MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB ON RENWICK ROAD in Romeoville is open for outdoor golf in 2021. Call the pro shop at (815)-254-3333 or see MistwoodGC.com to get tee times.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE ARNOLD PALMER CUP MATCHES Return to Rich Harvest Farms June 11-12-13

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn.

The colors of Rich Harvest Farms.

The assistant coaches for the 2021 Arnold Palmer Cup matches have been announced. So have some members of both Team USA, and the International Team.

For Team USA, Jean-Paul Hebert of Texas, and Jon Whithaus of Duke, will serve as United States assistant coaches. Assistant coaches for the International team are Mikkel Bjerch-Andresen of Baylor and Norway and Diana Cantu’ of Maryland and Mexico.

Hebert has developed several All-American’s at the University of Texas including last weekends PGA Tour WBC Match Play finalist Scottie Scheffler and Arlington Heights Illinois native Doug Ghim. In addition to two recent Western Amateur Champions Cole Hammer and Pierceson Coody.

THE FIRST PLAYERS named to the teams are for the USA. Ricky Castillo (Florida), Pierceson Coody (Texas), Allisen Corpuz (USC), and Rachel Kuehn (Wake Forest). All who played on the USA team last year. New members of Team USA are Brooke Matthews (Arkansas), and Trent Phillips (Georgia).

FOR THE INTERNATIONAL TEAM five players return from last years victorious International Team. England’s Alex Fitzpatrick (Wake Forest), China’s Yuxin Lin (Florida), Sweden’s Ingrid Lindblad (LSU), Spain’s David Puig (Arizona State), and France’s Pauline Roussin-Bouchard (South Carolina). New addition to the team is Beatrice Wallin (Sweden-Florida State).

Arnold Palmer Cup matches have always been hard fought (USA leads the all-time series 12-11-1). But since the inception of the Arnold Palmer Cup matches, over 100 former alumni have gone on to earn cards the PGA Tour, European PGA Tour or the LPGA Tour. With 29 players having played on Ryder Cup, or Presidents Cup. Three players won professional major championships in 2020.

The 2015 Arnold Palmer Cup matches where played at Rich Harvest Farms. Team USA won the cup that year, with current PGA Tour player Beau Hossler recording the winning point. But at that time, Hossler was attending the University of Texas.

Rolex remains a sponsor of the Arnold Palmer Cup. Because of the Rolex companies longtime partnership, dating back to 1967 with Arnold Palmer. The format is Ryder Cup style matches. So for more information on the matches, please visit ArnoldPalmercup.com.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville has opened it’s golf course, the outdoor version for the 2021 golf season. Book tee times at (815)-254-3333, you can get golf lessons, club fittings and McWethy’s Tavern is open for indoor dining. The MistwoodGolfDome.com with Toptracer is still open for indoor golf. MistwoodGC.com      _____________________________________________________________________

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

The Arnold Palmer Cup-coming this June to Rich Harvest Farms.

THE ARNOLD PALMER CUP is coming this June 11-12-13 to Jerry Rich’s Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

Because of the success of the Palmer Cup in 2015, when it was last held at Rich Harvest Farms, the last one Arnold Palmer attended in person before his passing in 2016, the group requested a return to Rich Harvest Farms to hold the matches in Sugar Grove again in the future.

Arnold Palmer speaking at Rich Harvest Farms during the opening ceremonies in 2015.

But this time around some things will be different for the matches.

Because it’s time to welcome the ladies to the Arnold Palmer Cup matches. In 2015 the matches were men only. This summer there are both men’s and women’s teams. Plus players from around the world can now compete, no longer is it just Team USA vs a team from UK countries.

But there is more good news, fans will be allowed. But while Rich’s desire is to see as many fans as possible, enjoying top level amateur golf around the grounds of Rich Harvest Farms. RHF will work with local county and health officials to determine how many spectators can be allowed on property, during any given day.

But with some professional golf tournaments during the month of May being allowed to have 10,000 spectators per day. Arnold Palmer Cup championship staff is hopeful local officials will approve at least 10,000 patrons per day by June. So do get your vaccine shots if you can, prior to June 11th.

Golfers on Golf and Len Ziehm on Golf, caught up with Jerry Rich. Who spoke about The Palmer Cup returning to Rich Harvest Farms this June. Rich Harvest Farms is also the home golf course for Northern Illinois University (NIU) in Dekalb. Rich also shared his feelings about the much improved NIU Huskies golf teams. That he hopes will qualify for the NCAA National Championships in Arizona this spring.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR THE interview with Jerry owner of Rich Harvest Farms, host location for the 2021 Arnold Palmer Cup matches.

Stay clicked in for more Arnold Palmer Cup announcements, including announcements on both players and coaches.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB (L) is fully open for the 2021 golf season. Inside in the simulators and all 27 holes outdoors, because outdoor golf season has arrived. So call (847)-885-9000 or visit SchaumburgGolf.com. MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB (R) in Romeoville is open on Wednesday for outdoor golf. But even better news is that on cold-rainy, and windy days you can still hit in the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook. Call the course at (815)-254-3333 or call the dome (630)-739-7600 McWethy’s is open.  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. In the WCPT Studio, Am 820.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO needs a Mulligan.

So it wasn’t a bad opening drive. Because we didn’t get to hit one, yet.

But no sooner, did we talk about the show returning this Saturday April 3rd.

New options presented themselves that allowed us to return back from WNDZ-AM 750 to our home last year, WCPT-AM 820. But our tee time is 6 hours later at 4 Pm on Saturday afternoons.

But the good news is there is some positive to the later start. All of the show hosts have time to get in 18 holes before airtime. Just kidding. But even more so-is that the show will be live during the Saturday 3rd Round’s of the PGA Tour, and during the late start times for television at this years majors. The West Coast U.S. Open will probably finish long after dark here in Illinois, and after the late news on the East Coast.

So another option that has presented itself to Golfers on Golf, is that station management has asked us to stay on all year. What do you think golfers ? Should we try and do it. But we do have time to think about that at least.

Ed Stevenson-Bill Berger-Len Ziehm and I, all return for 2021, and we are glad to be back. Hopefully our 2021 shows will be as solid as they were last year. So stay clicked in for more about Golfers on Golf Radio. But in the meantime, Ziehm & Spears podcasts will continue weekly to keep the golf community up to speed on all the birdies and bogeys and then some.

ALL OF US AT GOLFERS ON GOLF send our best wishes for a quick clean up at major championship venue Shoal Creek in Alabama. Because the golf course was hit hard by a recent tornado and has an excessive amount of damage. The video taken from a drone is heart breaking.

IT’s GOOD TO SEE that some of the top courses in the area are getting ready to open for the year. It’s a sign that spring-summer and golf season are right around the corner. One of those signs is that the “pins are in” on our local neighborhood golf course. The Par-3 Nickol Knoll Course, set on-top of Payton’s Hill and run by the Arlington Heights Park District, and those pins were in on Saturday. Always a great sign.

EASTER WEEKEND is coming up, have you booked a brunch at your favorite golf club yet ? Cog Hill and White Deer Run do it right here in the Chicago area. While Mission Inn Resort is among the best places to go in Florida.

WHILE DOWN IN FLORIDA, Len Ziehm and I caught up with Rich Harvest Farms owner Jerry Rich, who is ready to start getting his Rich Harvest Farms together for the Arnold Palmer Cup in June. Our interview with Jerry Rich will post this week. Hopefully golf fans will come out to RHF to see the teams of both men and women play this years Arnold Palmer Cup.

TOMORROW BULL VALLEY GOLF CLUB owner Gary Rabine will kick off his run for Governor of Illinois. If your a golfer from Illinois you should support Rabine. He can brings changes that Illinois needs. Plus having a golfer in the governors chair would be good for the Land of Lincoln.

MORE GREAT NEWS FOR CHICAGO GOLFERS. Southwest Airlines has announced it’s adding 10 cities (most of them from the Midwest) that will add non-stop flights to Myrtle Beach. But there is more ! how about your clubs and golf bags FLY FREE. For more details see Southwest.com or visit Myrtle Beach Golf websites. The twice a day Chicago flights will leave from Midway (for now anyway). Hopefully O’Hare at some point. But there is no reason now not to get to Myrtle Beach, can we say World Amateur this August.

COMING UP THIS WEEK HERE, more on Streamsong Resort and a look at their 4 golf courses. The Mission Inn Resort located in Howey In The Hills Florida, complete with a Chicago based ownership. Plus more from Pinehurst and Southern Pines. Another one of the best communities for golf in America.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB (L) on Roselle Road in Schaumburg is open now for outdoor golf. Indoor simulators are open for golf on the cooler days. Call the pro shop for tee times at (847)-885-9000. MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB (R) will open for outdoor play on Wednesday March 31st. Call (815)-254-3333 for tee times. Mistwood is located on Renwick Road in Romeoville. The Mistwood Golf Dome is still open for golf. Both the McWethy’s, the Sportsbar at the golf dome and the Tavern at the golf course are open.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn. In the Inn, Mission Inn Resort’s pro shop. Howey In The Hills Florida.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO, first on the tee Saturday April 3rd at 10 Am.

Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and yours truly return for the shows 31st season. The longest running golf radio in Chicago.

But to start the year, look for us on Am 750 WNDZ. So that’s the deal for now, we expect to return to WCPT AM 820 at some point during the round this summer.

So stay clicked in for details and updates, on what course or station we are on for any given weekend.

The new Preserve at Oak Meadows Clubhouse is reaching completion. Stay clicked in for an update on when it will open.

GOLF SEASON is here at DuPage Golf.

Because both Maple Meadows and Green Meadows have opened for play, and will remain open for the season

But the Preserve at Oak Meadows now has an opening day planned.

So have your clubs ready for Friday April 2nd, when the weather should be close to 60 degrees.

DuPage Golf invites you to download their App. For more information visit Dupagegolf.com. The new clubhouse should open before too long. So stay tuned.

Welcome to Mission Inn Resort-located in Howey In The Hills Florida. 35 minutes NW of Orlando. Join the Inn for Easter Sunday.

SO WHERE ARE YOU HAVING EASTER BRUNCH ?

How about the Mission Inn Resort down in warm sunny Florida.

Howey In The Hills Florida, that is. Next Sunday-Easter Sunday, from 11 Am until 6 Pm.

The culinary staff presents the Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet. So for just $54.99 per guest, or $22.99 for kids of ages 5-12. Children 4 years and younger are free. See the menu before all places are gone. MissionInnResort.com.

FOR EASTER BRUNCH here in the Chicago area. Please see White Deer Run in Libertyville. Whitedeergolf.com. Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Palos Park, go online to CogHillGolf.com for information on pricing and availability.

Welcome to Myrtle Beach South Carolina

MYRTLE BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA the golf capital of America, is now announcing new and fasters ways to get to Myrtle Beach for golfers.

Starting May 23rd, Southwest Airlines will add non-stop flights from 5 new cities to Myrtle Beach.

But there is even better news. GOLF CLUBS FLY FREE. So no charge for your golf bag. Because this is such a great deal, May 29th is gets better with two more cities added to the list. But come June 6th it gets even better. So on the 6th, add five more cities to the non-stop list of places where you can fly direct to Myrtle Beach from.

For a full list of cities and flight schedules, you can visit online Southwest.com or PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com. So there is now no reason to get to Myrtle Beach South Carolina. #WorldAmateurherewecome Chicago flights are from Midway Airport.

MEMBERS of the Golf Heritage Society, are reminded that on March 31st at 8 Pm EST, a live video chat with Dr. Bobby Jones IV, the grandson of the late Bobby Jones Jr. details at Golfheritage.org.

GREAT NEWS FROM MIURA GOLF CLUBS, the Miura clubs created with the help from Jack Nicklaus, are after delays, finally ready for shipping. Those who purchased the special edition line of clubs should receive them shortly.

PINE MEADOW in Mundelein now has it’s club fitting center open for the year. Call Pine Meadow at (847)-566-4653 and ask for Tim Porter. Fitting season is here, and Pine Meadow has all the new clubs from all the top brands. Details at Pinemeadowgc.com.

CLUB CHAMPION Founder Nick Sherburne has launched a series of podcasts called ‘Fits with the Founder’. The first two episodes are on Spotify, and Apple Podcasts in addition to other platforms. For more information visit Clubchampiongolf.com.

THE NEW SRIXON ZX4 Irons now available.

WHAT’S NEW WITH SRIXON

SO ARE YOU  ready to to put some new irons in your golf bag.

Because Srixon has now launched the new ZX4 Irons, and they are now ready for purchase.

The hollow faced irons, with a forged face, bring a new level of forgiveness to the Srixon Iron family. So golfers who play Srixon currently, will find the high trajectory they currently enjoy will still be a part of ZX4. The face-flex of the new irons allows for greater speed and distance. What Srixon is calling the 431 Steel body helps absorb vibrations for a softer feel at impact.

A unique Tour V.T. Sole, will give ZX4 a cleaner turf interaction, for better feel at impact. Because the new V-shaped sole glides through turf, even with swings that impact slightly behind the golf ball. ZX4 will have the resurgence of Srixon’s popular sole notches, that are favorites by professional tour players. “The new Srixon ZX4 irons mark a new revolution in forgiveness for Srixon,” says Dustin Brekke, Director of Engineering at Srixon.” Pricing ZX4 8-piece steel $1,299.99 or $1,399.99 in graphite. but for more information see Srixon.com

The new Srixon Q-Star golf ball. Coming April 15th. $32.99 per dozen.

COMING APRIL 15th, Srixon introduces the new Q-STAR Tour Divide golf ball. $32.99 per dozen. Brian Schielke General Manager at Srixon says,” the new Q-Star ball looks great but it’s much more than that. You get an easier putting alignment and increased visual feedback on your chip and pitch shots, which add to your greenside performance. It’s a ball every golfer should try.”

Srixon says the new Q-Star might not look like a classic golf ball, but delivers on performance. So learn more about this amazing new cover and ball at Srixon.com.

LPGA STAR MORGAN PRESSEL is the latest tour star to add video golf lessons to Golf Pass, joining several PGA Tour players including Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry to take part. Visit Golfpass.com to get your membership and have access to tips from the stars, Lessons with a champion golfer.

THE BEN HOGAN GOLF COMPANY announces a 2021 line of Precision Milled Forged Putters. So you asked for more, and now Ben Hogan golf has delivered more putter options since it’s well received putter line of 2019.

The new Ben Hogan Blade putter now available. $195.00

Because of demand. Ben Hogan Golf has expanded it’s putter line in 2021. With the new options now available. But with a price line at $195.00.

The new line of Ben Hogan Golf putters include.

BHB01 a Plumber’s neck blade design. BHB02 a Players blade with double bend shaft. BHB03 Iconic players blade with a flowing neck.

BHM01 a Classic Player’s mallet with a single bend shaft. The BHM02 (new)  Contemporary players multi-material mallet.

But as always, Ben Hogan will build the putter to a golfers individual specifications. standard length on all Hogan putters is 35″ but can be lengthened or shortened. For all information on availability on LH or RH putters, finishes, grips, or other adjustments. Please visit Benhogangolf.com There is free domestic shipping on orders of $750.00 or more.

The new book by Kraig Kann

JUST RELEASED the new book from Kraig Kann, longtime golf broadcaster and industry executive.

CAN YOU GET OUR ATTENTION ?

Stand Out: The Story, The Company, The Brand, You. Published by Headline Books, the 2020 Independent Publisher of the Year.

Kann reveals his insights and advice on the value of getting noticed an evaluating the presentation of brands of all sizes.

Because the power of storytelling is a way to build engagement and raise awareness. So you can follow the Kann’s unique journey in the golf industry.

The book is already on a Top 100 Best Sellers list on Amazon.com  #25 in the Public Relations and Promotions category. Kann hosts Connected with Kraig Kann on Sirius XM, and has his own podcast, Tracks to Success. The 176-page paperback edition is available at HeadlineBooks.com and Amazon.com.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg (L), is open for outdoor play, or simulators inside. Call (847)-885-9000 for tee times. MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB (R) on Renwick Road in Romeoville opens Wednesday. Please call (815)-254-3333 for tee times. Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook is open for golf. For hitting bays call the dome (630)-739-7600. McWethy’s Sportsbar and Tavern are open.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content And Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. With Alan Pope Director of Membership for the Coral Creek Club in Placida Florida.

IT JUST SPARKLES ON YOUR EYES.

THE CORAL CREEK CLUB in Placida Florida, is one of Southwest Florida’s premier private clubs.

But right now there are memberships available. So if you want to learn more, stay clicked-in right here. But another option is to visit the clubs website, and listen to the introduction by Jim Nantz.

The Coral Creek Club located near Gasparilla Island and the Village of Boca Grande, opened in 2000. So when the club’s front gates open, you drive into 211 acres of a beautiful preserve that’s full of wildlife and of course, golf. But more recently the Tom Fazio designed 18-hole layout, has had Fazio back for a tune-up. The end result is that the club has never looked better, and the views from the private jets arriving to the private airport right next store are pretty good as well.

The 18th green and rear view of the Coral Creek award winning Clubhouse.

The Coral Creek Club renovation work, was mostly completed during the pandemic while golf courses were closed, or open with serious restrictions. So not to affect large amounts of member play.

That project which was completed in less than nine months, has taken the course to an even higher level of perfection.

Because a tour of the golf course, or playing all 18 holes, will show you what a quality golf course looks like. It’s not often golfers are treated to a course, where the greens look like nobody has played on them in months. Tee boxes are not full of divots or sand-mix. The white sand bunkers are all perfectly raked, and upon approach not a grain of sand appears out of place. But then when you add the palm trees, the full feel of Florida golf at it’s finest, hits home as you tour all 18 holes.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW with Erin Stevens, CGCS, MG Golf Course Superintendent, on the Coral Creek Club’s renovation of the Tom Fazio designed golf course.

Welcome to the Coral Creek Club, your on the first hole. Play away.

Coral Creek has made recent management changes, and the membership is excited about the staff that is now part of the club.

The membership ranks come from a wide range of professional people.

They also include one SEC football coach with hand full of national championship rings, and a PGA Tour player who recently added a green jacket to his closet.

The Clubhouse living room area (L) with the bar and main restaurant dining area (R).

So if your looking for an upgrade in the type of club facility you belong to. Why not explore the elegant Coral Creek Club, with a pristine Tom Fazio designed course. Because Coral Creek will challenge your game during every round you play. Because if you are thinking retirement in Florida, or are just spending the cold northern winters down south in Florida. The Coral Creek Club might be the club for you.

Course yardage tops out at over 7,000 yards and a par of 71. But there are six sets of tee’s so golfers of all skill levels can enjoy their round. So learn more about Coral Creek by visiting CoralCreekClub.com or call the club at (941)-697-1683.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB is getting ready to open on Wednesday March 30th to start the 2021 outdoor golf season. NOT READY for outdoor golf yet, Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook on Rt. 53 is open for golf. Tee times at Mistwood Golf Club (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/LinkedIn. On the Gauntlet putting green at Streamsong Black.

STREAMSONG STEPS UP-PART 1

At a golf facility where steps are what you get plenty of while walking the resorts three, or maybe now 4 golf courses, this entire property is taking steps forward.

Streamsong Resort opened on January 26th, 2013, and has grown ever since.

But with the addition of the lodge coming online a year after golf first opened, having new accommodations brought an entire new dynamic to Streamsong.

So the next dynamic, was bringing in dynamic golf course designer Gil Hanse to created the resorts third golf course. But the addition of Hanse’s Black Course, to the first 36 holes created by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw (Red Course) and Tom Doak (Blue Course) did raise the resort again to yet another level.

The Red and Blue Course’s Clubhouse at Streamsong.

But while the golf was driving the resort, it was becoming obvious that the resort could use a changes to enhance the guest experience.

So as of January 1st of this year. Northbrook Illinois based KemperSports Management known for it’s hospitality at golf properties across America. Increased it’s role from running the golf, to overseeing the entire resort operation. So score a birdie for the owners of Streamsong, the Mosaic company. For proving they are ready to take Streamsong to yet another level.

Recent additions to Streamsong are both the new massive putting course called ‘The Gauntlet’ behind the Black Course clubhouse. But also the addition of a 7-hole short course, called ‘Roundabout’.

The Lodge at Streamsong.

But the overall operation was calling for changes, and now it seems those improvements are on their way.

New General Manager Kevin Kennedy who has only been at Streamsong for five weeks, is creating a punch list of things that will be improved over the next few months.

So what is on the improvement list.

Well that’s something that Kennedy can’t fully dive into right now, but he was able to show off a part of the main lobby, that will be transformed into a bar area. The new lobby bar, will be located along the big glass windows that face out towards the pool, and outdoor firepits. A great place to be as the sun sets on the days activities on or off the golf course.

A Streamsong room, complete with a King sized bed, double sided television, surrounded by a full sized work area.

IF YOUR trying to plan how to get to Streamsong and enjoy all it has to offer in the best possible way. Try adding this option to your planning. No driving other than from the tee boxes after you leave your home, no matter where your flying in from.

With Streamsong strategically placed between both Tampa and Orlando Florida, you can be picked up at either airport. Then have Streamsong do the driving from there.

So with no golf carts to drive either, you really can leave all the driving to Streamsong.

BUT WHETHER it’s the restaurants, the spa, the rooms, golf and other activities, or part of the reservation process,and outdoor arrival operations. The overall plan from KemperSports is to improve and streamline everything across the board.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW with Streamsong Resort General Manager Kevin Kennedy.

Recent improvements on the golf side were the re-grassing of the greens, a process that is now complete. The addition of new bunker sand has added a sparkle to all of the golf courses.

FOR MORE details on all of the Streamsong golf courses, stay clicked in for Part 2 of Streamsong Steps Up, coming up in the week ahead. Learn more about the resort at Streamsongresort.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is still open for golf on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, call the dome at (630)-739-7600 for lessons, club fittings and Toptracer golf. BUT even better news is that Mistwood Golf Club is getting ready to open for outdoor golf on March 31st. To start booking tee times at Mistwood call the shop at (815)-254-3333 Mistwoodgc.com _____________________________________________________________________

Len Ziehm & Rory Spears in the PGA Village studio’s in Port St. Lucie Florida.

ZIEHM & SPEARS ARE BACK.

PODCAST SERIES 2021-VOLUME 9

With our social distancing back in place,  Len Ziehm in Florida and Spears in Illinois.

Len Ziehm has covered golf in the Chicago area for over 50 years, and is a member of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame. Rory Spears have covered golf in the Chicago area for 35 years and grew up working at the Rob Roy Golf Club in Prospect Heights, and the Chevy Chase Golf Club in Wheeling.

This week Ziehm & Spears discuss the opening of outdoor golf season here in the Chicago area. Tickets going on sale for the Valspar Championship, the first PGA Tour event that was fully cancelled due to the pandemic last year.

Up and coming golf course design architects Kyle Franz and Andy Staples. Brooks Koepka’s recent knee surgery that could keep him out of the Masters.

PLUS Ziehm and Spears discuss the return of the award winning Golfers on Golf Radio for it’s 31st season. Teeing off on WNDZ AM 750 to start the season on Saturday April 3rd at 10 Am. But a move back to WCPT AM 820 is expected shortly, and Ziehm is back for his second season as a weekly contributor.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR THE CURRENT EDITION of Ziehm & Spears podcast series 2021-Volume 9.

Thanks for listening-Len & Rory.

MISTWOOD CHICAGO’S YEAR ROUND GOLF OPERATION still has the golf dome open for golf. But great news Mistwood Golf Course is getting ready to open for the season. So stay tuned for details. Currently both McWethy’s dining operations are open for indoor and outdoor dining. So visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, and get ready for Mistwoodgc.com to open. Lessons and Club Fittings are available. Call the dome (630)-739-7600, or Mistwood golf course (815)-254-3333 #2021StateAm  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears. Director of Content and Creation For Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend on Facebook/LinkedIn or Instagram.

Architect Kyle Franz stands alongside his work at the Pine Needles golf course, part of Ross Resorts in Southern Pines NC.

THE GOLF WORLD is starting to find out, who is Kyle Franz.

Because Franz 37, is an up and coming name in the golf course architecture and design business.

Franz knew that golf course design was what he wanted while he was still a teenager. Which is why at age 19, he traveled down from his now alma mater Oregon State, to beg Tom Doak for a job during the construction of Pacific Dunes, at Bandon Dunes.

Whatever Franz said to Doak worked. Because Doak added the teenager to his crew, and Franz first job in golf course construction and design, was the type of dream job that most established architects hope to get once in a lifetime. But Franz work with Doak didn’t stop there. Franz followed Doak to Australia for the building Barnbougle Dunes, one of the golf wonders or the world.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR Part 1 of talking golf course design with Kyle Franz.

The par 3 17th hole at Pine Needles, home of the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open. Restoration by Kyle Franz.

But Franz travels to work with great design architects didn’t stop with Doak.

Because when Franz returned to the U.S. he headed east to Pinehurst.

Because there was this little project called the restoration of Pinehurst #2, with Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw was about to start, and Franz wanted in.

So when Coore and Crenshaw let Franz join the team to experience the work of Donald Ross at it’s best. Franz took full advantage, and used his time in Pinehurst to play area courses. Not just at the Pinehurst Resort, but around town. So in no-time, the sandhills area registered with Franz as a place he would like to continue working his trade.

Franz and his crews at work on Southern Pines Country Club, the newest addition to the Ross Resorts properties.

That opportunity came when Ross Resorts owner Kelly Miller met Franz, and decided to give him an opportunity to restore Mid-Pines one of the resorts Donald Ross designed classic golf courses.

But Franz was ready to learn more about course design and travel the world to do so. That opportunity came when Franz signed on with Gil Hanse to be part of the team that created the Olympic Golf Course in Rio, for the 2016 games. A course that Hanse compared to Pinehurst #2 when asked what course he could compare the Olympic Course to in America.

Franz world travels didn’t stop in South America. He spent a year moving around Scotland, Ireland and England. To see the famous links style designs in those parts of the United Kingdom. But one of the more interesting things Franz has done, was to go back to Pinehurst and Bandon Dunes as a caddie. Just to see how golfers played the holes he helped create or restore. It was a great way to hear the comments of the golfers who came to enjoy his work.

The 18th hole and hotel at Mid Pines Resort. Photo courtesy of Kyle Franz.

Franz restoration of Mid Pines, earned him more work on designed golf courses.

Because currently Franz is working on the newly acquired Southern Pines Country Club, that has become the third course under the Ross Resorts portfolio.

But in between Mid-Pines and Southern Pines, Franz rolled up his sleeves again, when Miller allowed Franz to restore Pine Needles, that has since hosted the 2019 U.S. Senior Women’s Open, and will host the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open. Both the USGA and the players gave the course that had previously hosted three U.S. Women’s Open’s rave reviews. Franz restoration of the Country Club of Charleston played out well when the club hosted the 2019 U.S Women’s Open.

Clubs that have a Ross history to their design are now calling on Franz to add his touch to their courses.

The clubhouse at MiniKahda, a Donald Ross design in the Twin Cites area of Minnesota, and recent host of the U.S. Senior Amateur.

The Minikahda Club in the Twin Cities area a famed Ross design, and recent host of the U.S. Senior Amateur is having Franz do restoration work at the club.

Franz is not just a Ross restoration specialist and he is starting to have his phone ring a little often from clubs that that have a long storied history.

So it would not be surprising if the USGA came calling on Minikahda when the restoration work is complete.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR PART 2 with golf course architect and designer Kyle Franz.

But there is one other thing Franz would like to do as soon as possible. Franz is ready and looking for a place to create his first short or par-3 course. So if your a property in the market for an architect to build your next 9 or 12 or 13 hole short course. Do visit Kylefranzgolf.com Franz would love to hear from you.

You can play all three Donald Ross Courses recently renovated by Franz as part of Ross Resorts in Southern Pines North Carolina, just a few minutes from Pinehurst.

ERIC RUSSELL & CHRIS IORIATTI are the Mistwood Club Fitting team, currently found at the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. The dome is home to McWethy’s Sportsbar. But make sure your clubs are ready for 2021, by checking in with the Mistwood Club fitting team. See MistwoodGolfdome.com or please call (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/LinkedIn or Instagram.

MARK LABIAK Head PGA golf professional at Ruth Lake Country Club in Hinsdale.

MARK LABIAK headlines a field of special award winners from the Illinois PGA Section, for the year of 2020.

Labiak of the Ruth Lake Country Club in Hinsdale, has been named Professional of the Year from the IPGA Section.

“We are fortunate to have such an outstanding group of PGA Professionals that make up the Illinois PGA Section. Selecting a handful of members for these prestigious awards is never easy, but these professionals have shown extraordinary dedication to growing and improving the game the game of golf for everyone within the boundaries of the section,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois Section. “This year’s Special Award winners exemplify all that PGA Professionals have to offer as experts in the business and game of golf.

Labiak 57, is the winner of the Professional of the Year Award. The award has been presented annually since 1955, which honors the working club professional whose total contributions to the game best exemplify the complete PGA Professional. A special emphasis is placed on the performance or achievement over the past five years and from five different areas.

Labiak has been head golf professional at Ruth Lake since 1988, and a PGA member since 1998.

“I’m extremely humbled to win this award and to be named the Illinois PGA Professional of the Year,” said Labiak. “It’s an honor that my peers have selected me to win this award especially in 2020 when any golf professional could have been Golf Professional of the Year. Other than the day I was elected into membership in 1991, this is the highlight of my career.”

THE OTHER SPECIAL AWARD WINNERS FOR 2020 ARE:

Chris Green, PGA Glen View Club-Teacher of the Year. Mark Hirn, PGA Bloomington Country Club Assistant of the Year. Dan Shelden, PGA Ruth Lake Country Club, Youth Player Development Award. Vince Juarez, PGA Kemper Sports-Bill Strausbaugh Award. Nick Papadakas, PGA Onwentsia Club, PGA Professional Development Award. Connie DeMattia PGA, Cantigny Golf-Player Development Award. Don Habjan PGA, Makray Memorial Golf Club-Bill Heald Career Achievement Award. Ian Brown, PGA Butterfield Country Club, Merchandiser of the Year-Private. Juan Espejo, PGA Maryville Golf Academy-Distinguished Service Award. Jamie Neito, PGA-The Preserve at Oak Meadows-Deacon Palmer Award. Mike Hainline, PGA-Odyssey Golf Foundation GC, Patriot Award. Mike Williams, PGA Landscapes Unlimited-PGA Executive of the Year.

For more information see IPGA.com.

For THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME still ready for indoor golf, and ready to get you ready for the upcoming outdoor golf season. So why not take it inside for some golf, hitting with Toptracer, getting a lesson, or getting fitted for the new clubs that will have you lowering your handicap, or advancing in the club championship. For more details on the McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood or McWethy’s at the dome. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600 or see Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333 #MistwoodGolf     ____________________________________________________________________

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. On the 18th hole at Pine Needles, home of the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open.

OUTDOOR GOLF SEASON is here, or at least kind of.

But there are a few weeks to go, before things start to look fully in shape on our local courses.

Because last week’s early snow, and the rain on Wednesday, has left things a bit on soggy side headed into this past weekend.

So hopefully things will dry out a bit and more courses can open up. Because last week I came home from my longest golf trip ever, 28 days. But well worth it.

Because it has left me with plenty to write about. But I have some 14 stories from the trip yet to post. I have a few more days of everything Pinehurst. The Pine Needles and Mid-Pines resorts. Mission Inn in Florida, Streamsong and it’s transition into being a full KemperSports management facility.

Innisbrook Resort in Tarpon Springs Florida as it readies for the return of the Valspar Championship, and the PGA Tour. Valspar was the first PGA Tour event fully cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. On the private side on the west coast of Florida is the recently renovated Coral Creek Club. Now complete with recent Fazio renovation. The Coral Creek club sits next to a private airport, land your plane and be on the first tee in 5 minutes.

Back in Southern Pines North Carolina things are building towards the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open on the Pine Needles golf course. Built by Donald Ross, recently renovated by Southern Pines based architect Kyle Franz.

I met up with Franz to learn more about this young architect, who cut his teeth in golf course design by working on pacific Dunes with Tom Doak. Pinehurst #2 with Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. Then in Rio with Gil Hanse on the 2016 Olympics golf course.

Franz renovation of the Country Club of Charleston in South Carolina was well received by the USGA, and the players in the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open. But Franz is working at Minikahda Club in Minnesota now, and another Donald Ross classic should be well preserved when he is done. Franz is working on Southern Pines Country Club, that when finished will give Ross Resorts three stellar Donald Ross courses.

There are some local topics to get with, and I’ll catch up on them as well. So stay Clicked in here, to find out what’s happening on the local golf scene. Ziehm & Spears podcast series returns by Friday, and as always Len will a lot to say.

THE FIRST TEE OF GREATER CHICAGO has announced two new members of it’s team. Julian Thompson will be the director of golf at the Waveland Facility. Jenna Coyne will be serve as Development Coordinator. Congratulations to Julian and Jenna on their new career opportunities.

FROM THE WGA-SERVPRO of Glenview has sponsored admissions into the Korn Ferry Tour and the Western Golf Association’s Evans Scholars Invitational (ESI). So this means spectators will have free admission into the championship. Dates are May 27-30 and the event has returned to the Glen Club.

Fans do have to register online to get those tickets. You can do so at ESInvitational.com/2021-tickets. You can purchase upgraded tickets to ‘the hanger’ a premium spectator venue, with access to the Glen Club grillroom and patio.

“We’re thankful to have SERVPRO of Glenview partner with us to give the Chicago area golf fans the opportunity to watch these exciting young players compete on a local stage,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. “We remain committed to conducting a safe and entertaining event while raising funds for our charitable beneficiary, the Evans Scholars Foundation.”

Curtis Thompson the brother of LPGA Star Lexi Thompson is the defending champion, after winning last September at the Chicago Highlands Club.

THE VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor Florida returns after a 1-year absence. Last year Valspar was the first championship that was fully cancelled because of the pandemic. So this year not only is the championship back, but so are the fans. But only around 8,000 per day, and those tickets are expected to sell out quickly and they go on sale this Thursday says championship director Tracy West. But if you want tickets for the Owls Nest on the course, those tickets will be available at Hooters in early April. The field includes World #1 Dustin Johnson, and two-time defending champion Paul Casey. Valsparchampionship.com for more information.

WITH SO MANY Golfers starting out late in the day to play, and playing until it’s gets dark, mostly due to a lack of tee times. Why not have a golf outing at night. So that’s what Foxford Hills will do again this year. Saturday May 8th put it on your calendar, and Foxford Hills in Cary to sign up.

BEFORE LONG the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame will announce the list of candidates for the class of 2021. Stay tuned.

THE GOG BLOG returns all week. RS.