THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-OPEN FOR BUSINESS-CLEAN AND SAFE. Get out of the house. Call the dome at (630)-739-7600 or Mistwoodgolfdome.com Bolingbrook.   _____________________________________________________________________

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

Rory Spears (L) and Len Ziehm (R) in the PGA Village Studio in Port St. Lucie Florida. Photo by Joy Sarver.

Our current edition of Podcast 2020, was done on the landline. Not over some Pinehurst Brewery Lateral hazard brew. Darn !

I could use some Lateral Hazard now, who knows maybe it’s the cure for the Corona-19 Virus.

Podcast 2020-Volume 2 between the 2019 Illinois Golf Hall of Famer Len Ziehm, and Rory Spears that Gog Blog Guy.

We talk it out, and break down pro golf shutting down. The Players is gone, Valspar gone, Match Play Gone, Valero Texas Open, Gone, The Masters Postponed…to when.

Len talks being on the grounds at the Players, and lets you in on how fat your wallet needs to be to golf there starting Tuesday…ouch. The college game, or lack of it, might the Big Ten save college golf for the spring of 2020.

What’s happening here, a couple of courses shutting down for two weeks. Some staying open. We have details.

Click here to hear Podcast 2020-Volume 2, Ziehm and Spears.

Golfersongolf.com and lenziehmongolf.com and see lenziehmongolf.com for Len’s Columns from TPC Sawgrass. The Gog Blog returns later today with breaking news, that Architect Greg Martin to start renovation work at Settlers Hill in Geneva this summer.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME RT. 53 IN BOLINGBROOK is open, and they are taking precautions regarding the Virus. So come take a break from all the scary new and enjoy the dome, have your game in shape. Outdoor golf season is coming. (630)-739-7600.    _____________________________________________________________________

  ALL WILL REMAIN QUIET at the Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament. The club announced today that the playing of the 2020 Masters has been postponed. Date TBA.

It was also announced that Drive-Chip and Putt has been postponed as well.

The PGA Tour and all of it’s tours are closed down now until Hilton Head or the Heritage Classic from April 13-19. The Champions Tour, Korn Ferry Tour and the LPGA is shut down until further notice.

The USGA has not announced any changes to it’s schedule at this time. Which could change. Stay clicked in for details.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IN BOLINGBROOK-is open for business. Mistwood and McWethy’s Sportsbar, and McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood Golf Club released a statement that they are doing everything they can for a safe and clean environment. So hit some golf balls and take your mind off the virus. Details at Mistwoodgolfdome.com.    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS. Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and Linkedin and Facebook. At the Bayou Rum Distillery in the Lake Charles area of LA.

A TALL RUM and something would go great right now. It’s been that type of day.

Maybe some good booze, is the cure to this nasty Corona Virus that is shutting down the USA, one step at a time.

I did not write earlier today, because I wanted to see where the fallout would end before I did post.

The fallout continues and those of us who work in sports are basically unemployed until, well who really knows when.

Working the Blackhawks game last night the feeling hit hard and fast that our world and the world of sports would be hard hit. Golf started today at the Players Championship, and the decision was made to continue, starting tomorrow without fans. then after Round 1 was complete, came word the remainder of the tournament was cancelled. So are the next three events leading up to the Masters.

The folks at Augusta have a couple of weeks to decide on what to do, hopefully things reside by then enough to make decision. Maybe if the Masters is the first event to come back and play, it will be the “Miracle Masters”. For those of us who remember the “Miracle Million” after Arlington Park burned down just over a month before the big race, the crew there pulled it off and ran the Million. Let’s hope the Masters is played and on time.

The NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, have shut down, so have all the professional golf tours. It’s unknown when they can start again, lets hope it’s 2-3 weeks, it could be longer.

It’s not hard to feel sorry for the all NCAA athletes that has their careers end today, unless the NCAA smartens up and either still holds championships in a month or so, or extends the eligibility for one more year to the seniors affected. Illini Men’s golf coach Mike Small was on Twitter feeling based for his three seniors. Word is plenty of college athletes are in tears tonight. And not because they are scared about the virus. Who can blame them.

The Men’s Big Ten Golf Championships were to be played May 1-3 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, now they won’t be held. I’m waiting for a statement from owner Jerry Rich about what RHF might do in getting another Big Ten Championship. 2022 is going to the French Lick Resort in French Lick Ind.

As for golf, I was going to take my game outside in about two weeks, when the weather warms up and the courses dry out a bit more. I will still do that weather permitting. In the meantime, if courses are open go enjoy. There might not be much else to do.

Golfers on Golf Radio was going to be first on tee come April 4th, now I will wait and see if that is a good day to start. Stay clicked in for details.

I still have plenty to write from the PGA Show in Orlando and on a few other topics, so if your staying inside or bummed out with no sports. I hope to have some ideas from the world of golf, that will keep you entertained until things really do get back to normal.

Go practice and maybe get fitted for new clubs, because when golf season opens at full speed, you need to be ready to go. I will be. Stay clicked in. The Corona-V will not slow us down. In the meantime, try to live your life and stay healthy. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME built for days like today-where the weather outside is not right for outdoor golf. CLUB FITTINGS-Today PXG 4-8 PM. Tomorrow Cobra 4-7 PM. The dome is home to Toptracer and McWethy’s Sportsbar. Call (630)-739-7600. The dome is in Bolingbrook on Rt. 53, visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com for more details.       _____________________________________________________________________

ILLINOIS PGA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Carrie Williams (M) is with Augusta Bound Drive, Chip and Putt finalists Reese Wallace (L) and Logan Keeter (R) at Medinah Country Club’s driving range.

Let’s hope they have green jackets for 11 year-old’s.

Because Illinois has two finalists in the Drive, Chip and Putt contest on April 5th at Augusta National Golf Club.

Logan Keeter of Northbrook, and Reese Wallace of South Barrington both 11 years old, will represent the Chicago area.

Both Keeter and Wallace went through three qualifiers to make the finals in Augusta.

Children of ages 7-15 can compete. The first local nine qualifiers had nine locations and 1,346 junior golfers came out to show their skills. The top three finishers moved on to a Sub-Regional, where the top two finishers went on to a Regional Final, where the winners in each group earned a trip to Augusta National.

“We are thrilled that two local players qualified for the National Finals at Augusta National from our PGA Section,” said Carrie Williams, executive director of the Illinois PGA Section. “Drive, Chip and Putt is such a wonderful program and competition for young players to test their skills and have fun.”

Keeter’s three qualifiers included Pine Meadow in Mundelein, Countryside Golf Club, before heading to Minnesota and compete at Interlachen Golf Club. This was his first attempt at Drive, Chip and Putt.

Wallace had her journey start in Effingham Country Club, from their is was to Oak Brook and the Oak Brook Golf Club. But then it was back on the road to Colorado, and the Colorado Golf Club, where she won in a playoff on her 11th birthday. This was her sixth time in the competition.

(L) LOGAN KEETER of Northbrook swings away (R) REESE WALLACE of South Barrington hits a drive on the Medinah Country Club range.

Golfers on Golf spoke 1 on 1 with Logan and Reese and here are interviews with both of them. Listen in and get to know both Logan Keeter and Reese Wallace.

Click here to hear Logan Keeter, who plays most of his golf out of Sportsmans Golf and Country Club in Northbrook.

Click here to hear the interview with Reese Wallace who plays most of her golf at Medinah Country Club.

The finals of Drive, Chip and Putt will be held at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday Morning April 5th, coverage will be on the Golf Channel, where you can cheer on both Logan and Reese.

WET AND SNOWY WEATHER IN THE FORECAST-Outside this week. Nice and warm inside the Mistwood Golf Dome and McWethys Sports Bar. Blast the driver, work on the short game, get fitted for clubs. Visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600.      _____________________________________________________________________

The former WGA headquarters is now home to the Illinois PGA.

HOME- 1 Briar Road Golf, Illinois.

For many years the address above meant you had found the home of the Western Golf Association (WGA) and the Evans Scholars. That is true no longer.

1 Briar Road, Golf Illinois is now home to the Illinois PGA Section office. There is still some work to do before the IPGA actually moves in, but when they do, the section office space will have been expanded. Plus credit to the Illinois PGA for keeping the address in Golf alive, in the world of local golf agencies.

It does seem fitting that an Illinois based golf organization, resides in Golf Illinois.

The building was constructed in 1955, and was home of the WGA/ESF for 64 years. Joining the Illinois PGA in this historic building will be Village of Golf Post Office, and the offices of the village itself. But they have already been tenants for many years.

The WGA was kind enough to leave the welcome mat out for the Illinois PGA.

“The Illinois PGA Foundation and Section have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with KemperSports and the Glen Club where we’ve been fortunate enough to have a rent-free office space for nearly 20 years. Their generosity cannot be overstated. The Glen Club has also been home to the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame, which the Foundation manages,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of both the Illinois PGA Foundation and the Section. “But the time has come for us to establish our own headquarters and John Kaczkowski (President/CEO of the WGA/ESF) and the WGA/ESF Board have given us an incredible opportunity to make that happen.”

The WGA moved to a new facility on Patriot Drive in The Glen area of Glenview in fall of 2019.

“As an allied association working in the Chicagoland-area golf business, the WGA/ESF has enjoyed a strong and collaborative relationship with the Illinois PGA and when we were ready to sell the building we immediately thought the Illinois PGA Foundation and Section were the perfect organizations to carry on the tradition of a golf association owning and occupying it,” said Kaczkowski.

“From a few boxes of folders in the Executive Director’s car trunk to an Oak Brook office space to Ruffled Feathers Golf Club to the Glen Club and now the purchase of our own building, the Illinois PGA Section and Foundation have a come a long way,” said Jim Miller, PGA of Bloomington Country Club, president of the Illinois PGA Section.

The historic parking signs for WGA staff still are posted in the parking lot in Golf Illinois.

The Illinois PGA Section was first founded in 1921, with the intention to serve it member golf professionals, while growing the game and increasing enjoyment and involvement at all levels.

The Illinois PGA Foundation was created in 1991, and was designed to focus on efforts in the community, and to promote goodwill and growth initiatives. Among the programs created and or now overseen by the foundation include the PGA Junior League, Drive-Chip and Putt, GolfWorks Illinois, The Illinois Golf Hall of Fame and college scholarships.

The IPGA will move into the new offices later this year, once renovations and upgrades to the building are complete. The Illinois Golf Hall of Fame displays will remain at the Glen Club, for all who visit to enjoy to at no charge.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is your place for indoor golf. The weather this week does not look great, and open courses might need to take a step back. You don’t. Keep getting your game ready with golf at the indoor home of Toptracer and McWethy’s Sportsbar. Learn more at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600. THE FRENCH LICK RESORT has spring golf packages now available, you can book now and be ready to enjoy Southern Indiana. Visit Frenchlick.com #SrLpga now in July.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY-you were expecting ? By Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory-either one of us on Twitter. But for Rory Spears @GogBlogGuy.

I open the week with a nod to the defending champion of the Players Championship, that tee’s off this week from TPC Sawgrass in Florida.

Rory McIlroy what went wrong yesterday at Bay Hill, one moment you are winning the tournament on the front nine on Sunday. Then an hour later you have lost five shots and trail by 4. Do please, get it all worked out by your tee time on Thursday.

THE PLAYERS is not a major, nor should it be, even though it normally has one of the best fields of the year. This year will be no different, and large galleries are expected, unless the C-Virus scares them from coming out. I’ll take a lime with that please.

SAWGRASS is one of the great designs created by the late Pete Dye, and I’ll have more thoughts on Pete’s Courses later in the week.

TIGER IS NOT PLAYING this week, so there should be a much more balanced coverage of the championship. Let’s see what NBC has on tap for us. Woods sore or stiff back that caused him to miss the WGC-Mexico, the Honda, Bay Hill and The Players is still not right. No date set yet for his return. In the meantime more good news, is that without Woods we are seeing not the stars of tomorrow, but the stars of today. Several first time winners have won in recent weeks and that’s good for golf. The tour is not and never should be, all about 1 player.

THE WEATHER HERE is interesting. 67 yesterday and now a week of 31 to 50, maybe push golfers back indoors to work on their game. Some courses that were about ready to open, have pushed back opening day for a week or two. With the rain now falling outside our office, holding up course openings could be a good thing. Sad to say.

THE RIVERS CASINO in Rosemont now has sports book betting. The first bets were made this morning. Blackhawks and NBC hockey announcer and Horse Racing guru Ed Olczyk made the first bet. He picked the White Sox to win the AL Central at 16-1. Others were there making bets on horses, but no word yet if golf betting is an option there. If it isn’t, it should be. I’ll check it out this week. #bettheplayerschampionship

NORTHBROOK’S NICK HARDY had another good week on the Korn Ferry Tour, even though his final round of +1 (73) dropped him down 9 spots to a T-16. Hardy is now in 23rd place on the K-F Tour points list. The top 25 at season’s end get a PGA Tour Card for the 2020-2021 season.

I HOPE YOU HAVE SEEN some of our recent postings about the news around town. It was nice to see that the new clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows is making progress and coming out of the ground. It is expected to open at some point this fall.

IN PALATINE where Palatine Hills Golf Club is trying to rid itself of a flooding image, after repeated flooding on it’s last four holes (15-18). I spoke with Palatine Park District Director of Facilities Steven Nagle who assures me that the Park District is ready to review some options and see what can be done about the flooding issues. The course flooded 8 times in 2019, which is 8 times too many.

IN ELK GROVE at Fox Run Golf once the costs are figured out, and the park board votes some final approvals, a new clubhouse and maintenance barn will be built. Work is expected to start right after Labor Day. A bigger clubhouse is needed at Fox Run.

THE NEW BOB VOKEY SM8 Wedges are in the pro shops as of last Friday. Which is great news. But whether it’s the new SM8’s or the Callaway Jaws Wedges by Roger Cleveland, both are really good. I hit both at the PGA Show in Orlando, and the newer sleeker styles on both help golfers cut and slice through their shots, instead of heavy bottom weighted wedges, that can cause fat shots or the dreaded skulled line drives. If your in the market for new wedges, there hasn’t been a better time to get new ones than right now.

Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island. SC.

One of my favorite resorts in the Southeast is Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.

They have three 18 hole golf courses, and all are worth playing if your travels take you that way.

All three courses are named after the architects that built them. Robert Trent Jones, Arthur Hills and George Fazio.

The resort is offering some specials this spring including the “Ladies Golf Getaway”, the “Golf Academy Package”, the Group Golf Stay & Play. In the summer ahead the “Summer Buddies & Brews Group Golf Package” will be another option.

What does this oceanfront resort have ? It’s more like what don’t they have. A beach, great golf, fantastic food and beverage and plenty of other activities. For more details do visit Palmettodunes.com or call (877)-567-6513. You can get a quote today. Don’t have a group, no problem for singles, couples or families. PDOR-is over 2,000 acres of fun, so go enjoy the Low-Country of South Carolina.

FINALLY, it was disheartening to hear that PGA Tour Player Scott Piercy lost three endorsement deals this past week, because of a joke he posted on his private Twitter account about former Democratic Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg. Titleist, FootJoy and his clothing contract with J. Lindeberg. What has emerged in golf in recent years, is that too many folks are getting their feelings hurt or offended by what’s posted on Twitter. It’s time to move forward and realize that words are just that, and folks should have a little more liberty to post as they wish on their social media accounts, without all the drama that at times, follows.

The Gog Blog will return all week long. RS

ARE YOU READY FOR A SPORTS SUNDAY. As some courses that thought they would be open today, are not open. Why not head indoors, and watch the Cubs, Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks, plus the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Enjoy some golf and head into McWethy’s Sports Bar for all the action. Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600.     ___________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram. With Bob Vokey, his new SM8 wedges are now out in shops and stores.

ALL THE GOLF NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW, and then some.

If you missed it, our feature and interview with Titleist’s Bob Vokey, The Wizard of Wedges is posted. His new SM8’s are out.

Plus local golf news, golf course projects around town are happening. Find out who and where in yesterdays feature.

IF YOU NEED A JOB in the golf world.

This afternoon from 3:30 to 5:30 Cog Hill Golf and Country Club will hold a job fair, for those looking for bartending jobs, pro shop, grounds, beverage cart and more. Bring a resume that lists three references and stop in to meet various department heads. Cog Hill on Archer Avenue in Lemont. (866)-COG-HILL.

THE NEW New balance Red and Black Foam LinksSL Collection.

Boston based-New Balance has announced two new additions to it’s line of Fresh Foam LinksSL Collection.

The Green-Gold and White color shoe will be available on March 15th, and the Red-White and Blue is available on May 1st.

The suggested retail price is $99.95.

The Fresh Foam technology includes, CUSH+ a molded sole for comfort and lateral stability.

The Fresh Foam midsole that brings comfort at the pressure points. SMART RUBBER OUTSOLE the spikeless outsole has omni-direction traction lugs. More details at Newbalance.com.

THORNBERRY CREEK at Oneida has hired Holly Williams as it’s new General Manager. Williams will oversee the golf course operations, and the guest experiences at Thornberry Creek. Williams comes with 12 years of experience in hospitality most recently serving as VP of Consumer Events at the PMI Entertainment Group in Green Bay Wisconsin. She worked with the 2010 PGA Championship at Kohler, and is a graduate of Ohio State.

Club Champion headquarters in Willowbrook

Willowbrook based Club Champion a national fitting company, has announced that they now offer over 45,000 hittable head and shaft combinations for golfers to find the fit they need.

New additions to the Club Champion line of club options, are clubs from the Ben Hogan Equipment Company, and Sacks Parente. Club Champion now has more options from Vega, Miura and PXG.

“It was a no-brainer to us to bring in brands like Ben Hogan and to work closely with others like PXG,” said Nick Sherburne, Club Champion Founder. “We pride ourselves on finding the perfect match for each golfer, and these new and revamped partnerships allow us to stand by that promise.”

Ben Hogan recent added the 2020 Club Fitters and Builders Program, where accredited fitters can purchase Ben Hogan club heads directly for use in their custom club making business. Club Champion is the first national partner to be a part of this program.

Club Champion will now have Sacks Parente Putters available at all 70+ Club Champion studios. Club Champion has expanded its partnership with Miura, and will now have more offerings at all locations. Club Champion will be the only fitter to have an official relationship with PXG Golf Club brand. More information can be found at Clubchampiongolf.com.

The Quarry Nine at Bay Harbor Golf Club.

BOYNE GOLF, The Bay Harbor Golf Club and the Country Club of Boyne, have now announced prospect memberships.

This is an exclusive Prospect Membership opportunity that will allow privileges at all three resort destinations and all 10 of Boyne’s Golf Courses.

The three properties all are within 18 miles of one another. The memberships are one-season long, and at the end of 2020, Prospect Members have the chance to join as Full Members. Boyne is making two Prospect Memberships available, one tied to Bay Harbor Golf Club, and the other with the Country Club of Boyne.

“Our golf and resort properties afford our members a rewarding active lifestyle that the entire family can enjoy. With Boyne Golf, the experience is about so much more than a ‘country club’ membership. It’s enjoying life nature and the things you love with the people you care about most in a truly unforgettable natural setting,” said Director of Membership Keriann Lonnee. “On top of that, to have 10 golf courses of this superb quality to choose from-as well as privileges at world-class Boyne Golf properties in Maine and Montana-has to be a golfers dream.”

For more information on Boyne Golf memberships please contact Keriann Lonnee at klonnee@boyne.com or call (844)-573-6355.

Cleveland Golf Smart Sole 4 Wedges.

Cleveland Golf has released two new wedge options for 2020.

The Cleveland CBX Full-Face is a new wedge that  brings more to the golfer in the short game phase of their game.

“Our new Cleveland CBX Full-Face is a perfect way to complete our wedge lineup,” said Brian Schielke, Marketing Director at Cleveland Golf. “It helps golfers execute the most demanding shots they’ll encounter thanks to a larger striking surface with extended grooves running across the face. It does this while maintaining great feel and the signature forgiveness golfers have come to expect in every Cleveland CBX wedge.”

Cleveland Golf says the Full-Face, provides a high-toe profile that is great for sliding under the golf ball during aggressive swings needed in the short game. The CBX Full-Face wedges offer these new innovations.

High Toe Profile-Rotex Full Face-Rotex Milling, Laser Milling, Half Cavity Design with a new location of the sweet spot, Low C-Shaped Sole for when you need open faced shots, it’s Cleveland CBX’s lowest grind ever.

The Smart Sole 4 Wedges come in the C Model for better chip shots, the S Model for sand shots, and a new G Model (Gap Wedge) for additional forgiveness on approach shots into the green. The C-Model is 42 degrees, the G-Model is 50 degrees, with the S-Model at 58 degrees. These wedges come in left and right handed options, for men and women. Prices range between $119.99 and $129.99 depending on steel or graphite orders.

The Gog Blog Returns on Monday.

  THE DOME THE ZONE-Mistwood Golf Dome for when it’s time to golf indoors. The home of Toptracer and McWethy’s Sportsbar. 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 and Linkedin and Facebook. In the WNDZ-AM studios.

A variety of stories are popping up in the Chicago area, especially at some of the suburban public courses.

Golfers on Golf has been working the following stories, and here is what we know right now.

The Wheeling Park District who run the Traditions at Chevy Chase, are taking over the golf operation at Rob Roy Golf Club in Prospect Heights from the River Trails Park District.

Since the sale of Rob Roy in the mid-1980’s that saw the addition of homes reduce the great 27-hole facility and full size natural grass driving range to just nine holes, and a range with mats. The facility has been operated by different groups. The new clubhouse, is again seeing upgrades indoors as the WPD takes over. What  additional benefits golfers will have under Wheeling taking over Rob Roy is still unclear.

The Rob Roy Clubhouse in Prospect Heights, that is getting upgrades on the inside.

But whatever plan the Wheeling Park District does come up with, hopefully it’s one that allows golfers who use either facility some benefits by going to the other course.

Rob Roy does have a range and Chevy Chase does not. Whether or not Chevy Chase professionals will be giving lessons at Rob Roy, is something that remains to be seen.

Golfers on Golf will have more details when they become available.

THE CLUBHOUSE AT FOX RUN in Elk Grove, and Fox Run’s maintenance building are heading for a fall demolition.

The Fox Run golf course operated by the Elk Grove Park District is expected to be headed towards getting a new clubhouse and golf course maintenance building. The park district has budgeted $8-10 million for the upgrades, but the project still has some steps to work through before the park board gives final approval, Golfers on Golf has been told.

The currently clubhouse needs a new roof and other upgrades that would run over $1 million dollars. With the clubhouse already undersized and the 19th hole called the Fox Den to small to handle groups over 30 people, the board has decided to just replace the clubhouse. The maintenance building is also undersized to handle the size of todays modern golf course equipment.

If the project moves forward as expected, work could begin right after Labor Day weekend this fall. Golf would continue with players checking in at a temporary trailer. A new clubhouse normally takes about one year to complete.

THE PRESERVE AT OAK MEADOWS is getting a new clubhouse that should open in fall of 2020.

The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison, has had it’s clubhouse under construction since the ground-breaking last September. There is no official date for it’s completion or opening, but it should be completed this year. The project has made progress over the winter months, and is starting to come out of the ground. While the new clubhouse will be just that, it will serve as a show piece for the DuPage County Forest Preserve District. The clubhouse will see plenty of use for events other than golf. For details on the golf season ahead visit Dupagegolf.com.

PALATINE HILLS Golf Course in Palatine. The course with it’s clubhouse that is only a few years old, is now looking to resolve a flooding issue.

Palatine Hills has been fighting a flooding problem on it’s four closing holes (15-18) and image the club would like to lose. Flooding in 2019 caused the club to lose three outings and effect others.

Heavy rains have caused golfers not to book rounds at the course, because they fear what conditions could be.

Golfers on Golf spoke with Steven Nagle, the Superintendent of Facilities regarding the issue.

“We don’t want golfers thinking that every time it rains they have to go find another golf course to play,” said Nagle.

According to Nagle the golf course is in a flood plain, and having the water on the golf course, keeps it out of the surrounding neighborhood. But that doesn’t help the golf course, or the golfers who like to play there.

Nagle says the park district has had conversations with various agencies including the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) about the flooding issue. Going forward Nagle and superintendent Brad Helms do seem ready to examine the issue again, and see what can be done. Here is hoping that Palatine Hills can find a solution.

The Gog Blog returns later today. RS

  COME TRACK IT WITH TOPTRACER at the Mistwood Golf Dome home of McWethys  Sportsbar. Located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, the Mistwood Golf Dome is the winter and spring home for the Mistwood Golf Professional Staff. Come and enjoy all the action in the dome. See Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600 #mistwood  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on LinkedIn or Facebook. With wedge designer Bob Vokey.

The NEW Vokey Sm8 wedges are here and available for purchase.

Vokey and Titleist feel the SM8’s are both the most accurate and forgiving Vokey wedges to date.

The Vokey Wedge Center of Gravity (CG) design that started with SM6, was changed with SM7, and has now shifted forward with SM8.

What the Vokey design team has done, is too shift the CG to a new location in front of the wedge face. The results test out to having more distance and trajectory control, better feel and more consistent results.

Click here to hear our interview with the Wizard of Wedges Titleist’s Bob Vokey on the new SM8’s.

The new chrome silver Vokey Sm8 wedges.

Vokey wedges the #1 wedge played on tour, come with Vokey’s six tour-proven grinds for fitting, and the spin milled grooves that create maximum spin.

The SM8 wedges come in four finishes, Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel, and Jet Black, and the tour-preferred Raw finish (through custom order only).

The Vokey team wanted to push the CG forward, while they maintained the vertical CG position to create a better feeling shot, at contact. To make this happen, the team lengthened the hosels and counterbalanced that weight with high-density tungsten low in the toe.

Bob Vokey shows off the new SM8 wedges

“The first time  I had guys hit the SM8 was on the range at Riviera (2019),” said Vokey. “I always listen to the sound they’re making at impact, and it was phenomenal. ‘Solid but soft’ was how they described it. They loved it. That means they’re getting the proper feedback that you need to execute every type of wedge shot, whether you’re in the , in a bunker or around the green. They just talked a lot about the flight. It’s a better window, it’s more consistent, and that they have more control of it. Overall, guys just keep telling me how easy it is to hit every type of shot they wanted to hit. They just felt like they were getting more out of the wedge-and that’s because Kevin Tassistro (Director of Wedge R&D) and his team were able to move the CG forward out in the front of the face, to a place we would have never have imagined 20 years ago.”

You can narrow down which grind F,S,M,K,L, or D is for you by using the the Vokey Wedges selector tool found at Vokey.com. But then Vokey recommends golfers go to their local Titleist fitter to support your find.

When the Vokey SM8 wedges made their tour debut, it was November at the RSM Classic. 37 players put the wedges into play that week, including champion Tyler Duncan. By the Sony Open this past January 167 SM8 wedges made there way into the bags of 60 players. Sony winner Cameron Smith had four Jet-black SM8’s in his bag.

Then in December Adam Scott won the Australian PGA Championship with four new SM8’s in his bag (48.10 F, 52.12 F, 56.10 S, 60.06 K).

The Vokey SM8’s are now in your favorite pro shop or golf retail store. Learn more by visiting Titleist.com or Vokey.com.

TOPTRACER AND MCWETHYS SPORTSBAR just part of the Mistwood Golf Dome. If you not ready for the outdoor season quite yet. Mistwood Golf Dome awaits you Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (630)-739-7600 #callawayfittings today 4-8. _____________________________________________________________________

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

WHAT IS CBD or CB5. Whatever it is, it is invading the golf world by storm.

CBD booths were out in force at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando back in January.

During the show I met with several companies that are now sellers of CBD or CB5. I received samples to try from all the companies, and I am in the process of testing those samples for a variety of things. There will be a part 2, to this story, that will be a product review. For now here is what I know about CBD and CB5, and the options in how to take them, and what positives they might offer. If you’re wanting to find some other CBD products for yourself to test out, then you may want to look around at similar pages to https://bountii.com/verma-farms-review/ to source different CBD companies so you can experiment with different products to see what presonally works well for you!

Multiple professional golfers are using some form of CBD, and some already have endorsement deals in place. Is it helping them, time will tell. CBD or CB5 come in tincture drops, gummies, lotions, softgel caps and or roll-on form. RS.

CBD and CB5 in different forms for different issues.

CBD or CB5, is there a difference. Well the folks at CB5 will tell you that there is one.

The CB5 team will tell you that CB5 is not CBD, and that it’s a better product.

Las Vegas based Boomer Naturals says that their product CB5 has Zero THC, and Zero CBD. They also call it 100% legal. CB5 is FDA compliant. It comes in various ways including, gummies, tinctures, creams and a pain relief roll-on that is their best selling style of CB5.

CB5 Roll-on for pain relief, is Boomer Naturals best selling form of CB5.

“One of the biggest breakthroughs in medical science in the last 20 years has been the discovery of an internal regulatory system called the Endocannabinoid System or ECS. We have developed a product that boosts the ECS and Golf CB5 is it,” says Boomer Naturals COO Mike Quaid. “Go CB5 supports the ECS and helps to manage muscle pain, anxiety and sleep. The results are real. Our Boomer Naturals CB5 product line has already helped so many people lead a healthier life and we’re excited to introduce Golf CB5 and share this product with golfers, the PGA professionals and the golf community.” Elsewhere in the United States, Doctors have put in measures and procedures so they can test patients to see if they qualify for medicinal marijuana, with the aim of it curing symptoms of certain diseases and conditions (where possible) – you can even be issued an ohio marijuana card if you’re approved by your doctor, which just goes to show how widely-accepted CBD products have become!

For more information on CB5, how it differs from CBD, and to see the full Boomer Natural product line, visit BoomerNaturals.com/Golf. PGA Tour Player Brandt Jobe is endorsing the product.

Medterra for helping with your sleep, and getting you going each morning.

Medterra offers a full line of CBD products, including a mix of soft-gels to get your day started. The dissolveable spearmint-flavored tablets, will help you to get a good nights sleep.

There are tincture style products, and pain reliever roll on cream for both you and your pets. Other brands also make dog treats, but not this one.

Medterra has three PGA Tour players who are brand ambassadors for the company. Charley Hoffman, Morgan Hoffman, and former U.S. Open Champion Lucas Glover.

If you need help getting to sleep, or a more restful sleep, CBD Melatonin could be for you. If you have trouble getting the energy you need to get going into your day, the CBD Good Morning soft gels might be what you need. See the full product line and learn more at Medterracbd.com.

CBD Muscle MX Recovery when you need cooling (L) and Activate (R) for when you have to bring the heat. Pictured are the mini-sticks 70mg. Full stick size are 350mg.

The Utah based Muscle MX has the balms shown left. Muscle MX has a lotion called Restore, and three flavored tincture drops.

The flavors are Natural, Berry, and Coffee.

Muscle MX works to help with muscle soreness, joint pain, and injury pain. The CBD is Muscle MX can help how your brain operates on a daily basis.

If your looking to reduce anxiety and depression, Muscle MX could help you while also working as a sleep aid. To learn more about Muscle MX see Musclemx.com or email info@musclemx.com

Click here to hear the interview with Clark Bateman, Marketing Director of Muscle MX.

Rick Heissman from High Falls Hemp in New York.

Golfers on Golf has posted a previous story on High Falls Hemp from upper state New York.

High Falls hemp produces it’s own products, that are natural, vegan, non-GMO, gluten free and cruelty free. HFH has compliant labeling with the FDA and NY State.

You can get High Falls Hemp products in a 2 or 4 oz. lotion, CBD softgels, or in a variety of Tincture bottles with droppers. There is Full-Spectrum Tincture, CBD Isolate Tincture, and for your pets, Pet Tincture.

Click here to learn more about High Falls hemp from owner Rick Weissman.

For more information on High Falls Hemp, see Highfallshempny.com or call write to High Falls Hemp at P.O. Box 147 High Falls NY. 12440. Or call (845)-286-2118.

Golfersongolf.com Will return with Part 2 of this story, after testing the CDB and CB5 products that were acquired at the PGA Merchandise Show.