A NEW DAY IS RISING at the French Lick Resort in French Lick Indiana. So when it’s time to travel-travel back to the French Lick Resort. Play and stay’s at FrenchLick.com.  _____________________________________________________________________

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

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2021-Volume 11.

Len and Rory discuss the Masters Tournament and some of the major players in the field, and how their week is going.

But there is talk about our Chicago area players, Nick Hardy on the Korn Ferry Tour and Doug Ghim on PGA Tour.

NCAA college golf is back, plus one former University of Illinois player is headed back to his home state of Indiana. But speaking of Indiana, golf has restarted at the French Lick Resort. The Senior LPGA Championship is back at the end of August on the Pete Dye Course.

But there is even more from Indiana, because a new Pete Dye Golf Course is opening in Zionsville Indiana. So be on the look out for Holliday Farms Golf Club.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast series 2021-Volume 11.

LEN & RORY discuss the Par 3 Cradle Course at Pinehurst and the new on course bar coming this fall. So thanks for listening. Len and Rory.

THE MANOR INN of Pinehurst. Remodeled, Redone, Ready for you. Arnie loved the Inn, you will too. Walking distance from the Pinehurst Brew-Pub. Visit Pinehurst.com       _____________________________________________________________________

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

IT’S BEEN NAMED one of the best par-3 golf courses in America.

So why make it better ?

Because they can, and the demand from golfers to play and stay, for hours out on the Cradle at Pinehurst is creating a need for even better options on the golf course.

Credit the Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst North Carolina, the home of American golf, for taking the concept of par-3 golf to the next level.

A look at the new Cradle bar

Designer Gil Hanse made the most of the land he had to work with, which really wasn’t much.

So what Hanse accomplished in just over 3 acres is amazing. Because the Cradle has become one of the hot spots of Pinehurst.

The Cradle has become a home for golfers of ages, and skill levels. But since Pinehurst has offered an all-day rate to play the Cradle. Golfers have spent hours on the course just having fun.

The famed Pinecone-Pinehurst’s unique beverage cart.

But while the ‘Pinecone’ one of the most unique beverage carts in golf, was keeping golfers hydrated, and offered some munchies. Pinehurst has decided to expand those options.

Because the new ‘Cradle Bar’ will offer not just food and drink, but restrooms that were lacking on the course.

So the good news is that, while the Cradle Bar that will open this fall (official date TBD) the Pinecone will not go away, but it will get strategically moved around the resort where needed.

So learn more about a Pinehurst Resort stay and play at Pinehurst.com.

LBA GOLF PUTTER a green week edition. Limited quantities available. LABGolf.com THE MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB has a Pick-Your-Pin scramble April 17th. So get signed up today because limited spots remain. Call (815)-254-3333 or see MistwoodGC.com.    ______________________________________________________________________THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy connect on LinkedIn/Instagram RoryGolf18

THE NEW BEN HOGAN Edge Ex-Irons

BEN HOGAN GOLF of Fort Worth Texas, has introduced it’s new line of irons the Edge-EX.

This new iron line was created for the mid-handicap level players, that are looking to improve their game to a level of their maximum potential.

So the return of this style of club, first created by Ben Hogan Golf in the 1980’s provides a combination of feel and forgiveness.

BEN HOGAN IRONS helping amateurs be the best they can be. BenHoganGolf.com

The new Edge EX irons were designed from the ground up to be easy-to-hit. But the BHG company is expecting a new group within the golf market to take aim with the brand.

Because in the past, non-competitive golfers thought the Hogan brand was for only for accomplished golfers.

But that is not the case.

“Ben Hogan golf equipment has long been used by some of the best players in the world,” said Scott White President and CEO of Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company. “But some golfers who play the game just for fun or for a few bucks in friendly games felt that our products weren’t for them. So we continue to try to educate golfers that forged clubs are not reserved for only the best players in the game. In fact, quite the contrary. Edge EX irons will offer average golfers the playability, forgiveness and feel that Ben Hogan once described as ‘ that blissful feeling that goes from your hands, up your arms, and into your heart.'”

But the new Ben Hogan irons bring a distinctive look that mid-handicap golfers should be comfortable with.

Because with the Open Cavity design, there is extreme perimeter weighting, which will create increased club head stability, and help golfers square the clubface at impact. So the newly styled face and weight distribution, will help get the ball airborne quicker from any angle of attack. But with an increased Effective Hitting Area, the EX irons will be more forgiving.

These new irons will have the Hogan Golf Companies latest proprietary V-SOLE technology. That has been engineered for the wider sole of Edge EX Irons.

Golfers can now order the new EX irons, but they will not be shipped until the end of April. But they can be exclusively purchased at BenHoganGolf.com. Prices range from the amount of clubs ordered per set, and the types of shafts you order in steel or graphite.

But free domestic shipping is available on orders of more than $750.00. For more information see BenHoganGolf.com or follow Ben Hogan Golf on all major social media outlets, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MASTERS WEEK IS UPON US. So enjoy the tournament, with some thoughts along the way from us at Golfersongolf.com. But don’t forget Ziehm and Spears this Friday. The Masters artwork is by artist Linda Hartough, visit her website to purchase prints.      _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect with him on LinkedIn. In the WCPT Am 820 studios.

IT’S MASTERS WEEK and that marks the sign that spring is upon us. So let’s hope over the next week or so, that is the case.

Because everybody is ready for outdoor golf season to be upon us.

So who are you picking to win the Masters this week ?

My money, bet legally by the way in Las Vegas, is on Justin Thomas and or for Rory McIlroy to come out of his slump and finally get the career Grand Slam. But we will see, this could be the year that a first time winner of the Masters breaks through and gets their first green jacket. I just have a gut feeling, that this years winner could be a surprise. So what until the back nine on Sunday and we will see.

LEN ZIEHM and I will break it all down on Friday, during the next edition of Ziehm and Spears during our weekly podcast.

GOLFERS ON GOLF RADIO will return on Saturday April 17th on WCPT AM 820. But our new tee time for now is at 4 PM. So stay with us, and I will keep everyone informed if we can get back to the mornings as soon as possible.

Las Vegas National will host the Monday qualifier for the Korn Ferry Tour-on Monday April 12th.

GREAT NEWS FROM LAS VEGAS and no it’s not that the casino could be keeping my bets come Sunday night. But on Monday morning April 12th the Korn Ferry Tour will hold it’s Monday qualifier at the Las Vegas National CC. Once the tournament course for the Las Vegas Open, had it’s rough times for a while. Because other new venue’s popped up and the tournament moved on.

At one time the course almost closed it’s doors. But now this course only 10 minutes off the famed ‘strip’, and former home to historic Vegas figures like the “Rat Pack’, is back after a renovation that has the golf course looking great.  It will be interesting to see what the scores are at round’s end.

I’LL HAVE more this week. But news coming out of Pinehurst, says the plans are done for the new bar and restrooms on the Par-3 Cradle course. So stay clicked in for an update.

THE CLUBHOUSE at Fox Run in Elk Grove is taking shape. I have some new photo’s to show progress, and will post them later this week. But it will be the fall before the clubhouse opens for daily use.

RUMOR’S on the street. Could the Arlington Hts. IL. Park District be finally looking at a renovation to it’s par-3 course at Nickel Knoll (known as Walter Payton’s Hill). Look for more on that early in May.

WEDNESDAY is national walking day. The weather should be 80ish and if you golf on Wednesday, will you walk. Because maybe on Wednesday you should, even if it’s for just one day.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR NEW CLUBS. Because if so, I’ll have some news on new equipment products from Titleist, Callaway, and Ben Hogan Golf. So stay clicked in.

IN CLOSING it should be a great week for golf, with great Masters broadcasts to look forward to. Enjoy the week, and enjoy the golf. RS

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT in French Lick Indiana has opened it’s three golf courses for the 2021 golf season. Mistwood Golf Professional Nicole Jeray returns to join the field this July for the Senior LPGA Championship. But before the Senior Women tee it up, you can as well. Visit FrenchLick.com to book your play and stay. #PeteDyeCourse  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-With Schaumburg Golf Club’s Jon Parsons. SGC is a proud sponsor of the award winning Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn.

THE GOG BLOG tips it hat or golf visor to Northbrook’s Nick Hardy, who had a final round of 60 on Sunday. While playing in the final round of the Korn Ferry Tour.

Hardy the former University of Illinois standout, moved up 42 spots on the leaderboard to finish T-17th for the week. Congrats to Nick.

But it all wasn’t Hardy from the local scene. Because on the PGA Tour, Arlington Heights native Doug Ghim who rallied on Friday at the Valero Texas Open to make the cut, had a final round 69, to move up 16 places in the field. Congrats to Doug as well.

Welcome to Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein has announced it will have a PING Golf fitting day on Saturday May 8th.

The fitting hours will be from 10 Am to 2 Pm. But you do have to schedule an appointment, and appointments are limited.

So take advantage of this opportunity to hit the new PING G425 series. But don’t forget that all fitting sessions are held on the award winning, natural grass area. To schedule call (847)-566-4653 (GOLF) or go to PinemeadowGC.com.

PINE MEADOW is also holding Titleist Thursdays, starting April 22nd, through June 10th. Appointment times run from 12 Noon to 4:45 Pm, and you must have an appointment-no walk ups. call (847)-566-GOLF (4653).

CHAD JOHANSEN junior golf academy at Blackberry Oaks.

THE CHAD JOHANSEN Junior Golf academy is running out of space for this coming summer at Blackberry Oaks Golf Club in Bristol.

One of the leading junior golf programs in the area, the Chad Johansen junior golf program will be starting for the summer season, right after school lets out for the summer.

So before space in this summers program is sold out, sign up today by calling Chad at (630)-553-7170 or online at BlackberryBerryOaks.com. Blackberry Oaks is home of the Blackberry Amateur returning this June.

SAND VALLEY GOLF in Nekoosa Wisconsin is open for the season, so book your trip now, and get rooms before they sell out for the season. Rooms do sell out before tee times. So act quickly by visiting SandValley.com

Welcome to Lawsonia Links.

LAWSONIA LINKS in Green lake Wisconsin has opened for the 2021 golf season.

So why not make the drive to Wisconsin and enjoy this classic golf course, designed by William Langford, a recent addition to the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame.

It’s not often public golfers get to enjoy classic golf courses like Lawsonia. But there is a second course on site called the Woodlands Course. So for more information visit Lawsonia.com.

CHRIS CHARNAS and Links Capital Advisors has announced that Sunset Hills Golf Club in Pekin Illinois is now for sale. For more information see Links Capital Advisors or call Chris at (847)-866-7192.

SPRING GOLF SPECIALS at HUGHES CREEK in Elburn. $37 dollars for seniors 18-holes and a cart. $57 for 18 holes and riding before noon. $37 for 18-Riding for the Twilight rate after 3 Pm. Noon to 3 Pm, 18 holes riding just $49. Learn more by calling (630)-365-9200 or visit Hughescreek.com.

KENOSHA COUNTY GOLF has announced that Brighton Dale Golf Course will be hosting a series of demo days starting with Callaway Golf on April 24th. For more details see KenoshaCountyGolf.com fittings are available at the demo days for great rates.

LAB GOLF PUTTERS-Masters Edition

LAB GOLF PUTTERS one of the top custom made putters in the world, has announced a limited release of the Masters Edition putter that was first created in 2020.

But there are not many to be had. So check out this limited edition Masters style putter online at Labgolf.com.

LAB GOLF-Lie-Angle-Balance, putters get you rolling the ball to the hole.

If putting is your weakness, or even if it isn’t. To make more putts and lower your scores, check out Lab Putters. In the Chicago area visit PGA Tour Stores.

READY TO GET AWAY-How about Florida and Innisbrook, just North of Tampa in beautiful Palm Harbor.

INNISBROOK RESORT in PALM HARBOR Florida, is not only gearing up for the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship.

But springtime in Florida. So book your play and stay at Innisbrook by April 15th and you can receive up to 35% off.

So don’t forget you can play where the PGA Tour pro’s play on the resorts famed Copperhead golf course. Challenge your game in the Snake Pit (holes16-17-18) on Copperhead. But while you are there, don’t forget to enjoy the Salamander Spa, one of the most relaxing places in Florida.

RIGHT NOW to see more about Innisbrook watch the video on You-Tube by Dave Lockhart of Golf360 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tuyi2vcloOU Dave also has more golf features on tube. So visit Golf360.com to learn more on golf at Innisbrook and in Florida.

GOLF PASS continues to turn out instruction video’s with some of the top professionals in the game. So are you looking to hit further, who isn’t. The last chapter in the series some of the longest hitters in golf, including U.S. Open Champion Bryson Dechambeau. Learn more at GolfPass.com.

NORTHWESTERN JUNIOR Kelly Sim has been named the B1G Ten’s Women’s Golfer of the Week. Because Kim won the PING/ASU (Arizona State University) Invitational. Sim shot 5 under par for the 54 hole event at the Papago Golf Club.

DALLAS BASED TOPGOLF is giving one lucky winner a chance to win FREE Topgolf for 1 year, in what Topgolf is calling is MajorBaller Sweepstakes. Text “Baller” to 68633 or learn more at Topgolf.com/winayear.

SHOTSCOPE spent March 29th tracking golf shots played in England. Because golf returned and golfers came out in large numbers to play. In fact almost 4,800 rounds were played that day, by far surpassing the old record. learn more at Shotscope.com. Check out this GPS Watch.

CLUB CHAMPION’s main store in Willowbrook Illinois.

CLUB CHAMPION a national leader in golf club fitting, is growing yet again.

So now Club Championship is giving golfers more locations to get fit. More locations than any other fitting company.

Because golfers can now get fit in Williamsville NY., Myrtle Beach SC., and in Tucson AZ. bringing the total of Club Champion locations to 82 stores.

More companies, more club and club options that anywhere else. For details please see Clubchampiongolf.com.

THE LPGA AND THE 2021 SOLHEIM CUP from the Inverness Country Club in Toledo Ohio (August 31-Spetember 6), has announced that recording star Gwen Stefani will perform at the opening ceremonies. Tickets now available at LPGA.com.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 7th is NATIONAL WALKING DAY and NATIONAL BEER DAY. Bag Boy a maker of golf push carts, is celebration the day. So see more Bagboy.com. BUT it’s also national beer day. So say the folks at the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook. Over 30 beers to pick from. So enjoy National Beer day in McWethy’s Sports Bar on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook (630)-739-7600.

THE BARTLETT ILLINOIS based PR Firm of THE MEDIA GROUP INC. has been retained by the Altwell Company in Benicia California, to help show case it’s line CBD Products. So to learn more about Altwell CBD products, visit Altwell.com.

Welcome to Myrtle Beach South Carolina.

THE 38th ANNUAL WORLD AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP returns this August 30-September 3 in Myrtle Beach South Carolina.

But there is better news. Because the Worlds Largest 19th hole, that did not happen last year (pandemic) is back for 2021. So get your vaccine shots and sign up starting Wednesday April 7th for this really fun golf event.

The MB World Amateur is held on 55 of the best golf courses in Myrtle Beach. But sign up now and save $120.00 if you register by June 3. Fee is $559.00 and includes at least 4 rounds of golf, nightly admission to the 19th hole and a gift bag. So don’t miss out on this years event, register at MyrtleBeachWorldAmateur.com today.

CABOT LINKS of St. Lucia has sold-out it’s first phase of Fairway Villa’s. But there is good news. Because Phase 2 sales are now underway. So don’t miss out this time around. Inquiries at [email protected].

THE ZERO FRICTION XTREME GOLF GLOVE.

ZREO FRICTION based in Oak Brook Terrace IL. has released it’s Xtreme Golf Glove.

Because this new model adds more than even previous models of Zero Friction Gloves.

“Our new Xtreme gloves feature color with an edge,” said Zero Friction Founder John Iacono. “These gloves are crafted with 100% Cabretta leather and reinforced Lycra throughout the fingers, back of the hand, and palm for maximum durability and breathability. This Xtreme series is an exciting new addition to our product portfolio with six dynamic color options now available.” So you can now learn more at ZeroFriction.com or by calling (630)-317-7700.

BETTINARDI PUTTERS have released  the Spring-Hive. putters products and more. So visit Bettinardi.com.

See more product photo’s from todays column on Facebook-page, or the Twitter page of GogBlogGuy Rory Spears. So stay clicked in, the Gog Blog returns all week.

STREAMSONG RED 16 Streamsong Resort in Central Florida Streamsongresort.com.  THE MANOR INN has reopened in Pinehurst and is part of the Pinehurst Resort. The newly remodeled Manor Inn, has mixed the present in with the history of the building. So for more details on staying at the historic Manor Inn-please go visit Pinehurst.com    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect with him on LinkedIn. On the 7th hole of Pinehurst Course #6, where I made an ace in 2005.

ONE OF THE most frequently asked questions in golf.

I’m headed to Pinehurst, and I want to play Pinehurst #2. But then what ?

Because the resort now has 10 courses and I’m not sure which other ones I should hit while I’m there for a couple of days.

Yes after #2-Then What ?

As someone who has played all 10 of the Pinehurst Resort courses, let me shed some light on how to approach making a schedule of what to play and when.

Pinehurst 2 the U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur course, perhaps some say the best work ever by Donald Ross.

The 18th green on Pinehurst #2, the biggest must play in Pinehurst.

Because as you might guess there is plenty of demand to play #2. So when you book your trip to Pinehurst, do it early enough so you can play #2.

But to really enjoy the course, it’s best played with a caddie. So take one. Just walking these fairways without having to carry the load of your clubs, makes the round even that much more enjoyable. But a piece of advice. Try not to book #2 on the first day there, or the last day there in case weather becomes an issue. No reason to get washed out on your last day, and end up missing #2.

The Gil Hanse par 3 designed course ‘The Cradle’ is a must play while in Pinehurst. Pictured the 9th and final hole.

But speaking of fun. The Par-3 course ‘The Cradle’ by Gil Hanse should be your second choice.

9-holes why can be played quickly, if the course is not crowded. And kind of quickly even if it is crowded.

But even better news, is that for those golfers who wish to do a few laps around the Cradle. A halfway house with bathrooms will be coming soon.

Think of it this way. You could make a hole-in-one on every hole, always a good thing. So yes ‘The Cradle’ should be second on your must play list. Plus you can play it before or after another fully scheduled 18 hole round.

RIGHT THERE at the main clubhouse is the recently renovated by Gil Hanse, is Course #4, that should be on everyone’s list. I would recommend a caddie here as well.

THE NEW 11TH HOLE on Pinehurst #4.

Because the newly redone Course #4 is the best it’s ever been.

I played the course under three different looks, between renovations from Tom Fazio and Hanse. But you can’t beat the redesign that Hanse did.

It just says Pinehurst when you get on the first tee box.

While the first hole on #4 is a good opening hole, the second hole is even better. Plus it gives the golfer a feel of what to expect the rest of the way.

Course #4 was used during the U.S. Amateur in 2019, it is a championship venue and it plays like one. Have fun and do book course #4 as your second 18 hole choice.

FROM THERE the next round is a toss up. Because you can’t lose by playing either course #8 or #9. But both courses do require a short drive off the resorts main campus. If you have you car, they are easy to get to. But if you don’t, then take the Pinehurst shuttle from which ever resort hotel your staying at. Both trips are less than 10 minutes. One note here, is that Course #8 will be closed in the summer of 2022 for upgrades.

Welcome to Pinehurst #8 the Centennial Course (L)-Pinehurst National Course #9 (R)

Pinehurst #6 is a great golf course.

So next on my list is Pinehurst #6, which is another course that’s a few minutes off the main Pinehurst campus.

I have to admit here I am a bit partial to this golf course. Because back in 2005 I made my only hole-in-one on the 7th hole of Course #6.

172 yards with a 6-iron is something I won’t forget. Thanks to the Pinehurst Resort, I have the pin flag off the stick that day, along with the Pinehurst Hole-In-One bag tag and a certificate. All now under glass in my home. But Course 6 is a fun golf course. It’s not over bearing, and while there is sand, not as much as some of the other Pinehurst courses. Plus who knows maybe you will make a hole-in-one here too. Then you can enjoy the post round with some food and drink outside under the new dining pavilion next to clubhouse.

The new 18th hole on Pinehurst 3.

Courses 1,3 and 5 are all fun golf courses, they are not long in terms of yardage.

But on some days these courses are reserved for Pinehurst Resort members only, not available to resort guests.

Courses 1 & 3 and 5 have had some recent work done on them to make way for the Cradle Course.

Courses 1 & 3 are original Donald Ross golf courses. So they are historical courses, for those of you who enjoy playing these types of courses. My choices in order would be Course 1- Course 3 and then Course 5, and that’s basically because playing an original Ross design scores well in my book. But I did have a great time playing Course #5 in January of 2020.

FINALLY IS COURSE #7, which is not a bad course, but some some reason I have not played well there. The design leaves the course with plenty of ‘V’ shaped holes. The elevated tee boxes should add to your drive, but many of the approach shots are uphill. ‘Hint’ play more club on your approach shot. One of the fun holes on the golf course is the island green-par 3 #16. When I say island green, if your thinking water carry-your wrong. But it’s Pinehurst, that means the island green is surrounded by sand. But it’s still fun, and if you miss the green, bring your sand wedge, not your ball retriever.

Good news, recently added drainage will help the lower landing area’s that stay damp after heavy rains. So #7 will be on my hit list the next time back in Pinehurst.

I like the idea of playing Course #3 and the Cradle on your first day. If you can’t get on Course #3, try for #6, followed by #4 then #2, wrapping up with #8 or #9, or both if your time permits. One thing you should do, is get to Pinehurst when you travel golf re-starts. For more information visit Pinehurst.com. It’s always a beautiful day in Pinehurst.

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF returns in 2021 to the French Lick Resort-French Lick Indiana. (L) Helen Alfredsson holds the Senior LPGA Trophy in 2019. (R) The historic 5-Star West Baden Hotel one of two hotels. So book your golf play and stay at FrenchLick.com ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Rory on the Gauntlet putting green at Streamsong Black.

RED-BACK & BLUE STREAMSONG, Part 2.

IT’S JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER.

So if you haven’t been to the Streamsong Resort in a while, or if you have never been at all. This year would be a great time to go.

Because the big news at Streamsong for 2021, is that the entire resort in now under new management.

So out with the old, and in with the new. Well kind of new actually. Northbrook Illinois based KemperSports Management, that has been running Streamsong’s golf since day-one, about 8 years ago. Is now doing more than that. KSM is now running the entire resort, which is a sign of improvement and a better guest experience going forward.

Because under the leadership of new General Manager Kevin Kennedy, who is already building a check-list of improvements. Guests will be enjoying their stay and play, even more in the weeks and months ahead. But more on that is in Part 1- of this feature.

HERE IN PART 2 is a recap on Streamsong Golf. Which is three championship golf courses, and one fun 7-hole short course called the Round-a-Bout. So do experience them all, they are quite worth it.

But while Streamsong offers 62 great holes of golf, one of the biggest questions is always, when is the next course getting built ? So for more details on that, do listen in on our interview with Director of Golf Scott Wilson (below).

But unless you have a physical handicap, you will be walking all of these links style courses. Because walking only is what they are, and fast and firm is the style of the of the day.

THE BBQ SHACK at the turn on the Red Course. Outstanding BBQ, that must be enjoyed. Do stop at the turn.

ONE OF THE THINGS that is really good about all of Streamsong’s courses, is the recently added halfway houses.

Because if you have not been on the Streamsong courses in a while. When you do return, you will enjoy these new places to eat, or to grab a cold beverage on a hot day.

ON THE RED COURSE. The BBQ Shack, is a really tops. You would think that course designers Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw that have a little Texas in them, probably handed over the inside track on how to make good barbeque. Pork sandwich, brisket or other, you can’t go wrong.

ON THE BLACK COURSE, the halfway house comes up quickly. After holes 2 and 9. It’s a more traditional place to eat, with hot dogs and wraps. I must admit the hot dog I had was pretty good. THE TACO SHACK, on the Blue Course is at the turn, and your choices are pretty darn good. But while there are plenty of options, it won’t hurt to just stay with the taco’s. I give them a 2-thumbs up.

STREAMSONG BLUE  7

STREAMSONG BLUE COURSE, my favorite.

While all of the resorts courses are very good, and debates have golfers ranking all the courses in different order. Tom Doak’s Blue Course, was the one that I enjoyed the most.

But some golfers have been more critical about the Blue, especially on the ratings of Doak’s greens. I didn’t find them too humpy and bumpy, but it helps to be on the right side of the hole.

Doak’s par 3 7th hole, might be one of the most photographed holes on the entire property. A great tee shot is needed, from an elevated tee box (recently expanded) over water. Because there is not much room to miss in any direction. A 3 is a good score here, take it and move on. Fairways are plenty wide, and the 18th hole is great to play as the sun sets behind you and reflects off the clubhouse behind the green. From a walking standpoint, it might be the easiest walk of the three championship courses.

THE BLACK COURSE by Gil Hanse (second favorite) is the most recently built course, of the three major courses at Streamsong. There is no shortage of sand, and, some will say that the Black Course has the most generous fairways. Because the first hole does allow golfers to spray it almost anywhere, and still have a great lie for a second shot.

The Par 5, 18th hole on the Black Course.

So birdie or par is never out of the question on the 1st hole of the Black Course.

The second hole probably has the trickiest green on the golf course. Because it’s elevated, it’s wide and it’s narrow. The green comes complete with a bit of false front, and a backside that runs balls off the surface.

But the collection area behind the second green, allows for an easy putt back onto the green near the flag. One of the most fun greens you will see anywhere, is the punchbowl 9th. Simply hit the green, and you likely will end up somewhere near the cup. At first the windmill behind the second and ninth green, looks like something you would find in Texas or Oklahoma. But it really fits the area where it stands. Smart golfers and caddies find ways to use it to their advantage. You should too, because the Black Course sits up higher on the resorts property, and on windy days you will feel it.

Red Course, Par 3 16th hole.

THE RED COURSE (Third Choice). This Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design seems to have more water than on many of their other designs. Which can be good or bad.

But what the Red Course does have, is the best set of Par 3’s on the property. Because one thing that Bill and Ben do best, is the short par-3. So on the Red Course that hole is the 8th. Where the tips play at 145 yards. Most golfers play it at a less yardage than that, and a wedge will suffice on most days.

But once your on the back nine, golfers will enjoy both the par 3, 14th and 16th holes that are holes that look just great from the tee box. The challenge on Red is surviving the first three holes. So if you can do that, it does get better the rest of the way.

I do recommend taking a caddie, it allows you to enjoy the walk or stroll a little better. If you wish to pick your caddies, don’t be afraid to ask for ‘Big Country’ or ‘Wi-Fi’ both of them did me well and gave me enough information on every shot, which helped take guessing out of the equation.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR THE INTERVIEW with Streamsong Director of Golf Scott Wilson.

THE FOURTH COURSE is the 7-hole short course called the Round-A-Bout. So perfect for when you want a quick round when time is limited.

Currently Streamsong is in a total upgrade program, courtesy of KemperSports. As 2021 progresses, expect the day-to-day operation to improve. All the way from arrival to departure. Then both on and off the golf course as well.

So when your ready to travel again, add Streamsong Resort to your bucket list, whether you have been there or not. Visit Streamsongresort.com.

THE ARNOLD PALMER CUP COMING TO RICH HARVEST FARMS June 11-12-13, USA vs THE INTERNATIONAL TEAM, ArnoldPalmerCup.com. MISSION INN RESORT in Howey-In-The-Hills Florida welcomes the Symetra Tour Memorial Day Weekend in May. For full details on the Resort and championship week, see MissionInnResort.com.  _____________________________________________________________________

ZIEHM & SPEARS the in Len Ziehm studio’s at PGA Village in Port. St. Lucie Florida. Follow or friend Len and Rory Twitter or Facebook.

ZIEHM & SPEARS are back !

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2021-Volume 10.

This week Len and Rory cover the hot topics in the Chicago Golf area and beyond. So why wait until 2 months after events are over to read about it in a golf magazine. Because you can get all the news around town as it happens right here with Ziehm and Spears.

Plus don’t forget that Golfers on Golf Radio returns to WCPT AM 820 on April 17th, with our new tee time of 4 Pm.

So this week on Ziehm and Spears, Len and Rory discuss the return of outdoor golf to the Chicago area. The Arnold Palmer Cup coming to Rich Harvest Farms June 11-12-13.

What’s happening at Mission Inn Resort near Orlando, with the arrival of the Symetra Tour on Memorial Day weekend. So do you know that Mission Inn has Chicago area ownership in Bud Beucher and the Beucher family.

Ziehm and Spears discuss the PGA Tour and some of our local players that are competing on it. But there is more coming form our local golf courses, especially ones that are working on new clubhouses.

Because it will help your game. So is it time to put new equipment in your bag. Ziehm and Spears talk about the addition of several outdoor demo days around town, and at what ranges you can find them at.

SO CLICK HERE TO HEAR the latest edition of Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2021-Volume 10.

Thanks for listening, Len and Rory. But for more of Ziehm and Spears, remember to tune into Golfers on Golf Radio starting April 17th at 4 Pm. On WCPT AM 820-Chicago.