GOLF IN THE DOME then spend your money on the honey. Mistwood Golf Dome is open for the winter golf season in Bolingbrook on Rt. 53. (630)-739-7600 But the honey from Mistwood Golf Club is for sale at McWethys Tavern at Mistwood Golf Club on Renwick Road in Romeoville (815)-254-3333. McwethysTavern.com #MistwoodGolf
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.
Belmont Golf Club is back.
BELMONT GOLF CLUB IS BACK.
But it will start in 2023. Because the site that is the roots of the famed Chicago Golf Club, will be rebranding it’s identity.
So as to reconnect the courses history of the legendary golf course.
Charles Blair Macdonald designed the first nine holes west of the Allegheny Mountains in Downers Grove Illinois, located on Belmont Road.
This was the original site of the Chicago Golf Club, before the club moved to it’s current location in Wheaton. Then Macdonald designed nine more holes for the course in 1893.
Macdonald himself was one of the founding members of the Belmont Golf Club. So one of his first tasks was to keep many of the original holes of the Chicago Golf Club in play, after the Chicago Golf Club moved.
The original Belmont Golf Club, is among the original courses of the Western Golf Association founded in 1899.
But the current layout is 9 holes, six of those holes are called the “Original Six”. Because these holes have had only minor changes, since the late 1890’s. These current holes are holes 1,2,4,7,8, and 9.
The Belmont Golf Club routing.
The Acorn shaped logo, is reflective of the Belmont Trophy whose history dates back to the year of 1919.
This trophy is on display in the clubhouse.
Currently the Downers Grove Golf Club is still open for play this November.
But for tee times in the week ahead please call the club at (630)-963-1306. Downersgrovegolfclub.org.
THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook (L) the fruits of Mistwood Golf and Farms in Romeoville (R). Get the sweet side of golf game rolling at the Mistwood Golf Club, while it’s still open for outdoor golf. Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333.
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Welcome to Village Links Golf Club in Glen Ellyn.
While there has been plenty of renovation projects in the Chicagoland area in the recent years.
That list of projects is continuing. Because the are new additions to the project that will happen in the next few years.
A recent media release by architect Greg Martin said that master planning was underway with the Village Links golf course in Glen Ellyn.
A recent visit by Golfers on Golf to Village Links, allowed GOG to catch up with head golf professional Michael Campbell.
The Village Links flag flies on the third green of the clubs nine hole golf course.
Campbell said the club is aware that its bunkers and course drainage need some work.
But what would any renovation project include, is too early to determine.
Campbell says the Village board will wait for a report from Martin, to see what needs to be done. In addition to what projected costs would total.
The master planning process, will include all 27 holes of golf, and the practice areas.
During the construction phase, the entire facility will not be shut down. But it’s not clear if 9 or 18 holes will remain open. Because two area golf courses with 27 holes, Arrowhead in Wheaton and the Schaumburg Golf Club in Schaumburg. Closed 9 holes at time. So that left 18 holes open for play through-out the entire renovation phase of the project.
When reached by phone, Martin told Golfers on Golf that master planning is in it’s very early stages. So there are plenty of steps to work through. Any on-course work would not start before 2024.
Village Links owned by the Village of Glen Ellyn, has been a popular golf course. The club has seen a large number of rounds played, especially since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The club is home to the Reserve 22 restaurant. But previously served as the home to the Monday qualifier for the Western Open Championship.
THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, and is now open for indoor golf. So as soon as the Mistwood Golf Club closes up outdoor operations, the golf operation will transfer to the dome. Lessons, practice, fitting and more. Toptracer golf and some of the best chicken wings anywhere. So visit Mistwoodgolfdome.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.
*** THE FOLLOWING STORY is based on the Golfers on Golf/Rory Spears interview with current Chicago Golf Club board president Herb Getz***
Rory Spears on the 18th green of the Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton Illinois.
HISTORY WAS MADE at the Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton in July of 2018, when the United States Golf Association (USGA) brought the inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Open to the Chicago Golf Club.
Laura Davies won that championship before winning the Senior Women’s LPGA Championship at the French Lick Resort to complete the senior women’s slam, even though it was two championships not four.
Davies has since called the win at Chicago Golf Club, “the highlight of my career”. Because what you win, is not always as important as where you win it.
But as great as the Chicago Golf Club looked for the championship, it was really the beginning of getting better for what was to come next. But to decide on how to move forward, the Chicago Golf Club had to visit and study it’s own history.
The good news is that as current club president Herb Getz tells it, was that heading into the U.S. Senior Women’s Open, some of the membership wasn’t sure if hosting this championship was the right move for the club. But by the time Davies was thanking the gallery on championship Sunday for “watching us old birds come out and play”. The Chicago Golf Club membership was in agreement that hosting the championship was the right thing to do.
The clubhouse at the Chicago Golf Club.
But now the club was facing the question, what next. With Chicago Golf now in it’s third century of a relationship with the USGA, discussions started about yet, another USGA championship. But what really fueled the fire was a visit from new USGA Executive Director Michael Whan. Because shortly after joining the USGA, Whan visited all of the original clubs, and asked them to host another USGA championship.
Big or small, didn’t matter. Whan suggested to the USGA original member clubs, to again host a championship, even if it’s been decades since the last one. So to get ready for what was next, Chicago Golf Club studied it’s history, and moved forward by bringing back it’s past history.
Laura Davies with the U.S. Senior Women’s Open trophy.
The clubs consulting architect Tom Doak got the call, and along the with clubs board, historian and superintendent went to work. But no sooner than the club closed on Labor Day of 2020 for the work to begin, the superintendent who arrived a few years earlier from Merion Golf Club near Philadelphia. Got a calling to go back to Philly. So the restoration team made a change and continued forward.
But work wasn’t just being done outside on the golf course. Because the clubs-clubhouse committee got to work on the clubhouse, inside and outside. Because one of the stories from the 2005 Walker Cup, was how portable air-conditioning units were brought in that week. So even in 2005, the clubs clubhouse did not have air conditioning.
The club knew that needed to change. But along with some upgrades to the A/C and the heating. Improvements started on pipes that provided both the water and electric. Clubhouse work began as the golf course work started, with drainage and bunkers being redone. Which included re-adding the 13 rediscovered original Seth Raynor bunkers from 1923.
The flags of country, the USGA, and the Chicago Golf Club will fly together again in 2033 and 2036.
Getz tells how the bunkers with steeper faces may not excite all of the membership, but improvements have made those who play golf at the club tune-up their “A” game.
Getz says that a future U.S. Open “could be’ in the cards. But it’s likely the club will see how the golf course holds up from championship week at the women’s open in 2033 first. Before making any decision on a men’s open.
Being one of only two clubs along with Shinnecock Hills on Long Island New York, that has hosted USGA Championships in three straight centuries. Is something the Chicago Golf Club takes prides in.
CLICK HERE to hear the interview in full with Chicago Golf Club president Herb Getz.
Can more changes be expected between now and 2033. Actually, not many. But Getz says some tee boxes could be easily added.
The 2033 U.S. Women’s Open is still 10 1/2 years away. But Chicago area golf fans already can’t wait to see a major championship back in town. Ten plus years might seem like a long way a way. But the time is likely to pass-us by before we know it. Even if time does have a way of standing still at the 130 year old Chicago Golf Club.
THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is preparing for another year of the winter golf season, so when your ready to head indoors-The MGD is waiting for you. Located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook (630)-739-7600 see Mistwoodgolfdome.com #Golf/FootballSundaysreturn
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 Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton Illinois will host the 2033 U.S. Women’s Open and the 2036 Walker Cup. Photo by Rory Spears
THE USGA IS COMING BACK TO CHICAGO.
But while it’s a bit down the road, finally a major golf organization has committed to bringing some major golf championships back to the best golf destination in the Midwest, the Chicagoland area.
Because this morning the United States Golf Association (USGA) has announced that the historic Chicago Golf Club will be host of the 2033 U.S. Women’s Open, and the 2036 Walker Cup.
The U.S. Women’s Open trophy.
During it’s long and storied history, the Chicago Golf Club has previously hosted 12 USGA championships.
But most recently it hosted the inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Open Championship in 2018, won by Laura Davies.
“The history of the USGA and American golf can’t be told without Chicago Golf Club, and just over 125 years of hosting it’s first USGA championship, we’re thrilled to announce the return for two additional significant events,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA cheif championships officer. “With the tremendous support of its members and a world-class venue, we’re confident that the Chicago Golf Club will deliver memorable moments and an opportunity for golf fans around the world to see one of the country’s finest golf venues.”
The Chicago Golf Club was founded in 1892. But it was located in west suburban Downers Grove, where the first nine-holes was built. But only some of those holes remain in play today. So in 1893 the nations first 18 hole course opened in it’s current location in Wheaton Illinois.
But some of the clubs great history comes from the fact, that legendary course designer Charles Blair Macdonald was the course architect. Macdonald’s house sits up against the course on the westside of the club. Because the club is one of the five founding clubs of the USGA in 1894, it’s will hold it’s place in history.
Macdonald was the first U.S. Amateur champion in 1895, and was the USGA’s first vice president.
The Walker Cup-photo courtesy of the USGA.
Architect Seth Raynor that took over much of Macdonald’s work in later years, did a redesign of the Chicago Golf Club in 1923. But more recently the club did restoration work to restore original fairway lines and dimensions for all 128 bunkers on the golf course. But this work included 13 bunkers that were reinstalled after the club discovered maps that showed they were part of the original Raynor design.
“Hosting the best players in the world-men, women-amateur and professional-for USGA events is a point of pride for our club and a significant part of our long history,” said Herb Getz, Chicago Golf Club president. “So we very much look forward to building upon that history and continuing our valued partnership with the USGA on an larger stage well into the future.”
***Getz will speak with Golfers on Golf later today.
Chicago Golf Club has hosted USGA championships in three different centuries, the U.S. Open in 1897, 1900 and 1911. The U.S. Amateur was held at the club in 1897, 1905, 1909 and 1912. The U.S Women’s Amateur in 1903, and the Walker Cup in 1928 and in 2005. The U.S. Senior Amateur in 1979 and the U.S. Senior Women’s Open in 2018.
Team USA 2005 Walker Cup Captain Bob Lewis called the 2005 match “the greatest Walker Cup ever played.” Team USA held off the late charging Great Britain and Ireland team 12 1/2 to 11 1/2. Because the win ended a string of three straight losses in the event for the USA.
U.S. Senior Women’s Open champion Laura Davies called winning the championship the “highlight of my career”. Davies called Chicago Golf Club “a great venue” for the 2033 U.S. Women’s Open. A venue that will crown a worthy champion.”
Golfers on Golf will provide additional details on these events as they become available.
THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS NOW OPEN and ready for the indoor golf season, are you ? SO if you wish to stay outside for a few more weeks, you can at the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville (815)-254-3333. But the transition into the dome is starting now. So visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. (630)-739-7600. OPENING DAY is coming soon to the StoneDrift Spa at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena 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.
The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, with new Callaway Rogue ST-LS fairway woods at the Mistwood golf Club Performance Center. Photo by Eric Russell.
THE GOG BLOG is ready to step up the news.
Because over the last several weeks, I have been stock-piling information for stories, that will be coming out in the days and weeks ahead.
It was great last Friday to step out at the Mistwood Golf Club and get in a round of golf-outdoors.
So I’m hoping there is still time to get in a few more rounds, before the temperatures drop and the snow starts landing on the tees, greens and fairways.
NEWS ALERT*** perhaps as quickly as tomorrow. The will be some breaking news regarding some major golf events in the Chicago area. But they might still be some years out. So stay tuned right here for the details.
THE 2023 PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW in Orlando Florida scheduled for late January is gaining steam. Because this year attendance was down and the equipment companies were no-shows.
But not this year. Callaway Golf and Topgolf have just announced their return to the show. Previously Titleist and FootJoy announced a return to the show. Cleveland Golf and it’s companies are returning. Cobra Golf and it’s companies are making a return.
ONE COMPANY that will be a no-show is TaylorMade Golf, their reason or reason’s for not attending are at this time are unknown. But the good news is that there is still time for the company to change it’s mind.
I have reached out to representatives of local companies Wilson Golf and Tour Edge Golf to see if they are returning. But they have not yet commented. There is a few return commitments on the apparel side, including leader Peter Millar.
So all of this sounds good for golf in 2023. But one survey company is suggesting that golf equipment sales are starting to slide down. This might be true, but many golfers have reloaded their bags in the last couple of years. But there are other things that many golfers could add to their bags, including new bags, maybe it’s time to upgrade your wardrobe if you haven’t in the last few years. I will have a column on upgrades for golfers in the days ahead.
I found it interesting that an unofficial Twitter poll had comments from golfers about how over priced new golf equipment is these days. But the thing is, is that there are so many clubs being sold at top dollar, why should prices go down. Prices in golf are like any other industry, car prices go up, utility bills go up, home prices go up, etc. Why should golf be any different, I hate to say it, but it’s the truth.
SOME MORE GOOD GOLF NEWS the pre Black Friday golf show is back on for this year. Because what hasn’t been held since November of 2019 is back at the Twin Orchard Country Club in Long Grove. So if your looking for good deals on apparel, golf shoes and hats, some golf balls and clubs, this is the place to go. Dates are supposed to be November 18-19, hours are TBD.
I LOVE THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME, it’s the best in the area. But when it opens for golf, it means outdoor golf season is fading. But the chicken wings alone are worth taking a drive there.
LIV GOLF wrapped up it’s season at the Trump Doral Golf Resort in Miami. Dustin Johnson seems to have walked away the big winner in terms of dollars made. The total plenty. More good news for golf fans and LIV Golf players, the British Open and the Open Championship says they will not exclude any players at next years championship. So now it’s time for the USGA, the PGA and the Masters to get on board as well.
WORD IS THE FOX RUN Golf Club in Elk Grove is again looking for a new Director of Golf operations, apply at the Elk Grove Park District if interested in the position.
CHECK BACK TOMORROW more golf news I think, is coming. RS
THE STONEDRIFT SPA at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, is getting ready to finally open. (R) ER-Resort owner Mark Klausner. So follow all the details by visiting 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.
With new Callaway Rogue Fairway woods in the Mistwood Golf Performance Center. Photo by Eric Russell.
JUST IN TIME.
MY NEW CALLAWAY Rogue ST fairway woods have landed from the Callaway plant.
They came late last week, and the early birthday presents arrived in time for the Heritage Oaks Golf Club team championship I played in with partner Patrick Crampton a fellow Heritage Oaks staffer. Second place wasn’t bad on the Low-gross side.
I did not hit the fairway woods as often as expected with Crampton bombing his drives. But when I did, they went long and straight. It did take several years to get new Callaway fairway woods, that could out perform my Callaway Steelhead fairway woods from 2017. But the Rogue ST’s proved they could do just that. #Lockandload
So I am anxious to get back on the course in a round of golf where I am playing solo, and I can hit the Rogue ST 3 & 5 woods more often. Because they are really good clubs.
OWGR and the MAJORS FOR NOW. It is really getting tiring listening to all the reports of the latest lawsuits being filed between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. I’m not totally sure why PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan choose this path to move forward on. But maybe someday cooler heads will prevail.
For now the OWGR World Ranking points are important. But if the system continues to not rank the world’s best players, they will soon become insignificant and worthless. There does seem to be some conflicts of interest as to who is sitting on the OWGR board. So maybe some resignations should be forth coming, or add Greg Norman to the board.
MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS, the Masters, and the golf organizations that currently run the major championships still seem stuck on who should be able to be in their fields. It’s pretty simple really, anyone that is a past champion-where that applies, or anyone who qualifies, where that applies.
Because if the major tournaments won’t let in the best players, or players who have previously earned exemptions, they will no longer be considered majors. Because they will become minors.
I’M GLAD TO SEE THAT RORY MCILROY is back being #1 after his win last week in South Carolina. Personally I think it’s always good when a Rory is #1.
LOCALLY word is that long time Libertyville based golf architect Rick Jacobson is easing into retirement. Jacobson will finish what’s currently on his table, and head off to warmer pastures. Jacobson’s last major local project will be the Winnetka Park District course. The course is expected to close on November 1st, and might not be reopened until summer of 2024. Stay tuned. ALSO at Winnetka, word is Northbrook based KemperSports will be running the facility starting next week.
BATAVIA BASED GOLF ARCHITECT GREG MARTIN has announced he will begin master planning for the Village Links Golf Club in Glen Ellyn. But there is no announcement yet as to when any work might start at the 27 hole facility, which is due for a tune-up.
THE GRUMBLING CONTINUES from several local IPGA professionals about the treatment or lack of it, at the sections last major championship, The Players Championship at the Lake Shore Country Club in Glencoe. Come-on LSCC, course maintenance happening during play in the second round. Please do rough-cut mowing and bunker work before a round starts, or after it’s over. The IPGA and our Illinois section professionals deserve better.
I’M HOPEFUL that Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, will finally get it’s new state-of-the art spa open next week as now planned. Because supply chain issues on some products have already caused a delay of over 100 days.
THE STONEDRIFT SPA at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa is almost open. 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.
David Paeglow 2022 IPGA Senior Players Championship winner. Photo courtesy of IPGA.
DAVID PAEGLOW of Kishwaukee Country Club was the winner by four shots at Glen Oak Country Club, in Glen Ellyn.
Paeglow’s winner was wire-to-wire in the 36 holes event, played in cold and windy conditions.
“It was quite a chore out there the past couple of days,” said Paeglow. “The weather was really windy and cold during the first round. But today wasn’t quite as bad. The greens were very fast and tricky. So I was lucky to get hot with the putter and was able to make a few putts. Because that is what it took to keep the round going. I was fortunate to win in these conditions and I’m very happy with the outcome.”
The IPGA Senior Players Championship is an invitational for the top 32 players on the 2022 Errie Ball Player of the Year list. So due to his seventh place finish, Roy Biancalana won the 2022 IPGA Errie Ball Senior Player of the Year Award. So for Biancalana he wins the award back-to-back and for his fourth time in five years. During the 2022 season, Biancalana won three times including two senior majors.
The brutal conditions during Round 1, left the days scoring average at 81.53. Paeglow was tied for the lead after Day 1, after shooting a 4 over par 76. During Round 2, Paeglow carded an even par 72, which was tied for the days low score.
David Hannon (Links and Tees) was able to finish at +8 for 36 holes, which gave him a solo-second place finish. Beverly Country Club’s head professional was third two shots back of Hannon.
The Illinois PGA wraps up it’s playing schedule for 2022, with the Pro-Superintendent event at Kemper Lakes Golf Club. but for more information visit IPGA.com.
HERITAGE OAKS has been open all year for the first time in three years, it’s renovation and rebranding has been attracting golfers all year long. So visit HeritageOaksGC.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.
Heritage Oaks Director of Golf Greg Baron at the grand Reopening in August of 2021.
HERITAGE OAKS in Northbrook and part of the Northbrook Park District, has retained it’s designation of being a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary”, through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.
This program is an international program
Bill Meyer Parks Division Manager led the effort for Heritage Oaks to maintain it’s Audubon status. Because it was first awarded this prestigious honor in 2015. So It’s one of only 900 courses worldwide to hold the distinction from Audubon International.
The Audubon Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, is endorsed by the United States Golf Association. So it does provide leadership in helping golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, while protecting natural resources.
The sun rises on the 18th hole at Heritage Oaks on the Classic 18 course.
Golf courses from several countries and multiple continents have received their certification in the Audubon Sanctuary Program.
“Heritage Oaks Golf Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. So they are commended for preserving the natural heritage of the area, and providing a sanctuary for wildlife,” said Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International.”
“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” explained Kane. ” These categories include Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitant Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management. Courses go through a recertification every three years.”
“As the Director of the Golf Division. I am elated to share that our golf maintenance staff takes tremendous pride in maintaining the certification standards and education required to be certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.” said Greg Baron. “Enhancing wildlife habitats and natural areas while minimizing harmful impacts of the golf course maintenance programs. Is a high-level goal while trying to provide the best possible public golf experience we can. Being certified for the third successive time in a row is truly an honor.”
But the recent renovation of the golf course saw environmental concerns addressed at every decision making session. So these sessions led to the creation of enlarged ponds to better manage storm-water after heavy rains.
“A large part of our mission is to practice environmental stewardship,” said Molly Hammer, Executive Director of the Northbrook Park District. “So the Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary designation is a testament to our talented staff members who maintain and preserve our golf course and additional park assets in an environmentally responsible manner. But the amazing byproduct of this work is a stunning golf course. That features 27 holes of golf for the community.”
Audubon International is located in Troy, New York. Heritage Oaks Golf Course is located on Dundee Road in Northbrook. So for more details see HertiageOaksGC.com or call (847)-291-2351.
EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & SPA OWNER MARK KLAUSNER (L) AND NEW GM STEVE GEISZ are getting the Eagle Flying High Again. #DontTakeUSforGranted for booking your next getaway, please visit EagleRidge.com 63 Holes of Golf and more.
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.
(L-R) Eagle Ridge owner Mark Klausner, Marketing Director Colin Sanderson, General US Grant, Rory Spears.
THE GENERAL TURNS 25.
Last week the General Golf Course at Eagle Ridge in Galena IL., celebrated it’s 25th anniversary. I was proud to be back after 25 years to play it all over again.
Because on May 27th of 1997, The General opened for play with a grand opening outing.
Eagle Ridge members, homeowners, some golf staff members, media members, vendors and VIP hosts Bears Coach Dave Wannstedt and his wife Jan were on-hand for the opening.
So were some “Union Soldiers” and General U.S. Grant, or at least someone who looked like and maybe smelled like he did back in the 1860’s. The civil war era cannon was aimed down the first fairway, when Wannstedt suggested it be re-aimed and fired towards Green Bay.
The weather on May 27th 1997 wasn’t that great, it was overcast all day and the temperatures never hit 60. But this time with a 30-minute delay involved, the rain stopped shortly before the start, and as Eagle Ridge Director of Golf Mike Weiler read the format for the day, the sun came out and stayed out until almost the end of play. The temperature this time around made it up to 69 degrees.
So this time there were no Porta-Potties, but real bathrooms. The courses was in great shape in-spite of a 1/2 inch of rain in the morning. But this time the winners were determined on the golf course. Not in a putt-off in the clubhouse bar. There were contests on every hole that made for so much fun. This time there was only 13 foursome’s with few last minute cancellations due to the rain, those people sure made a mistake. This years outing never saw 1 drop of rain. I think two years from now will be the 40th anniversary of the South Course, outing please.
Eagle Ridge owner Mark Klausner shows off the new Stonedrift Spa, which will be a difference maker for the resort.
A FEW THINGS HAVE CHANGED at Eagle Ridge, since I was last there in early May.
Because the Stonedrift Spa is much closer to opening, and finally will open in just a few weeks. I took an updated tour with resort owner Mark Klausner and this spa looks really good. I think those who enjoy spa’s, will love the new Stonedrift Spa.
But back downstairs in the main-inn building, I found new General Manager Steve Geisz, who has now been on the job for 4 months. Geisz an 8 year U.S. Army veteran of Operation Desert Storm, is working to get the spa opened before moving on to another project.
BUT WHAT WILL THOSE PROJECTS BE. It appears that a restoration of the Main-Inn seems to be on-tap, with updated look outside and redone rooms on the inside. But for you golfers, the practice areas and range will see improvements. So stay tuned.
CONGRATULATIONS to IPGA member Roy Biancalana on qualifying for the 2023 Senior PGA Championship in Frisco Texas. The first major championship played on the courses at the new home of the PGA of America.
THE FIGHT CONTINUES for World Golf ranking points. But it’s time for a few members of the board at the OWGR to resign for conflict of interest reasons. If things are not settled quickly.
THE WEATHER GETS BETTER later this week, but outdoor golf season is slipping away. So get out and play while you can. The Gog Blog returns this week. RS
ARE YOU READY TO TRAVEL-BECAUSE IF YOUR ARE, it’s time to visit Eagle Ridge. Golf season is not over, and new state-of-the-art Spa is almost open. EagleRidge.com
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Steve Giesz at his new desk in the offices of the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa.
STEVE GIESZ IS HOME.
Because Illinois is where his world wide journey in life started.
But in between the start, the stops and now the landing, Giesz has logged a lot of miles.
Giesz is an 8-year US-Army veteran, whose duties included Operation Desert Storm back in the early 1990’s. Giesz calls himself lucky, that he is one of the 2% of Army veterans who did not come back with PTSD. But he remains close with army friends that have suffered with PTSD. Giesz helps out where he can with others who weren’t so fortunate.
During his time in the Middle East, Giesz started doing demolition work. So his background in this specialty, later landed him a job with the Miami Marlins in 2001 helping put on fireworks shows. But fireworks shows were eliminated after 9-11. So after the Marlins rallied to stun the Chicago Cubs in 2003 NLCS and advance to the World Series. Giesz was called back by the Marlins, to run a fireworks display, during the World Series win over the New York Yankees.
The new spa, was the first major project Giesz has a settled into upon starting as GM at Eagle Ridge.
But after earning a college degree in hospitality, Giesz started working at various properties that included the ski slopes in the mountains of North Carolina. From there he spent years at the Doral Resort in Miami, which gave him a front row seat for golf, when the PGA Tour visited each March.
But as Giesz looked to return to his roots in the Midwest, a recruiter called asking him to interview for a job in Galena.
So when Giesz learned the job was at Eagle Ridge. He jumped at the opportunity to interview with owner Mark Klausner. Giesz was familiar with the resort after growing up playing football against Galena high school. So after listening to a sales pitch from Klausner, Giesz couldn’t wait to roll up his sleeves and start taking Eagle Ridge to a new level.
CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Eagle Ridge and Spa General Manager Steve Giesz.
Giesz knows getting the spa open, is step one of the major projects ahead. But the army veteran is not one to back down from the challenge of getting the eagle flying high again. So for more information visit Eagleridge.com.
GOLF IN THE DOME then spend your money on the honey. Mistwood Golf Dome is open for the winter golf season in Bolingbrook on Rt. 53. (630)-739-7600 But the honey from Mistwood Golf Club is for sale at McWethys Tavern at Mistwood Golf Club on Renwick Road in Romeoville (815)-254-3333. McwethysTavern.com #MistwoodGolf
