THE PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS Clubhouse in moving along towards it’s spring of 2021 Opening Date. Currently all three DuPage Golf Courses are closed. But Maple Meadows COULD reopen weather permitting. But for those of you golf gift shopping there is a great news, the DuPage Golf Gift Card is back. More details DupageGolf.com _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and Facebook or LinkedIn. on the new first tee box at Sportsman’s Country Club.

FOR THE NORTHBROOK PARK DISTRICT, it’s finally their turn.

In recent years golf courses all-around Northbrook have seen renovation work done.

But in 2020, it was finally time for the Northbrook Park District to make upgrades to Sportsman’s Country Club on Dundee Road. The club a fixture in Northbrook since 1931, was ready for both a golf course and clubhouse renovation.

Sportsman’s Director of Golf, Greg Baron, recently told Golfers on Golf, that golf course construction has wrapped up, and that the golf course should reopen in late July 2020, or early August. That is, if spring weather cooperates, and this coming winter isn’t too harsh.

The front of the new clubhouse, that workers are trying to enclose before winter arrives, so that work can continue during the winter months.

The Sportsman’s renovation comes in two parts. First on the tee is the golf course, but right alongside is a brand new clubhouse, that should be a fixture for golf in Northbrook-12 months a year.

First up on the golf course. The key is really the newly rebuilt greens. They will roll-better and drain better all year round. Golfers should be able to putt the greens better than ever before.

The fairways have been re-grassed and a small amount of yardage was added. While most of former tee boxes remain in place, there are a couple of changes.

The most notable difference is the opening par 5 first hole, on the championship 18.

With the relocation of the clubhouse, golf course superintendent Mark Kosbab says,” it gave architect Rick Jacobson some room to lengthen our par 5 first hole. The first hole was a little short for a par 5, bigger hitters would hit the green in two shots more often than not. But that will change with the addition of 70-75 yards in length to the hole.”

Superintendent Mark Kosbab stands on the new first hole tee box.

The course will now have a new set of front tee’s for juniors, seniors, ladies and beginners. That will make the course more playable and enjoyable for those players.

Sportsman’s practice area’s have been greatly improved says Baron.

Those improvements are noticeable as soon as you drive into the club. The driving range complete with sidewalk to drive your golf carts to the range from the clubhouse, includes cart parking right behind the range hitting area. Golfers will get their range balls from the new range shack on the corner of the range. On the backside of the range is the new golf academy and instruction area. This area is located down near the maintenance facility, and will give both students and instructors a more private area to work on their games, or for the Sportsman’s professional staff to give instruction.

The view from the golf academy and lesson area on the backside of the range.

The range field itself, will be set up with multiple target greens, and or green complexes to help golfers work on their distance and accuracy.

A new putting green greatly increases the overall green size, from about 3,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet.

The new putting green is in between the bar area of the clubhouse, and the new first tee box on the championship 18 course.

The new 10,000 square foot putting green.

On the far side (west side) of the new first tee, is a chipping green and practice bunker.

So you can tune up your short game right before bombing your first drive down the first fairway.

But what will standout before you even reach the pro shop, is the new clubhouse. Complete with a pro shop and bar/restaurant area, that sits by large glass windows so you can watch play out on the golf course. The new clubhouse will have simulators, that will allow golfers to play courses from around the country, and get in some swings during the winter months.

Enjoy beverages and dining, while watching golf from through the back windows of the new clubhouse.

The hope is that golfers or even non-golfers will come by and enjoy the clubhouse, all year round.

During the winter the staff professionals will continue to teach indoors in the clubhouse.

If you need club fitting, or suggestions on new equipment. The Sportsman’s professionals will be there to help.

Hopefully Mother nature will help with a soft winter, and great spring growing season. So the fairways that are growing in now, will look great by next summer.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Sportsman’s Director of Golf Greg Baron.

Golfers on Golf will have updates on Sportsman’s renovation and progress next spring. For more information feel free to visit Sportsmansgolf.com Sportsman’s is part of the Northbrook Illinois Park District.

THE NEW CLUBHOUSE at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison (L) is really taking shape. (R) Sportsman’s Golf Club in Northbrook has it’s new clubhouse going up quickly. Golfers on Golf has more on Sportsman’s renovation coming up this week.         _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. On the new 1st tee at the Sportsman’s Golf and Country Club in Northbrook. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or friend him on Facebook and connect on LinkedIn.

LAST DAY OF NOVEMBER.

So some might think that golf season is over. But it’s not.

There are plenty of courses still open, and because a week from today should be upper 50’s (so says the 10 day forecast), that could make a good final day for outdoor golf.

Good news is that the Mistwood Golf Dome has opened in Bolingbrook. With restrictions in place, like calling first to make your reservation for a hitting stall.

I’m not sure if it will be nice enough to play up and around Christmas, like many of us did last year. But fingers crossed, because that would be fun.

OVER THE WEEKEND I learned that the Village of Bloomingdale is expected to close on the land that was the golf course at Indian Lakes Resort. The course has been closed for a few years, and the deal would have the village getting the 188 acres of land where the golf course sits. In addition, the village would be purchasing an additional 15 acres on the South Side of Shick Road. Making the total purchase 203 acres.

The demand from local homeowners to the community to keep out a housing developer that wanted to build homes on the land, was successful. The land will be kept as “open space”, which is good to hear. But will the golf course get restored. That would be a great move by the community if they did just that. A solid golf course with good golf facilities there, could be the beginning of something special. Because it would be a great place for tournaments with the Indian Lakes Resort hotel right next door.

As part of the purchase, a building that is a conference center would be torn down. This land purchase does not include the hotel. But down the road, who knows what could happen on that front. It would be nice to see a course renovation project begin in 2021, on the former Blackhawk Trace golf course in Bloomingdale.

THE RACE IS ON for several area clubhouse projects that are trying to advance far enough, so that work can continue inside during the winter months. The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison is the furthest along. Sportsman’s in Northbrook is making progress quickly, with Fox Run in Elk Grove still wrapping up foundation work.

WITH THE SEMI-DECENT weather we have had of late, the renovation work at Settlers Hill in Batavia is making progress. I’m hoping to see more this week. Settlers Hill will be closed in 2021 for renovation, and should reopen mid-summer of 2022. Architect Greg Martin is in charge of the renovation.

During the week ahead, the (Len) Ziehm & Spears podcast series Volume 37 will return.

Len and I will talk more about holiday golf gifts, and golf travel ideas for 2021. Is it safe to do so, maybe it’s safer than you think. So don’t be afraid to go somewhere warm this winter.

I’m also adding features from visits I had to the Wisconsin Dells, Flossmoor Country Club and a tour I did last week at Sportsman’s in Northbrook.

THE BUFFALO GROVE GOLF DOME at 801 McHenry Road in Buffalo Grove has opened for the season as of today.

Today is Cyber Monday, still plenty of golf shopping deals to be had today. Do grab them up while you still can.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

PRESERVE at Oak Meadows clubhouse continues to make progress. Dupagegolf.com  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS (R) with Mistwood Master fitter Chris Ioriatti in the SAMPUTT Lab at Mistwood Golf Club. Get fitted for a new putter today. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or friend him on Facebook.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB has opened it’s Mistwood Golf Dome as of last Friday.

However strong protocol’s are in place and you should know them before going. Call for booking a stall at the dome in advance. Reservations are required.

McWethy’s Sportsbar is open for food and drink orders TO GO.

Call the Mistwood Golf Dome at (630)-739-7600, or visit the website at Mistwoodgolfdome.com. Located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Don’t forget to get Mistwood Gift cards, for golf and more.

CHAD JOHANSEN at the counter at Blackberry Oaks (L) and in the Go For It Sports Dome. (R)

Chad Johansen is running a Black Friday Special that is going on through Cyber Monday, on discounted rates for his famed 4-Step Process of teaching. Learn how to shave strokes in bundles off your score. FourStepprocess.com Get Better at Golf in just four-easy steps. Lower your score and at a lower price if you sign up now. #BlackFriday

LAB GOLF PUTTERS get the winter bundle today. Find out all the details of what’s all inside the bundle at Labgolf.com. LAB Golf putters, a growing force in the putter industry.

MISSION INN RESORT of Howey-In-The-Hills Florida (about 35 minutes from Orlando) is throwing a NEW YEARS BASH-for multiple days around Jan. 1st of 2021. Brunches, golf, new years Eve Bash and more. MissionInnResort.com Two golf courses and 36 holes. Golf on New Years Eve and New Years Day. Mission Inn Resort. Florida, in 30 days, who’s ready.

Club Champion in Willowbrook Illinois.

The Club Champion Black Friday promo is still alive.

Now running through December 2nd, you can order online, and get the Club Champion Gift Card, plus some bonus as part of the special.

How about a $350.00 dollar gift card for just $275.00, and the value of the card will not expire.

“It’s the golf gift that just keeps on giving shot after shot,” said Club Champion Founder Nick Sherburne. “Ask any passionate golfer, giving them lower scores is the best gift you could give them.

NEED MORE…Club Champion has other promo’s running, visit ClubChampionGolf.com to find out all the specials at Club Champion. Several Chicago area locations.

The Gog Blog Returns tomorrow, with the Gog Blog Speaks Out. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME has opened for the winter season. But PLEASE read the restrictions and the rules before you go. Learn more visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com.     ____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook-or Instagram.

THE NEW TITLEIST TSi Fairway Metals

The new Titleist TSi fairway metal woods are now available.

If your ready for more speed from the tee box and from the turf. You should look at the new Titleist TSi fairway metals.

Titleist says a new Active Recoil Channel 4.0, drives the ball faster with higher inertia for longer distance and better accuracy.

Titleist calls the new TSi fairway metals are the best looking and best sounding fairway metals ever. The ARC 4.0 allows for more face flex, that launches the golf ball with an increased speed.

TSi2 fairway gives the player a higher launch with amazing speed, and forgiveness through out the face of the club. There is a lower CG to maximize distance.

TSi3 is designed for golfers looking for more workability or requiring more control over the CG placement, that comes from the new SureFit CG Track Design for better speed and shot control.

“Our metalwoods engineers continue to find ways to generate speed and distance in our fairway designs without giving up any of the performance characteristics that players demand from a Titleist golf club,” said Josh Talge, Vice President, Titleist Golf Club Marketing. “TSi fairways are faster, straighter and easier-to-hit than ever-and deliver an experience at impact that many golfers would never expect from a fairway wood.”

A HIGH-SPEED VFT Face works in conjunction with ARC 4.0 to release maximum ball speed and forgiveness from across the face. TSi provides the golfer with a faster feel in their hands and the feel is joined by tour quality sound from the clubhead.

IN THE TSi3 the SureFit Technology offers three adjustable positions, to dial-in ones preferred ball-flight.

TSi2: is for players wanting pure distance, available lofts vary from 13.5 through 18 degrees. TSi3 is for Dynamic Distance and comes in lofts that range from 13.5 to 16.5 degrees. TSi fairways come with a variety of shaft options. Including KURO KAGE black DC, and multiple TENSEI AV Raw series options.

Over 150 players from various professional tours have switched to TSi fairway metals and have them in play.

For more information see Titleist.com and link into fittings to find a fitting location or event. Price listed at MAP $299.99 or Titleist TSi Premium at $499.00

THE NEW TITLEIST TSi DRIVERS-now available. For more details visit Titleist.com.      _____________________________________________________________________

TODAY ONLY-GolfVisions is offering the 2021 Players Pass at a holiday discount Info@golfvisions.net. COG HILL has a Black Friday Sale Today Only. learn more at CogHillGolf.com. If you buy $1,000 dollars of gift cards, you get $250.00 more Free.

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or friend him on Facebook.

Titleist new CNCPT Irons Now Available.

NOW AVAILABLE from Titleist.

THE NEW CNCPT Iron series, built for a better ball striking feel, with forged and cast high performance materials.

So golfers are you ready for the new CP-03 and CP-04 Irons. Cp-03 is a midsize muscle back profile, while Cp-04 is a club that delivers more speed, and upgrades the original Cp-01 design.

The Forged Supermetal L-face insert, a thin-faced inset produces ball speeds with an increased launch (mid to low irons). CNCPT are the first irons to be constructed with this alloy.

Multi-Material, hollow body design, allow for an optimized MOI and CG placement in every iron in the set. High-density tungsten weighting comprise almost 50 percent of the total head weight in lower-lofts-and add precise sweet spot calibration, and greater clubhead stability.

“CNCPT is the dream project for our engineers,” said Marni Ines, Titleist Golf Club R&D Director of Irons Development. “We’re on the journey to not only design the ultimate iron-but actually figure out how to make it. We’ve made a huge leap forward with the discovery of this super-metal alloy. The material is so strong and resilient that we’re able to forge iron faces even thinner than we’ve once thought possible. It’s difficult to obtain and extremely challenging to implement into the manufacturing process. But the benefits to the overall construction in terms of ball speed, launch, distance and trajectory are just so astounding.”

The three models bring these strengths to your game. CP-02 is superior performance with blade size and feel. CP-03 great balance of power and control. CP-04 Ultimate speed with enhanced accuracy.

For more information on fittings and ordering at $500.00 per club. Titleist.com/golf-clubs/irons/CNCPT. These clubs are now available.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME OPENS THIS FRIDAY but there are Covid restrictions, so you should know them before you go. For more details see Mistwoodgolfdome.com.  ______________________________________________________________________

ZIEHM & SPEARS PODCAST SERIES, with Len Ziehm and Rory Spears. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone from Len and Rory.

Ziehm & Spears Podcast Series 2020-Volume 36.

Only 4 more podcasts to go for 2020.

This episode has Len and Rory talking about golf in Illinois, has Illinois become a non-hot spot for big time tournaments.

Len and Rory also discuss what’s coming to Sportsman’s Golf and Country Club in Northbrook, as the course goes through the a renovation and a new clubhouse gets built. Plus who else around town is getting a new clubhouse.

The backside of the Sportsman’s Clubhouse.

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday are just hours away, so it’s time to be ready to shop.

Because it’s time to find golf gifts for the favorite golfers in your life.

What are some of the best idea’s for golf gifts.

Len and Rory announces their first wave of ideas for holiday golf gifts.

A send-off for long time Cantigny Golf head golf professional Patrick Lynch. All this and more.

CLICK HERE to listen to Ziehm & Spears Podcast Series-Volume 36.

Thanks for listening Len and Rory.

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Golfers on Golf, Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger and Rory Spears.

THE 13TH at PAWLEY’S PLANTATION (L) and the 2ND at GRANDE DUNES in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. The Black Friday specials starting Friday the 27th, and running through Monday November 30th are incredible. Learn more MyrtleBeachGolfTrips.com. _____________________________________________________________________

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

The new Titleist TSi Drivers.

IT’S SAID THAT SPEED KILLS.

But with the new Titleist TSi Driver that produces the most speed a Titleist driver has ever had, you will feel like you killed your ball when you hit it.

Because the new ATI 425 Aerospace Titanium Face construction is new to the game, you will see drives like never before.

NOW AVAILABLE in golf shops and retail stores, and at fitting centers nationwide, the TSi Driver TSi2 and TSi3 models have become the most played river on the PGA for 2 straight years.

Because of the aerodynamic head, that propels the clubhead faster towards the golf ball, at impact the ATI 425 face launches the ball with more speed, and it adds a consistent spin for longer and straighter drives.

The face of the new TSi Titleist Drivers.

“TSi is simply better when it comes to all four fundamentals of driver design-distance, accuracy, looks and sound,” said Josh Talge, Vice President, Titleist Golf Club Marketing. “We continue to make every investment necessary to help players achieve the speed and distance gains they are asking for, without having to make any sacrifices when it comes to performance. ATI 425 is an incredible breakthrough for driver performance, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Every aspect of TSi has been optimized to benefit the total package, and it’s the integration of all of those parts that drives greater ball speed and an experience at impact that tour players can’t stop talking about.”

Titleist got these drivers in the hands of the tour players before the U.S. Open and 57 players put them in play on the PGA Tour and the European Tour. TSi was the most played driver played at Winged Foot during open week.

“TSi looks fast and sounds like a missile coming off the face,” said Justin Thomas. “When I first tested it I hit one driver off the toe and it carried some 20 yards further than I thought it would. That’s what we want is the bad shots to perform better. So in those weeks where I’m not hitting it consistently in the middle of the face, I feel like the TSi is going to have the opportunity for me to narrow my window and dispersion. The fact that it is faster without giving anything up- I can’t believe how much it’s improved when it’s already the best that it can get.”

“ATI 425 is an amazing alloy that leads to a lot of performance benefits,” said Dan Stone, Senior Vice President, Titleist Golf Club R&D. “it’s incredibility strong and maintains elongation under high stress. It lets us optimize the thickness of the entire face to a degree that was never before possible and it generates our highest ball speeds ever all over the face-not just the heel and toe but also high and low. This is not an easy material to obtain, but the benefits to the golfer are beyond anything we’ve ever seen.”

ATI 425 is made in Pittsburgh, it was originally developed for ballistic armor applications and has since been used in aerospace and commercial aircraft solutions, including jet engines and NASA Phoenix Mars Lander. Titleist is the only company using this material.

The TSI face and new graphic design, allows for an easy alignment at address. The new shaping of the clubhead makes the club faster in the air and delivers a more powerful blow at impact.

With the Performance-Tuned Adjustability, you can dial in the launch you are looking for. Especially when you use the TSi3 model with a SureFit CG track, that allows for five positions for clubhead adjustment.

TSi2: Pure Distance, for players looking for speed and accuracy across the entire clubface. TSi3 Dynamic Distance for players who have consistent contact and need more control over Center-Gravity (CG) placement.

PREMIUM SHAFTS: Include multiple new options with Mitsubishi or HZRDUS. Titleist does offer other options in custom shafts.

Some 20 players in the OWGR Top 100 Rankings use a TSi Driver, including 4 in the Top 20. Justin Thomas and Adam Scott Titleist Staff players, and 2 more without a playing agreement with Titleist.

Titleist TSi Drivers are now available. MAP $549. TSi Premium: MAP $749.00. For more information please visit Titleist.com.

  SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has a pro shop sale going all month. The Schaumburg Golf Club located at 1501 North Roselle Road is open for play. Call (847)-885-9000.       ____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Friend him on Facebook and or LinkedIn.

The Srixon ZX Irons, coming this January.

SRIXON has announced the upcoming release of their new ZX Irons.

The new ZX Irons all models, will be available on January 15th, 2021.

“While the new ZX Irons are gorgeous to look down at, it’s the technology inside that’s even more exciting,” said Jeff Brunski, Vice President of research and Development. “Hotter faces designed using AI optimization delivers more speed. Because varying grooves throughout the iron set gives golfers consistent distance control, and forged construction helps them feel so incredible at impact.”

What Srixon calls MainFrame, is a one-of-a-kind new face design, so that increase’s ball speed on every shot. MainFrame is milled into the backside of the iron face, because it’s variable thickness pattern is a mixture of grooves, channels and cavities.

Srixon spent over 2 years learning and refining the process. So that ZX Irons would offer a greatly improved COR because of the maximized flex at impact.

The ZX5 irons mix a ball speed technology with a forged feel, that delivers a workable profile. Which has a sharp look at address. But the ZX7 irons provide a blade shape, slim topline, and narrow sole that delivers a workability, feel, and aesthetics of a world-class players iron.

Both sets or irons offer an updated Tour V.T. Sole that moves smoother through the turf. Because progressive grooves will deliver consistency, and the forged construction with a soft 120 steel body which absorbs vibrations for a softer feel.

ZX Utility Irons are smaller and more compact than previous generations, and they deliver a more blade-like address profile that will blend with any set. Because new technologies come together in a smaller profile, but with the forgiveness that is expected from a utility iron.

COST: ZX7 Irons (8-piece steel)-$1,299.99, ZX5 Irons (8-piece steel) $1,299.99, ZX5 Irons (8-piece graphite)- $1,399.99, ZX Utility Irons $219.99.

The launch date on all ZX Irons is set for January 15th, 2021. Srixon.com

COG HILL HONEY with your turkey spread. Supplies are limited, but the Thanksgiving Day meal at Cog Hill is sold out. THE MISTWOOD Golf Dome will safely reopen, So stay clicked in here for details. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or McWethysSportsbar.com ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram. Hitting it on the Firestone Country Club West Course, in Akron Ohio.

THE DAYS OF HITTING IT outside are winding down here in the Chicago area.

Because snow and colder temperatures are on their way.

So what do you do about this. You can hope the Tuesday morning snow in the area, melts by Wednesday when 50+ degrees arrive.

After Wednesday, 50+ is not on the 7 or 10 day outlook moving forward, and that is a problem. But it’s expected, as we reach this time of the year on the calendar. So what you can do is start exploring your golf holiday shopping this week. In some cases, Black Friday or Cyber Monday is starting in advance of Friday and next Monday. I’ll have more on holiday shopping later this week.

A few years ago at Cantigny. L-R yours truly, with former GM Mike Nass (C), and (R) pro Patrick Lynch.

PATRICK LYNCH steps down at Cantigny, after 22 years.

Patrick Lynch the head golf pro at Cantigny Golf golf is leaving after 22 years on staff.

Lynch served as the lead professional for the last 13 years, after Mike Jones moved on to Kapalua, and other stops since.

But when Lynch took over from Jones, Lynch had big shoes to fill, and he filled them well. There isn’t much that Lynch hasn’t done at Cantigny that hasn’t worked out well. Cantigny’s programs have grown, and the property has continued to excel under his leadership. Currently, so little is known about what’s next for Lynch. But whatever it is, I wish him well. There is no word yet on who will replace Lynch as the next head golf professional at Cantigny.

Ryder Cup 2020 Wine.

RYDER CUP WINE, and just in time for the holidays.

So if your a wine drinker there is good news. Because right from the heart of wine country in California comes Ryder Cup wine, created by WX Brands.

This limited edition series, can be ordered through the WX Brands Revel Wine Club, and or in certain US-based host sites. Which includes the Woodlake Market in Kohler, Wisconsin. And only a few miles from Whistling Straits. The first release of this one-of-a-kind collection, is the 2017 Silver Spur Napa Valley Limited-Edition Cabernet Sauvignon ($34.99). The wine was created by veteran winemaker Linda Trotta.

There is more good news for wine drinkers, because this wine launch won’t be ending here. Expect future editions and more wine launches for the 2021 competition coming out next spring. So if you order now, you should receive your order before Christmas.

EQUIPMENT PURCHASES BUYING TRENDS CHANGE.

The major surge in equipment purchases this past 6 months, have seen patterns change as to who is buying equipment. This signals good news for the golf industry.

Golf Datatech that studies major golf industry trends, and tracks the numbers spent by consumers is showing different data patterns.

3rd Quarter sales on golf equipment surpassed the $1 Billion Dollar mark for the first time is history. So now what does golf need to do. Find ways to continue the growth, so that this spike in growth, is not limited to 2020.

It was online sales that exploded early in the year, but when Brick & Mortar stores reopened from Covid-19 shutdown, those numbers fell back. Sales data actually showed a small decline in purchases by golfers who considered themselves, serious golfers. But a strong surge came from players new to the game, or golfers that had been away for the game and made a return in 2020. So in many cases, found it time to upgrade older equipment.

Customer fitters and golf specialty retailers are still the most popular way that golfers purchase equipment and golf supplies. And that is more good news for the industry.

COMING UP likely on Wednesday will be Edition 36, of the Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2020. Len and I will be starting to pass along golf holiday gift ideas. So stay tuned, and clicked in. RS

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has a pro shop Sale going on now Schaumburggolf.com.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or connect on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram on the third hole at Whistling Straits home of the 2020 or 2021 Ryder Cup.

CANTIGNY GOLF in Wheaton has announced that after 22 years, it’s head golf professional Patrick Lynch is moving on. There are no details on where Lynch is headed, other than he is looking at some things he would to do in life. So more on this tomorrow, when the Gog Blog Speaks Out.

COG HILL Golf has announced a holiday golf ball promotion, and it runs through the end of the year.

Cog Hill and Callaway Golf are offering the Callaway Chrome Soft golf ball for only $39.99 plus tax, and now you can get free personalization. You must order by December 13th to get your order by Christmas Day. Call Cog Hill at (866)-264-4455, or visit CogHillGolf.com. But if you have not signed up for any of the Black Friday or this weekends Turkey Trot outings, do so as soon as possible to guarantee a spot in the field.

Cabot of Canada, spreading out to the West.

Cabot of Canada is now moving West.

Like out to the Pacific Northwest of British Columbia Canada.

The new Cabot Revelstoke is a Par 71 course, designed by Rod Whitman. It’s located between the town of Revelstoke, and the Columbia River.

The new Cabot property has everything you could love to enjoy. Because there is world-class golf in the warm months, and world-class skiing in the winter.

And you can enjoy mountain views from the holes of the Revelstoke golf course. So learn more at CabotLinks.com.

The Slick Rock course at Horseshoe Bay Resort in Austin Texas.

Horseshoe Bay Resort located just outside of Austin Texas, is not going to wait any longer.

That’s right, now you don’t need to wait for Black Friday. You don’t need to wait for Cyber-Monday.

Because Horseshoe Bay Resort is ready to roll-out the specials starting prior to Turkey Day.

Be ready on Wednesday November 25th, to find a special for your HSB stay and play. For details see HSBResort.com. Play four championship golf courses and enjoy everything else the resort has to offer.

Vattanac Resort in Cambodia, now with two Sir Nick Faldo designed championship courses.

VATTANAC Golf Resort has opened it’s second championship golf course, the West Course designed by Sir Nick Faldo.

Faldo called the West Course, “a perfect compliment to the East Course.” Because of how the fluid shaping gives the course it’s own identity.

The five sets of tee’s range from the front tee’s at 4,935 yards, to the back tee’s that list over 7,200 yards, Par 72. The resort located in Phnom Penh Cambodia, is now rated the nations top golf destination, and managed by Troon Golf.

But the resort is now ready to move into another phase of golf improvements, with the addition of night golf, and what’s being termed as a world-class golf academy. So for more details please visit Vattanacresort.com.

The new Edison Golf stand-alone golf bag. Now available.

EDISON GOLF WEDGES, has responded to the demand by it’s customers, for the perfect lightweight golf carry bag.

So now available and the perfect holiday gift for only $239.00, is your stand alone bag, and complete with your name embroidered on the ball pocket.

You should allow 3-4 weeks for shipping, which is free, to get yours in time for Christmas.

So for more details please visit Edisonwedges.com.

The new Trapper Outwear by Sun Mountain.

So if your still playing golf in the northern states, and need the right outerwear to keep warm because the temperatures drop into the low 50’s and 40 degree range.

Check out the new Trapper Line by Sun Mountain. Trapper is now available for only $179.99.

Because the new Trapper outerwear is both water-resistant and windproof, golfers will enjoy comfort on days when the weather isn’t perfect. Men’s sizes come from medium to XX-Large, in Black, Navy and Platinum. Golfers will enjoy the handwarmer pockets and chin-guard. Ladies will enjoy the granite Jacket and Vest, that come complete with insulated core panels.

You can place an order, or find your closest retailer by visiting SunMountain.com and or by calling (800)-227-9224.

SO ARE you signed-up for the Gobble-Gobble 4-man scramble on Friday at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol. Call Blackberry Oaks at (630)-553-7170 and get registered today. Because your golf season is not over.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns tomorrow. So stay clicked in. RS