THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is where 10 year-old Lisa Copeland has learned the game of golf, she started with the Mistwood professional staff when she was 5 years old. In 2017 she made the finals of Drive, Chip, and Putt and competed at Augusta National on the Sunday before the Masters. Lisa is not the only junior golfer that is maximizing her golf potential at the Mistwood Golf Dome and or Mistwood Golf Club. Why not find out what your potential in golf is, visit the Mistwood Golf Dome and enjoy golf all winter long. Next summers preparation starts now. See Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (630)-739-7600 the dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. #mcwethyssportsbar

Click here to hear an interview with Jeff Copeland (Lisa’s dad) on his thoughts about Mistwood and the Mistwood Golf Dome, about the experience that Mistwood delivers.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin, and Facebook. With Len Ziehm of Lenziehmongolf.com on the Pete Dye Course at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie Florida.

The PGA of America has announced that Jimmy Terry, who has served as General Manager of the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie Florida, for the last five years, has been promoted to Senior Director of PGA Golf Properties.

Terry will oversee the new headquarters for the PGA of America in Frisco Texas, the PGA owned Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville Kentucky, and the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie Florida.

Jeremy Wiernasz, PGA was promoted to General Manager/Directorof Golf Operations at PGA Golf Club. The PGA Golf Club the home of three golf courses, that were designed by Tom Fazio, Pete Dye. Wiernasz will be responsible for all the programs, sales and marketing for the facility and continue to report to Terry.

PGA.com

In Terry’s new role, he will oversee the development of the golf-related facilities at PGA Frisco, that include two championship 18-hole golf courses, and a none-hole par 3 short course, giving the new complex 45 holes in total. The Frisco golf facility should be open for play in 2022.

The new Texas facility includes not only the main offices for the PGA of America, but a 500-room Omni resort and a 127,000 square foot conference center, a technologically advanced retail village, parks and open space, with miles of trails. Terry will guide Valhalla Golf Club the PGA’s private golf facility, designed by the games greatest all-time golfer Jack Nicklaus. Valhalla is rated a Top 100 course in America by Golf Digest.

Prior to being at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Terry was GM for TPC San Antonio and TPC Harding Park, that will host the 2020 PGA Championship.

“It’s an honor to lead three world-class facilities at PGA Frisco, Valhalla Golf Club and PGA Golf Club,” said Terry. “I am excited about the opportunity to steer the future of PGA Golf Properties and our dedicated staff, as we promote the PGA Member and further grow the game. With PGA Frisco, we have a special canvas to create an innovative development that serves as a centerpiece for golf, for the next 50 years.”

More information can be found at PGA.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS is Chicago’s premier indoor golf experience. The golf dome is now complete with Toptracer, technology. The grill has been redone and is now McWethy’s Sports Bar, with a new menu and more big screen TV’s. No other golf dome in town has this kind of food and beverage service. Mistwood Golf Dome is home to a horse racing OTB, if you’re up for some gaming action. Mistwood Golf Dome is the place to be, perfect for waiting on those Free MLB Picks to cash out. The Mistwood professional staff has made Mistwood a Top 100 fitting facility in the America per Golf Digest rankings. RIGHT NOW through Feb. 28th, there is a club fitting special, and Mistwood will take your old clubs and give you trade in credit on a new clubs. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600 Rt.53 in Bolingbrook.

MISTWOOD Director of Golf Andy Mickelson, (above right) explains Toptracer and all that is new at the Mistwood Golf Dome. Click on above to hear the interview with Andy. _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Facebook and Linkedin. Over looking the 18th hole on the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort, see Frenchlick.com for details on the new years eve bash.

I’m still trying to play catch up so this Monday column falls on Tuesday this week. This past weekend I got surprised by a new format on posting stories from our web provider. The new format blind-sided many users and complaints were many.

The good news is that there was an option to switchback to the old format until the end of 2021. Switch made and I’ll spend the week getting caught up. I do plan in the weeks ahead to try and learn the new system, and might install it at some point in 2019. Stay tuned.

THE WEB.COM tour wrapped up it’s qualifying school in Arizona this past weekend. Danny Walker at 27 under par, won the tournament and gets fully exempt on the tour for the entire 2019 season. Finishers 2-10th place are fully exempt into the tours first 12 events of 2019. That group includes former Arlington heights resident Doug Ghim who shot 25 under par (T-3), Ghim is now calling Las Vegas home.

Current and reigning 2018 Illinois Open Champion Vince India shot 23 under par and was 12th, earning full exemptions into the first 8 events. Former Western Amateur Champion and University of Illinois Standout Dylan Meyer, closed at 17 under par and he gets conditional status on the tour, along with another U of I guy Luke Guthrie (-16), and former Northwestern player Dylan Wu (-3). Good luck to all of the above on a successful 2019 season. on the Web.com tour.

Perhaps the story of the week, was that one player Cody Blick had to deal with the shock of his clubs getting stolen the night before the final round. Shockingly with borrowed clubs from the course superintendent and the pro shop, Blick fired a final round 63 and earned some exemptions. Blick has offered a $5,000 dollar reward for the return of his clubs, no questions asked.

The new for 2019 Callaway Epic Flash Driver.

I can’t wait to test out the new Callaway Epic Flash Driver, that comes on the heels of the new in 2018 Rogue Driver. That came on the heels of the new and again very successful Epic Driver in 2017.

There are multiple versions of the driver and not all of them seems to be released yet, but could be over 2019. The proposed release date for the new Epic Flash, is Feb. 1 of 2019. The Flash is supposed to be the fastest driver on the market, and your ball speed off the face should be through the roof. I’m not sure yet if the Flash is in conjunction with Callaway’s studies on club head speed with Boeing, yes, the airplane people ( I love that ad). Details will be emerging at Callawaygolf.com.

The 2-DG Golf Shirt made in Italy, that is benefiting cancer research.

If your still in the hunt for golf apparel for yourself or your favorite golfer this holiday season, do visit www.2-DG.com and order the shirt that has proceeds going to cancer research. The shirt is a UV SPF 50, and if you burn when in out the sun, especially out on the golf course, do consider getting this shirt. If skin cancer has been a problem for you in the past, don’t play games and allow it to return. Learn more about the work of Dr. Lampidis and his team as they conduct studies to hopefully stop cancer in it’s tracks.

Word on the street is that sports betting which is now legal in all 50 states, via a Supreme Court decision earlier this year, could come to Illinois under new Governor JB Pritzker. Will there be a chance to bet golf in Illinois, maybe? Another story being spread around is that if there is sports betting in Illinois, where will it be. Some are looking to the review here to see if they can engage with this online. I hear that in Minnesota a limited amount of Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants have it. But in Illinois, the first sports betting parlors could be headed for sports gaming places that already have licenses like the OTB’s. Considering sports betting has now been legalized, it could be beneficial for those that are wanting to make themselves some money to look into websites that can greater their odds at placing successful bets. For example, looking into a website like Oddsmonkey, or an Oddsmonkey Review could allow new sports betters to place smarter bets for higher payouts. Could sports gambling come to the Mistwood Golf Dome, if the stories are true, then maybe at some point, yes. If this does happen, sites like 999bet-th.com which are an Online casino Thailand may get an influx of new gamblers who want to bet on their home team/s or their favorite player to win the game.

The Gog Blog returns later tonight, stay clicked in. Rory Spears

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME has become the Chicagoland Area’s premier indoor golf experience, now complete with Toptracer technology, McWethy’s Sportbar complete with a new menu and viewing experience, and the OTB for a complete excitement. The Mistwood Golf Dome is located on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook. Visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600 for more information. Now you can take advantage of the Mistwood club fitting special February, or trade-in your clubs for Mistwood credit on new golf clubs. Click on below to hear Mistwood owner Jim McWethy talk about the new improvements to the Mistwood Golf Dome. That is now open daily until 10 PM.

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THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. Getting a leg up on the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort, see frenchlick.com (photo by Joy Sarver-Len Ziehm on Golf)

Sorry for the late posting. More on the late addition in the regular Monday The Gog Blog Speaks Out Column.

Mistwood Golf is offering one of the great trade in programs, I have seen in the golf world. When you get a new car or SUV, you normally trade in the old one, so why not have the same option when you buy new golf clubs. Trade in your old clubs and get credit towards new ones at the Mistwood Golf Dome, that is now open daily until 10 PM. Check out Mistwoodgolfdome.com for more information.

Congratulations to everyone at Mistwood for being named one of the Top 100 Fitters in the Country by Golf Digest Magazine. Special Tip of the Cap or Golf Visor to Eric Russell and Chris Ioriatti who do the heavy lifting in the fitting department.

SIGN UP begins this week (December 15th) for the Eskimo Open at Cog Hill, that will be played on January 6th, with tee times ranges from 7-11 AM on Courses 1 and 3. Go to Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-COG-HILL to sign up.

Canal Shores Golf Course in Evanston

CANAL SHORES in Evanston is trying to get to 1,000 Likes of it’s Facebook Page, it is closing at 974, please help them get over the top at 1,000. If you have not already done so.

The course is facing a battle with the local country water district, that has voted to approve a road being put in to access local land, where a developer wants to build a few new homes. The problem with the road, is that it would pave over most of the Par 3, 10th hole on the golf course. This would only benefit a local real estate developer with some political connections. Nobody wins. #Dontpavesave10

GOLF DIGEST MAGAZINE has named Willowbrook based Club Champion as one of America’s top club fitters. The was over 800 facilities for Golf Digest to choose from and 34 of those locations were Club Champion. VP of Marketing Jay Hubbard, says that “fitting is all we do. We don’t sell shirts, accessories, or even give lessons. We fit clubs six days a week, 52 weeks a year. That gives us a skill set that is unrivaled by our competition.”

Club Champion says it’s growth rate is at 70% each of the last three years and expects to have almost 100 locations open by the end of 2019. Callaway CEO Chip Brewer calls Club Champion,” a fantastic consumer experience-from a retailer that understands that fitting is the future in how you can benefit the golfer.”

Club Champion fits golfers with all the top brands of equipment in the industry, along with the best shafts like Fujikura and golf grips like Golf Pride. Club Champion opened in 2010, and it’s headquarters are located in Chicago. For more details on the fitting options of Club Champion see Clubchampion.com or call (888)-340-7820.

The waterfall hole on Slick Rock at the Horseshoe Bay Resort, outside of Austin Texas.

The Horseshoe Bay Resort, located in Horseshoe Bay Texas, (near Austin) has hired Gaylord Michigan based PR Firm, Kevin Frisch PR to manage it’s golf public relations.

Horseshoe Bay is home to four golf courses designed by Hall of Fame designers Robert Trent Jones and the Greatest Golf of all-time Jack Nicklaus.

The resort is close to finishing a 70 million dollar renovation, that includes improvements to it’s hotel rooms and three of the golf courses. The resorts famed Whitewater natural grass putting course, is one of the best miniature golf courses you will find anywhere. The Apple Rock course is closed until Spring of 2019. For information or to make reservations see hsbresort.com or call (877)-611-0112.

THE JOHN DEERE CLASSIC has won yet another award from the PGA Tour for being the tours,”Best Title Sponsor Integration” tour event. The award recognizes the tournament for best incorporating the title sponsors objectives and bran into every aspect to deliver value and spread awareness and achieve goals. In 2018 The John Deere Classic reached the goal of over 100 million dollars in charity giving in local communities in the Quad-City area. The award was well received says championship director Clair Peterson.

“The John Deere Classic is thrilled to receive the PGA Tour’s “BestTitle Sponsor Integration” award for 2018,” Peterson said. “John Deere puts an incredible amount of effort into maximizing their impact on the PGA Tour and in the Quad Cities community.”

USGA.org

THE USGA has announced that two exemption categories for the U.S.Sr. Open, effective with the 2019 championship to be held at The Warren Course on the campus of the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, June 27-30.

The Staysure Tour, formerly the European Senior Tour will now have the top 10 money winners exempt into the open (previously only six were exempt). The Japan senior Tour will expand the list of exempt players from two-to-four players. Among the players earning an exemption from the Japan Tour include Gregory Meyer of the USA.

MIURA GOLF is now offering fully assembled custom clubs, Direct to Consumers, through a newly innovative website, Miuragolf.com. This new platform was launched over the Thanksgiving weekend. This is the first time in it’s long history that Miura has sold fully assembled clubs directly to consumers. Consumers can build an entire set of 8-10 handcrafted driver irons, irons, wedges and putters. See Miura.com for details.

Topgolf continues to grow across the country.

Topgolf has opened it’s first location in the state of Michigan, with the addition of Topgolf in Auburn Hills that started it’s operation last Friday morning.

The three-level, 65,000 square-foot facility is the 51st Topgolf to open it’s doors worldwide.

“We are excited to open here during the holiday season,” said Topgolf Detroit-Auburn Hills Director of Operations Brian Birckbichler. “Topgolf is about bringing people together and creating great times for all, and we want our venue to be a second home for everyone in the community.”

The new Topgolf is located at 500 great Lakes Crossing Drive, and has hired a staff of more than 500 full- and part-time employees. More information can now be found at topgolf/auburnhills, or facebook.com/detroitauburnhills or @topgolf on Twitter.

The Erin Hills hardback book.

Erin hills that played host to the 2017 U.S Open, has announced it will have a structured seasonal green-fee pricing format for the 2019 golf season.

From May 6-12, fees will be $195, from May 13-19 $245, from May 20-October 8th, fees will be $295, and the end of the season rates will be $195 dollars.

There have been new stay and play packages offered, call Erin Hills now at (866)-772-4769 to reserve one of these offers for 2019.

Currently from now through January 4th, you will receive a new copy of the coffee table hardback cover Erin Hills history book ($45.00) when you purchase a gift card for a round of golf, or (2) gift cards that are for more than $150 in merchandise. This offer is good for purchases online, in the gift shop or over the phone. See Erinhills.com.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Bolingbrook Drive and Rt.53 is Chicago’s premier indoor golf dome. The golf dome is complete with Toptracer technology, the bar and grill has been upgraded to McWethy’s Sports Bar, and the horses are running in the OTB. Jim McWethy’s commitment is showing in the dome, the way it does at Mistwood Golf Club, call the dome at (630)-739-7600 for more information or visit mistwoodgolfdome.com.       ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation, Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Facebook or Linkedin. Top of the Rock at the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort, new years packages now available Frenchlick.com

The World Golf Foundation announced this week that former Western Golf Association Tournament Director Greg McLaughlin, has been named as both World Golf Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of The First Tee.

After leaving the Western Golf Association, McLaughlin served as President of the Tiger Woods Foundation for 14 years, and then in January of 2015 took over as CEO of the PGA Tour Champions.

McLaughlin is expected to direct the WGF, the First Tee and the World Golf Hall of Fame. He will serve as the ambassador and spokesman for the game of golf, in an effort to grow all three golf organizations and facilities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Greg to this incredibly important new role,” said Jay Monahan, World Golf Foundation Chairman and PGA Tour Commissioner. “I’m not sure we could have asked for a more quailfied, passionate leader, considering his deep level of experience and executive leadership success within the golf world and beyond. Given the scope of this newly consolidated role-to further the World Golf Foundation’s mission and build upon the vision of The First Tee-his proven ability to build relationships at the highest level of the sports, business and not-for-profit communities is unique and will be invaluable. This restructure represents an exciting evolution for the World Golf Foundation, and Greg is the perfect person to take the mantle.”

Greg McLaughlin current official PGA TOUR staff headshot.
(Photo by Chris Condon/PGA TOUR)

World Golf Foundation Board Member and LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan added,” Greg will be a perfect fit in this new role. He is an authentic proven leader who delivers on so many important attributes-he’s experience, passionate and a visionary. Specifically, I think Greg will instantly connect with First Tee chapters,donors and participants. With Greg at the helm, and given his ability to build lasting partnerships, this will be an exciting time for the First Tee, and the World Golf Foundation.”

“As a member of the greater golf community for more than 30 years, I have always been proud of what the collective efforts of our sport have done and continue to do to inspire communities and change lives, especially for young people who can learn and grow through the values of golf,” said McLaughlin. “This is an exciting time in the evolution of the World Golf Foundation and, specifically, The First Tee, and I am humbled by and excited for the opportunity to lead our industry’s efforts to increase participation and global awareness of golf as a sport that is welcoming to all.”

During his time at the PGA Tour Champions, McLaughlin helped creation the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs and add new sponsors and markets.

McLaughlin will be assisted in the transition by current WGF CEO Steve Mona, who will retire at the end of 2019. Jack Peter a golf industry leader with the PGA Tour and WG -HOF president is retiring at the end of the year. Miller Brady who has been with the tour for 19 years, will take over for McLaughlin on the PGA Tour Champions.

   THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is now Open Daily until 10 PM, come check out the Chicago area’s premier indoor golf facility now complete with Toptracer technology. Visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600 for details. In Schaumburg, the Schaumburg Golf has upgraded their simulator bays. You can golf new Top 100 courses, and recent or upcoming Ryder Cup venues call (847)-885-9000.   _____________________________________________________________________

(L) PGA of America’s Vice President Jim Richerson. (R) The Ryder Cup visits Soldier Field in Chicago. THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation.  You can follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. #Golfersongolf

The PGA of America is on the move. The organization is moving forward in many directions as it serves the 29,000 men and women PGA professionals across the country. In the next few years halfway across the country is where the PGA will be relocating it’s main offices.

Currently residing in sunny South Florida, the PGA will leave those conditions and move to one of the most exciting communities in America, Frisco Texas. If your wondering just where Frisco Texas is, it’s about 40 miles north of Dallas and the city has just been named as one of the best places in the country to work and live by one national publication. The Dallas Cowboys have their home office there, and Toyota has now made Frisco the location of it’s corporate offices.

INDIAN WELLS, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 9: PGA of America President, Suzy Whaley during the 102nd PGA Annual Meeting held at the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa on November 9, 2018 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/PGA of America)

Golfers on Golf caught up with PGA of America national vice-president Jim Richerson who shared a little more of the big picture, in what’s behind the exciting next step for the PGA. For Richerson the move to Texas that comes in 2022, will be on the end of his watch as President of the PGA of America.

Richerson called the most recent PGA Annual Meeting, it’s 102nd a historic one with the introduction of it’s first woman to take the office of president, Suzy Whaley. Richerson says the PGA of America is moving forward in many directions as it not only serves it’s membership, but grows the game of golf in several area’s.

The new state of the art offices, convention center and resort that is tied in with the PGA’s corporate partner Omni Hotels, will bring a whole new look to the concept of destination golf.

Golf of course, is part of the big picture in the move to Frisco. Two new championship golf courses, a short course, and advanced practice area’s will be part of the new complex. The courses and the practice facility will be open for public play, and will give golfers an opportunity to play golf courses that will host major championships.

The new courses that have not yet been named, will open in 2022,and start by hosting the Kitchen-Aid Sr. PGA Championship in May of 2023. Then at dates still TBD, the courses will play host to two PGA Championships, two KPMG Women’s PGA Championships, and possibly one day a Ryder Cup. With having two courses, the hosting of the PNC-Club Professional Championship that sends the top 20 finishers to the PGA Championship, is among another one of the PGA’s championships likely to visit Frisco Texas.

Who will design the two courses and the short course is still an ongoing discussion, but the possibility of architect Gil Hanse, and the Texas based team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, are likely the leaders in the clubhouse.

Click here to listen to the interview, with PGA of America Vice President Jim Richerson.

To learn more about the move of the PGA home offices to Frisco Texas, see our story below. To learn more about the PGA of America, and it’s championships and programs, please visit PGA.com.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is the premier golf dome in the Chicago area. The newly renamed dome (formerly McQ’s) is now complete with Toptracer, and a redone McWethy’s Sports Bar. The full Mistwood professional staff is there all winter long giving lessons and doing club fittings. Call (630)-739-7600 or go online to Mistwoodgolfdome.com for more information. Now open daily until 10 PM.        ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. The holiday spirit at Cog Hill.

One of the great golf holiday sopping days, is found at the Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont, the flag ship property for Jemsek Golf.

The first Saturday each year in December is the Cog Hill holiday “Open House” that comes complete with sales on golf products, a nice food and punch spread, and gift wrapping on what your taking home.

One of the other great things about the holiday sale, is that owner Frank Jemsek is there and is not afraid to talk with the shoppers and Cog Hill customers.

Compliments, complaints, idea’s or suggestions Jemsek lends an ear to all customers. For golfers, there is nothing better than to have face time with those at the top of the command chain, at golf courses you love to play.

Cog Hill Owner Frank Jemsek.

Golfers on Golf attended last weekends holiday sale, and caught up with Jemsek who was “holding court” with customers in the grill of the Cog Hill 2&4 building. We covered topics such as the 2018 golf season in review, could Cog Hill join the clubs that are bringing in simulators for the winter to be more of a year-round facility. What about a Golf Dome at Cog Hill. For those of you wondering about a big time golf tournament returning to Cog Hill, Jemsek says they are still trying to make that happen. What’s on the new happenings list at Cog Hill.

The state of the Jemsek family golf properties meeting, that includes St. Andrews in West Chicago and Pine Meadow in Mundelein, had not happened yet, so Jemsek could not comment on what might be new in 2019 for those clubs.

Click here to listen to the interview with Cog Hill Owner Frank Jemsek

Jemsek wanted all golfers to know that Courses 1&3 are open all year round, and that the Cog Hill Driving Range is open every day, except Christmas Day, golfers can hit balls under roof, that have heaters blowing down heat on you when you hit. Sign up begins on December 15th for the 2019 Eskimo Open that will be played Jan. 6th, with tee times starting at 7 AM. See Coghillgolf.com for more details.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is the new home of Toptracer, and McWethy’s Sports Bar. Golfers can enjoy winter golf for the months ahead, and play some Top 100 golf courses on Toptracer. Come check out the Mistwood Golf Dome and learn everything that Toptracer can do. Visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600 for details.    _____________________________________________________________________

 PGA NATIONAL in Florida will soon be the former home of the PGA of America. The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy Linkedin and Facebook. Walking through the front door at the Bellerive Country Club, that served as home of the 100th PGA Championship this past August.

THE PGA of AMERICA, is on the move. It’s main offices will move from it’s long time home in Palm Beach County Florida, to Frisco Texas the city named by Money Magazine, as the Best Place to Live in America in 2018. The 600 acre, mixed-use development with an initial investment that will be worth more than a half a billion dollars. The announcement today comes after votes by the Frisco City Council and other organizations. The PGA is expected to employ a minimum of 100 people at the Frisco headquarters. As part of the new agreement with Frisco, their will be two PGA Championships, two KPMG Championships, and likely a Ryder Cup will be held in Frisco.

This agreement is expected to have a $42.5 billion dollar economic impact in the next 20 years.

The PGA is not entering this agreement alone, they are partnering with Omni Stillwater Woods, (Omni Hotels), and the city of Frisco and other governing bodies in Frisco.

The next chapter in the book of the history, of the PGA of America is about to be written.

“Our move to Frisco will be transcendent for the PGA of America,” said Seth Waugh, CEO, PGA of America. “Everything great starts with a dream. This is the beginning of a bold, new journey as we bring together world-class partners in a world-class location-to deliver innovative and differentiated experiences for our nearly 29,000 PGA Golf Professionals, golfers of all abilities and our staff.”

The facility will become home to Two Championship golf courses, a short course, and practice areas that total 45 holes, a clubhouse, Class AA office space, a 500-room Omni Resort and a 127,000-square foot conference center, a technologically advanced retail village, parks, and open space plus several miles of trails.

The Northern Texas PGA Section will move their operation to PGA Frisco. The new development will be on the Northside of Frisco, just south of highway U.S. 380. The 600 acres are part of a master-planned community that will be 2,500 acres. The development and the courses will be open to public golfers. The PGA of America will invest 30 million dollars to built a 100,000 square foot global headquarters and education facility. Local high school golfer will be able to practice at the facility.

There could be a Ryder Cup in the future for the State of Texas.

“This a tremendous opportunity for all of North Texas,” said Robert Elliott, co-founder of Stillwater Capital. “Stillwater Capital is proud to play a part in conceiving and delivering a grand vision for this unique development.”

The developments golf courses are expected to open in the summer of 2022. The hotel and convention center, in addition to the other facilities are expected to open within six months of the golf course openings. The Kitchen-Aid Sr. PGA Championship will be played on one of the new courses in 2023.

“We welcome the opportunity to develop friendships and partnerships with the community and it’s residents, as well as across the North Texas area and throughout the state. We are grateful to the City of Frisco, the State of Texas and Omni Stillwater Woods for embracing our vision of creating a transformational headquarters that, together with our world-class partners, helps us advance our mission of serving our Members and growing the game,” said Waugh.

Peter Strebel-president of Omni Hotels & Resorts. “We have been committed to investing in leading business and leisure destinations for a long time, but more specifically over the course of the last five years since acquiring six powerhouse resorts. This new luxury destination, in partnership with the PGA of America, will complement our already impressive portfolio of resorts and feature world-class golf, spa, retail and food and beverage amenities.”

The PGA of America did not provide comment as of yet, from any of it’s officers in the organization, including new President Suzy Whaley.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME/MCWETHY’S SPORT BAR is ready to welcome you for a full winter of fun. Golf in the dome with Toptracer, practice your game, get lessons, get fitted for new clubs. Enjoy the Bears and the NFL action in McWethy’s Sports Bar, just remodeled. Then there is the OTB, play the ponies maybe get that new set of clubs paid for with one Daily Double. Mistwood Golf Dome located on Rt. 53 and Bolingbrook Drive in Bolingbrook. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600 #yearroundgolf.      ______________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Facebook or Linkedin. At French Lick Resort with 2019 HOF’er Jan Stephenson, See Lenziehmongolf.com for a story today on Jan Stephenson’s Golf Course in Florida, Tarpon Woods.

The Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA), has announced it’s 106th Championship Season Schedule for 2019.

The season ahead will be highlighted by the 100th playing of the CDGA Amateur Championship at the Glen View Club, in Golf. While the 89th Illinois State Amateur will be held in Wheaton at Cantigny Golf. The CDGA will conduct 56 events in 2019, that include 10 CDGA and Illinois State Championships. Registration for all events will begin on Jan. 22nd.

The CDGA Amateur that dates back to 1914, returns the Glen View Club for the first time since 1915. Championship week moves back on the calendar one week in 2019 to June 24-27. The Illinois State Amateur returns to Cantigny for the fifth time, the first time the 72 hole championship will be contested there since 2014 when Raymond Knoll took home the trophy.

CDGA.org

“The Association is excited to host it’s 100th CDGA Amateur in 2019 at a founding club of the CDGA, in the Glen View Club,” said Nick Scillia, CDGA Director of Rules and Competitions. “We look forward to honoring the event’s history of courses and players and hopefully adding another century to it moving forward. Cantigny has been a frequent host of the Illinois State Amateur and will again provide a true championship test in this upcoming year.”

The championship schedule tee’s off with the 18th CDGA Senior Amateur at Briar Ridge Country Club in Schererville Indiana, the site of the 2017 CDGA Amateur. The championship returns to May (13-16), after being moved this year to July because of heavy rains.

Next up on the schedule is the 5th annual CDGA Mid-Amateur from May 20-22 at Highland Park’s Northmoor Country Club. Northmoor’s first CDGA Championship since the 2002 CDGA Amateur.

  Cantigny Golf in Wheaton operated by KemperSports, will host the 89th Illinois State Amateur Championship.

2022 Illinois State Amateur Championship venue Westmoreland Country Club, will host the Senior Amateur Championship Sept. 9-11.

The CDGA has increased the handicap limit in 2019, for the CDGA Amateur, and the CDGA Mid-Amateur, and the Illinois State Mid-Amateur from 5.4 up to 7.4, CDGA Senior Amateur handicap index moves from 5.4 to 10.4.

The Radix Cup returns on June 12th to the Oak Park Country Club, where the CDGA Amateurs have a two-year winning streak on the line. More details on the all the CDGA events, qualifiers and championships can be found at CDGA.org.

 THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is taking the Chicago area golf scene and making winter golf season not to terrible. Now with the addition of Toptracer technology, that is exclusive to Mistwood, golfers can enjoy the variety of services it brings. Toss in  the remodeled McWethy’s Sports Bar to at least enjoy Chicago’s winning team the Bears. The OTB allows guests some gaming action, and the chance to win holiday shopping and golf money, by playing the ponies. LPGA Veteran Nicole Jeray is now teaching on the Mistwood Golf Staff. Visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. #MGD       _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy The lights are on in the Mistwood Golf Dome.

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR. So they say, not so much for outdoor golf, especially as we head into winter and there is a fair amount of snow on the ground.

The good news is that winter season around Chicago can now be referred to winter golf season, and yes there is a winter golf season in Chicago.

There are golf domes, led by the recently renamed Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook. The dome is now open until 10 PM everynight. Owner Jim McWethy continues to do things right, and do them in a first class way that is catching the eye of those who love the game. Some golf clubs like the Schaumburg have used the extra clubhouse space they had to create a simulator area, that’s become a home for golfers seeking to play some of the Top 100 Courses in the rankings.

Blackberry Oaks GM and head professional Chad Johansen has taken his golf lessons on the road a full 3 minutes down the street from BBO, and found a winter home at the Go For It sports facility. Golfers are taking lessons, getting fitted for new clubs, or trying out the new models to see what should be on their holiday gift list. For those in the market on equipment, there some deals to be had right now as companies sell of the 2018 models or clubs that will be replaced in 2019. The PGA Merchandise Show is coming up in 50 days, where all the new stuff get unveiled. So if you can wait until February to get all the newest stuff, do that. If you need a deal, still not a bad idea to go see what is out there right now. The PGA Tour Superstores in Downers Grove, Vernon Hills and Schaumburg are good places to start.

The simulator bays at the Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle Road, is a great place to play winter golf. schaumburggolf.com (847)-885-9000

A majority of clubs have holiday sales going on right now. It makes plenty of sense to visit websites or better yet just pick up the phone and check out who selling what, for what.

I went to the Cog Hill Holiday Sale on Saturday, and found plenty of great deals, in the 2-4 Building. Speaking of Cog Hill, their driving range is open and year round for that matter. The stalls have roofs over them with heaters blowing down the warmth while you hit outside. Around a dozen golfers were doing that on Saturday morning, while I was at Cog Hill.

What was nice was catching up with Cog Hill owner Frank Jemsek, and I’ll let you hear from him coming up later this week on a variety of topics. Jemsek reminds golfers that Cog Hill is open all year, at least Courses 1&3 are. 1&3 will host the Eskimo Open on Jan. 6th, maybe right before kickoff of the Bears first playoff game. Coghillgolf.com to sign up or call Cog Hill starting on Dec. 15th. On Saturday the holes were 65% grass and about 35% snow covered. Go play, yes it makes sense.

What else is making sense, is the amount of golf course projects happening not only here in the USA, but around the world as the game continues to grow around the globe. Famous golf names like Jack Nicklaus Design and Gary Player Design seem to be busy in several countries. In the states it’s still more about renovations, but they are happening and courses continue to improve.

OUR BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm was just at the reopening of the South Course at Innisbrook Resort Innisbrookgolfresort.com, Ziehm also stopped and played the newly redone Pinehurst #4 as well (lenziehmongolf.com). Innisbrook and Pinehurst are among warm weather destinations that are making sense for destination golf trips, because their improvements make sense. Reunion Resort in Orlando has built a new clubhouse at the Nicklaus Course, that includes memorabilia from the Golden Bear himself. The Nicklaus team is working a renovation on the Great Waters Course at, Reynolds on Lake Oconee as it’s being called now in Georgia, where former head professional at Medinah Country Club Mike Scully has taken over as the properties general manager. Kiawah Island Resort continues to make upgrades in advance of the 2021 PGA Championship coming back to the resort.

In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where the 35th World Golf Amateur Championship  with a field of 3,200 golfers was played last August 27-31, there was plenty of dollars spent there. The economic impact of the event was $14,300,000 dollars for the Myrtle beach area, and that makes a lot sense to me as to why you have an event like the World Golf Challenge. See MyrtleBeachWorldAmateur.com for details on the 2019 event.

As common sense would have it, golf even in Chicago has become a year-round season, and whether your golf this winter is here in town, or allows for a run to warmer weather, it makes sense to enjoy the improvements that clubs or domes are making, to make golf a better experience wherever you go.

The Gog Blog is back this week, maybe tomorrow 🙂 RS

 The Schaumburg Golf Club now allows golfers to play year round golf. The updated simulators in the clubhouse, are a great way to golf all winter long. This winter there are new Top 100 Courses and Ryder Cup venues for you to pick from. So if you want to play golf, practice golf, get a fitting for clubs, or take a lesson, visit the simulators of the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 N.Roselle minutes from Woodfield Mall. (847)-885-9000.

Click here to hear GM Jon Parsons describe the indoor golf experience at the SGC

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. At the award winning Mammoth Dunes-Sand Valley.

The 2018 Holiday Open House at Cog Hill was yesterday, but there is still time to purchase golf wear and more before December 25th in the 2-4 Building at Cog Hill. There are sale prices on some items.

Registration for the Eskimo Open that will be played on Sunday Jan. 6th, starts on December 15th. Courses #1 and #3 will be used for the open.

Happy Holidays from Foxford Hills in Cary. A new special for 2019, buy 5 rounds of golf with a cart and get your sixth round free. Prepaid rounds must be purchased by December 21st, call the pro shop at (847)-639-0400, where items are now 25% off.

The 6th hole on Mammoth Dunes at Sand Valley Golf Resort.

Mammoth Dunes by David Kidd at the Sand Valley Golf Resort, is again the award winning Mammoth Dunes, as Golf Magazine has named the course the best new course of 2018.

The Sand Valley Course by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore was named Best new Course in 2017 by Golf Magazine. The Sandbox, Sand Valley’s Par 3 course, was named best new Short Course of 2018.

If your looking to plan ahead on a visit to Sand Valley, call (888)-651-5539 or email [email protected] to plan ahead. The Sand Valley Links & Lawn Championship will be July 9-10 and the Sand Valley Cup will be July 14-16th.

The South Course at Innisbrook has reopened from renovation.

Innisbrook Resort in Tarpon Springs Florida, has reopened it’s South Course from renovation this past week.

The South Course is one of the resorts four golf courses, along with the North Course, Island Course, and the famed Copperhead Course, home of the PGA Tour Valspar Championship.

Innisbrook is also concluding a major room renovation from the buildings around the property. For details and to book your play and stay see Innisbrookgolfresort.com.

BIG 3 Partner Len Ziehm will have a story posted by tomorrow, on both Innisbrook and the renovations, along with a stop in Mississippi, at a historic hotel and golf course. See Lenziehmongolf.com.

CLEARSPORTS announces a limited release of it’s Execlusive Golf Balls. The general public for a limited time will be able to buy the Clear golf ball in time for the holidays. The purchase window allows for a six-dozen case of Clear Golf Balls, either the Clear Red- a softer 3-piece ball, or Clear Back a firmer 4-piece ball. Each order comes with two hats and shipping for only $475.00 See Clear-sports.com/case. Former Chicago Blackhawks and NHL star Jeremy Roenick says, “I can’t say enough good things about this golf ball. It is truly the most advanced golf ball. The quality is unmatched.” Roenick recently was a judge on the Wilson Golf reality show, Driver vs Driver 2.

DON’T FORGET keep your game in shape by visiting the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook, on Rt.53, complete now with an OTB and McWethy’s  Sports Bar. See Mistwoodgolfdome.com. (630)-739-7600.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns tomorrow.