THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53/Bolingbrook Road in Bolingbrook. The dome and McWethy’s Sportsbar are open, but call first to make reservations to get a hitting bay. McWethy’s Sports Bar and McWethy’s Tavern have restrictions. So please visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or McwethysTavern.com in Romeoville. Lessons are available.   ____________________________________________________________________

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2020-Volume 38. 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.

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2020-Volume 38 is here. So sit back and listen-in.

Because Len Ziehm and Rory Spears provide the most complete weekly golf report, in the Chicago area.

It might be December, but there is plenty to talk about on the golf front in the Windy City area.

So while it looks like this crazy year of golf might be coming to an end this week, it’s been a fun ride since the courses were fully opened in June.

This week Len & Rory talk the end of outdoor golf season in the Chicago area. Len’s golf trip to see a new golf course in the Sebring Florida area. Because it’s getting be time for golfers to visit Florida in the winter time of the year.

Recapping Rory’s interview with new PGA of America President Jim Richerson. Plus another look at Chicago area stories that were broke by Golfers on Golf. That include a new renovation coming in 2021, at Conway Farms in Lake Forest. Plus the renovation of Medinah’s #3 Championship Course, and the club hosting the 2026 Presidents Cup.

A MAJOR IN DECEMBER-Len and Rory discuss the years final major championship, the U.S. Women’s Open at Champions Golf Club in Houston Texas. And would the USGA use this U.S. Open format in the future.

CLICK HERE to HEAR ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2020-Volume 38.

Ziehm and Spears have two more editions of the 2020 Podcast series left, before the holiday break. But they will return next year for Podcast Series 2021-Volume 1, in the middle of January.

Do stay clicked in, and thanks for listening. LEN & RORY.

MCWETHY’S at MISTWOOD and the Mistwood Golf Dome are open. But do call ahead to check on Covid-19 restrictions. The dome is open for golf, with reservations. You can get a lesson or club fitting. Details at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or McwethysTavern.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. With PGA President Jim Richerson at the 2020, PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando Florida.

DOWN THE FAIRWAY with new PGA of America President Jim Richerson.

Richerson a Senior Vice President of Operations at Troon Golf, became the 42nd President of the PGA of America in October.

During his career as a PGA golf professional, Richerson has worked everywhere from the East to the West Coast and Hawaii.

From the Southeast to Northern Wisconsin at Kohler Golf. Richerson like other PGA officers, started as the Secretary, before moving to Vice President, and now PGA of America President for two years.

But now with 60 days under his belt, Richerson spoke with Golfers on Golf regarding many of topics facing the industry now, and what lies ahead in 2021.

Richerson covered his time working as a PGA professional around the country. Taking over as president during the Covid Pandemic era. Richerson looked ahead at the PGA Merchandise Show scheduled for next month in a virtual format. In addition to how the virtual format  of this year, could affect the show going forward.

The PGA’s new headquarters in Frisco Texas, and the two championship golf courses getting built there. And the championships of the PGA that will get played there.

What it means for Richerson to return to his old stomping-grounds in Kohler and Whistling Straits. Where he ran the golf operation for 10 years, as PGA President during Ryder Cup week.

He shares the excitement of the 2021 PGA Championship, as it returns to Kiawah Island. Which gets contested on the Pete Dye designed Ocean Course, on the coast of South Carolina.

Richerson covers what new PGA programs lie ahead, and which ones that he hopes will grow, during his time as president.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with new PGA of America President Jim Richerson.

The Ziehm and Spears podcast coming up later this week, will break down the interview. We add our thoughts of the PGA of America’s plans for 2021. So do stay clicked in for more.

.  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN-So are McWethy’s Sportsbar and McWethy’s Tavern which is located at the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. Call ahead to learn the policies regarding safety from the pandemic. Please visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com.    _____________________________________________________________________

BY: RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf, host of Golfers on Golf Radio. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or friend him on Facebook, or connect on LinkedIn or Instagram.

           THE PRESIDENTS CUP                           THE MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB

EDITORS NOTE: In 2019 both Golfers on Golf and Len Ziehm on Golf reported that it was highly likely that the Presidents Cup would be coming to town in 2025. Both Conway Farms in Lake Forest and Medinah Country Club in Medinah Illinois, had been having site visits from the PGA Tour, as the tour was looking for future Presidents Cup venues.

As time went on, it seemed like Medinah was a more frequent stop for those on the committee, doing the advance scouting. Then Covid-19 hit, and the 2025 Presidents Cup became the 2026 Presidents Cup. The 2021 Presidents Cup that is now the 2022 Presidents Cup, will be held at Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte North Carolina.

Royal Montreal in Canada, has been selected for the 2024 matches.

The 2025 Presidents Cup-that became 2026, had Harding Park in San Francisco in the mix for a time. But from Day 1, there was possibilities that situation would change, with Harding Park having other options on the table.

So it appeared that both Conway Farms and Medinah, were never out of the mix for the 2026 Presidents Cup. See, The Gog Blog Speaks Out from earlier this week (Dec. 7th). As of today, media reports surfaced that supported what was originally reported here and by Len Ziehm. That the Presidents Cup is coming, to town.-RS

OTHER THAN THE OUTCOME-the week at Medinah in late September of 2012, was fun for everyone. Golf fans from Chicago and around the world has a great week, in what was great weather for Chicago that time of year.

In the end, Europe rallied from 4 points down during Sunday’s singles matches to win back the Ryder Cup. But golf fans in the Windy-City loved the event so much, that they have been asking for 8 years, when is the Ryder Cup coming back to Medinah.

The next available Ryder Cup on U.S. soil is in 2037, so if the Ryder Cup returns to Medinah it will be quite awhile.  But the next big thing in men’s professional golf, that is played in the team format, is the Presidents Cup. Team USA plays a team of International golfers from countries (Europe), that are not included in the Ryder Cup.

So the 2026 Presidents Cup will bring a Ryder Cup atmosphere back to Medinah, at some point (likely) September of 2026.

Medinah club officials had no comment tonight, but could go on the record in the next several days.

PRIOR TO 2026-Medinah’s Championship #3 Course will under-go a renovation. In a bit of a surprise, architect Rees Jones who worked on #3 prior to the 2006 PGA Championship and the 2012 Ryder Cup, will not be brought back as part of the new plan.

In fact the club went out of country, all the way to Australia to retain the services of OCM Golf. OCM located in Melbourne, stands for Ogilvy-Cocking-Mead. Ogilvy is Geoff Ogilvy, yes that Geoff Ogilvy who won the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, Michael Cocking and Ashley Mead.

OCM has a history of working with high profile golf clubs in Australia and Asia, including Kingston Heath and Royal Queensland. Earlier this year, OCM finished it’s first project in America, at the Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

THE MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB website has this statement from current club board president Joe Gattone. “I am excited to embark on a plan that leverages Course #3’s current routing. While developing opportunities to strengthen the overall golf experience of our members and guests.”

The website segment went on to add the following information.

In November of 2019 (less than two months after PGA Tour players shot some low scores in great conditions on Course #3 during the BMW Championshi). Gattone initiated an ad-hoc committee to begin working on a plan, to address Medinah’s current and future needs, for the world renowned Course #3 (7,657 yards par 72).

The committee includes Past Presidents Bruce D’Angelo and Michael Scimo. Director Ryan Potts, General Manager Robert Sereci, Medinah Director of Golf Marty DeAngelo. Director of Golf Course Operations Steve Cook, and Course #3 Superintendent Peter Schmidt.

A new master plan will guide future capital spending, including all course infrastructure needs, that drive ideal playing conditions. To ensure an enjoyable playing experience for all levels of play. And to provide a long-term infrastructure and operational footprint for major professional tournaments and other events. Medinah’s Course #3 has enjoyed a rich heritage of championship golf. By having hosted an impressive slate of both amateur and professional golf events.

Golfers on Golf hopes that tradition will continue, and will continue to follow this story as it unfolds.

  All McWethy’s are open, but check in advance for Pandemic restrictions before going. The Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook is open for golf, but currently reservations are required for a hitting bay. You can get lessons or club fittings. Mistwoodgolfdome.com     ____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. At Cog Hill in the 2-4 Building.

2021 IS NOT FAR AWAY.

Sunday January 3rd, 2021 is the Eskimo Open, the first golf outing of the new year.

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Palos Park Illinois, will host the famed Eskimo Open.

Rain or Shine or Snow. Be there, it’s golf. Dress warm, bring those colored golf balls.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM COG HILL-The Cog Hill driving range is open year round.

                   CogHillGolf.com

COG HILL and the Eskimo Open is $50.00 for Golfers playing Courses 1&3.

$60 for Golfers playing Course #2.

The fee includes golf, Chili a drink and prizes.

Carts-weather permitting are $18.00.

The individual competition is a Gross & Net (Peoria). Tee’s for play are White Tees for the Men. Women play from the Forward Tees. Tee times are from 7 Am to 11 Am.

To sign up visit Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-COG-HILL. 264-4455. Be a part of the first golf outing of the new year-2021. Play in the Eskimo Open at Cog Hill.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN make reservations for a hitting bay, and arrive 10 minutes early. MistwoodGolfDome.com. McWethy’s Tavern is open, but call first to check on pandemic restrictions. See McWethysTavern.com or Mistwoodgolf.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 Rory Spears.

THIS WEEK COULD BE IT FOR OUTDOOR GOLF, get out and play if you can. The weather is changing and not for the better. But Tuesday into Thursday just might be outdoor golf days.

CONWAY FARMS in Lake Forest is getting ready to step it up on the renovation front.

Already one of the best golf courses in both the Chicago area, and the State of Illinois, Conway Farms is getting ready to get even better starting in 2021.

Likely in late August, renovation work will begin at Conway Farms. Leaving the club with 9 open holes for much of September. But at the end of September, the entire course will close for the year.

The clubs general manager of the last 27 years Todd Marsh, confirmed the upgrades and current time table to get the work started. Play should resume at the club in spring of 2022.

So what’s the plan. First up, Marsh made it clear that as always, the clubs planned improvements are for a better member and guest experience. Not to hopefully recruit professional tournaments. Marsh added that the club currently, has no agreements to host any tournaments or championships going forward. But that doesn’t mean they won’t be hosting a championship in a few years.

Conway Farms membership has always supported major golf championships over the years. The club’s track record of hosting the NCAA Championship, USGA events, and three PGA Tour-BMW Championships proves that. Word on the street is that the PGA Tour has been looking strongly at Conway Farms or Medinah, to host the now 2026 Presidents Cup. It’s likely one of the two clubs will be the host of the Presidents Cup, and the other club will end up hosting another championship in that time frame.

Maybe it’s a BMW Championship or whatever the tournament might be called by 2023, when the PGA Tour’s Fed Ex Cup Playoff event is expected to return to Chicago. Marsh says, “Olympia Fields did a great job hosting the BMW Championship this year, especially under tough circumstances.” So Marsh feels that Olympia Fields could get another shot to host the PGA Tour event, when it returns to Chicago. This time full of fans, skyboxes, and in the full hospitality mode.

But the upcoming scheduled renovation work, would make Conway Farms an even better destination for tournaments in the future.

It starts with the bunkers. Out with the old brown sand, in with the new Tour Angle-white sand. Bunker drainage will be improved across the golf course, but especially around the greens.

Will Conway Farms add yardage ? Marsh says yes, but is not sure what holes will get lengthened and or by how much. One thing that is certain, is that there will be improvements made in areas for galleries and gallery flow. Just in case the club does host a big tournament somewhere down the road.

My guess is that whether it’s 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026, Conway Farms that has been receiving inquiries from multiple golf organizations and professional golf tours to host another tournament or championship, probably will host something that will bring the fans, or patrons back to Lake Forest.

UPON FURTHER REVIEW…

The overgrown Blackhawk Trace golf course at Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale.

In route to another project, I took time to see the closed Indian Lakes Resort Golf Course-Blackhawk Trace.

It’s a total overgrown wreck.

The tee’s, greens, fairways, and bunkers are a mess. The drainage and irrigation would have to be rebuilt if a golf course were to ever open again on that land. Likely cost is $2-3 million for just that part of the project.

Originally I was hopeful that when the Village of Bloomingdale buys the land (expected to be this week), that they would restore the golf course, as part of an open-space project that local residents are looking for. Now I’m not so sure that can be done.

In addition, the Indian Lakes Hotel didn’t look in great shape either. The entrance signs were cracked, the grounds, parking lot and hotel didn’t look much better. There is plenty of potential there for both a new golf course and a renovated resort hotel. But the cost would be a big dollar, and I’m not sure right now anyone is looking to come in and spend that kind of money. Which is sad in my books, I had some great times there over the years. In fact Europe’s Ryder Cup team stayed at Indian Lakes in 2012, they wouldn’t do that again today.

Dirt is being moved at Settlers Hill in Geneva, where the new driving range is going to be.

DIRT IS BEING MOVED at Settlers Hill in Batavia.

The course has closed for the year and the renovation is now fully underway. So architect Greg Martin and crew are starting to roll on next summers biggest renovation project, in the Chicago area.

Settlers Hill will be closed all of 2021, but is hoping to reopen about June of 2022.

The new routing plan by Martin, and the 4-hole junior course that has already been roughed in, looks like a great place that plenty of golfers of all ages should enjoy.

I’ll have more on the project in the next 10 days or so, do stay clicked in to learn more.

The Pils from the Hills that is, sipping suds, Wisconsin golf.

THERE IS PILS IN THOSE HILLS.

Some new tee boxes, and strains of  bent grass were not the only new things added at Erin Hills this past summer.

For those who need some good Wisconsin brewed beer, before they down a Fescue Rescue, may I suggest the Erin Hills Pilsner Beer.

It’s really good, and yes I have taste tested it, along with some good Illinois pizza.

Normally I would recommend this as a holiday gift, because it would make a perfect gift. BUT someone, I’m not saying who HEHE, cleaned out the remaining cases of the EHP for 2020. But no worries, I suspect more will be brewed in 2021. So that gives everyone another great reason to go play Erin Hills next summer. In the meantime, make your online order for the holidays from Erin Hills. If you spend enough. You will get a really nice Erin Hills hat for free. They are comfortable too, trust me.

LenZiehmonGolf.com has a story on golf travel that looks at the industry, and is a good read. Check out Len’s website if your thinking of golf travel for the holidays or in 2021.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow, so stay clicked in. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN-reservations currently needed. If you need a club fitting, see Master Fitter Chris Ioriatti at the Mistwood Golf Dome or the Mistwood Performance Center. Visit Mistwoodgolf.com or call Mistwood GC at (815)-254-3333.     _____________________________________________________________________

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 the Schaumburg Golf Club-where the simulators are open.

MAYBE there is one more week with some days for outside golf. Let’s hope so, because there won’t be many more left.

BUT IF YOUR READY to head inside for the year, the golf domes around town are open.

But right now the dome to go to, is the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook. Plenty of hitting bays, that are safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition, McWethy’s Sportsbar in the dome is open for “To-Go’s” and or carry-outs. The Wing Bar is now Open.

Call the dome in advance to hit balls at (630)-739-7600. Located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Lessons & Fittings are available by appointment. Please arrive 10 minutes before your hitting time starts. Don’t forget McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood Golf Club is open, call ahead to review restrictions at (815)-254-3333 McWethysTavern.com.

The Simulators are open at the Schaumburg Golf Club.

THE SIMULATORS ARE OPEN, at the Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle Road in Schaumburg.

Cost is $40.00 per hour and the simulators are open Monday through Sunday.

Because of Covid-19 restrictions, currently there is only one golfer allowed at a time per hitting bay.

Hours are from 9 Am through 8 Pm, to call and reserve a simulator dial the pro-shop at (847)-885-9000 and hit the extension for the shop.

The Go For It Sports Dome in Yorkville, now open for the winter golf season.

CHAD JOHANSEN has opened the indoor version of his famed Chad Johnsen Golf Academy.

Chad and his self designed golf improvement program, called “The Four-Step Process” is being taught both online and in the Go For It, Sports Dome located on Galena Road in Yorkville Illinois.

THE GFI Dome is a great place for kids to work on their golf game all winter long. For more details visit CJGA.com. Chad is found at the dome, and or at Blackberry Oaks Golf Club on Kennedy road in Bristol IL. (630)-553-7170.

The new solar roofing panels, are providing energy to charge the entire fleet of golf carts at the Preserve at Oak Meadows.

DuPage Golf currently has all three of it’s golf courses closed. The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison and Green Meadows in Darien, are closed for the year.

Maple Meadows is having some year end maintenance done, but COULD reopen for a day-or-two IF weather and temperatures permit.

For the holiday season, DuPage Golf gift cards are back, and through the 18th of this month of December, but if you purchase $100.00 or more in gift cards, you will receive a bonus. See DuPageGolf.com and shop online.

Patrick Mannelly hosts the holiday version of Golf 360 TV tonight at 6 PM on NBC Sports Chicago.

THE HOLIDAY VERSION of Golf 360 TV, is on the tee.

But also starting tonight, it’s on at 6 PM on NBC Sports Chicago.

Former Chicago Bear Patrick Mannelly hosts GOLF 360 Television.

This episode is a great mixture of features. And that include segments from golf in Nebraska, the new Folds of Honor Golf Course in Michigan, with the one and only #GOAT Jack Nicklaus. Nicklaus has worked on a renovation for this course, that will help raise funds for the Folds of Honor Foundation. All this and more tonight at 6 Pm. See 360golf.com for a schedule of reruns, so if you miss the show you can get a mulligan.

Lochenheath Golf club in Traverse City Michigan at Sunset.

LOCHENHEATH GOLF CLUB in Traverse City Michigan, is making a transition to a private club.

The club founded in 2001 and designed by Steve Smyers, has been growing it’s membership steadily in recent years. As a result the membership numbers are now at point where the club is going fully private in 2021.

Built on a 300 acre cherry orchard, the par 72 course has views of Grand Traverse bay on 14 of it’s holes. The club is managed by GM Kevin O’Brien (formerly of True North and Tullymore). But there are a limited amount of memberships still available, for details call (231)-938-9800 or you can visit Lochenheath.com.

VOLVIK VIVIK GOLF BALLS

BECAUSE NOW IS THE TIME.

So if you need a holiday gift special, for your favorite golfer.

Because currently through January 4th of 2021, you can order 2 dozen Volvik Vivid Golf Balls.

The #1 Matte Colored golf balls are just $55.00

Volvik golf balls that made their move in the golf ball market this year, are making this special gift offer during the holiday season.

A perfect holiday gift if your looking for golf balls during the holiday season. Details at Volvikgolf.com.

THE PERFECT Present for the golfer that enjoys the history of the sport. So why not consider a membership to the Golf Heritage Society. Details at GolfHeritage.org.

ZERO FRICTION’S new Ultra Tac Golf Glove.

OAK BROOK TERRACE-BASED Zero Friction Golf and has introduced a new golf glove called the Ultra Tac.

The glove has been created with more torque for extra distance. So this glove will mold to your hand, and is fit for precision, flexibility and comfort to all golfers that put one on.

Silicone is placed in all pressure points of the Zero Friction Ultra Tac synthetic golf gloves.

A Mesa Lycra is placed throughout the finger, back of the hand, and the palm area for maximum strength, durability and enhanced breathability. With each glove comes with a detachable Zero Friction 1 3/4″ hybrid tee and ball marker. The glove is now available. So learn more at ZeroFriction.com or call (630)-317-7700.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns tomorrow. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN-with a NEW shell for the 2020-2021 golf dome season. Currently with Covid-19 issues, you do need a reservation before coming over to hit. Please arrive 10 minutes before your reservation. McWethy’s Sportsbar is Open, with food orders to go. For details call (630)-739-7600 or Mistwoodgolfdome.com _____________________________________________________________________

ZIEHM & SPEARS PODCAST SERIES 2020-VOLUME 37 is proud to welcome our first sponsor to the Podcast Series-Mistwood Golf. Chicago’s year round golf operation. Now Open is McWethy’s Tavern at the golf club in Romeoville (815)-254-3333 and the golf dome in Bolingbrook on Rt. 53. Lessons & Fittings by the Mistwood Pro Staff available.

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2020-Volume 37, with Len Ziehm and Rory Spears.

The Podcast season is stating to wind down, just three more to go.

Illinois Golf Hall of Fame inductee Len Ziehm and Rory Spears, have created a podcast series in 2020, that is the most complete weekly golf report in  the Chicago area and beyond.

On this weeks report, Len and Rory discuss how the weather is affecting outdoor golf season in both the Chicago area, and in the sunshine State of Florida.

Ziehm and Spears preview the upcoming U.S. Women’s Open and the LPGA season ending tour championship. A review of renovation projects around town. With some follow up thoughts on golf at Indian Lakes Resort, and how cost might prevent a return of golf to that site.

Rory discusses his visit to Settlers Hill in Batavia, for a walk through with architect Greg Martin. Work has started on the golf course renovation. Settlers Hill will be closed in 2021 as work continues.

Learn more about the week ahead at both Golfersongolf.com, and at Lenziehmongolf.com

CLICK HERE to hear Ziehm & Spears podcast Series 2020-Volume 37.

Volumes 38-39 and 40 sponsored by Mistwood Golf-Chicago’s year round golf operation, will all be posted by December 21st.

Thanks for listening and enjoy the holiday season. Len and Rory.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN-with safety protocols in place. You must have a reservation, and should not arrive more than 10 minutes in advance. McWethy’s Sportsbar is open for “To Go” orders. For more details see Mistwoodgolfdome.com.   ____________________________________________________________________

THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE PGA TOUR is back with fans expected in 2021.   

TICKET ARE NOW available for the 2021 BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club, in Owings Mills, Maryland ( A Northwest Suburb of Baltimore).

Fans should visit BMWChampionship.com to lock-in their tickets for this PGA Tour Fed Ex Cup Playoff Event. Dates for championship week are August 24-29, of 2021.

Because the championship is coming to Maryland for the first time, there has been record registration for volunteers. Grounds, upgraded Trophy Club and Green Coat Club tickets are currently available in limited quantities. There is also a select amount of corporate hospitality options still available.

“Any Day grounds tickets are our most flexible ticket option, and they will not be available after the end of December,” said Vince Pellegrino, Western Golf Association Senior Vice President of Tournaments. “We recommend that anyone planning to attend the 2021 BMW Championship purchase their tickets early.”

The proceeds from the BMW Championship benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation, and since 2007 the BMW Championship has raised over $35 million dollars for caddie scholarships.

HOLIDAY TICKET PACKAGES-Exclusive holiday ticket packages for the 2021 BMW Championship are available through December 31st of this year. For a limited time, Any Day Grounds tickets are $85 and valid for one championship round. Thursday through Sunday, Patrons can save-and get access to the Caves Valley Golf Club Tuesday through Sunday-by purchasing a weekly ticket for $265 before the end of December.

There are a limited amount of Weekly Trophy Club tickets available for $480, during the month of December. The Trophy Club is a hospitality venue located on the 16th fairway, with outstanding views of the 16th and 17th holes. Food and beverage are available for purchase. The climate-controlled club has a sports bar like atmosphere, with executive restrooms and a large outdoor seating area.

THE WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION (WGA) Crest and logo.

THE GREEN COAT CLUB has tickets available, for this all-inclusive hospitality venue located on the 13th green and 14th tee.

For just $875.00 per ticket, fans have VIP Access to valet parking at Caves Valley. In addition to table service with a menu from one of Baltimore’s finest restaurants, premium beverage selections, stadium seating just feet from the players. And a climate controlled indoor area, that includes upscale private restrooms.

THE 2,000 VOLUNTEER POSITIONS: for the 2021 championship have been filled. But the WGA is accepting applications for a waiting list. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, and must work a minimum of 3 shifts per week. Shifts range from 4-6 hours in length.

The par 3, 17th hole at Caves valley Golf Club.

BMW auto owners will again have benefits during championship week.

So in the event that the Covid-19 pandemic remains an issue by late August of 2021, patrons will be given an opportunity for a refund.

Caves Valley opened in 1991. And since then has hosted several major championships including the 2002 U.S. Senior Open, the 2007 Palmer Cup and the 2014 LPGA International Crown.

THE NEW CLUBHOUSE AT THE PRESERVE AT OAK MEADOWS is taking shape. In time for the holidays, are the DuPage Golf gift cards now on sale. See DuPageGolf.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. At Flossmoor Country Club.

FLOSSMOOR COUNTRY CLUB one of the great historic country clubs in Chicago’s south suburbs, is making a comeback under a new ownership group. The club also has a new name, Flossmoor Golf Club.

Enter George Goich, his two brothers and a family friend, and you have a foursome that is committed to returning one of the early clubs in the Midwest, to a status that had slipped away in recent years.

Goich and his ownership team no sooner bought Flossmoor, and the Covid-19 Pandemic set in.

“At that point we wondered what have we gotten ourselves into,” said Goich. “Fortunately things changed for golf this past summer, and now club is growing.”

When the Goich’s took over, membership was down to under 100 members. But it’s now closing in on 200 members. Goich is looking to keep growing the membership, and making improvements around the club along the way. But Goich is quick to admit, is that the club’s focus is on golf. And he is not afraid to tell people, that if they are looking for a club to join and the Sunday Brunch is their main reason for joining, they have come to the wrong place.

Flossmoor then called Homewood Country Club until 1914, was founded in 1899 and on September 10th of that year, Alex Smith won the first match ever played at the club by a 5 & 4 score. Smith went on to win two U.S. Opens and two Western Amateurs. Flossmoor was where the legacy of the great Chick Evans was launched in 1909, when Evans (now known for the caddie scholarship in his name) won his first of eight Western Amateurs.

Welcome to Flossmoor Golf Club

Smith and Evans aren’t the only well-known golfers to play at Flossmoor. Jock Hutchison won the 1920 PGA Championship at Flossmoor, after initially not getting an invitation to play.

But Hutchison got into the field after two other professionals dropped out. The PGA in 1920 was a match play championship (the format changed to stroke play in 1959), and Hutchison won the championship match on the 18th green 1-Up. The great Bobby Jones played Flossmoor in 1928 and shot the course record with a 67, that included seven straight scores of three, starting on the 8th hole.

Herbert James Tweedie is the course architect. Tweedie born in Bombay India, spent years in London before coming to America. Tweedie’s most famous design in England is considered to be Royal Liverpool, that hosted the British open in 2006. After arriving in America he designed several courses in the Chicago area. Tweedie’s other local credits include Midlothian, Exmoor, Park Ridge, LaGrange, Hinsdale and the Glen View Club among others. Tweedie might have done more courses had he not died in 1906, two weeks short of his 41st birthday.

Harry Collis who worked at the club from 1905 until 1929, started as the clubs professional but added superintendent responsibilities in 1911. At which time he started upgrading the golf course.

Architect Ray Hearn did renovation work at Flossmoor from 2006 to 2008. Hearn will return to oversee a tree removal plan.

In 2006 Holland Michigan based architect Ray Hearn, who is an Evans Scholar was hired to renovate the golf course. Due to budget restrictions, Hearn wasn’t allowed to do all he wanted to do, to improve the golf course.

Goich is bringing back Hearn, and will let him take out over 500 trees. Most of those trees will be removed from holes on the front nine.

The golf course first started with a back tee yardage of just over 6,100 yards, and now it’s over 1,000 yards longer. But it’s still to be determined if the new tree removal plan, will add anymore yardage to the golf course.

Flossmoor’s rich tournament history doesn’t start and stop with the men. Because in recent years the Women’s Western Golf Association (WWGA) has held both it’s Women’s Western Amateur, and Women’s Western Junior championship at Flossmoor.

The par 5, 18th hole at Flossmoor Country Club. Photo by Rory Spears.

But Goich is not ruling out bringing in more championships to Flossmoor, over the next few years.

Goich says the club has an interest in either the Illinois Open, the Western Amateur and or the WGA Boys Junior Championship. The next available Western Amateur would be in 2023. The next open year for the WGA Boys Junior Championship is 2024.

Flossmoor’s greens are among the best in the area. They roll very true at speeds of 12-14. Another plus about Flossmoor is that, there is some noticeable elevation change on the golf course. This becomes evident on the back-nine.

The par 3, 7th hole at Flossmoor Country Club.

Water comes into play on holes 7-8-9 on the front nine. But there is also a creek that runs through five holes on the backside, and that gives golfers something to think about off the tee on three of those holes.

The 16th hole a 425 yard par 4, is called “Braeside”, which means hillside in Scotland. A large bunker, one of the Chicago area’s most famous. That has several fingers in front of the elevated green, is called Eleanor’s Teeth. Golfers should always do their best to avoid, having to blast a bunker shot from the teeth, up to the elevated green.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with new Flossmoor Country Club owner George Goich.

The par 4, 16th hole.

But while Flossmoor has a great history of championship golf and more. It seems like under the new ownership team, the best might be yet to come.

Because Flossmoor new business plan is getting the club back on track, both on and off the golf course.

For questions on the new membership options that are now available, and or other information about the Flossmoor Golf Club. Please call the club at (708)-798-4700 or you can email Flossmoor at 1899golfinfo@gmail.com.

THE NEW CLUBHOUSE at the Preserve at Oak Meadows is taking shape. You can shape up your holiday season with DuPage Golf gift cards. Buy now and get a holiday bonus. For more information on the gift cards and more, please visit DuPageGolf.com.   _____________________________________________________________________

The Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont is home to the Chicago Golf Show.

IT’S OVER.

AND THE 2021 Chicago Golf Show scheduled for late February, is now cancelled.

AND it had not even started. The good news is that the show will return from Feb. 25-27 in 2022.

Many area golfers were looking forward to attending the show, hoping the Covid-19 Pandemic would be more under control by the final days of the month of February. But that’s apparently not to be, so the show took a WD in 2021.

“The Chicago Golf Show deeply regrets not being able to have the show in 2021,” said Chicago-based show organizer Tom Corcoran. “Golf has had a great year in spite of the pandemic, and we had been looking forward to helping keep golf’s momentum going as we approach next season.”

This years show wrapped up March 1st, only a couple of weeks before the convention center closed, and has not reopened since mid-March. This would have been the 38th consecutive year for the show that first teed off in 1984.

Unfortunately golfers will miss out on Free lessons from the Illinois PGA. The famed and exciting Long-Putt contest, and special deals on equipment or play and stays from resorts or local courses.

You can stay up to date on the Chicago Golf Show through social media channels, under the Chicago Golf Show.