THE PETE DYE COURSE AT THE FRENCH LICK RESORT is open for the season. So is the entire golf operation for the 2021 golf season. Learn more at FrenchLick.com         ____________________________________________________________________

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

The Brute Course at Grand Geneva Resort-Lake & Spa.

GRAND GENEVA RESORT & SPA has announced Ryan Brown as it’s new Director of Golf.

The resort also announced that it’s two golf courses, The Brute and The Highlands have opened for the 2021 golf season.

Brown an 11-year PGA Member, joins Grand Geneva a 2-year run at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena Illinois. Prior to Eagle Ridge brown worked at Boyne Resorts in Michigan.

Grand Geneva has also announced that David Hallenbeck, a 48-year employee of the resort, will retire shortly. But Hallenbeck will become the resorts golf ambassador.

“We are very excited to welcome Ryan to the Grand Geneva team. He brings a wealth of knowledge, skill and expertise in golf marketing and the sport in general,” said Stephen M. Magnuson, managing director, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. “So we look forward to another year of golfers enjoying our courses as well as the amenities the resort has to offer.”

You can learn more about the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, and it’s golf operation by visiting Grandgeneva.com/golf.

WELCOME TO CENTENNIAL PINEHURST 8 (L), getting upgrades in summer of 2022. The new Cradle Bar coming this fall to the Par 3 Cradle Course-details Pinehurst.com.   _____________________________________________________________________

PINEHURST LOOKS TO ADD A 4TH HOTEL drawing (L)-On (R) what it could look like.  ______________________________________________________________________

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

Rory Spears in the Pinehurst brew pub. Something new is brewing in Pinehurst, and it’s not in the pub.

SO COULD IT BE !. A 4th hotel at the Pinehurst Resort.

But this one could have something the other three hotels don’t.

Because that would be a view of one of Pinehurst’s 10 golf courses. The 9-hole par 3 course the cradle.

The lodge would have less than 100 rooms. But would add a strategic location for guests to stay while at the resort, close to the golf courses.

THE HISTORIC CAROLINA HOTEL (L) and the recently renovated Manor Inn. Arnie loved the Manor, so will you. The Manor Inn now with all the modern comforts of home.

The Holly Inn renovated just 2 years ago, and where history meets the needs of todays golf travelers.

The Pinehurst hotels, with maybe the final member of a foursome on it’s way.

So should the lodge pass all the needed approvals, the plan would be for the new facility to open before the open.

The U.S. Open that is, in 2024.

Pinehurst, where it’s always a beautiful day, and hopefully soon about to get a little bit nicer.

For more information on ‘The Home of American Golf’ see Pinehurst.com.

THE MISSION INN 35 Minutes from Orlando Florida-peaceful, quiet and 36 holes of golf. The Mothers Day brunch for May 9th is selling out quickly. MissionInnResort.com    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and connect on LinkedIn or Instagram. Class members of the 2019 Class of the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame.

ONE CUT DOWN-ONE TO GO.

So there will be some tough calls to make in the final cut, for the 2021 Illinois Golf Hall of Fame.

Because the field of 27 candidates, has been narrowed to 10. But all 10 finalists are very much deserving. So who gets the vote.

I am narrowing down the field on my picks as to who will make it in. But I will announce those thoughts closer to the final tally.

Those who did survive the first cut include, Doug Bauman IPGA Pro at Biltmore CC. Dr. Randy Kane a CDGA turf grass director. Phil Kosin publisher of Chicagoland Golf, who started the Illinois Women’s Open. Michael Miller longtime Executive Director of the IL. PGA. Tim O’Neal retired IPGA golf professional from North Shore CC. Bruce Patterson longtime head golf professional at Butler National. Gary Pinns only 5-time winner of the Illinois Open. Jerry Rich owner of Rich Harvest Farms and founder of the Kids Golf Foundation. Dave Ryan winner of the Illinois Senior Amateur four-times and 2016 champion of the U.S Senior Amateur. Dr. Jim Suttie a longtime teaching professional with several tour professional as his students, three time IPGA teacher of the Year award winner.

But the final vote is set for May 25th at the Glen Club, with the induction ceremonies for the Class of 2021 currently planned for October 1st. So good luck to all.THE PGA VILLAGE and PGA GOLF CLUB in Port. St. Lucie is hosting the 2021 PGA Club Professional Championship.

So 11 Illinois PGA professionals are competing in this weeks PGA NCPC. But the field is over 300 players and only 20 of them advance to the PGA Championship. So good luck to Roy Biancalana teaching pro at Blackberry Oaks. Jim Billitter head professional at The Ivanhoe Club. Brian Carroll GM and head golf professional at The Hawk Country Club. George Goich Director of Golf at Flossmoor GC. Chris Green Director of Instruction at the Glen View Club. Frank Hohenadel head golf professional at Mistwood Golf Club. Travis Johns Director of Instruction at Medinah CC. Curtis Malm Director of Golf at White Eagle GC. Andy Mickelson Director of Golf at Mistwood Golf Club. Steve Orrick Jr. PGA-General Manager, Country Club of Decatur. Caleb Wittig Lake Shore CC, Assistant professional.

SO GOOD LUCK to all 11 players this week at PGA National Golf Club. So far into Round 2, Frank Hohenadel and Andy Mickelson are off to the best starts, along with Brian Carroll.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MARK FREEMOTT who started with KemperSports as an intern. But now in his 24th year with the company, he was recently promoted to Executive Vice President (EVP). So congrats Mark-well deserved.

OMNI ACOSTA RESORT & SPA has been named one of the Best Resorts in America, by receiving a Golf Digest Editors award. Because he destination property was recently named host for the NCAA Division 1 Men’s and Women’s golf championships in 2024-2025-2026. Learn more at Omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa.

BASEBALL FANS. So are you ready for baseball season. Because it’s here. But if you need a glove for your round of golf, with a logo from your favorite baseball team. Zero Friction in Oakbrook Terrace has your hand covered. So Cubs fans and White Sox fans, you are covered by Zero Friction. Visit ZeroFriction.com for more information or visit your favorite pro shop.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO RETURNS the award winning golf show is back for season #31. Rory Spears (L) and Ed Stevenson (R) with co-hosts Bill Berger and Len Ziehm are ready to bring you an entire summer of golf talk. So join us on the tee at 4 Pm on WCPT Am 820-Chicago. All of us at Golfers on Golf look forward to being back.   _____________________________________________________________________

*** THE GOG BLOG’S SUNDAY MORNING SHORT GAME-LOOKS AT THE MISSION INN RESORT located in Howey-In-The-Hills Florida. 35 minutes NW of Downtown Orlando Florida. Owned by the Beucher family, all with Chicago area ties.

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

WHAT STARTED IN CHICAGO’S NORTHERN SUBURBS, now resides just Northwest of Orlando.

So for Bud Beucher and his family the Mission Inn has been home for decades. But if you haven’t heard of the town of Howey-In-The Hills Florida, you might not be familiar with the Mission Inn Resort, even though it’s one of the best resorts in Florida.

Mission Inn is home to hospitality that shines, and it comes from a staff where many of them have worked there for years. But in some cases, it’s almost a lifetime and Beucher see’s it when he hands out the years of service pins. So who benefit’s from this, you do, the guest. Because the people there, simply care. They want you to enjoy yourself, and they want you to return. So one of things you will notice when you stay at the Mission Inn, is that the level of service is a bar that’s set pretty high.

Welcome to the Mission Inn Resort-Howey in the Hills Florida. 35 minutes NW of Orlando.

Mission Inn is about having a place to get away to, and being able to relax while you are there.

Because it’s not next to the airport where planes go over your head all day. There is no major interstate running alongside the hotel. So being 35 minutes away from the downtown hustle of Orlando, has it’s benefits.

But for those who want to make a day trip to the Magic Kingdom, or other sites Orlando offers. The drive is not a long one. Because the only long drives connected to Mission Inn are the ones golfers hit off the tee boxes of the resorts two 18-hole golf courses.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Director of Golf Michael Bowery.

Welcome to El Campeon one of Florida’s most historic golf courses.

FOR THE BEUCHER family who started life in the Evanston and Wilmette area, the transition to Florida has been a life-long journey.

For Beucher, who at the early age of 7 saw his father buy a Florida golf course, that led to expansion after expansion. But those improvements turned the Mission Inn, into what it is today.

Because today’s Mission Inn has grown into a destination, that while it is golf. It’s more than just golf. Because it’s also tennis, bass fishing on Lake Harris, power boating around the marina, trap and skeet shooting, a Cyber fitness center, biking, volleyball, and hitting the resorts shops and spa.

The Mission Inn pool.

ONE OF the more relaxing area’s around the Mission Inn is the pool area. Around the pool, is the multi-level outdoor dining and relaxation area. So work on your tan by day, stretch out and dine around candle-light at night.

But if you need to work on your tired muscles, the hot-tub whirlpool is just off to the side of the pool.

But another option for tired or sore body parts, is the resorts Spa Marbella, just a short walk from the resort’s pool.

The peacefulness of the Mission Inn Resort is reflected in the waterfall outside the main inn, and near the Spa Marbella.

CLICK here to hear the interview with Mission Inn Managing partner Bud Beucher

El Campeon’s Island Green

GOLF AT THE MISSION INN is comprised of 36 holes. First up is the famed and historic El Campeon, now one of the oldest courses in Florida at 104 years old.

El Campeon was designed by George O’Neill a Chicago area golf designer. In Chicago O’Neill is most widely known as the designer of the historic Beverly Country Club. But 2-3 years after O’Neill created Beverly, Donald Ross arrived and made his course changes. The club now calls the course a Donald Ross design.

The 5th hole on the Los Colinas course, at Mission Inn.

But O’Neill’s work at El Campeon has stood the test of time. Because this year, the course will host USGA qualifiers for the U.S. Open, the U.S. Amateur and the U.S Mid-Amateur Championship.

But that’s not all. There is qualifying school for the Candian PGA Tour, and the PGA Latino Tour held in South America.

So don’t forget the Symetra Tour event in late May, where a field of 144 ladies, trying to earn a LPGA Tour card will be testing their game against the historic great El Campeon course.

But all the golf at Mission Inn is not just El Campeon. The resorts second course Las Colinas originally designed by former tour golfer and commentator Gary Koch, is also a fun challenge for golfers of all skill levels. El Campeon is one of the founding members of the Florida Historic Golf Trail, while Las Colinas that first opened in 1992 is a Top #20 in Florida by Golf Advisor.

Nicole Quinn is one of only 20 women, who hold the title of head golf professional or director of golf in the State of Florida.

THERE IS A GREAT TEAM of golf professionals who oversee the Mission Inn golf operation.

Michael Bowery who first met Bud Beucher in the parking lot outside of their college dorm, when they were both freshman at the University of Arizona is the Director of Golf.

Beucher called Bowery nine years ago, and asked him to come help out the resort’s golf operation for 6 weeks nine years ago. But Bowery hasn’t left yet, and likely isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Bowery’s right-hand man in the golf operation is a woman. Nicole Quinn a native Floridian, who played college golf for Auburn, is the resorts head golf professional. One of only 20 women in Florida who hold the title of head professional or director of golf.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the interview with Mission Inn head golf professional Nicole Quinn.

Breakfast anyone-it doesn’t get better than the Mission Inn. FOOD & BEVERAGE when it comes drinks and dining, Mission Inn does it as good as anyone in it’s La Hacienda Restaurant.

Because the morning breakfast or brunch is not only plenty of options, it’s just really good food. The Omelet  station should not be missed, and in Florida you don’t pass on orange juice.

But if you need food over the clubhouse, Nicker’s Restaurant has strong options for lunch, and more for dinner.

The resort’s El Conquistador Restaurant is your home for upscale dinning. So don’t be afraid to try the steaks, you can tell ownership has some Chicago style roots in them.

NO MATTER what time of year it is, don’t be afraid to getaway to The Mission Inn. Florida is the Sunshine State, and at the Mission Inn, there is plenty of sunshine to go around. So book your next Florida play and stay by calling reservations (800)-874-9053 with group sales at (800)-523-2289. Learn more at MissionInnResort.com. To see more pictures, visit Rory Spears on Facebook, or GogBlogGuy on Twitter.

TIME TO GET OUT THE DOOR and over to the Pete Dye Golf Course, at the French Lick Resort. Golf is back in full-force, and spa and casino are open. So why not make your next getaway, with the golf clubs be the French Lick Resort-Visit Frenchlick.com     _____________________________________________________________________

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO WEEK 2 is here at 4 Pm today on WCPT Am 820. Bill Berger & Rory Spears, are today’s hosts. So join us on at tee at 4 pm WCPT AM 820.

  INNISBROOK GM Mike Williams (L-Middle) joins us live in advance of this coming weeks Valspar Championship on the PGA Tour on the Copperhead course at Innisbrook. (R) Michael Bowery Director of Golf at The Mission Inn in Howey in the Hills Florida (near Orlando), joins us live. Mission Inn will host the Symetra Tour next month.

We hear from Len Ziehm of the Daily Herald on a variety of topics. But speaking of Len Ziehm, catch the latest volume of Ziehm and Spears right here by scrolling down 1 story.

We talk the PGA Tour and more, join Golfers on Golf Radio this afternoon at 4 Pm on Am 820 WCPT. Listen live, listen online on the WCPT website, or watch the show on Facebook or YouTube. Catch us live on the Tune-In radio APP just search WCPT820.

BUT IF YOU NEED A MULLIGAN catch the replay on the cloud at Soundcloud.com/ChicagosProgressiveTalk and scroll down to the podcast.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO IS BACK TOMORROW SATURDAY on AM 820 WCPT, our current tee time is 4 Pm. Listen in or watch us on WCPT Facebook Page. So why you are at it, you can hear us through the Tune-In App. Visit our Sponsor French Lick Resort in French Lick Indiana, home of the SR. LPGA Championship-FrenchLick.com     _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. With Len Ziehm in PGA Village.

ZIEHM & SPEARS-they are back again with Volume 13, of the 2021 Series.

So if your ready to hear all the golf news from the Chicago area and beyond, here is the place to catch it first.

This week Len and Rory, discuss the PGA Club Championship in Port St. Lucie Florida, that has 11 IPGA Section professionals, competing for a place in the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island Resort. On the Ocean Course designed by architect the late Pete Dye. Best wishes to all the Illinois PGA professionals that are competing.

But other topics include the new clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison, that isn’t too far away from opening.

The writing is on the wall on the new Preserve at Oak Meadows clubhouse.

Len and Rory debate the ranges using Toptracer or Trackman, quickly becoming a topic in town.

The PGA Tour news that includes our local players, such as Doug Ghim and Kevin Streelman.

But there is more news coming from Erin Hills on it’s opening day.

So do you enjoy the Mothers Day brunch, and golf with Mom after that. Ziehm and Spears discuss those options coming up on May 9th. Kohler’s new par-3 course the Bath’s is opening before long.

CLICK HERE to hear the latest edition of Ziehm & Spears Podcast Series 2021-Volume 13.

So thanks for listening, Len and Rory. Volume 14 will be back next week.

  CALLAWAY GOLF has announced club fitting days at Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein. Saturday May 1st 10-2Pm. Wednesdays, May 19th, June 2nd, June 9th, June 16th 1 Pm to 5 Pm. Call Pine Meadow golf club (847)-566-4653 to get scheduled.  _____________________________________________________________________

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

The Jones Course at LPGA International

DO YOU LIKE TO RACE AROUND the golf course ?

There is something to be said for a quick pace of play. So how about some golf, before you head off to the races.

Because now that is an option, when you play golf in Daytona Beach Florida.

So did you know that the Daytona Beach area is home to nearly 20 golf golf courses you can play. But there is more to enjoy for the traveling golfer. Because the famous Great American Race, and yes a real famous beach.

“LPGA International has never been in better shape that it is right now,” said general manager Michael Johnson. “Traveling golfers can enjoy outstanding golf one day, and the beach the next day. Because there is something here for everyone.”

But for those golfers who enjoy historic venues, the area  is home to a pair of Donald Ross designed golf courses. The New Smyrna Golf Club and the South Course at Daytona Beach Golf Club. But there is more, because Riviera Country Club has a rich history on it’s classic design layout.

Daytona Beach Cypress Head Golf Course

SPRUCE CREEK Country Club is part of a Fly-in community, for those with their own form of air -travel. The golf course circles around a runway, that was part of a WW II U.S. Naval Base.

But one of the good things about Daytona Beach, is the option to build your own golf package. Because you can pick the courses you want to play, and the ocean front accommodations where you want to stay.

THE DAYTONA BEACH area is full of outstanding restaurants and nightlife for when your done for the day on the golf course. Because being close to the ocean keeps the area from getting to hot, even the summer. So find out why Daytona Beach is quickly becoming a year round golf destination, and all-around fun place to be.

So learn more about all all of the golf options in Daytona Beach by visiting DaytonaBeach.golf today. Do remember the area gets very busy around race weeks. So plan ahead.

    MAKE YOUR MOTHER’S DAY Reservation May 9th or tee time today (847)-680-6100.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Instagram. 1 spot open on Facebook.

THE NEW HONMA World GS Driver

HONMA HAS RELEASED it’s newest driver, the T//World GS Red Driver.

The new GS-Red driver is now available.

But in addition to the original T//World GS driver, this new driver brings players of different skill levels increased club and ball speed, with more forgiveness.

Because in Asian culture, the color of red represents happiness, beauty, vitality, good luck, success, and good fortune. So the Honma Chairman selected the clubs features to inspire the bold but confident golfer.

The opportunity to acquire this new driver, with a limited inventory of 9.5 or 10.5 lofts. Will come at a cost of $599.99. But you need to order at the Honma online retail store.

THE T//WORLD GS RED at 460cc, was created for a straighter ball flight, more distance. It’s raised Keel Sole towards the heel to promote draw-bias and lower, deeper CG (center of gravity)  and a high MOI to maximize forgiveness. Because the drivers comes with an adjustable 9-gram weight in the heel, golfers can set their preferred ball flight.

A NEW FLIP SHOT technology will increase the face flexure and reduce spin for more speed and forgiveness. The location and shape of the forward Toe Slot, creates a shot-straightening effect on off-center hits.

A NEW RADICAL face design with rib-styled patterns, and a variable thickness has created a weigh efficient design. Because the ribs add strength to the top and bottom of the face to ensure impact delivers advanced flex and speed. Because the heel-bias crown allows golfers to return the clubface to square at impact.

HONMA GOLF CLUBS are one of the most revered clubs in the world since 1959. But the company now operates from Sakata Japan, after spending it’s early years in Yokohama. So for more information see us.honmagolf.com.

THE MISTWOOD PERFORMANCE CENTER (L) and the new Mistwood Clubhouse make up part of one of the Chicago area’s best golf facilities in the area. So the next time your ready to play golf, take a lesson or get fitted for clubs. Set your sights on the Mistwood Golf Club, Renwick Road in Romeoville. But don’t forget to check out Mizuno fitting day April 30th 10- 2:30 Pm-cost is free. So visit Mistwoodgc.com (815)-254-3333.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn, Instagram or friend us on Facebook.

BIOLYTE the IV in a Bottle.

WHEN THE HEAT KICKS IN-it’s time for BIOLYTE in a Bottle.

BECAUSE BIOLYTE is the first liquid supplement that offers the same benefits of IV rehydration therapy, but in drinkable form.

But what’s even better is that it comes in 3 flavors. So try Citrus, Berry, and Tropical, and decide which one or maybe all three that you like best. Biolyte is now partnering with the Southeast AJGA (American Junior Golf Association) as it’s preferred hydration drink.

“Golfers oftentimes forget how easy it is to become dehydrated while playing,” said Dr. Luther Rollins, a Board Certified Anesthesiologist and Pain Specialist practicing in Atlanta who created BOILYTE. “Being on the golf course 4-5 hours can significantly decrease your electrolyte levels, which can lead to fatigue, nausea, and sluggishness. Biolyte is the perfect solution for preventing these symptoms of dehydration. And it provides golfers with natural energy to remain energized through out their entire round.”

BIOLYTE is similar to how an IV works. Because it uses two different types of salts, that main components for dehydration relief-Sodium Chloride and Potassium Chloride. Because both types of these electrolytes keep more water in your body. This hydrates you more than just plain water. But this medical-grade beverage, puts over 650% more electrolytes into your body than other leading sports drinks.

THE BIOLYTE COMPANY has now announced partnerships with PGA Sections in the south and southeast, as they expand their presence in golf. So right now you can purchase BIOLYTE in major chain stores such as Publix or Kroger. But you can also purchase Biolyte online at Amazon.

So visit DrinkBiolyte.com for more information and details. Learn how this product can keep you hydrated and energized through your round of golf. Biolyte works great even if it’s just extensive practice session on the range or your golf performance center.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO has hit the fairways for the 2021 golf season. Presented again this year by the French Lick Resort of French Lick Indiana, see FrenchLick.com for your visit. Golfers on Golf Radio Am 820 WCPT, 4-5 PM (for now) every Saturday.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Instagram. At Lawsonia Links in Green Lake Wisconsin.

THE GOLF COURSES of Lawsonia have announced the reopening of the Woodlands Golf Course.

The Woodlands Course a Rocky Roquemore design. Roquemore is known for his work with Jemsek Golf and helping bring Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein back on line in the mid-1980’s.

Because the Woodlands Course sits next to the historic Links Course at Lawsonia, it’s hasn’t always gotten all the credit it deserves.

Welcome to Lawsonia Golf.

But most recently under Craig Haltom, of Oliphant-Haltom Golf, Woodlands has received a renovation.

So what will you notice ?

How about rebuilt and redesigned bunkers on 18 holes. Rebuilt area’s surrounding all the greens, with added shortgrass area’s.

Expansion of the No.2 green. Restoration of “The Quarry” on hole #2. Views reopened to Green Lake on hole #3.

The hole #3 tee complex has been rebuilt. Major tree removal and or trimming around the entire golf course. Drainage has been redone in all the areas that had slow drainage problems in the past.

So starting May 14th, why not make the trip to Green Lake Wisconsin, and play 36 great holes of golf at the Golf Courses of Lawsonia, now with the renovated Woodlands Golf Course. So learn more at Lawsonia.com.