THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 N. Roselle Road, invites you to be part of their year round golf season. Not only are the simulators open from 9 Am to 8 Pm daily, with new courses to pick from. But the pro shop is running a 40% sale on apparel in the pro shop. So stop by and pick out a holiday gift, and call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000 to book simulator tee times. Learn about the course renovation at Schaumburggolf.com.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Linkedin or Facebook. In the pro shop at Maple Meadows in Wood Dale.

ONE AND DONE, I just wish it was more. But outdoor golf in December, in the Chicago area is always a good thing.

I wanted to play one more outdoor round this year, before the temperatures and snow fall closed all the courses for good. I made it.

Maple Meadows in Wood Dale, part of DuPage Golf is still open weather permitting. So last week I tee’d off when it was 39 degrees and sunny, but 44 when I was done. I closed out the round on the par 4, 18th hole, by hitting driver-wedge to 18 feet and making par. One of the six pars I made on that windy day. That was good enough to call it a season from the golf outdoor standpoint. Now, I will take it inside to the Mistwood Golf Dome from here, until I’m off to the PGA Show in Orlando Florida in Jaunary.

BTW-As much as I enjoy Maple Meadows, I think it would be great if once the clubhouse is done and up and running at The Preserve at Oak Meadows, that DuPage Golf and the DCFPD would turn architect Greg Martin loose at Maple Meadows. A nice tune up could be done for far-less $$$$ than the Preserve project. The Preserve and Maple Meadows after renovation would create a dynamic 36 hole, 1-2 punch. PS, DuPage Golf has it’s holidays giftcards for sale, and if you order right now through the 20th, you get a bonus. Details at Dupagegolf.com.

Did you enjoy your outdoor season, is it over yet. Are you still wanting one more day outside on the links in town this year, I don’t blame you if you do, but the temperatures will be dropping starting tomorrow. Not sure we will see 50 again before 2020.

I WAS ABLE TO ATTEND the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) Holiday Gathering last Friday. Where I learned that Jerry Rich of Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, and Mike Keiser of Keiser Golf/ Bandon Dunes/ Sand Valley and other golf projects, were both awarded Life-Time Achievement Awards from the CDGA. Congratulations to both, who unfortunately were out of town. Keith Rich GM at Rich Harvest Farms accepted for his dad, and Josh Lesnick President of Kemper Sports, and the first GM at Bandon Dunes accepted for Mike Keiser.

As a writer for the CDGA Magazine, I’m excited as anyone to see how the magazine will turn out this year, with the changes. The long time agreement to publish the magazine with Golfweek has expired and editor Rich Skyzinski retired. John Deere Classic communications boss Barry Cronin, of the Park Ridge based Cronin Communications is the new editor. Great Golf Resorts that publishes other area golf publications, jumps in on the layout and advertising and sales side.

THE NORTHBROOK PARK DISTRICT will have an open house this Saturday from 1-3 PM, to allow golfers to learn more about the course improvements coming to Sportsman’s Country Club on Dundee Road in Northbrook. The club will also be getting a new clubhouse. There will be contests, and a year end sale in the pro shop.

I TOOK A TOUR of the new Western Golf Association (WGA) offices in the Glen Area of Glenview. The WGA gets a well done, for bringing it’s entire operation together under one roof. See my story from last Friday to see photos of the facility and get all the details on the move.

HENRIK STENSON won the Hero World Championship outing this past week, edging out Jon Rahm, Patrick Reed and 15 other players who made up the HUGE field of 18 players. Reed got into a rules controversy, when his take away from an unkept waste bunker-crater saw his wedge touch sand. It cost him two shots and a chance in the playoff with Stenson. For some reason there was a big outcry about this. It’s been suggested that the outcry was only because Reed was involved. Several “Letters to Editor” of national publications, suggested the media-outcry should have been the same when Tiger Woods was caught on video with violations at the Masters and the BMW Championship (Woods was penalized at both tournaments). But he did not report the violations to rules officials at either tournament.

SPEAKING OF WOODS, he serves as Playing Captain at this weeks Presidents Cup down under in Australia, that Team USA is expected to win by a landslide. Let’s see if they do.

EAGLE RIDGE RESORT in Galena, still has Cyber Monday Sales running, and DuPage Golf has it’s holiday gift specials available. Jump online and check them out.

OUR BIG 3 Partner Len Ziehm of lenziehmongolf.com has returned with another travel column.

THE KORN-FERRY TOUR holds it’s final stage of Q-School this week, among those in the field include Northbrooks Nick Hardy, Highwoods Patrick Flavin, Jordan Hahn of Spring Grove, Brad Hopfinger from Chicgo, Andy Pope of Glen Ellyn-Now Orlando, Vince India of Deerfield, Shane Smith from Godfrey. Dawson Armstrong the 2015 Western Amateur Champion from Tennessee has qualfied for the field. Good luck everyone. Top 40 players earn tour cards, until the first shuffle.

SCOTTY CAMERON has new Phantom X putter out later this week, more details to follow. The Gog Blog returns this week-maybe tomorrow. Stay clicked in. RS

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is having a pro-shop sale through December 30th. Take 40% off of all apparel purchases. Simulators are open from 9 Am to 8 Pm, call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000 to make tee times. Learn more visit Schaumburggolf.com.    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS. Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and Linkedin or Facebook. In the pro shop at Maple Meadows, part of DuPage Golf.

THE GOG BLOG brings you all the golf news you need to know year round.

This website is the Chicago’s areas most complete news site. There is no stopping of content production at Labor Day, and then heading back to the tee at Masters week.

So stay clicked in right here, and take a break from the harsh winter of Chicago, and keep it golf season year round.

THERE IS good news coming from Northbrook, as it sounds like the course improvements are on their way at Sportsman’s Country Club. Not only is the golf course to be upgraded, a new clubhouse is on the way to give golfers a fantastic 19th hole. The open house is Saturday December 14th from 1-3 Pm. (See our story from yesterday). Sportsman’s Country Club is located at 3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook. You can visit nbparks.org for more information.

The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is having it’s first indoor golf tournament of the winter season next Saturday night, with tee times at 7:30 Pm.

Are you ready to go Old School at the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland. Your team of four players will cost you $180.00-$45 per player.

While you are there, enjoy new items off the menu in McWethy’s Sportsbar. For details see Mistwoodgolfdome.com. The dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, and you can call the dome at (630)-739-7600.

GOLF 360 with former Bear Patrick Mannelly and Dave “Links” Lockhart.

GOLF360 is back with it’s December shows starting tonight at 5 PM. With a second airing tomorrow morning at 8:30.

The show will air at more times through the month of December, on NBC Sports Chicago. See local listings for times and dates.

Among the features on this months show include, the Big Cedar Resort in Southwest Missouri. Which includes the new Ozarks National golf course, recently named America’s “Best New Public Course” by Golf Digest. 360GOLF will also include features on the new Topgolf in Schaumburg and more.

THE PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW in Orlando Florida that will be held in January from the 21st through the 24th, has announced multi-year participation agreements with both Titleist and Callaway Golf. Golfers on Golf will report from the show again next month.

TOPGOLF has introduced a Nine-Shot Challenge that runs through today. For details see Topgolf.com. The new Schaumburg Topgolf, is now open daily.

DO YOU WEAR SPIKES or replaceable cleats on your golf shoes. Well according to a new independent study, reported first by Golf.com. Golfers that were tested gained almost 5 yards of distance when going with spikes, or replaceable cleats, than by going spikeless. Shoes with spikes help golfer also gain better numbers in their “Smash Factor” as well.

The entrance to Sand Valley Resort in Nekoosa Wisconsin.

SAND VALLEY that is quickly becoming one of America’s most visited golf destinations, has specials running through December 15th.

Currently on orders of $150 dollars or more, you receive 25% off.

So why not bring home a little piece of Sand Valley for the holidays

Visit Sandvalley.com. and see all the options now available.

SALAMANDER HOTELS AND RESORTS are winding down there Cyber Monday sales tonight at Midnight. See Salamanderhotels.com to see all the specials. Play PGA Tour course Copperhead, at Innisbrook Resort located North of Tampa, and the resorts three other golf courses.

The Par 3, 12th hole at Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein.

THE 2020 Ambassador Pass for Pine Meadow Golf Club is now available for purchase.

The weekday/weekend Ambassador pass is $2,495.00 for the year. Weekdays only is $1,495.00 with the Twilight rate at $995.00

There are only a limited amount of these passes available. Currently there are holiday specials now available in the pro shop. See Pinemeadowgc.com.

FOR THOSE OF YOU TRAVELING out of the states. If your headed to the UK, Golf World Magazine has named Gleneagles resort the #1 resort in the UK and Ireland. Gleneagles has hosted both the Ryder Cup and the Solehim Cup. More information at Gleneagles.com.

Zero Friction gloves.

ZERO FRICTION will release the new “Stryker Glove 2-Pack” In Six Colors.

The new Stryker 2-Packs are coming in January of 2020. The Zero Friction compression gloves fits to your hand and will give the golfer both flexibility and comfort.

The Stryker 2-Packs will come in six color packages and for a retail price of $21.99.

Colors include Blue+Gray, Lime+Gray, Red+Gray, Black+Gray, Orange+Gray, and White+Gray. Currently available only in Men’s Left Hand.

“When we debuted the original Stryker performance glove in January, it was only available in white with cool gray trim,” said John Iacono, Zero Friction Founder. “Golfers loved the fit but wanted the fun, bright colors associated with our brand, so it only made sense to expand the line.”

For more information visit zerofriction.com or call (630)-317-7700 Zero Friction is based in Oakbrook Terrace Illinois.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg, has a 40% off sale on apparel through December 30th. Great holiday gift for your favorite golfer. There is plenty of both long and short sleeve options. While you are there, bring your clubs, did you know the simulators have a great list of course options, including some new ones for this winter. (847)-885-9000 for simulator tee times. Schaumburggolf.com    ______________________________________________________________________

Sportsman’s Country Club part of the Northbrook Park District, gets ready for renovation.

The Northbrook Park District will hold an open house next Saturday, December 14th from 1-3 PM at the Sportsman’s Country Club clubhouse.

You can celebrate the history of  Sportsman’s, and learn about the plans for the course improvements.

Sportsman’s will also be getting a new clubhouse. As part of the open house, there will be giveaways, drawings and contests.

You can check out the Trackman simulator, and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and soft drinks. There will be an open cash bar. The pro shop will be having some year end sales on golf merchandise.

Golf Course architect Rick Jacobson (R), returns to oversee the course improvements. Jacobson shows drawings of Sunset Valley to 2017 Illinois Open Champion Patrick Flavin.

Golf course architect Rick Jacobson who has done renovation work at Sportsman’s in the past, returns to oversee the current improvements.

Which include, 18 new classic greens and a irrigation project on the East 9.  Plus improvements on driving range.

RATIO architects of Chicago, have been hired to design thre new clubhouse.

The new clubhouse will have an improved dining options, and dining experience.

Sportsman’s Country Club is located at 3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 N. Roselle Road has a holiday golf apparel sale in the pro shop, now through December 30th you can get 40% off on apparel. While at the club don’t frget t enjoy the simulators, with new courses to play this winter including Bethpage Black and the Colorado Golf Club. Keep watching for the possibility of another great new course being available early in 2020. CHANDLERS Chop House is right upstairs from the simulator area, for great food and beverage while you play. So visit Schaumburg Golf Club and make simulator tee times by calling (847)-885-9000.      ______________________________________________________________________

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

OPEN FOR BUSINESS-The Western Golf Association (WGA) is settling in to the newest Caddy Shack of the North Shore, located in the Glen Area, of Glenview.

THE WALL OF CHAMPIONS-WILL ADD THE WINNER, of the 2020 BMW Championship next August at Olympia Fields.

Who’s next ? is the question that won’t get answered until next August, when the 2020 BMW Championship tee’s it up on the South Side, at Olympia Fields Country Club.

Justin Thomas who won at Medinah Country Club this past August, is the defending champion.

But good news for golf fans right now, is that the Western Golf Association, has a holiday ticket special, now available.

Golf fans can order 2020 BMW Championship tickets at bmwchampionship.com. Grounds, upgraded Trophy Club and Green Coat Club tickets are currently available in limited quantities. A variety of corporate hospitality options are also now available. Championship week is August 18-23.

The historic Olympia Fields Clubhouse and Clock Tower.

Holiday ticket packages for the 2020 BMW Championship, are now available for purchase through January 3rd of 2020.

Those who purchase a date-specific tournament round Trophy Club ticket online, receive a commemorative coin that honors the 100th anniversary of the 1920 Western Open. That marks the first year that Olympia Fields hosted the WGA sponsored championship. If you do receive a coin, you get a voucher to pick them up when you arrive during championship week at Olympia Fields. Limit is one coin per order. Trophy Club tickets are $35 for practice rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday. The price for championship rounds from Thursday to Sunday is $110.00.

Vince Pellegrino WGA-Sr. VP of Tournaments speaks on media day 2019.

The Trophy Club is located by the seventh green, with food and beverage available in a climate controled area, that includes a sportsbar atmosphere.

Executive style restrooms, flat screen screen televisions and a video screen are part of the atmosphere. Children 15 and younger are free, with a paid adult.

THE CLOCK TOWER CLUB OPTION is an upscale hospitality option that makes its debut at the 2020, BMW Championship. For $285 per ticket, you have options to open seating in the Trophy Club and exclusive access to the Grand Pavilion in the Olympia Fields Clubhouse. You do receive, 1-parking pass per two tickets purchased.

“Following a year of record performances by the best golfers in the world, we’re thrilled to be bringing the BMW Championship to Olympia Fields in 2020 to showcase the top 70 golfers on the PGA Tour for the golf fans of the Chicago area,” said Vince Pellegrino, Senior Vice President of Tournaments for the Western Golf Association. “Due to the overwhelming support and excitement we’ve already received, we expect the general tickets as well as hospitality to sell out quickly. We recommend anyone planning to attend the event to purchase their tickets early. These will be the best prices we will offer all year.”

This will be the sixth time the event will be contested at Olympia Fields and the first time since 1971. The first five times the championship was called the Western Open.

Proceeds benefit the Evans Scholarships for caddies. Since BMW joined the championship, the tournament has raised $34 million dollars for deserving caddies.

The historical display and working area’s in the new Western Golf Association headquarters in Glenview Illinois. You can now learn more about the WGA by visiting wgaesf.org. To see more of the new Western Golf Association’s headquarters, visit Rory Spears on Facebook.

The BMW Championship will be played on the Olympia Fields North Course. The course is currently ranked in America’s Top 100 Golf Courses, by various national golf publications.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF located at 401 North Roselle Road just minutes from Woodfield Mall, is having a pro shop sale through December 30th. Apparel is now 40% off. Need gifts for golfer, or a place to spend that gift card. The Schaumburg Golf Club is open for golf year round. Book a simulator tee-time at (847)-885-9000 #newcourses are now available. See Schaumburggolf.com for details-Chandlers Chop House is open ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG- by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Facebook, or Linkedin. At Cog Hill with GM Troy Newport (R).

COG HILL is now offering an unlimited golf through a membership plan.

The Dubsdread Membership and the Course 1/3 Membership gives golfers options to enjoy Cog Hill all season long.

The Dubsdread Membership allows for members to have unlimited golf and cart, on all FOUR Cog Hill courses including Cog 4-Dubsdread.

Other benefits include daily range access now with Toptracer Technology.

The Par 3, 12th hole on Dubsdread-Cog #4

Discounts in the pro shop. Three guest golf vouchers, good on any of the four Cog Hill courses.

Opportunities to play in Dubs-member events only, reduced fees on other Cog Hill events. Members get a CDGA handicap. A 10% discount for Spouse and Junior Memberships, a private locker and more.

FEE $5,000.00-for the membership that runs from January 1, 2020 through December 31st of 2020.

The Course 1/3 Memberships include, Unlimited Golf on courses 1 & 3, no cart included. Discounted green fees on Courses #2 and #4. Three golf vouchers for Courses #1 and #3. A discount on Cog Hill event fees, golf shop discounts and more.

FEE-$1,800.00

COG HILL is now annoucing the learning center range is powered by Toptracer Range. All 21 hitting bays are now fitted with this technology. Winter range hours are from 8:00 Am until 4 Pm.

IN ADDITION the three club Forsty Open is December 15th and will be played on Course #1. Cost is $150 per team.  The annual Eskimo Open will be played on January 5th, tee times from 7 Am until 11 Am. The Eskimo Open will be played on Courses 1 & 3. More information at Coghillgolf.com or (866)-264-4455.

WEATHER KILLING THE END OF THE OUTDOOR GOLF SEASON-take it indoors at the Schaumburg Golf Club, where golf season is year round. The simulators are open and new courses have been installed. Tee times-call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000. The Schaumburg Golf Club is located at 401 N. Roselle Road, just minutes from the Woodfield Mall. Learn more about the Schaumburg Golf, visit Schaumburggolf.com.        _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin or Facebook. From the 18th fairway at Mid Pines, in Southern Pines NC.

THE RAIN IS FALLING WITH SOME LIGHT SNOW, not what we need, when you want a final outdoor round of golf for 2019.

Hoping by Tuesday, that the fairways in spite of the temperatures, will be of green grass. it’s always nice when you can play outdoor golf in Chicago during the month of December.

OUR CONDOLENCES to Tom Watson on the passing of his wife Hilary, who lost her two year fight to Pancreatic Cancer this past week.

TITLEIST and custom putter designer Scotty Cameron, are launching Scotty’s newest creation this Friday. The H-19 Black and this wide body putter, will only have 1,000 of them made. Details at Scotty Cameron.com.

IF YOU LIKE TO VISIT prime golf resorts or destination hotels (always fun), there are plenty of deals today for Cyber Monday. Eagle Ridge in Galena, with it’s one-bedroom villas and gift card specials. Horseshoe Bay in Austin Texas with $99 room deals, and the Salamander Hotel and Resort Chain, with up to 50% off specials. Check out the websites, and book yourself a getaway.

Even though Cyber Monday might seem to be the end of sales for holiday shopping, it is not. There will be plenty of specials at golf courses and resorts, on equipment and other golf items. Just check on-line, work the phones, and find the deal your looking for, there is still plenty of time to shop.

TITLEIST AND CALLAWAY GOLF are running Cyber Monday Sales, so is Lawsonia Golf Links in Wiscosnin, today only…hurry.

Global Golf Post, a great online publication, and so is the subscription GGP+ editions, has named Rory McIlroy as their “Player of the Year”, and rightfully so.

Multiple TV stations say 44 on Thursday, and dry, maybe a day to go play outside while some courses are still open.

THE CHICAG GOLF SHOW in Rosemont, has a ticket special through Midnight tonight, dates are Feb. 28- Mar. 1st. See the website for details and purchase.

FOR THOSE OF YOU that are anxiously waiting. THE CDGA tournament schedule is coming out this week, maybe as early as tomorrow.

KUDO’s to the Western Golf Association (WGA) on moving into it’s new headquarters in Glenview. The new office is located in “The Glen” just south of Willow Road.

I’ll have some stories coming up on a few courses, and destinations if you want to golf away this winter. So stay clicked in. RS

IT’S YEAR ROUND GOLF-at the Schaumburg Golf Club located at 401 N. Roselle Road. The first tee time daily is at 9 AM, and the simulators are open until 8 Pm. Call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000 to make a tee time, and visit Schaumburggolf.com #golf _____________________________________________________________________

   THE DRAWING OF THE NEW CLUBHOUSE at the Preserve at Oak Meadows, and maybe that final round of outdoor golf will be played at Maple Meadows, where the course is still open weather permitting.

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

THE POPULAR DUPAGE GOLF HOLIDAY GIFT CARDS ARE BACK-now through December 20th. Buy $100 dollars worth of gift cards, and receive a holiday gift bonus that you can use on golf in 2020. You can buy them at Maple Meadows or online.

Maple meadows is still open for 2019, weather permitting. Do call ahead if you are coming out to play at (630)-616-8424.

The Preserve at Oak Meadows and Green Meadows are closed for the year. It is not too late to book a holiday party in the Maple Meadows Clubhouse.

IF YOUR LEAGUE needs a new home or you want to plan an outing for 2020, it’s not to early to get the ball rolling. Call (630)-616-8424.

DuPagegolf.com.