THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is closed through at least the end of the month of March, and likely through April 6th per Governor JB Pritzker’s (D) mandate on the Virus.

Currently McWethy’s Tavern at the dome is still open for business, if you wish to carry out. You can place an order and pick-up, or have a delivery service pick-up for you. Details at Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600.         ____________________________________________________________________

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

THE U.S. OPEN TROPHY on the par 4, 15th hole at Erin Hills. Welcome to Erin Hills home of the 2017 U.S. Open, the 2022 USGA Mid-Amateur, and 2025 U.S. Women’s Open.

WHAT’S NEW AT ERIN HILLS, the Drumlin Putting Course (L) and the Fescue Rescue cocktail served at Erin Hills.

The U.S. Women’s Open Trophy (L) and the USGA Mid Amateur Trophy (L).

Destination golf property Erin Hills in Erin Wisconsin, is preparing for another exciting year of golf in central to southeast Wisconsin.

Tee times and rooms for overnight stays are filling fast for the year ahead, that will tee off on May 4th and run into early October.

If you have never been to Erin Hills, or it’s been a few seasons since your last round of golf at Erin Hills, you should check out what’s ahead for 2020.

Click here to hear our interview with Erin Hills PGA Ambassador Rich Tock, on whats up at Erin Hills.

Tock talks about improvements at Erin Hills in place, what might be next, and what the next course at Erin Hills could be. More details at Erinhills.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME in Bolingbrook

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME in Bolingbrook is closed through the end of the month (virus safety).

But McWethy’s Sportsbar in the dome is open for carry out orders. Or you can use delivery services to  have orders taken to your home.

More info at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or by calling (630)-739-7600.

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

The new Bushnell Tour V5

Bushnell Outdoor Products a leader in the golf rangefinder industry, and on the PGA Tour, has added to it’s line of range finders in 2020.

“Golfers look to us to provide the most accurate distance readings on the course to perform at their highest level,” said Derek Schuman, Senior Brand Manager at Bushnell Golf. “We are constantly innovating and developing new technologies, and with the addition of our BITE magnetic cart mount, Visual JOLT and our updated slope algorithm in the Tour V5 Shift, we continue to provide golfers the products they need to increase their confidence and play better golf.”

The new Tour V5 rangefinders now include “BITE” technology. It’s BITE magnetic mount allows for a safe secured storage during a round of golf. JOLT is a red ring that flashes when golfers actually lock onto the flag.

More features include a new slope algorithm (Tour V5 Shift only ), Slope-Switch Technology (Tour V5 Shift Only), PinSeeker with Visual Jolt Technology, Builtin BITE Magnetic Cart Mount, Accurate to within 1-yard, 5-1,300-yard range performance (400= yards to a flag), 6x magnification, Bright, clear optics (2x brighter than previous models), A Fast Focus System, Rain proof, Premium carry Case, and three-volt battery included, a two-year warranty.

Available at retailers nationwide by the end of March, Tour V5 retail price $299.99, Tour V5 Shift is $399.99.

The Bushnell WINGMAN GPS Speaker

The Bushnell Wingman GPS Speaker, is the first to the market technology that works with GPS and Bluetooth.

“We are excited to introduce a product that will allow golfers to enjoy themselves on the course, while providing them with the functions of a distance measuring device,” said William Flood, Bushnell Golf Product Manager. ” With it’s ability to play music and provide the GPS data golfers rely on, the Wingman GPS Speaker is unlike any other product in the industry, and we are thrilled to add it to the Bushnell Golf family.”

It works by pairing the Wingman with your music source and Bushnell Golf App. Press the remote button to get audible GPS distances from your Bushnell Golf App.

The Wingman GPS Features are. Audible GPS distances and music through mobile applications, Front center and back distances-with customizable for game play, Integrated BITE magnetic cart mount, Auto hole advance, 10+hour battery life, charge other devices from speaker.

The Wingman GPS Speaker will be available in April. Retail price is $149.99. More details at Bushnellgolf.com.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is closed for business-McWethys Sports Bar is facing changes because of Governor JB Prtizker’s (D) ordering of restaurant closing. Follow details at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. THE DONALD ROSS GOLF Course at the French Lick Resort has opened for the season. Details at Frenchlick.com. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-By RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation-Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Facebook, and Linkedin. #playsomegolf

The Titleist T 400 Irons

Titleist has launched is new long distance T400 Irons. The T400’s are already available for fitting, and hit the pro shops on March 27.

The style of the Iron is a thin faced, wide body, with a hollow head construction, and a large amount of high-density tungsten. The end result is a higher and further launch.

The T400 joins the Titleist line of T100, T100-s, T200 and T300 models, giving golfers options to pick from on the Titleist line of Irons.

“T400 is the super distance Titleist iron. The club is engineered to get the ball in the air and launch it as for as possible, even when the strike is not perfect,” says Josh Talge, Vice President of Marketing, Titleist Golf Clubs. “There are so many golfers, particularly players with moderate swing speed, who can benefit from the this technology. T400 gets the absolute most out of your swing while still providing the playability of a Titleist iron along with that look, sound and feel that dedicated players demand.”

Shaft options include Mitsubishi Fubuki MV IR and True Temper AMT Red. Grip is the Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 Lite. Price $185.50 per club $1,299/set of 7. Graphite MAP $199.50 per club and $1,399/set of 7.

T100.S Irons by Titleist a forged Iron.

The new Titleist T-100.S Irons mark the entrance of a forged players iron that propels shots to greater distance.

They are modeled after the T100 irons, the T100.s irons are designed with a 2-degree stronger loft to help better players shoot lower numbers.

Fittings of the new T100.s irons is now underway with the clubs in the stores and shops by March 27.

“T100.s was developed as a Players Distance iron with an emphasis on the word Players. We’ve taken the most popular irons on the PGA Tour and carefully engineered them to maximize distance,” said Talge.

“As we were launched the new T-Series, we met a lot of golfers who were really excited about T100 but had become accustomed to playing stronger-lofted iron sets. It would have been really easy just to take T100’s and bend them stronger for those players. But doing that you start to sacrifice the incredible feel and turf interaction-the reasons why players were gravitating toward them in the first place. So our engineers went back and redesigned each individual iron to give these players the stronger lofts and distance they are looking for, while preserving the performance of that pure forged shape and sole.”

Available T100.s irons include 3-19 degrees, 4-22, 5-25, 6-28, 7-32, 8-36, 9-40, P-44, W-48. The T-100.s stock shaft is the True Temper Project X LZ-Mid-Launch low spin, but Titleist offers numerous number custom shaft choices, most at no up-charge.

MAP $175.00 per club, (1399/set of 8 clubs). Details at Titleistgolf.com

The Mistwood Golf Dome

The Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook is closed through the end of the month.

But McWethy’s Sports Bar is still open for carry-out orders, if your in the area.

Delivery services from Mistwood-McWethys Sportsbar are also an option.

You can also buy gift cards towards other Mistwood options for when the other section of the Mistwood operation open up. Details at Mistwoodgolf.com.

CDGA.org

THE CDGA Mid-Amateur has been canceled.

Due to the Cornona Virus (COVID-19). I think we all saw this coming but it has been recently confirmed. In fact, we’re expecting to see golf clubs all around the country to be closed by the government in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus. Of course, we all need to be listening to the advice of the government. By making sure we only go out when it’s essential, wearing an n95-mask, and maintain social distancing, we will be able to get back onto the green sooner rather than later.

The 2020 CDGA Mid-Amateur Championship is the 6th CDGA Mid-Amateur. The championship was scheduled to be played from May 18-20 at the Naperville Country Club.

There was three qualifiers for the event that were slated to begin on April 27th.

The CDGA also announced that four basic Rules of Golf Seminars that were scheduled for March 24, March 25, April 7 and April 21 have been canceled. The five remaining World Handicap System Seminars will be held as webinar-only events. You can still register for them on CDGA.org.

All decisions regarding CDGA programs, events or activities are based on the safety and welfare of our members and their families. Decisions on other CDGA events will be made going forward at an appropriate time.

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

THE GENERAL CLUBHOUSE AND THE WOODLANDS INN ENTRY at Eagle Ridge.

Eagle Ridge management informed us this morning, they have made the difficult decision to close down the resort, restaurants, spa and golf courses. They hope to reopen by the end of April, but that date could change. If you have already made reservations, contact the resort to make cancellations or changes.

Eagleridge.com for more details.

REMINDER-McWethy’s Sports bar, part of the Mistwood Golf Dome, is open for outside pick up. See Mistwoodgolfdome.com for details.

THE 2020 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

THE 2020 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP schedule for May at Harding Park near San Francisco California, has been postponed.

As of now, the PGA of America is planning to still use Harding Park at some point later this summer to host the championship.

No date change has yet been announced.

The PGA has not commented on rumors of the 2020 Ryder Cup scheduled for late September in Wisconsin at Whistling Straits will be played in 2021. Team USA Captain Steve Stricker says he has not heard of any date or year change.

AS OF NOW-reports coming from the UK that the Ryder Cup is postponed are FALSE.

KENOSHA COUNTY has closed its golf courses until it’s deemed safe to open them again.

  JEMSEK GOLF stands firm against the Corona Virus. Cog Hill and Pine Meadow are open, but with restrictions on the clubhouses and the food operation. More details at Coghillgolf.com (866)-COG-HILL or at Pinemeadowgc.com (847)-566-GOLF. #playgolf   ____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. At Pine Meadow in Mundelein, Dec. 26, 2019.

THE VIRUS THREAT could be getting more serious.

Some golf courses and facilities are closing until later this month. The ones that are open are running with a scaled down staff and operation.

THE FIRST TEE NETWORK of Greater Chicago, sent out this message today.

The schedule for the remainder of March is canceled. Programming for April for the most part will be cancelled, the April 9th Masters Watch Party is cancelled. Beyond that for now-all events cancelled. More information can be found at thefirsteeofgreaterchicago.org.

JEMSEK GOLF is open across the board except for Cog 4, Dubsdread, that is expected to open on schedule April 11th. Details at Coghillgolf.com.

COURSES SUCH AS Oak grove and Chapel Hill did not open last weekend as planned, and they will remain closed a for a while. Opening day TBD.

BITTERSWEET GOLF CLUB in Gurnee is open, details on their website.

The Mistwood Golf Dome, has closed.

AT MISTWOOD, they have closed the dome through March 31st.

Food orders from McWethy’s Sports Bar are still an option for delivery or carry-out. To make orders please call (630)-739-1592.

In addition McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood Golf Club is open for carry out or delivery. Call in your orders at (815)-254-7001. Mistwood Golf Club is still expected to open at some point in April, opening day TBD. Mistwoodgolf.com.

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT is closing it’s hotels on Thursday at 1 PM.

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT is closing it’s hotels this Thursday at 1 PM.

There is no date yet set for the French Lick Hotel, the West Baden Hotel and the Valley Tower rooms to reopen.

The Donald Ross Golf Course did reopen last weekend. And as of now, the Pete Dye Golf Course is expected to open for the season on Friday March 27th. Details at Frenchlick.com.

SCOTTY CAMERON is closing his design studio immediately, located in Encinitas California. The studio will be closed through March 31st, but that date could be extended. Scottycameron.com.

   HIGH FALLS NY. HEMP-CBD

For those of you using CBD products, the folks at High Falls Hemp in New York have a deal for you.

Currently there is free shipping on all orders, and check the High Falls website for a special 15% offer.

High Falls located in upstate New York is a leader in the Hemp Industry.

Golfers on Golf will have a part 2, on the use of CBD products later next week.

THE PGA of America has postponed the National Club Professional Championship, no new dates have been scheduled so far. PGA.com *UPDATING PGA Championship now delayed until late summer, dates TBA.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IN BOLINGBROOK is open for business. But McWethys Sportsbar in the dome could be changing how it serves food due to the Governor JB Pritzker’s (D) Crackdown on bars and restaurants. (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 or Linkedin. At Topgolf in Schaumburg.

WE NEED A CORONA KILLER-maybe it’s a shot in the arm, maybe it’s shot as we know it in the glass.

Golf courses and clubs that want to improve their bottom line, should create a cocktail by that name. Ingredients up to you. I have idea’s on what the mixture could be, but I’ll keep it to myself for now. But Rum or Crown Royal are a key part of the mix I’m creating.

As for golf courses, some are open and some are not. For those of you that have not opened yet, why not stay closed until April 1 (no joke) and review at that time.

If your open, stay open. The stir crazy in all of us will boil over in about 3-4 more days. It is supposed to be safe to go play golf outside, and not in large groups. If you are sick already, don’t go. Stay home. If the clubhouse is packed, grab a beverage and go. But yes no open booze on the way home unless your Uber, Cab, Limo or friend is taking you home.

Sometimes it’s just nice to throw the bag over your shoulder and walk, as a single or with a partner is probably the best way to go. If you take a cart, make sure it’s been cleaned from the last user. Senior golfers if your going to play, maybe only 9 holes, or the par 3 course and take it back to your clubhouse.

If your home and bored, with no sports on, but love golf. Keep it here, and yes here is something you can spread around. Golfersongolf.com I still have plenty to write, from the PGA Show and beyond. So if your thinking new clubs, or much needed trip when the virus is killed, I’ll have some idea’s on that.

I have stories yet on new clubs from Titleist and Callaway, products in apparel, golf carts, travel, range finders and more. As time goes on, if open golf courses are going to shutdown, I’ll try and pass it along. I will also try and reach some golf professionals, GM’s, course owners on what the plan is for their facility.

Every course I have heard from is doing everything they can to have a clean environment for golfers that do come out. Based on our Governor JB Pritzker’s (D) plan of yesterday, we could have some 19th holes limited until April.

In order to help on the business side, try and do something to support your local courses. Birthday’s are still coming up, so is Easter, Mothers Day, etc. go buys gift cards so when people head out, they might have a free round or two. A new cap or shirt to start the golf season, is not a bad idea either. For all we know, golf clubs can not catch the virus, a new club or 14 to start the year is a great plan. Maybe a carry bag, to go walk 9 or 18 holes could work.

AND PLEASE don’t steal toilet paper from the porta-potties and restrooms out on the course. Somebody might really need it.

IT WAS GREAT NEWS to hear that Settlers Hill in Batavia is getting a full renovation with architect Greg Martin in charge. The course will be closed next year, so go play it this year. Then return in 2022 and see the new holes and new routing.

IT’S STILL HARD TO BELIEVE the Masters is Postponed and I’m feeling bad for Logan Keeter and Reese Wallace our two 11 year-old’s who have a ticket punched to Augusta National for the Drive-Chip and Putt finals. I hope both kids still get there this fall.

As for Golfers on Golf Radio, the plan is still to begin in April, just not sure what Saturday yet. April 4th might change to the 11th or the 18th, we will see. I’ll add podcasts with Len Ziehm or other golf world industry folks as needed.

In the meantime, keep swinging, or putting in the office, living room or basement if  need-be. I’m back tomorrow, RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Home of Toptracer technology and the McWethy’s Sports Bar. Virus precautions in place-Open for business, stop out and get ready golf season #notboringhere Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600.        _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-BY RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Facebook, Linkedin at the Snake Pit on Copperhead at Innisbrook

THE GOG BLOG is full speed ahead during these Corona Virus times, there is still plenty of golf to talk about as the season is just around the corner.

If your a golfer and your ready for the season to start, and you are a little stuck in your clubhouse. Keep it here, there will be plenty to see and read as the small amount of snow that arrived in the area today melts away. Stay with us and feel free to connect with us on Social media.

The par 3, 8th hole on Innisbrook-Copperhead.

With the cancellation of the Valspar Championship this coming week at the Innisbrook Resort, the famed Copperhead Course is tournament ready.

And now it’s ready for you the public golfer. Are you ready to play a PGA Tour course, tournament week, with out the fee of an expensive pro-am.

Sign up now for the Tournament Package at Innisbrook, a part of your fee will be donated to local charities that normally receive donations from the Valspar Championship. See Innisbrookresort.com, check out the tournament package valid for a limited time. The Innisbrook rooms have all been recently renovated and are in outstanding new condition. Play Copperhead-Play where the pro’s play.

THE CALLAWAY GOLF SHOES worn by Adam Hadwin on during Players Championship week, the Coronado golf shoe. $129.95

Callaway had two of it’s brand ambassadors wearing Callaway Golf Shoes this past week at the Players Championship.

Canadian Adam Hadwin wore the Coronado shoe, a waterproof leather-upper. The fusion lite insole has 9 cleats for added stability. Suggested price is $129.95.

Australian Marc Leishman the runner-up at the Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Invitational, spent this past week at the Players Championship wearing the Callaway LaGrange 2.0. The flagship shoe is full-grain leather upper with a soft EVA midsole.

The suggested retail price on the LaGrange is $149.95  for more information see Callawayfootwear.com.

THE WORLD AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP in Myrtle Beach South Carolina has started taking entries for the 37th annual WA-Championship as of this past Wednesday. The championship will be played this year from August 31 through September 4.

Over 3,000 players are again expected to compete, the championship is played on over 60 of Myrtle Beach’s golf courses. Sign up cost through May 14th is $535.00, a $120.00 savings on the regular price. To sign up visit Myrtlebeachworldamateur.com.

THE MONDAY AFTER THE MASTERS tournament put on in Myrtle Beach South Carolina with Hootie and Blowfish has been postponed due to concerns from the Corona Virus, the event will return in 2021.

Cog Hill Owner Frank Jemsek greets guests at the Cog Hill booth at the Chicago Golf Show.

COG HILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB in Lemont has it’s annual Fitting and Demo Day on Saturday April 25th from 9 Am to 1 Pm.

*As of now this event is still on.

There will be all the top major manufacturers appearing.

The Fathers’ Day Fitting and Demo Day is scheduled for Saturday, June 20th, from 8 Am to 12 Pm (noon). For more details call (866)-Cog-Hill. On line you can learn more at Coghillgolf.com.

Welcome to Forest Dunes in Roscommon Michigan.

Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon Michigan, home to the Tom Weiskopf designed Forest Dunes golf course, and the Tom Doak created reversible Loop golf course, is announcing the opening of a new short par-3 course this summer.

The new short course will be 10-holes and will open in Mid-summer.

The new Short course will have green fee’s of $39.00 per round. Ages 15 and  under are complimentary with a paying adult. Ages 16-17 are just $20.00. Groups can play as an eightsome, but must reserve two time slots. See Forestdunesgolf.com or call (989)-275-0700.

The Gog Blog Returns on Monday. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IN BOLINGBROOK IS OPEN and taking precautions to be a safe and clean facility at this time. Looking for something to do, go hit some golf balls, get ready for golf season, drink down a virus stopper. Details at (630)-739-7600.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on LinkedIn or Facebook. With the Hall of Famer Len Ziehm in Port St. Lucie-in Jan. of 2020.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT. Scroll down to hear Ziehm and Spears Podcast 2020-Volume 2.

As golf changed before our eyes, what we saw, what we know and what we don’t.

As usual, Len has a lot to say and we hope you will enjoy this version of our podcast series for 2020.

ONE THING LEN AND I will continue to do, is search out all the golf news we can during this time when the Corona Virus is disrupting our daily routines, and effecting work, school, travel and more. Today there is breaking news about our area’s latest course renovation. Settlers Hill in Kane County. Golf architect Greg Martin has been selected to oversee the master plan for the courses improvements.

Settlers Hill will remain open for all of 2020. Some renovation work will start on the course this summer, in area’s that will not affect play. But the course will be closed in all of 2021, and likely not reopen until late spring (May-June) of 2022.

Settlers Hill in Batavia is preparing for renovation.

This past week the Kane County Forest Preserve District approved Settlers Hill for renovation.

This decision was years in the making, but will benefit those who use the facility for years going forward.

Martin calls Settlers Hill, “a piece of property with enormous potential, residing on some of the most interesting and unique property in central Kane County.”

Architect Greg Martin works in his west suburban offices.

Martin will oversee a long list of needed improvements to the golf course.

The list includes, relocation/realignment of some holes to accommodate better site characteristics, drainage, circulation and views.

A regrading and drainage improvements, that will improve maintenance

Renovations of bunkers, tees and greens. A partial renovation to bridges and cart paths. Tree Clearing. Tee to green Grassing. The addition of a Practice Range and Youth Links. A new full irrigation system.

Click here to hear the interview with golf architect Greg Martin on the renovation plan for Settlers in Hill in Batavia.

In recent years Martin has served as National President for the ASGCA (American Society Golf Course Architects), and in the Chicago area Martin has done renovation work at Phillips Park in Aurora, Fox Run Golf Club in Elk Grove, Wilmette Golf Club in Wilmetter, Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton, The Preserve at Oak Meadows Golf Club in Addison, Park Ridge Country Club (summer of 2020).

Martin’s work at, The Preserve at Oak Meadows and Phillips Park won numerous awards from various national organizations and golf publications.

The Gog Blog still has plenty of stories to write, so if your looking for golf news during the virus filled days ahead, keep it here. RS