LINKS & TEE’S ON LAKE AVENUE IN ADDISON, INDOOR OUTDOOR. LINKS & TEE’S IS A SEASON ROUND GOLF DESTINATION. (630)-233-7275 or online visit Addisonparks.org.

CDGA.ORG Celebrating 100 years in the golf business.

The CDGA celebrates 100 years with it’s Centennial dinner on November 14th at the Palmer House. The guests speakers will be the USGA President Tom O’Toole, and USGA Executive Director Mike Davis. For more information visit CDGA.org.

THE SR. PGA CHAMPIONSHIP at Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor Michigan, has announced a volunteer of the year award in honor of Dr. John M. Proos the Co-Chairman of the championships medical committee. Dr. Proos passed away this summer. The 2014 award winner will be named on October 21st. The award will then be handed out in 2016 and in 2018 when the championship returns to Harbor Shores.

The Women’s Western Golf Association recently held it’s annual meeting on October 9th, at the Sunset Ridge Country Club in Northfield. The WWGA has been hosting tournaments since 1901.

The featured speaker was BIG 3 Partner Tim Cronin, and two awards were presented. The two winners of the Women of Distinction Awards were, Susan Wagner who has been a Director since 1977 and Audrey Peterson. During the years the WWGA has handed out over 3.35 million dollars in scholarships to over 600 winners from 45 states across the country.

The 9th hole at Oak Meadows Golf Club.

The conditions are great at all three of the Dupage County Golf Courses. Come play Oak Meadows, Maple Meadows and Green Meadows. The golf season is not over. Visit Dupagegolf.com.

Enjoy Oak Meadows while you can, because at this time next year, it’s likely that the renovation process will have begun and the course will be closed for play.

YES MICHIGAN…Shanty Creek Resort Legend Course in Bellaire Michigan has been named the course of the year by the Michigan Golf Course owners Association. Earlier this year Golf Magazine named the course in the Top 20 public courses in the state.

“It’s always an honor in this industry to be recognized for your efforts,” said Brian Kautz, Director of Golf and Head PGA professional for Shanty Creek. “Were proud to be among the Who’s Who of Michigan Golf.”

Grandtraverseresort.com Home of the Bear Golf Course

It’s not too late to visit the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa for some fall fun, but time is running out. Night or day there is plenty to do at GTR.

There are 54 holes of golf to test your game, including “The Bear” designed by Jack Nicklaus, and the Wolverine course by Gary Player. The Spruce Run golf course is sporty test of golf.

When you get off the golf course there is plenty of action to be found on the tables, two casinos are within 25 miles of the resort. One just 5 minutes away and you can take the shuttle from the resort. The 16 story tower hotel allows guests to have a view of Michigan and the waterways for miles around. When it’s relaxation time hit the resort spa, to be rid of the those aches and pains. Grandtraverseresort.com.

GOLF MAGAZINE has recognized two courses at the Treetops Resort in Gaylord Michigan. The Rick Smith Signature was ranked 8th in the state and the Tom Fazio designed Premier Course came in at No.18. The resort has five golf courses including the famed “Three-Tops” par 3 course.

From the par 3, 6th hole on the Masterpiece course the view is 40 miles, over 238 hotel rooms and condo’s are on the property. 23 ski runs are in place for the winter months. Book you fall golf, or winter ski trip at Treetops.com.

THE 4Th ANNUAL TINLEY PARK GOLF EXPO…Coming February 6-8 in 2015. Booth space is going quickly, and is available for as low as $1,000. Tinlyparkgolfexpo.com for more information.

LINKS CAPITAL ADVISORS and Chris Charnas have been retained to sell the Willow Hill Golf Course in Northbrook, interested parties should contact Charnas at (847)-866-7192.

THE FIGHTING ILLINI have won three tournaments in a row and are the No.1 team in the country as of October 3rd. It’s the first time the men’s golf team at Illinois has been ranked No.1. Jr. Thomas Detry was named Big Ten Player of the week after his win this past week at the Sagamore Preview Tournament played in Indiana.

MISTWOODGC.COM The new clubhouse work is well underway.

PHASE 3, the construction of the new clubhouse is well underway at Mistwood golf Club in Romeoville. Mistwood the home of the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open, will be an even better full service golf club in 2015.

The golf course will open for the 2015 season before the clubhouse is complete, but owner Jim McWethy is expecting the clubhouse to be ready by the start of the PK-IWO.

A two-part clubhouse will run above and below ground. The unnamed restaurant will be a place for golfers and non-golfers can enjoy a great meal. There might be a contest to name the new grill or 19th hole. Stay tuned for announcements regarding that. You cal follow the live camera that watches the work move forward at Mistwoodgc.com. Mistwood is open while the construction is going on, both this fall and next spring.

SPRINGBROOK AND NAPERBROOK Golf Courses have discounted rates with the Fall Play Pass. Residents $50 per day unlimited golf non residents at $60. Call the golf shops at (630)-848-5060 for Springbrook and (630)-378-4215 for Naperbrook. There is an additional charge for golf carts.

THE COLUMBUS OHIO BASED Hurdzan Golf, designers of the 2017 U.S. Open site Erin Hills, have been retained to do a renovation to the Worthington Hills Country Club in Central Ohio. Construction is underway and should be done late in 2014.

The Hurdzan Golf Design and Fry/Straka Global Golf Design Companies have added two renovation of the year awards by Golf Inc. Magazine. the courses named were the Ambiente Course at the J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn in Scottsdale AZ., and the Columbia Country Club in Columbia Mo., the club finished first and third in their respective division. More information see Hurdzangolf.com.

Erinhills.com Erin Hills home of the 2017 U.S. Open.

FALL GOLF NEWS FROM ERIN HILLS, in Erin Wisconsin. Visit the website now and you can read how Erin Hills Superintendent Zach Reineking’s not-so-secret-weapon keeps the course from having to be aerified during your golf season.

The Erin Hills online store has been updated, check it out. The fall stay and play package through October 26th is about sold out. Call quickly to (866)-772-4769 to snap up one of those remaining packages. Golf season ends this month at Erin Hills, don’t miss out on a chance to play the 2017 U.S. Open course.

ANDREW PRICE won the 22nd Illinois State Mid-Amateur Championship at Flossmoor Country Club. Price of Lake Bluff shot scores of 69-70-71 for the wire-to-wire victory. “I played well,” said Price. ” I putted very well and drove it well, I kept the ball in play. I didn’t hit my irons as well as I normally do, so my short game and getting up and down was important this week.”

Price’s score of six under par, defeated runner up Derek Meinhart of Mattoon by two shots. Dave Ryan and Glenn Przybylski were third. The championship will be played at Flossmoor again in 2015.

BandonDunesGolf.com in Bandon Oregon. 85 holes of golf as it was meant to be.

The new BandonDunesGolf.com is up and running.

Check out the golf on Bandon Dunes, Bandon Trails, Pacific Dunes, Old MacDonald, and the 13 hole Par 3 course the reserve.

Lodging, food and beverage, the online blog and the online store. You can now experience Bandon Dunes in a brand new way.

For reservations you can call (800)-742-0172 or visit the award winning new website online.

ARNOLD PALMER’S BAY HILL LODGE in Orlando Florida has named Chris Flynn as the new course superintendent. He joins Bay Hill after a stint at the Marriott Grande Vista Resort in Orlando. Previous courses include Spyglass and the links at Spanish Bay. APbayhill.com or call (888)-422-9445.

NORTHBROOK BASED KEMPER SPORTS… has been busy in recent months.

Three of Kemper’s Courses were featured in Links Magazine list of the top-10 municipal courses in the country. Kemper continues to manage more top-ranked golf courses than any other management company. The list includes Harborside International (Starboard) at 10, Butterfield Trail at 4 and Chambers Bay home of the 2015 U.S. Open at 2.

Golfweek Magazine recently named 6 Kemper courses to it’s list of the top 50 municipal courses in America.

KEMPERSPORTS has added the following courses to it’s portfolio of club that they manage.

The La Gorce Country Club in Miami Beach Florida. The history of La Gorce dates back to 1927. The 18 hole par 71 course was redesigned by Jack Nicklaus, and was a former home to professional Jack Groot who was the long time instructor to Nicklaus. For more information see lagorcecc.com.

The Dublin Ranch Golf Course in East San Francisco Bay region of Dublin California. The golf course is the only course in Dublin and is a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design that is 18 holes but plays to a par of 63. The course has 11 par 3 holes, five par fours and two par 5’s. Visit dublinranchgolf.com formore information.

The Colwood Golf Course in the Cully neighborhood of Portland Oregon, Kempers second club in the city of Portland. The course is being renovated into a 9-hole par 3 course and natural turf driving range. The course will work with the First Tee program in the area. See portlandoregon.gov/parks/63560.

The Apple Ridge Country Club in Mahwah New Jersey. The club that first opened in 1966 has views of the Manhattan skyline. The course is 18 holes and a par 71 design by Hal C. Purdy. Purdy designed over 50 courses in that era. For more information go to appleridgecountryclub.com.

KEMPERSPORTS is proud to announce that Mark Hoesing will return to the company as Senior VP of Operations supporting the East Region. Hoesing first joined Kemper in 1999 and left in 2012. His credits include the launch of Chambers Bay. “We are fortunate to have Mark return,” said Kempersports CEO Steve Skinner. ” He is an experienced operator with a wealth of experience with all types of golf properties and will be a valuable resource for a management team and clients. Hoesing will relocate to Chicago and work from Northbrook.

KEMPERSPORTS has reached an agreement with Golfers on Golf Radio host Mike Munro to take over operations of the White Pines Golf Dome in Bensenville this winter. Stay tuned for a full story.

The season is winding down, Go Play.

THE GOLF COURSES OF LAWSONIA in Green Lake Wisconsin. 36 holes that include the famed Links Course, and the Woodlands Course. Head North and play the courses the members of Chicago’s top private clubs go to play. Stay and Plays now available. See Lawsonia.com. Lawsonia Golf less than 3 hours from Chicago.

BY: RORY SPEARS, ASSISTANT EDITOR AND LEAD WRITER.

The fall golf season continues, there are year end deals and fall scrambles to enjoy. Toss in some pro shop sales and there is plenty to enjoy as the 2014 golf season winds to a close.

Deals, deals and deals on green fees and a last chance for some fun competition still to be had. There is even a 5K run for you golfers that want to get your fitness on the golf course.

SETTLERS HILL in Batavia not only has fall deals, but the fall scramble is coming on Sunday November 9th. 18 holes of golf, breakfast, lunch and prizes. Call (630)-232-1636 to sign up today. Settlershill.com.

BONNIE BROOK of Waukegan is running Cross Country Golf on Saturday October 25th at noon. Some crazy long shots and holes. $40 for the 4-person scramble. Everyone gets a prize and lunch. (847)-360-4730.

Coghillgolf.com

Golf Magazine has named Cog Hill’s course No.4 “Dubsdread” the 34th best course on their Top 100 Courses You Can Play course list.

Coming this weekend is the Cog Hill “Trick or Treat Open.” Saturday October 18th on Course No.3 at 9 AM. $74 dollars per player for this 2-man scramble event. Ever play closest to the Pumpkin. Call Cog Hill at (866)-264-4455 x 318 to register. Online visit Coghillgolf.com/tournaments.

The Cog Hill Turkey Shoot is November 8th on Course No.1, or on Sunday November 9th on Course No.3. Both are 9 Am Shotgun starts. 4-player teams play nine holes of scramble and 9 holes of best ball. Fee is $312 per team, includes Green Fee, Cart, Range Balls, Breakfast and a Chili lunch W/Drink, prizes and gift cards. Flight and contest winners get a Turkey.

BLACK FRIDAY AT COGHILL Friday November 28th, 9:30 Shotgun on Course No.2. It’s a 2-person shamble event, $124 team entrance fee. (866)-Cog-Hill or online at Coghillgolf.com.

TANNA FARMS in Geneva is running fall specials on weekdays and weekends. See Tannafarms.com (630)-232-4300.

FOXFORD HILLS in Cary is running daily specials on green fees. Visit online Foxfordhillsgolfclub.com or call (847)-639-0400.

CHAPEL HILL in McHenry has weekday and weekend fall rates. Call the 19th hole at (815)-344-1894. Ride or walk at Chapel Hill.

OAK GROVE in Harvard is holding it’s fall scramble this Saturday October 18th. It’s a 10 Am start for the 4-person teams. $60 per player, golf 7 cart, lunch and prizes. Call (815)-648-2550.

THE DEERFIELD GOLF CLUB & LEARNING CENTER has announced that head professional and general manager James McCormick, has resigned to pursue other opportunities. The bunker renovation project on holes 15-16-17 is moving along and making great progress because of the good weather since the project started.

The Fore Restaurant and bar at the golf club is can hold up to 125 guests, and is the place to tailgate before Bears games on Sundays. Visit Deerfieldgolf.org or call (847)-945-8333.

REGISTRATION FOR THE CANTIGNY GOLF 5K RUN is now open. The race starts at 9 Am on Saturday November 1st. The event is held in association with Veterans Day on November 11th. The race is limited to 1,000 entries, the field has been full every year for the last nine years. A portion of the route includes the 27 holes that make up Cantigny Golf. Entry Fee is $25 and includes a running shirt. This event raises money for Midwest homeless veterans. Details at Cantigny.org. or (630)-260-8167.

THE ILLINOIS MEN’S GOLF TEAM  was declared the winner of the rain shortened 36 hole Sagamore fall preview. No.1 Illinois was declared the winner after heavy rain forced cancellation of the final 18 hole round. Jr. Thomas Detry was the tournament medalist with a score of 5 under par. The win, was the third straight tournament win for Coach Mike Small’s Fighting Illini squad. Sr. Brian Campbell tied for second at 2-under par.

Illinois will play one more fall event starting this weekend in Florida at the Tavistock Invitational. Auburn finished in second place, six shots behind Illinois.

The Gog Blog will return this week with more golf news. Go Play, the rain is stopping and it’s get warmer outside.

BY: RORY SPEARS

He’s back. Yes the fall road trip is now complete. Round trip it’s over 2,000 miles, it covered seven states. The golf side consisted of 12 golf courses, three of them were public and nine were private. They consisted of styles, modern and classic and built or restored by various architects.

The green fee’s are different and the initiation money to get in some of clubs ranged from under $20,000, to around seven figures. I saw all types.

SEBONACK THE 18TH HOLE.

As time goes on, here and in issues of Chicagoland Golf come 2015, my comparisons of New York to Chicago area golf will continue. I plan to answer the questions that hang over this golf market, and the why New York all the time. Bottom line is it’s different there.

You see things in New York don’t see here in Chicago, just look at the photo of my tee shot at Sebonack the 2012 U.S. Women’s Open course on Long Island. Yes that’s New York golf, not Hawaii and not the Caribean. You don’t find holes like that in Chicago.

When I left off, week one was in the books. Week two about to tee off. It started at the famous Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, now under watchful eye of superintendent Jonathon Jennings formerly of the Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton. Shinnecock is gearing up for another U.S. Open in 2018, where the winner will join the ranks of Raymond Floyd, Corey Pavin and Retief Goosen.

Shinnecock can play over 7,000 yards and with 8 new tee boxes will be longer by June of 2018. But with the winds the golfers face on any given day, the 6,300 plus yards tee’s can be more than enough. Need more, move back to over 6,700 yards. I hope you can hit it long into the wind. The greens are tricky, especially on some of the par 3’s.

The rolling links and colorful fescue lined fairways, bring a look not seen in too many places. The ocean winds from one side of the course, the winds of the bay from the other. The clubhouse is one of those special ones you don’t find just anywhere and it just oozes of history. What most people don’t know about the course, is that like Augusta National it has a par 3 course of it’s own. It’s called the Mini-Shiny and it’s sits to the right of the 10th hole.

Sebonack Golf Club Par 4, 2nd Hole

Another one of the Southampton courses is the Jack Nicklaus/Tom Doak designed Sebonack Golf Club. With several holes on the bay, the club sits in between both Shinnecock and National.

Between the two architects, they created some of the more interesting greens you will find in the area. As a result you will want to take a caddie here, they will know about breaks you can’t begin to imagine. Sometimes the best path to the cup, is not the straightest or shortest route to the hole. Good Luck on the greens.

Friar’s Head, Holes 1 & 9. With clubhouse in the rear.

Just to the north of Southampton and the run of top courses there, is Friar’s Head Golf Club in Riverhead. The courses was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Their work is again, amazing.

The property dictated that Crenshaw and Coore, incorporate different looks around the golf course. When you’re standing on some holes, it feels like you are playing the Donald Ross masterpiece Pinehurst No.2. A few of the other holes leave one feeling like they are walking the fairways of newly created Streamsong Red in Florida. Friar’s Head like Shinnecock and Augusta National has a Par 3 course. While the 15th and 16th holes don’t have greens or tee’s on the water, the walkway in between does. The elevated boardwalk is one of the most scenic walks in golf. It’s no wonder the course has moved quickly up the lists of several Top 100 lists in various golf publications.

St. Georges Golf Club. The Par 3, 15th hole.

St. Georges might not be a household name outside of the New York area, but the locals all know about it. It’s not long at just under 6,300 yards, but it packs a lot of fun golf into it’s design.

The architect is Devereux Emmet and the club dates back to 1917. Uphill or downhill, slippery greens or bunkers that reach up and grab you when you least expect it, St. Georges is a golf course that golfers of all skill levels can enjoy. The club is located on the North side of Long Island, near Stony Brook University and the hospital.

The short Par 3, 2nd hole at Sands Point GC in Sands Point NY.

Architect Keith Foster was recently called in to restore this 1927 A. W. Tillinghast design. Foster like he has done at several other historic old Tillinghast courses, has hit yet another home run.

A tree removal program has opened up the golf course, while the bunkers have been rebuilt to a style that fits well with the shape of the golf course.

The word is getting around about Sands Point, that is located closer to New York City. During our recent visit, the work was still continuing on the driving range. Pro Rob Gick says a few more trees will come out. The pictured 2nd hole is a jaw-dropper, and the course gets better from there.

New York golf, especially found out on Long Island is a world you don’t find anywhere else in America. When your chance comes along to go visit and play, make sure you do.

The Gog Blog is ready to roll now. Fall golf continues here in Chicago, get out and enjoy. The colors are changing, the leaves are falling. Cooler temps are in the air, our season is seeing the sand drain to the bottom of the hour glass. Go Play. It’s nice to be back in town, so much to say and I am just starting.

BY: RORY SPEARS

The famed Lawsonia Links course, is a classic Langford and Moreau

The Fall golf season is here. So why not play some fall golf or take that fall trip now. It’s not too late to head up north and visit Lawsonia Golf in Green Lake Wisconsin. 36 holes and stay and play now available. See Lawsonia.com

WHITTAKER WOODS in new Buffalo Michigan has it’s fall rates in effect as of today. Call (269)-469-3400 for tee times and information.

FOXFORD HILLS IN CARY, has fall rates and a Columbus Day Special set for next Monday October 13th. The 4-man Turkey Shoot scramble is Saturday October 25th, register by the 23rd please. (847)-639-0400

OAK GROVE in Harvard has a fall scramble set for Saturday October 18th, it’s a 10 AM shotgun start. (815)-648-2550.

SHEPHERDS CROOK in Zion, has fall rates running now. Call (847)-872-2080 or online visit shepherdscrook.org.

COG HILL in Lemont has the Trick or Treat Open on Saturday October 18th, a 2-man scramble on Course #3. The Turkey Shoot will be played November 8 and 9 and it’s a 4-man scramble. Call (866)-264-4455 or visit Coghillgolf.com/tournaments.

SPORTSMAN’S COUNTRY CLUB OF NORTHBROOK on Dundee Road has fall rates now in effect. (847)-291-2351. ORCHARD VALLEY GOLF CLUB in Aurora has announced it’s fall rates are in effect. Orchardvalleygolf.com for details.

CHAPEL HILL GOLF CLUB in McHenry has fall specials now running. Call the club at 9815)-344-1894 or visit chapelhillgc.com.

CONGRATS TO the Fighting Illini Ladies Golf team for it’s win at the Diane Thompson Invitational at the University of Iowa. The successfully defended their title. Dana Gattone tied for low honors with Lean Gautier of Northern Illinois University.

The Deerfield Golf Club is running fall specials, on gift certificates and more. See Deerfieldgolf.com.

GO PLAY EVERYONE, the time and the price is right.

BY: RORY SPEARS ASSISTANT EDITOR AND LEAD WRITER

WITH MAYBE THE MOST FAMOUS SIGN IN GOLF

(BETHPAGE NY)

It could be the most famous sign in golf, a warning sign it is behind the first tee of the black Course at the Bethpage Black course in Farmingdale/Bethpage New York on Long Island.

There are five courses at the famed state park in New York that held the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009. While the USGA has moved on from Bethpage for the time being, the PGA of America has moved in. They will bring the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2024 Ryder Cup to Bethpage, where in 2024 it’s expected that Bethpage will be the place that the PGA will finally top Medinah’s money making record of the Ryder Cup from 2012.

BETHPAGE BLACK’S CLOSING HOLE, WITH THE DOWNHILL TEE SHOT AND UPHILL APPROACH SHOT.

In a column to be named later, I will break down what I see as the comparisons between Bethpage and Cog Hill. The two courses once were in a battle to be the first public course to host a U.S. Open.

As we know Bethpage won that battle, not only once but twice. Now Cog Hill is looking for tournaments to host since the BMW drove up north to Conway Farms.

When you look at the money that the USGA banked from the first open at Bethpage, over 50 million according to some folks who would know, you have to believe that had a lot to do with why they went back. But USGA Executive Director Mike Davis and his team at the USGA have moved on, so the PGA of America has moved in. It will be interesting if their events have the same impact at Bethpage as the U.S. Open did. I’m betting the Ryder Cup will anyway. The locals tell me that the Barclay’s there did not have the same impact with the fans.

But it does have some impact with golfers. Over 31,000 rounds got played on the Black Course last year, actually the least amount of rounds of any of the five courses at the park. Why you ask, well because this course is just plain hard and it’s not an easy walk. It’s very hilly and not always the easiest walk. Uphill-downhill and plenty of BIG Rees Jones bunkers to gobble up your golf ball. I got to visit 7 of these places yesterday. One bunker buried me so deep under the lip, it took 3 whacks with the 56 degree Bob Vokey Sand wedge to get it out and onto the green. I still broke 100 and I am proud of it, but had some birdie and par putts on the closing holes that I let get away. It would have been nice to break 90.

Locals pay $75 to play, and usually carry their own bag. The out of towners pay $155 and take caddies, that run about about $120 with fee and tip. I was warned how hard the walk was, multiple times. But since I played with three great local New York guys who knew the course and guided me around and carried or pushed their bags. I decided that carrying my bag was the way to go. When in Rome ? The walk is not easy but wasn’t as bad as I expected. In fact the walk at Erin Hills can be just as taxing.

The rest of the week here turns toward the private clubs, and what makes them so attractive to the tournament organizations.

I did not get to visit the new Ferry Point Golf Club on the East River that will open next year, that’s built on a landfill. But I could see it from the expressway as I drove into town, it looks neat and is bigger version of Harborside. It has more British Open looking mounds that we find in town. Mike Davis has been there a couple of times, and with architects like John Sanford and Jack Nicklaus involved a tournament could be coming along one day.

Oh yeah, Donald Trump is involved at Ferry Point too, so you will hear much more about it soon. When it opens next year and it’s open to the public, Trump and his people will love to see you, make sure you bring your wallet.

What you don’t need your wallet for, is to get a copy of the final issue of Chicagoland Golf for 2014. Thanks to publisher Val Russell for giving me double space in this issue, check out the story on the course of the month (Wilmette Park District) and my season wrap and look ahead column. It’s now in your local pro shop.

Onward through a week of Long Island Golf. Go Play, yes I am. RS

BY: RORY SPEARS LEAD WRITER AND ASSISTANT EDITOR

Visiting the USGA in Far Hills, Golf House and the USGA Museum.

It’s been a great start to the fall trip, and maybe the best day was yesterday when the clubs didn’t even leave my trunk. Yes I rolled a few putts on the putting green, but a visit to the famed Golf House and the USGA I found to be rewarding.

It’s a pretty “campus” in Far Hills NJ. only about an hour from NY City, headed west. The USGA museum like the PGA Museum in Port St. Lucie Florida, and the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, is a must visit for all who love and play the game. The Jack Nicklaus building is getting built and will be in place soon, it should be a great addition to what’s already in place.

I’ll have a full feature on my visit here after I return from the fall trip, the only downside to my visit was that I missed  USGA Executive Director Mike Davis for an interview, Davis was on the road again helping to make the world of golf a better place.

I had my share of USGA experiences on the trip even before I got to Far Hills. Stop one was in French Lick Indiana at the French Lick Resort. The USGA State Team Championship was there and practice rounds were underway. Congrats to the team from Texas that won the championship. Team Illinois finished 7th a great showing.

Sultans Run a course that has been in the FLR umbrella, will not be much longer. But it’s worth a visit when you’re in the area. The waterfall behind the 18th green adds to great finishing hole.

From Indiana, it was over to Columbus Ohio and Scioto Country Club, where Jack Nicklaus learned the game. Scioto is a great course that tests all of your game, in 2016 it will host the U.S. Senior Open. They have some great history to see in the clubhouse and the Golden Bears presence there is felt. I even got to use the locker of an honorary member, some guy named Archie Griffin wasn’t there so there was room for me. No, i did not find an old Heisman Trophy inside.

Wednesday was a 36 hole day in Pittsburgh, I left town before the the community got deflated by the Pirates loss. But starting at the Seth Raynor design Fox Chapel was nice, I didn’t see my drive land on hole #1 because of the fog. But it did hit the fairway, since thats’ where I found it.

The afternoon was yet another architect Keith Foster renovation, the Pittsburgh Field Club. The club says they have flown under the radar for years, that won’t happen much longer as the word gets around about this club. Foster has hit another home run with his renovation and restoration work.

Thursday was a visit to the Rolling Green Golf Club in the Philly suburbs. The club gets it’s first USGA Championship since the 1970’s, the U.S. Women’s Amateur in 2016. The greens on this old William Flynn classic will give the players fits. Joanne Carner won the U.S. Womens open there with a +8 score. The players couldn’t handle it, will they this time around ?

After the visit to the USGA, todays stop was the Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg NJ., they have seven courses. The best is the links style Ballyowen course, rated No.1 or No.2 public in the state by multiple publications.

Bethpage Black is on tap for tomorrow on Long Island, the former U.S. Open site now gets a PGA in 2020 and the Ryder Cup in 2024. But the state golf courses of New York got a boost that the county courses of Cook County or City of Chicago could use.

Week No.2 starts tomorrow..I’ll check in when I can. It’s a full week that golfers dream about. I hear snow flakes fell this morning in Chicago, ouch. Hopefully golf season isn’t quite dead yet. When I get home there is more golf to play.

Go play everyone, the fall deals are out there. RS