GOLF & FOOTBALL-are you ready for a little of both. The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open from 7 Am to 10 Pm this Sunday-Super Sunday. How about some golf before football. McWethy’s is open from 7 Am to 10 Pm on Sunday. But call and reserve a hitting bay, so you can golf and enjoy the game. Mcwethy’s is now open for indoor dining. Get the details at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600.         _____________________________________________________________________

NEWS* Northbrook native and University of Illinois Alum Nick Hardy advances into the field into this weeks Waste Management Open, in Scottsdale Arizona on the PGA Tour -after winning a 2 for 1 playoff that concluded Monday’s 3-spot qualifier on Tuesday. Hardy played in Illinois Junior Golf events while growing up.

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-15 spots left.

  THE ONWENTSIA CLUB IN LAKE FOREST and the MERIT CLUB of LIBERTYVILLE will both host IPGA Junior Tour events in 2021.

THE IPGA has announced a new 7-event tour for 2021, that will be played at some of the best golf facilities in Illinois. This new tour will supplement junior golf events to be played around the state.

“The Illinois PGA is excited and proud to launch it’s all-new junior Tour,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois PGA. “We as an organization already provide junior programming through Drive, Chip and Putt and the PGA Jr. League, but we wanted to provide even more opportunities for junior golfers in Illinois. With the support of our membership, we were able to create a Junior Tour that will offer an exceptional tournament experience for junior golfers, by providing competitive opportunities at premier facilities will fostering sportsmanship and integrity.”

Illinois PGA Junior Tour is open to junior amateurs who reside in the state of Illinois and are between the ages of 14-18 as of July 26, 2021. Which is the date of the Junior Masters Championship. But all of the tour members are eligible to qualify for the season-ending Junior Masters Championship.

Cost of the Illinois PGA Junior Tour Membership is $65. So all junior golfers who do purchase the membership, receive a membership gift package. But will be able to register for all six of the 2021 Illinois PGA Junior Tour regular season events, that will lead into the Junior Masters Championship.

All of the events will be 18-hole individual stroke play competitions, with field size limited to 100 players. But field size could change based on registrations. Regular season events will be 1 Pm shotgun starts, unless changes must be required. Divisions are Boys (14-18) and Girls (14-18).

So the schedule is June 14, Event #1-TBA. June 21, Event #2-Merit Club. June 28, Event #3 Westmoreland CC, July 5, Event #4-TBA, July 12  Event #5 Briarwood Country Club, July 19 Event #6 Flossmoor Country Club, July 26th the Junior Masters Championship at the Onwentsia Club, the top 45 point earning members 30 boys and 15 girls will be invited to Onwentsia. 30 Boys and 15 Girls. So for more information Ipga.com-jr-golf-home.

  WHERE ARE YOU AT GAME DAY-This Sunday. HOW About a little golf before football, you can do that at the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. But you must make a reservation for a hitting bay. Eat at McWethy’s Sportsbar indoor dining is back Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600. You can also get lessons or club fittings.           _____________________________________________________________________

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 Club Champion main store on Rt. 83 in Willowbrook Illinois. Visit Clubchampiongolf.com

CHANGES are on the tee at national club fitter, Willowbrook based Club Champion.

Nick Sherburne is the founder of Club Champion.

Club Champion has announced the addition of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Stores Officer, Regional General Manager. Plus six other new positions within the Club Champion corporate team.

“All of these big changes are crucial to the next phase of Club Champion,” said Nick Sherburne, company founder. “These new faces will help bring our proven model to as many golfers as possible. But we will open up new opportunities for our brand as we go.”

Adam Levy is the new CEO, taking over for Joe Lee, who lead the company for 11 years. Lee moves to Chairman of the Board, and will continue to be active in brand operations. Levy’s past experience is with Tumi, Tommy Hilfiger and Refac Optical Group.

“This is an exciting time to really dive into Club Champion’s success,” said Levy. “But I’m ready to move the brand toward international expansion, and a broader customer reach. Because the opportunities are endless for a company full of passionate employees. And bolstered by even more passionate customers.”

Rob Baumaister is the new Chief Stores Officer (CSO). He joins Club Champion after a leadership role at Floor and Decor. But new General Manager Scott Pastor, will focus on the West Coast.

But locally in Chicago at the Willowbrook headquarters, there will be six new team members. Their roles include marketing, customer service, and personnel recruitment to help with growth and expansion.

“So we’re taking the calculated risks needed to come out a stronger. And be an ever more dominant player in this space,” says Sherburne. “But our job is all about upgraded-equipment upgrades, score upgrades, confidence upgrades. Because we’re applying our trusted methodology to our own brand. So measure, enhance, and outperform expectations.”

So for more information about Club Champion, visit Clubchampiongolf.com or call (888)-340-7820.

MISTWOOD’S ERIC RUSSELL (L) AND CHRIS IORIATTI comprise the fitting team that is currently in the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Mistwood is rated a top 100 fitting facility by a national magazine. So book a fitting at Mistwoodgolfdome.com.    ______________________________________________________________________

  IT WAS SHOW WEEK in a virtual mode. But the PGA Merchandise Show did go on in a different way. It went virtual, maybe not viral, just virtual.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him Facebook-10 spots still open.

As the snow fell all weekend here in Chicago, I’m missing Florida and Orlando even more. But enough about shoveling, and more talk about golf.

I’M PROUD and HONORED to say that Golfers on Golf Radio received national recognition in the 30th annual ING (International Network of Golf) awards. The award program delayed for 2 days because of Zoom issues, finally went off the tee last Friday morning.

At the urging of podcast partner Len Ziehm who also contributes to Golfers on Golf Radio, I entered some of my work from radio, podcasting, and print. So for the first time I entered my media work in competition. But I have to thank Len, if he had not pushed me a bit to enter, I would not have.

Golfers on Golf Radio won an Outstanding Achievement Award (national runner up) for golf radio programs. It was our June 20th show that included guest host Tim Clarke from Wilson Golf. I thank Tim for coming into the WCPT AM 820 studio to do the show.

The award is one I’m happy to share with my co-hosts Ed Stevenson and Bill Berger. This year was the show’s 30 anniversary, just like ING’s. Special thanks to show founder Mike Munro for launching the program at WJJG-Am 1530 back in the early 1990’s.

But I must also thank WCPT-AM 820 GM Mark Pinski, and our producers Devin Andrekus and Paul Chivari who make us sound great every week.

SELLERS SHY is the new Executive Producer for Golf at CBS. But Shy is not the only change, there is new music and the leaderboard is now posted full time, like in football. But in the lower corner of your screen. So now you will see some different looks from the golf course as well. Stay tuned. I thought the graphics looked good, the but the scoreboard never scrolls down the leaderboard far enough for me.

PATRICK REED…geez the guy won FAIR & SQUARE. There would be no discussion if it wasn’t Reed involved. Even with a 2-shot penalty, Reed wins anyway (he won by 5 shots). CBS, the PGA Tour Rules people, and plenty of qualified rules folks chimed in on social media that Reed was legit with his embedded ball situation. So all you weak minded Twitter folks, move-on. NEXT !!!

THE 2021 PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW, saw over 11,000 golf industry professionals connect through the virtual show. There was nearly 400 exhibitors. But the normal attendance for the show in recent years is over 40,000. And almost double the exhibitors.

PERSONALLY I thank the PGA and Reed Expositions for trying to give the industry some sort of show considering the pandemic. But it’s not a format I would attend in the future. I’m not a fan of Zoom, it never really works well. Everything I tried to do this year through Zoom of video hook-up had issues.

I did enjoy a video chat with Tiernan Bryne about Golf in Ireland. He has me fired up to visit Ireland, maybe in 2022. So stay tuned on that. But…

I had trouble navigating a confusing site, that had too many registrations, portals, and password to run smoothly. So things I wanted to view I couldn’t find, or were over by the time I did. All of the Chicago major golf companies took a pass. Wilson Golf, Bettinardi Putters, Golftini women’s apparel and Tour Edge Golf.

Speaking of Tour Edge, Golfers on Golf has learned that Tour Edge will be making some major announcements maybe as early as next week. So stay clicked in.

Because of all the snow, that left dunes so high in my front yard. I’m ready to head south, and might do just that. It’s hard to spend all winter in Chicago-Covid or no Covid.

The Gog Blog returns all week. RS

IN THE DOME OR IN THE SIMULATOR- Chicago’s Golf season doesn’t end. Tee it up in the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, See Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600. McWethy’s Sportsbar is open for indoor dining. THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has it’s simulators open. You can play all 27 renovated holes of the Schaumburg Golf Club, along with some other great courses. Call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000 or visit Schaumburggolf.com to reserve your simulator tee time. ______________________________________________________________________

BACK TO THIS AGAIN-but with a lot more snow. The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend on Facebook-limited spots still available.

THE FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN is headed into the final round today. So check it out on CBS.

Local players such as Doug Ghim of Arlington Hts., and Kevin Streelman of Winfield are in the field, and made the cut. Hopefully CBS will give them a few seconds of air time.

BUT FROM OUR LOCAL SCENE there was more this week.

Northbrook native Nick Hardy went to the Monday 4-Spot qualifier, and missed out. Highwood native Patrick Flavin actually made it into a 5 for 2 playoff at 2 under par. Due to weather the playoff was held on Tuesday. Flavin drove 45 minutes from the course to a friends parents home who put him up for the night. Then 45 minutes back to the golf course on Tuesday morning. But unfortunately he did not advance into this weeks field at the Farmers.

McWethy’s Sports Bar in the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook (630)-739-7600

So do you have plans for Super Sunday yet ?

Because if you don’t, why not mix a little golf in pre-game.

Work on your golf game and then stick around McWethy’s Sports Bar in Bolingbrook on Rt. 53. You can call the dome at (630)-739-7600 and reserve your spot, as indoor dining is back. You can enjoy food specials during the game, including 25% off on some items, as McWethy’s honor’s the combined total regular season wins that the Chiefs and the Buccaneers had. So visit McwethysSportsBar.com for more information.

The new Callaway Epic Speed Driver. Used by Si Woo Kim on the PGA Tour to win the American Express Championship last week. Callawaygolf.com

SO ARE YOU READY for a Callaway Tour fitting experience ?

Because now you can get one on February 9th from 12-4 PM at the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. But you must register in advance.

Cost is only $60.00 and by registering online you do receive a dozen Callaway Chrome Soft golf balls.

But space is limited and you must register for this event online.

So learn more at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600. Now is the time to put some new clubs in your bag for 2021.

The First Tee of Greater Chicago-with a new home at Waveland Golf Course in Chicago.

THE FIRST TEE of Greater Chicago has broken ground on a new facility, in conjunction with the Chicago Park District at Waveland Park. Just east of Wrigley Field on Chicago’s lakefront.

This new facility will be part of the Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course.

“The Waveland Clubhouse proves the positive and powerful impact of the long-time partnership between the First Tee-Greater Chicago, our city and the Chicago Park District,” said Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “This investment in one of our under-utilized park facilities will enrich the lives of young people and give them the real-world skills to become responsible adults, civically-engaged citizens and leaders within the community they call home. I look forward to working with the First Tee-Greater Chicago to bring the Waveland location to life and continue helping our youth build the confidence and resilience they need to find their selves.”

Phase 1 of the project has Greater Chicago is transforming a 1,250 square foot portion of the Waveland Clubhouse into a welcome area, complete with a learning center, lounge and simulator. This phase should open this spring. Phase 2 is an outdoor area, that includes room for putting, full-swing and short game practice. But it will not be ready until 2022. This phase includes input from PGA Tour player Luke Donald, and golf architects Bob Lohmann and Todd Quitno.

Cubs outfielder Ian Happ is serving as an ambassador for the First Tee of GC. GC CEO Lea Jesse said,” we are thrilled to be reaching this historic milestone and breaking ground on this new facility.” So for more details see theFirstteeofgreaterchicago.org.

The Harborside International Driving Range.

THE HARBORSIDE INTERNATIONAL practice facility has been awarded a Top 50 Public Range, by the Golf Range Association of America. The (GRAA).

Harborside managed by KemperSports Management, has now been honored with this award for the 7th straight year.

“We are proud to offer one of the premier driving ranges and practice facilities in the Chicagoland area,” said Brian Dutler, General Manager. “This award recognizes our commitment to growing the game of golf and providing our customers the opportunity to enjoy the game and achieve their game improvement goals.” The 57-acre facility offers golfer multiple options to practice their game. See HarborsideGolf.com for more information.

Chad Johansen’s year round golf improvement programs., current in the Go For it Sports Dome in Yorkville.

CHAD JOHANSEN has announced his latest series of webinars, that will be on his website ChadJohansen.com.

So you can hear more from all the major equipment companies, just by clicking-in online.

Because now is the time to decide what equipment will be in your bag in 2021.

But there is more good news from Johansen. Sign up starts tomorrow, Feb. 1st for the summer junior golf camps. Because these camps sell out quickly, it’s recommended to sign up as soon as possible. So visit Chadjohansen.com or BlackberryOaks.com. (630)-553-7170.

THE NEW PRO-V1 and PRO-V1x golf balls are now in stock at your pro shop or local golf retail store. See TitleistGolf.com.

Volvik Golf balls are looking for sales reps.

VOLVIK GOLF is now looking for independent sales representatives to sell it’s product line.

Applicants must not be selling any competing golf product lines.

You will be working on a commission basis only.

As the No. 1 color golf ball manufacturer, Volvik is expanding it’s sales force to meet a robust customer demand,” said Wes Whittingham VP-Sales for Volvik.

To apply send a letter of introduction and a resume to Sales@Volvik.com.

Bettinardi Putters Studio Stock.

Tinley Park based Bettinardi Putters has announced that, two-time European Tour winner  Sam Horsfield has joined the Bettinardi team.

Currently at Bettinardi’s website, or if your on the Bettinardi’s email list. You can see the video  that was made of Horsfield’s recent visit to the Bettinardi studio’s.

During the video Horsfield explains his history with Bettinardi, and why he has been using their putters for years.

But if you visit Bettinardi.com you can see the new hats, putter covers, and towels. While you are there, see the new additions to the Bettinardi line of putters.

TITLEIST GOLF has announced a new series of carry golf bags, on sale tomorrow Feb. 1, prices do vary. Categories are the Stand and the Hybrid. Models include the Players 4 Plus StaDry, Players 4 StaDry, Players 4 Plus and Players 4. Hybrid models include the Hybrid 14 and the Hybrid 5. Learn more all of the Titleist golf bags at Titleist.com/golf-gear/golf-bags.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is open year round. Indoors in the simulators or outside on all 27 holes. NOW in the simulators you can play all 27 of the recently renovated holes at Schaumburg. So for tee times call the club at (847)-885-9000. The Schaumburg Golf Club is located at 401 North Roselle Road. 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-LinkedIn.

  THE 2022 PRESIDENTS CUP will be played at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte North Carolina. (R) 2022 TEAM USA Captain Davis Love III holds the Presidents Cup.

PRESIDENTS CUP & PGA Tour officials announced Davis Love III as the 2022 Team USA Presidents Cup Captain. South African Trevor Immelman will captain the International Team, and the matches will be contested September 19-25.

Love III  won 21 times on the PGA Tour and is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Love won the PGA Championship in 1997.

But Love is no stranger to Presidents Cup play either. Love played in six Presidents Cup teams, including in the inaugural event in 1994 where he went 4-0-1 in helping the U.S. Team to a 20-12 victory.

But Love has also served as an assistant captain in the 2013, 2015 and 2017 Presidents Cups. So he no stranger to the matches. And Love has been captain in 2012 and 2016 for Team USA’s Ryder Cup teams.

“It’s such a tremendous honor to be named captain of the U.S. Team for the 2022 Presidents Cup. Because my history with this event dating back to 1994 conjures up, incredible memories of competition, camaraderie and sportsmanship. So I’m thrilled to be leading the top American players into Quail Hollow Club next September,” said Love. “Because Team USA has been guided by game’s all-time greats since 1994. And I will do my best to carry on that legacy as we try to retain the cup.”

The Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook, open daily starting at 8 Am. (630)-739-7600 to reserve hitting bays.

The Quail Hollow Club was first created by famed golf course architect George Cobb in 1961. But the work did not stop there. Because of various championships, the course has seen improvements by the Arnold Palmer Group in 1986. And a redesign by Tom Fazio in 1997. But then Fazio made more modifications in 2016, because of the upcoming PGA Championship in 2017.

Quail Hollow Club has hosted the Wells Fargo Championship on the PGA Tour since 2003.

“Because the Carolina’s mean so much to me and my family, it’s humbling to know that I will return to Charlotte in this role, said Love. “To help carry on the rich sports tradition in the Queen City has developed through the years.”

IN THE DOME or in the SIMULATORS. Chicago’s golf season never ends. Mistwood Golf Dome (L) and the simulators in the SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB (R). Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook, open for golf, lessons and club fittings, with McWethy’s Sportsbar now open for indoor dining. (630)-739-7600. SCHAUMBURG Golf Club has Schaumburg Golf Club on the simulators, all 27 renovated holes. Call (847)-885-9000.    _____________________________________________________________________

ZIEHM & SPEARS Socially Distant but still Connected. Len Ziehm at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie Florida (L) and Rory Spears on the First Tee at Schaumburg Golf Club (R). Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2021 is underway and below is Volume 3.

THIS WEEK Len and Rory discuss this years virtual PGA Show, that should be really happening in Orlando Florida. Where neither one of us are, at least this week anyway.

OTHER TOPICS are the PGA Tour as another local player has a great week, find out who. Where are the U.S. Open qualifiers in Illinois. The Northbrook Park District bids farewell to Sportsman’s Golf & Country Club, find out the new name.

The PGA has moved the 2022 PGA Championship. Wilson Golf has new clubs for 2021. Ireland is hoping you will visit in 2021 or more likely in 2022.

THE TIME HAS COME a TEAM USA Ryder Cup team without Tiger and Phil. All this and much more.

SO SIT BACK and enjoy Chicago’s most complete weekly golf report-The Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series.

CLICK HERE to hear Ziehm & Spears Podcast Series 2021-Volume 3

Thanks for listening, Len and Rory.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB located at 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg has opened it’s simulators for the winter golf season. To book tee times (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 or connect on LinkedIn. On the first tee at Heritage Oaks Golf Club

OUT WITH THE OLD-AND IN WITH THE NEW.

The new look continues in Northbrook as Sportman’s Country Club operated by the Northbrook Park District has announced the latest upgrade to it’s golf facility.

But what started with the construction of a new clubhouse, and renovations to the golf course. Has now lead to a new rebranding of the clubs identity.

Sportsman’s Golf & Country Club that started in 1931, will now be known as Heritage Oaks Golf Club. The club will reopen about late July or early August after the grow-in period now under way is completed.

Welcome to Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook.

“The name Heritage Oaks celebrates Northbrook Park District’s connection to nature and incorporates the rich history of this 90-year old golf course,” said Joan Scovic, Director of Marketing and Communications. “The striking visual of a single acorn in the logo represents the sustainability of 100-year old oak trees, signifying not only new traditions, but embracing a sense of knowledge rooted in this longstanding place being passed on to future generations. In the logo, classic lines and clever use of a golf tee as an acorn stem, coupled with the clean contemporary typography blend the playful nature of the game with the respect for the legacy of Heritage Oaks.”

So as part of the rebranding process, a new positioning statement for the facility has been developed: This Northbrook Park District property, with it’s tree lined 27 holes of golf, practice range equipped with Trackman Range Technology, golf academy and indoor golf simulators, offers something for everyone. With the elevated Acorn Grill +Terrace overlooking the Audubon-certified courses, Heritage Oaks Golf Club welcomes you-for golf, a meal, and for a timeless experience.

The descriptor for Heritage Oaks is ‘A Northbrook Park District Property’ and the tag line is Classic Courses. Modern amenities.

Sportsman’s to become Heritage Oaks when it reopens later this year.

But while the project that was listed in a survey to residents, who deemed the project ” a priority”, the major goals of the project were to create a year-round destination for everyone in the community.

So while working with Chicago based a5 Digital & Branding, interviews and focus groups with members of the community, helped lead to the decision to rebrand the property.

The new clubhouse at Heritage Oaks is taking shape. Photo by Rory Spears.

Board approval for the changes came at the December meeting.

“Heritage Oaks will be a destination for everyone to enjoy-a place that will showcase the Northbrook Park District steadfast commitment to stewardship and recreation,” said Commissioner Michael Ziering. “This project reflects the commitment of the Northbrook Park District’s leaders to create opportunities for Northbrook residents as well as drive the community through it’s regional appeal. Heritage Oaks will offer exceptional facilities where golfers can pursue the game they love year-round in a world-class setting.”

There are new names, to go with the new facility. Such as, The Classic 18 course, Legacy 9 course, Acorn Grill +Terrace, Practice Range at Heritage Oaks, Northbrook Golf Academy and Sporty’s Halfway House.

Executive Director Molly Hamer feels that,” golfers and guests to Heritage Oaks Golf Club will enjoy summer dinners on the terrace, that will make memories.”

Course improvements include, Trackman technology at the range. The renovated range will have 30 hitting bays, new target greens, playing virtual golf on the range. Lighting will be available for night time practice.

The grow-in on the Classic Course is moving along. But the final opening date will get determined this summer as the weather allows the newly seeded area’s to mature.

Golfersongolf.com will follow the progress of Heritage Oaks as it moves toward opening day, on and off the golf course.

MCWETHY’S SPORTS BAR at the Bolingbrook Golf Dome on Rt. 53 (630)-739-7600, and MCWETHY’S TAVERN on Renwick Road in Romeoville (815)-254-7001. Both are now open for indoor dining.  And the golf dome is open for both lessons and club fitting.  _____________________________________________________________________

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. In the Mistwood Golf Dome.

GOLF DATATECH of Kissimmee Florida, the golf industry’s leading independent market research firm, for retail sales and consumer and trade trends, has unveiled the 2020 National Golf Performance Report.

The numbers show that 2020 that rounds of golf played increased by 13.9% over 2019.

But there was even more good news in equipment sales. Because equipment sales were up 10.1% over 2019.

Golf Datatech has been collecting numbers since 1998, and the largest increase in the past year of keeping records was in 2012. When the increase was 5.7%.

The previous record of increase on equipment sales, was in 2005. When sales jumped 10.0%.

Datatech partner John Krzynowek said that,” on the equipment side sales did increase by single digits in 2018 and 2019. But to earn double-digit gains inn 2020, can only attributed to the pandemic and golf being a respite for so many.”

APPAREL did not see the same kind of improvement. In fact a drop of 14.2%. This due to the fact that many pro shops were not operational for months. A lack of travel to resorts and club being faced with uncertain opening dates, potential of having to reclose after opening, and busy over the year. With some customers not being allowed into the pro shops, apparel ordering was strongly affected. However apparel online sites did have small a small growth of 3.2%.

Warm weather into December allowed for a strong finish to 2020, with rounds played going up 37% percent over 2019.

So now the question facing the industry. Is can the growth continue through 2021 and into 2022.

MCWETHY’S TAVERN at Mistwood Golf Club on Renwick Road in Romeoville and MCWETHY’S SPORTSBAR on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook at the Mistwood Golf Dome are now open for indoor dining and golf dome is open for golf, lessons, and club fittings. So visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. Or visit McWethysTavern.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-final friend options are running out. Connect on LinkedIn or Instagram.

The Wanamaker Trophy on the first tee-at the 100th PGA Championship.

THE PGA OF AMERICA has today announced that the 2022 PGA Championship, will be contested at the Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa Oklahoma.

This announcement will not change the fact the club is hosting the 2021 Senior PGA Championship this May.

But in fact with a championship structure in place at Southern Hills for the Kitchen Aid Senior PGA, the PGA faces an easier transition into the PGA Championship. Southern Hills has hosted both the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship in the past. Only a few years back the club wanted no part of the another PGA Championship, because of it’s August dates. But the current May dates make more sense for the club.

The club will now look forward to see how the recent work by architect Gil Hanse will hold up, in major championship play.

Southern Hills a architect Perry Maxwell original design, has had it’s flaws over the years. But more recently it appears that the clubs board finally gave Hanse the green light, to make the long time needed improvements.

Because for years one of the main issues, was a creek that played and looked more like a ditch. The creek ran through the golf course. Saw many well played shots end up wet or nearly in the ditch, because of some of courses slopes.

So now after Hanse’s improvements, another chapter in golf history is ready to be written in Southern Hills history.

MCWETHY’S TAVERN and MCWETHY’S SPORTS BAR are open again for indoor dining. The Tavern at Mistwood Golf Club on Renwick Road in Romeoville. The Sports Bar in the dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. The dome is open for golf, lessons, and club fittings. The dome opens daily at 8 Am. See MistwoodGolfDome.com (630)-739-7600.     ____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and friend him on Facebook. Where space is running out. At the 2020 PGA Show.

SHOWTIME-Virtual Showtime that is.

Virtual-Virtual.. a word I didn’t want to use in 2021. Because it’s a word I need to get out of my vocabulary ASAP.

But to be honest, this is pretty much the end of my covering events in this format. Unfortunately I still have some Zooms left in covering our local sports teams in the four major sports.

But I do recommend to everyone, to turn down any event that goes virtual in the months ahead. Low participation will put an end to these silly things a little quicker. At least one can hope that’s the deal anyway. Rant over, and back to golf.

BUT IT IS SHOW WEEK for the 2021 PGA Merchandise Show. A special thanks to those who have worked hard to give the industry some type of show this year. Because it is better than the alternative. Which is nothing.

I DON’T KNOW WHAT to expect this week. The list of exhibitors is down, and local  Chicago area companies like Wilson Golf, Tour Edge, Bettinardi and Golftini are not exhibiting. So later in the week, Len Ziehm and I will break it down, and spray it to all fairways like we do at the show every year.

ZIEHM WILL BE in the Orlando area part of the week coming up and seeing a couple of travel properties. So do stay clicked in for Ziehm and Spears podcast series 2021-Volume 3 sponsored by the Schaumburg Golf Club.

The northern winter indoor golf shows are all cancelled. So if your looking for one of the indoor golf shows in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota. You can forget it, they are all in the wait until next year mode.

NORMALLY I would be in Florida by now. But I’m not and the snow is coming today and tomorrow. Really makes me wish I was in Florida. I find the PGA Show so much fun, it’s one of the best weeks of the year. Because it’s the opening tee shot for the golf season (no offense to the Eskimo Open at Cog Hill that’s the first Sunday of the new year).

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB on Roselle Road in Schaumburg, has it’s simulators open daily. Book your tee time at (847)-885-9000. SchaumburgGolf.com

But what the PGA Merchandise Show does is bring over 40,000 industry professionals, and not just the ones in the pro shop or on the lesson line, together to talk the game. And to see why the new year, will be better than the last year.

It gets the northerners out of their homes, and onto a driving range or a golf course. It’s a chance for some fresh air, and a chance to come home to their members, or customers with hope for another year. A why this year your game will improve, your handicap will drop, and you might finally win the club championship, or make a hole-in-one. But better yet, maybe you won’t lose all your bets. It’s a chance for us media types to tell the world, why the new golf equipment is better, the golf balls are better, the apparel looks and feels better.

The new Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls are here for 2021.

TITLEIST has announced that they have made the Pro-V golf ball, all models even better than before.

But then again they have to. Because Callaway, Bridgestone, and Wilson are all creating golf balls that compete with the Pro-V. At least on some levels.

So the good news is that you won’t have to wait long to buy the new Pro-V’s. Because this Wednesday, for $50.00 a dozen you can start buying them.

If they look a little more different, it’s because they are. Pro-V1 will have 388 dimples. The Pro-V1x will have 348. Each ball does a few things different than the other, of has better, distance, spin, or trajectory. But you can learn more at Titleist.com

ANGEL CABRERA the former U.S. Open and Masters Champion has been arrested in Brazil, and was extradited  to his home country of Argentina. Cabrera is facing multiple charges for crimes committed over the last 5 years. Things got so bad, Cabrera ended up on Interpol’s Red List of criminals. Because there is a list of charges, including issues with his past wife, and a complaint from a female partner who says Cabrera beat her, and tried to run her over with his car. Don’t look for Cabrera in Augusta come April.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS NATIVE Doug Ghim with a nice week on the PGA Tour this past week. A T-5 and a $247,500 pay day. Congrats Doug-well played, and great bounce back from the missed cut at Sony.

I’M NOT RULING OUT a trip south this winter, it just might start 30 days later than normal. By now I should have had some days in Pinehurst, or maybe Myrtle Beach, with a night at the French Lick Resort. Places you have to go in person, because virtual just doesn’t cut it.

IT’S SHOW TIME. The Gog Blog returns all week. So stay clicked in. RS