(L) Welcome to Illinois-(R) Welcome to North Carolina and Pinehurst, our look at the Pinehurst 10 is coming up this week. Pictured the new look Pinehurst #4 by Gil Hanse.  _____________________________________________________________________

LEN ZIEHM at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie Florida, RORY SPEARS in the snow, not a waste bunker in Arlington Hts. IL. Ziehm and Spears-The Podcast 2020, Volume 5 is coming up this week. Along with more of our new travel series, “Where You Going”.        ______________________________________________________________________

Do follow Len Ziehm on Golf at Lenziehmongolf.com and on Twitter/Facebook/Linkedin.

Rory Spears is the Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Club Champion based in Willowbrook IL. Happy Birthday Champs, you have come a long way in 10 years.

A Happy 10th Birthday to Club Champion, the nation’s largest club fitter now with over 70 locations across the country.

In addition, if you want choices when you pick club heads and shafts, how about having over 45,000 hitting combinations.

Club Champion ranks in the Top 100 locations on the Club Fitter list for Golf Digest.

Club Champion has now completed over 100,000 fitting per year, and expanded it’s headquarters to over 22,000 feet. “Our ideal customer is any golfer who wants to improve,” says Joe Lee, CEO.  See Clubchampiongolf.com

DEERFIELD GOLF CLUB has a wide variety of Food and Beverage specials “To Go”, so why not check out the full list, and call the club located at 1201 Saunders Rd in Riverwoods, at (847)-572-2681.

IF YOUR between the ages of 15 and 21, and need a paid internship. Check out the 2020 Golfworks Program through the First Tee of Greater Chicagoland, and the Illinois PGA. There are many club locations around the Chicago area.

Chris McGinley shows off the Swing Align and Swing Align Short Game

WHAT ARE you doing from home to keep your game sharp during the virus threat.

Now you can practice from home, in your home with the help of the Swing Align training aid.

Working with the Swing Align, helps you train the golf muscles you need, to get your swing on line every shot.

Currently you can watch video’s at home to get your started with the Swing Align program.

“You can stay sharp, and even improve, in 15 minutes or less by doing a few drills at home with the Swing Align Bundle. With Swing Align and Swing Align Short Game, you have all the tools to rehearse key full-swing positions or groove a more consistent short game stroke,” says Chris McGinley, co-founder and 30 year golf industry veteran. “The device is easy to put on and take off during a break from work. If you have a tall enough ceiling, you can take swings and build more muscle memory.”

Learn more at this live link- www.swingtrainer.com

RAIN SUITS FOR RESPONDERS is a program that has been launched by KemperSports, the Illinois PGA Foundation, and FOOTJOY, who have teamed up with the AMITA Health Workers.

The campaign started with 100 Rain Suits that were donated by The Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation to serve as personal protection for Illinois healthcare workers.

There is an easy donation process if you have a rainsuit to donate, please visit Amitahealth.com/rainsuitsforresponders. Donors get a free FedEx label from Amita Health within two days. Schedule a pick-up at your home and within two days FedEX will come and get it.

KEMPERSPORTS CEO Steve Skinner, Illinois PGA Executive Director Carrie Williams, Ken LaRose SVP at FootJoy, and Doug Myslinski of the Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation, all said their respective organizations were proud to take part in the program. And hoped these contributions would aid those, who are in the front lines of fighting the Covid-19 Virus.

Thor Thordarson Ex. VP and COO for Amita Health said,” We are extremely appreciative of these innovative and timely donations for our front line healthcare associates.”

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-returns tomorrow. RS

THE FAMED MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB Clubhouse.

THE VIRUS has struck again, and this time it has forced the cancellation of one of the largest charity golf events played in the Chicago area all summer.

The Patriot Education Fund event at the Medinah Country Club, that was scheduled for May 26th, will not take place this year.

The good news is that the outing which helps veterans and their families, has already been rescheduled for next year, on June 1st of 2021.

But there is a challenge that remains for this year. There are 7 ongoing awards, and 8 new scholars who need support, that this years outing would have funded.

So there is a need for tax-deductible contributions, and you can still donate by following this link. http://app.etapestry.com/cart/IllinoisPatriotEducationFun/default/index.php

Patrioteducationfund.org

You can be assured that every dollar that is donated, will be given to the military families that are in need of assistance.

The PEF Team thanks everyone for their understanding, and hopes they can continue to count on your support. And to stay well during the Covid-19 crisis.

DEFENDING CHAMPION Helen Alfredsson and Mistwood Golf Club teaching professional Nicole Jeray, will have to wait until 2021 to play in the fourth Sr. LPGA Championship at the French Lick Resort. The 2020 Championship has been canceled.   _____________________________________________________________________

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. On the Pete Dye Golf Course, at the French Lick Resort.

THEY SHALL RETURN but not in July of 2020, as the LPGA Tour and the French Lick Resort have announced that the 2020, Sr. LPGA Championship scheduled for July 29 to August 1st, has been canceled.

Due to health concerns over the COVID-19 virus.

The good news is that 4th playing of the championship will return to the French Lick Resort in 2021. Dates are still TBD.

“Cancelling ANY golf event is difficult and a painful decision. We are extremely thankful for the support and flexibility from the French Lick Resort and the Legends Tour during this trying time,” said LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan. “Importantly, all of us are committed to this important senior women’s tradition, and we cannot wait to watch the women legends of the game tee it up once again in 2021.”

The 18th green and the Pete Dye Pavilion at the Pete Dye Golf Course.

“These legendary players deserve nothing less than a first-class Championship, and with the current circumstances, our first and foremost concern is for the safety and well-being of the players, the sponsors, spectators and our staff, ” said Dave Harner, Director of Golf Operations at the French Lick Resort. “It has become more and more evident that we would not be able to conduct the event to it’s usual and deserved standard, therefore, we feel cancelling is the best decision. We look forward to 2021, with an even bigger and better fourth Senior LPGA Championship.”

Legends Tour CEO Jane Geddes at the 2019 Senior Women’s LPGA Championship at the French Lick Resort.

“During these unprecedented times for all, we understand the challenges associated with planning and hosting the Senior LPGA Championship this summer,” said Legends Tour CEO Jane Geddes. “That said, we look forward to returning to French Lick in 2021 and appreciate the ongoing support we have received from Steve Ferguson, Dave Harner and all at the French Lick Resort.”

Geddes recently had to inform Legends Tour players that the Legends Tournament scheduled in Seattle for early June, has been cancelled.

Mistwood Golf Club and LPGA teaching professional Nicole Jeray, is among the players who won’t get to play this summer in the Sr. Women’s LPGA Championship at the French Lick Resort.

“I’m very disappointed about the Senior Women’s LPGA championship being canceled,” Mistwood Golf Club teaching professional Nicole Jeray told Golfers on Golf. “I was just talking to someone this morning about the tournament, and said that since it’s in late July we should still get to play. Then shortly after that I found out about the cancellation. It’s too bad. I have been working on my game all winter long in the Mistwood Golf Dome and things were coming together. Now the challenge with staying indoors is to stay in shape, so your ready to play when we can again. I’m looking forward to the Illinois Women’s Open at Mistwood in July, I hope we can still play that tournament.”

The USGA has already canceled the U.S. Sr. Women’s Open for 2020, so now both senior women’s golf majors, for 2020 have been canceled, and there will not be a senior women’s major this year. For more information see LPGA.com. For more details on the French Lick Resort, please visit Frenchlick.com.

  JOHN DEERE CLASSIC Tournament Director Clair Peterson (L) 2019 John Deere Classic Champion Dylan Frittelli with the trophy last July at TPC Deere Run.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or Facebook and LinkedIn. At the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run.

NO, NOT ANOTHER award from the PGA Tour for Social Engagement.

First with the fans, Yes. But there is a whole new meaning to being first with the fans this year.

As of today, the PGA Tour plans to start it’s first tour event, the Charles Schwab Challenge, formerly known as Colonial, the second week of June.

The first four events, that also include the RBC Heritage Classic on Hilton Head in Myrtle Beach SC., the Travelers Championship in Cromwell, Conn, and the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, are expected to be played without fans.

For now, and at least for today, the John Deere Classic is next up on the tee box from July 6-12 at TPC Deere Run. The JDC as of now, is first in line to be played with fans in the stands, or at least along the fairways of TPC Deere Run in Silvis Illinois.

During an interview this morning with JDC Classic Tournament Director Clair Peterson, conducted by Writer and Golf Editor Tom Johnston of the Dispatch-Argus-QCOnline/ Quad-City Times, Peterson made the following comments.

Welcome to the home of John Deere.

“We’re all being nimble, fluid, accepting and adjusting,” said Peterson. “There are still a lot of moving part’s to the process of resuming major sports among the Covid-19 Pandemic.”

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan did say the first four tournaments will be closed to the general public. But how tournaments after that are staged still remains to be determined.

The John Deere Classic is aware that Illinois state guidelines do have to be followed. Which brings Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) into the equation, and that could be the monkey-wrench that blows up the plan in having fans.

“These things are fluid,” said Peterson. “Decisions are being made and amended as the medical situation dictates. Whether or not (Governor Prtizker) saying something in April is still going be in place in July is kind of a hard question to have any level of confidence in. The whole country could be dealing with it in July, we just don’t know.”

Peterson and the JDC’s board of directors have to have several plans in place for what is turning out to be quite a 50th Anniversary for the tournament. Options will be discussed at tonight’s board meeting.

“It’s still a moving target,” said Peterson, ‘but we are happy to still be on the schedule for 2020.”

Golfers on Golf, sends a special thanks to Tom Johnston of the Dispatch-Argus-QCOnline/ Quad City-Times, for sharing his story and interview with Clair Peterson.

THE PETE DYE COURSE at French Lick Resort, is open for play. Along with the Donald Ross Course and Valley Links Course, Details Frenchlick.com. INNISBROOK Resort in Florida has open golf courses, but has rooms closed. Innisbrookresort.com     ____________________________________________________________________

  THE EVANS SCHOLARS INVITATIONAL Pin Flag (L)-Defending Champion Scottie Scheffler (R) with the champions platter on the 18th green at the Glen Club in Glenview ______________________________________________________________________

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

THE EVANS SCHOLARS INVITATIONAL has been Postponed (NOT CANCELED) for 2020, due to the COVID-19 Virus. The original dates were May 20-24.

“We’re working with the TOUR and the Glen Club on rescheduling the event for later in the year,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. “We’re disappointed that we won’t be able to conduct the Evans Scholars Invitational in May. However our first priority remains the health and safety of the players, fans, sponsors, volunteers and everyone in the local community.”

The Corona Virus has now forced cancellation of nine Korn-Ferry Tour events, and the postponement of three more, including the ESI.

Pellegrino added that the WGA is looking forward to holding the tournament at a later date, but won’t do so until government and health officials agree it is safe to do so.

For more details visit ESInvitational.com

  THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE PLAYED AUGUST 3-9, OF 2020 Near San Francisco. THE FRENCH LICK RESORT golf team is getting ready to welcome you back to French Lick Indiana. See more details at Frenchlick.com. Courses now open.     _____________________________________________________________________

LEN ZIEHM is ready for golf in the palm tree’s of PGA Village in Port St. Lucie Florida, and Rory Spears tries to get ready for golf season in Arlington Hts. Illinois, in the snow.  _____________________________________________________________________

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

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast 2020, Volume 5.

Len and I woke up to different scenario’s this morning before we recorded Volume 5, of our 2020 Podcast series. Yesterday he had 96 degree heat and open golf courses, and I had 36 degree cold, and no open golf courses. See what happens when social distancing puts both hosts 1250 miles and 60+ degrees apart.

Len is getting the better end of the draw. On today’s podcast, we cover the return of the PGA Tour and the August playing of the PGA Championship.

How about Wisconsin golf agencies pitching in to hire a lobbyist to be heard at the state capitol, where are Illinois agencies and associations on this matter. Should they be ready to step up.

Len and I are introducing a join segment called “Where you Going” about where your golf travel should take you when the virus threat settles down, and golfers start traveling again. That and more…listen in.

Click here to hear Ziehm and Spears, Podcast 2020-Volume 5.

The Gog Blog will return on Thursday. RS

   THE HOLLY INN 1895          THE CAROLINA 1900           THE MANOR INN 1923      THE PLAN AS OF TODAY is to reopen these great places to stay in Pinehurst on April 30th. Lets hope that is possible. More details on the Pinehurst Resort at Pinehurst.com.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation, Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and Facebook or LinkedIn. On the Cradle Course, photo by Jack Bickart.

IT ROCKS-IT ROLLS and it flows through the hillside next to the famed Pinehurst Resort Clubhouse, and like so many of the British Opens, the train tracks run alongside this short course of fun.

PINEHURST-Part 2 The Cradle, by Rory Spears, with Len Ziehm.

But capturing the spirit of golf, and fun golf at that, was the job that architect Gil Hanse had, to get “The Cradle” just right.

Hanse nailed it.

In fact Hanse has nailed not one, but two hole-in-one’s, on his Cradle design since the course opened in late 2017.

Our close-up of the Cradle begins with what it is, and what it isn’t. What it is, are 9-holes of par 3 golf, Pinehurst style. Dunes and sandy style waste bunkers, with a few greens that have a little “crown” to them. Donald Ross would be so proud.

  A CRADLE SCORE CARD (L) and the logo with Putter Boy napping in the “C”.

The Cradles 9 Holes are not long par 3’s. In fact the short hole is the 5th, it plays only 56 yards. The longest hole is the 4th, at 127 yards. In total the Cradle is a mere 789 yards of fun, spread out over only 3 acres of land. But tee and pin placements can be shifted to create a variety of playing options.

The 113 yard first hole at the Cradle, play away.

In addition to being fun, Hanse added just enough elevation, that your shots can roll in many different ways, if you catch the right side of the slopes. As for the rock, it comes from some hidden speakers in the Fescue grass, that supply music during your round. Golfers have been known to tee off with Led Zeppelin or Frank Sinatra playing in the background.

What else the Cradle is, is a way to play a round of golf with a small carry-bag and only a few clubs. Who needs 14 clubs, when 3 or 4 will do the trick. The Cradle is an excellent warm-up before a round, or a chance to settle in upon arrival to the resort, when there just isn’t time to get in a full 18 holes before dark. Rounds can be played in about 1 hour. Plus it’s a great short-game practice area, something that comes in handy before heading out on the other nine Pinehurst Courses. Par-3 courses are generally predictable. Most are fun, but the Cradle is unlike any other. Playing this course is addictive.

The 85 yard second hole on the Cradle.

If your looking for a golf course to play with that junior or senior golfer, or that beginning golfer, then the Cradle is the course of choice.

What the Cradle is not, is over priced. Cost is $50.00, and that covers you for the day, go around as many times as you can. A $50.00 dollar green fee in Pinehurst is hard to find, so enjoy. While you are on the course, the Pinecone, one of the most unique beverage carts you will ever find, is strategically located by the 4th tee and 7th green. But you could call it, the most elaborate on-course bar that entices you even before you even finish nine holes.

The 66 yard 3rd hole on the Cradle

Where the Cradle is, is historic in itself. The Cradle holes sit on the land that Dr. Leroy Culver made Pinehurst’s first nine “sand” holes back in 1898. During the first two months of being open, the Cradle served up 24 hole-in-ones, made by golfers from ages 8 to 84. Rental clubs are free, and kids 17 and under when playing with a paid adult, also get to play for free.

“I was trying to find the fun,” says Hanse. “It’s all right out the front door, so it sets a tone of the game truly being enjoyed. I want to hear some yells-for great shots, crazy bounces and some holes-in-one. I want people sitting outside the clubhouse to bask in this great scene. I hope it reinforces the true golf spirit, that is Pinehurst.”

    THE PAR 3, 127 YARD 4TH HOLE                 THE PAR 3, 56 YARD 5TH HOLE

    THE PAR 3, 58 YARD 6TH HOLE                  THE PAR 3, 92 YARD 7TH HOLE

     THE PAR 3, 80 YARD 8TH HOLE                THE PAR 3, 112 YARD 9TH HOLE

COVID-19 UPDATE: The Pinehurst Golf Courses are open, with restrictions. The hotels are not open, but hope to reopen on April 30th. More details at Pinehurst.com, where you can learn how to make the Cradle, part of your Pinehurst golf experience. #Whereyougoing

  THE GENERAL CLUBHOUSE AT EAGLE RIDGE has a new look coming. The old 9th hole is the new 18th hole. Learn more at Eagleridge.com, the resort currently closed.      ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Facebook or LinkedIn. In front of the historic Carolina Hotel at the Pinehurst Resort.

THIS IS THE BEGINNING of a multi-part series on the Pinehurst Resort, in Pinehurst North Carolina.

PINEHURST PART 1, by Rory Spears, with Len Ziehm.

As Podcast partner Len Ziehm of Len Ziehm on Golf and I, start a new chapter on golf reporting during the virus times, it’s called “Where you Going.”

Because when the virus situation clears-up, people will be ready to travel somewhere, anywhere, as long as it’s away from home.

While there is an old saying, “There is no Place Like Home,” but being coup’d up in the house for weeks on end, does take it’s toll. So when the virus goes, you should be ready to go.

During my recent trips to the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, I’ve stopped off in Pinehurst on the way down or way home, for several years. Sometimes the cold or snow follows me there, but January can be a great time to visit. This year the first two days were in the 70’s. With only day three, having a high of 48 degrees.

The front of the historic Carolina Hotel at the Pinehurst Resort.

While the Pinehurst Resort now has 10 golf courses, Pinehurst 1-9 and the par 3 Cradle Course, what’s happened in recent years around the resort and away from the golf courses, is pretty spectacular as well.

The first part of our Pinehurst series will feature Pinehurst hospitality away from the golf course. Because where you stay, is as important as where you play. Part 2 will be “The Cradle Close-Up” an up-close look at the nine holes created by architect Gil Hanse, that has golfers of all ages flocking to play this par-3 gem of a golf course.

Part 3, is called “Touch’em All”, because on this past trip I finally played Pinehurst 5. It was the last of the ten courses at Pinehurst I had not played. Now I have played them all. I can add that Pinehurst golf is more than just Course 2 and Course 4.

  The Carolina Dining Room, home to the best breakfast in golf (L). A queen sized bed in a Carolina Hotel room (R).

There is nothing like entering the Carolina Hotel on Carolina Vista Drive, and arriving in front of this historic hotel, which is a registered historic site. The hotel opened in 1900, with 250 rooms, and was called “The Queen of the South.” Just off the main lobby is the Ryder Cup room named after the 1951 Ryder Cup hosted by Pinehurst. It’s perfect for dining, or seating at the bar. The walls are complete with memorabilia from Pinehurst history.

Illinois Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2019 member and golf writer Len Ziehm went there for Christmas one year, and called his stay at the Carolina “delightful” even though he was not golfing.

The Carolina Dining Room is a must stop before you take to the links for that days round or two of golf. A fantastic variety of food, and morning beverage options are available. On some mornings there is live pianist to provide some music with your meal.

THE FIRST HOTEL IN PINEHURST-THE HOLLY INN, opened in 1895, and has under gone recent renovations that kept the Inn’s historic southern charm, while adding some of the modern day expectations of today’s guests. Charm oozes from the Holly Inn.

  A new “King sized bed” in the Holly Inn, with a living room style sitting and work area.

The 1895 Grille in the Holly Inn, is a four-star dining experience. The inn’s Tavern Bar and Restaurant, goes hand-in-hand with the Grille.

On New Years’s Eve in 1895, the Holly Inn opened it’s doors and started to welcome overnight guests. it’s the oldest hotel in Pinehurst.

125 years later the “Historic Holly” is continuing it’s traditions.

It’s rooms are more comfortable than ever, and the level of food and beverage continues to exceed expectations.

If you have not stayed in the Holly Inn for several years, you need to return and see what’s new, and what you loved in your last visit, that still hasn’t changed.

THE MANOR INN has reopened from renovation, with new rooms, a new bar, a new deck, and plenty more. Arnold Palmer loved the Manor Inn when he came to town, you will too. And Yes, you can get an Arnold Palmer if you wish to order one.

The renovated Manor Inn, one year in the making, has a new library study (L) and new lounge (R).

The recently reopened Manor Inn, comes complete with rooms inside, and new deck on the outside, for when you don’t want to stay indoors. If you have ever heard the term, “Raise the Roof”, well the Manor Inn has had it’s roof raised, and the drawings from the desk of Donald Ross, showing the best courses at the Pinehurst Resort are spread out across the ceiling.

The Manor Inn has suites that are great for groups of 20, and it’s North & South Bar is the place for drinks like a N&S Old Fashioned, and other Whiskey and Bourbon cocktails.

A Manor Inn bedroom.

The town of Pinehurst’s old steam and power plant, was closed and rebuilt into a very good, and what quickly became a very popular hot spot for new brews, great barbecue, and brick oven pizza’s.

But the Pinehurst Brewing Company shows that everything in Pinehurst isn’t old. It also filled a minor void in what Pinehurst had to offer. The 10-barrel establishment has indoor and outdoor bars, with seating for over 200 patrons.

Live entertainment is something that has become part of the Pinehurst Brewery’s popularity, with members and resort guests.

If you like Carolina Style BBQ and Texas Style brisket, that’s cooked daily. The Pinehurst Brewing company is for you.

The front entrance of the Pinehurst Brewing Company (L) and the rebuilt, brick-by-brick smokestack.

The dining and brewing area’s (L), along with the front counter and to go sales shop (R)

  INSIDE THE DEUCE, the sports bar strategically located behind the 18th green of the famed Pinehurst No.2 course (L). Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley and his team have overseen a list of improvements over the last few years, that have kept the Pinehurst Resort, the nation’s leader in golf destination properties. (R)

Off the course, the Pinehurst Resort in recent years has improved the resorts spa, and added a new swimming pool, that’s become a hot spot, on hot days. The 91st hole grill in the main clubhouse has been upgraded, along with the locker rooms in the clubhouse, and the members clubhouse.

The folks who run Pinehurst, they get it-and they always have. No matter when you go, it’s always a good time to be at Pinehurst.

Stay with Golfers on Golf, for Parts 2 and 3 of our look at the Cradle of American Golf, the Pinehurst Resort. See more at Pinehurst.com.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO Wrapping up 2019 in the old studio’s. (L) The new studio’s for 2020 (R). Golfers on Golf Radio is (L-R) Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and Rory Spears.

All of us at Golfers on Golf wish everyone a Happy Easter, during these difficult Virus times. We are sure your Easter celebration will be different than you planned, but we hope you enjoy the day.

In the week ahead, I’ll have a look at the famed home of American Golf, the Pinehurst Resort. With more on the hospitality side, the playing all 10 of the resort’s courses, and a close up of the par 3, Cradle Course. The resort hopes to reopen it’s hotels on May 1st, lets hope they can. currently the resorts courses are open with restrictions in place.

Len Ziehm and I will host, Ziehm and Spears Podcast 2020 Volume 5.

Plus more on the start of Golfers on Golf Radio by Mid-Week, but the good news is that we will return this month.

We are working on putting together a list of major guests to launch the season with those who offer important information on our current times, and the current state of the game.

In closing, I am close to wrapping up my research on the CBD and CB5 products I received at the PGA Merchandise Show, and since then. I’ll have product reviews on the brands I have tested.

In the meantime, stay safe, stay healthy, and hang in there. Hopefully we will all be back in the fairways shortly. Happy Easter. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB IN Romeoville is open for curbside food pick up’s, and if you missed it, the Thursday Live Facebook show is posted. Call now for Easter Sunday meals, order by Friday at (815)-254-7001. Please visit Mistwoodgolfclub.com McWethys ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, LinkedIn and Facebook. In the new studio’s of golfers on Golf Radio.

EDITORS NOTE: Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena is closed due to the Governors shutdown of Illinois. It will reopen as soon as it can.

Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena is already making improvements under the new ownership of Mark Klausner.

The newest renovations at the resort started last November at the General Golf Course. Improvements include enlarging the pro shop, and golfer check-in. The main restaurant has been enlarged, and new lounge with better views of the golf course have been created. The resorts General Store and gas station have been moved to this location.

The former 9th hole on the General golf course, that will now become the 18th hole.

The nines will get flipped on the General, with the former 9th hole, becoming the 18th hole.

Golfers then will be able to then go right to the new Lounge Deck 289, that will hold nearly 125 people.

The new restaurant complex, complete with outside and inside improvements will be the Highlands Restaurant Complex.

  WELCOME TO EAGLE RIDGE Resort and Spa, the newly revamped General Clubhouse area will be waiting for you, as the resort reopens this summer. Golfers on Golf will have more about the renovations in the weeks and months ahead. For resort stays when Eagle Ridge reopens visit Eagleridge.com.

Visit Rory Spears on Facebook or @gogblogguy on Twitter to see photos with the changes underway and already completed. The Gog Blog will return this week.