PICK UP IS OPEN AT MCWETHY’S TAVERN at Mistwood Golf Club. McWethy’s Sportsbar at the Mistwood Golf Dome is open for curbside pick-up as well. Visit Mistwoodgc.com or mistwoodgolfdome.com for details on both facilities food operations _____________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation, for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. In the Port St. Lucie Studio with Hall of Famer Len Ziehm.
PODCAST 2020 Ziehm and Spears Volume No.3.
Editors Note :This is the third podcast of the year between 2019 Illinois Golf hall of Fame Inductee Len Ziehm, and Golfers on Golf, show host and content manager yours truly Rory Spears.
We are practicing our social distancing by each of us being in our home studio’s. Ziehm in PGA Village in Port St. Lucie Florida, and Spears in his Arlington Hts. IL. studio, unfortunately not located in a golf community.
Len and I have decided to make the podcasts now a weekly venture in our efforts to keep the public, golf public and golfers everywhere as informed as possible, during the Covid-19 Outbreak.
This edition covers several topics including the fact that 36 states are open for golf, and 77% to 78% of public and private courses in America are open with restrictions. The states that are closed, well we offer those Governors a much needed mulligan to think it over.
On the resort scene, Kudo’s to industry leader Pinehurst Resort on running an auction to raise money for laid-off staff members. Some great and unique prizes brought in some much needed dollars.
Click here, to hear Ziehm and Spears Podcast 2020-Volume 3.
What the numbers say, and props given to the USGA on not pulling the plug so quickly on the 2020 U.S. Open. Podcast 4 will be next week. Keep it here, or on Lenziehmongolf.com.
MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB in Romeoville is closed-McWethy’s Tavern is not, come and enjoy great McWethy’s food menu items. Curb side pick up is available (815)-254-7001. ______________________________________________________________________
Come on in-We’re OPEN.
THE GOOD NEWS-YES THEY ARE OPEN !!!
The Pete Dye Course at the Closed French Lick Resort is open. So are the Valley Links and Donald Ross Golf Courses. The Dye Course opened this past weekend. That’s the good news, the bad news is that Illinois Golf is shut down.
The rain was falling hard on Saturday, after some real downpours on Friday night. Our golf courses are soaked, so maybe it’s best they are closed. I still agree with the plan by Pine Meadow in Mundelein to use this time for aeration. NO courses should to need to aerate after April 9th. Do it now.
FLIP-FLOP the position of the State of Illinois that saw 4, we are open, we are closed changes in 8 days was like a bad golf lesson. The left hand does not know what the right hand is doing, that’s for sure.
EXTENSION of the Shelter in Place can’t be more than a few days past the 7th at this point. If anyone thinks we can just take this into May or June, you need to look in a mirror. Things need to pick-up, even if it’s just a little at a time.
Courses are open in over 35 states according to national statistics, with some states pending, and maybe 8 saying no. It’s been great seeing the golfers out in force on Facebook in various Northeastern states, other than New York or New Jersey.
WORD IS people are fleeing New York in droves and headed south, at this point I can’t blame them, but will it help. Are they just spreading the virus, or are they. Off to Florida, the courses are open, but not Disney World or the Beach’s.
IF YOUR IN ILLINOIS I’d use the next 10 days to get done projects you don’t want to do when the golf courses open. I’ll clean the office and the garage, taxes will be done. As it will be golf season at some point.
PINEHURST IS DOING AN AUCTION with really neat prizes you might never see again, it runs through tonight at 8 Pm (EST). Send in your bids. See Pinehurst.com. It benefits their employees who are out of work, or just barely working.
FINN SCOOTERS at Lake Nona Golf Club
During yesterdays Sunday Morning Short Game News Column, I posted several stories that wrapped up our coverage of the 2020 PGA Merchandise show.
But before I do conclude stories from the PGA Show, here is one last product to show you. The golf-cycle caddie by the famed Finn Scooters of Missoula Mt.
I did drive one up and down the 13th fairway at Lake Nona Golf Club, they are pretty neat. I didn’t have the best luck getting the front well turned when I needed it to cut. But other riders seemed to have much more success. If your club allows these type of caddies see Finnscooters.com.
Davis’ Love III home went up in flames.
With everyone worrying about the virus, this story got little attention.
But Davis Love III, lost his home this past week on St. Simon/Sea Island Georgia, in a massive fire.
It went up quickly, and first responders were there quickly according to a post by Love III on his Twitter account. But they could not save his home. Love III says he and his family are fine and nobody was injured (thankfully). Love III says he and his family will remain members of the community going forward.
TOMMY BAHAMA has entered into a partnership with Boomer CB5 products, and I just received some samples. I’ll be testing them as well, before doing my final product review on CBD and CB5 products.
The 2020 U.S. Open logo.
WORD IS leaking out of Winged Foot that the U.S. Open will be delayed. If so, where do you put it. The PGA is delayed, the Masters is delayed, what next. If you move all these events back, where do they go. On top of other tournaments. Some fall events might have to be eliminated if this continues. Every tournament that gets canceled going forward past the current ones that have already been canceled, cause real problems.
SO FAR sources says that neither the BMW Championship or the John Deere Classic have been asked to move their dates. Let’s hope they don’t change. The Indianapolis 500 has been moved to August, and will be run on the Sunday of the final round of the BMW Championship. Good thing this years BMW, is not at Crooked Stick Golf Club near Indianapolis.
IT’S SAD TO SEE that the Men’s Big Ten Golf Championships at Rich Harvest Farms appears to be canceled, as the Big Ten is first reviewing the possibility of spring sports activities on May 4th. The day after play at Rich Harvest Farms was to conclude.
Golfers hang in there, hopefully our courses will be able to open in some capacity on the 8th of April. RS
THE PETE DYE COURSE at the French Lick Resort is now OPEN for the season, along with all golf courses at the resort, which is still closed. MCWETHY’S TAVERN at the Mistwood Golf Club on Renwick Rd. Romeoville is open for curbside food pick-up. _____________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Facebook and LinkedIn. Under the lights at Topgolf Schaumburg.
HANG IN THERE, I know area golf courses are closed due to Covid-19 via the Governor, but April 8th will be here in no-time. Until then here is more golf news, so your ready when we can play again.
The French Lick Resort has opened all of it’s golf courses for the season, with the opening of the Pete Dye Golf Course yesterday. Good news. But the resort, casino, restaurants and sports book are closed for now.
If you wish to travel to French Lick, the Best Western Hotel down the street from the resort is open and has rooms available. Details on the resorts website-Frenchlick.com.
SCOTT MOLITOR a Milwaukee Wisconsin businessman, will be the new owner of the Bull at Pinehurst Farms in Sheboygan Falls Wisconsin. Molitor reportedly is an avid golfer, but wasn’t really interested in owning a golf course until he learned of “The Bull” going up for auction. Molitor a friend of Jack Nicklaus decided to buy the golf course, when he learned the course was a Nicklaus design. Reports are that the club will get managed by Northbrook/Chicago based KemperSports Management.
The V1 Sports Video App and lesson cycle.
With golfers sheltering in place these days, and Covid-19 on the loose, the V1 Sports App is a way that professional golf instructors can connect with the students.
The V1 Sports App is growing so much, that it just went over the 4 million mark, of lessons given through V1.
There is a 30-Day free trial of V1 allows instructors to test the 2020 V1 Pro Studio software system and then decide to sign up for one of three plans, V1 Complete (a combination of studio or mobile), V1 Pro or V1 Mobile. So they can produce lessons with video, voice-over and telestration. For more information visit V1sports.com.
The Women’s Spring line from New Balance.
The spring line of golf shoes for women is now available. So when the virus goes away and it’s time again to play, will you have your new shoes ladies.
Both New Balance and Callaway have their lines of shoes for ladies ready for spring.
From New Balance there is the Women’s Fresh Foam LinksSL. The Fresh Foam midsole is a data-driven design, that provides soft cushioning and lateral stability. The shoe weights only 9.0 oz. and has a 2-year waterproof warranty. $89.95
New Balance also offers the Women’s 574 Green which is a waterproof microfiber leather performance upper. It comes with a 2-year waterproof warranty. $79.95.
GOLFERS 911 the handbook. Something that should be in everyone’s golf bag. It’s a spiral book that is only 4″ by 6″, and is a 64-page guide. BEFORE you save par, save a life. It’s written by Mason Delafield of Delray Beach FL., and edited by Dr. Ronald Brown from Charlotte NC.
This book tells what to do in cases related to being on the course, when a health emergency arrives. Falling in a bunker, snake or alligator attack, cardiac arrest, choking, seizure, cuts, head injuries, insect bites, bee stings and more. Your help might be needed before first responders arrive. Any golfer can buy this book for $14.95, it can be customized or ordered in bulk. It should be on sale in every pro-shop. To obtain your Golfers 911 book, email customerservice@golfers911.com.
CALLAWAY CUSTOM’S the way to design your Mavrik driver the way you want it. Pick your color scheme, stamp your logo or initials. Callawaygolf.com/customs.
GOLF 360 TV with Dave Lockhart and former Chicago Bear Long Snapper Patrick Mannelly, with return in June. In the meantime enjoy some new Golf360 videos on You-Tube.
The Big Ten Men’s Golf Championships at Rich Harvest Farms. Probably not.
The Big Ten Conference that was supposed to hold the Men’s Conference Golf Championships at Jerry Rich’s, Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove likely will not.
College spring sports were shut down originally, then the Big Ten decided to revisit the situation on April 6th.
However on Friday night they decided to hold back from making any decision on spring athletics or group activities until May 4th. Which is one day after the conference championship would have been played. Here is hoping that 2021 can be played at RHF. 2022 is scheduled for the French Lick Resort.
AS OF NOW-the Play Golf Under The Stars-Night Golf at Foxford Hills is still on for May 8th. To sign-up call the club at (847)-639-0400.
ONE OF THE BUSY-spots at the PGA Show, was the EZGO Golf Cart booth.
One of the busy places at the PGA Show was the EZGO Golf Cart booth, where EZGO unveiled the new EX1 gas powered golf cart.
What are your cart needs as you head into 2020.
Does your favorite club, the the private club you belong to need new golf carts. Is it time to replace an aging fleet.
Do you now live in a golf community where you should have your own cart, either to go to the course, the store, or just to drive around the neighborhood.
Click here to hear the interview with EZGO Golf Carts (Textron) Director of Communications Brandon Haddock.
BEN MALOY shows that EVOLVE GOLF is your home to a good tee. What started as a bad tee shot, has “Evolved” in much more than that at Evolvegolf.com
Click here to hear our interview with Evolve Golf’s Ben Maloy, better golf tee’s, better for the environment, other markers and tee gifts. Evolvegolf.com
Coral Coast Bermuda, golf and beach wear. For when the beach look works for golf and at the club. Coralcoastclothing.com
There are times when casual just works, and it really works when your wearing Coral Coast of Bermuda.
Credit Sam Outerbridge and Adam Petty, for finding a way to get it done.
Is it comfortable, is it colorful, is it just you.
How do you look in a pair of Bermuda Shorts, now it’s time to find out with a pair of shorts from Coral Coast.
Click here to hear our interview with Coral Coast Clothing Founder Sam Outerbridge.
Chip Beck-One member of the 59 club is still out pitching.
Former PGA Tour player Chip Beck says he has retired from playing out on the professional tours, but this member of the 59 club is not done giving his pitch to golfers that need an easier way to fix ball marks and more.
When Beck gives you his pitch, it goes right to the cup, where it’s easy, to retrieve your ball, and fix your ball mark.
Want more, you can do everything without even having to bend over. Pitch Fix does it all for you.
Click here to hear the interview with 59-club member Chip Beck on the new Pitch-Fix.
Pitchfixusa.com is how to learn more about the ball mark repair tool you must have, take it from the 3-time team USA Ryder Cup member Chip Beck, fix your pitch mark with Pitch-Fix.
CLOSED OPEN THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME AND GOLF COURSE ARE CLOSED, but the good news is that McWethy’s Sportsbar and McWethy’s Tavern are open for curbside pick up or you can use a delivery service. Details Mistwoodgc.com or Mistwoodgolfdome.com. ____________________________________________________________________
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.
THE CORONADO by Callaway.
Callaway Golf one of the leaders in the golfer industry, is now growing it’s footwear line.
With shoes like the LaGrange and the Coronado, Callaway is now competing with the top names in apparel and footwear.
Do your current pair of golf shoes lack traction, comfort, and style. Are they too heavy and are they waterproof.
Are your socks getting wet on the humid days and when the dew is full during early morning rounds.
Click here to learn more about Callaway Shoes from our interview with marketing director Anders Jahn.
Anders Jahn shows off the new Callaway Oceanside shoe.
If you don’t want spikes, you can go spikeless.
The new Callaway shoe line is not just for the men, ladies you have your choice of shoes as well. With or without spikes.
Callaway staffer and 2017 BMW Championship winner at Conway Farms Marc Leishman wears the Coronado line, with his personal choices of colors. Canadian Adam Hadwin wears his Callaway shoes with the Canadian maple leaf logo on them.
For more details on the Callaway shoe line, that goes well with Callaway clubs, golf balls, or garments in the apparel line. See Callawayfootwear.com.
THE MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB IN ROMEOVILLE (815)-254-3333 Mistwoodgc.com WILL NOT OPEN tomorrow as previously planned. McWethy’s Tavern and McWethys Sports Bar are open for curbside pick-ups.
FLIP-FLOP yet another change of position by Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) on the state of golf in Illinois.
It’s the fourth change in 8 days. Now golfers and golf course owners are just as confused as Springfield.
Golf industry experts say one of the safest places you can be while outdoors is on a golf course right now. That is likely true.
There is some thought that all the beach front-lake front party-goers in the city yesterday, ruined it for everyone.
As a result of so many people out biking, running, or gathering in groups, having a picnic or just hanging out in big groups, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) said “enough” and closed the Chicago lakefront down T,he police were there today, enjoying the best duty they have ever had. Standing around on the beach and lakefront telling those that showed up, “were closed”.
What golf courses everywhere in Illinois must do now.
So as of now golfers and everyone else are shut out of places they would like to be, and at times that includes work.
Another note in the golf world, was the date change of the Indianapolis 500. Which will now be raced on August 23rd, which coincides with the final round of the BMW Championship at Olympia Fields.
The NBC network is supposed to show both events. The Golf Channel is an option for the PGA Tour, or maybe the race ends early enough so the last 10-12 holes at the BMW, can get shifted back to NBC. Who knows.
As for me in case you were wondering. I have not played since the PGA Show trip, but was thinking about going out this week. Then after almost 4-5 inches of snow was in my backyard on Monday, I decided not to play. Yes the snow is gone, but the water from it is not.
Wet fairways, closed clubhouses, halfway houses, bathrooms, driving ranges, elevated cups, not touching the flag sticks, no ranks in bunkers, no tee markers on some courses, doesn’t seem much like golf. Unless your just testing a new club for a few holes. If courses were open, I’d have some short loops set-up like maybe 3 or 6 holes.
What I do sense is that Governor Pritzker better let some sort of re-opening happen come April 8th, or he will face a full revolt that goes well beyond the golf industry in Illinois. I’m sure if he needs a few more days after the 8th, like until the following Monday, people will suck-it-up and give it to him. But on the 13th or 14th of April, we should be ready to start swinging again, even if it comes in small steps, with restrictions.
I like the fact that President Donald Trump (R) is hopeful to have some sense of normal by Easter on April 12th. But I’m not sure that is optimistic, and the president says he will listen to the medical experts. Let’s hope they are right. It would be real sad if by mid-summer we can look back on the Cornona-Virus days, as the big threat that turned into a big hoax.
So lets give the state another 11 days, and keep putting in the living room or the office and basement. I will, and lets hope our short games are all better when the courses reopen for good. Most of us could use some improvement on our short games.
RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation/Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or Facebook and Linkedin.
Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville (L)-Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook (R). Updating on Mistwood Golf Club opening tomorrow 3-27. In the meantime McWethy’s Sports Bar and McWethy’s Tavern, are open for curb-side pickup if your looking for great food. ______________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Facebook, or Linkedin. With the Callaway Mavrik Driver.
THE CALLAWAY MAVRIK DRIVER, is not just a driver, it’s really three drivers. Then there are more options, which include Mavrik fairway woods. You need more, yes there are Mavrik Irons.
Callaway has outdone itself again. Three years ago they introduced the Epic Driver, it was a winner. that got followed up with the Rogue Line. Another winner. Last year it was the Epic Flash Driver and fairway woods.
By developing what they have over the last few years, Callaway has put itself in a position of “can you top this”. The answer again is, YES.
Mavrik is the yes in AI. Artificial Intelligence. But Mavrik is more than just one driver, the options are fit for every club in your bag, and it plays to the best part of your game, while making it better. It doesn’t matter what type of ball flight you have, what your swing speed or handicap is, Mavrik can work for you and your game. It will make you better. If your thinking new clubs in 2020, don’t buy anything else until you at-least, test Mavrik.
The Mavrik Driver by Callaway
When Epic Flash came on the market, it was the first driver created with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. It was the # 1 selling driver in 2019.
That led the Callaway R& D Team to push things to another level. They went looking for an even greater amount of distance, more forgiveness and consistency. The new Mavrik had the benefit of being designed by Callaway’s new supercomputer. This new computer allowed the Callaway design team to have an even better understanding on how to take drivers to a place, that none had gone before.
The face of the new Mavrik Driver.
The new Flash Face SS20 design has a thinner face, but a more expansive hitting area for a greater ball speed.
Callaway’s supercomputer ran thousands of prototypes over weeks to arrive at the design for the new Mavrik.
What also emerged with Mavrik’s design, was the need for a tougher and stronger material to handle impact. So Callaway has introduced the FS2S titanium in the club face. This high grade titanium is 6 grams lighter that traditional materials found in drivers.
Callaway Product Marketing Manager Steven Sourigno with a Mavrik Iron and 3-Wood.
While Callaway is adding what’s new to Mavrik, they has kept some of what’s recent and proven.
Jailbreak and the T2C Triaxial Carbon Crown. Jailbreak are the two bars behind the face that connect the sole to the crown which generates faster ball speed. The T2C carbon crown, is lighter than a traditional titanium crown, and that gave the engineering team an opportunity to redistribute weight, for better forgiveness.
Click here to hear the interview with Callaway Product Marketing Manager Steven Sourigno, on the full line of Maverik Clubs.
Mavrik Driver comes in lofts of 9-10.5- and 12 degrees, with pricing set at $499.00.
MAVRIK is just not one driver, it’s three. If your drive to the fairway requires something different, there is the Mavrik Sub-Zero Driver. This driver offers a combination of low spin and high MOI. Sub-Zero has a slightly smaller head (450cc), with two interchangeable screws front and back, to change the launch angle and spin rate. It comes in 9 and 10.5 degree lofts. The titanium rib-system found on all Mavrik drivers, allows for a deeper and satisfying sound at impact.
MAVRIK MAX DRIVER is option three in the Mavrik driver line. This long easy-to-hit driver reduces slice off the tee, because it has the largest draw bias capability. MAX has two interchangeable weights, 14g and 2g. They are positioned in the sole near the heel and center-back. A heavier weight in the heel of the club promotes a maximum draw ball flight. Comes in lofts of 9-10.5 and 12 degrees.
The Mavrik line of clubs has moved past being only drivers. It’s now available in fairway woods and irons. For more information visit Callawaygolf.com.
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Facebook or LinkedIn.
GREAT NEWS-ILLINOIS GOLF WILL RETURN tomorrow, Wednesday March 25th.
Here is part of the updated mandate from the State of Illinois.
Can golf courses open: YES.
But under these guidelines from the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity.
Clubhouses and food services are closed. To pay for your round if it’s a public course, you must do so in advance, you can not go in the clubhouse to pay. You must have it done before you get there.
YOU MUST WALK-no carts are going out. No food or beverage operations can be up and running. NO beverage carts can be sent out on the course, and no halfway houses can open. You should be using social distancing guidelines.
ILLINOIS GUIDELINES on golf courses have been revised as of March 24th.
Courses can control whether or not they put rakes out in the traps, many will not. IF your on the range, or putting green engage in social distancing.
TRY NOT to touch flag sticks. Many courses will elevate the cups above ground level so you do not have to reach into the cup to get your golf ball.
This morning, the Governor of Ohio reopened golf courses, and all states surrounding the borders of Illinois had courses open as of today. ONLY Illinois was shutdown. If you wish to play, call the course to see if they are open, and make payment. Private club members should check with the head golf professional or director of golf, to see if guests are welcome.
Private club members, you are not allowed in your clubhouses. If you need your clubs from your locker, or other items from your locker, call the pro shop, and your items will have to be brought out to you.
If your out golfing in the next few days and wish to share pictures with us. Post them on my Facebook page (Rory Spears), or send to our Twitter account @GogBlogGuy. Also if you not following us on Twitter, we encourage you to do so.
Good golfing every one. One small step everyone, but it’s a start. RORY
The Mistwood Gome on Rt.53 (Bolingbrook Drive) in Bolingbrook is closed for golf, but McWethy’s Sportsbar is open for food carry-outs, or you can use a delivery service. Details at (630)-739-7600 or please visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com
GOLF NEWS-Ohio and Michigan Governors reopen golf courses, with restrictions. Hopefully it’s good news for Illinois. Courses located in Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri are open as well.
ANTIGUA a leader in the golf apparel industry, heads into it’s 40th season with a Patriotic theme for 2020.
CEO Ron McPherson said,” in both a Ryder Cup and Olympic year, we thought it was a great time to show our national colors.”
For day one of the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando this past January, Antigua staffers in the companies booth, all dressed in patriotic colors.
Ron McPherson CEO of Antigua Apparel.
With 2020 being a Ryder Cup year (hopefully), and was supposed to be an Olympic year, McPherson decided it was time for his company to show their colors, our colors and Antigua supports our Team’s USA.
In fact Antigua has contracts with all the major sports in addition to golf, and the players various tours that play them.
Antigua has contracts with the NHL, MLB, NBA, MLS, NFL, Minor League Baseball, NASCAR and many colleges and universities. Antigua apparel is found at both the NBA and MLB All-Star games. But of course remains a leader in golf, for apparel on and off the golf course.
Ron McPherson in front of the Antigua booth at the PGA Merchandise Show.
Antigua like many companies that work in the golf world, gather feedback from the players they sponsor, men, women, seniors and younger players. What remains the most challenging aspects of the apparel industry, are issues such as lightweight, non-stick materials on hot days, keeping apparel not only comfortable, but allowing golfers to swing without restriction.
When the temperatures drop, golfers need to be able to add a layer of clothing, without adding restriction while keeping them warm. Playing in apparel that holds up in the rain is another situation that challenges designers.
Click here to hear the interview with Antigua CEO Ron McPherson.
There are plenty of new options to choose from in 2020, please visit Antigua.com or shop.antigua.com to see all the options for men and women. You can find Antigua on major social media channels.
So when your finally ready to plan your wardrobe for the spring and summer ahead, think Antigua. A leader in the golf apparel industry. Supporting the USA and Team USA at the Ryder Cup this fall.
MISTWOOD’s Director of Golf Andy Mickelson hits a shot from the Mistwood Golf Dome, which is now closed through April 7th. Details at Mistwoodgolfdome.com but McWethy’s Sports Bar in the dome is open for carry-outs. (630)-739-7600
THINGS HAVE CHANGED IN JUST ONE WEEK.
Now they stay the same until April 7th, when Illinois Governor (D) J.B. Pritzker will have his mandate lifted about staying at home.
Let’s hope the mandate gets lifted on the 7th, I’m not sure how much more the people of this state can take.
I was sent a question yesterday that read, “at what point do we worry less about maybe saving lives, because we need to worry about saving our own livelihood.” Good question, hopefully it’s one that all of us won’t have to worry about.
With the governors mandate that kicked in at 5 Pm on Saturday, the golf courses that were still open shutdown. Jemsek Golf had Cog Hill, Pine Meadow and St. Andrews all close on Saturday. For now it’s the right thing to do.
What was interesting was a video posted by head professional Dennis Johnsen at Pine Meadow. Not only did Johnsen mention his new golf carts will be ready for golfers when they return, but that Pine Meadow will use this time to start the spring aeration so the course is done with the process by the time it reopens.
I would think that more clubs should take advantage of this plan while they are in the shutdown mode. When golfers do return, do they want to return to aeration holes, I would think not. Of course late Sunday afternoon’s and Sunday nights snow might be prevent aeration from starting today. But by Tuesday with temps in the 50’s, grass should be, re-appearing.
IT WAS GREAT TO CATCH UP WITH LEN ZIEHM on Saturday from his Florida home in PGA Village. Ziehm could not talk real long because he was headed out to play golf, because in Florida the golf courses were not shut down. They did have restrictions, but they were still open for play.
There are theories about the virus, still unproven I might add, but that the virus is not doing as well in warm weather. Time will tell if that’s true, but if it is, northern golfers might have to head south and look for 90 degree days and go out to play. FYI-Ziehm still has his weekly golf column running the Daily Herald on Wednesdays.
Mentored by the King-by Brad Brewer.
IF YOU ARE STUCK in your clubhouse, I might suggest that this is a great time to catch up on your reading. Whether it’s golf online, in your favorite golf magazine, or in a golf book that you bought or were given as a gift.
I have started catching up on my golf reading, and my first book is by professional Brad Brewer who has a teaching academy in Orlando. Brewer was Arnold Palmer’s right hand man in several area’s for years. So if your looking for some good golf lessons on and off the golf course, get a copy of Mentored by the King-by Brad Brewer. $16.99 US.
When I’m done with Brewers book, I have more to read on Jack Nicklaus and some of his great golf designs, Lee Pace’s book on the history of Pinehurst, and the Centennial Book on the PGA of America. Look for some post’s I’ll call “book club” in the weeks ahead.
While indoors, be careful swinging your clubs in the living room, or the office, you might break something. But it is a good time to work on your putting. If you are still undecided on new clubs, now is a great time to do some research on “IF” news clubs are right for you. I’m hoping the club and ball makers will drop the prices a bit, and have a “Back to Golf Sale”. With numerous golfers out of work for a while, peoples budgets for golf have been impacted.
With the Masters postponed until likely October, and the PGA postponed, the next major on the tee is the U.S. Open at Winged Foot in June. Could the U.S. Open be the first major, what about the British Open being the first major. At this point when golf does resume on the professional level, the schedule is going to be very interesting. Expect changes imposed by the PGA Tour and golfs governing bodies.
I’m back tomorrow, and keep it here for the golf news around town. In the meantime #cleanupyourclubhouse RS.
THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME- on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. The golf dome is closed through April 1, and likely the 7th per the Illinois mandate. But McWethy’s Sportsbar inside is open to carry-out. Info Mistwoodgolfdome.com
THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on LinkedIn or Facebook.
JEMSEK GOLF SHUTS DOWN, following the shutdown order that was put in place by Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) on Friday, and took effect on Saturday (yesterday) the 21st.
Cog Hill closed all it’s courses and it’s range indefinitely, and did not announce a reopening date. Stay tuned for updates here or at Coghillgolf.com.
MORE FROM JEMSEK GOLF…as of last night, Pine Meadow in Mundelein has also closed due to the state mandate pertaining to the Corona-Virus. Clubhouse, Range and golf course are closed. A small maintenance crew is working at the course, and will escort anyone off the course if caught out playing. Pine Meadow will open again on April 7th, after the current shutdown expires. Do watch the video on the clubs website with head professional Dennis Johnsen. Johnsen makes several good points, including the fact Pine Meadow is using this time closed to aerate the golf course. So it’s perfect when golfers return. This appears to be a great idea.
CALLAWAY GOLF has announced it’s partnering with Cuater part of Travis Matthew on the release of it’s new line of golf shoe, now available, but not available due to the shutdown from the virus in California. Additionally Cuater has a new line of golf gloves. more information through Callaway, TM and Cuater websites.
Club Champion is headquartered in Willowbrook Illinois. (R) Team members work on shafts.
Club Champion the nations largest club fitter will partner with Arccos Golf, as a result Arccos’ smart grips and sensors will not be available at all of Club Champion’s 70+ locations, with or without a club fitting.
Arccos will be Club Champions official on-course data partner, and Club Champion fitters will be trained and certified as experts in the Arccos Caddie performance tracking platform, that helps the golfer in a variety of game statistical categories.
“Having access to our clients, Arccos on-course shot data allows us to fully understand each player’s unique golf DNA,” said Nick Sherburne, Club Champion Founder. “The Data is golden. It helps golfers and our fitters better track performance while gaining an unbiased understanding of where they excel and what they need to improve. This will further solidify Club Champion as the leader in fitting and helping people get better at the game of golf.”
Arccos Caddie users who played at least five rounds lowered their handicap by 4.2 strokes.
Club Champion fits and builds custom clubs with all the major manufacturers, and has been ranked among the Top 100 Best Club Fitters 10 consecutive years. For more information see Clubchampion.com.
Ben Hogan ICON Irons
BEN HOGAN GOLF releases ICON IRONS, a more traditional Muscle Back Blade for better players.
The Icon iron comes with many of Mr. Hogan’s design principals and philosophies.
The Hogan Companies Direct-to-Consumer business option allows golfers to eliminate retail mark-up. Icon irons will be sold at $770.00 (chrome) and $800 (black) for a 7-piece set.
Scott White, CEO of the Ben Hogan Equipment Company said,” Ben Hogan always had high standards, especially for his blade iron designs. We think the new ICON irons are clubs he would be very proud of.” More information at Benhogangolf.com
Stephanie Carter CEO of Wallaroo
WALLAROO HATS based in Boulder Colorado, has announced their new line called Carkela for 2020.
Perfect for Golf-Travel-Resort-Beach and poolside wearing.
Carkella is the new collection from Wallaroo, that comes with an etched metal badge, that attaches to a hidden magnet in the trim of the hat.
Wallaroo-Carkella comes with the following features, Flexi Weave, that helps keep your hat in shape no matter how it was packed. The UV-Protection Factor that protects your skin in the area’s that your Carkella hat covers. The Carkella Line is washable, learn how by watching videos on the website. Comfy-Fit, and Travel Friendly.
Click here to hear our interview with Stephanie Carter of Wallaroo Hats and the Carkella Collection for 2020.
More models from Wallaroo include the Fairway, the Victoria, the Palm Beach, the Parker, and the Sydney Fedora. See Carkella.com or (303)-494-5949 or toll free at (888)-925-2766. Offices are currently closed because of the Corona Virus.
PICK UP IS OPEN AT MCWETHY’S TAVERN at Mistwood Golf Club. McWethy’s Sportsbar at the Mistwood Golf Dome is open for curbside pick-up as well. Visit Mistwoodgc.com or mistwoodgolfdome.com for details on both facilities food operations _____________________________________________________________________
