THE TOUR EDGE GOLF HOT LAUNCH-Now available to be put in your bag. Today. Get fit, get your clubs in 48 hours. TourEdgegolf.com The SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has a pro shop sale running through the end of the month. Visit SchaumburgGolf.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. At Top Golf Schaumburg

IS THIS IT. For the northern region and golf in 2020.

This week the temperatures will sore into the mid to upper 60’s. 70 could happen on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Next weekend several courses are hosting their annual Turkey-Shoot or Turkey-Trot outings. Sign up today or tomorrow, so you get in the field.

If you have bought new equipment in the recent weeks, get out and test those clubs in better conditions while you can. One week from tomorrow is expected to be the end of warmer weather, before a steady diet of low 30 degree weather returns.

What will people do, who have relied on golf as on outlet during the pandemic. Hard to say, hopefully golf domes won’t get shut down by local or state government. But who knows. I’m anxious to see the new dome shell at the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook, that is currently being put up.

TOPGOLF is now fully bought out by Callaway Golf. People are asking if this is a good thing. It should be. The biggest fault I find when hitting balls at Topgolf, is that the balls aren’t great, and the clubs aren’t much better. A full infusion of a “Top Flight” golf ball made by Callaway would be better, and so would giving Topgolf customers some form of Callaway Clubs.

In the modern world companies are always looking at how they are going to hook the younger generation, or where they find the next generation of future customers. I think both companies just found the answer they are looking for. Callaway previously owned 14% of Topgolf, and now after near a 2 billion dollar buyout, Callaway owns Topgolf. Callaway CEO Chip Brewer feels great about what both companies can accomplish together. Topgolf will keep it’s corporate offices in Dallas, Callaway stays in California.

GOLF EQUIPMENT SALES set a new record for the third quarter of any year, going over the 1 Billion dollar mark for only the second time in history, for a 1 quarter sales number. The number could have been higher, but golf ball shortages, led to a lack of sales in that area. Only one other time in history has the quarter number been over a Billion Dollars, and that would be the second quarter of 2008.

This sales number, represents a 42% increase in sales over this time period of 2019. The question now is how can golf sustain this growth in 2021. Golf bags, Irons and Wedges were the big sellers. Maybe future growth will have to come from drivers, fairways woods, hybrids and putters next year. It will be interesting to see what area’s, and what companies will deliver on sale prices during 2021, in these area’s.

THE UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS has received a $5 Million dollar grant from a donor so the university can go forward with renovations to it’s Atkins Course at the University of Illinois. The course was donated to the university earlier this year by the Atkins family. Architect Drew Rogers is expected to work with the school on the course renovations.

LEN ZIEHM AND I talked during our recent podcast about new clubhouses in the area that are under construction, such as the Preserve at Oak Meadows, Fox Run in Elk Grove, Sportsman’s in Northbrook, and at Settlers Hill in Batavia. The new clubhouse for the Glencoe Golf Club still needs some additional funding before construction can begin. A group calling itself “Friends of the Glencoe Golf Course” is trying to assist with raising the money needed. Let’s hope they can raise what’s needed as soon as possible, and Glencoe can build it’s new clubhouse.

GOLF BALL SHORTAGES. A story that has not got a lot of attention in recent months was the golf ball shortage that was affecting the country. Certain brands and higher end golf balls were affected the most, says several Midwest professionals and managers at PGA Tour Stores. Titleist Pro-V’s were apparently right at the top of the list, but they were not the only company that had issues keeping up with demand. The reason why, seems to be golf ball producing plants being shutdown for Covid, then reopening without a full staff, and finally the huge demand for golf equipment and products such as golf balls, as participation in golf sky-rocketed in the last several months. As a result of shortages that are still happening, most of the top golf ball producing companies will not be offering late fall or holiday discounts on purchases of a dozen balls, or multi-dozen purchases in the end of 2020.

The Gog Blog will be back all week long. I know I’m a bit behind after being shutdown for a week, but I’m catching up with all the great golf stories that need to be told.

SPEAKING OF TELLING GOLF STORIES or NOT. The Chicago Tribune is now without a golf writer as Teddy Greenstein moves on to the editors job at SportsBetsUSA. Good luck with the new gig Teddy, I bet you will like it. Now only the suburban Daily Herald has a golf writer (Len Ziehm) on staff, with columnist Barry Rozner and Blackhawks beat writer John Dietz both chipping with golf coverage from time-to-time. RS

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is running a pro shop sale through November 30th, most items are 35% off, get a special while you can. Call the pro shop (847)-885-9000 or visit SchaumburgGolf.com. All 27 holes are open for play at 1501 N. Roselle Road.     ____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or on Facebook or LinkedIn. With the famed World Series of Golf Trophy at Firestone Country Club in Akron Ohio.

PINE MEADOW Golf Club in Mundelein golf professional Dennis Johnson has recorded a video explaining how the golf course is moving forward with a change of Illinois restrictions for Covid.

The golf course is open, and you can go into the pro shop to purchase merchandise, food or use the restrooms. But when you buy food take it outside.

That is all, it’s pretty simple. What’s even more simple is that it’s time to sign up for next weekend’s 2-Man or 2-Woman scramble. You need to sign up quickly if you plan to play. Call the pro shop at (847)-566-GOLF or 4653.

Sand Valley resort in Nekoosa Wisconsin is now more than just golf.

Golf might be over for the season at Sand Valley Golf Resort, but now the season never ends at Sand Valley.

Are you ready for the fall and winter season.

Sand Valley’s cottages are available for off season rentals for those looking to get away.

If outdoor activities are still on your agenda, then try cross country skiing, walking, or biking. Enjoy some time around a fire or a fire place. Call (855)-456-2100 or see reservations@sandvalley.com.

Welcome to John Deere-The 2021 John Deere Classic is July 5-11, at TPC Deere Run.

Even with no tournament in 2020, because of Covid-19, the John Deere Classic excelled off the course, with it’s Birdies-For-Charity program.

The john Deere Classic raised a staggering $12.22 million for some 465 Quad City area charities.

In order to reduce contact during the Covid Pandemic, all charity checks will be mailed this year, instead of being delivered or picked up in person.

“Thanks to the incredible ongoing generosity of individuals, companies and family foundations, the John Deere Classic is pleased to announce that despite the cancelation of the tournament we were able to raise $12.22 million dollars including a five percent bonus for 465 deserving charities,” John Deere Classic tournament director Clair Peterson said during a recent news conference. “In particular Deere & Company and the John Deere Foundation played leading roles in helping us maintain the charitable impact the tournament has on the community.”

The figure is the fourth largest amount in tournament history, according to tournament records. The 2021 John Deere Classic will be played July 5-11.

BUYING MADE EASY-Prospect Heights Illinois based Golftini has announced that it’s Spring of 2021 “Good Humor” Collection can now be purchased online. Check out the new video featuring Golftini owner and designer Susan Hess to see the line. For more details inquire at Sales@Golftiniwear.com.

THE SIMULATOR is up tomorrow at Petrifying Springs golf course in Kenosha Wisconsin, rates start at $35 an hour on weekdays. For more information on lessons and availability call (262)-925-8000. PetrifyingSprings.com

CALLAWAY GOLF’s new line of Players Irons are now available, the X Forged UT-CB and Apex MB irons. See Callawaygolf.com for more details.

LINKS CAPITAL ADVISORS is now listing Kewanee Dunes Golf Club for Sale in Kewanee Illinois. Asking price $750,000. For details see Linkscapitaladvisors.com or contact Chris Charnas at (312)-543-7192. LCA also announces the sale of Royal St. Augustine, in St. Augustine Florida.

Welcome to Cog Hill Golf & Country Club.

The annual Cog Hill Golf & Country Club is proud to host it’s Turkey Shoot outing next weekend, Saturday and Sunday November 7 and 8.

There are different flights, and different courses are played on different days.

Course 1 & 3 on Saturday, and Courses 2 & 3 on Sunday. For pricing and details see CogHillGolf.com or call Cog Hill at (866)-COG-HILL 264-4455.

Titleist announces it’s new and improved Pro-V1 and Por V1x golf balls.

Titleist after spending two years to develop a better golf ball, has now released the latest edition of it’s Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls, to it’s staff players on the PGA Tour.

These proto type golf balls produced at Titleist’s famed Ball Plant 3 in New Bedford Mass, have been delivered to PGA Tour players starting at the Las Vegas tour stop at TPC Summerlin.

The entire Pro V1 era was launched at Summerlin back in the year 2000, when PGA Tour players first received them. Titleist.com for more information.

The NEW Ben Hogan GS53 Max Driver.

The Ben Hogan Company has announced the release of it’s new GS53 Max Driver.

The driver is now available, and the 460cc GS53 Max lists at $355.00. It’s a driver that features a lightweight Carbon Composite Crown to help achieve maximum distance and forgiveness.

GS53 Max offers the golfer a 22% larger and 11% taller clubface, than currently popular Ben Hogan 445 cc GS53 that will stay offered in the product line.

Weight distribution has been moved to the edges of the clubhead to help increase stability and keep the clubhead squared at impact. The GS53 Max is acoustically tuned to have a solid sound at impact.

“This is a special driver that is born off Mr. Hogan’s principals of club design,” said Scott White, CEO, Ben Hogan Golf Company. “Our R&D mission for the GS53 Max was to keep the Center of Mass low and as far rearward as possible, which is very different when compared to the original GS53 driver which is much higher and more forward. As a result, the combination of the lightweight composite crown and tungsten sole weight allow us to position the Center of Mass so that we maximize launch while decreasing the amount of ball spin. This provides a higher ball flight…especially for players who don’t have Tour-caliber clubhead speeds…for increased roll and carry out.”

The driver comes in lofts of 9.0 and 10.5 with a variety of shaft and grip options. For more details see BenHoganGolf.com or on major social media networks.

Canteen Vodka Soda-now available

New on the market from Canteen Spirits is their Vodka Soda, a great beverage to enjoy while you enjoy the November version of the Masters, or hitting the links here up north before the outdoor season ends.

Now in FIVE flavors, Canteen has a higher alcohol content (5%) than most beers, but with no carbs so you don’t feel full on the course. The come in regular 12oz cans, and were designed by Founder Brandon Cason, and avid golfer, so they would stay in the cup holders on your golf cart. Golfers on Golf will have a review in our weekly speaks out column tomorrow. See DrinkCanteen.com for more details.

ZEN GREEN STAGE is an adjustable platform for indoor golf and training. Practice your putts from different slopes, and adjust for fairway lies that are not level. To learn more about this product from the UK, see Zenoracle.com.

DO YOU NEED HELP WITH THE RULES OF GOLF, how about learning them in simple easy instruction, through video’s that even those new to the game of golf, can pick-up quickly. Learn more at Expertgolf.com, there is a full series of video’s you can learn valuable information from. Follow Expert Golf on various social media outlets.

The Horseshoe Bay Resort near Austin Texas.

THE HORSESHOE BAY REORT near Austin Texas has created it’s first ever Stay-Paly and Learn Package.

Horseshoe Bay Resort is a AAA Four Diamond Property and Conde-Nast Readers Choice Award-Winning world class destination.

Current as part of the Stay-Paly and Learn package-guests can get a minimum 2-night stay, that includes a one-hour lesson with Director of Instruction Bobby Steiner, that includes a nine-hole playing lesson with Steiner, and a nine hole round of golf for 2-players after the on course lesson with Steiner.

Before you even come to Horseshoe Bay Steiner will speak on the phone with guests purchasing the package to learn more about them, and what types of lesson experiences they have had in the past and their skill level, regardless of what level that is. Horseshoe Bay has four championship golf courses, an exciting 18-hole miniature golf course, and more to do. Recent renovations to the property have run into the millions of dollars. For more details visit HSBresort.com or call (877)-611-0112.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns on Monday. RS