THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open, reservations required. McWethy’s Sports Bar at the dome is open for orders including the famed Wings and Ribs to go. (R) Pro’s Dan Phillips (L) and Club fitter Eric Russell show off the new look in the dome. For more information on lessons, club fitting, reserving a Toptracer hitting bay please visit online Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome on Rt. 83 in Bolingbrook at (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, or connect with Rory on Linkedin. Instagram RoryGolf18.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME in Bolingbrook on Rt. 53, where it’s the most wonderful time of the year. (630)-739-7600. Reserve hitting bays in advance.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open daily. Check for hours.

But due to pandemic restrictions, you must reserve your Toptracer hitting bay in advance.

So get your lessons, and your club fittings today, or during the holidays. If you need a gift-order a Mistwood gift card for your favorite golfer.

Both McWethy’s Sports Bar at the dome, and McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood golf Club in Romeoville are open for business. But due to the pandemic, carry-outs only. Visit all the McWethy’s websites or Mistwood Golf websites for details. Mistwood-Chicago’s year round golf operation. Because golf season never ends.

The Golf Scene with Steve Kashul-Winter Edition returns tonight at 6 pm on NBC Sports Chicago

They are back for the winter season.

THE GOLF SCENE with your host Steve Kashul returns tonight on NBC Sports Chicago at 6 PM.

This year with limited commercial breaks, there will be more features than ever before in a 30 minute Golf Scene program.

Some of the features include a look at the Mistwood Golf Dome renovation. Golf in Las Vegas. Carl Rabito’s junior golf, with Neuqua Valley High School standout Sarah Zheng. And get a look at the new drivers and irons from Srixon Golf.

So if you need a mulligan, repeats runs on Monday Dec. 21 at 6 Pm, and 6:30 on NBC Sports Chicago Plus. Dec. 23- at 5 Pm. Dec. 24 at 5:30 Pm and Saturday the 26th at 10 Pm.

  CHAD JOHANSEN has the winter session of the Chad Johansen Golf Academy up and running for the winter at the Go For It Sports Dome in Yorkville, on Galena Road, just around the corner from Blackberry Oaks Golf Club.

So if you need gift cards for the holidays, great gifts on sale. Now is the time. But you need more, okay. Chad has released the 2021 Blackberry Oaks season schedule that opens with the FOUR-MAN Scramble on Sunday April 18th. BlackberryOaks.com.

Get in the Four-Step Process that will shave strokes off your scorecard, and you won’t need an eraser. So you need a holiday gift, learn more about at the Perfect Putting Mat, and the Perfect Putting Glasses at the Chad Johansen Golf Academy-open all winter long. And a great idea for kids. CJGA.com

GOLFVISIONS will begin sending out it’s 2021 Players Passes on January 4th, to avoid getting them lost in the holiday mail rush. Golfvisions.net with any questions.

SOLHEIM CUP USA has holiday specials on winter beanies, and tickets for the 2021 Solheim Cup at Inverness Country club in Toledo Ohio. August 31-September 6th. See SolheimCupUSA.ocm

LIE ANGLE BALANCE Putters starting to take the tours by storm.

ARE YOU READY FOR Lie-Angle and Balance.

So widely known as LAB PUTTERS.

They are the putters that the younger player and mini-tour players are using, as they prepare for the next level in their golf career.

So is it time to raise your putting to the next level in 2021. Because you can with a LAB Golf putter.

But now through the 25th of December, you can purchase a LAB GOLF gift card at 15% off. So visit LabGolf.com.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

  MCWETHY’S TAVERN in Romeoville and MCWETHY’S Sportsbar in Bolingbrook are both open, for carry out & to go’s. See Mistwoodgolfdome.com & McWethyTavern.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.

Welcome to Settlers Hill in Batavia-that is now into renovation and will reopen in 2022.

SETTLER’S HILL in Batavia is getting ready to be one of the best public courses in the Chicago area.

So how is that going to happen?

It’s all about the renovation that is now underway.

Architect Greg Martin has spent the last 8 years, bringing together multiple groups to get this project off the ground. But as of two months ago, that work by Martin has paid off. The dirt  has finally started to move, and now work is underway.

The dirt on the landfill is being cleared, and a new range will be put on this spot.

That work started this fall, in area’s that did not affect play, and kept the golfers on the golf course. Which is the place that golfers have been in large numbers during the pandemic.

But now the golf course is closed until 2022, (hopefully opening before the 4th of July of that year).

So what will change ?

The routing will switch slightly, two new holes will be created, both nines will end at the brand new clubhouse. A brand new practice range, will give the facility something it has not had. But the old clubhouse the famed barn, will not be torn down. Because it will be used for other purposes.

The old barn will remain, but won’t serve as the main clubhouse after the renovation.

The new clubhouse moves to an area that’s behind the current first green. So the new first hole, becomes what was the current second hole.

The clubhouse will sit behind the newly expanded first tee. But on the other side of the clubhouse will be the new driving range.

But one of the main improvements that Martin is excited about, is the new junior golf area that sits close to the main entrance to the property.

The 4th green of the 4 hole short course.

The new four hole short course, will be loads of fun for the junior golfers. And maybe the parents that play along with them.

Their is an open area between the holes, that gives the staff options on how to set up the holes on any given day. And room to for practice while golfers wait to play the golf course.

Once golfers get on the golf course, they will enjoy two new par 3 holes. The current 7th hole, will now make a turn from the tee box into the wooded area right of the tee box. That hole will now be the 6th hole.

But things get even better on the back nine. Par 3 16th (that becomes the new 15th hole) green will move to create a new hole. Then the tee boxes on the par 5 17th (that becomes the 16th hole) get moved up on top of the hills currently left of the fairway. Giving golfers a view from one of the highest places in Kane County. The newly elevated tee box will golfers to bomb away on the hole.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW with architect Greg Martin on the renovation of Settlers Hill.

When Settlers Hill reopens in 2022, it will be a complete golf facility that golfers of all ages can enjoy. Complete with newly styled bunkers, bridges, better drainage and more.

You can follow the progress of the Settlers Hill renovation by staying clicked in to Golfersongolf.com.

THE TEACHING PRO & THE FITTING PRO- Mistwood Professionals Dan Phillips (L) will help with a lesson and Eric Russell (R) can get you fitted into the proper clubs. See Mistwoodgolfdome.com Tomorrow morning 8-2Pm pro shop sale at Mistwood Golf Club. _____________________________________________________________________

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2020-Volume 39, only more episode to go in 2020. 

The Ziehm & Spears Podcast Series 2020 is winding to a close. this week is Volume 39.

Next week on Tuesday will be the 2020 season finale, so stay clicked in.

Because Len Ziehm & Rory Spears bring you the Chicago area and beyond, most complete weekly golf report.

This week Len & Rory discuss some golf holiday gift ideas.

What is still happening with the LPGA Tour.

A preview of our two-part series with Medinah Country Club past president Michael Scimo, on the upcoming renovation of Medinah’s famed Course #3, the Championship Course. Plus the coming of the 2026 Presidents Cup.

What you can learn at a Club Fitting, and why it doesn’t mean having to buy a new full set of golf clubs.

CLICK HERE to hear Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2020-Volume 39.

Hear more about the success the Western Golf Association had in raising money at the 2020 BMW Championship. Because the end result was better than expected.

The final edition of this years series will be next Tuesday. So stay clicked in. And thanks for listening-Len and Rory.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN-but reservations first for your hitting bay due to Covid restrictions. And arrive 10 minutes early for check-in. McWethy’s Tavern and McWethy’s Sports Bar have carry-outs and to go orders. This Saturday there is a major holiday Sale in the pro shop at Mistwood Golf Club 8A-2P up to 70% off on some items. Learn more at MistwoodgolfDome.com or at the Mistwoodgc.com site. #McWethys          _____________________________________________________________________

    OLYMPIA FIELDS COUNTRY CLUB-Played host to the 2020 BMW Championship, this past August. Western Golf Association Senior Vice President of Tournaments, Vince Pellegrino speaks about the championship. Jon Rahm won this years championship.

The Olympia Fields Clubhouse and famed clocktower.

Western Golf Association (WGA) officials have announced that this years BMW Championship raised over $800,000 dollars for the Evans Scholars Foundation.

Since 2007 the BMW Championship has raised over $36 million dollars for the scholars.

But this years championship had to be played without spectators.

“During the season of giving, we’re proud to announce the contribution of all proceeds from the BMW Championship to the Evans Scholars Foundation, a deserving cause,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. “We were extremely fortunate this past year to have benefitted from the generosity of our partners at BMW, Olympia Fields and the PGA Tour. The efforts and hard work of everyone involved helped us overcome the many obstacles we faced due to the pandemic and to once again give back by funding college scholarships for caddies.”

But In 2019 at Medinah Country Club, the BMW Championship raised $4.4 million dollars. And with nearly 130,000 spectators in attendance.

“So we went from planning for usual 125,000 spectators to closing the event to all but the essential participants-players and their caddies, tournament officials and volunteers,” Pellegrino noted. And Pellegrino added that Olympia Fields members stepped up by handling all the volunteer duties, and making sure the players would feel like they have in past years.

Because the BMW Championship is played in August. It’s now expected that fans will be allowed back into this years championship at Caves Valley Golf Club. Caves Valley is located, in the Baltimore Maryland suburb of Owings Mills.

So if your looking for holiday gift for your favorite golfers. Tickets are now on sale for the 2021 championship. 2022 will see the BMW Championship played at the Wilmington Country Club in Delaware. The 2023 championship location has not yet been announced. So for more information on the Evans scholars Foundation, please visit WGAESF.com. For ticket information on the BMW Championship see BMWChampionship.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.

WHEN YOU NEED A PLACE TO HIT GOLF BALLS all winter, try the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. McWethy’s Sports Bar is open, but review the Covid restrictions before coming in. Mistwoodgolfdome.com Mistwood Pro Shop Sale Sat. 8-2  ______________________________________________________________________

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 connect on LinkedIn. In the hitting bay at Club Champion.

ARE YOU READY FOR NEW GOLF EQUIPMENT ?

But before moving forward on new equipment, do you have questions about your current equipment.

So is it time for a full set of new sticks, some new clubs, or wait until next year, because the clubs you bought last year are still good enough.

There has been a change in the release dates of new clubs in 2020. Some of it could be pandemic related, some of it might be getting in on the record equipment sales that took place this past summer. The switching of the PGA Merchandise Show to a virtual format, might not be everyone’s cup of tea. As a result, club makers are changing release dates for new equipment. So it gives you the chance to have new clubs in your bag for Christmas, or during the days right after.

Nick Sherburne Co-Founder of Club Champion shows the club shipping box at the corporate facilities in Willowbrook Illinois.

For those of you still wondering about club fitting, how the process works, and what it means when you go for a fitting.

Here are some of the answers you might need.

A great place to learn about the fitting process is Willowbrook Illinois based Club Champion. Now with several area locations in the windy city. But also with more locations across the country that any other fitting chain.

ARE YOU still asking about the fitting process, how it works, is it costly, does it mean I have to buy new clubs. Is the new greatest and latest clubs the best for me, are they that much better than what I bought last year, or two years ago.

The Club Champion Store in Willowbrook on Rt. 83 at 75th street.

First on the tee, is that Club Champion has experts that can answer your questions about the fitting process.

Second, just because you go through a fitting process, it doesn’t mean you have to buy new clubs.

If you choose to buy new clubs, you do not have to purchase an entire set of clubs all at once.

Club Champion fitters, can suggest, which older clubs should go first, such as should you get a new driver. But you can keep the irons you bought last year, because they are still good for another year or three.

With equipment companies coming out with the latest and greatest every year, it seems like you need new clubs every year. Because maybe it works for your budget, maybe it doesn’t. What about yardage, will you get longer with a new driver, fairway woods or irons. If so, how much distance is an improvement that you really need to spend for.

CJ Marshall aligns the SAM Putt Lab machine, before my putter fitting started.

If your gaining on average a yard or two, then maybe your money should be spent somewhere else.

Ask yourself these questions. Would hitting one-club less make a difference on approach shots, because if it does. Maybe then you need new irons or a new driver.

So are you having issues getting out of bunkers, going over them around the green. What happens when need to get over a creek or pond in front of the green. So if this is your problem, maybe you need wedges. But what if your score suffers on the greens.

Have you seen the Virtual Green. The Willowbrook Club Champion store has one of only three of these in Illinois. The other two are in private homes. Practice the breaks you will see on the golf course.

Club Champion in Willowbrook offers two ways to learn more about your putting.

First-off the SAM Putt lab, that will show you if your blade is too open, too closed so you keep pulling putts. To much loft or not enough loft, so your putts race past the cup, or never get there in the first place.

Do you know about toe hang ? Should the toe of your putter be raised or lowered. Gone are the days that putters are just about feel. You should not just pick a putter up off the rack, roll a few putts, and if they go in, think your on your way to much lower scores.

Warming up with my driver showed me, my take-away was better than I thought.

NAME RECOGNITION. Are you still playing clubs due to a company name, and or because they are in the bag of your favorite tour player.

Club Champion can determine if your brand, is right for you. Of if the companies woods are best fit for you, but maybe they’re wedges are not.

In my case, on multiple occasions Taylor Made clubs, that are good golf clubs, are the clubs that multiple fitters have said tested out the worst for me.

What I did learn on my recent trip to Club Champion, is that of the three putters I got in 2019. Perhaps none of them are what I should be using, based on my putting stroke.

During some recent putting testing, I made most of the putts I attempted. In spite of that, the fitters I spoke with suggested I could be better, if I made a change. Not to any one particular brand, but to a style that includes more weight. It was also suggested I could gain a lot by just adding a larger putter grip. Toss in a few more degrees of toe-hang, and some loft, and maybe then a few more made putts could be added to my score card. So without having to get a new putter, my fitter CJ Marshall made a slight adjustment right there in studio. Because of that in house equipment Club Champion has on location, it is not always necessary to send a club out for alterations, and have to wait days or weeks to get it back.

One major manufacturer just came out with some new irons. They take months to make and go for $500.00 per club. Would they be worth the investment ? For me, no. They did feel great in my stance. I did seem to be a little straighter. But they cost me the distance that I had gained in the new clubs I got this past July.

Club Champion has plenty of grip or shaft options.

When it came to drivers, CJ showed me where I could make a change. But I didn’t need to go spend $500 on a new driver. After testing a new driver just released by a major manufacturer, I found the new driver didn’t have the distance of my current driver. But CJ noticed I was hitting my fairway woods really good. But the shaft in my driver was different from the ones in my 3 & 5 woods. So we tested my driver’s current shaft, against the brand ,model in my fairway woods. BINGO. If I would like to add more distance on my drives, I didn’t need a new driver. I could just put the same shaft already in my fairway woods, into my current driver, and gain 12-14 yards.

Club Champion can get you answers for your game, and the answer is not always buy new equipment. It might be a new grip, it might be new shaft. So don’t think new equipment is a must every year. Club Champion can provide you a list of answers about your equipment, because they have plenty of ways to figure out what’s best for your game. And how you can save strokes.

Currently Club Champion is running several holiday fitting specials. So now is the time to learn more about the clubs you have, and the ones you don’t. Better Fit-Better Scores. Several Chicago area locations including Willowbrook at 810 75th Street. Call (630)-654-8887, or visit ClubchampionGolf.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is OPEN. So is McWethy’s Sports Bar and McWethy’s Tavern. Call first to check Covid restrictions. Mistwood Golf Club will be the host of the 90th Illinois State Amateur July 20-22 of 2021. MistwoodGolfdome.com 30 hitting bays.  _____________________________________________________________________

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-LinkedIn.

The Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA).

THE CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION (CDGA), has announced a championship schedule for 2021.

After a year that saw cancellations from it’s schedule, and championship play not resuming until July 8th because of Covid-19, the CDGA is hoping to play the intended schedule in full during 2021.

“We were so very thankful to have the opportunity to safely conduct four of our championships in 2020,” said Nick Scillia, the CDGA’s director of rules & competitions. “It was tough having to cancel what we did last year, but we’re hopeful that the guidelines put in place will bring a full season in 2021.”

The year ahead will have eight gross championships and 21 USGA qualifiers in what is the 108th running of championship golf for the CDGA. Registrations will open for the 2021 championship season, starting on Tuesday January 19th.

The 90th Illinois State Amateur will be played at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville from July 20-22. The 101st CDGA Amateur Championship will be played at Bull Valley Golf Club from June 21-24. Bull Valley hosted the CDGA Am in 2010, when Tommy Bliefnick defeated current Korn Ferry Tour member Vince India.

Scillia added,” we are so excited about the clubs on the 2021 schedule, and think they will provide a memorable playing experience for the competitors.”

The 6th CDGA Mid-Amateur starts the season on May 17-19 at Lake Shore Country Club. The Illinois State Senior Mid-Amateur will be played at the Preserve at Oak Meadows from Sept. 13-15. DuPage Golf’s Maple Meadows hosts the first CDGA Mid-Am qualifier on April 6th.

So for more information and the full CDGA schedule for 2021, please visit CDGA.org.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open. So are both the McWethy’s SportsBar at the dome, and McWethy’s Tavern. But call and check on current Covid restrictions before arriving at either location. Check out Mistwoodgolfdome.com or McwethysTavern.com.    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. In the bay at Club Champion in Willowbrook. Photo by CJ Marshall.

MOTHER NATURE seems to have dropped the ball on outdoor golf for the rest of December and 2020.

The temperatures will rarely hit 40 for the rest of the month, much less anything higher. Most of the courses have closed for the year, even with no snow on the ground.

Next Monday should hit 46. It makes you think about one more round for the year outside. Cold yes, but it is so very tempting. Long range forecasts have the Eskimo Open at Cog Hill on January 3rd of 2021, in for 35 degrees. But no snow. So there is hope for a nice turn out that day, at least I hope so anyway.

SPEAKING OF COG HILL-Congratulations to the Jemsek family on winning a national award from the National Golf Course Owners Association for 2020, on Player Development, along with the LPGA Foundation. A tip of the cap and golf visor to Frank Jemsek, Katherine Jemsek, GM Troy Newport and staff for a job well done.

THE NATIONAL AWARD WINNER for the Jemsek National Course of the Year Award, went to Stoatin Brae Golf Course in Augusta Michigan. Runners-up included Pinehurst Resort and Country Club in Pinehurst NC., and Gamble Sands in Brewster Washington.

The sun sets on another golf season at Pine Meadow GC in Mundelein.

I went up to Pine Meadow last week on Wednesday to play one more outdoor round of golf for 2020.

Teeing off at 1:38 myself and two partners pretty much got all 18 holes in, with skipping a tee shot on 16. To move around a slower foursome.

Head Golf Professional Dennis Johnsen clued me in that “The Pine” was getting ready to close for the year, especially if the temperatures stayed below 45 degrees. Memo to Dennis-46 next Monday. Insert happy face here.

Pine Meadow has set up an indoor teaching area for the winter, and Debbie’s holiday Christmas Sale is on-going. So check Pinemeadowgc.com for pro shop hours.

PLEASE KEEP former British and Western Open Champion, and current course designer Tom Weiskopf in your thoughts and prayers over the holidays. Weiskopf is fighting pancreatic cancer and has started under going chemo already. Keep going Tom, Fight the Fight.

AS MENTIONED HERE last week. The PGA Tour and Medinah CC did formerly announce the 2026 Presidents Cup coming to Medinah on Course #3, with a statement from former club president and the club’s bid-leader Michael Scimo. Who said in a prepared statement, that the club was looking forward to hosting the matches on it’s famed #3 course. That will be renovated prior to the matches. Stay clicked in, more to follow on this topic.

THE WEEK AHEAD-Ziehm and Spears Podcast 39 comes up later this week, and with more on travel. So stay clicked in and also see my story on Club Fitting at Club Champion. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-Is open, but do review Covid safety guidelines before going. You must reserve a hitting bay in advance. McWethy’s Sportsbar is open for To-Go meals. Beverages available while hitting or getting lessons. 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. Part 2 of our Sunday Morning Short Game-News Column.

Augusta National Golf Club the 12th hole-with the Ben Hogan Bridge.

AUGUSTA NATIONAL or maybe St. Andrews or Pebble Beach.

So is your clubhouse or office ready for some new art designs, to hang from the walls.

Because if they are, maybe it’s time for you to seek out artist Linda Hartough and her artwork.

Linda provides the best pictures you will see from the home of the Masters, the tournament that will be on the tee in again in just four months. For more information, visit Hartough.com for pricing and a full list of selections from some the great clubs of the world.

THE NEW SRIXON ZX Woods. Launching your game starting on January 15th of, 2021.

SRIXON will launch the new ZX Woods on January 15th of 2021.

The ZX series of woods was created for more speed and distance. Because it’s what golfers want from todays new equipment.

Srixon has created what they call the Rebound Frame Technology (RFT). The RFT is designed with a layering of alternating zones, of flexibility and stiffness that work in tandem to put more energy into the ball at impact. So the end result is an increased ball speed and distance off every tee.

“Rebound Frame represents the best energy transfer system we’ve ever designed into a driver,” says Jeff Brunski, Vice President of Research and Development. “From the center of the face to the very rear of the club, we’ve tuned the clubhead stiffness to put more energy into the ball than ever before. The entire driver head in harmony to provide an unprecedented rebound effect, giving you maximum ball speed for more distance.”

Srixon’s ZX7 and ZX5 drivers give golfers options. The same technologies will add to the performance of the Srixon’s Fairway Woods and ZX Hybrids. Pricing is ZX7 Driver at-$529.99, ZX5 Driver-$499.99, ZX fairway Woods-$269.99, ZX Hybrids-$299.99. For more information see Srixon.com.

The new Cleveland CBX 2 Black Satin Wedges.

CLEVELAND GOLF has announced an upgrade to it’s line of CBX Wedges.

The CBX Wedges now have a new addition to the family, and that’s the CBX Wedges in Black Satin finish.

CBX 2 Wedges were designed with forgiveness for the average player. Cleveland Golf feels many of the wedges designed today, were designed for best players in the world, but not the average everyday golfer.

This line of wedges are designed so amateur golfers can play them with success, and with a Black Satin finish so golfers can add some style points with their clubs. Cleveland wedges have a V-Shaped sole grind offered in 46-52 degree lofts. The S-Shaped Sole Grind is offered in 54-56 degree lofts, with the C-Shaped Sole grind in 58-60 degree lofts in both LH & RH options. Pricing at $139.99 for steel, and 4149.99 for graphite shafts. Visit Clevelandgolf.com for more information.

BGT-Breakthrough Golf Technology has announced a Limited Edition Tour Stability Black, A Barney Adams Limited Edition putter shaft. The putter shaft is designed with a stealth black matte shaft and glossy branding.

Each shaft comes with an authentication card, and will have a holographic numbered seal to ensure it’s authenticity. Better golfers can change out a steel shaft, without changing the balance of the putter. You will enjoy better distance and control. This limited edition model sells for $299.99. Details at BreakthroughGolftech.com

HONMA Golf TR-20 and TR-21 clubs.

HONMA GOLF has added two new major markets for it’s club fitting services.

SEATTLE & CHICAGO.

Joshua Williams joins the team in Seattle, and in Chicago-Chicago native Joseph Jung is on board. Both new fitters will serve their local areas and several surrounding states.

For Williams, he adds all of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Jung will work in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri and Iowa. Williams adds over 20 years of experience in the industry with Jung bringing his 35 years to the Honma experience.

Honma fittings are done in a safe environment during the pandemic times. To learn more about the Honma TR-20 Drivers  and the TR-21 full line of clubs, see HonmaGolf.com.

The Monster Mat-lasts longer than other mats.

THE MONSTER MAT.

SafePlay Golf, the creators of the Monster Mat, have announced that they have selected the Bartlett based, The Media Group, to manage it’s public relations for the year of 2021.

The Monster Mat made in the USA, and it is a less expensive and longer lasting golf practice mat.

It comes with a Z-Pro LSR Fiber fortified hitting surface unlike what you have used in the past. It’s shock system-claims to eliminate hand and elbow shock.

“Avoiding common nylon is one of the ways Monster Mat stays never longer,” says Brent Paschal, owner and creator of Monster Mat. For more information see MonsterMat.com.

ZERO FRICTION’S new lightweight Carry Bag.

OAKBROOK TERRACE based Zero Friction has created a brand new lightweight carry bag.

The carry bag weighs less than 5 pounds, and comes with a 40″ inch waffle towel.

Other features include the dual carry-strap, with a soft handle, and hip pad.

The Zero Friction bag comes with seven zipper pockets for storage, including an apparel pocket, and a lined pocket for valuables such as wallets, cell phones or jewelry. Need more, okay how about an insulated water bottle pocket, and slot for your umbrella when the rain is coming down.

Price of the bag is $199.00 and comes in a variety of colors, including red-white and blue. For more information see ZeroFriction.com or call (630)-317-7700.

Copper Tech copper gloves

MAYBE THE BEST GLOVE YOU HAVE OWNED.

That’s the slogan Copper tech Gloves uses, because they are so convinced that their product is that good.

Copper Tech Gloves-now made with more Copper.

If your hands have issues, and they struggle during your rounds of golf. Copper Tech Gloves could be the answer to your problems.

Do your hands hurt when you first warm-up, is there pain when you hit a hard surface like mats on the range. Hard ground on cold days. Do you have a little Carpel-Tunnel in the joints from banging on the computer all day long.

Well now you can put these issues behind you, when you use the Copper Tech Golf Gloves. Check out CoppertechGloves.com. And pick out your colors and style.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN-but do review Covid Safety guidelines before going. You must reserve a hitting bay in advance. McWethys Sportsbar is open for To-Go meals. Beverages available while hitting or getting lessons. 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. In the Mistwood putting lab with fitter Chris Ioriatti.

YOU CAN WORK ON YOUR GAME all winter long at the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook, on Rt. 53 or it’s also called Bolingbrook Drive.

You can use the Toptracer to track your progress, or sign up for lessons. If your game is ready for new equipment, get a club fitting.

That includes drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and putters.

In addition, McWethy’s Sportsbar in the dome is open for food and beverage. And check out the Pork-Rib sandwich, while there or on the way home. But the restaurant is closed for indoor dining. Because of Covid restrictions, but you can get food to go. Call the dome at (630)-739-7600 for your hitting bay reservation, and learn more at Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

Welcome to Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena Illinois.

THE GOLF SEASON HAS NOT ENDED at Eagle ridge Resort and Spa, in Galena.

Because now inside at the Highlands restaurant, there is a Trackman that is open for golf.

In addition to playing golf, you can purchase gift cards for future use, and golf in 2021.

If your headed to Eagle Ridge for a holiday or winter getaway, don’t forget that Thursday night is now Rib-Night. For more information on Eagle Ridge please visit EagleRidge.com

The West Baden Dome at the French Lick Resort.

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT in French Lick Indiana, has gift cards for sale here in the holiday season.

The great news about French Lick Resort gift cards is that they do not expire.

You can use them just about anywhere on the resort property, and at all of the resorts golf courses, or pro shops. (Sorry they can not be used in the casino).

For more details see FrenchLick.com and start making plans for your visit in 2021 to the French Lick Resort and Casino.

ORCHARD VALLEY GOLF CLUB in Aurora, has a holiday gift card special now going on. You can get a FREE green fee, with the purchase of a gift card of $100.00 or more through Christmas Day. See OrchardvalleyGolf.com or call (630)-907-0500.

THE SAND VALLEY RESORT-Clubhouse in Nekoosa Wisconsin.

NOW FOR THE HOLIDAYS, the Sand Valley Resort gift shop is open, and you can make all your holiday purchases online through the resorts website.

If Sand Valley is on your favorite golfers bucket-list, or if he or she hasn’t stopped talking about their trip to the resort.

Then why not add to their golf apparel collection, or glass wear collection, with a holiday gift from Sand Valley.

Enjoy the walk, and enjoy gifts from SandValley.com The resort is continuing to grow in the amount of rooms, and new golf courses. Stay clicked in to learn more.

CHAD JOHANSEN has taken it indoors for the winter golf season. #GoForitSportsdome

INDOORS and OUTDOORS, year round golf is happening with golf pro Chad Johansen.

When Johansen is not outdoors at Blackberry Oaks Golf Club, he is at the Go For It Sports Dome in Yorkville. Just around the corner from Blackberry Oaks.

Either way #KidsRule with Johansen. So if your ready to work on your game all-winter. Because it’s what you want and need to do. Head over to the dome, and let Johansen teach you his 4-Step Process teaching method. Guaranteed to help you shoot lower scores. See CJGA.com or visit Chad at the dome located at 9231 Galena Rd. in Yorkville (630)-383-1698.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME and McWethy’s Sports bar are open. Currently due to Covid restrictions, you must make reservations for a hitting bay. Mistwoodgolfdome.com ______________________________________________________________________

The Illinois PGA Section-Illinois PGA Foundation.

The Illinois PGA Foundation has announced the honorees of the Don Pieper and Oscar Miles scholarships.

An anonymous donor made it possible with a gift to the IPGA Foundation in 2004.

Don Pieper is the Director of Golf at the Merit Club, and Oscar Miles is the clubs superintendent.

The Oscar Miles Endowment Fund honoree is Jack Troy. there was 17 Don Pieper scholarships awarded, including five new recipients.

2020 Honorees are, Julia Kramer-North Central College (Class of 23). Morgan Krouse Lake Land College (Class of 24). Carly Schiene-Valparaiso (Class of 24). Will Troy-Illinois State University (Class of 23).

SCHOLARAHIP RENEWALS:

Maggie Anderson-Taylor university (Class of 2021). Chris Bruno-Millikin University (Class 2022). Madeline Chemers University of Illinois (Class of 2022). Mia Fogel-College of Lake County (Class of 2020). Claire Goss-Furman University (Class of 2024). Jack Grant-Michigan Technological University (Class of 2022). Tyson Kralis-Illinois State University (Class of 2024). Jeremy Lorenz Illinois State University (Class 2022). Claire Lunde- DePaul University (Class of 2024). Maggie Lynch-Illinois State University (Class of 2024). Andrew Romack-Iowa State University (Class of 2021). Katie Shook-University of Alabama (Class of 2024). Jesse Slattery-Rockford University (Class of 2021). Phillip Stackhouse-Xavier University (Class of 2022).

The scholarships go to children, grandchildren, children-in-law and nieces and nephews of Illinois PGA Members. Or individuals who resides within the IPGA Section boundaries and is enrolled in a PGA Golf Management Program at a PGA accredited college or universities that offer this program, are eligible.

More information can be found at IPGA.com.