The award winning golf domes of the Chicago area. Links & Tee’s in Addison on Lake Avenue, (630)-233-7275 or addisonparks.org. The Buffalo Grove Golf and Sports Center, Old McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove (847)-459-2321 or visit Bgparks.org. both facilities have outstanding teachers giving lessons all winter long, demo days and more.

By: Rory Spears, Editor & Director of Content. Follow Rory on FB, Linkedin & Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

The 2015 PGA Show was held last month in Orlando Florida.

The Golfers on Golf review of the 2015 PGA merchandise show in Orlando Florida continues.

So far the Gog Blog has reviewed shoes, golf balls, and eye wear.

Now it’s time for our first look at golf wear. When in Chicago people from everywhere look to visit the pizza places that supply the great deep-dished pizza.

For those people that are not pizza eaters, it’s not uncommon to hear, where are the good Italian restaurants. Now it’s time to ask where are the good Italian clothes, for on and off the golf course.

Diana McCarty President of Bramare Brands, that includes the Italian line of Chervo.

With the arrival of Chervo that question is now answered. Chervo has been around for almost 20 years, but is now in it’s third year in the United States.

While Chervo has been gaining a foothold on both the East and West coast’s, it’s still in the launch mode around the Midwest.

Once you see the efforts that are coming from a new designer, you will only begin to see the potential in this product line. Diana McCarty President of Bramare Brands calls what’s coming from Chervo, “very encouraging.”

Chervo is not only a stylish line of clothes, that works for the everyday business man or woman, but on the golf course. Comfortable, light breathable and non-sticking clothes are what both men and women golfers are looking for.

Click here, to hear the Interview with Diana McCarty on Chervo and what’s coming to this line or golf and sportswear. Visit Chervo.com or other websites mentioned by Diana in the interview above, to learn more about Chervo.

BY: Rory Spears, Editor & Director of Content. Follow Rory on FB, Linkedin, & Twitter @GogBlogGuy

More from the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show held last month in Orlando Florida.

Greg Norman wears a pair of sunglasses from his Greg Norman eye wear line.

The Shark is on the move again in the world of business. Greg Norman the Australian golfer who made a name for himself on the golf course, has become a household name off it with various products.

For years golfers and non-golfers a like have enjoyed Norman’s variety of fine wines from Australia.

In addition Norman has entered the clothing industry in a big way. Norman was an industry leader in creating golf shirts that could be worn on hot humid days without sticking to the golfer. Norman added slacks so a golfer can wear long pants, that breathe when the temperatures are heating up.

Among Norman’s latest ventures is his entry into the world eye wear, creating sun glasses for different both golfers, but athletes of a variety of sports. Chicago area resident Dan Pady has been the back bone behind the design of the Greg Norman eye wear line, with of course a lot of input from Norman who is a very hands CEO with all of his products.

Besides creating a line of eye wear that worked on the golf course, Norman wanted Pady to make sure the glasses worked for other sports as well. Norman who is a licensed helicopter pilot, wanted something he could use in the air while flying.

Some of the Greg Norman eye wear line at the PGA show.

Norman wanted something that would work for skiers, or athletes of other sports.

The line had to work for in the business world, for people who wanted something both sporty but professional. In the last few years, Pady has been able to create styles and lines for all of those areas.

Norman has continued to grow his line of eye wear and that is keeping Pady busy. There are now at least 15 golf clubs in the Chicago area that are handling the Greg Norman eye wear line. If you are looking for something new in terms of glasses for on or off the golf course, or in prescription eye wear as well. It might be time for you to consider Greg Norman eye wear. There are seven new types of glasses being introduced in 2015.

Click here to hear an interview with Dan Pady, designer of the Greg Norman eye wear line. For more information please visit Gregnormaneyewear.com. Look for Greg Norman eye wear around the Chicago area, at clubs that include Bolingbrook and Cog Hill.

BY: RORY SPEARS, Editor & Director of Content. Follow Rory on FB and Linkedin, on Twitter @GogBlogGuy

PGA.COM

The PGA Merchandise Show was held last month in January at the Orlando Convention Center, during that time there was one day at the driving range, and then three more days at the convention center.

During that time the Gog Blog roamed the floor looking for new products and good story ideas. Most of the new products are in your golf retail stores or club pro shops already or will be soon.

The newest Adidas Golf Shoes called Boost, will hit the market later this month.

In the Taylor Made-Adidas display area the newest golf shoes were on the floor.

Not long after the launch of Adi-Zero, Adidas has done it again with what they feel is the most comfortable shoe they have ever designed, Boost.

The designer of the new “Boost” is Michael Hesterberg. Hesterberg says that most shoes use some called EVA foam. But the new Boost is 10 times more friendly than any past shoe on the returns of energy to your feet. Something that adds up for golfers once they play or walk 18 or more holes in any one day.

The Spikes are smaller on the new Adidas shoe called Boost.

Among things that golfers will notice on Boost is the new and smaller spikes. In spite of that there is more contact with the surface while you walk or swing.

Boost has been reinforced in all the places that are normally the first spots on golf shoes to wear out. The back of the shoe behind the heel, and in the heel area.

But the emphasis is on comfort,and Boost has exactly that. It’s light and has a softer feel, while it conforms to the ground around it.

Walk the wheel with Boost.

Golfers were given the chance to try on the new Boost shoes and walk the wheel. Nothing like playing the role of an animal while testing out Boost.

No matter the speed, the angle, the uphill or downhill walk on the wheel. Boost held the ground while giving a comfortable feel and good support around the foot.

Golfers twisting on the tee, or digging in from a lie in the bunker, shouldn’t have any trouble with Boost.

Click here to hear an interview with the designer of the new Adidas Golf Shoe Boost, Michael Hesterberg.

Boost will hit the market later this month on February 27th. For more information please visit adidasgolf.com.

      Building an award winning tradition in Chicago area golf domes. Links & Tee’s Golf Dome on Lake Street in Addison, is open daily. Come by and check out the new tee mats and other area’s of the dome. Friday night is country night, wear in your cowboy hat for a discount on your hitting time. Call Links & Tee’s at (630)-233-7275 or online at Addisonparks.org.

By: Rory Spears Editor and Director of Content, follow Rory on FB,Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

The 2015 PGA merchandise show was held in late January in Orlando. Day 1 is the demo day at the Orange County Golf Center full size circular driving range. Then days 2-3 and 4 are at the Orlando Convention Center.

With the Tinley Park Golf Show behind us, and the Chicago Golf Show with special guest Lee Trevino approaching Feb. 27-28 & March 1st. The Gog Blog will fill the gap until show time in Rosemont with what I found in Orlando. The shoe, gloves, balls, clubs and more. Stay clicked in and learn what’s headed to your golf stores and pro shops in 2015. First up is demo day on the range, including a BIG 3 partner Interview with Wilson Golf Gm Tim Clarke. I hope you enjoy our stories in the days ahead. RS

Wilson Golf GM Tim Clarke holds the Wilson DUO golf ball at demo day during the PGA merchandise show.

Day one of the PGA Merchandise show is the demo day at the range of the Orange County Golf Center just outside Orlando.

All of the equipment makers have their section of the big circular range and it’s a chance for the pro’s and other attendees to hit the golf ball.

During the first day BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm and myself caught up with Clarke at the Wilson area.

2014 was the centennial year for Wilson golf and it was success. Several tour players have now signed to play Wilson products, and recent sales of their DUO golf ball and the remake of their famous 8802 putter were a huge hit. Not mention some of the new lines of Wilson’s clubs and accessories.

Click here to the interview with Wilson Golf’s GM Tim Clarke,conducted by Len Ziehm and Rory Spears.

Tee’m up. Upper left the set up at Taylor Made, where one of the leading makers of metal woods had lines of golfers and pro’s trying out their drivers, fairway woods and Hybrid clubs. Upper right at Callaway reps show off the line new of fairway woods and other products. Bottom left the Titleist fitting area. ( I was fitted for the new 915 driver more on that in the days ahead.) This area was crowded with golfers looking to hit the the new 915 line of drivers, fairway woods and hybrids. FootJoy had out it’s line of shoes and new gloves, that now come in more colors than ever.

The DNA Golf shoe that FootJoy put on the market last year was a big success, at one point last summer so many pairs of shoes were sold that FootJoy had a 90 day back order wait time. DNA continues to improve and offer more colors and variety in 2015.

Golf board was making the rounds at demo day and the show.

One of the new products this year was the Golf Board. Maryville of Des Plaines golf professional Juan Espejo, takes one for a spin around the range at demo day. Based on his reaction he seems to approve on what golf board has to offer. visit golfboard.com for more information.

At the range the GRAA Golf Range Association of America had it’s space, and it’s staff offered information about operating ranges and practice facilities.

The GRAA handed out it’s award’s to the top range facilities around the country during the show. Among the award winners where the Links & Tee’s Golf facility in Addison. Congrats to Director Charles Sims who accepted the award for Links & Tee’s. The Buffalo Grove Golf and Sports Dome was also a winner, Congrats to Director Kristy Vik who accepted the award on behalf of Buffalo Grove.

The upcoming days will have more about the PGA show, as the Chicago area leads into it’s own show upcoming in Rosemont Feb. 27-28 and March 1st.

 All winter long enjoy Chicago’s award winning indoor golf facilities. The Links & Tee’s Golf Dome on Lake Street in Addison is open and ready for business. To see all the specials and upcoming events call (630)-233-7275 or visit Addisonparks.org. The Buffalo Grove Golf and Sports Center is coming off a well attended customer appreciation day. But come enjoy the Free Todd Sones golf clinics or get the five-hour pass for just $85.00. Located on Old McHenry Road, call (847)-459-2321 or on line at Bgparks.org.

By: Rory Spears, Editor & Director of Content. Follow Rory on FB, Linkedin & on Twitter @GogBlogGuy

It’s been quite a week in the world of golf, so I’ll be spraying to all fairways (like Tiger) during this column. then hopefully holing a few more putts than Phil.

The golf world lost a great pioneer in Charlie Sifford who helped break the color barrier in golf. Sifford passed away last Tuesday at the age of 92.

Sifford barely had a chance to be remembered before the golf world lost a second great player, in Billy Casper who passed away over the weekend at age 83. Casper, like Sifford never really got the attention he deserved. Casper won two U.S. Opens and a Masters Tournament for his three major championships. His name hopefully will live on through his company Billy Casper Golf. The golf community will miss both of these fine gentleman.

TORREY PINES, the Farmers Insurance Championship was an exciting tournament, plenty of top young talent battled it out, and you can’t beat a 4-way playoff for excitement. Congrats to Jason Day, a top 4 player in the world who again looks healthy and ready to win that first major. It was nice to see J.B. Holmes in contention again, Holmes has had his health issues as well that kept him off the tour for a while.

TIGER AND PHIL, Phil might look slim and trim after losing 15 pounds in the off season, but his new healthy regime has not paid off on the golf course. In back-to-back weeks on courses he has won on before, Mickelson missed two cuts. Mickelson is blaming his putting at this point, but it seems like there is more going on that just a few missed putts for “Lefty” who will again be bidding for a career grand slam when he tee’s it up at Chambers Bay in June.

Tiger, another WD with an injury. The “Glutes” aren’t working for Tiger and Woods pulled out after 11 holes in round one. It seemed like this week finally, that people aren’t starting to realize that yet another Woods comeback might not be in the works. The debate is on about what’s wrong with Tiger, but answer seems to be that it’s more than just one thing. No he is not “close” to having his “A” game. As Golfweek’s Alex Miceli wrote, it’s time for Tiger mania to end, and that seems like the understatement of the week. Some media outlets need to get a clue and move on, but as we have seen before that probably won’t happen anytime soon.

A TIP OF THE CAP OR GOLF VISOR to the USGA for announcing the U.S. Senior Women’s Open to start in 2018. Big 3 Partner Len Ziehm has posted a column on his website Lenziehmongolf.com, and visit our story here on the Gog Blog.

There is no site announcement yet for the inaugural championship to be played in 2018, but some area courses will try and be in the mix. Including French Lick Resort and Cog Hill, Rich Harvest Farms owner Jerry Rich says he will “look into” hosting the event.

THE TINLEY PARK golf show tee’d off the 2015 golf season in Chicago this past weekend. I was at the show on Friday and right out of the blocks the convention center was packed. Congrats to Gregg Tengerstrom show director on delivering a great event, and get well wishes to hos show partner Joe Copeland, who was under the weather all weekend. The show will be not only bigger in 2016, but is expected to be moved back one week as well. This year all booth space was sold out.

NEXT UP is the Chicago Golf Show in Rosemont Feb. 27-28 and March 1st. Lee Trevino will be on hand as a special guest. More on the show as we get closer to the doors opening. The Illinois PGA will have a big presence at the show, stay tuned for details on that as well.

THE BUFFALO GROVE Golf & Sports Center has it’s open house this past weekend and they had quite a turnout, just like the Links & Tee’s Dome in Addison did a week ago. It seems like the golfers are ready for spring to arrive and golf season to return.

THE WEATHER in the area hasn’t been good lately, but Pebble Beach is up this week on the PGA Tour. I’ll be tuning in, you should too. It’s one of those weeks that gets golfers ready to go hit it. Hopefully the weather will get better and a sunny week will happen on most days of the championship.

The Gog Blog returns all week, stay clicked in. RS

       The Tinley Park Golf Expo is in it’s final day, head out to the Tinley Park Convention Center at Rt.80 and Harlem Avenue between 9:30 and 4 PM. Admission is $10. The Links & Tee’s Golf Dome is packing in the golfers who continue to work on their game all winter long. Call (630)-233-7275 Ext. 4 for more information or Addisonparks.org.

             The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. USGA President Tom O’Toole (pictured above Right) along with USGA Executive Director Mike Davis (above left) made the announcement today of a US. Sr. Women’s Open.

usga.org

At the CDGA Centennial dinner last November, USGA President Tom O’Toole Jr. said the USGA would make a decision on a U.S. Sr. Women’s in 2018.

Today the USGA and backed up that comment and made the decision, when O’Toole accompanied by USGA Executive Director Mike Davis made the announcement that indeed a Senior U.S. Women’s Open would happen starting in 2018.

The USGA did not announce a host site for inaugural championship, but one would have to believe that announcement will happen in 2015. With this announcement the USGA will now be conducting 14 national championships.

“We have studied and discussed the need for this championship for many years and now we can celebrate it’s introduction,” said O’Toole. “The USGA has been leading and supporting women’s golf since 1895 and it has never been stronger. We hope that current and younger players will be inspired to see national championship competition long into their playing careers.”

The U.S. Senior Open is the third new championship introduced in the last two years by the USGA. It will join the U.S. Amateur Four-Ball and the U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball that will both start play in 2015.

“The necessary equation for success and long-term viability of this championship has gradually and finally come together,” said Davis. “Even though we have not yet decided on a venue or exact date for the inaugural championship, we wanted to celebrate it’s coming.”

To be eligible for the championship, professional or amateur female players will have to be age 50 or older. The format will be 72 holes of stroke play with a cut after 36 holes, and will be walking only.

The French Lick Resort, already the home of the LPGA Legends Hall of Fame, is interested in hosting the championship in 2018.

The next question is where should the first championship be played.

The French Lick Resort in Southern Indiana has already thrown their hat into the ring, according to sources close to the resort. French Lick has already been the home of a major LPGA Legends Tournament and is the home of the LPGA Legends Hall of Fame.

Closer to home in Chicago two courses will be looking into hosting the championship.

First up is, Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. When reached by phone, RHF owner Jerry Rich told Golfers on Golf that he would “look into it.” Rich has made Rich Harvest Farms the home of women’s golf in the Chicago area, first by hosting the Solheim Cup in 2009, and will be the host of the LPGA International Crown in 2016. Rich plans on speaking with several of his friends who are major names in women’s golf to get their input on the new championship, before making a decision on being a potential host of the event.

Jerry Rich owner of Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove (seen here at the 2014 LPGA International Crown), will look into hosting a U.S. Sr. Women’s Open.

Cog Hill could also become a contender in the race to host the championship.

Golfers on Golf spoke with Frank Jemsek owner of Jemsek Golf and Cog Hill in Lemont, who said “we would be interested.”

Jemsek went on to add that his daughter Katherine Jemsek, the president of Jemsek Golf would oversee the process of Cog Hill contacting the USGA an expressing an interest in hosting the championship.

” At the time we ended up getting the Western Open, we were looking to get an LPGA event to be played on Course No.2,” said Jemsek. ” But for a U.S. Open event, we would have to play it on Course No.4.”

One course that could be a strong contender for the championship should it express interest in hosting the tournament, would be Pine Needles in Southern Pines North Carolina. Pine Needles owned by LPGA legend Peggy Kirk-Bell has hosted the U.S. Women’s Open three times. USGA officials admitted one phone call a few years back that was tough to make, was the one to Bell to inform her that the 2014 U.S. Women’s Open would be played just down the street in Pinehurst on the famed Course No.2, and not at Pine Needles.

No matter who hosts the first U.S. Senior Women’s Open, the main thing is that today the USGA made the right move in announcing the championship will happen. Some are questioning why wait to 2018. The reason might be that, since the age requirement is 50 years of age. It will allow a few more players who have had great LPGA careers to be eligible to compete.

               The Buffalo Grove Golf and Sports Dome is having it’s open house today from 11 AM to 2 PM, hosted by Steve Kashul of the Golf Scene. Come try out the new equipment and or enjoy some Free food and drinks, raffles, prizes, contests and more. 801 McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove, call (847)-459-2321 or visit bgparks.org for more information. See you there.

           The Tinley Park Golf Show tee’d off the 2015 Golf season in Chicago yesterday to packed house right off the first tee. In fact parking was scarce just after the doors opened at the the convention center.

(L-R) Eric, Brittney and John greeting visitors to the Mistwood GC booth.

Show owner and operator Gregg Tengerstrom was thrilled at the growth of the show now in it’s 4th year.

“The show is much bigger this year,” said Tengerstrom. “I’m thrilled with the turnout so far on day 1, last year we got hit on Saturday with some bad weather. Bu the weekend looks great and I expect a big turnout.”

Tengerstrom’s partner Joe Copeland was under the weather and not able to attend to the show on Friday, and all of us at Golfers on Golf send Joe a ” get well soon.”

It appears the show will grow in 2016, as Tengerstrom expects he will need more space for all the booths and hitting areas. The show could be moving back one week next year in 2016, stay clicked in for details.

The Olympia Fields booth was promoting the arrival of the 2015 U.S. Amateur Championship.

The tournaments that are coming in 2015 to the Chicago area are on hand. Including the U.S. Amateur Championship at Olympia Fields coming in August.

It’s not too early to get your tickets to this event. Check out the Chicagoland Golf booth at the show and register for a chance to win a VIP U.S. Amateur package, that includes tickets and more.

The BMW Championship that returns this September to Conway Farms has their booth at the show. You can see the historic Wadley Trophy and the BMW Championship Trophy that are awarded to the winner.

The BMW Championship Trophy’s.

Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove has a booth, that includes information on this years Palmer Cup in June, then the Western Amateur Championship in August. In 2016 RHF will host the International.

Many of the Southside clubs have booth and are on hand offering information and show specials.

Besides Mistwood, there are booths from clubs like Balmoral Woods, Glenwoodie, Broken Arrow, Cog Hill, Ravisloe and more. From Indiana courses like Lost Marsh and Sultans Run have booths.

          Andy Mears of the Freedom Golf Association at there booth on the left, along with a row of booths that includes Chicagoland Golf and Publisher Val Russell.

So go check out the Tinley Park Golf Show all weekend long, until 6 PM today and 4 PM tomorrow on Sunday. Golf season 2015 in Chicago is underway.

      The Tinley Park Golf Expo tee’s off today with the doors opening at Noon, admission today is only $5 and parking is Free. Head down to the Tinley Park Convention Center by Rt.80 and Harlem Avenue. Tomorrow Saturday the Buffalo Grove Golf and Sports Center will hold it’s Customer Appreciation Day from 11 AM to 2 PM. Come meet Steve Kashul of the TV Show the Golf Scene who MC the event. The equipment reps will be on hand, there are contests, raffles, free food and more. (847)-459-2321. Bgaprks.org.

BY: RORY SPEARS, EDITOR & DIRECTOR OF CONTENT AND CREATION. FOLLOW RORY ON TWITTER @GOGBLOGGUY

Architect Mike Benkusky will oversee the 2.4 Million dollar renovation of the Arlington Lakes Golf Course.

Good news golfers, the renovation trend for local park district courses continues with the approval by the Arlington Hts. Park District board to renovate the Arlington Lake Golf Course.

The park board voted to approve the plan submitted by Lake in the Hills based architect Mike Benkusky, that will see the nine’s get flipped, some greens rebuilt and a number of bunkers removed.

Benkusky’s plan caters to the the majority of golfers who play Arlington Lakes, who are either juniors, seniors, or new to the game. Arlington Lakes that isn’t a long course to begin with, will lose a few more yards with the plan Benkusky submitted.

Arlington Lakes might not be the home for the long bombers, but the idea is to make the course one that golfers can get around without too many obstacles. Benkusky feels the streamlined course will help speed up play, something that golfers who play every course are looking for.

“If we can get golfers up to the green in 2 or 3 shots as opposed to 6 or 7 we can speed up the round,” said Benkusky. ” Golfers don’t have all the time they used to play, some of the new routing will allow golfers to play rounds of less than 9 or 18 holes.”

There are some trees that will be taken out in the renovation plan, here is one tree that will definitely be removed so golfers won’t need that power slice shot anymore.

The putting green that is currently undersized will be redone. The greens that will be redone, will be reshaped in a way that golfers can putt across them in a way where the holes are more accessible.

Benkusky has suggested to the park district that they close the course for the season to start renovation work right after Memorial Day, or about June 1st.

The neighboring Mt. Prospect golf club started in Mid-June of 2014 on it’s course renovation project. While their project was more extensive than the Arlington Lakes one will be, they barely beat the November cold in getting all the holes seeded. Benkusky is hoping if the work permits are in place, that work can start sooner, and all the holes can be seeded in time for a good fall growth period.

The Arlington Hts. Park District and the golf course will keep residents and golfers informed about when the actual closing date will be.

Mike Benkusky’s proposed plan for the renovation of the Arlington Lakes golf course.

Benkusky is hopeful that if enough work can be done this fall, that the golfers won’t lose a majority of the summer of 2016 before the course grows back in for play.

The Arlington Heights Park District operates a 9-hole par 3 course on the North side of Arlington Hts. called Nickel Knoll Park. Located on top of a hill used by Bears great Walter Payton to train on. Which is why Nickel Knoll is often referred to as “Payton’s Hill.”

Golfers have been suggesting for a while that Nickel Knoll could use some upgrades as well. During an interview with Benkusky by Golfers on Golf, Benkusky was asked if he would be renovating Nickel Knoll at some point, but he says he has not been on the property yet or had discussions with the park district about working there yet. It seems it’s one project at a time for now.

Links & Tee’s indoor heated golf dome on Lake Street in Addison. (630)-233-7275 Ext. 4

What will be interesting for golfers of the northwest suburbs this summer is, where will they play golf for the bulk of summer in 2015.

With Arlington Lakes expected to close in early June, and Mt. Prospect now not expected to reopen until maybe as late as August 1st, and the Glenview Park District course that underwent renovation last summer not opening until late June or July. It will be interesting to see which courses reap the benefits of extra play. Stay tuned.

Click here to hear Rory’s interview with Mike Benkusky on the renovation of Arlington Lakes golf course.

The Gog Blog returns this weekend, stay clicked in. RS

                       THE BUFFALO GROVE GOLF & SPORTS DOME,  Customer Appreciation Day this Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM, hosted by the Golf Scene’s Steve Kashul. Free food, prizes, test out the new clubs and more. See bgparks.org or call (847)-459-2321.

BY: Rory Spears, Editor & Director of Content.

Tinley Park Golf Expo, this Friday-Saturday & Sunday Feb. 6-7-8

Here you go Chicago, the 2015 golf season is underway this starting off this Friday February 6th.

It’s the 4th annual Tinley Park Golf Expo at the Tinley Park Convention Center, just north of I-80 on Harlem Avenue.

The doors open at noon on Friday and the show runs through 9 PM. Saturday the hours are from 9 AM to 7 PM and on Sunday hours run from 9 Am to 4 Pm.

Tinley Park Golf Expo has grown into a show with over 110 exhibitors, and the entire amount of booth space the show has has been sold out for this year.

“This year, we’ve expanded our focus on free golf instruction and lessons to attendees of all ages and abilities with the assistance of PGA professionals from Billy Caper Golf and Swan Lake Resort,” said Expo co-owners Gregg Tengerstrom and Joe Copeland. “No other golf show in the area provides attendees with such a variety of opportunities to improve their technique.”

Organizations that a part of the show this year include the Freedom Golf Association and the First Tee of Greater Chicago. Golfers attending the show will have no trouble finding deals on new clubs, bags, shoes, clothing and accessories, and obtaining discounted rates on golf and regional courses and resorts. Golfers can test out new clubs in the expo’s demo area.

Some local tournaments are on the list of exhibitors this year. The 2015 U.S. Amateur Championship that will be played at Olympia Fields Country Club, the BMW Championship to be played at Conway Farms Golf Club. The 2016 LPGA UL International Crown to be held at Rich Harvest Farms.

Admission to the Expo is just $5 on Friday, and $10 for both Saturday and Sunday. You can visit TinleyParkGolfExpo.com and order tickets on line. Children under the age of 12 are free with a paid adult, and so are active military. Parking at the convention center is free again this year.

Heartland Blood centers will be having a blood drive at the expo from 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturday.

Click here, to hear an interview with show director Gregg Tengerstrom.

Golfers come out this Friday, Saturday and Sunday to start the 2015 golf season at the Tinley Park Golf Expo, see you there. FORE.

THIS Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Tinley Park Expo Center

The Tinley Park Golf Expo returns this weekend, with the doors opening on Friday at Noon.

The show is located at the Tinley Park Exposition Center by Rt. 80 and Harlem Avenue, it runs Friday-Saturday and Sunday.

Show Director Gregg Tengerstrom says the show space is full, and that all booths have been sold out. There is more space this year for lessons, so if you need a tune up for the 2015 golf season, come get a look by the pro’s. Try out the clubs in the expanded hitting area.

BY: Rory Spears, Editor & Director of Content. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy

Mistwood’s new clubhouse emerges from the snow. Photo Courtesy of Jim McWethy

The third phase of the Mistwood Golf Club’s renovation program is moving along.

While our winter has been dragging along, the new clubhouse has slowly been going up. these are the latest photos of the project.

The Mistwood golf club has been going through a renovation for a few seasons now. Owner Jim McWethy made a commitment to excellence and has been doing it in three phases. Once he became the owner of Mistwood, McWethy started by recalling golf architect Ray Hearn the original architect of Mistwood to upgrade the golf course. Once the golf course was redone, Phase 2 was the construction of the Mistwood Performance Center.

The New Mistwood Clubhouse will actually be two buildings.

Currently Mistwood operations is running from the Performance Center, that has one of the best dinning area’s you will find at any golf club in Chicago.

Golfers have been enjoying their favorite beverages at the big bar that sits only a few feet from the back of the tee line on the driving range.

Phase Three was the demolition of the old clubhouse that no longer had a design that fit with the rest of the golf course. As a result the upgrade that will Mistwood a clubhouse that will serve the clubs guests on multiple fronts.

The clubhouse coming out of the snow piles that hit the area last weekend.

The clubhouse will have an Irish themed pub, complete with a full menu and plenty of beverages. A full sized pro shop will be part of the facility, other area’s include offices for the staff and banquet room.

Mistwood will now be able to store it’s golf carts underground and out of the outdoor elements.

The date for completion is not yet known, and McWethy is hoping that last weekend’s storm will not put construction way behind schedule. But there is plenty snow that workers have had to clear to continue work. Golfers on Golf will continue to follow the progress of the new clubhouse at Mistwood.

During the winter season, golfers are enjoying the other part of McWethy’s golf operation MCQ’s sports dome in Bolingbrook. MCQ’s is a golf dome, sports bar and OTB all in one. MCQ’s is now an official Blackhawks bar.

During the upcoming summer Mistwood will host the Phil Kosin Illinois Women’s Open, Emily Collins is the defending champion. Visit Mistwoodgc.com for more information, or call (815)-254-3333.