, by holing a long putt on the green.

But one other thing Less has going for him, is having former NIU Huskie teammate and good friend Paul Schlimm on his bag, caddying for the week.

El Campeon one of Florida’s oldest and best golf courses, and huge part of the Mission Inn resorts history.

If Less qualifies for the Mackenzie Tour this summer, he will turn professional after school wraps up.

But in the meantime Less is looking forward to making a run to the NCAA Nationals at Gray Hawk in Scottsdale with the Huskies.

But another option Less has, is to stay amateur this summer. Because Less wouldn’t mind playing in the U.S. Amateur at Oakmont Country Club. But even more-so, would be to play in the Western Amateur at the Glen View Club. Because it was just a few years back, Less won the 100th Chicago District Amateur Championship (CDGA) at the Glenview Club. Memo to the Western Golf Association (WGA), if Less is still an amateur, he should be in the Western Amateur Field.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Northern Illinois Universities Jordan Less.

When asked where he plays golf when in the Chicago area, Less is quick to say it’s the Huskies home course, Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. Less says that owner Jerry Rich and his staff do a great job keeping the course and practice area’s in great shape all the time. But adds that if you can play well at Rich Harvest Farms, your game is ready to play other top golf courses.

NIU started it’s season with a dual meet, and defeated Southwest Missouri State. Less said the Huskies had 5 players playing well. So that renews hope for a great spring. But as for the summer ahead, Less the low-amateur in the Illinois Open for the last two years, will be ready to go. As an amateur or as a pro.

IN THE DOME or IN THE SIMULATOR your golf season never ends, even in the dead of Chicago’s worst winters. The Mistwood Golf Dome also home to McWethy’s Sports Bar is open daily at 7 Am. So you try Toptracer, get lessons or club fittings. See more at MistwoodGolfDome.com or call (630)-739-7600. SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has all 27 of it’s recently renovated holes on it’s simulators. But plenty of other top names golf courses as well. Chandlers Chophouse has reopened. So learn more about booking a simulator bay by calling (847)-885-9000 or see Schaumburggolf.com. 401 Roselle Road ______________________________________________________________________

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. On the par 3 at Talamore Resort.

THE MISSION is not accomplished.

IN FACT it’s nice to be at the Mission, Mission Inn that is, located in Howey in the Hills in central Florida.

So when you don’t need all the hustle and traffic of Orlando, there is Mission Inn. Just 30 minutes up the road.

Mission Inn has been a great Florida destination for decades. It gets better over time, and has a splash of old time Florida mixed in.

When you hit a pop or soda machine, it’s not $4 a can. Because it’s only $1.50. The rooms are nice and the pool is better. But even more, so is the golf.

Welcome to Mission Inn, Howey in the Hills Florida. Not far from Orlando, but definitely more peaceful.

Mission Inn has two 18 hole courses, the Las Colinas by Gary Koch, and EL Campeo’n built in 1917 by George O’Neil of Chicago.

El Campeo`n has been rated the 13th best golf course in the State of Florida. Because it’s so good. There are plenty of tournaments being played on it.

From a new LPGA-Symetra Tour, to the State of Florida high school golf championship. But currently this week, the PGA Mackenzie Tour is here with the first round of Q-school. You remember Q-School, yes some tour still have one. And it’s exciting watching to see how it all plays out.

From Illinois, Elmhurst’s Jordan Less the winner of the 100th CDGA Amateur, a runner up in the Illinois Amateur, winner of the Blackberry Amateur at Blackberry Oaks is in the field of 106 players. Less is hoping to advance through the first stage, and hopefully make it onto the Canadian PGA Tour (The Mackenzie Tour).

Less has also been the low amateur in both the 2019 and 2020 Illinois Open’s. Golfers on Golf will catch up with him tomorrow after his first round of play.

But tomorrow I’ll see more and learn more about the Mission Inn, that has Chicago ownership in it’s roots. At one point decades ago, it was just a golf course. But the building-up of the property has continued over the years. So if you want to enjoy the Orlando area, without all the big crowds and noise. Mission Inn is the place to be. So in case you were wondering, 82 here today. Calling all Chicago golfers, why aren’t you here yet ?

I have not seen the entire resort yet, but I will have more coming up here over the next few days on this historic golf property. So stay clicked in. Because there is plenty yet to come from the 2021 winter road-special edition. RS

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road has it’s simulators open. And yes you can play all 27 of the recently renovated Schaumburg Golf Club holes indoors on the simulators. Chandlers Chophouse located on the main floor of the clubhouse has now reopened (closed Mondays). So while you are there, check out all the merchandise in the pro shop, and be ready for opening day outdoors in April. For more information on the Schaumburg Golf Club, see SchaumburgGolf.com or call the shop (847)-885-9000.  ______________________________________________________________________

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. With the Caravelle Cup at the Santa Maria Restaurant at the Caravelle Resort.

(Reporting from the Oceanside Caravelle Resort in Myrtle Beach SC).

The weather has been great here in Myrtle Beach South Carolina, and will only get better in the weeks ahead. So if your ready for travel, check out the over 90 golf courses in Myrtle Beach.

Because maybe it’s your time to be a part of the Caravelle Cup, one of the great golf events in Myrtle Beach.

So don’t forget, the World’s Largest Amateur golf tournament will be played again this year in August. And the World’s Largest 19th hole will return.

Topgolf to open another new venue in Colorado this summer.

Dallas based Topgolf, has announced the opening of another new venture, this coming summer in Colorado Springs Colorado.

This new Topgolf, will be part of the Polaris Point development.

The project started as a golf facility called Crush-Golf. But that name has been changed to Topgolf.

This Topgolf venue will be the third Topgolf in the state of Colorado. More details at Topgolf.com.

Bettinardi putters-studio stock.

The Tinley Park based Bettinardi Putters have hit the Gold Medal list from Golf Digest, in the annual equipment award announcements.

But it wasn’t just one gold for Bettinardi, it was a clean sweep for the line of putters.

High MOI, Queen B and Studio Stock all came way with ‘The Gold’.

So check out all of what Bettinardi has to offer in their premium line of putters.

But you can visit Bettinardi.com to learn more. Sink more putts this summer, by adding a Bettinardi putter in your bag.

GOLFVISIONS is having it’s final pre-season sale for it’s 2021 Players Pass, the deal ends tonight at Midnight. So visit Info@golfvisions.net to order your pass for the season. The sale price at $179.95, is $120.00 off the regular price. Because time is running out, get yours today, while you can.

TITLEIST GOLF and FOOTJOY have been named the Presenting Sponsors for the National High School Golf Association, and the National High School Golf Invitational that will be held at the Pinehurst resort in June at NHSGI.org/invitational.

Galvin Green all weather apparel.

GALVIN GREEN has noticed a major surge in the age group that is buying Galvin Green apparel.

Because purchases from the age group of 18-25, have nearly doubled over the last year.

Galvin Green latest line the Part 1 Range, comes in a variety of colors and is lightweight. So for more information see Galvingreen.com.

Stoatin Brae part of the Gull Lake View resort in Michigan.

THE GULL LAKE VIEW golf resort located in the southwest Michigan town of Augusta, has received an honor from the NGCOA for 2020.

The resorts Stoatin Brae golf course, was named ‘course of the year’, by the National Golf Course Owners Association.

Gull Lake View has operated as a family run business for four generations by the Scott family. So for more details or information visit GullLakeview.com.

MICHAEL FEAGLES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS men’s golf team has been named the Big Ten Conference Men’s Golfer of the Week. Feagles shot 67-67-66 (-16) to help Illinois win the Magnolia Grove Mobile Bay Intercollegiate, in Mobile Alabama. The team score for Illinois was -37 under par, and Illinois won the event by 17 shots.

CANTIGNY GOLF has added simulators at the Youth Links facility, for use all winter long. The two Sky-Trak simulators have been open since last month, and Youth Links Head Golf Professional, LPGA Member Emily Burns says, “the facility has been very busy.”

One simulator allows for kids or adults to play some of the best courses in America, like Bandon Dunes, U.S. Open course Torrey Pines, Harbor Town, Oakmont and Pinehurst #2. use of this Simulator is $40.00 per hour.

Both simulators have contests set up, like outing events such as Closest-to-the-Pin, or Long Drive Contests. You can play Demolition Golf, where you hit golf balls to break windows on the side of a building. Hours are 2-8 Pm on weekdays, or 9 Am to 8 Pm on Weekends. For more details see CantignyGolf.com or call (630)-260-8270.

Welcome to Point O’Woods Golf and Country Club

POINT O’WOODS Golf and Country Club in Benton Harbor Michigan, a longtime home of the Western Amateur Golf Championship, most recently hosted in 2019, has spent the fall doing course improvements.

So perhaps another Western Amateur is not far off.

Improvements included turf work around the driving range area, drainage in areas prone to wet conditions. But also included was some tree removal, and the addition of a new 10′ foot tall clock, with the clubs name across the top. These improvements come with the announcement of several new members joining the club. Point O’Woods was a Top 100 course in America for many years. But it still ranks highly in several publications that do national rankings.

THE PATRIOT EDUCATION CLASSIC has announced a new home for 2021. So keep the date for June 1st at the Aurora Country Club in Aurora. The Patriot Education fund provides needed scholarships for military families. Details at PatriotEducationFund.org.

Phillip Martin Troon Golf operations manager-Chicago office.

SCOTTSDALE ARIZONA based Troon Golf. has announced changes to it’s Chicago office staff.

The office is located at 4611 North Ravenswood on the city of Chicago’s Northside.

Phillip Martin comes from the Troon office in Scottsdale with 25 years of experience, and will be the Chicago office operations manager.

But along with Martin, comes Matt McIntee the former CEO of Green Golf Partners. McIntee will lead the business development side of the office.

Martin and McIntee join Tim Presecky who has been working in Business development in Chicago. Presecky is an Evans Scholar who attended the University of Illinois. Details at Troon.com.

IS PUTTING AN ISSUE-Try Swing Align putting aid

IF PUTTING IS AN ISSUE, why not try using SWING ALIGN as your new putting aid.

Because Swing Align comes with the ‘goal posts’ that can attach to your putter when you practice your putting.

So when you attach the Goal Posts to your putter, it helps you align your stroke through impact.

So it helps the roll stay on path to the cup. for more information on Swing Align, visit Swingtrainer.com. Cost is $39.95.

Lance Olson Champaign Country Club 2020 Central Illinois PGA Professional of the Year.

THE CENTRAL ILLINOIS-PGA SECTION has announced that Lance Olson of the Champaign Country Club, has been named 2020 professional of the year.

Olson 49, has been the club’s head golf professional since 2001.

Bill Abrams of Balmoral Woods was named Teacher of the Year. Glenn Prout from Mt. Hawley was awarded Assistant Professional of the Year.

Tim Krouse from Effingham, was named Youth Player Development Award. Dave Lundy was named Merchandiser of the Year-Private Club.

Steve Orrick from the Country Club of Decatur, received the Richie Hamel-Distinguished Service Award. Congratulations to all the hard working professionals who give so much to the game of golf.

THE GOG BLOG returns all week long. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME & MCWETHY’S SPORTS BAR AND TAVERN are now open for golf and indoor dining, lessons and club fittings. Mistwood Golf Dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook (630)-739-7600, the McWethy’s Tavern is on Renwick Road in Romeoville (815)-254-3333. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or Mistwoodgolfclub.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 or connect on LinkedIn. Welcome to Myrtle Beach SC.

(Reporting from the Caravelle Resort, on the the ocean in Myrtle Beach South Carolina).

Myrtle Beach, one of the golf capitals of America. But the golf picture is changing here, and for the better.

But in the last 12 years the amount of golf in Myrtle Beach has changed, less golf courses, but the ones that are here get better all the time.

In fact, at one time the Myrtle Beach area was home to about 125 golf courses. But now that number is in the 90’s. Why, mostly some of the older courses could not keep up with the more modern ones. Plus the demand for land to build homes on continues. The new housing-boom in Myrtle Beach is a fast growing one.

VIEW FROM THE 14TH FLOOR at Caravelle Resort Hotel, down Ocean Boulevard, the Caravelle has been a big part of Myrtle Beach for years.

“Golf packages in the area started through the Caravelle years ago,” says Caravelle general manager, Mike Kolcun. “Over the years the size and types of packages have changed, but they have always gotten better because of the quality of courses we can offer our guests.”

Caravelle GM Mike Kolcun with the Caravelle Cup.

Kolcun says the Caravelle is the perfect place for golfers that want to mix some beach time, pool time, relaxation time, with some food and beverages along with their golf.

Caravelle is one of several properties under the the same ownership group, so there are options on golf and places to stay if your work through Caravelle. Ken Thompson is the golf coordinator who can set up your rounds of golf around the ‘Grand Strand’ area, when you are ready to tee it up on the links of Myrtle Beach.

The morning ocean sunrise from the rooms at the Caravelle.

Even better news for golfers, is that by staying at the Caravelle, your access to top level courses in the Myrtle Beach area is excellent.

Because through the Caravelle, you do have a full selection of places to play. The Caravelle is in central Myrtle Beach, so if the golf course is in North or South Myrtle Beach, the drive is not a long one to the golf course.

So your hungry. Right at the Caravelle is the Santa Maria Restaurant, known for one of the best breakfasts in the area. But you can stop in for post round dinner and drinks, when the restaurant fully reopens about March 10th.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the interview with Caravelle general manager Mike Kolcun.

Grande Dunes is one of the top Myrtle Beach golf courses you can play, while staying with the Caravelle.

In August during the World Largest Amateur Championship week, the Caravelle is an active place.

Because after golf, those golfers staying at the Caravelle come back to enjoy one or more of the resorts pools.

There are hot tubs if you need to help relax those aching muscles.

But there is more if your want a dose of tournament golf. Because if you game is ready to go, why not come and play in the Caravelle Cup. You can reach out to Thompson for more details.

For more information on the ocean front Caravelle Resort in central Myrtle Beach, visit theCaravelle.com or call Ken Thompson and let him put your golf package together at (843)-918-7008. Call now, because courses and rooms are filling up for the spring and the summer months ahead. Myrtle Beach, enjoy the beach, enjoy the golf.