THE GOG BLOG by Director of Content Rory Spears, Follow Rory to the French Lick Resort and on Twitter @GogBlogGuy

At the 5-Star French Lick Hotel

HERE WE GO, it’s time for day one of the Florida PGA Show road trip.

It’s starting out on the snowy side, but if I can make it past the dreaded NW Indiana area before it’s gets real bad, the days travels might work out.

Day 1 is the French Lick Resort, no the Pete Dye Course and or the Donald Ross Course won’t be open, but the casino will be. Maybe with some luck, both dinner and the caddie tip at Streamsong can get covered all in one pull of the arm of the bandit.

This time there will be snow on the ground at the French Lick Resort, the last time here it was July for the Senior LPGA Championship, and it was warm that day. I’d like to have half of that temperature today.

The French Lick Resort just gets better every year, the management team keeps adding a few things every year. I’m anxious to see what 2018 will bring. The Sr. LPGA Championship will move back to October this year so not to interfere with the new US. Sr. Women’s Open at the Chicago Golf Club July 9-15.

The French Lick Resort still amazes me, the work that was done to save the property from almost going under by the Cook Group. It took near 600 million to restore things to the 5-Star level they are at today. If you have not played there yet, book you 2018 golf package today. 45 holes of great golf. The views from the top of the Dye course are unmatched in the Midwest.

There is nothing like playing a Donald Ross designed golf course. Many of them are private, so why not go to where you can play a Ross Course open to everyone. The Donald Ross Course at French Lick Resort is one of the old classics that anyone can play, and you should too whenever you can. Visit Frenchlick.com summer is coming and will be here before you know it.

TODAY Callaway Golf will start announcing it’s new product line including it’s new driver which I may have been calling the new Epic Driver, which will not be the name. The Rogue driver is the new name. Plus those airplane people are back. I love those ad’s. Boeing is back and Callaway has a Rogue Draw driver, which will help you slicers.

Callaway Wedge Guru Roger Cleveland has created the Mack Daddy-Fours and I am really excited to check them out, and see how they match up against Titleist new SM-7’s by Bob Vokey. Bottom line if your wedges are not made by one of the two people I just mentioned, you have the wrong wedges. Get new ones, NOW, and score better.

GOLF NEWS..Golf Course seller expert Chris Charnas of Links Capital Advisors in Evanston, has just sold Antioch Golf Club and Lake Wissota Golf Club in Chippewa Falls Wisconsin. Looking to buy, or sell call Chris at (847)-866-7192.

NORTHBROOK BASED KEMPER SPORTS MANAGEMENT, has been named to manage the Diamante Club in Hot Springs Village in Arkansas, one of the states top courses. In Arizona Greg Leicht has been named the GM at the Bear Creek Golf Complex in Chandler Arizona.

On Wednesday it’s off to Pinehurst, to see the Cradle, please don’t let the snow follow me. PGA Show next week, stay clicked in for all the news. Here we go ! RS.

THE GOG BLOG by Director of Content RORY SPEARS, Follow RORY on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and to the simulators at the Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle Road, where it’s golf season year round. Call the SGC at 847-882-9000 for simulator time today.

  THE FRENCH LICK RESORT, Resort, Spa and Casino open all year. Book your golf packages now, see Frenchlick.com. Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, three golf courses. The Jones, the Hills and the Fazio, Palmettodunes.com.    ______________________________________________________________________

YOU WOULD LIKE TO THINK that when one is in Hawaii that all will be well. Well yesterday as the Sony Open played down to the fourth and final round, things did not go well off the golf course. After nine months of no contract with the golf channel, the audio and visual people including camera operators walked off the job and started picketing in front of the golf course.

Supervisors and non-union folks took over, but at all the Golf Channel produced tournaments yesterday there were issues. These problems will not happening at NBC or CBS televised tournaments. TGC has had a reputation for not paying well over the years, and this might be a signal that it’s time for that to stop. it’s not known if the strike will continue, or maybe now strike talks will get moving and or if things will get settled any quicker . Let’s hope they do.

THERE IS SOME debate now about the new tax plan put in by the government. What’s good for the masses, might not be good for golf. The question being raised is, did President Donald Trump a golf guy in his own right, hurt the industry by taking away folks being able to write off a portion of business golf.

The World Golf Foundation and it’s CEO Steve Mona who monitor such things have been somewhat quiet, and last week when reached by a national publication, Mona reportedly had “no comment”. In that publication former PGA of America president Ted Bishop sounded the alarm with his comments about the changes in the tax law. Saying golf would take a big hit with the new non “write-off” policy.

Personally I found it interesting that Mona would have no comment, since Mona normally has a team of PR people always taking him around to media folks at all the big golf events, or is the figure head of national golf day in DC, which is coming again up this spring.

I interviewed Mona at Medinah during the Ryder Cup in 2012, regarding the economical impact that Ryder Cup week would have on the Chicago area and Illinois in general. If anyone should be speaking on this topic it’s Mona, who as of this morning apparently is now saying the golf-no tax write is not a done deal. We will see.

MASTRO COMMUNICATIONS a PR firm that does it’s share of work in golf, is releasing a study by Datatech that does numerous golf surveys, on the effects that Amazon.com is having on whats called “The Brick and Mortar stores” across the country. One quote calls Amazon a “disruptive force” on the retail industry, and effects it is having or could have on golf stores or pro shops.

Personally ordering any golf products online is not a smart move. Especially golf clubs, maybe and that’s a maybe, you order a shirt or cap online, but other than that, not a chance you should be buying golf merchandise online. I wouldn’t buy anything golf without checking it out in person first, and then taking it home in my car. Stay tuned on this one, or clicked in here.

CLEVELAND GOLF has announced that it has signed an agreement with two-time long drive champion Jamie Sadlowski of St. Paul, Alberta Canada to play it’s products. Which includes the Launcher HB Driver. Sadlowski is in his second year of professional golf playing various tours. It will be interesting to hear the claims of how far this driver hits the ball, especially with the talent of Sadlowski doing the driving.

THE GOG BLOG RERUNS TOMORROW.. stay clicked in. RS

THE HOLLY INN, all 82 rooms recently renovated, with modern day improvements and the southern comfort of home, Pinehurst.com Play the new Par 3 course the Cradle.       _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content. With Chip beck at the White pines Golf Dome operated by KSM. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

Chicago area resident and pro golfer Chip Beck has joined Pitchfix as an ambassador.

Pitchfix a global leader in switchblade style divot tools, has retained Beck to help promote the Fusion 2.5 divot tool named best “Divot Repair Tool” by the editors of golf Digest for two straight years. Beck will start his duties at the PGA Merchandise show in Orlando.

First up Beck will be at demo day and then be at the Pitchfix booth (#2015) in the convention center the next day. Beck will then make appearances for Pitchfix at other golf events.

Beck became the second player in PGA Tour history to shoot 59 at the 1991 Las Vegas Invitational. Beck was also named to the USA Ryder Cup team three times, and recorded a 6-2-1 record. The three time all-american at the University of Georgia was the 1989 Vardon trophy winner. beck was runner up at three majors the 1986 and 1989 US Open, and the 1993 Masters.

“We are privileged to have one of golfs true gentleman represent Pitchfix,” said Bart Fokke, CEO Pitchfix. “In addition to playing professionally worldwide for more than three decades, Chip has gained respect from the golf world for the way he conducts himself on and off the golf course. With the positive personality and inspirational nature, he will be an outstanding ambassador for us.”

“It’s an honor for me to represent Pitchfix, a quality company with outstanding products,” said Beck. “I look forward to sharing my thougts about the Fusion 2.5 with the golf industry at the PGA Merchandise show and golfers nationwide. ”

Pitchfix Fusion 2.5 has a rubberized handle for a soft touch and grip, with colored aluminium trims, a built in pencil sharpener, and patented divot repairing pins, a removable one inch ball marker and 14 color options. Pitchfix has other ball markers and divit repair tools on the market.

For more information see pitchfixusa.com.

THE HOLLY INN AT PINEHURST, All 82 rooms recently renovated, new everyday comforts of home, while embracing southern comfort and charm, visit Pinehurst.com. On Hilton Head Island Palmetto Dunes, three golf courses, see PalmettoDunes.com.      _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and to the French Lick Resort. See Frenchlick.com bok your 2018 golf packages now.

Titleist has introduced it’s new line of irons the 718 series.

According to Titleist, the 718 series includes the forgiveness of the AP1 and the tour-proven consistency of the AP2.

As part of the 718 series, Titleist has now introduced a new level of irons called the AP3. These three lines of the 718 series are now available in pro shops and retail stores.

The AP3 is proclaimed by Titleist to have the latest in breakthrough technology and performance that has made Titleist the No.1 iron on the PGA Tour 13 years and running.

The new Titleist 718 Irons group

“Golfers trust Titleist to design and manufacture the premier irons in the game and not make sacrifices,” says Josh Talge, Vice President of Marketing for Titleist Golf Clubs. “Our R&D team is relentless when it comes to improving iron performance and engineering new technologies into head profiles that look, sound and feel great. The invention of the AP3, which combines distance and forgiveness of our best selling, game-improvement AP1 iron with the look and feel of our tour favorite AP2, is a significant advancement that will help a wide range of golfers, and further illustrates why more of the worlds best players have Titleist irons in their bags.”

The 718 Titleist series of irons includes six different models the AP1, AP2, AP3, T-MB, CB and MB. The Titleist 718 irons are in the bag of Justin Thomas who used them to win the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. Jordan Spieth used a 718 T-MB 3-iron to hit his well-known recovery shot from the driving range at Royal Birkdale on the 13th hole to win the Claret Jug.

The NEW Titleist AP3 irons, see more at Titleist.com

2017 PGA Champion Jimmy Walker is using the new AP3, MB irons. If you would like to try the new 718 series, Titleist has it Fitting and Trail events being held at hundreds of locations nationwide. To find those locations, dates and times please visit titleist.com/718.

You can learn more by watching video at Youtube.

The 718 AP1 irons are built for distance with maximum forgiveness, and better than it’s prior generations claims Titleist. The new AP1 is easier to hit, get the ball in the air and stop quicker on the green. New construction of a hollow-body long iron to an undercut cavity on the mid and short irons provides the best in distance and trajectory for each iron. Comes in 4-PW 48-53 degree wedge models.

The new 718 AP3 irons, are amerges of everything that Titleist R&D has learned from the AP1 and AP2 designs. Titleist called the AP3 a hollow-blade design with high-speed face technology. The AP3 irons are available 3-PW 48 degrees.

The AP2 irons are a thinner forged body and face insert that is constructed of high-strength spring steel increases launch and ball speed for more distance.

The 718 T-MB Iron is called the ultimate utility iron. The T-MB is now a full set of irons that delivers maximum distance in the form of a muscle back shaped club. The L-Face insert allows the face to flex more at impact, increasing launch and speed for more distance. Available 2-PW 50 degrees.

The 718 CB Irons, is a continuing Titleist style of cavity backed profile irons, the gives the player a more precise shot with more forgiveness, and an increased sweet spot fora better feel. Available 2-PW

The 718 MB Irons. A classic style muscle back designed for today’s game and with maximum shot control. Muscle-back weighting is behind the sweet spot. Forged in carbon steel for the purist look, sound and feel.

The 718 iron series comes in a variety of shafts, steel or graphite. Most choices come at no upcharge.

AP1 Steel $125  per club, Graphite $140. AP2-3, CB and MB Steel $162.50 per club, or Graphite at $187,50 per club. Titleist T-MB $249 per club and graphite $275 per club.

For more information please see Titleist.com The 718 Irons are now available for fitting or purchase.

   THE SCOTTY CAMERON Futura 5.5M inspired by Justin Thomas, for more details see Scottycameron.com. With winter upon us, it’s time to think about time on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, the PGA Tour arrives in March. 3 courses Palmettodunes.com  ______________________________________________________________________

With the flag on the LOOP at Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon Michigan. The Gog Blog by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook.

The Titleist 18 Hybrid is the newest Hybrid by Titleist on the market.

Titleist called them the longest and most accurate on the market. Giving golfers who are shot makers a new long game weapon on the links.

Now on the market and available for purchase, the 818H1 and the 818H2 have the 2.0 active recoil channel with Surefit Active recoil weights and Surefit Hosel technology. The 2.0 active recoil generates a higher ball speed and a significantly increase in distance.

“We define Hybrids as scoring clubs not rescue clubs. That’s how our R&D group has been designing these clubs for years, and it’s the reason that Titleist has become the clear #1 Hybrid on the PGA Tour,” says Josh Talge, Vice President of Marketing, Titleist Golf Clubs. “The amount of technology we’ve engineered into the 818 is unprecedented for the Hybrid category and will give golfers at every level the confidence to take dead aim from distances they have never done before.”

The new Titleist Hybrid 818, longer and more accurate.

The HI is designed for golfers who have a sweeping swing, and want a fairway wood look to the club. The larger profile provides a higher launch. and Titleist says tremendous forgiveness. The lofts come in 19-21-23-25-and 27 degrees.

The H2  is designed for steeper delivery and prefer the use of irons, and a club that delivers iron like control and exact distance. The H2 comes in lofts of 17-19-21-23.

During the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, Titleist Ambassador Jordan Spieth added a H2 into his bag. Among the other players using the Titleist 818 Hybrid include Andrew “The Beef” Johnson.

The clubs can be fitted into all major shafts including Mitsubishi, Project X and Fujikura. All of these premium shafts can be inserted at no upcharge. The MAP is set at $279, and the MSRP is set at $315.

For more information on Titleist Hybrids, please visit Titleist.com and to find a free fitting location near you, visit Titleist.com/events. To see Titleist 818 hybrids in action on line, video can now be seen on UTube.

  THE HOLLY INN downtown Pinehurst, all 82 rooms fully renovated, the Cradle by Gil Hanse, the new 789 yard Par 3 course. For more information please visit Pinehurst.com ______________________________________________________________________

In the simulator and indoor facility at the Schaumburg Golf Club, with the Titleist 917 Driver, The Gog Blog by Director of Content Rory Spears, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, facebook and Linkedin.

This past fall the Titleist Golf  introduced several new products, that are now on the market and available for purchase.

First up is the new DT TruSoft golf ball, that Titleist claims is now the longest Titleist Soft golf ball.

Titleist says the new Dt TruSoft has been re-engineered with a larger low compression core and a soft cover technology. The DT TruSoft gives the golfer more distance with a soft feel.

If your golfer who wants a soft feel Titleist says this is the best ball in it’s class, made at Titleist Ball Plant #2 in North Dartmouth Mass.

The New Titleist TruSoft Golf Ball, now on the market.

“We’re meeting more and more golfers who believe that you have to sacrifice distance in order to play a softer feeling golf ball. That’s certainly true for many of the lower compression products on the market right now-but not Dt TruSoft,” says Michael Mahoney, Vice President, Titleist Golf Ball Marketing. “When we launched DT TruSoft two years ago, it instantly became the longest ball in the category. Our R&D team has since discovered how to provide even more distance without impacting the remarkably soft feel that golfers tell us they love about this product. New DT TruSoft continues to prove that golfers who prioritize feel don’t have to give up everything else.”

The DT TruSoft MAP is $21.99 Available in White and Optic Yellow models.

Scotty Cameron’s new Futura 5.5M

Custom Putter designer Scotty Cameron has created the latest edition to the Cameron Futura line.

The new Futura 5.5M has an enhanced flow to the toe. The new Futura 5.5M is a putter that combines the forgiveness of a mallet with the feel of a blade.

These are putters are now available in shops and stores everywhere.

“The idea for the Futura 5.5M began as a prototype when Justin Thomas came to the putter studio looking for a new option,” Cameron said. “He wanted a smaller mallet that he could align easily, but one that would also promote the arced putting stroke he preferred. We added a flare neck that on a Futura X5 putter and sent him on his way. He went on to win three events and then reported to us that some of his friends wanted a putter like this. Our wheels got turning from there.”

The new compact mallet is 10 percent small than the Futura 7M. There is shorter single bend shaft, and the mid-milled face is set with a 3.5 degrees of loft. New Titleist 718 Irons and 818 Hybrids will be reviewed next here, so stay clicked in right here.

For more information on Titleist Scotty Cameron milled putters, visit Scottycameron.com or see Titleist.com.

 THE MACK DADDY WEDGES BY CALLAWAY GOLF, the new ones are coming be ready, another Roger Cleveland Classic design, Callawaygolf.com. WINGFEST is coming back to McQ’s in Bolingbrook, Golf dome, OTB and fine food Mcqsdome.com.    ______________________________________________________________________

Two Peas in a Pod-Cast that is, Ziehm and Spears are back again talking golf travel, Part 1 winter getaway warm destinations. The Gog Blog by Director of Content Rory Spears, Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

TWO PEA’S IN A POD-CAST THAT IS, is back for part 1 on golf travel.

It’s our third podcast overall, after our review of 2017 and preview of 2018.

The next podcasts will be at demo day and from the convention floor of the PGA show in two weeks in Orlando.

Len and I will recap the best of the clubs and the big news from the floor, so stay clicked in here and LenZiehmongolf.com.

Part 1 of the travel podcast looks at properties in Florida, like PGA Village, Arnold Palmers Bay Hill, Streamsong, and Innisbrook, then in closing a look at the home of “American Golf” Pinehurst, as the upgrades continue from their master plan.

Click here to hear Part 1 of the travel podcast with BIG 3 members Len Ziehm and Rory Spears. Part 2 will be later in the spring, and it will look at properties up north that make good summer destinations.

  THE NEW PAR 3 COURSE AT PINEHURST, THE CRADLE (L). (R) THE NEW BLACK COURSE AT STREAMSONG IN FLORIDA, BOTH COURSES BY GIL HANSE.

Thanks for joining Len and I, RS. The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

   THE SWING DUKE a new golf training machine, to bring your game to the next level, see Swingduke.com. Callaway gets ready to release the next level of MackDaddy Wedges designed by Roger Cleveland follow Callawaygolf.com for announcements.       _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG with Director of Content Rory Spears (R) with Pinehurst President Tom Pashley, in Deuce’s bar behind the 18th green of Pinehurst 2. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook.

The Pinehurst Resort continues to make improvements over the last few years and going forward into 2018.

The Deuce Restaurant behind the 18th green is open, and so is the new pool. The Par 3 course The Cradle is now open, and the resorts rooms have been renovated in both historic hotels the Carolina, and Holly Inn.

Currently work continues by architect Gil Hanse on Pinehurst #4 and in the new Pinehurst Brewery. Both will reopen at some point in 2018, and golfers will enjoy both. But when the day is done, everyone staying  the night in the Pinehurst Resort hotels, guests will enjoy that and a good-nights sleep as well.

The historic Holly Inn in downtown Pinehurst.

The 82 room Holly Inn underwent a renovation of over 2 million dollars in 2017 as part of a Pinehurst Resort master plan, that has been phased in over the last few years, and continues in 2018.

The Holly Inn was the town’s first hotel and it opened on New Year’s eve in 1895.

The renovation of the Holly Inn created a mix between historic flavor of the hotel and the modern needs of the current times. Southern flavor along with most rooms having fireplaces, create a style than that should be favorable to any guest.

A redesigned Holly Inn room, with all the                       comforts of home.                                     Photo Courtesy of Pinehurst Resort.

The Holly Inn is completely redone and the new Pinehurst Brewery should open in the spring. The Gil Hanse renovation of Course #4 should be completed and reopened to golfers in the fall.

The Holly Inn not only has a pool, but meeting space, that has been improved through out the resort, and a room for group dining, when the cozy area around the hotels bar is already full up with dinners.

For more information on the Holly Inn and the Pinehurst Resort, please visit Pinehurst.com or call (844)-804-3322. Pinehurst, where it’s always a beautiful day.

PRO DAN PHILLIPS is back at McQ’s Dome, you should be too. Mcqsdome.com or call McQs at (630)-739-1592, part of Mistwood Golf, that has permanent tee times available for 2018, call (815)-254-3333. The North Course at Innisbrook has reopened from renovation and is taking tee times, visit Innisbrookgolfresort.com or call (888)-794-8627. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Director of Content RORY SPEARS, wearing a summer style from the Antigua Apparel Men’s golfwear line. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or Linkedin and Facebook.

GOLF IS OFF and running in 2018, the Eskimo Open was played at Cog Hill yesterday on two courses and congrats to the winners.

Our BIG 3 Partner Tim Cronin was out at Cog Hill bright and early to speak with a few of the players, and will have a recap on his Illinoisgolfer.net in the short future.

The Chili Open will be played this coming Saturday at the triple Decker Range in Des Plaines, if you want to play in sunny 26 degree temps, but not in much snow it appears as the sun melts it’s off over the course of the week.

I HAD a chance to visit Blackberry Oaks this past week and catch up with GM-Head Golf Professional and golf aid inventor Chad Johansen.

Bunker project underway last fall at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol.

The good news is that the 8th Annual Blackberry Amateur is expected to be played on June 23-24. This year Johansen wants to push the size of the field up to at least 120 players.

Last year the number was just over 90 players and this great Midwest Amateur event should have a full field.

Sign up and details on sponsors should be out by the end of the month. Stay clicked in here or Blackberryoaks.com for more details. During the winter months Johansen is holding some short game clinics, and putting lessons are available in the putting lab of the pro shop at BBO’s.

THE PGA TOUR is really underway with the Tournament of Champions being played at one of my favorite places Kapalua Maui. While Dustin Johnson appears to be back in form after an 8 shot win, there was some concerning news.

FIRST UP, the golf course. There was a few greens like 14 which were in bad shape, and a few things in paradise that did not look the best. I don’t know what the resort might be planning going forward, but maybe a phone call to the designing architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw might be a great idea. It would appear it’s time for them to comeback and take a look at things.

SECOND, the distraction of the week was Tiger Woods announcing his first tournament of 2018 being at Torrey Pines. Then for some odd reason the media is falling back into it’s dangerous old habits, of getting all Tiger, Tiger, Tiger again. Let’s save it until he actually wins a tournament and focus on who is playing and winning, which is always what the top players are trying to do. ESPN can cancel the Tiger Tracker right now and do everyone a favor.

The White Pines Golf Dome in Bensenville, operated by Kemper Sports.

THE WHITE PINES GOLF DOME has a Titleist Fitting day this Thursday Jan. 11th from 12-5 PM, cost $20. Titleist Vokey scoring clinic on Thursday Feb. 8th from 6-7:30 PM, cost is $160 and includes ONE-2018 Vokey Wedge.

TAYLOR MADE will have a custom fitting event on Thursday Feb. 22 from 3-7 PM.

OTHER White Pines events include from Jan. 4-14 watch the PGA from Hawaii at the dome, and enter your email to win a Titleist wedge. TARGET TUESDAY’S, hit the Tuesday target and win a pair of Foot-Joy golf shoes. More promotions include Foursome Pizza night, Blackhawks game specials, and Swinging to the Oldies. Come out to White Pines Golf Dome and check out the specials. Whitepinesgolfdome.com

KEMPERSPORTSMANAGEMENT has announced they are working with the City of Round Rock Texas, to help renovate the Forest Creek Golf Club, located on the East Side of Round Rock, Texas. No architect has been named but the $5.1 million dollar renovation includes the rebuilding of all 18 greens, the creation of a 19th hole. The practice range and facilities will be redone, along with all the bunkers on the golf course. There will be improved drainage, irrigation and replacements of bridges and other structures. Tree removal is part of the renovation. For more information please visit wwwForestCreek.com.

aBOUTGOLF the creators of the PGA Tour simulator and the new 1400 series technology that enhances graphics and more, will have a presence at the Consumer Electronics show and the PGA Merchandise show. aBOUTGOLF is proud to announce that in 2018 that four courses at Kohler will now be available for play. More information at aboutgolf.com

Antigua’s Pam Miller with an Outerwear piece from the 2017 Antigua line

Antigua apparel has announced that is has created a new style, modern day booth for the PGA Merchandise show coming up in Orlando from Jan. 23-26.

In addition the company has announced it’s team of brand ambassadors for 2018 on the professional golf tours.

LPGA players include, Brittany Lang, Stacy Lewis, Gerina Piller, Lizette Salas, Austin Ernest, Alena Sharp, Candie Kung and Kim Kaufman. On the PGA Tour, Brian Stuard, and Ryan Armour. On the Champions Tour, Tom Pernice Jr., Steve Pate,Billy Mayfair and Jerry Smith. For more on Antigua apparel see Antigua.com.

The Gog Blog Returns tomorrow. RS

 THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB moving through phase 1 of renovation, phase two begins this spring, simulators open all winter. Schaumburg Golf Club (847)-882-9000. The French Lick Resort is ready for your 2018 trip, see Frenchlick.com #PeteDyecourse ______________________________________________________________________

The Range Barn at Cog Hill, The Gog Blog by Director of Content Rory Spears, Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy Linkedin and Facebook.

The Eskimo Open now in it’s 60th plus year, tee’d off this morning in the 7 AM hour, and 66 golfers of the 101 golfers that signed up, turned out to play.

So the first golf outing of 2018 is in the books. Play took place on Courses 1&3 at Cog Hill.

The temperature was in the mid to upper 20’s, and the ground was covered by two inches of frozen snow.

By next weekend most of the snow is expected to be gone. But with the snow in place this weekend, most of the golfers have to use orange golf balls, according to a report by BIG 3 partner Tim Cronin.

SCORES

18 Hole Gross-Winner Jeremy Bilecki 69-$60.00, 2nd Jim Coan 70-$50.00, and 3rd is Barry Quane 73-$40.00

9 Hole Gross Winner Nick Brand 37-$60.00 2nd John Brand 41-$50.00, 3rd Paul Baldwin 42-$40.00

18 hole Net/Peoria Course 1&3 combined-Winner John Bock 55-$60.00, 2nd Place TK Wolff 59-$50.00, 3rd place Gary Wiezorek, 59-$40.00

9-Hole Net/Peoria Winner Brian Quane 31-$60.00, 2nd place Mike Zivkovic 32-$50.00, 3rd place Nick Brand 34-$40.00

Congrats to all the players, and the winners.