THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME in Bolingbrook is open on New Years Day from 8 Am until 10 pm. But you need reservations for a hitting bay. Call the dome (63)0-739-7600.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE WILD ROCK GOLF CLUB and the CHULA VISTA RESORT home of the Cold Water Canyon Golf Course, make up two of the top golf facilities in the Wisconsin Dells.

The Wisconsin Dells just north of the sate capital of Madison, provide travelers with another great part of the State of Wisconsin to visit.

For golfers that have fallen in love with certain golf resorts in the state, you should know that golf in Wisconsin doesn’t start and end in Kohler, Sand Valley, or Northwest of Milwaukee at Erin Hills.

The first hole at Wild Rock.

In fact if you like Erin Hills, and you should, Erin Hills course architects Dr. Michael Hurdzan and former partner Dana Fry, didn’t just leave the Dairyland after Erin Hills was finished.

There was still work to do about 90 minutes away.

Wild Rock Golf Club designed by Hurdzan & Fry is the more scenic of the two golf courses, if you really enjoy elevation change golf holes, through the woods of Wisconsin.

The Par 3, Ninth hole at Wild Rock.

Golfers get a nice scenic drive to the first hole. Then first few holes at Wild Rock give you a chance to settle-in to your game. Because you do have some elbow-room to work the golf ball.

But then the fun begins around the 6th hole, as the elevation really kicks in, and offers another challenge to your round.

Because what goes up-must come down. You will start heading down from high points of the golf course during the closing holes.

The Par 3, 15th hole is cut in around a quarry.

While the closing holes are all good holes and fun to play. But it’s the par 3, 15th hole that’s the eye-catcher.

It’s not a long hole, only 179 from the back tees. But it plays from several different angles around the quarry, and is a fun challenge, not matter which tee you use.

It’s one of the best places on the course if you have your camera out, and something for your social media account.

Wild Rock has hosted some USGA Qualifiers and other golf tournaments, it could get more in the future. Wild Rock is part of the Wilderness resorts and Waterparks properties. The course has been around since 2008, and has really matured into a great golf course. Unfortunately sometimes overlooked because of the big name resorts that host professional championships.

You will see some wildlife at Wild Rock. Because while golfers are looking for birdies, they might find some deer that roam around during the round. Food and beverage are served in the stylish log cabin clubhouse, that over looks the practice range.

There are 5-sets of tees. They play anywhere from 7,246 par 72, to a yardage of 5,050 par 71. Regardless of where you playing golf in Wisconsin, Wild Rock should always be on your bucket-list. So find out more by visiting Wildrockgolf.com or call (608)-253-4653.

Welcome to the Cold Water Canyon golf Course.

The Cold Water Canyon Golf Course (Est 1923) is among the five oldest golf courses in Wisconsin.

The front nine that is. But the second nine that created the full 18 holes came at a later date.

Golfers will find an older more traditional parkland style course on the older holes. With a more open links style back nine.

The first hole at Cold Water Canyon Golf Course.

(Editors Note* the round of golf was cut short to 1 hole. As a massive rain storm cancelled play on the day of the visit at Cold Water Canyon).

Cold Water Canyon isn’t a long golf course. So no worries if your not a big hitter.

In fact the back tee’s-tip out at 6,027 yards. While the front tees, are just 4,649 yards. Par is 71.

Cold Water Canyon is part of the Chula Vista Resort, on the northside of the Dells. The resort is home to over 600 rooms and condo’s. But if your looking for conference space in addition to fun attractions like golf, boat rides, and great food including large steaks at Kaminski’s Chop House. Then the Chula-Vista resort is the place for you to visit.

For more information on the Chula Vista Resort, see Chulavistaresort.com or call (866)-825-6337. Golfers don’t forget to add the Wisconsin Dells to your bucket list of where to play golf when in Wisconsin. You will be glad you did. 2021 specials are starting to be available. So don’t wait too long to your travel schedule for next year. Because we all know it’s time to get back on the road, and enjoy the fun in 2021.

To learn more about the Wisconsin Dells area, please visit Wisconsindells.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME’S NEW SHELL is shown off by Mistwood Professional Dan Phillips (L) and Master Fitter Eric Russell (R). Russell is a national finalist for Fitter of the Year in 2020. The MGD is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook call (630)-739-7600 to get your hitting bay tee time scheduled. Lessons and Club fittings are now available.      _____________________________________________________________________

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. Connect on LinkedIn or Instagram. In the clubhouse at Trappers Turn in the Wisconsin Dells.

YOU HAVE HEARD about all the great golf destinations in Wisconsin. Or have you ?

So you know about Erin Hills, Kohler, Sand Valley, the Lake Geneva Area. Yes they are good.

But there is another place to put on your bucket list if your heading north into Wisconsin to play golf.

The Wisconsin Dells.

Located just north of Madison, and a easy commute from the Chicago area. In fact less than three hours.

So you have heard about all the water parks and slides in the Dells. Yes there are some of them, and one really massive rollercoaster that will make your head spin. But there is also some really great golf in the Dells, giving you a place to make your wedges spin golf balls on the greens.

The new Trappers Turn massive putting green, should open in June of 2021. It will have lights for night putting.

Trappers Turn was designed by 2-time U.S. Open Champion Andy North, who is back at work again on the property.

Not only is North over-seeing the one-acre putting green that will have lights for night putting, but he is creating a new 12 hole par 3 course as well.

The new par-3 course called “North 12” is because there is 12 holes. North is working on the design with Craig Haltom, from Oliphant-Haltom Golf. So if your wondering about the land used for the course, Haltom is good at finding top notch land for golf holes. In fact Haltom is so good, he helped create one of the best golf resorts in America. Haltom found Sand Valley in Wisconsin when it belonged to a lumber company. He called Mike Keiser and the rest is history.

But the new history in the Wisconsin Dells, begins next June, or at least that’s the plan if winter isn’t too harsh. A new king-sized putting green with lights, a new short course with 12 par-3 holes (that should have lights).

One of the new Par-3 holes, on 12 North at Trappers Turn. Opening June of 2021.

More improvements off the golf course are in place or are coming.

A vineyard has been growing on property since late 2018. But sorry no home-brewed wine is coming at the turn. So do you like brandy ?

If so, that might be an option before too long. But for those of you who do enjoy wine, the 1,000 bottle wine room is already open-enjoy.

Trappers Turn has 27 holes, three great nines, the Lake, the Canyon, and the Arbor. There are 83 bunkers on the golf course, and you will find water on 13 of the holes.

The par 3-7th hole on the Canyon Nine is one of the most photographed holes on the golf course.

If you have a score of 64 for 18 holes in your bag, you can challenge Ryder Cup Team USA Captain Steve Stricker’s course record from the Wisconsin State Open some 30 years ago.

Ownership of the golf course, are the same people who own the nearby Kalahari Resort.

The resort has a water slide, and indoor pool. There are plenty of good rooms at the resort, but maybe even better are the log cabin villa’s at Lake  Delton, just a couple of miles from the main resort.

There are plans that have been delayed for a lodge with at least 28 rooms on property at the golf course. Once the threat from Covid-19 passes, those plans are expected to move forward.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the interview with Trappers Turn GM and Director of Golf Patrick Steffes.

For more information on everything happening at Trappers Turn, please call (608)-253-7000 or visit TrappersTurn.com.

This story is Part 1 of 2, from our fall trip to the Wisconsin Dells. Part 2 features Wild Rock Golf Club, and the Chula Vista Resort. Chula Vista is home to the Cold Water Canyon Golf Course, one of the oldest clubs in the State of Wisconsin.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-Complete with a new shell for the 2020-2021 and beyond golf seasons. The dome is open, but hitting time reservations are currently needed. Lessons and club fittings are available. For details 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.

THE FINAL FEW DAYS OF 2020 is upon us, but will the jump into 2021 be much better.

I think we should all hope it has to be.

The year ahead could be off to a slow start, until most people have their Covid shots.

But for now the good thing about the year ahead, is that the first golf outing of 2021 is THIS SUNDAY. Because the Eskimo Open at Cog Hill is on the tee.

The Bears-Packer game is now pushed to 3:25. So plenty of time to get your 18 holes in, and finish in time to see the entire game.

About 200 golfers are already signed up, and it appears there won’t be large amounts of snow on the ground. Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-264-4455 (COG-HILL). Home of the honey. So have you had Cog Hill honey, made by honey bees at Cog Hill. I gave some out as Christmas gifts and the feedback reports are all positive.

AND an even bigger thumbs-up came back from the Erin Hills Pilsner I gave as gifts to family and friends. Currently Erin Hills is closed and out of stock on it’s beer for 2020.  Because somebody bought out the remaining stock a few weeks back. I wonder who-LOL.

IF YOU NEED A GIFT or want to spend a gift card. Here are two great idea’s that got two thumbs-up from friends and family, I gave these items out as gifts over Christmas.

So coming up on the week ahead. I’ll have more on my fall trip to the Wisconsin Dells. Plus on New Years Eve, I’ll wrap up 2020. Because in spite of the virus, it was an amazing year for golf.

SO DID YOU get clubs for Christmas, or gift cards to go get clubs. If so, are you in the now what to do. First thing is. If you have time off this week or next. Go test out clubs before you buy. Plenty of places to go do that. I don’t have any schedules yet on demo days from the golf domes or equipment companies.

But there is plenty of new equipment that came out in the last 90 days for you to go hit. Do so. Because there is everything from drivers to putters to test out. IF someone bought you clubs without telling you in advance, don’t be afraid to return them if you need to. Club fitting, whether it’s at the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook, Club Champion, PGA Tour Store or your local club, is still the best way to go.

As the real part of winter approaches, is it time to get away now. Or are you ready to plan that spring trip with friends or family. I will have more thoughts on travel within the next week. DO NOT get scared into staying home, because the state wants you to, and threatens you with quarantine rules.

I AM really excited for our friend golf architect Ray Hearn from Holland Michigan. Ray has plenty of projects going on for next year, which means there is more great golf ahead for golfers who will play courses with his designs. I see some trips to Michigan ahead. Locally Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville is a Hearn design, open to the public. For more information see my story from last weekend on Ray Hearn.

THE LOCAL RENOVATION’S continue in 2021 at the Olympia Fields Country Club. With the South Course seeing 9 holes getting done in 21, and the other nine in 2022.  But when it’s all done, the South Course could be missing a bunch of trees.

OVER THE NEXT COUPLE of days, I’ll have some stories on the Wisconsin Dells area. And it’s still not too late to book a New Years Eve stay. RS.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME in Bolingbrook is open daily. But go on the website and your reservation before you arrive for a hitting bay. Mistwoodgolfdome.com for details.    ______________________________________________________________________

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. Happy Holidays.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME and McWethy’s Sports Bar are open, for carry-outs. Please call ahead for food or golf.

Lessons and club fittings are available. And you can schedule time online. Mistwoodgolfdome.com. Call (630)-739-7600.

Fitter Eric Russell has been named by the National Club Fitting Council, a finalist for Fitter of the Year. Congrats to Eric, here’s to a solid finish when all the votes are in.

For hitting balls, yes you do need to make a reservation in advance. So please arrive only 10 minutes in advance. So you can be ready to go when it’s your time to hit.

McWethy’s Tavern at the Mistwood Golf Club is open for to-go’s, see McwethysTavern.com for more information.

The Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, is ready to welcome golfers on Jan. 3rd for the Eskimo Open.

COG HILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB has announced that field is filling up quickly for the first golf outing of 2021.

Because the annual Eskimo Open starts next Sunday January 3rd at 7 Am, with tee times running through 11 Am.

So as of Christmas Day the field is at over 190 golfers.

To learn more about fees, and awards, call Cog Hill at (866)-264-4455 (CogHill). So start your 2021 golf season in the Eskimo Open on January 3rd.

MISSION INN RESORT 35 minutes northeast of Orlando Florida, is offering a great way to welcome in the New Year. New Years Eve special’s. So why stay in Illinois where everything is closed, go to Florida and enjoy warm weather great golf and more. Do call Mission Inn Resort at (800)-874-9053 or visit MissionInnResort.com. Because it’s time to start the new year the right way.

Play Pinehurst Course 2, the U.S. Open Course.

So do you need a deal. Because starting 2021 the right way, is a great way to get back to normal.

Are you ready to visit the Cradle of Golf in America ?

Right now through the end of February, you can visit Pinehurst for the best rates of the year. So grab them while you can.

So trade in your mittens for 1-Glove and enjoy the $243.00 per night rate.

And see what all you get by visiting Pinehurst.com. Because it’s always a beautiful day in Pinehurst. Pinehurst a U.S. Open anchor site.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. And all week long. RS

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Call (630)-739-7600 for details on hours & reservations due to Covid restrictions. Lesson & Fittings available. _____________________________________________________________________

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

Architect Ray Hearn in the Ross Tartan jacket, for members of the American Society Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).

ARCHITECT RAY HEARN based in Holland Michigan, is one of the few members of the American Society Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), who is also an Evans Scholar (Michigan State University).

Hearn is best known for his work in the Chicago area at both Mistwood Golf Club, and Flossmoor Golf Club.

But when it comes to Chicago, Hearn is far from done. In fact, Hearn will be in town at least one day a week, every week from August to December in 2021.

However Hearn is not waiting until August to make his first windy-city appearance next year. He will have three projects that are moving forward.

The Par 3 7th hole at Flossmoor Golf Club.

Hearn did a renovation of the Flossmoor Country Club, as it was known when the project started in 2006. (Now Flossmoor Golf Club).

It wrapped up in 2008, but not exactly how Hearn had hoped it would. Hearn in will return in 2021 to Flossmoor, and begin the tree removal plan he didn’t finish over 10 years ago.

Several hundred trees were removed the last time around, and now 500 more are expected to be removed this spring. That and some other minor tweaks will add to the new look Flossmoor.

Hearn’s bigger task in town next year is the Midlothian Country Club in the south suburbs. Midlothian will host the 2023 Western Junior Championship. Hearn says he will have the course, championship ready before 2023. Because of improvements to the bunkers and a increase of yardage.

The golf course at the Oak Brook Hills Resort is on Hearn’s hit list, but the time tables on that project seem “to be determined”. But decisions are expected in 2021.

The par 4, 4th hole at Mistwood Golf Club, designed by Ray Hearn.

Hearn takes pride that his work at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, that will host the Illinois State Amateur in 2021.

But it comes with some sadness for Hearn. Mistwood owner Jim McWethy passed away this past summer, and Hearn calls the loss of his good friend a “punch in the gut.”

“This was a tournament that Jim always wanted to host at Mistwood,” says Hearn. “This would have meant a lot to him this coming summer during tournament week.”

Hearn’s profile continues grow on a national level, and even more in his home state of Michigan.

First up for Hearn in 2020, was renovation work at Metedeconk Country Club in New Jersey, this Robert Trent Jones Sr. project, with follow-ups from Jones assistant Roger Rulewich. Work is on-going as winter sets in. But Metedeconk is seeing some Top 100 recognition from a few national rating services, as improvements are made.

Back in Michigan Hearn is getting ready for several projects. The Water’s Edge Golf Course in Freemont Michigan, that will see the creation of new holes and a large practice area. That will be one of the biggest in Michigan.

Washtenaw Country Club an 1899 design will have Hearn taking out some 400 trees as part of a restoration. White Lake Golf Club that has many of it’s members from the Chicago area, will have Hearn reworking this Tom Bendelow classic.

Lincoln Golf Club in Muskegon County will have Hearn working on it’s practice range. While Hearn will also be kept busy at the 1920 Classic Coldwater Golf Course in Coldwater Michigan.

The 3rd hole on the Donald Ross Memorial Course at Boyne Highlands.

But perhaps one of Hearn’s biggest projects in his home state, will be a 3-course project to start with at Boyne Resorts.

The Donald Ross Memorial Course at Boyne Highlands will be updated.

A second project will be the Moor Course at Boyne Highlands, followed by a par-3 course that Hearn has big expectations for.

Outside of Michigan, Hearn is very excited about creating a brand new 18-hole golf course in Idaho. In addition to a project in New York that will have Hearn restoring an old-classic 9 hole Donald Ross that is now under new ownership. But that’s not all, as the new owner of the Ross Course has purchased over 100 acres of adjoining land. So Hearn will be constructing new holes on that part of the property.

At Midlothian, Hearn and the club’s maintenance team discovered a bin, of old notes and plans from Donald Ross. During the time Ross consulted at the club in 1912-1913, prior to the 1914 U.S. Open. Hearn called the find, “pure gold” if your an architect trying to learn from the clubs history and original designs.

Golfers who play in Chicago and Michigan, can find much of Hearn’s work. Over the next few years, they will find a bit more of Hearn’s handiwork to test their game against.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is closed today for Christmas and reopens tomorrow.

  HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY TO FRANK JEMSEK (DEC. 23RD)

                   (L-R) Rory Spears-Ed Stevenson and Bill Berger.             Len Ziehm

From all of us at Golfers on Golf-Merry Christmas, and we hope the Golf Santa brings you what you want from the world of golf. May it fit in your bag, or look good when you wear it.

Ed-Billy-Len and Rory.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME open today 8 Am to 4 Pm, and closed tomorrow on Christmas Day, but reopening for normal hours on Saturday. Mistwoodgolfdome.com it’s located on  Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Lessons & club fittings are available (630)-739-7600.  _____________________________________________________________________

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 Pine Meadow GC, where I played golf in November.

THE GOLF SEASON that never ends.

Or so it seems.

Call it great fall weather that lasted into the last few days, or a great option in life as the pandemic drags on.

But golfers were out playing in recent weeks up north, as the weather held up for outdoor play.

During a crazy year because of the pandemic, golf has been great option to get outside and do something. Play sports, get some exercise, see your friends and family. And have some fun.

Kissimmee Florida based Golf Datatech LLC, a leading independent market research firm has filed it’s report on rounds of golf played for November of 2020.

John Krzynowek, Partner, at Golf Datatech, called November another excellent month for golf for multiple reasons. Good weather, especially up north, restrictions on other activities, including youth sports.

The only three states that showed a decline in numbers, were Hawaii, Florida and New Mexico. Hawaii has had a year long decline in travel because of the pandemic. Florida suffered from massive rains that caused flooding issues across the state. New Mexico had a statewide order to close non-essential businesses including golf courses, from Nov. 16-30.

As December arrived rounds for 2020, were up 13% for the year over 2019. With an increase of over 12% at public courses, and 19% at private clubs.

Krzynowek expects these trends to continue at least through the first half of 2021. A full recap of rounds played in 2020, and final numbers on equipment sales for 2020, will be released next month.

Golf Datatech has been creating projections on the golf industry for rounds played and equipment sales, since the year 1999. Numbers are expected to be improved for 2020, over the results from December of 2019 as well.

THE NEW DOME SHELL inside and out. Mistwood Golf Dome is open under Covid-19 guidelines. So is McWethy’s Sports Bar inside the dome. Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600 Located on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook, lessons & club fittings now available.  _____________________________________________________________________

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, and or you can connect on LinkedIn.

NOTE: This is part 2 of a 2 part series on the upcoming renovation at Medinah, and the club being awarded the 2026 Presidents Cup. Immediate past club president of Medinah, Michael Scimo spoke with Golfers on Golf, about what’s been the clubs path over the last 13 months, and what it could be leading into championship week of 2026. Scimo also served as the clubs “bid leader” in attempting to being the event to the club.

THE PRESIDENTS CUP is coming to Medinah Country Club in 2026.

MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB will host the 2026 Presidents Cup, in what will be the next “major” golf championship in Chicago.

So it’s too bad it’s still almost six years away.

But what did it take to land the 2026 matches. And what will happen to Medinah’s famed #3 championship course before 2026.

Because what will happen is that at some point, likely 2022, Medinah’s Championship Course #3 will start to under-go a renovation by OCM golf design. OCM is based in Melbourne Australia and has done one project in America, Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth Texas.

(See part 1 of this story for more details on the renovation, that ran on Monday).

The good news is that the next major golf event in the Chicago area, in now on calendar for September of 2026.

The famed Medinah Country Club clubhouse.

In-spite of the outcome, thousands of golf and sports fans had a great time the week of the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah. So since then, the question has been, when is the Ryder Cup coming back again.

Unfortunately the next available Ryder Cup on American soil is 2037.

But the Presidents Cup is team styled matches like the Ryder Cup, that puts the USA, against countries that are not a part of the Ryder Cup.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Michael Scimo of Medinah Country Club. Scimo served as the clubs bid leader for the 2026 President’s Cup.

Scimo explains what stood out to the club about the Presidents Cup. And how it will make yet another great chapter in the clubs rich golf history.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN-so is MCWTEHY’S TAVERN at the Mistwood Golf Club. Covid restrictions in effect. Call first, Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)739-7600.  ______________________________________________________________________

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2020-Volume 40. The season finale. 2020 is in the books.

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2020-Volume 40.

IT’S been quite a run for full season #1.

Len Ziehm and Rory Spears took what they have at the PGA Merchandise Show the last 5 years, and kept the ball rolling down the fairway all year long.

Ziehm and Spears provide the most complete weekly golf report for the Chicago area and beyond.

To wrap up the year, Len and Rory discuss the real final outdoor day for golf in the Chicago area. Some last second golf holiday ideas.

The end of the Golf Channel in Orlando. Golf travel 2021. Preview Part 2 of the Medinah Country Club feature with past president Michael Scimo, on the upcoming renovation and the 2026 Presidents Cup. The next big championship coming to the Chicago area.

Len and Rory look back at 2020 and ahead to 2021, so click on and listen.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR THE 2020 Season finale of Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series, Volume 40.

Thanks for listening everyone. And thanks to our sponsor Mistwood Golf, Chicago’s year round golf operation.

From Len and Rory-Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2021-Volume 1 returns about Jan. 13th of 2021. Until then, hit’em straight.

MCWETHY’S GOLF DOME and SPORTSBAR ARE OPEN-But there are Covid-19 restrictions in place. Mistwood pro’s Dan Phillips (L) and Master Club fitter Eric Russell. For more details on Mistwood Golf-Chicago’s Year Round Golf Operation. Visit any of the Mistwood website’s. The golf course in Romeoville, or the golf dome in Bolingbrook, and McWethy’s Restaurants at Mistwood Golf Course or 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, Connect on LinkedIn, or Follow on Instagram at RorySpears18.

WHAT’S COMING TO MEDINAH-PART 1.

THE MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB-Clubhouse. The 18th hole and green on Course #3 at Medinah. (During the set up phase for the 2019 BMW Championship).

In what has been a strange year overall, and a crazy year in golf. The year 2020 didn’t end without Chicago’s premier golf club making some surprising news.

Medinah Country Club not only announced an upcoming renovation to it’s famous Top 100 ranked Course #3, but was awarded the 2026 President’s Cup. A championship that is comprised of  teams, made up by many of the world’s best players.

Course #3, Medinah’s Championship Course yielded plenty of birdies and a few eagles during the 2019 BMW Championship. As the world’s best players had perfect conditions and not a killer rough like the 2020 BMW Championship at Olympia Fields had, to pick #3 apart.

While Justin Thomas was a deserving champion in 2019, his 25 under par winning score opened some eyes in various areas of the golf community. Fans and media alike wondered how both the score by Thomas, and more low scores by other tour players on #3, would sit with Medinah’s membership.

Well now there is an answer. But maybe it’s not what you would expect it to be.

So about seven weeks after the BMW Championship drove out of town, current Medinah Club President Joe Gattone called a meeting to discuss improvements to Course #3. Gattone started a plan to move Course #3 forward, and part of that plan was to create a master plan for what could or should be next for Course #3.

Part of what’s next, is a renovation with the Melbourne Australia based OCM Golf Design. For those of you asking-OCM-who. Here is your answer. The “O” is Geoff Ogilvy the 2006 U.S. Open Champion at Winged Foot. His partners are Mike Cocking and Ashley Mead.

The answer is Yes, to the question of have they worked in the United States before. How many times you ask, the answer is once. In Texas, where they made changes at Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth Texas. A course that had some of it’s design suggested by a former member, some guy named Ben Hogan.

This past week, Golfers on Golf spoke with Medinah immediate past president Michael Scimo. Scimo is part of the Course #3 renovation committee appointed by Gattone. Scimo also served as Medinah’s “Bid Leader” in the clubs efforts to land the 2026 President’s Cup.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR Part 1 of the interview with Medinah’s Michael Scimo. Part 1 looks at the upcoming improvements to Course #3, and how the club arrived at bringing in the OCM design firm.

PART 2 of the interview with Scimo that will focus on the club hosting the 2026 Presidents Cup, will run later this week. So stay clicked in. RS