DON’T BAG THE 2021 GOLF SEASON JUST YET. Get a new golf bag for your favorite golfer from the Schaumburg Golf Club’s pro shop. But while you are there, grab a bite and a hitting bay. Chandlers Chophouse in the clubhouse is open, and so are the clubs three simulators just downstairs. See more at SchaumburgGolf.com or (847)-885-9000.

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 Facebook.

The new Cleveland CBX ZipCore Wedges starting in America December 17th.

CLEVELAND IS COME NEXT WEEK.

CLEVELAND GOLF’S NEW CBX ZipCore Wedges.

So if you looking for what’s next in the line of CBX Cleveland Wedges, it’s about to arrive. Just 1 week before Christmas.

Cleveland Golf is calling the new ZipCore Wedges the latest ember of the popular CBX line.

“If you play cavity back irons you should be playing a CBX wedge, plain and simple,” said Jeff Brunski, Vice President of Research and Development at Cleveland Golf. “Because the sole is more forgiving, the face is more forgiving, and the club is a lot easier to swing.”

The new foundation of the CBX ZipCore is a low-density core that sits at the heart of the wedge. ZipCore shifts the center of gravity, while it boosts a High-Low MOI for additional stability both high and low on the face of the club. So this generates a 26% improvement in the High-Low MOI compared to the previous generation of wedges. Cleveland says there is also a 10% improvement in Hell-Toe MOI.

ZipCore comes with a hollow chamber near the heel, with additional weight in the top to maximize MOI and perimeter weighting. This allows for new levels of unprecedented short game forgiveness. A Gelback TPU insert helps dampen vibrations to provide a pure feel at the moment of impact.

Register today for the Mistwood Golf Short Game clinic with IPGA professional Chris Ioriatti Dec. 15th. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. Bring your wedges.

The new ZipCore CBX wedges do feature the UltiZip Grooves. But these new UltiZip have been improved over past editions by 11% in sharpness, and 7.3% deeper. The grooves sit 7.4% closer on the club face, which allowed Cleveland to add two more grooves on the face. So this allows for more groove contact on each shot, and more spin.

ZipCore CBX has three Sole Grinds. So you can pick the loft and let the grinds take care of themselves. But there is now a purpose-built 44 degree wedge, designed to excel over set-matching pitching wedges.

“We’ve included all the same technology and spin performance that we offer our Tour staff and put it into the CBX ZipCore,” said Brunski. “So it’s no wonder the entire line of CBX wedges has been so successful-it’s Tour technology built into a edge for real golfers.”

Pricing is $149.99 steel shafts or $159.99 for graphite. But for a full list of sole-grinds and lofts, see Clevelandgolf.com.

UPSTAIRS or DOWNSTAIRS the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle has it’s golf operation up and running for the winter. The pro shop is full of great holiday gift idea’s. Downstairs the simulators are up and running. Call (847)-885-9000 to book a simulator, or visit Schaumburggolf.com. Chandlers Chophouse just upstairs is 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 or Facebook.

Architect Greg Martin at Settlers Hill in Batavia.

ARCHITECT GREG MARTIN has been one the Chicago area’s most active golf architects in recent years.

But now Martin is getting even busier, like so many architects across the country.

Because with the pandemic driving thousands of golfers back to golf-or to the golf courses looking for something to do.

Golf has been busy during the last 20 months, which has improved the bottom line at many facilities. So this has allowed more clubs to get serious about improving their clubs on and off the golf course.

The new par 3, 6th hole at Settlers Hill in Batavia

One of Martin’s biggest current area projects is Settlers Hill in Batavia.

Somewhere in July of 2022, anxious golfers will get to start enjoying this Martin renovated project. The elevation changes at Settlers Hill are something Chicago area golfers are not used to seeing. But something they will enjoy once they get out on the golf course. The new clubhouse will open at a later date.

River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst.

THE RIVER FOREST COUNTRY CLUB has had Martin improving their short game practice areas.

In addition the fall project also included work on the courses tee boxes. This project not only offered new yardage options, but allowed for better maintenance practices.

Previously Martin had done a bunker project with River Forest, that was well received by the membership.

AFTER SUCESSFULLY HOSTING the 2021 Women’s Western Golf Association (WWGA) Amateur this past July, the Park Ridge Country Club brought Martin back to improve practice facilities. Prior to the championship Martin worked with the club on a course renovation that focused on the bunkers and sightlines.

The latest project at Park Ridge includes improvements to the practice area’s. Where three new practice bunkers were added, and a expanded chipping area.

IN NAPERVILLE MARTIN WILL BE hard at work for the next couple of years, at both Springbrook and Naperbrook both Naperville Park District courses. Springbrook will see it’s share of work in the fall of 2022. This project includes work on bunkers, tee’s, ponds and more. During fall of this year, Naperbrook saw improvements to it’s practice area’s.

The 18th Hole at Glen Erin Golf Club in Janesville Wisconsin.

NORTH OF THE BORDER.

Martin is back at work in Wisconsin.

First on the tee is a former Martin project in Janesville, the Glen Erin Golf Club.

The club that first opened in 2003, will be redoing the bunkers, and removing trees. But there will also be repairs, and realignments done on the cart paths.

IN COTTAGE GROVE near Madison, The Oaks Golf Course work will finally get underway in 2022, after being delayed by the pandemic.

MARTIN HAS ANNOUNCED that master planning work for Phillips Park Golf Course in Aurora is underway. But there is no time-table for construction to begin. The project will bring improvements to the golf course over the next decade.

THREE GREENS and surrounding bunkers with drainage issues at Fox Ben Golf Club in Oswego, will see much needed improvement in the short future.

If your course could use some improvements. Maybe ready to master plan for the years ahead, contact Greg Martin at Martindesigngolf.com

UPPER DECK OR LOWER DECK the Mistwood Golf Dome gives golfers great places to practice from. Located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook and open daily until 10 Pm, the dome is home to McWethy’s Sports Bar. So bring your clubs and your appetite, play Toptracer and enjoy some wings. Get fitted or get lessons. Mistwooddome.com (630)-739-7600.

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 Facebook.

THE FOX RUN Clubhouse and on the Inside the new bar and Full Swing Simulators.

The new Fox Run Clubhouse on Plum Grove Road will open later this month. The hope is that December 17th will be the opening day. Moving over from the old clubhouse will be the six slot machines, and golf supplies such as golf balls, golf gloves and more.

There are plenty of big screen televisions so that guests can watch all the top sporting events. So stay clicked in here for the announcement of opening day for the new clubhouse at Fox Run Golf Links in Elk Grove.

THE TIME IS HERE TO GET TO THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB, grab a golf bag and a time slot in the simulator bays on the lower level of the clubhouse. Because Chandlers Chophouse is bringing down your food and beverage. BUT YOU can play the Schaumburg Golf on the clubs simulators. Call (847)-885-9000 or SchaumburgGolf.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 or Facebook.

ENJOYING THE HOLIDAYS at Rich Harvest Farms in the pavilion with Jerry Rich’s car collection. Photo by Lynn Mall.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING, the holiday season is already here.

HAVE YOU STARTED your holiday shopping yet ?

But one thing that is becoming very clear, is that the Chicago area is now a year round golf community.

Simulators are popping up everywhere. Plus the Mistwood Golf Dome, the area’s premier indoor golf facility.

The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. (630)-739-7600 book a hitting bay at Mistwooddome.com.

SIMULATORS ARE TURNING GOLF into a year-round sport.

The Schaumburg Golf Club has had three of them for a few years now. The NEW Fox Run clubhouse that opens this weekend, will have 3 simulators.

But you find find two simulators in the new clubhouse at Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook.

NOW OPEN IN GLENVIEW is the Golf Shack, just east of the Glen Area off of Waukegan Road on Chestnut. They have four simulators with a restaurant. I’m looking forward to seeing it. Because the early reviews I have from those who have been there, are saying good things.

THERE ARE NUMEROUS other clubs that have added a simulator to see the response they get, it could be strong. I hear one private northwest suburban club started a winter simulator league for it’s members. Around 110 of them signed up, so much for heading out to go bowling.

Several weeks left to enjoy the best of the NFL has to offer. McWethys Sportsbar at the Mistwood Golf Dome-Rt. 53 Bolingbrook. Bring your clubs and your appetite.

COG HILL is keeping things interesting as the winter season starts to set in.

Because they will again be first on the tee, with the first outing of 2022. The Eskimo Open returns on January 2nd.

But before then there are still plenty nights left to hit the range. Yes I said nights. Because the lights are on at Cog Hill.

Because when I was leaving Cog Hill last Friday night at 5 PM, in the dark. The range lights were on, and some 35 guys were out hitting golf balls. C’mon it was about 47 degrees and no wind.

The lights are on at the Cog Hill driving range, so enjoy the Toptracer.

But as somebody who grew up working for 8 1/2 years at a driving range, Cog Hills new brew is impressive.

RANGE PICKER PALE ALE, you have to love the concept, if you love the range, or if you ever worked at one. So did you ever wash range balls. Did you ever pick a field of range balls. But did you ever drive the range tractor or jeep.

Because if you have ever sat in the cage, and had people hit golf balls at you. This new beer can only leave you laughing. I’m having one tonight. Can’t wait.

SAND VALLEY in Nekoosa Wisconsin will have Pond Hockey for a few days this winter. So come on and head to Sand Valley, But bring your skates and your wooden sticks. Could be fun. Details at Sandvalley.com.

CONGRATS TO NORTHBROOK’S PGA TOUR PLAYER NICK HARDY on his engagement to Lizzie ( sorry don’t have her current last name-Hardy to be).

THE GOG BLOG is back all through the holidays so stay with us. I will keep you golfing all winter long. But do take a short break, so your charged up and ready for 2022. RS

DON’T BE AFRAID TO BAG THE 2021 GOLF SEASON BECAUSE AT THE Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road just minutes from Woodfield Mall is open for year round golf. Because the simulators are open, and yes you can play the Schaumburg Golf Club’s 27 holes in the simulators. Chandlers Chophouse upstairs is open for food and beverage. Book your round at (847)-885-9000 Schaumburggolf.com

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

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME the Chicago area’s premier golf dome is open daily until 10 PM. Located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook the double-deck dome has improved it’s offering for the winter season ahead. Both in the golf dome and in McWethy’s Sportsbar home of the award winning chicken wings. Mistwood Golf Dome, bring your clubs and bring your appetite, book your hitting bay today at MistwoodDome.com (630)-739-7600.

The Cog Hill driving range under the lights.

COG HILL now has 2022 Program passes for sale.

***Eskimo Open is Sunday Jan. 2nd of 2022*** Sign up today.

The range is open, and yes now even after dark. So enjoy Toptracer even when it gets dark early.

Program passes for Dubsdread are $6,500. Dubsdread weekday passes are $4,200. Course 1 & 3 pass is $1,800. A Junior Golf and Range Pass is $1,399. Junior Range Pass is $799. THE SENIOR PASS is just $50.00. So learn all the details at CogHillGolf.Com/Golf.

THE PINE NEEDLES GOLF ACADEMY has announced it’s 2022 Schedule. So you can now schedule your spot at the home of the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open. So call Pine Needles at (800)-280-8815 or visit PineNeedlesLodge.com. #SouthernPinesNC

Chad Johansen’s Indoor Golf in the Go For it Sports Dome in Yorkville.

BLACKBERRY OAKS GM and head golf professional Chad Johansen, has started the indoor junior golf program for 2021-22.

So you can sign up now and get your junior golf enrolled for the winter.

So visit Chadjohansen.com or call Chad at (630)-383-1698. Because registration is under way now.

Club Champion is America’s largest club fitting location, now with more stores than ever before.

WILLOWBROOK IL. based Club Champion now with more locations  (85) across America, is boxing up your Christmas gift.

BECAUSE NEW for 2021, the holiday gift box, is designed to look like a miniature version of a Club Champion club delivery box.

Inside you can find a certificate that allows one to enjoy a customized fitting for putter or driver. With the driver+ experience retails at $1,000, with the putter and putter fitting at $500. “If your the type of gift-giver that who likes to hand someone a physical gift, we’ve got you covered this year,” says Club Champion Founder, Nick Sherburne. Purchases are available at club-champion/myshopify.com.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS on Monday. RS

THE GOLF SEASON NEVER ENDS at the Schaumburg Golf Club 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg. But while the outdoor version of the Schaumburg Golf Club is closed for the winter season, you can play the Schaumburg Golf Club indoors on the simulators. The pro shop is open with a great variety of holiday golf gifts. Don’t shop on line and wonder of your gifts will show up before Christmas, stop into the pro shop and shop in person. Book your simulator at (847)-885-9000 and visit Schaumburggolf.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 and Facebook.

The Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA).

THE CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION (CDGA) has announced it’s 2022 schedule.

In total the CDGA will conduct 86 events in the year ahead, 55 championship events and 31 social events.

The 91st Illinois State Amateur will be held at the Westmoreland Country Club, in Wilmette from July 19-21.

While the Glen Flora country Club in Waukegan will host the 102nd CDGA  Amateur from June 27-30.

“Westmoreland and Glen Flora each have defining characteristics. These will present unique challenges and an elite environment for our states top amateurs,” said Colin Wadelin, CDGA Director of Rules and Competitions. ”

Six other CDGA Championships include mid-amateurs (25 and up), two senior events (55 and up). There will be two Four-Ball and Senior Amateur Four-Ball Championships.

During the 2022 season, the Chicago District Golf Association will conduct 21 United States Golf Association (USGA) qualifiers.

Practice all winter long at the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Book your hitting bay at Miswtoodgolfdome.com or by calling (630)-739-7600.

A TEAM OF 12 AMATEUR GOLFERS will represent the CDGA in the 60th Radix Cup Matches at Oak Park Country Club on June 16th. Against the team of 12 Illinois PGA Section professionals.

But the schedule for 2022 has new editions. Because the CDGA  Senior Tour Edge Trifecta Series will offer competitions for women over 50, and men over 55. But according to CDGA Senior Business Director Mike Gilligan,” CDGA members are looking for more playing opportunities. Than just competing in our traditional championships.

CDGA MEMBER APPRECIATION DAYS start the Social side of the year. First held on April 22nd and then October 6th, at the Glenview Park Golf Club. But on the championship side of the calendar. The 7th CDGA Mid-Amateur Championship is first up on the tee May 16-18 at Naperville Country Club.

REGISTRATION BEGINS for the championship schedule on Tuesday January 18th. With the 2022 CDGA Social Competitions registrations starting on January 31st. But for more information see CDGA.org.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook open daily until 10 Pm, on Sunday bring your clubs and your appetite and enjoy some football after golf. Book your hitting bay on line at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (630)-739-7600. #McWethysSportsbar  SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road has closed the golf course for the 2021 season. But has it’s 3 simulators open daily. Where you can play the newly renovated Schaumburg Golf Course all winter long. Chandlers Chophouse upstairs is open and will bring your food and beverage to you while you golf. Book your simulator    at (847)-885-9000. The pro shop has apparel and more, so stop and shop for your golfer. So learn more about everything Schaumburg Golf, visit Schaumburggolf.com

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

The Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst at the holidays.

THE LANDMARK PREPARES TO GET EVEN BETTER.

The Carolina Hotel that first opened it’s doors in 1901, is getting ready to take it’s historic features, and raise them to another level.

Located in the heart of Pinehurst North Carolina, and one of the center pieces to the ‘Home of American Golf’ the Pinehurst Resort. The Carolina gets ready for a room renovation that will leave guests with a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. Changes that include outdoor firepits, will be done in stages and completed during the winter season. But completed before the 2024 U.S. Open.

A master plan view of the renovated style for the Carolina guest rooms.

“For over a century, The Carolina has stood as a storied landmark in our area,” says Tom Pashley, President of the Pinehurst Resort. “We will drive inspiration from it’s origins to incorporate into the design of the interior spaces of this grand hotel. It is important to us that the Carolina serve the needs of todays hotel guests, but also that it’s original charm can be felt at every turn.”

The lobby in the Carolina Hotel.

Improvements will extend beyond the guest rooms, that will see bigger bathrooms, new fixtures, furniture, and a lighter, brighter look. Walls will have more sound proofing.

The lobby that includes the coffee shop, Ryder Cup room, and main dining room (home to the best breakfast in golf) will be remodeled.

Pinehurst, where it’s always a beautiful day. Continues to get better on and off the course. So learn more at Pinehurst.com.

INDOOR OPTIONS-Golf season continues in he Chicago area. IN THE DOME at the Mistwood Golf Dome (L) on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook (630)-739-7600. IN THE Simulators at the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 N. Roselle Road, just minutes from Woodfield Mall. The simulators are right downstairs from Chandlers Chophouse. Call (847)-885-9000.

THE GOG BLOG is written by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect- LinkedIn/Facebook.  ______________________________________________________________________

THE BALLS IN THE BATH

THE BATH’S.

Sounds simple correct. Well in some ways it is. Because “The Baths” are newest par-3 short course design in Wisconsin.

But what to name this 10-hole par 3 special didn’t take long, once Kohler Company President Herb Kohler got involved. So Kohler simply kept with company tradition and called his new layout with water, ‘The Baths’. Because the ponds didn’t sit well with Kohler and bath tubs have been a Kohler product for years. But in case you are wondering you can go for a dip in “The Baths” at times. Because the water is kept clean.

The 9th hole on ‘The Baths’.

While the idea to build the course along with a massive putting green was solid, there was the issue of figuring out exactly where to put it.

Kohler Vice President of Golf Dirk Willis came up with the idea, and then went out searching with the Kohler team to find the right spot.

The Bath’s scorecard, front and back.

But what Willis found was a location between two golf holes on the Meadow Valley Course. There was just over 20 acres. But that was enough to build the course, and the large two acre putting green built behind the final green.

The good news is that you don’t have to be staying at the resort to play ‘The Baths’, and like some other resorts there is an all-day rate.

Destination Kohler does include the option to play the course, on any of it’s golf packages.

But since the Baths are located at Blackwolf Run, the best time to play it are days you are scheduled there.

The par-3 8th hole Kris-crosses in between the dunes.

The architects of the 1,362 yard course, are Chris Lutzke and Herb Kohler.

But Lutzke had some guidelines from Kohler to follow. Make the course look like Pete Dye could have done it, or had a dye Influence.

Two, make all the holes be strong enough, that they would fit in on any of the other four of Kohler’s championship courses. Lutzke succeeded on all fronts.

But with the opening of ‘The Baths’, Destination Kohler has a place where the serious and the fun golfers can also co-exist.

Some of the other things ‘The Baths’ bring to the Kohler golf operation. It’s the course that the families can enjoy, the beginners can play, the kids can learn the game on. By the way, it’s perfect for those who are short on time. DestinationKohler.com

THERE IS STILL TIME GO HEAD OVER TO THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB THIS YEAR. The Simulators are open, there is plenty of both summer and winter apparel to pick from. Chandlers Chophouse is open as well. So visit the Schaumburg Golf Club located at 401 North Roselle Road just minutes from Woodfield Mall. (847)-885-9000.     _____________________________________________________________________

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 Facebook.

Welcome to 12 North at Trappers Turn by Andy North and Craig Haltom. In the Wisconsin Dells.

FAST AND SPEEDY GOLF continues to grow in Wisconsin.

The State of Wisconsin continues to hit it’s 3’s. Par-3’s that is with the development of several par 3 courses around the state.

The newest one to open is 12-North created by two-time U.S. Open Champion Andy North a native of Madison Wisconsin. But North had help from Craig Haltom of Haltom-Oliphant Golf, that’s located in Madison.

The Par 3-9th hole at 12 North. Andy North’s favorite hole.

12 North is one of the latest upgrades at Trappers Turn.

Because joining 12 North, is a new massive and lighted putting green. There have been other improvements, such as the vineyard, and the wine room.

Trappers Turn will have it’s own overnight lodging within the next couple of years. Stay tuned. In the meantime, Trappers Turn is part of the same ownership group that owns the Kalahari Resort. So golfers can stay minutes away in spacious rooms at the resort (complete with waterpark), or in the resorts lush log cabins at nearby Lake Delton.

But right now 12-North allows golfers that quick round of golf, by offering 12 par-3 holes. As par 3 courses go, and there are getting to be more of them all the time, 12-North is one of the better short tracks around.

The par-3 4th hole on 12-North.

“Short” does sum up the yardage on 12-North. In fact the tips of all 12 holes add up to only 1,007 yards. But it’s more than enough considering the elevation change and carry on some holes.

The 10th hole plays the shortest, at just 54 yards. Yes, you can hit a lob wedge on this hole. 114 yards is the longest hole, and that’s the closing hole #12.

Patrick Steffes, Trappers Turn’s GM shows off the 12th green on 12 North.

During 2021 all tee shots were hit off of mats, as the turf was still had a bit of grow-in to do.

But that changes in 2022. Trappers Turn Gm Patrick Steffes is opening up the tee boxes for golfers to hit from where they want to hit from.

Steffes says it will help save the turf, give golfers different options if the play more than one round per day. Some golfers my choose to play competitions with their partners. Winner of the last hole picks the tee spot on the next tee. Steffes says that not all of the holes have had a hole-in-one made on them.

So why not head up to 12-North, and try to be first ace-maker on one of those remaining holes without a hole-in-one yet.

But while the golf course is closed for the rest of 2021, the Kalahari Resort is not. So if your in need of a holiday gift or New Years getaway. Call the resort at (877)-KALAHARI or book some golf and order Trappers Turn gift cards by calling (608)-253-7000.

The Wisconsin Dells, the waterpark capital of the world, is now offering great and fast golf as well.