THE NEW CALLAWAY GOLF ROGUE DRIVER quickly selling well among golfers everywhere, Boeing is back, and have helped deliver a sleeker more aerodynamic driver for Callaway. see Callawaygolf.com. DAN PHILLIPS is back with the Mistwood Golf teaching staff currently in it’s Mcqs Dome winter home. But the summer season is getting closer, see Dan, Chris, Brian, John, Andy or Eric for your lesson or new club fitting. McQsDome.com on Bolingbrook Drive in Bolingbrook. #BetHorsesintheOTB         _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG, a part of Golfers on Golf, designed by RORY SPEARS, the Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook, wearing the Antigua summer shirt at Boyne Golf’s Bay Harbor in Northern Michigan.

THE SUNDAY MORNING SHORT GAME, we report the news in the world of golf that continues all year round, the only place to find it Golfersongolf.com.

THE ILLINOIS Men’s golf team finished in a T-8 with Alabama at the Southern Highlands Collegiate, the team score was +7, 12 shots behind champion Florida. Texas Tech and USC were second 8 shots ahead of Illinois. The illini without Sr. Dylan Meyer playing on the PGA Tour this week, got a final round 68 from Nick Hardy.

Next up for the Illini Men’s squad is the Big Horn Open in California on March 23-24. The Fighting Illini Women’s Team ranked #22 took fifth place in the Meadow Club’s Women’s Intercollegiate in California. The Illini finished with a team score of +16, 19 shots behind champion Washington. Bing Singhsumalee shot a +1 for 46 holes and tied for 10th.

Miura Golf Clubs made in Japan

Miura Golfs one of the most prestigious clubs made world-wide, will shed it’s layers of secrecy when the Miura movie starts to show the week of March 19th.

But now already released is the trailer for the movie, Discovering Perfection. The Miura Story. The trailer is available online and for details go online and visit MiuraGolf.com or other social media outlets. The Miura family has had a reputation for producing one of the best golf clubs in world since Katsuhiro Miura started hand-grinding clubs in 1957.

The Stracka Line Green Guide books

The Stracka-Line green golf guides are expanding their list of facilities that are making them available.

Two of the new properties using the Stracka Line books are the Broadmoor in Seattle Washington, that will host the 2018 PAC-12 Championship, and the famed Dormie Club, a Pinehurst design created by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore.

“Golfers that are serious about their ability to read greens are flocking to the Stracka-Line,” says Jim Stracka, president of the StrackaLine. :Our greens guide are the games most detailed.”

For more information on the StrackaLine green guide see Strackaline.com.

Chad Johansen holds the Blackberry Oaks Amateur trophy, the BBO-Am will be played on June 23-24 #fillthefield

YOU CAN NOW register for the BlackBerry Oaks Amateur that will be played on June 23-24.

The championship is sponsored by Wilson Golf and Michelob Ultra. Over the years the field has ranged in the amount of 90+ players, but this year Blackberry Oaks GM Chad Johansen is expecting to fill the field which would be 120 players.

You can sign up now for the BBO Amateur, or for the Blackberry Oaks 4 man spring scramble that will be played on April 15th. Johansen has also re-released his guide for golf. The Guide For Golf is an online platform App that includes an official golf handicap, stat tracking software and over 250 instruction video’s. Visit wwwguideforgolf.com. Call BBO at (630)-553-7170 for all the details on what’s happening at BlackberryOaks in Bristol.

Sunset Valley in Highland Park will reopen for play in early August of 2018, the renovation was 7 million dollars.

The Sunset Valley Golf Club operated by the Highland Park Park District, will reopen for play in early August of 2018 after a 7 million dollar renovation.

The golf course will be styled after a British Highlands design, that is supposed to be recreated after the club original 1920’s era golf course design. The course will have a brand new clubhouse. For more information please visit PDHP.org. Sunset Valley is getting ready to welcome back golfers, watch for details on opening day.

Trish Johnson wins the first Sr. LPGA Championship at the French Lick Resort

LYNX GOLF has announced that they have signed Sr. LPGA Champion Trish Johnson to be one of it’s tour ambassadors. Johnson will compete in the U.S. Sr. Women’s Open at the Chicago Golf Club this July 12-15.

Johnson is also an 8-time member of the European Solheim Cup Team. Company president called the addition of Johnson good for Lynx Golf as the company begins a push back in the American market. For more information on Lynx Golf see Lynxgolf.co.uk

Mistwood Golf Club getting ready for the summer of 2018.

Mistwood golf Club has announced a 2-Player Scramble for Saturday April 14th, that will a shotgun start at 1:30.

Price is $125,00 for anon-member and $75 for a member. Included is a tee gift, closest to the pin prizes, a long drive contest, and optional skins game. This event is limited to the first 60 teams that sign up. For more information call Mistwood GC (815)-254-3333.

In the meantime get your game ready at McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook, the winter home of the Mistwood Staff, Mcqsdome.com.

Steve Kashul host of the Golf Scene

The Golf Scene in it’s 25th season in 2018, and hosted by Steve Kashul will have it’s shows put into the Chicago Museum of Broadcast Communications. The Golf Scene is owned by Channel Four Inc.

The Golf Scene is currently the 2nd longest running show currently on Chicago Television, and is the longest airing television golf show in the country.

The Chicago Museum of Broadcast Communications was founded in 1982, is located at 360 North State Street.

THE GOG BLOG returns on Monday, with the Gog Blog Speaks Out. RS

   OUTDOOR GOLF SEASON IS COMING, get ready for it by working on your game indoors at McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook, Chicago’s premier indoor golf dome. McQ’s is the winter home of the Mistwood Professional Golf Staff, so get a lesson, a club fitting, order the new sticks, test out a new golf ball. All this and horses in the OTB, or enjoy the food and beverage in the grill. McQ’s Dome on Bolingbrook Drive Mcqsdome.com.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG Part of Golfers on Golf, and written by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation, Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Linkedin or Facebook. With the new Callaway Rogue Driver.

CALLAWAY GOLF is on the move again in 2018, their new Rogue Line of golf clubs is catching the eye of everyone from the tour professionals, down to the everyday amateur golfer.

When Golfers on Golf was in Florida for the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, we had a chance to catch up with several members of the design teams, from the Rogue Line, to the Mack Daddy Wedges, to the Odyssey putters and more. The new Chrome Soft or Chrome Soft X Golf Ball is no longer taking a back seat to the folks at the #one ball in golf.

In case you missed any of our Callaway updates during the week, here they are again all condensed into one.

With Callaway CEO Chip Brewer

Click here to hear the interview with Callaway CEO Chip Brewer

With Callaway Director of R&D Dr. Alan Hocknell AKA Doc Hoc

Click here to hear our interview with Callaway Director of R&D Alan Hocknell “Doc Hoc”

Odyssey Director of R&D Austie Rollanson

Click here to hear our interview with Odyssey’s Austie Rollanson

Callaway Wedge designer Roger Cleveland

Click here to hear our interview with Callaway Wedge designer Roger Cleveland.

Callaway Director of R&D Rogue Woods line Evan Gibbs

Click here to hear our interview with Callaway Director of R&D and Rogue Woods Evan Gibbs.

CALLWAY DEMO DAY today at Cog Hill until 3 pm. See Callawaygolf.com. Thanks for joining us this past week for Callaway Golf week at Golfers on Golf.

 IT’S TIME TO GO ROGUE, The new Callaway Rogue line of clubs is taking the golf world by storm. Fromm the Callaway Rogue Driver, to the Rogue fairway woods line, and Rogue irons. The creation of the Rogue driver saw the return of the “airplane people” Boeing. The end result is a sleeker more aerodynamic club head that increases swing speed and allowed the club head weight to be redistributed to other positions, for a better and more powerful impact with the golf ball. Visit Callawaygolf.com for details.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR our interview with Callaway Director of Research and Development for Callaway Woods and the new Rogue Driver, Evan Gibbs (Top-L).          ___________________________________________________________________

RORY SPEARS Director of Creation and Content for the Golfers on Golf Radio and Golfersongolf.com stands in front of the 18th green on Gil Hanse’s Streamsong Black Course in central Florida. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and or friend him on Facebook

BACK IN THE BLACK is what the Streamsong is, with the opening of architects Gil Hanse’s Black Course at the Central Florida resort.

What opened a few years back with Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s Red Course, and Tom Doak’s Blue Course, has now grown to family of three courses.

That number will grow to four over the next few years, when the resorts White Course is built, and it seems to be very common knowledge around the dunes of Streamsong that ownership is listening to bids and idea’s from designers who want in on that course.

The Par 5, 1st hole on Streamsong Black.

But for now it’s 54 holes or maybe 55 if you wish to count the extra par 3 hole (good for settling bets) that Doak added behind the 18th green of his Blue Course.

The Black Course takes Streamsong’s golfers to a different part of the resorts massive amount of land. Located away from the Red and Blue Course, Black takes advantage of a little more elbow room as Hanse spread’s it’s 18 holes out pretty well. As a result, golfers will feel some serious elevation change especially on the front nine.

The first hole gives the golfer a great feel for what the round will be like. It’s a Par 5, that moves around from tee to green. On your tee shot there is plenty of elbow room. You can pull it a bit left and make a shorter route into the green, if your fade or slice kicks in and sends you out to the right, you will still be in great shape hitting your second shot. A well placed third shot from a wedge or short iron, should give you a look at birdie.

This landmark greets golfers on the way to the third tee of Streamsong Black.

The second hole is a short par 4 with the back two tees between 326 and 361. There is a wide fairway but waste bunker area’s on both sides.

But you need to be on the money with your approach shot, the second green is one that Donald Ross would be proud of. This elevated crowned green leaves a majority of golfers chipping or putting up the backside on their third shot after having their approach shot go over, and then hoping to get back close  to the pin to save par. A common line being mumbled after putting out on the second green, is something to the extent of, what was Hanse thinking here? It’s a question that begs for an answer.

The elevated Par 3, 5th hole, smart play here is to REALLY use enough club, don’t want to be short.

By the fourth hole elevation change from a lower to an upper fairway comes into play. The Par 3, 5th hole requires a serious uphill play.

Then the course settles downward and loops the golfers back into the ninth green, where Hanse has created a stellar punchbowl green. A well placed approach shot can leave you with a short putt for birdie and or par.

The back nine winds the routing through smaller dunes and open area’s, with the exception being the par 5, 12th hole, that leaves some uphill carry on the approach shot. Down the stretch there are two late par 3’s that are fun to play. The 15th hole is the first one, and can play under 100 yards even though 100-125 yards is normal. Beware of the front pin, unless you can use the slope and back up your wedge into the green. The par 3, 17th plays closer to two hundred yards, but a little left-right on your tee ball should bring you in close enough for a birdie putt.

CLICK HEAR TO HEAR Our interview with Streamsong Director of Golf Scott Wilson, and his thoughts on the new Streamsong Black course by Gil Hanse.

The 18th hole is the third Par 5, on the back nine, so the Black Course ends up with a par of 73, yardage ranges from the front Gold tee’s at 5293, to Silver at 6,240, the Black tee’s are 6,759 and the Green tips are 7,331.

For more information on Streamsong’s three courses, lodge, spa, restaurants and other activities please visit streamsongresort.com.

   CHAD JOHANSEN holds the Blackberry Amateur trophy, soemthing you can do if you win the Blackberry Amateur on June 23-24, sign up today at Blackberryoaks.com. The tournament is sponsored by Wilson Golf and Michelob Ultra, #Fillthefield #weneed120. CALLAWAY WEDGE designer Roger Cleveland shows off the Mack Daddy wedges at the PGA Show in Orlando, for information see Callawaygolf.com #mackdaddywedges

CLICK HERE TO HEAR our interview with Roger Cleveland the designer of the Callaway Mack Daddy wedges.                                                                                           __________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG Created by RORY SPEARS, Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Linkedin and Facebook. On the Sandbox at Sand Valley in Nekoosa Wisconsin.

SAND VALLEY GOLF RESORT the latest and greatest golf project from Mike Keiser and family is no longer a secret, and now even more secrets are coming out for the 2018 golf season from SV land.

Some dates that everyone has been waiting for are now out, get your pencils and scorecards ready.

May 1st, The 17 hole par 3 course the Sandbox will open, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the Sandbox is pure fun and is a course that you can play every hole with a putter. If you are a golf veteran, a junior golfer or looking to take up the game, the Sandbox is for you. bring your putter and a golf ball or two, you’re all set.

The 16th and 17th holes on the Sandbox.

On May 31st the highly anticipated Mammoth Dunes course by David McLay Kidd will fully open for play.

The resorts first course, Sand Valley designed by Crenshaw and Coore will be open at the start of the resorts golf season.

In 2017 Sand Valley opened to rave reviews by the golf media and public golfers alike.

Not since Bandon Dunes opened in Oregon has a new golf resort experienced the type of early positive feedback that Sand Valley. Due to the Keiser connection of both properties, Sand Valley is expected to be a continued success.

The second hole on Mamoth Dunes by David McLay Kidd at Sand Valley

Just announced for 2018 at Sand Valley will be a intimate residential community , additional lodging, a new practice facility, expanded clubhouse with more dining space, and a grass tennis court complex during the season.

The Keiser family has made no secret that there is likely to be more golf courses built at Sand Valley, however at this time there is no timetable for when a third 18 hole course will be announced and or who the next architect might be.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR our interview with Mammoth Dunes designer David McLay Kidd.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR our interview with Sand Valley course designer Bill Coore, and his thoughts about the Par 3-Sandbox course at Sand Valley. Coore also discusses a project in Missouri with Bass Pro Shop owner Johnny Morris.

  WELCOME TO SAND VALLEY GOLF RESORT, (R) the par 4, 9th green on the Sand Valley Course.

For information on the exciting year ahead at Sand Valley, visit Sandvalleygolf.com and do read the Sand Valley Magazine that is full of great information on the resort and what is happening there.

   AUSTIE ROLLINSON CHIEF PUTTER DESIGNER at ODYSSEY Putters shows off the new designs from Odyssey putters/Callaway Golf. Check out Callaway Golf Clubs and Odyssey putters at odysseygolf.com at @Odyssey on Twitter. McQ’s DOME located in Bolingbrook, is the premier golf dome in the Chicagoland area, it’s the winter home of the Mistwood Golf Club professional golf staff. Visit McQsDome.com and get ready for the upcoming outdoor golf season ahead in 2018. While there hit the OTB and the Grill.

CLICK HERE to hear our interview with lead Odyssey Putter designer Austie Rollinson.  ______________________________________________________________________

YES HE IS ! It’s Valspar Week at the Innisbrook Resort in Tarpon Springs Florida north of Tampa. The Gog Blog by Rory Spears , follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Linkedin and Facebook.

THE VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP is a fun week on the PGA Tour and players know it, what makes it so much fun is the atmosphere around the Innisbrook Golf Resort, located just North of Tampa Florida in Tarpon Springs.

Adam Hadwin from Canada is this years defending champion, but a solid field has signed up for the 2018 version of the tournament.

Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth lead a solid field onto the Copperhead Course that is loaded with top players this year.

A group of European players headed up by McIlroy and former British Open Champ Henrik Stenson are in the field. Spieth a past champion at Valspar, is tuning up for next months event in Augusta Georgia. One surprising entry is Tiger Woods who normally didn’t play this event, even when he was good. The course might be a little too tight for Woods erratic style off the tee, and so not much is expected from him as he tries to work off the rust in advance of the Masters.

   SR. DYLAN MEYER from the University of Illinois earned an exemption to play in the Valspar Championship this week, by winning the 2017 3M Collegiate Challenge while playing for Illinois. Meyer gets to locker next to golfer Rory McIlroy in the clubhouse. The Valspar Trophy sits in the Osprey clubhouse near the front check in desk at Innisbrook.

 YOUR ON THE 1ST-tee that is on Copperhead (L) where the rounds begin. Later on the Par 3, 17th hole has the famed Copperhead bush line, and is part of the three closing holes (par’s 4-3-4) that are known as the “Snake Pit”.

Local Illinois professionals Kevin Streelman and Luke Donald are past champions here and will play again this week. They are joined by last weeks winner on the Champions PGA Tour University of Illinois Alum Steve Stricker.

Innisbrook has four courses, Copperhead, the Island Course, the North Course and the South Course. Copperhead was renovated a couple of years ago, and the North Course was done in 2017, this summer the South Course is expected to get the upgrades that the North Course got last year, that were new greens that roll really fast but true, along with some tee and tree work. Might the Island Course get upgrades in 2019, well we have to wait and see on that one.

Innisbrook has great golf schools if your looking to tune up your game, and Packard’s Steak House is a must if your staying on property. At the Osprey Clubhouse no meal is complete without having the award winning Onion Rings, probably the best you will ever have.

So enjoy the Valspar on television this week, and the views of Copperhead, a PGA Tour course you can play. Innisbrook Resort is part of the Salamander Resort Chain, with properties in several states. For more information visit Innisbrookgolfresort.com. The first tee on Copperhead is open as soon the tour pro’s are done on Sunday.

THE GOG BLOG Part of Golfers on Golf, by Director of Content and Creation Rory Spears, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook with Callaway’s Doc Hoc at demo day.

Welcome to the start of Callaway Golf Week here at Golfers on Golf, over the week ahead we will hear from several Callaway Golf experts on the new Rogue line of Clubs and more. Stay with us all week and enjoy.

Did you know that Callaway has become the leading driver on three professional golf tours. Last weeks winners Phil Mickelson and Michelle Wie both won with Callaway Golf Clubs in their bag, for more on what’s in their bag visit Callawaygolf.com.

Dr. Alan Hocknell better known as Doc. Hoc, Callaway’s Sr. VP of Research and Technology spoke with Golfers on Golf regarding the new line of Callaway Rogue Irons.

CLICK HERE to hear our interview with Alan Hocknell, Callaway Golf’s Doc Hoc, on the new Callaway Golf Rogue Irons.                                                                                             _________________________________________________________

THE RUN AT Crystal Lake CC is over for head golf professional Casey Brozek. Brozek who previously served as Illinois PGA section president, and was the sections professional of the year in 2016, has moved on to greener, or maybe it’s warmer pastures in Naples Florida.

Former Illinois PGA President Casey Brozek, stands in front of his new club Quail West in Naples Florida

For Brozek, the change became the opportunity to be a part of club that is growing in many ways.

Quail West is spending over 32 million dollars to be a better facility. It’s new Health and Wellness Center will make a difference for the clubs membership. That facility is over 12,000 square feet.

Brozek’s start in Naples was delayed because of hurricane Irma, in fact his trip down to find a house was put off for three weeks to make sure any potential house he might be interested in, was still standing, and or not underwater, or had significant water damage to it. Once those worries were behind him, Brozek headed for Florida found a house, and then rolled up his sleeves and got to work.

The Par 3, second hole on the Preserve Course at Quail West Country Club in Naples.

The only question was, where would he work. His new office and the pro shop were under construction. But once they were completed, it was worth the wait. The space the pro shop has, gives Quail West plenty of room to sell all the apparel and merchandise they want.

The clubhouse is now over 70,000 square feet

Brozek’s new office is pretty sharp as well, complete with big glass windows that give him a view of the pro shop. once he settles in at Quail West, he will look to become more involved in the local PGA section like he was in Illinois.

Quail West has 36 holes with both courses being designed by Arthur Hills, and the two courses are the Preserve Course and the Lakes Course. Both courses play to their name, the Preserve sits among the trees, and the Lakes Courses has more water than the Preserve Course.

The fourth hole on the Lakes Course at Quail West.

The practice area which is being improved, can hold plenty of golfers regardless of which part of their game, they wish to work on.

When golf is over for the day there is plenty more you can do at Quail West. If your body needs some recovery you can go visit the spa. There is also a full size swimming pool to enjoy.

The clubhouse has both casual and fine dining options. If you have a major event to host, the grand ballroom seats over 300 guests. Tennis is among the other options one can take part in at Quail West.

Click here to hear our interview with Quail West head golf professional Casey Brozek.

For more information on Quail West homes and lots surrounding the club, please visit [email protected] for club membership [email protected] or call (239)-593-4190.

 CHAD JOHANSEN Blackberry Oaks GM holds the Blackberry Amateur trophy, The Blackberry Amateur will be contested on June 23-24 and is sponsored by Wilson Golf and Michelob Ultra, sign up today at Blackberryoaks.com #Fillthefieldall120  McQ’s DOME in Bolingbrook, the winter home for the Mistwood GC golf professionals, get a lesson or club fitting, play the horses in the OTB, eat & drink in the grill McqsDome.com  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG part of Golfers on Golf, and created by RORY SPEARS, Follow Rory (R) on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedi and Facebook, with Callaway CEO Chip Brewer.

WHAT A DAY FOR GOLF, call it a throwback day or something else, but the calendar year will be hard pressed to beat March 4th for a day that stands taller in the professional golf world.

First up, Michelle Wie her first win since the U.S. Women’s Open at Pinehurst in 2014, and holing an off the green 62 foot putt for the win, amazing. Follow that up with “Lefty” Phil Mickelson’s first win since the 2013 British Open and beating Justin Thomas in a playoff, and how about Steve Stricker earning his first win since the 2012 Tournament of Champions event at Kapalua, ( you thought I was going to say the John Deere Classic, nope that was 2009-2010-2011) and his first win on the Champions Tour. Something good for an Illini guy, and in case you missed it, fellow U of I alum Scott Langley is now fourth on the Web.com money list.

IF YOUR BETTING golf, and you wanted to bet Phil Mickelson as I did to win a major this year, the odds in Vegas last night went tumbling down on the left handed one. Your window for a getting great odds closed, about the time Justin Thomas missed his playoff putt after a stunning weekend come back, and nearly two wins in two weeks.

YES he is, it should be a great week at Innisbrook for the Valspar Championship, Go Rory, Go Jordan

This week is the Valspar Championship at the famed Innisbrook Resort, north of Tampa and part of the Salamander Resort chain, one of the best in the world.

Innisbrook is home to four golf courses including the famed Copperhead Course home of this weeks tournament. It is a PGA Tour course you can play and well worth it, the PGA Tour players love it and since the recent renovation that included some needed tree work, new tees, greens and the famed white bunker sand, Copperhead is solid. The last three holes are known as the Snake Pit, more on that tomorrow. Recent winners at the Valspar include our local PGA Tour players NU’s Luke Donald and Kevin Streelman from Winfield, the former Cantigny Golf employee. This should be a great week on the PGA Tour and watching golf.

IT’S CALLAWAY GOLF WEEK here at Golfers on Golf, after a great week of numbers on various professional tours, where Callaway staff players like Mickelson and Wie were winners, I’ll take you into the emerging world of Callaway Golf, that is becoming a major force in golf, behind it’s Rogue Line of Clubs, new Chrome Soft golf ball and it’s putter line of Sean Toulon and Odyssey. Designer Roger Cleveland’s Mack Daddy Wedges are pretty darn good as well.

The Callaway Rogue Driver, make a difference off the tee, Go Rogue.

Recently my interview with Callaway CEO Chip Brewer was posted here, now I move on to interviews with other Callaway movers and shakers from the PGA show. If you are ready to Go Rogue, try out the new Callaway club line at Cog Hill this weekend on Saturday from 11 Am to 2 Pm.

If you need to get fit for new clubs, it can be done at demo days, but I have to say that either the professional staff at the Mistwood GC/McQ’s Dome, True Spec Golf in Highland Park, Mike Madakas and Elevation Golf in Willowbrook are the places to go. But if you wish to add the new TPT Golf Shafts in your clubs, that will require that you to make a visit a Club Champion store at one of it’s locations in the Chicago area.

I AM STILL HOPING that the Lake Bluff Park District board will vote to keep it’s golf course open past the 2018 golf season, please let them hear your voice before the vote is taken, likely at some point this month.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS TOMORROW, RS.

 THE RITZ CARLTON at TIBURON NAPLES, together with 36 holes of Greg Norman designed golf, what more could ask for, Tiburonnaples.com. BOLINGBROOKS mcQ’s Dome is the premier golf dome in the Chicago area. mcQ’s is the winter home of the Mistwood Golf Club’s professional staff, including Callaway Golf staff player Andy Mickelson. Play the ponies on the OTB and enjoy Chef Alton’s creations in the mcQ’s bar and grill. Get ready for the outdoor season at McQ’s Dome, see Mcqsdome.com.      ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation, part of Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter at GogBlogGuy, and on Linkedin and Facebook, with the Callaway Rogue Driver at the PGA Show Demo Day in Januar

IT SHOULD BE an exciting week on the PGA Tour ahead of us, the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook is next up on tour,both Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth are playing, have a great chance to win. Spieth is a former champion in the tournament.

NEXT SATURDAY AT Cog Hill from 11 Am until 2 Pm is a Callaway Demo day, if you have hit the new Rogue Line indoors at demo days or the golf shows around town, here is your chance to take it outside. Callawaygolf.com for details on the new Rogue line of clubs.

Cog Hill is offering it’s annual Sunday Easter brunch again this year on April 1st (no joke). this event sells out every year so reservations are needed. Call (866)-264-4455. Runs from 10:30-3:30 Pm.

PARS UNDER THE STARS, night golf returns to Foxford Hills in Cary from 5-10 PM on Saturday May 12th, $280 per foursome, with an Italian dinner after golf. This event sells out so call (847)-639-0400 and sign up today.

ILLINOIS GOLF, the ladies are back on the tee tomorrow in California at the Meadow Club Invitational. Last week the Illini ladies headed into the Westbrook Spring invitational ranked 15th in the country. The Illini finished 9th, lead by area players Sr. Dana Gattone, and Jr. Bing Singhsumalee.

THE Men’s Team tied for second place behind Bryan Baumgarten who at 6 under par was third overall at the Louisiana Classic. Nick Hardy and Dylan Meyer were T-6 at 4 under par. The Men head out to Las Vegas to play in the Southern Highlands Collegiate this week, with action starting tomorrow. Ilinois announced that Sr. Dylan Meyer has been placed on the Ben Hogan Award watch list, for the outstanding player of the year in college golf.

KEMPERSPORTS MANAGEMENT has announced that Kyle Holmes has taken over as GM at Harbor Shores Golf Club in Benton Harbor Michigan, home again this year of the Sr. PGA Championship. Holmes most recently has been GM at two northern properties, Northfield GC and Quail Ridge GC.

MIURA GOLF CLUBS has added it’s MC-501 line of Muscle Cavity Irons. According to Miura President Hoyt McGarity, Miura watned to create a set of blades that could appeal to golfers who were just in the low handicap group. These irons should improve the shot forgiveness on off center hits, while using blades. Miura engineers moved 20 grams of weighting toward the sole of the club, that redistributes  the center of gravity in each club.

The clubheads are the S25C soft carbon steel, with finishing in a copper mickel satin for a stylish look that should impress golfers. MC-501’s will be made from 3-PW at $260 per club, they are now on the market as of the this past week. Details at Miuragolf.com.

TPTGolf.com the hottest new shaft in golf.

TPT Golf shafts, the newest and hottest new shaft on the market, already with four professional wins world wide, including this year on the PGA Tour, has reached an agreement with fitter company Club Champion.

The TPT Golf Shaft will be available at the 30 Club Champion locations.

TPT Golf Director Sebastian Sebayang says that,” golfers will create more distance and improve accuracy and gain consistency. With our Club Champion agreement we are bringing that next level of performance to American golfers.”

TPT (Thin Ply Technology) has been the key to TPT Shafts, that has lowered it prices through improvements in their design, see Tptgolf.com. Chicago based Club Champion plans to add around 40 new locations in 2018. See Clubchampion.com.

Rustoleumchampions.com/volunteer

The Rust Oleum Championship has announced they are now taking sign-ups for volunteers for this years tournament from June 4-10 at Ivanhoe CC.

All volunteer positions as of now are still open.

Volunteers can register at Rustoleumchampions.com/volunteer or you can email [email protected]

For $35 dollars, volunteers receive a logo’d golf shirt, a logo’d cap or visor, a tournament credential, a meal for each shift worked. Six complimentary Good any day tickets, A discounted Round of Golf at Ivanhoe CC, with a minimum of three shifts. and a cart fee does apply.

Mistwood from the balcony of the Great Hall

You can now enjoy Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, as a member for 2018. There is a full list of benefits when you join Mistwood as a member.

Those benefits include Mistwood and also benefits at McQ’s Dome in the winter season.

For information on Mistwood Golf Club memberships, contact Brittany Johnston at (815)-254-3333. Mistwood Golf Club is home to the famous McWethy’s Tavern in the clubhouse. Don’t forget a great way to get in shape for the 2018 golf season is entering the Mistwood Hole-in-Run 5K walk or run for Autism on Saturday March 24th, sign up at Mistwoodgc.com/hole-in-run. Check in time starts at 7 Am and the start is at 9 Am.

WHITE PINES GOLF CLUB in Bensenville, is offering super savers for the 2018 golf season, play both courses and enjoy 37’s, book your outing and or book your banquet today. Whitepines golf.com or call (630)-766-0304.

NORTH CAROLINA’s outer banks (OBX) are ready to welcome golfers back as the spring season begins. The OBX area includes courses like two-time North Carolina Open course Kimarlic Golf Club that is known for water and wetlands coming into play on many of the holes. Nags Head Golf Links is one of the finest links style courses on America’s East Coast, beautiful sunsets are quite often observed from the clubhouse. The Curritick Club designed by architect Rees Jones, is a 6,800 yard  layout with some 600 acres of dunes and wetlands. two of the stunning par 3’s play over water.

More top tracks in the OBX area are The Pointe Golf Club, a par 71 course with 5-par 3’s, and the Carolina Club with a 166-yard par 3 built in the style of the 17th hole island green at TPC Sawgrass. For more details see OkayOBXGolf.com or call (800)-916-6244.

ANTIGUA APPAREL has announced it’s spring styles. They include the Style Exchange, the Style Liquid, Style Aerial, Style Unite, Style Dimension. These styles for 2018 include a mix of solid colors and multiple colored stripping. The self collared polo style is a prominent look for the summer ahead.

For more information on Antigua’s summer styles see Antigua.com or ShopAntigua.com see Antigua fashions on You-Tube or Facebook and Twitter. Golfers on Golf interview with Antigua CEO and the new Hall of Fame inductee Ron McPherson from the PGA Show will run later this month.

The Gog Blog Returns tomorrow. RS

 TIBURON WITH an accent on experience, 36 holes of Greg Norman golf, and a Ritz Carlton what more do you need, TiburonNaples.com MCQ’S DOME in Bolingbrook is the premier golf dome in the Chicagoland area, get your game in shape with the pro staff of Mistwood Golf Club. McQ’s Dome is golf an OTB+Bar&grill, see Mcqsdome.com ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Creation and Content. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. At the George Fazio Clubhouse at Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island.

Are you ready to head to the islands, if so how about Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.

In the heart of Hilton Head sits the Palmetto Dunes Resort, which in 2018 is celebrating it’s 50th year in the resort business.

After a cold winter, that even saw a little snow make itself on to the island, spring has arrived on Hilton Head, it’s now golf season and time to soak up the sun.

Palmetto Dunes has three 18 hole golf courses, named after the architects that have designed them.

The Par 5, Tenth Hole on the Jones Course, with an ocean view from the green.

The Jones Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., The Hills Course, by Arthur Hills, and the Fazio Course by George Fazio Uncle of Tom Fazio.

The week after the Masters the Heritage Classic returns to Hilton Island, while attending the tournament, you can also play golf at Palmetto Dunes.

So don’t wait, book your stay at Palmetto Dunes, and use the resorts Heritage Golf Stay and Play package for a fun week on the links, and on the ocean. The Heritage Golf Stay and Play package ranges from $465 per person to $675 per person. This package includes three nights in a two-bedroom villa, two rounds of golf for four players, one round on the RTJ (Jones) course and one round on either the Hills or Fazio course.  Four RBC Heritage tickets  (grounds ticket or Practice Round Ticket) A $50 Palmetto Dunes Resort Gift Card.

The Par 3, 17th hole on the Fazio Course at Palmetto Dunes Resort.

A LADIES Golf Getaway Package ranging from $745 per person to $975 per person. Four nights in a two-bedroom villa. A dinner certificate to Alexanders Wine and Bar Grille with complimentary bottle of wine. A 50 minute massage at the Ocean Tides Spa per person. Two hour lesson with a golf professional for four golfers (includes video’s, photo’s instruction notes and a couple of holes played with a professional.

These packages are available for stays from now through May 9th, 2018. The Fazio Course that reopened from renovation and repair from Hurricane Matthew, was reviewed in January by Golfersongolf.com.

Palmetto Dunes is a 2,000 acre resort in the middle of Hilton Head Island and has three miles of ocean front beach on one side of the proerty. For more details or to plan your visit, see PalmettoDunes.com or call (877)-567-6513.

 BLACKBERRY OAKS GM CHAD JOHANSEN Holds the trophy of the Blackberry Amateur returning again this June 23rd and 24th, sign up at Blackberryoaks.com this year lets fill the field, all 120 spots. McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook is the area’s premier golf dome, and the winter home of the Mistwood GC professional staff. Tune up your game, grab a lesson, or get fitted for new clubs, see Mcqsdome.com for details & more. ______________________________________________________________________

Welcome to Tiburon, more than just a great golfing experience.

TIBURO`N where the accent is on more than just great golf. While “The Shark” Greg Norman has put his stamp on 36 of holes of golf, your time on this property can be spent in several great places.

Anyone who ever seen Norman golf, knew he put everything he had into every round, off the course Norman does the same in all of his business interests. In fact there has been work done on both of the Tiburon courses in recent years, Both courses were not renovated, they did not have a restoration, but they have been remastered and it shows when you play them. The courses are in fact so good, there is not just one tournament here there are two. The LPGA CME Tour Championship, and the QBE Shark Shootout with the men’s PGA Tour professionals comprise the tournaments. No other golf property in the country hosts events with players from both tours in a single season on a yearly basis.

Tiburon Director of Golf Chad Nigro talks about the golf operation of the 36 hole Tiburon Golf Destination in sunny Naples Florida, a winter hole for many Chicago and Illinois based golfers.

Tiburon Black Course hole #2, this tight hole is rated one of the best par 4’s in Florida. It’s recovered well from a blast by Hurricane Irma.

Golf started here in 1998 when the Golf Course opened, just three years later in 2001, Norman put his stamp on the Black Course and opened the second 18 holes at Tiburon.

What one feels when they play golf at Tiburon is a touch of excellence mixed in with pure golf. Driving the smooth cart paths through the views of South Florida, is as much enjoyable as walking down the fairways that feel like a velvet carpet under your feet. The area’s of transition between fairways to bunkers, or the cart path’s are as smooth as it gets and delivers style found at places like Augusta National Country Club. Around the very true rolling greens are chipping area’s that allow the golfers options into the pin. The greens have enough square footage to allow a good variety of pin placements, which is part of the reason professional tournaments are attracted to the facility.

The green of the Par 5, ninth hole on Tiburon Black

While Tiburo`n has great golf, it is more than that. The over 27,000 square foot Mediterranean style clubhouse is home to three dining rooms, locker rooms of style and comfort and a lounge where you can enjoy Tiburon Red lager on tap, that goes down well, before, during and especially after your round.

The lesson and practice area’s are of full size and located right in between the the first tee’s of the two courses.

The large putting green can hold a large amount of golfers, even when both courses have a full tee sheet. Last fall the tee sheet was empty for two weeks before and and after Hurricane Irma blew through, but the staff lead by Director of Agronomy Jeff Cathey had the Gold Course back and hosting golfers in nine days. After reopening the golf Course, the crew returned to the remastering of the Black Course that was underway before the hurricane Irma arrived.

Tiburon Director Agronomy Jeff Cathey explains how a golf destination prepares for an incoming hurricane, and getting a golf course reopened as quickly as possible from storm damage, while maintaining top level conditioning for professional tournaments, members and guests.

The Tiburon Ritz Carlton stands out from everywhere on the property.

If you want to stay a few days, there is plenty of room, or rooms. The Tiburon Ritz-Carlton has 295 rooms on property, and there is another 450 Ritz rooms just a couple of miles away over on the beach, that over looks the gulf. Yes, stay at either one, the hotels will get you back and forth to enjoy both properties.

If you looking to enjoy the water of the course where no penalty or loss of golf ball will be incurred, you can enjoy the pool or the spa and relax to your hearts content. A massage between rounds of golf is always a great way to prepare for the next days 18 holes.

If you are ready to get out of Chicago’s winter season, and a warm south Florida sounds like a way to get ready for our golf season ahead. Why not put Naples and Tiburo`n on your destination list, where the accent is on a great first-class all around experience. Get away from the great white north, and go enjoy the golf created by the the great white of designer Greg Norman.

See Tiburonnaples.com or call (239)-593-2200 for more information.