SWINGING in the new Schaumburg Golf Club Simulators, SWING OIL swing loose and swing free used by World#1 Jason Day-US Sr Open Champ Gene Sauers, SWINGING in the McQ’s Golf Dome, one of Chicago’s premier golf domes. Are you ready to swing into 2017, schaumburggolf.com swingoil.com and mcqsdome.com Happy New Year.       ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS. Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory into 2017 on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

WHERE DID IT GO, time flies when you’re having fun. It sure does.

What will you remember about 2016 when it comes to golf or your golf game.

I know what I’ll remember about golf in 2016. First on the tee is the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Team USA wins the cup for the first time in 8 years, and Patrick Reed is the star.

What a fun experience it was, and from the music track that played through the golf course, I still have Prince songs dancing through my head. The late artist was from the state of Minnesota and got plenty air time all week long through the grounds.

The King, Arnold Palmer speaks at the 2015 Palmer Cup at Rich Harvest Farms.

THE KING Arnold Palmer passed away in late September, and the sport of golf lost a legend.

Palmer’s Ryder Cup golf bag from the team he captained, was next to the First Tee at the Ryder Cup.

Palmer had been scheduled for heart procedure the next morning in a Pittsbrgh area hospital, but never made it to the operating room.

Arnold Palmer was a role model on how to do things the right way, with a touch of class and how one should carry themselves in life. It will be interesting how the PGA Tour event at Palmer’s Bay Hill Lodge in Orlando will move forward, or what life will be like around Latrobe CC, in PA., Palmer’s northern base. I’m sure tonight there will be a few golfers who end 2016 by drinking an Arnold Palmer, not a bad choice.

THE MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS produced 4 first time major winners. Danny Willett in Augusta, Dustin Johnson won the U.S. Open at Oakmont, Henrik Swenson outdueled Phil Mickelson at The Open Championship, and Jimmy Walker won the PGA.

What did you do on the golf course that you will remember the year 2016 for ?

IN MY CASE, I enjoyed working the Ryder Cup, the BMW Championship, The John Deere Classic, the new Rust Oleum Web.com event, the LPGA International Crown, the Western Amateur the IPGA majors and the Illinois Women’s Open. Non-tournament wise the PGA Merchandise show in Orlando in January really gets members of the golf industry fired up for the year ahead, I look forward to being there again next month.

On the golf trip front, I played six courses around my travels to the PGA show. Highlights were the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort near Tampa, home of the Valspar PGA Tour event, open to the public. The famed Pinetree Golf Club just north of Miami (private), Joe Jemsek’s visit there in the early 1960’s helped him decide to hire architects Joe Lee and Dick Wilson to build Cog Hill #4 Dubsdread.

In the summer the Golfers on Golf Radio show went to Myrtle Beach for a live remote and broadcast, it was so much fun we might do it again in 2017. I had summer trips to the new Sand Valley in Wisconsin, a USGA event at Erin Hills home of the 2017 US Open, and up to Michigan to visit Forest Dunes and the new Loop course or courses by Tom Doak. A return visit to the Grand Traverse Resort and a round on the Bear was a joy. I do recommend a visit to the Wisconsin Dells area, to play Wild Rock a fun course.

I went to Pennsylvania to see the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and catch up with former IPGA Professional Mike Jones the new Director of Golf at Nemacolin. NWLR has a great 18 hole course, the #1 public course in PA. by Pete Dye, and another 18 holes by Dye that opens on July 1 of next year. Put it on your hit list now.

It was nice to see and play the Arlington Lakes Golf Club that reopened from renovation, and to follow the progress of the Oak Meadows project in Addison.

I took some time to upgrade the equipment in my bag. A badly needed new Titleist 915 D2 driver, and a new set of Titleist 716 Irons were a big help. If your clubs are more than 4-5 years old, it’s time to make some changes.

2016 GOLF was a fun year, I’m ready to make 2017 even better. On Monday I look ahead to 2017, stay clicked in, and Happy New Year from all of us at Golfers on Golf, Mike Munro, Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, and Rory Spears.

See you in 2017, starting at the indoor golf shows.          

 THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg, golf all year round in the NEW simulators, and enjoy great food and beverage from Chandlers Chop House. See Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000 for more information.      _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the top of the volcano bunkers on the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Happy Birthday To Pete Dye, 91 today and counting.

As we wrap up 2016, it’s time to look forward to playing golf in 2017.

Coming quickly in 2017 is the first outing of the year in the Chicago area, and it appears to be the 54th annual Eskimo Open, January 8th at Cog Hill.

BIG 3 internet partner Tim Cronin says that former longtime CDGA/Cog Hill marketing guru Carol McCue claimed the first Eskimo Open was played in 1963 at Glenwoodie Golf Club in South Suburban Glenwood.

The plan was to golf first and then watch the NFL Championship Game with the Bears and the New York Giants. The game was blacked out in Chicago, so the big TV antenna at Glenwoodie, was to pointed in the direction of South Bend, to pick up a TV station showing the game in that part area of Indiana.

As legend has it, that part of the plan after golf was a failure, and those at the club never did see the game, but enjoyed good food and some warm cocktails, while listening on radio.

Over the years the Eskimo Open has been held at various sites. It has a history at St. Andrews in West Chicago and the Buffalo Grove Golf Club in Buffalo Grove. Long time Chicago golf writer and BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm played in at least 10 Eskimo Opens at Buffalo Grove.

Ziehm says he played in a few of them with famous Chicago DJ, the late Larry Lujack at the time with WCFL radio.

The barn at the back of the range at Cog Hill.

The folks at Cog Hill call the Eskimo Open golfers the “True Golfer” by playing in the Eskimo Open.

The open will be played on courses 1 & 3 on January 8th, with tee times from 7-11 AM.

Based on demand and weather course #2 might be added. Fee’s are $46 per golfer and will be $56 on course 2 if used.

For the fee golfers receive golf, food & beverage and prizes. IF available carts will be $16 per golfer.

See Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-COG-HILL, sign up is underway already.

  Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington PA. soon to be home of 36 holes of Pete Dye Golf, coming July 1st or 2017. Whistling Straits in Haven/Kohler Wisconsin, home of the 2020 Ryder Cup, see DestinationKohler.com, The Pete Dye Course at the French Lick Resort home of the inugural Sr. LPGA Championship July of 2017, Frenchlick.com. ______________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PETE DYE, enjoy # 91, your have earned it.

Pete Dye along with his wife Alice Dye have designed over 100 courses across the country, and few more outside of America.

Dye and his team have created holes of beauty, and others that give golfers fits.

But as Dye likes to say, most golfers don’t want things easy, they want to earn something.

Below some pictures from our files of the Pete Dye collection.

                                                           The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort.

               The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island        Whistling Straits in Haven/Kohler Wisconsin

         The 9th hole at Sea Pines on Hilton Head SC. The suggestion box on 18 at Crooked Stick in Carmel Indiana (R).

HAPPY 91ST BIRTHDAY PETE DYE……

 McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook, part of the Mistwood Golf and McWethy’s tavern family is running full speed ahead for the winter golf season. McQ’s Golf Dome has the Mistwood Golf Staff there giving lessons, club fittings and helping golfers with new clubs. mcQ’s is Blackhawks Bar, where are you watching next monday’s Winter Classic. For information see McQsdome.com or call (630)-739-1592. mcQ’s now with a Hawthorne racing OTB. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG, by Rory Spears. Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and to McQs Dome Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook.

Editors note: I’m not sure that the story below falls into the major scandal category. But as uncovered by the Chicago Sun-Times Lynn Sweet, it’s evident that the initial planning around a proposed golf course on Chicago’s southside is being approached in a secret way by both the Chicago Park District and the mayor’s office. This is no way to launch a project that is supposed to mean so much.

For recommended reading, Chicago Sun-Times December 25th, Secret Emanuel emails reveal golf course planning. In the business section.

The secret emails between Rahm Emanuel and Marty Nesbitt chair of the Barack Obama Foundation. There were more “personal and confidential” emails between the Mayor Emanuel and Chicago Park District Superintendent Michael Kelly, who urged the mayor to proceed with caution because of the loud negative reaction that part of the city has to any improvement projects.

In addition Kelly made it clear to Emanuel the project had to stay on time of the course was going to hold a PGA Tour event such as the BMW Championship in 2021. In a previous post by Golfersongolf.com (Dec. 19th), it was explained there is no guarantee that BMW will be involved with the PGA Tour in 2021, as their current contract expires in 2019 after the championship that will be played at Medinah Country Club.

BMW has also made it clear to the PGA Tour and the Western Golf Association they willnot return to, or take the championship to courses or area’s they don’t feel they can sell their vehicles in. If Lemont and Cog Hill is out the question by BMW, it’s not likely BMW would support the Jackson Park-South Shore location either.

While the concept of Chicago having a lake front golf course in addition to the Waveland  course also known as Sidney Marovitz, sounds like a great idea. It also is not a practical idea at this time. In addition to the major question, where does the money come from, there are security issues and other logisitical problems in linking the two properties together.

For more information on the Emanuel Email issues, See Lynn Sweet Chicago Sun-Times in the Business section of the December 25th issue of the Sun-Times.

  McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook is your home for indoor golf, betting horses in the OTB, and enjoy great food and drink in McQ’s Restaurant, or at the new hot dog and beverage bar in the dome by the tee line. Mcqsdome.com or (630)-739-1592. Part of Mistwood Golf.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. In the new simulator at the Schaumburg Golf Club, with the new Titleist 917 Driver.

2016 is coming to a close, and now Christmas is over and the question is did you get what you want from Santa on the golf front.

I am proud to say, I’ll enjoy the new Donald Ross Collection long sleeve from one of my favorite courses in the area Mistwood.

A new 2017 golf calendar with a picture of a new course very day.

I’m thrilled that some of my regular foursome took a summer trip over to Scotland, and brought me goodies from the pro shop at St. Andrews with the Old Course logo’s. It’s always great to get new golf balls, but with an Old Course logo, I’m not sure they will see the golf course.

The new indoor simulators at the Schaumburg Golf Club, downstairs from Chandlers Chop House. Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000.

So what did you get, something that will wait until March or April to get used, or something you can start to work with right away.

If you got new clubs, go break them them in at one of the domes, or at least in a place with some simulators where you can either play one of the great courses, or get stats on how your hitting the golf ball.

Don’t wait until all the snow melts away, I know most of it is gone now, and hopefully we will not get anymore before the Eskimo Open tee’s off on January 8th at Cog Hill. Do you have a winter getaway golf trip planned, do get some practice in before you go. You do want to hit some balls off the mats to prepare yourself for the different grasses you will see in places like Florida or Arizona.

The Chad Johansen putting lab at Blackberry Oaks golf club in Bristol.

A new putter, get to work right away rolling some putts and getting a feel with it.

Do you need a new putting stoke, get work with a putting lesson in the Chad Johansen putting studio at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol. There are outstanding putting labs at Cog Hill in barn with Kevin Weeks, or at McQ’s Dome in bolingbrook with the Mistwood staff of professionals. For something new, try putting in the new simulators at the Schaumburg golf club.

Did you get a gift card for a certain club or of a major credit card you can use anywhere. Maybe it’s time to go hit one of the golf retail stores and see what options you have in upgrading your equipment. Get a start on the 2017 golf season, get ahead of the game.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Mortell family on the sale of Balmoral Woods, the club has been on the market for a while, and I’m sure they are glad to move past getting a sale done. It seems the family will be involved in the operations of the course at least in 2017.

BIG 3 Partner Len Ziehm has more Florida golf news coming up on his site Lenziehmongolf.com. If your headed Florida way this winter, you might want to check out some of his golf destination stories about golf in the sunshine state, Florida.

WHILE I’M at it, you can now get tickets for many of the great championships coming to the area this summer, check out our Christmans eve story if your looking right now for information. (scroll down a couple of stories to find it).

More coming up on the Gog Blog this week, including a 2016 review and a 2017 preview. So stay clicked in. RS

  THANKING OUR WINTER SPONSORS McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook and the Schaumburg Golf Club in Schaumburg.

 The new simulators at the Schaumburg golf club, with IPGA professional Jon Parsons.

 The tee line in McQ’s Dome and the back of the big golf dome, part of Mistwood Golf.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HANUKKAH FROM ALL OF US AT GOLFERS ON GOLF.

Mike Munro-Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger and Rory Spears….. the Gog Blog Returns on Tuesday December 27th.

   McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook on Rt, 53 is your winter golf dome, and home for Blackhakws Hockey as an official Blackhawks Bar. Play the ponies in a Hawthorne Race Course OTB, enjoy great food off the new menu. Mcqsdome.com. The Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle Road, now open for golf year round with it’s new indoor simulator area, downstairs from Chandlers Chophouse. Schaumburggolf.com      _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS. Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on facebook, linkedin and twitter @GogBlogGuy. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.

If your in need of a last minute holiday gift, or year end birthday gift, why not give the gift of golf, by letting someone attend one of the great tournaments in the are next summer.

Right nowyou can purchase tickets for several tournaments, that will be in the Midwest next summer.

The list of area tournaments for 2017, includes the NCAA Championships at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove in late May and early June.

Just a couple of weeks later, is the U.S. Open at Erin Hills in Wisconsin, immediately followed by the KPMG/LPGA-PGA Championship at Olympia Fields. The new LPGA Legends Tour and the Symetra Tour Then the John Deere Classic returns to July at TPC Deere Run. In September the BMW Championship returns to Conway Farms in Lake Forest.

Right now you can purchase tickets to the indoor winter golf shows including the Chicago Golf Show for late February in Rosemont. Chicagogolfshow.com.

           The NCAA Championships at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, The Women from May 19-24 and the Men from July 26-31. Tickets on sale now at NCAA.com/tickets.

The US Open trophy at Erin Hills USGA.org/tickets

The U.S. Open makes a rare Midwest appearance at Erin Hills in Erin Wisconsin from June 12-18. Tickets are now on sale at USGA.org/tickets.

This is the last U.S. Open in the Midwest for at least 10 years and maybe longer. The open will travel back and forth between the East-West coasts from 2018-2026.

The 2017 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be contested at historic Olympia Fields Country Club on Chicago’s Southside, practice round tickets start at just $15, juniors 17 and under can be admitted for free with a paid adult.

The third hole on the Olympia Fields North Course, home of the 2017 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

For more information on tickets for the championship KPMGWomensPGA.com.

Some ticket and hospiltality packages for 2017, do include opportunites for price discount and ticket purchases for the 2018 championship, that will be contested at Kemper Lakes Golf Club in north suburban Kildeer.

The BMW Championship returns to the Conway Farms Golf Club in Lake Forest in September. Visit WGAESF.org or go to BMWChampionshipUSA.com for more information.

 (L) The Conway Farms Club House home of the 2017 BMW Championship. (R) Ryan Moore 2016 Champion of the John Deere Classic holds the trophy on the 18th green of TPC Deere Run. The JDC will be played July 13-16, tickets at Johndeereclassic.com.

Need a holiday golf gift, it’s not too late to purchase tickets for several great area golf tournanets coming in 2017. Buy yours before tickets are sold out.

     THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB & ACADEMY IS OPEN FOR GOLF YEAR ROUND Try the new simulator arcade in the basnement, and play some of the Top 100 golf Courses in America, Schaumburg Golf Club 401 N. Roselle Road, call (847)-885-9000. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG , by RORY SPEARS. Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. By the fireplace at McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood.

Happy Holidays from the Gog Blog and everyone at Golfers on Golf. We have enjoyed 2016 and are looking forward to 2017.

As we look into the heart of the winter season, a reminder that the Eskimo Open at Cog Hill is coming up on Jan 8th, for more information please visit Coghillgolf.com.

With a bit of a warming trend this week, maybe the snow piles will not be that bad, and golfers will be able to find their golf balls as they stroll around during their first round of the year.

SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS, we hope that a few more will be on board soon, but for now in the winter season, we would like to thank McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook on Rt. 53 part of the Mistwood Golf Team. McQ’s has great food, an OTB to play the ponies, it’s a Blackhawks Bar and is one of the best golf domes in the Chicago area. Check out mcqsdome.com or call (630)-739-1592. Practice, lessons, fittings, and enjoy the new hotdog and drink bar right in the dome behind the tee line. REMINDER McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood is open and year round, call and reserve a table at (815)-254-7001.

   McQ’s across the top, and bottom’s up in McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood, open all year.

BIG 3 Partner Len Ziehm at Lawsonia in Wisconsin, is now Mr. Florida Golf.

BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm has taken the Ziehm Machine and is back in Florida. Len has parked himself in Port St. Lucie on the east coast of the state, and is near the PGA Village and PGA Hall of Fame. Where he has already found several golf stories.

Since arriving in the sunshine state, Len has posted stories on the reopening of the Pete Dye Course at PGA Village. The Legacy golf Club in PSL, the 20th anninversary of two other PGA Villages courses the Wanamaker and Ryder courses. Len has stories on the historical Meadowood Club in Fort Pierce, and the West Palm Beach municipal course. Next on the tee for Len is the St. Lucie Golf Trail, coming soon to Lenziehmongolf.com.

CHICAGO/NORTHBROOK based KemperSports has been selected to manage Forest Creek Golf Club in the City of Round Rock Texas. The 18 holes course will beging an exciting 2-year renovation project in 2017. Round Rock Mayor Alan McGraw called KSM the best partner for the city to work with during the renovation process. The 25 year old golf course was designed in 1990 by Dick Phelps.

                                              Links Captial Advisors and Principal Chris Charnas, have announced they will handle the transition and sale of Laurel Island Links In Kingland Georgia, LCA is announcing the sale of Antioch Golf in Antioch Illinois for under 1 million dollars. For more information call Chris at (847)-866-7192 or visit Chris@linkscapitaladvisors.com.

STILL SHOPING if you wish to give the gift of golf, here are some choices with golf deals, Arrowheadgolfclub in Wheaton, see Arrowheadgolfclub.org. Through December 23rd DuPage Golf at Maple Meadows from 9-4 PM, spend $100 and receive a Holiday Gift Bonus.

NEW GOLF SHOW..brought to you by Gregg Tengerstrom and partner Joe Copeland who have been the driving force behind the Tinley Park Golf Show scheduled for Feb 10-12, of 2017. This year Gregg and Joe are launching the Northern Illinois golf show in Lake County, at the Lake County Fairgrounds from Jan. 13-15 in 2017. Both shows operated by Tenco Events.

THE CHICAGO GOLF SHOW in Rosemont, presented by French Lick Resort of Indiana, will be held Feb. 24-26 in the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. See Chicagogolfshow.com.

ON THE FASHION SIDE…Carnoustie Sportswear has announced it’s spring outerwear collection for 2017. Performance outerwear, Waterproof styles, Cotton interlock. For more information see Carnoustiesportswear.com.

ANTIGUA has launched it’s 2017 Women’s outerwear collection. Some of the new styles that rank among the favorites of Antigua women’s designer Danielle Dellios are Boost, Curio and Heiress. For more on these colorful and trendy collection styles, please visit Antigua.com or ShopAnitgua.com. or See Antigua on Social Media on Facebook and Twitter.

The Gog Blog Returns later today…Stay clicked in.

     McQ’s Dome, have you been there yet, if not you need to be. McQ’s Golf Dome is a multi purpose facility. It’s a golf dome, a full service bar and restaurant, an OTB to bet the Horses. Need more, how a new beer and hot dog bar in the dome on steps away from the tee line. Closest service to the tee in town. McQ’s is Blackhawks Bar, enjoy the game, the foghorn, the goal song, the national anthem. (630)-739-1592. mcsqbar.com.   ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG, by RORY SPEARS. Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @gogblogguy.

It’s been said, “Build it and they will come.”

So announce it, and they might believe you.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has announced the formation of the Chicago PGA. Which translates into, the Chicago Parks Golf Alliance.

The Mayor and Chicago Park District and CEO Michael Kelly this past weekend announced the formation of the CPGA. The group will be led by NBC and the Golf Channel’s commentator Mark Rolfing, Rolfing will serve as the President and Founder. The major purpose of the group is to improve and restore conditions at both South Shore Golf Course and Jackson Park Golf Course, both operated by the Chicago Park District.

Now with new indoor golf simulators, golf all year round at Schaumburg Golf Club. Schaumburggolf.com

“This is more than simply a unique opportunity to restore a historic public golf course, it’s a unique opportunity to drive resources and investments on the South Side,” said Mayor Emanuel. “And even with this restoration the course will remain a real community asset because we’re going to ensure that the neighborhood golfers who have been hitting the links here for years will be able to continue to access and enjoy it at a reduced rate.”

Jackson Park opened in 1899 and the South Shore Golf Course opened in 1907, the Chicago Park District created a plan back in 2000 to renovate the courses and with the creation of CPGA, is still some 16 years later, hoping to do so.

Try the new Schaumburg Golf Simulators, open year round, Schuamburg Golf Club 401 N. Roselle Road Schaumburg (847)-885-9000

CPGA is a Not-for-Profit that will oversee the fund raising arm of the project. There is hope that enough money will come the projects way, so that construction can start in 2017, and the new golf course can open for play in 2020.

After failing to land the sport of golf’s premier golf architecture team, that consists of two-time former Masters Champion Ben Crenshaw and his partner Bill Coore, the CPGA and Rolfing have turned to Plan B, and the recruitment of Tiger Woods who is new to the golf architecture game.

Woods released a statement through his design firm about his involvement in the project.

“It’s an honor for me and TGR Design to be designing this golf course in one of America’s greatest golf cities,” said Woods. “This project can create incredible possibilities for the community on the South Side. We want to design a course that everyone can enjoy.”

Chandlers Chop House at the Schaumburg Golf Club, enjoy food and drink in the restaurant, or have it sent downstairs to the golf area. Schaumburg Golf Club, (847)-885-9000.

Western Golf Assocation (WGA) CEO John Kaczkowski, said the WGA welcomes the opportunity to grow the game in it’s home city of Chicago.

Kaczkowski said the site could be another pipeline for future Evans Scholars to join a pipeline that has put over 11,000 caddies in college since 1930. Kaczkowski did not rule out the new course as a site for a future BMW Championship.

The next BMW Championship if it is still called that after 2019 when the BMW contract expires with the PGA Tour, that is likely to be held in Chicago is 2021. But by 2021 much could change with Chicago’s PGA Tour stop.

Lisa Quinn, Executive Director of The First Tee of Greater Chicago, said the First Tee organization would be proud to participate in the project, and hoping it would create “a safe place” to develop future golfers.

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem called the projects potential, exciting to the PGA Tour. Rolfing said he has meet many avid golfers on the two courses, and said there is passion for golf and hope the two courses can be renovated. They are two of the six courses that the Chicago Park District operates.

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 N. Roselle Road is now open for year round golf, and you can golf while enjoying great food and beverage from Chandlers Chophouse upstairs from the golf area. The new golf simulators allow you to golf many Top 100 courses from around the country. So bring your favorite foursome, get a lesson from IPGA professional Jon Parsons, get fitted for new clubs and more. For all the information see Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000, just minutes away from Woodfield Mall. MCQ’s DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is one of the top golf domes in Chicago Area, not only can you hit balls take a lessons, or get fitted for clubs, but now you can enjoy the new bar in the dome, visit McQ’s Restaurant, or Play the Ponies in the OTB. For more information see McQsdome.com or call (630)-739-1592 #mcqs.

 The entrance to the USGA head quarters in Far Hills NJ. (L), (R-L in picture) Rory Spears Editor and Director of Content for The Gog Blog, with USGA Executive Director Mike Davis (M) and Publisher of the Illinois Golfer Tim Cronin (R).

USGA Executive Director Mike Davis and his team including USGA Championship Director Stuart Francis have brought two of the nations finest venues to the rotation of the Walker Cup Matches.

First in 2021 in this Seminole Golf Club will host in the spring May 8-9 the 48th Walker Cup Matches. The 50th playing of the Walker Cup Matches will be contested on September 6-7 at Cypress Point in 2025. Cypress Point previously hosted the Walker Cup in 1981, the only time the club has hosted a USGA Championship.

Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach Florida. Photo courtesy of USGA.

The Walker Cup is a biennial competition between two teams that includes 10 amateur players from both the USA, and 10 players from Great Britian and Ireland.

“The selections of Seminole Golf Club and Cypress Point Club as Walker Cup venues are emblematic of what George Herbert Walker intended when he helped create the first Match in 1922,” said Francis. “To have two of the United States greatest courses as host sites will not only produce memorable competitions, but reinforces the stature of amateur golf in this country.”

For Seminole Golf Club it will be hosting it’s first USGA championship and it will mark the first time the Walker Cup will be held in Florida. The course was designed by the legendary Donald Ross and opened for play in 1929. The routing of the course that includes two dune ridges near the Atlantic Ocean, while membership has included a who’s-who from across the country, including U.S. Presidents.

“Seminole Golf Club is honored to host the 2021 Walker Cup Match and the best amateur players from both sides of the Atlantic,” said Jimmy Dunne, club president. “The club and it’s membership are proud to showcase Donald Ross’ architectural masterpiece to a worldwide audience.”

Visit USGA.org for everything USGA and a complete list of 2017 championships.

Cypress Point was designed by the famed Alister Mackenzie along with Robert Hunter. Like Seminole the course first opened for play in 1929.

The courses routing runs through coastal dunes in the early holes, then into the Del Monte Forest, before returning to a rocky coastline alongside of the Pacific Ocean. For years the course was part of the famed AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

2025 marks the third time the Walker Cup will be held in California, the 2017 Walker Cup Matches will be played September 9-10 at The Los Angeles North Country Club.

“The members of Cypress Point Club are honored to give back to the game of golf and share our wonderful treasure with one of games great amateur competitions,” said Peter K. Barker, club president. “We have proud to host a number of notable match-play events throughout our club’s history. In all, the course and competitors performed superbly. We enthusiastically look forward to the 2025 Walker Cup.”

The Walker Cup Match is contested over two days. The format includes 18 singles matches and eight foursomes (alternate-shot) matches. The USA holds the all-time lead in the series 35-9-1, but each side has been victorious seven times since 1989. With four of those matches being decided by only 1 point.

For more information on the Walker Cup and it’s proud history, please visit USGA.org.