THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME- in Bolingbrook on Rt.53 is your winter home for golf in the Chicago area. The dome is home to Toptracer golf technology in every hitting bay, and McWethy’s Sports Bar. The Mistwood Golf professional staff is there to help with off season lessons and club fittings. Details at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (630)-739-7600.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. You you like or love golf-follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram. Golfers on Golf Radio returns in April.

                               THE WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION (WGA) AND THE WOMEN’S WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION (WWGA) proudly present your home’s for WWGA championships in 2021.

THE VIEW BY AIR of the Park Ridge Country Club home of the 2021 WWGA Amateur Championship. Photo courtesy of architect Greg Martin.

The Women’s Western Golf Association in conjunction with the Western Golf Association has announced it’s two clubs that will host it’s championships in 2021.

First on the tee hosting the 95th Women’s Western Junior Championship from June 21-25, will be the Aurora Country Club in Aurora Illinois.

The Park Ridge Country Club will then host the 2021 Women’s Western Golf Association’s National Amateur Championship, in Park Ridge Illinois from July 19-24.

Deep greenside bunkers help create the challenge of the Aurora Country Club. Home of the 95th Women’s Western Junior Golf Championship in 2021. Photo by Greg Martin.

2021 will be the first time Aurora Country Club will have hosted a WWGA Championship.

“Each year, the girls who compete in the Women’s Western Junior represent golf’s best and brightest rising talent,” said WWGA President Cece Durbin. “We’re grateful to Aurora Country Club for hosting this national event, and we are looking forward to a successful 2021 championship.”

The field is comprised of 78 amateurs up to 18 years of age, with a handicap index of 14.4 or lower. Practice rounds will begin on June 21st. The championship begins with 36 holes of stroke play, to determine the 16 players who advance to the match play part of the tournament. The match play will be contested on June 24-25.

“We’re pleased to have Aurora Country Club as the host of the 2021 Women’s Western Junior,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA Senior Vice President of Tournaments. “We’re confident Aurora’s highly regarded course layout will prove to be a worthy challenge for the top-ranked junior golfers who will be competing.”

Aurora Country Club opened for play in 1914. The 6,800 yard golf course was designed by Thomas Bendelow and William Langford both who have created Top 100 golf courses across America.

“We’re excited to be hosting the Women’s Western Junior, a national event with nearly a century of history,” said John Bryan, of Aurora Country Club and WGA Director. “We’re planning for a great week of competition as we support the future stars of women’s golf.”

LPGA Stars Christie Kerr (1994, Grace Park (1993) and Nancy Lopez (1972-74) are past champions in this event.

THE PARK RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB will host the 121st Women’s Western Amateur Championship. This will be the third WWGA Championship that Park Ridge has hosted. Park Ridge previously hosted the Women’s Western Junior (1934), and the Women’s Western Open (1944) won by Babe Zaharias.

“The Women’s Western Golf Association has a long history dating back to the early beginnings of competitive golf for women, with a tradition that rivals any in golf. We look forward to bringing our 121st Women’s Western Amateur to Park Ridge Country Club,” said WWGA President Cece Durbin. “I believe our players will greatly enjoy Park Ridge’s golf course and the countless attractions that the Chicagoland area has to offer.”

“We’re excited to be joining with the WWGA to conduct this prestigious championship at Park Ridge’s stature,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA Senior Vice President of Tournaments. “I’m sure the course will offer a fair and challenging test for the top amateur golfers who will be competing.”

In it’s historic past, Park Ridge Coutnry Club has hosted 10 national championships.

“Park Ridge is proud to host the 2021 Women’s Western Amateur. Our members and staff and the Board of Directors are excited for this opportunity to extend our golf course and facilities to this historic championship,” said Park Ridge C.C. President Steve Hands. “We look forward to watching the leading amateurs in women’s golf compete, and we’re honored to have an opportunity to play a role in their developing careers.”

Herbert Tweedie designed the first nine holes in 1906. In 1911 the club hired Tom Bendelow to create nine more holes and add 97 sand bunkers to the golf course. In 1915 the club purchased an adjoining 20 acres, and architect William Langford redesigned the course, with his design being the major influence on today’s current routing. Batavia based golf architect Greg Martin will be working on Park Ridge this summer, to have the golf course ready for 2021.

The field of 120 players, will hold a handicap index of 5.4 or less. The first two days are stroke play, and then the field is reduced to 32 players for match play. Past Champions include LPGA stars Ariya Jutanugarn (2012), Stacy Lewis (2006), Brittany Lang (2003), Christie Kerr (1995), and Nancy Lopez  (1976).

Park Ridge has previously hosted a U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier in 1988, U.S. Women’s Amateur Sectional qualifier in 1978-1979. The Western Junior Championship in 2017, U.S. Men’s Senior Open Qualifiers in 1986 and 1983. A U.S. Junior Qualifier in 1972, and U.S. Open Qualifier in 1927.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is your home for winter golf practice and training. Do you need new clubs for 2020, go get fitted by the award winning Mistwood Professional Staff members Eric Russell and Chris Ioriatti. The Mistwood Golf Dome is home to the Toptracer Golf Technology and McWethy’s Sportsbar. For more details on the dome and the special events coming up visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. #golf  _____________________________________________________________________   THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation, for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram

Honma Golf Clubs

Honma Golf Clubs has announced that the Gaylord Michigan based Kevin Frisch PR, has been slected to represent the Honma Brand in the public relations arena.

Frisch PR headed up by Principal Kevin Frisch, has been well known to Michigan Golf Properties for years.

Frisch PR is the PR firm for the sponsor of the Chicago Golf Show, the French Lick Resort, and in the Chicago area the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville.

Honma Golf that started in a small workshop in Yokohama Japan back in 1959, but is now located in Sakata Japan, and here in Carlsbad America.

Homna VP of Marketing Brad Holder says that,” knowing that KFPR long standing experience in the golf industry and expertise in PR and storytelling made them an ideal fit to share the Honma message in the U.S. market.”

One year ago-Honma Golf signed 2013 u.S. Open Champion and 2016 Gold Medal award winner Justin Rose (currently world #12) to be the companies brand ambassador.

Among the new products produced by Honma Golf include T//World and the new game improvement XP-1 line, the BERES Line and the Tour-Inspired TR20 line.

To learn more about Honma Golf see HonmaGolf.com.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME in Bolingbrook on Rt.53 is open for the spring training of your golf season. The Dome is home to Toptracer golf technology and the award winning McWethy’s Sports Bar. On Wednesday night, get your golf workout in, and then stay for the Blackhawks game at 7. Details at Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS. Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or Facebook and LinkedIn. In the new WNDZ-AM studios Chicago.

WINTER SO FAR…hasn’t been too harsh on the Chicago area. Let’s hope it stays this way.

No more snow storms on Masters Sunday, or in late April. Here’ hoping that our local golf courses can start opening next month in March and stay open once they do.

Mother Nature owe’s us a spring golf season after the last couple of years of bad cold, snowy, rainy weather.

What are you doing to be ready for golf season opening day in here in the Chicago area. When it’s cold outside it’s time to get in the dome and start working the rust off. Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook is the best indoor dome in town, with the variety of offerings it has including the Toptracer technology you see on television during PGA Tour events. Follow your ball flight and really see, how you are hitting it.

The Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook is Chicago’s premier indoor golf dome, and the only dome with Toptracer Technology.

The Mistwood Golf Dome also has McWethy’s Sportsbar, the best indoor golf dome food and beverage operation in town. A full menu and plenty of big screen TV’s to watch all sports you will want to see.

The award winning dome, was honored again this year by the GRAA (Golf Range Association of America) as being a Top 50 in the country. The Mistwood Golf Club’s professional staff is there to help with lessons, club fittings and repair. If your game needs a tune-up before the green flag starting the 2020 golf season comes down. It’s time to hit the Mistwood Golf Dome. Mistwood will have a booth at the upcoming Chicago Golf Show in Rosemont Feb. 28-29-March 1.

ARE YOU THINKING A ROAD TRIP SOUTH come this month or next month. I will continue to have updates on warm weather destinations over the next couple of weeks. If your thinking Arizona and golf and baseball, hang with us. I’ll be researching some idea’s in the next week or so. I haven’t been Southwest in a few years, but if your thinking Southeast or South, and a shorter plane ride. I’ll have you covered, so stay clicked in.

IT WAS SAD TO HEAR that one of the best women golfers of all time Mickey Wright passed away yesterday at 85. Wright was known to have one of the best golf swings ever, female or male. Even Ben Hogan and Sam Snead saw that in Wrights game. The Women’s Western Golf Association honored Wright with a Women of Distinction Award in 2012. WWGA PR-Star Susie Wagner wrote the tribute that sits on the WWGA website. RIP Mickey, hopefully some of the senior women’s golf events remember Mickey in the year ahead.

THERE ARE SOME CLUB’s around town that have things going on. I’ll start working through them over the days ahead. Plus there is still plenty of goodies coming from the PGA Merchandise Show in Florida. Especially on the equipment side. If your looking for new equipment to start the season, Callaway, Titleist, Tour Edge and Wilson have plenty of good options and varying price points that can work with a variety of budgets.

FROM THE PGA TOUR… nice win this past Sunday for Adam Scott, it’s been a while for him since he has been able to break through.

WHAT’S THE DEAL with CBS not showing Harold Varner’s topped 3-wood that went 128 yards on the famed 10th hole at Riviera on Sunday. Did they just not get the shot, or is there a cover-up. Footage is also lacking but seen on Twitter of Tiger Woods shot that was total garbage. Woods put one in a garbage can on Sunday, and was seen digging through the trash to find his ball. You can caption both of these situations.

Next time you hit bad shot remember this, it evens happens to the pro’s. These guys are good, but they screw up too.

2020 is going to be a great year for golf in the Chicago area. Good tournaments are coming, and you need to be ready to play.

The Gog Blog will return tomorrow. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is your winter home for golf in the Chicago area. Come enjoy Toptracer technology, and McWethy’s Sportsbar. The Mistwood Golf Staff is there all winter long for lessons, club fittings and demo days. Details at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome (630)-739-7600. #golf.    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Linkedin or Facebook. In the new WNDZ Studio’s AM 750 Chicago.

NEXT ON THE TEE is the Chicago Golf Show coming up February 28-29 and March 1.

Some main stage special guests have been announced. Super Bowl kicker of the San Francisco 49ers and former Chicago Bear Robbie Gould will be on stage Friday and Saturday.

Patrick Mannelly former Chicago Bear, and part of GOLF360 joins the main stage on Saturday.

While Steve Kois from the World Long Drive Tour, shows you how it hit it long on Saturday and Sunday. You can purchase tickets now at Chicagogolfshow.com The show is sponsored by the French Lick Resort, in French Lick Indiana.

FORMER PGA OF AMERICA PRESIDENT Derek Sprague a member of the PGA of America Hall of Fame, has been selected to serve as Captain of the Team USA junior Ryder Cup team this September 21-22. The matches will be played at the famed Blue Mound Country Club in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Blue Mound designed by Seth Raynor, is one of the nations top classic golf courses. Team USA is looking for it’s seventh straight victory in the competition.

The new Navy Blue Sun-Mountain golf bag.

SUN MOUNTAIN has added a new 14-Way Top to it’s lightweight bag.

With golf bags that have more dividers gaining in popularity each year, Sun Mountain has introduced the 2.5+ 14-way bag. This new style comes with a spacious 10.5 inch top with 14 individual dividers. This new bag weighs under 4 pounds.

The new 2020 2.5+ 14-way bag comes in six different colors, and has a full-retail price of $239.99. For your retailer closest to you you can call (800)-227-9224 or online Sunmountain.com. Sun Mountain-a 30 year leader in the golf industry.

NORTHWESTERN GOLFERS WIN WEEKLY BIG TEN HONORS. Irene Kim a Freshman earned Player of the Week with her win in the Lady Puerto Rico Classic, with a score of 207 (-5). Kim had 11 birdies and 1 eagle over 54 holes in route to the championship. Everton Hawkins a Senior won all three of his matches in helping the Wildcats win the Big Ten Match Play Championship.

ILLINOIS MEN Finish Second in Mobile Alabama, in the Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate, with a final round of 275 -13. Senior Giovanni Tadiotto finished the 54 hole event with a score of 208 (-8). All five Illini players finished in the Top 20. Coach Mike Small said,” I’m proud of the guys. I’m proud of the team for the effort that we showed to get back in the tournament today. To shoot the low round of the tournament today is how we want to finish tournaments.”

Illinois finished one shot behind champion Florida State. The second place finish was the best by Illinois this season.

Topgolf to open in New York in 2021.

Topgolf is finally arriving in New York, in the town of Holtsville on Long Island.

The new Topgolf venue is expected to create over 500 new jobs for the area.

New Yorker’s will have to wait until 2021 for the new venue to open.

This venue will have three levels and 102 hitting bays.

For more information on Topgolf, Holtsville New York, see Topgolf.com.

The World Amateur from Myrtle Beach.

The 37th annual World Amateur Handicap Championship, a 72 hole stroke play tournament, will be held August 31-September 4th, on 60 of the Myrtle Beach area courses.

In recent years over 3,000 golfers from over 20 countries have participated. Those numbers are expected to rise this year.

If you sign up to play by May 14th, cost is only $535.00 for at least 4 rounds of golf, nightly admission to the World’s Largest 19th Hole and a gift bag. Players that register by April 15th will be eligible to win one of 50 prizes from a random drawing. The championship flights players by age, gender and handicap. All golfers 17 years of age and older are eligible. For more details and to learn the age groups, or sign up see PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com World Amateur Championship.

          The LPGA International Golf

LPGA International, that serves as home to the Rees Jones and Arthur Hills golf courses, have now opened from renovations.

New owner Fore Golf Partners took over this past fall, and immediately started work on both golf courses.

Both courses had bunker projects done, along with new drainage. The cart paths were redone in certain area’s, and the driving range was resurfaced with TifTuf Bermudagrass. The courses are among the most highly rated in the Daytona Beach area, home to over 20 area courses. That include two Donald Ross designs. For more information see Daytonabeach.golf.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Is your home for winter golf, Toptracer technology and McWethy’s Sports Bar. Where you can watch the NBA All-Star game tomorrow, and the Blackhawks game tonight and tomorrow. The Mistwood Professional staff is there all winter for lessons and club fittings. For more details on special events and more, see Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome (630)-739-7600.  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Facebook, Linkedin or Instagram. on the 18th green at Heron Point, by Pete Dye and part of the Sea Pines Resort.

There is a great reason why over one millions rounds of golf get played every year on Hilton Head, it’s because the quality of golf is that good.

The Sea Pines Resort, home of the Harbour Town Golf Links might be the most visible golf course, since it’s home to the Heritage Classic on the PGA Tour. It’s famed light house behind the 18th green is one of the most notable landmarks in golf. Even if it’s not located on the golf course itself.

Harbour Town is one of the most well-kept golf courses you will ever play. It’s fairways, bunkers, greens and tee’s look like nobody but you, has played there in months. So why not enjoy the quality and play where the pro’s play, enjoy the architectural design by the late Pete Dye and his partner on Harbour Town, Jack Nicklaus.

The par 3, 7th hole at Harbour Town.

Harbour Town is not only course at Sea Pines you can play.

The Dye-designed Heron Point was redone just a few years ago, with Pete Dye still in control of the project. Sea Pines third course is Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III.

Atlantic Dunes recently was honored with the “National Course of the Year Award” by the golf course owners  association.

The current “Sea Pines Resort Villa Golf Package” is a three night, four day plan, with three rounds of championship golf. Prices start at $218 November through February, and then from $229 in March through October per player. This price does not include taxes and fees.

The new clubhouse at Harbour Town.

The Sea Pines Villa’s, include your own dining room, living room and kitchen.

When available there are free replays on Heron Point and Atlantic Dunes. By reserving now, you can save 15% on the villa golf package.

Call the Sea Pines Resort reservations office at (843)-842-8484 to confirm your golf package.

While on Hilton Head Island, there are several golf options, that also include the Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort.

  WELCOME TO PALMETTO DUNES OCEANFRONT RESORT (L) and the famed par 5, 10th hole at the Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes.

Palmetto Dunes is offering a “Golf Stay and Play Package” offers two or three rounds of golf, your choice, on the resorts championship courses.

All three of the resorts golf courses have previously won the South Carolina Golf Course of the Year Award. The three golf courses at Palmetto Dunes, are named after the architects that designed them. The Jones course for Robert Trent Jones, the Hills course for Arthur Hills, and the Fazio Course for George Fazio.

There are plenty of activities at the resort besides golf. The main clubhouse has fantastic dining that includes Big Jim’s homemade pizza’s, burgers and BBQ, that have been award winning dishes over the years. Just outside the front gate is Bullie’s BBQ regarded as among the best BBQ’s in the area.

Call Palmetto Dunes at (844)-207-9301 to get a price quote on your golf getaway package.

The Heritage Collection on Hilton Head Island includes more great golf options including Port Royal, Shipyard and the Oyster Reef Golf Club. The Shipyard Plantation is a 27 hole facility with three nines. Port Royal Resort where the original landing by William Hilton, the explorer whose name was taken by the island, offers three 18 hole courses. Golfers can play Robber’s Row, Barony and Planters Row.

Barony that first opened for play in 1963, was one of the first courses on Hilton Head. The Oyster Reef Club that opened in 1983 in Hilton Head Plantation on the North End of the Island was immediately thought of as one of the best courses on Hilton Head Island. It winds through over 190 acres of low-country terrain.

The ‘Spring-Fore 2020″ package for a spring or fall 2020 golf getaway has pricing start at $525 per golfer, including four nights of accommodations, based on occupancy of four. Package prices can change based on season, holidays or availability.

For more information on Hilton Head Island golf getaways please see Hiltonheadgolfisland.com. to review all golf, dining and stay options that are available.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook is your winter home for golf. It’s also the home of Toptracer range technology, and McWethy’s Sportsbar. The Mistwood Golf Club professional staff is there for lessons and club fittings. To learn more about the dome and special events see, Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. #golf  _____________________________________________________________________

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

Austie Rollinson the lead putter designer for Odyssey, at the PGA Show showing off a Stroke-Lab putter.

2020 IS NO DIFFERENT than the last few years, as Odyssey Golf Putters are upping their game, so you can up your game on the greens.

Odyssey/Callaway lead putter designer Austie Rollinson, is excited about the new offerings that were launched during the PGA Merchandise Show week in Orlando.

Rollinson made no secret that some of the improvements to the putter line, come directly from feedback that Odyssey is getting from their staff tour players. While Rollinson is hearing what the pro’s say from Odyssey and Callaway tour representatives, Rollinson himself is getting out on tour in America and Japan to hear what the pro’s like or don’t like, directly from the horses mouth.

Odyssey’s Stroke Lab Black putter head. Photo from Odyssey Golf.

What Rollinson is hearing is that golf professionals are looking for a little more feel, a little better sound at contact, a little more stability in the shaft. In some cases that leads to weight being shifted in the club.

From the feedback Rollinson and Odyssey are getting from their touring professionals, it’s leading directly to the changes you will see in putters for the year ahead.

Golfers who enjoy playing golf courses where the professionals play, will now get more options in equipment, when it comes to playing the clubs the pro’s are playing on tour. The new options for 2020 include, Stroke Lab Black, in what Rollinson calls a slight variation from last years Silver and Black Stroke Lab putter line. Another option is the Triple Track Putter, that offers an extension of the colorful blue and red lines found on the Callaway ERC Soft Golf Ball.

The Odyssey Triple-Track Putter new for 2020, with extended alignment lines.

If your looking for less color and a little less flair then the Black Stroke Lab Putter might be for you.

But what most putter designers like Rollinson, and PGA teaching professionals will tell you, is that most amateurs have real difficulty aligning putts, and getting the ball started out on the proper line to the cup. Triple Track Technology is using what’s called Vernier Hyper Acuity, which is a visual technology the navy is using to land planes on aircraft carriers.

Which is where the new Triple Track putter comes in. If your playing the Callaway ERC Soft golf ball, you can now extend your alignment line even further.

Odyssey has introduced a newer version of it’s Microhinge face, with the Microhinge Star insert.

The new Microhinge Star insert that is a firmer version with less grooves, of last years Microhinge White Hot. This will help with a better and more consistent forward roll on all putts.

Rollinson says the new insert is a great match, with the softer feel golf balls that more golfers are using.

If your stuck in-between all of the new options of what putter is best for you. The good news is that getting fit for a putter is now easier than ever before.

The Hole-More-Putts board, helps fit golfers for the proper putter.

The Hole-More-Putts custom fitting board, allows golfers to putt off the face of a board that looks like an I-Pad.

It can tell if the putter you need, requires more weight in the toe, the heel, or if your stroking putts off-center.

“The Hole-More-Putts board has been really important for us,” said Rollinson. “Everyone putts a little different and these days with all the options that are now available, the Hole-More-Putts board has been really successful in helping golfers find the right putter for them.”

Bigger putter heads are forcing changes in the way the shafts and grips are designed. Odyssey has created a multi-material shaft that saved over 40 grams of weight, which has been moved to the head and grip end of the putter. This shift allows for the weight to be re-balanced, which leads to a better tempo and more consistent putting stroke.

New putters, especially ones with bigger heads, are all coming with larger grips. Rollinson says that, “putters with smaller heads normally have golfers using their fingers on the grip, while larger grips allow for the palms of the hands to get involved for a more steady path to the ball.”

Click hear to hear the full interview with Odyssey lead putter designer Austie Rollinson.

For more information on Odyssey putters, please visit Odysseygolf.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is your home for winter golf. When it’s snowing and the temperatures are in the teens, go take you game and your practice indoors to the home of Toptracer, and McWethy’s Sports Bar. The Mistwood Golf professional staff is here all winter for lessons and club fittings. For upcoming demo days information and more, visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com, or call (630)-739-7600. #golf    _____________________________________________________________________

     THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram. In the studio at WNDZ-AM 750 Chicago. (R) Western Golf Association (WGA) Sr. VP of Tournaments Vince Pellegrino talks about the BMW Championship in 2019.

  CAVES VALLEY GOLF CLUB in Owings Mills, Maryland. A northwest suburb of Baltimore Maryland, will host the 2021 BMW Championship. (L) the 18th green complex, (R) the par 3 17th hole.

THE WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION (WGA) has announced what’s been expected for several weeks, that the 2021 BMW Championship will be played at Caves Valley golf Club outside of Baltimore Maryland. This years BMW championships will be played at the Olympia Fields Country Club in Chicago’s southern suburbs. The final year of the BMW contract extension that was announced at Medinah last August, will be in 2022, and that site has not yet been announced.

“We’re thrilled to be taking the BMW Championship to Caves Valley, one of the finest clubs anywhere in the United States,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. “The clubs scenic and challenging course layout will provide a perfect test for the worlds top players and a remarkable for the fans and PGA Tour Partners.”

2021 will put the BMW Championship out in the east part of the country for the second time in just four years, with the BMW Championship being played in 2018 at the Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia.

The Caves Valley GC clubhouse.

“This is a terrific recognition of the remarkable golf experience at Caves Valley, and we are confident the golfers will find our course a great test,” said Steve Fader, chairman of the Caves Valley Golf Club. “Golf fans will enjoy a terrific fan experience watching the best players compete here in Baltimore.”

Caves Valley opened in 1991 and was designed by golf architect Tom Fazio, and works it’s way through 962 acres of rolling hills, pastures, wooded areas and wetlands.

The club has hosted championships, both professional and amateur over the years. From various tours, and including the United States Golf Association. The inaugural Ladies PGA (LPGA)-UL International Crown was played at Caves Valley in 2014.

“Maryland looks forward to welcoming the top 70 players on the PGA Tour for what will be an incredible experience at Caves Valley Golf Club, ” said Governor Larry Hogan. “This event will position Maryland as an outstanding golf destination and will draw tens of thousands of spectators who will contribute significantly to our states thriving economy.”

Western Golf Association CEO John Kaczkowski says the BMW Championship at Caves Valley offers an opportunity to increase awareness for the Evans Scholars Foundation in a new market of America.

The 2019 BMW Championship at Medinah raised over $4.4 Million dollars for the Evans Scholars Foundation. More information on the WGA and the Evans Scholars Program, or BMW Championship can be found at WGAESF.org.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on RT. 53 in Bolingbrook is your home for the winter golf season. Mistwood golf Dome is also home to Toptracer golf technology, and the McWethy’s Sports Bar. The Mistwood Golf Club professional staff is there all winter long for lessons and club fittings. Visit Mistwood today and enjoy golf all year round, even when the snow is falling outside, and temps are in the teens. (630)-739-7600 You can learn more about equipment demo days and special events at Mistwoodgolfdome.com  _____________________________________________________________________

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

CDGA.org,

THE CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION (CDGA) has released their 2020 schedule for local events and qualifiers for United States Golf Association (USGA) Championships and the series of U.S. Opens.

How is your game, what is your handicap? Is yours low enough where you might now be eligible to play in a variety of CDGA events.

Have you ever though about trying to play in the U.S. Open, Sr. Open, Women’s Open, U.S. Sr. Women’s Open.

Several area clubs are hosting local qualifiers for USGA Championships. It starts here, and you can take the first step right here at several area clubs that are hosting qualifiers. CDGA championships are not just for the youngsters playing on high school and college golf teams. There are different events for all ages.

For more information visit CDGA.org as registration has started. You can stop by the CDGA booth at the upcoming Chicago Golf Show to learn more.

Get your handicap established, for all the golf events you want to play in through the CDGA. The Chicago District Golf Association, helping Chicago area golfers for over 100 years.

   The 101st CDGA Amateur is June 22-25 at the Bull Valley Country Club (L) in Woodstock, and the 90th Illinois State Amateur Championship from July 21-23, will be held at the Wynstone Country Club (R) in North Barrington.

                                                                         The MISTWOOOD GOLF DOME located on Bolingbrook Drive on RT. 53 in Bolingbrook is you home for golf in the winter season. No other golf dome has the range, short game area, and sportsbar all rolled into one like Mistwood. The multi-award winning facility is rated a Top 50 Range in America by the GRAA. The professional staff can give you an off season lesson or more, so your ready to go when the snow melts, and courses like Mistwood have reopened for the summer. Next week there are Callaway and Mizuno Golf free fitting days. Mistwood Golf Dome is home to Toptracer and McWethys Sports Bar. Make your golf season last year round with a visit to the Mistwood Golf Dome, for information on what’s happening, see Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600.     _____________________________________________________________________

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

2019 IPGA Professional of the Year Steve Orrick.

STEVE ORRICK of the Country Club of Decatur, has been named 2019 Illinois PGA Professional of the Year by the Illinois PGA Section.

The IPGA additionally announced 10 Special Award winners for the section.

“We are privileged to have such an outstanding group of PGA Professionals in the Illinois Section that are dedicated to growing and improving that game for everyone,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois Section. “This year’s Special Award winners exemplify all that PGA Professionals have to offer as experts in the business and the game of golf.”

The other 2019 Special Award winners are: BILL ABRAMS (Balmoral Woods Golf Club)-Teacher of the Year. RYAN PEAVEY (Knollwood Club)-Assistant Professional of the Year. CONNIE DEMATTIA (Cantigny Golf)-Youth Player Development Award. CHRIS GUMBACH (River Forest Country Club)-Bill Strausbaugh Award. VINCE JUAREZ (Deerpath Golf Course)-Horton Smith Award. JOE SHEREN (S.M.A.R.T Golf & Fitness  Instruction)-Player Development Award. ADAM ROSUCK (Northmoor Country Club)-Bill Heald Career Achievement Award. PATRICK CROW (Chicago Highlands Club)-Merchandiser of the Year-Private. TIM O’NEAL (Life Member-North Shore Country Club-Retired)-Distinguished Service Award. RICH FLORES (Pheasant Run Resort)-Deacon Palmer Award, awarded by the section for the first time.

The Illinois PGA Section Professional of the Year Award has been presented since 1955. It rewards the complete all-around professional, and looks at their accomplishments over the last five years. Including accomplishments at their home club, service to the Illinois PGA, leadership and inspiration towards other professionals and promoting the game of golf.

Orrick has served as head golf professional at the CC-of Decatur since 2007.

“I was pretty shocked when I found out I won the Golf Professional of the Year Award,” said Orrick. “I’m honored to win this award and be recognized by my fellow Illinois PGA Members. Anytime you receive and award you feel humbled and honored, but even more so when it’s the highest honor you can achieve, and it means so much when it’s voted on by your peers.”

Orrick has won several other IPGA Special awards over the Years, including the 2005 Assistant Player of the Year. Orrick was the 2012 IPGA Section Championship Winner, and runner up in 2014. Additonally, Orrick has a long list of accomplishments in the Central Illinois PGA Section.

For additional details, visit IPGA.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-on Bolingbrook Drive and Rt.53 is your home for winter golf. The dome is home to the Toptracer technology screen, that allows you to track your shots. McWethy’s Sportsbar, the best dome food and beverage operation in town. A pro staff for lessons and club fittings. See Mistwoodgolfdome.com to see next weeks free club fitting nights for Callaway and Mizuno. (630)-739-7600 #mistwoodlovesgolf      ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, LinkedIn and Facebook. In the new WNDZ-AM 750 studios.

THE TINLEY PARK GOLF SHOW is in the books, next on the tee is the Chicago Golf Show in Rosemont. That show tee’s off Feb. 28-29 and March 1.

In between there are some demo days at the Mistwood Golf Dome, next week both Callaway and Mizuno are at the dome. #freefittings go take advantage.

Great job by Dan Fitzgerald of the Tinley Park Convention Center, and Brad Gray from Silver Lake to bring back the Tinley Park show. I did think I would see more booths on the floor than I did. Maybe the show was re-launched too late to get all the courses out, hopefully a better turn out next year. I expect a good turn out of booths for the Rosemont show, both local and around the Midwest. I hope that’s the case anyway. I’ll have more on the Chicago Golf Show as it approaches.

In the next couple of days, there is some local news from the CDGA, the IPGA, and the WGA that I will post, and then I’ll get back to more stories from the PGA Merchandise show in Orlando. There are plenty of equipment stories to post. if your looking at new equipment this year, check out what I’ll post in the next couple of weeks before you purchase anything.

THE CDGA has posted it’s schedule for the six social competitions. To get the full list please visit cdga.org/socialcompetitions.

AS FOR GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO…we do expect to return in April. But there a few wrinkles to iron out yet, before we hit the airwaves for the season. The station ownership group has changed up things, mostly selling off one station and moving things around. Like our former studios don’t exist anymore. Our home studio will be bigger and better. It’s also 3 blocks south of where we were. Live online listen is now a part of the show, video options are starting to emerge. I’ll have more when they do.

The new look Am-750 WNDZ studio’s.

Golfers on Golf Radio-2020 might open up on the road. Details are emerging, do stay clicked in for details. If your property wants to be property promoted in 2020, please contact me. The Chicagoland Golf Magazine is gone, and so is the WSCR-AM 670 golf show. As for sponsors, there is always room for one more. Join us, you will be glad you did. Let’s fill up the tee sheets this summer, the practice and lesson area’s, the 19th hole, and galleries at the tournaments in town. This year there are plenty of tournament options.

PEBBLE BEACH-what a great Sunday at Pebble Beach. Winfield Illinois native and former Cantigny Golf employee Kevin Streelman, a Wilson Golf Staff player, beat out Phil Mickelson for second place. Streelman and partner NFL WR Larry Fitzgerald became the fourth team to win the pro-am more than once.

I’M KEEPING my fingers crossed. But the area has not been really dumped on by major snow yet this winter. Now of course that I have jinxed things, hope not.  Maybe our area courses can get a jump on the golf season. Maybe those courses that had fall improvement work done, might be ready this spring, more sooner than later.

ARE YOU THINKING OF HEADING SOUTH for a spring golf trip. A few places ready for your business include, Pinehurst area resorts. Innisbrook in Florida north of Tampa, the Myrtle Beach area, and Georgia’s #1 golf destination property Reynolds at Lake Oconee. Are you headed out to spring training in Arizona, and want to get in some golf in between Cubs and White Sox spring training games, I’ll have some thoughts in a week or so, on where to go.

THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP is just one month out, and the Masters is two months away. The golf season is coming up faster than you think. Have your game ready. Now on the tee. RS