THE YEAR END GOLF SHOW at Twin Orchard Country Club wraps up today 9-5 Pm. The Mistwood Golf Dome is open for golf. NFL ticket tomorrow. So bring your clubs and  your appetite. But book your hitting bay at 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 connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Paul Schlimm Jr. PGA Associate at the Chicago Highlands Golf Club is T-22 at the PGA Assistants Championship. Picture by Nick Novelli.

The 46th National PGA Assistants is underway at the PGA National Golf Club in Port St. Lucie Florida.

The Illinois PGA Section has three players in this weeks field.

Paul Schlimm Jr. from the Chicago Highlands Golf Club in Westchester is at 5 over par, but tied for 22nd place now after 54 holes.

But Schlimm is 12 shots off the lead. But all three IPGA players made the cut, even while they fell back on the leaderboard in Round 2.

Kevin Flack from the Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club in Rockford, is T-26 heading into the final round at +6. Chris French from the Aldeen Golf Club in Rockford is T-48 after 54 holes.

The winner of the championship receives an exemption into the 2023 PGA Professional Championship (club professional championship). The top four finishers and ties this year, earn exemptions back into the 2023 Assistants PGA Championship.

“We are very proud of the Assistant PGA Professionals that have qualified for this event,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois PGA Section. “So we wish all of them all the best this week.”

Schlimm Jr. won the IPGA Stroke Play at the Chicago Golf Club in July. because of his strong play, Schlimm Jr. won the IPGA 2022 Don Drasler Assistant Player of the Year award. French (T-1) won the IPGA Stroke play at North Shore Country Club. But Flack claimed the final IPGA major of the year the Players Championship at Lake Shore Shore Country Club. But was also the winner at the IPGA Assistants Championship at Biltmore Country Club.

THE YEAR END TWIN ORCHARD GOLF SALE IS UNDERWAY-today from 9 to 8 pm, tomorrow 9-5 Pm in Long Grove IL. Great deals on all forms of golf merchandise. Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook is open for the season. Book your hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. MGD is on Rt. 53. Home to McWethy’s Sports bar

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

WGA CEO John Kaczkowski (L) and Vince Pellegrino SR. VP. of Tournaments (R).

THIS IS YOUR ONE CHANCE to work the BMW Championship in the Chicago area for the next several years as a volunteer. There are 2,000 volunteer positions open, and the faster you sign up, the better your chances are to work in an area that appeals to you.

The 2023 BMW Championship will be played at the Olympia Fields Country Club from August 15-20. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 BMW Championship at Olympia Fields was played with no fans in attendance.

But funds raised from the BMW Championship all benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation. Last year in 2021 the Foundation sent over 300 caddies to college on full-ride scholarships.

But volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, and need to work three shifts during championship week.

***DEADLINE TO APPLY*** is December 19th.

YOU CAN APPLY at http://www.bmwchampionship.com/volunteers.

Volunteers work in a variety of positions both inside and outside of the ropes. Some of the positions include, transportation, corporate hospitality, apparel sales in the merchandise tent. But all positions are important when it comes to putting on a successful tournament. Shifts do run from 4-6 hours.

“The BMW Championship could not happen without the dedication, enthusiasm and support from volunteers who are essential to our tournament success,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA Senior Vice President of Tournaments. “Because serving as a volunteer presents a tremendous opportunity to see the tournament from a different perspective while also helping us raise funds for our sole charity beneficiary, the Evans Scholars Foundation.”

But volunteers are required to purchase a $175.00 uniform package. But the normal value of what you receive for $175 dollars, would be $629.00 dollars.

What you receive includes Peter Millar golf shirts (2). Peter Millar outerwear piece (1). One hat or visor. A BMW Championship clear bag (1). Your volunteer credential badge, which is valid every day during championship week. Vouchers for food and beverage on the days of your shift.

The 2023 BMW Championship will be the second of the three stages of the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs, now with a smaller field of just 50 players. But the top 30 players after the BMW Championship advance to the PGA Tour Championship in Atlanta at the East Lake Club.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS-The Mistwood Golf Dome on Route 53 in Bolingbrook is now open for the winter golf season. The dome is also home to McWethy’s Sports Bar and the award winning chicken wings. So book your hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. THE NEW STONEDRIFT SPA at Eagle Ridge Resort is open at it’s new location on the former site of the General Store. So learn more at EagleRidge.com.

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

Stacy Larson is the director of the year end golf show at Twin Orchard Country Club in Long Grove.

FOR THE FIRST TIME since 2019, the Year End Golf Show is back in business at the Twin Orchard Golf Club inn Long Grove Illinois.

The clubs director of merchandising Stacy Larson is the show’s director.

The show brings together merchandise from both public and private clubs, in the Chicagoland area. but many of those clubs are located in the northern and northwest suburbs.

There are racks full with men’s clothing.

While their are racks full of men’s clothes, there are also plenty of racks full of apparel for the ladies.

NEED MORE…

The show has plenty of golf clubs, golf, golf balls, golf shoes, golf gloves, golf belts, golf bags and items like range finders, sunglasses and hand warmers from the industry lead G-Tech Apparel.

The show runs tomorrow from 9 Am to 8 Pm and on Saturday from 9 Am to 5 pm. The sale prices are great, and likely much better than you will find even on Black Friday.

Twin Orchard Country Club is located on the north side of the Village of Long Grove. It’s just west of Route 83. So from the south, east or west just drive through the downtown area of Long Grove, and north up Old McHenry Road.

See Rory Spears on Facebook, LinkedIn and or at GogBlogGuy on Twitter for more photo’s.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN and the Mistwood Golf Course is now closed for the season. But the famed Mistwood Honey is available in McWethy’s Tavern in Romeoville. Some honey “could” make it’s way to McWethy’s Sportsbar in Bolingbrook at the dome. So stay tuned. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome (630)-739-7600.

***SPECIAL EDITION*** of The Gog Blog Speaks Out-by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook.

Rory Spears at his home club Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook Illinois, with the new Callaway Rogue ST driver and Brava BGT Golf Shaft.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING TALK is starting to drive the fairways of life.

Golf properties and everyone else for that matter, is talking Black Friday sales.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB is having it’s annual Black Friday Sale at the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, with the doors opening at 7 AM.

But before you start thinking about what to get your favorite golfer next week or in December, I wanted to put out a few thoughts from year of observations while working Outdoor Operations at Heritage Oaks Golf Club over the last 7+ months.

So if your thinking that buying someone new clubs is too expensive, and it might be. There are plenty of other options if your budget doesn’t work for a new $600+driver.

I will have upcoming features on great golf gifts over the next few weeks, so do stay tuned in or clicked in.

What I saw at times this summer was amazing, and there are plenty of golfers who need some help with golf accessories other than clubs.

APPAREL IS UP FIRST-if your favorite golfer heads out to play every day with that U.S. Open hat from Torrey Pines it’s time for a change. Especially if it’s from 2008 when Tiger beat Rocco Mediate in the playoff. Yes I did see someone still wearing a 2008 U.S. Open hat on a regular basis this summer. Will someone “please” buy him a new hat.

SHIRTS-always a great idea. If your regular foursome member is still wearing the 2012 Ryder Cup shirt from Medinah-please order them something new. The BMW Championship is a great event run by the Western Golf Association (WGA). But shirts from the 2015 championship at Conway Farms have had their day. The championship is back at Olympia Fields in 2023-load up on the clocktower logos from OFCC.

TOWELS-I saw someone who had a washrag from their bathroom clipped to their bag not long ago. Seriously a wash rag from your bathroom as your golf towel. Please will someone get this person a real golf towel from a nice course. Heritage Oaks has nice ones, so do many other courses.

SHOES-I saw some golf shoes that looked like they came from a Waste Management dumpster. Not only were the spikes down to the sole, but the sides weren’t looking very waterproof at this stage of their life. Shoes are always a great option, with or without spikes. I am now wearing Sqairz golf shoes which are outstanding. But there are other good brands as well. It’s not fun watching golfers trying to swing fast that do not have a good pair golf shoes with spikes on their feet.

GOLF BAGS-I saw more people who couldn’t lift their bags out of their trunks because they are so heavy. Because as somebody who carried my fair-share of golf bags this summer. What in the name of lead weights are you putting in your bag. First-up the legal limit on clubs is 14, not 16 or 18. There is NO NEED to stuff your bag full of 200-300 golf balls. 36 handicappers don’t lose that many on courses overloaded with water and wetland area’s.

IF YOUR LUGGING in alcohol or a 12 pack of soda in your bag. Please stop, most all courses sell Gatorade or Powerade for those really hot days. Maybe it’s time for a new bag, a lightweight bag. Especially if the stand on your carry bag doesn’t work.

HEAD COVERS-head covers these days are like Rodney Dangerfield-they get no respect. Heritage Oaks had hundreds of lost head covers that nobody claimed, came back to look for or even called the pro shop about. If I sold every head cover in our lost and found for $1, I could afford to take a foursome to Pebble Beach. Go buy your golfer a holiday head cover-they might need one-or two or three.

BAG TAGS-I saw some of the worst looking bag tags on bags this summer. So if you have the round plastic one from the 2014 health care outing. Cut it off already, along with the other three from courses like Concrete Fairways GC and Way too many Trees Golf Links. Nobody cares that you played there. Get rid of ugly bag tags, and get a nice metal one from a good course. Get you name engraved on it and go from there.

GOLF GLOVES-if your glove looks, smells and feels like it has been through a several rainstorms and too many long practice range sessions. Buy a new glove, the holes in the palms of the gloves show it belongs in the garbage can.

GOLF BALLS I saw and found more left behind golf balls in carts, to fill up 55 gallon garbage cans. I found plenty of golf balls that top name golf companies used to make, like back in 2006. But why are you first getting rid of them now, it shouldn’t take a tree or cart path scuff to finally leave it in the cart after your done playing. I think most golfers need a dozen new golf balls. So new golf balls make a great gift.

GOLF UMBRELLA’S I saw far too many umbrellas that were worthless in light drizzles, much less the heavy stuff. If your favorite golfer doesn’t stay home every time a green patch appears on their weather APP, they might need an umbrella.

GOLF SLACKS-if your golf pants have more holes in them, than a misguided teenager trying to make a fashion statement, get some new pants.

BUY A BALL RETRIVER for those who play plenty of golf at courses with far too much water on them.

THE AIRLINES ARE BRUTAL on golf bag travel covers, which is why I bought a new one this fall. Just in time for that next trip to Florida, or somewhere warm this winter.

THESE ARE A FEW thoughts, I will have more before December 25th arrives. RS

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN-there is snow outside. So why not bring your game indoors, at least until the snow melts. Mistwoodgolfdome.com at (630)-739-7600.

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

NO #1-The Mistwood Golf Dome. NO INDOOR golf facility is more complete that the Mistwood Golf Dome in the Chicagoland area. Two levels of hitting bays, complete with an area for club fittings and lessons. There is a reason why other area professionals teach there in the winter. The dome has best food and beverage operation of any indoor golf dome. McWethy’s SportsBar has award winning chicken wings, and allows you to see just about any game. The wait staff delivers to your hitting bay. Toptracer golf was first introduced here before anyone else knew who it was. Mistwoodgolfdome.com it’s located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, call them at (630)-739-7600 book hitting bays online.

NO. 2 The Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle Road in Schaumburg. Part of the major overhaul in recent years at the Schaumburg Golf Club, was to take some unused space in the basement, and install three simulators. But when you throw in Chandlers right upstairs, you can’t go wrong. Really good burgers and steaks, to go along with some really good golf. Because while on the Schaumburg Golf Club simulators, yes you can actually play the Schaumburg Golf Club as one on many courses on the list of places to play. So check out Schaumburg Golf Club at Schaumburggolf.com or (847)-885-9000.

NO. 3 Heritage Oaks on Dundee Road in Northbrook. Because this winter season the simulators are on full speed ahead in the new Heritage Oaks Clubhouse-complete with the new Acorn Grill right alongside the two simulators. A third hitting bay will be set up in the pro shop for lessons and fittings. So for tee times call the pro shop (847)-291-2351. But online visit HeritageOaksgc.com the course is part of the Northbrook Park District.

MORE OPTIONS INCLUDE

NICK LARKIN at The Golf Shack in Glenview- Theshackgolfclub.com (847)-904-2905 The Shack opens daily at 10 AM, and stays open later than most indoor facilities.

THE FOX RUN GOLF LINKS in Elk Grove have simulators in their new clubhouse. So to tee it up in Elk Grove please call (847)-228-3544 or visit online Foxrungolflinks.com.

THE INDOOR-OUTDOOR OPTIONS INCLUDE.

The Bridges of Popular Creek in Hoffman Estates (L) now has an open-air indoor and outdoor practice facility. There are strong heaters that blow warm air down on golfers which will keep this facility open on most days this winter. (847)-884-0219 or online see BridgesofpopularCreek.com.

COG HILL GOLF in Palos Park has indoor/outdoor practice facilities, with heaters blowing down on the golfers. Cog Hill which is home to the Eskimo Open the first Sunday in January is open year round. Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-254-4455.

CHAD JOHANSEN’S Go For it Dome in Yorkville. Because Mr. Kids Rule Chad Johansen a Callaway Golf Ambassador is there all winter long.

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS for other indoor simulator locations. Because golf season no longer ends in the winter months of the Chicagoland area. So before you know it, the indoor golf shows will be here, keep your game sharp during the winter season.

THE BEE HIVES at Mistwood Golf Club or should we say-Mistwood Farms. The Honey is out at Mistwood Tavern in time for the holidays. Our feature with the bee keeper+ Angelica Carmen is coming soon. Mistwood Golf Dome is open for golf. Because the snow is coming, indoor golf season is about here. Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600. McWethys Sports Bar in the dome has great burgers, chicken wings and brews.

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

                          The new range picker is here, better late than never.

IT WAS EARLY NOVEMBER-in fact November 2nd when the new range picker arrived. Just in time since my home club Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook was closing for the season on November 13th.

But what was more surprising is that the story goes, is that the picker was actually ordered in 2021. Yes there are some lingering area’s where the supply chain still has plenty of issues. The good news is that new range picker really motors across the range if you want it to. But it handles really well too, much better than some I have seen in past years.

But with Heritage Oaks now closed for the season, the new picker got only 12 days of service before the shut down on Sunday. It came in handy for todays final range picking and year end clean up. But at least Heritage Oaks is in great shape for 2023 when it comes to the range.

SO WITH MANY COURSES now closed for the season, where should you go to golf indoors. THE GOG BLOG looks at that tomorrow. Closures from yesterday or in the last week or two include, Heritage Oaks in Northbrook, the Schaumburg Golf Club, the Preserve at Oak Meadows, Mistwood Golf Club, and Cog Hill Course #4 (Dubsdread).

ANOTHER SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUE seems to be range balls. Heritage Oaks got new range balls early this summer, but apparently they were targeted for another club that changed or cancelled it’s order. So it was great to be first on the waiting list.

SETTLERS HILL now reopened from renovation wasn’t so lucky. Settlers Hill has now been open since August 4th. But it’s driving range wasn’t as fortunate. Because now as the season comes to a close, the range still is not open because the new range balls have not arrived.

THE NEW STONEDRIFT SPA at the Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa is now open in it’s new location. The spa is now located on the site of where the general store used to be, moving from the main check-in building. The spa has a variety of new services it offers, and is a major upgrade from the former site of the Stonedrift-Wellness Spa. So learn more at EagleRidge.com and don’t forget the resorts specials on Cyber Monday.

The Mistwood Golf Dome is open for golf, located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. (630)-739-7600 or Mistwoodgolfdome.com. Book your hitting bay time online.

THE GOLF SALE of the Year is back this week at the Twin Orchard Country Club in Long Grove.

The sale starts on Friday and runs from 9 Am to 8 Pm, and tee’s off again on Saturday running from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Merchandise is available from clubs both public and private from all over the Chicagoland area. But even better are the deals you get on apparel, gloves, shoes, hats, balls and clubs. So come make a haul, you will find specials here you won’t find anywhere else before years end.

THANKSGIVING DINNERS-it’s the final hours to order your carry-out Thanksgiving dinner from McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood Golf Club. (815)-254-7001.

THE COG HILL THANKSGIVING BUFFET is back from 11 Am to 3 PM on November 24th. Adults are $56.00., younger ages (kids) payless. Book your seating now at (866)-264-4455. Coghillgolf.com.

THE GOG BLOG has some catching up to do and that is in the works so stay clicked in. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS NOW OPEN for the end of the fall golf season. It’s located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. See Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600.

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

PXG IRONS on display in the Oak Brook store.

VETERANS DAY is here.

SO PXG Golf is celebrating military members who give so much for our country.

PXG for Heroes:

All Military Members, Veterans, and First Responders do receive a special discount of up to 50% off select clubs and apparel in recognition to their communities.

STARS & STRIPES WEDGES PXG Stars & Stripes 0311 3X Forged Wedges, whose for purchase design pays homage to PXG’s military roots.

USMC Hat PXG’s first officially licensed U.S. Marine Corps hat will be available for purchase on PXG.com starting on Veterans Day. The cap is 100% made in America.

PXG Clubs and apparel can be found at both Chicago area PXG studios, located in Northbrook and Oak Brook Terrace. Learn more at PXG.com.

THE BEE HIVES at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, have produced some great holiday honey. So pick up a bottle today at McWethy’s Tavern. See Mistwoodgc.com

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

Illini Men’s Golf Coach Mike Small in the team room, at the Atkins Golf Course in Urbana.

The University of Illinois and men’s golf coach Mike Small, have announced the signings of three incoming freshman. So all three players will join the team in the fall of 2023

MAX HERENDEEN of Bellevue Wash. who was the 2022 PGA Jr. Champion winning the title at Cog Hill, with a score of 272 (-16) under par.

Herendeen says he chose Illinois to work with Small, and because he wanted to be in a winning environment.

ADAM HUNT-Columbia SC. Hunt helped his school to two South Carolina State titles, he was the medalist in 2022. Hunt says he chose Illinois to get away from home and work in a different lifestyle.

ETHAN WILSON St. Albert Canada. Wilson was a member this past summer of the Canadian Junior National Team, where they won the Toyota Junior World Cup in Japan, Wilson was T-8. Wilson called the U of I a great place for him, and a program with a great history.

THE FALL SEASON ended with a third place finish at the Isleworth Collegiate in Windermere Florida. But after opening the first round and sitting in 10th place out of 15 teams, the Illini rallied in Rounds 2 & 3 to finish in third place. But the final round had Illinois with the second best score of all teams on all three days. Sophomore Jackson Buchanan led the way with a 67 (-5) on the day.

Coach Mike Small got his 80th win at Illinois, when the Illini rallied pasted Wright State and Marquette University to win the Dayton University Flyer Classic, played at NCR-on the famed South Course. Fifth year Sr. Tommy Kuhl led the way during rounds 2 & 3 to bring the Illini back for the win.

ILLINOIS powered it’s way to a 15 shot win in the Folds of Honor Collegiate Classic in Grand Haven Michigan. But all four of the Illini scoring players in the final round finished in the Top-11 places.

But the next event for the men’s team is January 28 in the Tinervin Cup at the Coral Creek Golf Club in Placida Florida.

ILLINI WOMEN’S Golf Coach Renee Slone has received a three year-contract extension from the university, University of Illinois AD Josh Whitman announced. Whitman said ,” I couldn’t be happier for Renee and the University.”

Slone has been women’s coach for 17 seasons, and played for the Illini from 1990-1993. Slone is the most decorated player in Illinois women’s golf history.

The Illini Women’s team finished seventh at it’s Fighting Illini Women’s Invitational at Medinah Country Club. Crystal Wang led the Illini with a second place finish.

BUT MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND At FightingingIllini.com.

THE HONEY BEE HIVES AT WORK-Mistwood Honey is here. So visit McWethy’s Tavern on Renwick Road at Mistwood Golf Club and get some today. The Mistwood Golf Dome is now open for indoor golf, so visit MistwoodGolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. #TrytheWings

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 Facebook.

IT’S NOVEMBER so the new driving range picker is here. Rory Spears is now holding down the seat.

ON THE HILL…

Today I went to play Settlers Hill in Batavia the newly reopened renovation of the Kane County Forest Preserve District Golf Course.

But while the course has greatly improved under the renovation work of architect Greg Martin, their is a couple of minor repairs left for the summer of 2023.

Later this week I’ll have more on Settlers Hill, and my thoughts on this redesigned Chicago area golf course, with elevation change and views not normally found in the Chicago area.

ON THE RENOVATION FRONT, last week I did a tour of Village links Golf Course in Glen Ellyn. So it’s good to see that the course is starting the master planning phase. While it does sound like any on course work will start in 2024 (maybe) at the earliest, a renovation plan seems to be coming together.

THE FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT of DuPage County and Martin continue to make progress on the next step of golf course renovation, this time at Maple Meadows in Wood Dale. The master plan seems to be taking shape, and the next step is to begin moving forward on it. But much like Village Links, there is plenty to do before any on-course work starts happening.

BUT WORK HAS STARTED on the Winnetka Park District Course. The par-3 course closed since July is now joined by the 18 hole course. Target date for reopening is August 2024.

ANNOUNCEMENTS are expected soon from local golf courses closing up outdoor play for the season. Heritage Oaks in Northbrook, that has it’s first full open season since 2019. Could be closing this weekend. But good news is that there is now simulators inside in the Acorn Grill. With temperatures not looking great starting this coming weekend and through the following week, expect more courses to follow suit.

IT MUST BE THAT TIME OF YEAR-Because “The Match” is coming back again. This years snooze-fest entry is Tiger and Rory McIlroy-vs-Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth. Action will be under the lights. Maybe Charles Barkley will call-in again and donate some money.

CONDOLENCES to family and friends of long time professional Dow Finsterwald who passed away last Friday in his sleep at the age of 93. His son announced.

THE YEAR END GOLF SALE at the Twin Orchard Country Club in Long Grove, is back for the first time since 2019. Friday (9A-8P) and Saturday (9A-5P) November 18 & 19. great year end deals from on merchandise from both Chicago area public and private clubs. I will post more on this event in the days to come.

THERE ARE some great days ahead this week to get out and play. Because colder temps are coming by next weekend. RS

DOWN ON THE FARM-The Mistwood Golf Club Honey Farm is producing the fall season honey. Just in time for the holidays. So stop by the Mistwood Golf Club and visit McWethy’s Tavern to get your holiday honey. The Mistwood Golf Dome is now open for the winter. So visit McWethysTavern.com or 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 or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.

JDC Clair Peterson recent conducted his final Birdies for Charity announcement. Photo by Rory Spears.

ONE MORE TIME

John Deere Classic Executive Director Clair Peterson recently presided over his last charity announcement for the John Deere Classic.

So it only seems fitting that the Birdies for Charity announcement, set a record. By the amount of $89,514 dollars.

But the total for the year was $13,908,668 million dollars. The previous record was $13,819, 154 set in 2019. But even better news is that there is 481 charities, that will receive a 7% bonus.

Since the John Deere Classic was founded in 1971, and ran under several other names and title sponsors before the arrival of John Deere in 1998, the total amount of dollars raised for charity is now $159.57 million dollars.

“As always, we are thankful to our fans, John Deere, and other corporate partners and local family foundations for their ongoing generosity and support for Birdies for Charity,” Peterson said. “John Deere takes pride in it’s unique position as a civic leader and nowhere is that leadership more apparent than in it’s support of our charity initiatives.”

Based on the number of residents (375,000) in the Quad Cities area, the amount raised this year breaks down to $37 dollars per person.

The JDC also announced that Ken Goddard of DeWitt Iowa, won the drawing of a two-year lease on a Lexus RX350. Goddard and four other finalists correctly picked the exact number of birdies (2,041) in this years John Deere Classic.

The 2023 John Deere Classic will be held July 3-9. J.T. Poston is the defending champion.

Peterson wraps up a 45 year career with John Deere after starting in the companies marketing department in 1975, after graduating with a journalism degree from Iowa State. Peterson started in golf as a caddie at the Seth Raynor designed Blue Mound Country Club near Milwaukee. He was hired as the John Deere Classic tournament director in 2002, with first tournament being in 2003. Peterson beat out over 80 other candidates for the position.

As TPC Deere Run came together, it’s was Peterson who named all 18 of the golf holes, and wrote the historical descriptions tied into the land and history of the area.

PGA Tour players and Ryder Cup captains Zach Johnson and Steve Stricker both spoke about Peterson’s endless contributions to the tournament. There are many PGA Tour players who consider Peterson as one of the best tournament directors on the PGA Tour.