THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB-Located at 401 North Roselle Road, is open for year round golf, now in the simulators. While playing some of the new courses, you can also enjoy 2020 Ryder Cup Venue Whistling Straits and the other Kohler Courses. Currently through Dec. 30th, there is a 40% Off All-Apparel sale in the pro shop. (847)-855-9000. _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, LinkedIn or Facebook.

IN 2020 THE RYDER CUP is coming to Whistling Straits in Haven Wisconsin, and part of Destination Kohler. But whether you have tickets or not, you too can enjoy “The Straits” from inside the ropes.

You will need to do it before the week of the Ryder Cup matches, but the option is yours all spring and summer to enjoy four of the Top 100 courses in America that you can play.

One of the best things about picking a Destination Kohler golf package, is that like golfers out on the course, you have options.

As part of those options, you can not only enjoy golf, but the famed Kohler Waters Spa, along with great food and beverage Wisconsin style. Which includes much more than beer, brats and cheese.

YOUR BEST OPTIONS FOR PLACES TO PLAY, AND PLACES TO STAY. (L) The American Club and (R) the Carriage House Suites across the street, right above the spa. A third option is recently renovated rooms at the Inn on Woodlake, your choice.

THE 9TH HOLE of the Irish Course (L) and the 18TH HOLE on Whistling Straits (R)

The four Kohler Courses were designed by Hall of Fame golf architect Pete Dye, so one package option is well, Dye-Abolical. The package includes three nights and four rounds of golf person. One round on all four Kohler courses, Whistling Straits and the Irish Course, along with the River and Meadow Valleys courses at Blackwolf Run. This package with a stay at the American Club is $1,228 per person, or the Inn on Woodlake for $1,048 per person, the Sandhill or Red Fox Cabins can also be part of the package.

Golf Kohler includes two nights and three 18 hole rounds of golf that include, Whistling Straits, The River Course and your choice of one round on either the Meadow Valleys Course or the Irish Course. With an American Club stay $930 per person, $810 for a stay at the Inn on Woodlake. A complimentary golf lesson is included.

Breakaway to Blackwolf, play both courses at Blackwolf Run, the River Course and the Meadow Valleys Course, while enjoying a complimentary golf lesson and a one night stay at the American Club $455 per person, or the Inn on Woodlake for $436 per person.

The clubhouse at Blackwolf Run, home of the River and Meadow Valleys courses.

The Golf Escape package offers one night at the American Club for $521 per person, or the Inn on Woodlake for $502 per person. Your golf is a round on Whistling Straits, and on the Meadow Valleys course.

For those who want to mix in some spa time along with their golf, then Rounds and Relaxation is for you.

Two nights, one Kohler Waters Spa service per package adult, and one 18-hole round of golf per package adult on your choice of The Meadows Valleys Course, The River Course, or the Irish Course. With your stay at the American Club it’s $741 per person, at the Inn on Woodlake $623 per person.

To book your golf package for 2020 visit DestinationKohler.com or call (855)-444-2838. Play Whistling Straits before the world of golf decends on Kohler come September.

Currently, Lodge Kohler in Green Bay by Lambeau Field has your playoff package ready. It does include tickets to Green Bay Packers post season games, call (844)-515-2374 for details.

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB located at 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg is your year round golf facility. The simulators are open 9 Am to 8 Pm daily, and have new courses for the winter season ahead. While there enjoy food and drinks from Chandlers Chophouse right upstairs, and hit the pro shop and enjoy the 40% off all apparel sale, that runs through December 30th. See more on the course renovation by visiting online Schaumburggolf.com. Call the pro shop to book simulator tee times at (847)-885-9000.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on LinkedIn or Facebook. At Medinah Country Club, (R) 2019 BMW Championship winner Justin Thomas is interviewed championship week.

WGA-Sr. VP of Tourmanents Vince Pellegrino talks about the BMW Championship.

The Western Golf Association (WGA) has announced that the 2019 BMW Championship at Medinah, raised a record $4.4 million dollars for the Evans Scholars caddies scholarships fund.

The Western Golf Association credits a large amount of support from BMW, the Medinah Country Club, local area corporations and the Chicago area golf fans for their support in making this record dollar amount raised. This years amount broke the previous record of $3.7 million dollars raised in 2018, at the Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square Pennsylvania.

“We are honored this past year to have worked with generous, hard working partners at BMW and Medinah,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA Senior Vice President of Tournaments. “Their exceptional efforts and the presence of thousands of golf fans who came out to our championships and helped us all enjoy this excpetional year of giving back to golf by funding college scholarships for deserving caddies.”

bmwchampionship.com

This years BMW Championship attracted more than 130,000 spectators to Medinah Country Club last August. Justin Thomas shot a record 25 under par, for a 263 total score over the 72 hole Fed Ex Cup playoff event and championship.

wgaesf.org

Pellegrino added that with “continued support form BMW, as well as Midwest area golf fans, and the local and regional corporate communites, we are looking forward to another successful BMW Championship at Olympia Fields Country Club in August of 2020.”

Olympia Fields Country Club will host the 2020 BMW Championship from August 18-23.

For individual tickets and corporate hospitality options please visit bmwchampionship.com. There is a current holiday ticket special going on, for those wishing to buy tickets for holiday gifts.

The 2020 BMW Championship will be a Fed Ex Cup playoff event, with the Top 70 players in the Fed Ex Cup point standings competing at Olympia Fields, that is located in the South Suburbs of the suburban Chicago area.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 N. Roselle Road is open for year round golf with it’s top of the line simulators, that have added new courses for this winter season. Currently through December 30th, there is a 40% off all apparel sale going on in the pro shop. See Schaumburggolf.com and call the pro shop for tee times at (847)-885-9000.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or on LinkedIn or Facebook. (L) Putting at the Schaumburg Golf Club. (R)  Holland Michigan’s golf architect Ray Hearn in the ASGCA member jacket.

ARCHITECT RAY HEARN an Evans Scholar who attended Michigan Sate University, has been awarded an American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) Design Excellence Award for the fifth time in seven years. The award for his work at the Maple Lane Golf Course in Sterling Heights Michigan.

The Maple Lane Golf Club in Sterling Heights Michigan.

“It’s a great honor to receive recognition for our golf course master planning work at Maple Lane,” said Hearn, a Detroit native. “We’re proud of the Maple Lane Golf Course project, and proud to have been recognized by the ASGCA. We feel fortunate to have won this award once again. All awards are wonderful, but to have it come from golf industry professionals makes the award extra special.”

Hearns work at Maple Lane takes the 1926 golf course, and gives it an upscale resort-style 18 holes and a 9-hole par 3 course, where both courses will feature design concepts from the “Golden Age” of golf course architecture. The construction timeline is still being determined.

Hearn is very proud to work on a golf course he grew up playing as a kid, and admits to having fond memories of playing Maple Lane, while he was growing up and learning the game of golf.

Hearn is most known for his work in the Chicago area, for his renovation of the Flossmoor Country Club, and his award winning original design and following renovation at the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. Hearn will be working on the upcoming project at the Oak Brook Hills Hotel renovation. Many Chicago area golfers have driven to play Hearns design at Island Hills Golf Club located in Southern Michigan. Hearn has now worked on over 150 projects in the United States and abroad in the last 23 years.

Hearn will be announcing more Midwest area projects for 2020 and beyond in the short future.

More information on Ray Hearn golf design can be found at rhgd.com.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 N. Roselle Road has a 40% off all apparel sale going on right now through December 30th, take advantage before it’s all gone. The simulators are open and tee times are moving quickly, get yours (847)-885-9000. _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and or Linkedin and Facebook. At Topgolf Schaumburg

IT’S BEEN QUITE A WEEK, a lot going on for year end, and every week it just shows how much golf there is to talk about, even during winter in Chicago.

First up I’m upgrading my laptop with a new one from ABT Electronics in Glenview, a great place to do business with. So I might be off a day or two, while I transfer into the new high-tech stuff. But I should be back posting by Wednesday or Thursday.

SATURDAY I went over to Sportsman’s Country Club in Northbrook, part of the Northbrook Park District. There was an open house about the upcoming renovation to Sportsman’s.

The club will be closed in 2020 and maybe up to August in 2021, as the new clubhouse gets built and the golf course has plenty of work done on it. But from talking to Rick Jacobson, who has emerged as the architect in charge. It sounds like the work might not all be finished when the course reopens in 2021. There is a masterplan in place to continue work after the grand reopening.

It appears that bunker improvements will be started at a later date TBA, and maybe some tee & tee work as well. Stay clicked in, I will follow the project as the construction begins next spring. Congratulations to the golfers of Northbrook, your time has come. I know Northbrook is surrounded by other towns who have already upgraded their golf courses.

The turnout was amazing, almost everyone who arrived for the 1 PM open house, could not fit in the building. Great idea from the Park District to put out some GOOD food, have pro shop sales, and contests. A couple of golfers left a with new putter and wedges after winning a closest to the pin contest.

2019 Western Amateur Champion Garrett Rank at Point O’Woods Golf Club

IT WAS GREAT to catch up to 2019 Western Amateur Championship Garrett Rank at last nights Blackhawks game at the United Center.

Ranks’s day job is being an NHL referee and Rank worked the Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild Game last night.

Rank informed me, that he will defend his Western Amateur title in 2020, at Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel Indiana.

But even better news was that by winning at Point O’ Woods this past summer, Rank earned an exemption into the Western Golf Associations Evans Scholars Invitational. The ESI is part of Korn Ferry Tour, and it is played at the Glen Club. Rank says he will be done with NHL work by Round 1 or 2 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, so he will tee it up in the ESI.

MORE GOOD NEWS was that most of our local six players in Stage III of Q-School of the Korn Ferry Tour, this past week did well. It’s an accomplishment just to make it to the final stage, but Kudo’s especially to Nick Hardy, Andy Pope and Vince India for finishing in the top 40, which is key to having playing priviledges in 2020. Hardy was actually tied for the lead in the final round yesterday, before ending up in 5th place. Great playing Nick, Andy and Vince. Patrick Flavin, Brad Hopfinger and Jordan Hahn were also in the field, but finished outside the top 40 after all played some solid golf.

THERE ARE PLENTY of places running specials to help you with holiday shopping. DuPage golf has gift cards with bonus see Dupagegolf.com. Eagle Ridge has another Cyber Monday today, EagleRidge.com. Golfvisions has it’s Players Pass on Sale today.

KUDO’S to arhcitect Ray Hearn, on winning his fifth ASGCA (American Society of Golf Course Architects) Design Excellence Award in 7 years. Hearn is known in Chicago for his work at the award winning Mistwood GC in Romeoville, and at Flossmoor Country Club in Homewood.

THE PRESIDENTS CUP, the International Team almost took one from the USA, and Capt. Tigers Woods debut as a Captain was almost a disaster. The event really needed the Internationals to win it to create some Ryder Cup like drama in the years ahead. It is sad seeing all the abuse Patrick Reed is getting on and off the golf course from some media types. Let’s move forward folks.

With that, I’m off to ABT to turn in my keyboard of the last five years. See you later this week. RS

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB located at 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg, is having a 40% off apparel sale in the pro shop through December 30th. While there, enjoy the simulators in the clubhouse where you can play several Top 100 golf courses that include major championship and Ryder Cup venues. Learn more about the club’s course renovation that will be completed in summer of 2020 at Schaumburggolf.com. Call the pro shop for simulator tee times at (847)-885-9000 open daily 9 Am-8 Pm.    ______________________________________________________________________

Sportsman’s Country Club Director of Golf Greg Baron (L) and architect Rick Jacobson (R) at Saturday’s Open House at Sportsman’s Country Club in Northbrook.

This past Saturday afternoon the Northbrook Park District held an open house about the upcoming improvements to the Sportsman’s Country Club on Dundee Road.

The large response from golfers that turned out for the event was amazing.

When the doors opened at 1 PM, the entire clubhouse was full of people, wall-to-wall. The entire line of people waiting to get in, almost didn’t make it in the front door. But everyone finally did get in, to see what’s coming in 2021 to Sportsman’s Country Club.

The plan for Sportsman’s Country Club in Northbrook.

The good news is that there is plenty coming to Sportsman’s, the bad news is that according to Director of Golf Greg Baron, will be the short term commitment to being closed to get the renovation done.

Baron says that Sportsman’s will be closed “all of 2020 and until July or August of 2021.”

But Baron is excited about the aesthetics and physical improvements, and the benefits from a maintenance standpoint. Director of Maintenance Mark Kosbab could not agree more, on that part about the maintenance.

Baron’s excitement about the golf course is equaled by what the new clubhouse will bring, saying that “with our new simulators indoors, Sportman’s will be a 12 month a year destination for area golfers.”

Architects drawing of the new clubhouse.

The clubhouse according to Baron, will move a little North and East of it’s current location, and gain about five feet of elevation. Those dining at the new clubhouse, will be able to look down at a new putting green that will be triple the size of the current one. In addition to having a great view of the 18th green, and the first tee box of both courses.

Golf architect Rick Jacobson is now returning to oversee the project, Jacobson did past improvements at Sportsman’s nearly 15 years ago. Baron says nobody knows the property better than Jacobson, other than maybe Kosbab.

Click here to listen to our interview with architect Rick Jacobson on the Sportsman’s Country Club renovations.

Jacobson is excited to return to Sportsman’s and bring the golf course back to level of golf, that todays golfers expect. Jacobson’s recent work at Sunset Valley in Highland Park and at the Glenview Park District Golf Course in Glenview, have had great reviews from those golfers who have played them.

In addition to a new clubhouse and renovated golf course the practice area’s will be improved, that leaves head golf professional John Billiter smiling.

Click here to listen to interviews with head golf professional John Billiter and director of maintenance Mark Kosbab.

According to Baron, work will begin in spring with the demolition of the current clubhouse, maintenance facility, and driving range building. Golf course work will begin in the summer. During the time Sportsman’s will be closed, reciprocal agreements have been made with the Glenview Park District Course, Sunset Valley and the Traditions at Chevy Chase in Wheeling, to give golfers displaced by the renovation and construction, places to play.

For more information visit the Northbrook Park District website at nbparks.org.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 N. Roselle Road is open for year round golf. Simulators are open on the lower level and the pro shop has 40% off right now through December 30th on all apparel. See Schaumburggolf.com and call the pro shop today (847)-885-9000 for tee times in the simulators. Try Chandlers Chophouse while golfing.  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Linkedin or Facebook.

   THE NEW ASICS DUO BOA WHITE (L)-AND THE BLACK GEL COURSE GLIDE.

Cleveland Golf and Srixon have announced two new brands of golf shoes in partnership with ASICS North America. The Gel-Course Glide and the Gel-Course Duo BOA. These shoes are now available at authorized golf shops and golf retailers.

“I’m excited to introduce ASICS footwear into the U.S. Golf market with Gel-Course Glide and Gel-Course Duo Boa models,” said Mike Powell, President of Sales and Marketing at Srixon/Cleveland and Golf/XXIO. “ASICS is a huge global sports brand and widely recognized as the leader in performance footwear. They have a rich heritage of innovation and product quality, and align with our values as a company. These two models will appeal to golfers that enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle and love the performance and comfort that ASICS is famous for.”

Gel-Course Duo Boa has a quick Lacing system for fitting, through an adjusting dial that tightens or loosens the system. The Duo Boa is a waterproof shoe, with a seven spike pattern for traction. Gel-Course  Glide is a spikeless version shoe, with standard laces and is great for use on and off the golf course.

Both models include the following technologies. Light Frame Work Flexibility, the air-mesh provides flexibility during your swing and while walking the golf course. Supportive Fit helps the air mesh at vamp, along with an internal molded heel counter adds optimal foot support. Golf Specific Tooling, the FG sole pattern has the spikes where you need them, when you swing or walk the golf course.

The GEL -COURSE Duo-Boa is MSRP $179.99 and come in Men’s sizes 6-12 and 13. Colors are Black-Gunmetal, White-Peacoat and Peacoat Pure Silver. GEL-COURSE Glide shoes MSRP ar $129.99 and come in Men’s sizes 6-12, and 13. Women’s sizes are 6-10. Colors are Black/Silver, While/Polar Shade, Polar/Shade Black, and ASICS Blue/White.

For more details, see Cleveland Golf, Srixon Golf and Asics websites online.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB now through December 23rd has a 40% off apparel sale running. While your shopping, stop in and play golf on the simulators with new courses this year. Enjoy Chandlers Chophouse and hockey & golf nights. Please visit online Schaumburggolf.com or call the pro shop for simulator times at (847)-885-9000.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or Linkedin and Facebook. Welcome to Cog Hill.

TOPTRACER RANGE IS HERE and now you don’t have to go to Topgolf to enjoy it. But Topgolf is still a great place to go to golf, eat, drink and have fun.

If your looking for an outdoor place to enjoy Toptracer, Cog Hill is the place to go.

Cog Hill has 21 covered hitting bays that are outside with heaters blowing down, to keep your area warm when the cold temperatures hit during the winter months.

The Cog Hill range is the first outdoor facility in the area with Toptracer, the Mistwood Dome was the first indoor facility in the area with Toptracer.

Click here to hear our interview with Cog Hill General Manager Troy Newport, as he explains Toptracer.

(L) Cog Hill GM Troy Newport, shows off the new Toptracer screens now installed at the Cog Hill driving range and practice facility.

So all winter long, if the weather isn’t really bad outside, and the snow is not too deep, don’t be afraid to hit it outside at Cog Hill this winter, now with Toptracer Range. For more photo’s see Rory Spears on Facebook. More details at Coghillgolf.com or by calling Cog Hill at (866)-COG-HILL.

Don’t forget the Eskimo Open at Cog Hill on Sunday January 5th, sign up today.

  NOW IS THE TIME TO VISIT THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB’S PRO SHOP and received 40% off on apparel through December 30th. Located at 401 N. Roselle Road just 5 minutes from Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg is your home for golf all year round. With it’s three simulators, you can play many top golf courses from America and out of the country. Call the pro shop for tee times (847)-885-9000 or Schaumburggolf.com.       _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or on Linkedin or Facebook.

THE NEW SCOTTY CAMERON PHANTOM 12.5 PUTTER, picture courtesy of Titleist

It’s here and now available in time for the holidays.

The newest member of the Phantom X family is the model 12.5. This mallet style putter is for those golfers who are looking for a more stable mallet design with more “toe flow” and a alignment option. Also now available in for the left handed golfers. The Phantom X 12.5, becomes the 10th member of the Phantom family.

The Phantom X 12.5 goes worldwide on Valentines Day (Feb.14th) of 2020, America you are first, and can get the putter as of today in golf shops.

“Every time we introduce a new putter line, I receive requests from tour players and dedicated golfers for additional setups and configurations Phantom X 12.5 is the result of some of those requests. I added the low-bend shaft for extra toe flow and also designed a new alignment option by milling a single sight line down the center painted black for a very clean look from address. It really sets up nicely. Adding this new model also gave me the opportunity to make a left-handed version designed so everyone can take advantage of the performance benefits of the Phantom 12.5 X.”

Cameron like he has done in the past, uses a tour-inspired, multi-material construction methodology of combining 303 stainless steel and the 6061aircraft-grade aluminium for an increased MOI, optional weight distribution, forgiveness, improved sound and responsive feedback.

The Phantom X-12.5 techology includes a low-bend shaft configuration. Tour inspired alignment, available for left-handed golfers, and the multi-material head. The new finish is a misted finish that helps reduce glare from the sun. The milled sight line, that’s painted in a gloss black, adds a subtle tone-on-tone visual alignment guide. The grip is the Pistolero Plus Grip in a cement gray, with a gloss black paintfill.

The MAP is set at $429.00. For more information on line, please visit Scottycameron.com.

PLAY GOLF YEAR ROUND as the simulators at the Schaumburg Golf Club are open daily from 9 Am to 8 Pm. Need more, well how about 40% OFF on the wide variety of apparel in the pro shop through December 30th. Call the pro shop for simulator tee times (847)-885-9000, and learn about golf course renovations Schaumburggolf.com. Located at 401 N. Roselle Road, minutes from Woodfield Mall, #chandlerschophouse    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and or Linkedin and Facebook. In the simulators at Club Champion Golf in Schaumburg.

THE WEATHER SAYS 45 TODAY are you getting out for golf ? Places like Cog Hill have Courses 1 & 3 open for golf today.

Speaking of Cog Hill, General Manager Troy Newport checked in with GOG yesterday and gave us this news. That Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, now part of Palos Park IL., has entered into a partnership with Toptracer Range, a subsidiary of Topgolf.

This addition provides an upgrade, to the 21 heated and covered hitting bays that make up Cog Hill’s year-round practice facility. To explain Toptracer if your not familiar with it, is that Toptracer is a technology that includes high speed cameras, aligned with sophisticated computer algorithims, to provide instantaneous ball tracking information to golfers hitting on the range.

Cog Hill’s practice range is open year round, and heated.

Adding Toptracer to Cog Hill, is what Newport feels can introduce the game of golf to more people, and developing new golfers.

“We think Toptracer is the next step in embracing the newest technology and providing ways for all types of golfers to have fun and improve,” said Newport.” Cog Hill is a national leader in providing golf opportunites and access and we think it’s only natural that we are the Chicagoland area’s first golf course range to offer Toptracer.”

Cog Hill plans to allow range customers complete access to the Toptracer system with each purchse of range balls in all sizes. This will make Toptracer affordable for all Cog Hill customers. In addition, events and leagues will be formed where groups of golfers can meet and practice, or play games. Food and beverage from a limited menu, right at the range. Leagues and events are priced on an hourly rate.

  Welcome to Cog Hill home of Top 100 golf course “Dubsdread” Course #4. And Happy Holidays from Jemsek Golf and every one at Cog Hill.

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club is the Chicago area’s largest public golf facility with four golf courses, full practice facility, stately clubhouse, with two full service pro shops, and home to Dubsdread, a Top 100 golf course that has hosted 20 PGA Tour events, and multiple USGA Championships. Cog Hill can reached via Coghillgolf.com or by calling (866)-264-4455 (866-Cog Hill).

PROJECT GOLF a Myrtle Beach initiative that works ing rowing the game of golf, has received a $25,000 dollar donation from the Heritage Classic Foundation, the host organziation for the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage presented by Boeing. The money donated was raised through a two-day event the Congressional Cup. For more details about Project Golf visit Projectgolf.org.

Nick Sherburne Founder of Club Champion in it’s Willowbrook Illinois Corporate headquarters.

Club Champion has announced they are “upping their game”, as they offer over $1,000 of added benefits, with their new Member Rewards Program when customers make a qualifying purchases.

As part of the program, members receive a free or discounted fitting, complimentary practice time using TrackMan or in the hitting bays, free installation of grips  that are purchased at Club Champion, free loft and lie adjustments on Club Champion Clubs, golf ball discounts and more. Program qualification starts when over $1,000 dollars or Club Champion purchases have been made. The amount can be reached cumulatively as long as purchased are made within 12 months.

“The core of Club Champion is to create happy golfers who play better golf,” said Nick Sherburne, founder of Club Champion. “This new member benefits program is our way of rewarding those golfers for trusting us with their game.”

More details about Club Champion are found at Clubchampiongolf.com with several Chicago area locations including Willowbrook, Schaumburg and Chicago.

Palmetto Dunes resort is located on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, and is right on the Atlantic Ocean.

The December issue of Golf Digest announced the “Best Teachers in State” as voted on by their peers.

The magazine recognized 651 teachers, after polling over 1,500 gof instructors across America.

In South Carolina at the Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island, Director of Instruction Doug Weaver made the list for South Carolina.

Weaver says the, “vote from my peers has me humbled.” Weaver was also named into the Lowcountry Golf Hall of Fame in 2017, and was the Lowcountry player of the year for 2019. Weaver oversee’s the Palmetto Dunes teaching staff, and does what his students need him to do, and that’s teach them with all the longtime tested techniques in golf instruction, while giving them all the modern day data from state of the art sytems like Trackman, TPI Fitness and more.

The par 5, 10th hole on the Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton head Island.

Weaver made history in the 1989 U.S. Open at Oak Hill Country Club when he was the first of four players to make a hole-in-one on the par 3, 6th hole. The others were Nick Price, Jerry Pate and Mark Wiebe. For Weaver that is one of his ten hole-in-ones over his lifetime. He won 15 mini-tour events and had three-top 25 finishes on the PGA Tour. Weaver credits Jack Nicklaus, Sam Snead and Davis Love II as teaching influences.

For more information on Weaver and the teaching programs and school at Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island, call (866)-744-7558 or visit Palmettodunes.com./golfhiltonhead-golf-instruction. Palmetto Dunes has three championship golf courses, including the Fazio, Jones and Hills golf courses, named after the architects that designed them.

  KEMPERSPORTS PRESIDENT Josh Lesnick (L) and RICH HARVEST FARMS GM Keith Rich (R) accept CDGA Distinguished Service Awards on behalf of Mike Keiser and Jerry Rich.

The Chicago District Golf Association Distinguished Service Awards are presented periodically to worthy recepients, who have served to advance and preserve the vauled tradtions and standards of the game of golf. The award was first presented in 1989 to four recepients, Arnold Palmer, Joe Jemsek of Cog Hill, and St. Andrews, Carol McCue the first Executive Director of the CDGA, and Charles Eckstein an Illinois Golf Hall of Famer.

Only 20 individuals have ever received the award, including James O’Keefe and William Pauley Jr. in 1991. Ray Anderson, Marlene Miller and Ken Venturi in 1994. Gordon “Joe” Ewen in 1996. John Kenney in 2000. Joel Hirsch in 2001. Carl Hopphan and Brent Wadsworth in 2003. Frank Jemsek & family in 2004. Michael Maykut in 2014. Bob Berry and Don Gardner in 2014.

THE ERIN HILLS BONUS GIFT CARD sale is now running. Depending on your pruchase amount, you can get the Erin Hills coffee table book, and bonus amounts added on your gift card. Call Erin Hills at (866)-772-4769 or see Erinhills.com.

MORE COMING UP LATER TODAY..Stay clicked in. RS

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has it’s golf simulators up and running, so bring over the clubs and hit the golfball on some of the worlds best golf courses. While your there pick up some great golf apparel thats up to 40% off through December 30th. So call the pro shop for simulator tee times at (847)-885-9000 or please visit Schaumburggolf.com. ______________________________________________________________________

CDGA.org

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

The Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) has released it’s schedule of gross competitions from April to September of 2020.

Registration for these competitions begins on Tuesday January 21st.

In addition to CDGA events, the CDGA will conduct 21 United States Golf Association (USGA) qualifiers. The main events on the CDGA schedule is the 90th Illinois State Amateur Championship July 21-23 at The Club at Wynstone, and the 101st CDGA Amateur Championship at Bull Valley Country Club.

  THE CLUBHOUSE AT BULL VALLEY GOLF CLUB (R)-THE CLUBHOUSE AT THE WYNSTONE GOLF CLUB.

“Our goal every year is to give amateur golfers a wide array of opportunities to compete in high-level championships,” said Nick Scillia, the CDGA’s director of rules and competitions. “We’re very excited about the clubs on our 2020 schedule and look forward to conducting events for the Chicago District’s top players.”

Wynstone has previously hosted two CDGA Championships. Bull Valley previously hosted the 2010 CDGA Amateur.

Mid-Amateurs 25 years of age and up, will compete for the Illinois State Mid-Amateur title at Edgewood Valley Country Club in LaGrange on August 24-25. The 34th Illinois State Amateur Championship will be contested at the Mt. Hawley Country Club in Peoria, on September 14-15-16.

The 6th CDGA Mid-Amateur Championship will be at Naperville Country Club on May 18-19-20. The final event of 2020 will be October 5-8 at Aurora Country Club, when the 5th annual CDGA Fourball Championship is held.

Championship season tee’s off on April 27th, with the CDGA Mid-Amateur qualifier at Maple Meadows Golf Course, and a U.S. Women’s Open qualifier at Village Links in Glen Ellyn.

The full schedule can be found at CDGA.org.