THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road is open year round for business, including the playing of Schaumburg Golf Club inside on the clubs simulators. the pro shop is stocked with apparel and more. But even better is that Chandlers is open all week long. So book a hitting bay 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.

Rory Spears with the new Rogue Irons at the Mistwood Golf Dome in Romeoville.

SHOWTIME !!!

So what will the PGA Merchandise Show be like this year.

That is hard to tell. The main equipment companies are not going to be here. Attendance will be down for a variety of reasons.

Demo day is expected to be a much smaller presentation. After that, anything can happen, and most likely will. So stay tuned for all the details in the week ahead.

The Mistwood Golf Club on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Book you hitting bay in the dome at (630)-739-7600. MistwoodGolfdome.com

I left the Chicago area last Friday morning in the dark with a temperature of 4 degrees. My trip down has not full of balmy weather. Day 1 saw me get to southern Kentucky and just 40 miles from Tennessee. But after not seeing any snow for much of the day, it was back in London Kentucky. Not much, but most of the ground was white.

When I got up in the morning, the temperature was only 13 degrees. But things got better on Day 2. Gasoline in Tennessee was only $2.79 a gallon, remember those days Illinois golfers. South of Atlanta the sun came out and temperatures soared to 47 degrees. But by night time I was in Gainesville Florida (Go Gators), but temps had dropped back down to 42 degrees.

Sunday marked a nice return to the beautiful Mission Inn Resort. But with temperatures peaking at 53. So when I left on Monday to head south to Orlando, it was 58. The sun was out in Orlando when I got here today, but 61 was the high for the day.

Demo day tomorrow out at the Orange County National Golf Club is expected to be a cold and rainy day. I’m hoping that is not the case, or at least for the couple of hours I will be there.

One of the best things about the hotel that I stay at during the show, is that there is a Giordono’s Pizza restaurant right in the parking lot. You can not beat that. I’m back tomorrow with more from demo day. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open daily until 10 Pm. Chicago’s premier golf dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. So book your tee time online or call the dome at (630)-739-7600. Mistwoodgolfdome.com improved for 2022. #McWethysSportsBar

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/Facebook

The simulators at Schaumburg Golf Club 401 North Roselle Road. Play the Schaumburg Golf Club in the simulator, and be ready for the outdoor season ahead. (847)-885-9000 and visit SchaumburgGolf.com.

WRAPPING UP FROM LAKE BUENA VISTA FLORIDA.

OUR PODCAST partner Len Ziehm has two new stories up on his website, Lenziehmongolf.com.

Because Len has been all over Florida following the start of the LPGA season and the preparations for the 2022 PGA Merchandise Show. So get the news from Len Ziehm.

CHAD JOHANSEN now Mr. Callaway at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol, and now in the dome. Has a Callaway fitting party this Thursday night. So if you want to be 35th on the fitting list, call Chad Johansen at (630)-553-7170. ChadJohnasen.com the world of Callaway Golf is now part of Chad Johansen and Blackberry Oaks. But also check out what’s coming to Blackberry Oaks in the months ahead.

MORE FROM MISTWOOD. So you want to play Pinehurst 2, or a team event at the Old Course in St. Andrews. They are coming to Mistwood along with a TaylorMade fitting event, see the new stealth woods and irons. Learn more at Mistwoodgolfdome.com. get the dates and times, sing up your teams today. (630)-739-7600.

CLUB CHAMPION GOLF has launched season #2 of it’s podcast series-Fits with the Founder. But with specials guests and more. See more at ClubChampionGolf.com.

COG HILL is holding a Toptracer Cigar Event Friday night February 11th. Tee time is at 5:30 PM. So learn more at CogHillGolf.com or call (866)-COG-HILL

IF YOU ENJOY THE PGA TOUR on Sirius XM great news. Because both parties have agreed to a new multi-year agreement.

MORE FROM MISTWOOD-Part 2. Golf Pass has ranked Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville as #2 in the nation for off course amenities. See more at Mistwoodgc.com.

ARCHITECTS John Sanford and David Ferris have formed a new design partnership based in Jupiter Florida. Sanford is a past president of the ASGCA. More details at Sanfordgolfdesign.com.

THE GLOBAL GOLF POST has announced the launch of a golf business newsletter, that takes golfers behind the scenes in the golf industry. So if you want to learn more about the products of clubs and other golf products. Learn more at Globalgolfpost.com.

LAB GOLF has announced a limited amount of “blemished putters” now for sale starting at $220.00, see more at Labgolf.com

BOYNE GOLF in Michigan has announced the promotion of Josh Richter to Senior VP of Golf Operations starting April 16th. Casey Powers becomes the new Director of Golf. Learn more about everything Boyne Golf at Boynegolf.com.

WHITE EAGLE GOLF CLUB will host the 2022 MAC Championships with Northern Illinois being the host school. But NCAA rules prohibit schools from hosting on their home golf course. So that’s why this event is not Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. Volunteers are still needed. The championship is April 29th through May 1st.

DARIN DINGMAN formerly of Superstroke Grips, is now heading up Two-Thumb grips, Two-Thumb will be presenting at this weeks PGA Show in Orlando. So stay tuned for information from the convention floor. But more details at twothumbgrip.com.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is open year round, with it’s fully stocked pro shop and it’s three simulators. But Chandlers Chophouse is waiting to take your food and beverage order at 401 North Roselle Road. Contact online Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000. Play the Schaumburg Golf Club in the simulators, lessons-fittings.

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

Brian Morrison has won the 2021 IPGA Professional of the Year Award.

Brian Morrison has been named the 2021 Illinois PGA Professional of the Year.

Morrison has just retired to Florida, after 19 years at Olympia Fields. But during that time the club hosted the 2003 U.S. Open, and the 2017 KPMG Women’s PGA professional Championship.

Morrison came to Olympia Fields after years at major golf clubs on the east coast. So during his time at Olympia Fields and as a member of the Illinois PGA. But he has also served on various committee’s and earned several other section awards.

The remaining winners of awards were.

Garrett Chaussard of the Skokie Country Club for Teacher of the Year.                            Sean Rea of River Forest Country Club-Assistant Professional of the Year.                      John Platt-Mistwood Golf Club for Youth Player Development Professional of the Year.  Doug Brazeau-Old Orchard Golf Club Player Development of the Year Professional of the Year.                                                                                                                              Daniel Watters Bob O’ Link Golf Club-Bill Strausbaugh Award.                                          Nick Papadakas Onwentsia Club-PGA Professional Development Award.                        Allen Brown Woodstock Country Club-Bill Heald Career Achievement Award.                  Sydney Syster Northshore Country Club-Merchandiser of the Year-Private Club              Randy Heinrich-Cog Hill Golf & Country Club Merchandiser of the Year-Public Course.    Dennis Johnsen-Pine Meadow Golf Club Distinguished Service Award.                            Bill Sakas Glencoe Golf Club-The Deacon Palmer Award.                                                Gary Groh PGA Life Member-Patriot Award.                                                                      Gary Binder Kemper Sports Management-PGA Executive of the Year.

“We are fortunate to have an outstanding group of professionals that make up the Illinois PGA Section. Because selecting a small group of members for these prestigious awards is never easy. But these professionals have shown an extraordinary dedication to growing and improving the game of golf for everybody within the boundaries of the Section,” said Carrie Williams Executive Director of the Illinois Section. “But this years award winners exemplify all that PGA professionals have to offer, as experts in the business and the game of golf.”

Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook is open 7 days a week until 10 PM. So book your hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600

THE ILLINOIS PGA SECTION has now posted a 2022 Championship Schedule. So the Illinois Open will return to White Eagle Country Club in Naperville in early August. The Illinois PGA Section Championship will be held at Makray Memorial Golf Club in Barrington. But the 2022 Match Play Championship and the fall Players Championship are still TBD.

But for more information on the Illinois PGA Section, please visit IPGA.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily until 10 PM. So drop in to practice on Toptracer or get lessons. Maybe it’s time for new clubs, if so Mistwood is the place to be fitted. See Mistwoodgolfdome.com or 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 connect on LinkedIn or Facebook.

Mike Scully is now at Streamsong in Florida.

BREAKING NEWS ***

Former Medinah Country Club professional Mike Scully is on the move back to Florida.

Scully has taken over as director of Golf at the Streamsong Resort in between Orlando and Tampa Florida.

After leaving the NFL, Scully started his golf career in Florida before heading to Medinah. Scully is a native of Mt. Prospect IL. and played college football at Illinois.

Scully was part of the 1984 Illinois Rose Bowl Team.

After Medinah, Scully headed to Desert Mountain in Arizona. Then to Greensboro Ga. at Reynolds Lake Oconee, before stops in both Colorado and Las Vegas.

Scully said on a LinkedIn post he is “thrilled to be a part of the Kemper Sports Team at Streamsong.”

THE STREAMSONG RED AND BLUE CLUBHOUSE (L) and the 18 green on the Black Course by Gil Hanse.

Details on Streamsong at Streamsongresort.com Operated by Northbrook Based Kemper Sports management.

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB AT 401 NORTH ROSELLE ROAD is a year round golf operation. Because now you can play the Schaumburg Golf Club in the simulator when it’s cold out. So stock up in the pro shop on golf supplies or chow down with some of the best burgers in all of Schaumburg at Chandlers Chophouse. (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.

CDGA.org

The Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) has announced that the 2022 championship season, is now open for registration.

2022 marks the 109th year of running area championships. There will be eight gross championships, and numerous qualifiers.

This summer from July 19-21 will be the 91st Illinois State Amateur Championship at Westmoreland Country Club in Wilmette.

But in June is the 102nd CDGA Amateur at the Glen Flora Country Club in Waukegan, will be held from June 27-30.

But the other six championships are catered toward mid-amateur players (ages 25 and up) or senior events (age 55 and up). The four-ball event is open to all ages. Any player with a handicap of 10.4 or less is eligible to register.

CDGA will be holding a full series of social competitions, those registrations will begin on January 31st. But all CDGA events will be held under Covid-19 policies. First on the tee for the season will be the CDGA Mid Amateur Championship May 16-18 at Naperville Country Club.

But for full schedule details or to register for qualifiers please visit CDGA.org.

IT’S TIME TO LOAD UP ON GOLF SUPPLIES FOR THE 2022 GOLF SEASON. Golf bags, apparel golf balls and more. So why not stop at the Schaumburg Golf Club on 401 North Roselle Road and visit the pro shop. Coming next month the new Titleist AVX golf ball. Call the pro shop and book a simulator, or grab a bite at Chandlers Chophouse with some of the best burgers in town. SchaumburgGolf.com or call (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 TITLEIST AVX golf ball-coming Feb. 4th to a retail store or pro shop near you.

THEY ARE BACK and now better than ever before.

Because Titleist is relaunching the newly improved AVX Golf Ball, that first came onto the market in 2018.

The new AVX ball made at it’s Ball Plant 3 in new Bedford MA., will be available on February 4th, for a cost of $49.99 a dozen.

New AVX features include better short game spin and control, increased distance off the driver, with a softer feel. But the AVX has upped it’s game with new advancements. If your a golfer that wants an extremely soft feel, with a urethane cover, AVX is the ball for you.

“Flight, Spin and Feel are the three key performance attributes we evaluate during our green-to-tee fittings and golf ball selection,” said Frederick Waddell, Director of Golf Ball Product Management, Titleist. “AVX provides low flight, low spin, exceptionally soft feel alternative to Pro V1 or Pro V1x. With these three golf balls, plus Pro V1x Left Dash, every golfer that prioritizes performance can now find a precise fit for their game.”

Waddell does add that the new AVX adds better short game performance with it’s softer cover. But it’s new core formulation adds speed and aerodynamics for better stability and distance. AVX now comes with 7 dimple sizes.

The new AVX comes in both white or optic yellow colors. It will be available in golf shops worldwide on February 4th of 2022. But you can get your AVX customized by ordering through Titleist, at titleist.com/custom.

But Titleist does encourage golfers to be fit no matter what Titleist ball they play. So to be fitted, use the online golf ball selection tool. Golf ball internship program. Virtual consultations or Tour Level Fitting. But for more information, please visit Titleist.com.

NOW IS THE TIME TO GET YOUR GOLF GAME READY FOR 2022. So go visit the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road. Practice in the simulator, get the needed supplies in your new golf bag. Chow down at Chandlers Chophouse, some of the best burgers in Schaumburg. Visit SchaumburgGolf.com or call (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 with him on LinkedIn/Facebook.

WGA Chairman Joe Desch portraits photographed on Thursday Dec. 16, 2021 ©Charles Cherney Photography

The Western Golf Association (WGA) has announced that Joe Desch has started his two-year term as Chairman.

Desch is a member of Maketewah Country Club in Cincinnati, Moraine Country Club in Dayton Ohio, and Kiawah Island Club in Kiawah Island South Carolina. He replaces Kevin Buggy of the Park Ridge Country Club in Illinois.

Desch grew up caddying at the Dayton Country Club, and became an Evans Scholar, he attended Miami University.

“I’m honored by the opportunity to lead the WGA, an organization that has been a significant part of my family’s life,” Desch said. “It has not only been transformative in the lives of countless young men and women, but also in the game of golf. Our prestigious championships are best-in-class, and the Evans Scholars Foundation continues to provide life-changing opportunities for thousands of caddies, just as it did for me and my brothers.”

Desch has been a WGA director since 2001, and has been the WGA State Chairman in Ohio, and led some 50 WGA Directors in raising funds, awareness and caddie opportunities across the state.

During an interview with Golfers on Golf that covered a variety of topics, Desch made it clear the WGA will continue to be a more diverse organization as it moves forward and continues to expand. In recent years the WGA had a strong push to reach the goal of 1,000 caddies a year attending college. But now that that goal has been reached, what’s next.

Desch described the next long term goal as 1,500 caddies, a number the WGA expects to reach by the end of the decade. But the challenge is not just getting the caddies into college. But it’s putting them together under one roof in an Evans Scholars House, on the campus they attend.

What campus will that be ? Desch explained there are schools the WGA is in contact with to be the next schools to welcome the WGA and the Evans Scholars. But the days of just sending Evans Scholars to Midwest Big Ten schools are fading. Because the WGA will be making it presence felt on the East Coast, the West Coast and across the country.

The WGA runs golf championships, not just the BMW Championship on the PGA Tour Tour. But amateur tournaments as well. Now under the WGA’s umbrella is the Women’s Western Golf Association (WWGA). Desch would like to see WWGA champions get exempted into events like the USGA Women’s Amateur, and the Augusta Women’s Amateur, where the WGA is working to get 2021 WWGA Amateur champion Marissa Wenzler exempt into the Augusta field.

USGA CEO Michael Whan grew up golfing with Desch in Ohio, after Whan’s family moved there from Naperville Illinois. So Desch is hoping for a new level of the USGA and WGA working together, for the betterment of the game.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with new WGA Chairman Joe Desch.

Desch is excited about the new level of commitment from BMW during the WGA’s PGA Tour event. The WGA is now working towards a possible WGA/LPGA event. This would expand the WGA’s reach into women’s professional golf.

In 2024 Desch’s club in Dayton-Moraine Country Club will host the 2024 Western Amateur. The classic 90 year old golf course, now resides on multiple Top 100 classic course lists.

During Desch’s next two years as WGA Chairman, he will lead the drive to pay it forward. As the Western Golf Association continues to move forward.

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is open daily as one of the Chicago area’s year round golf operations. Because you can golf Schaumburg Golf Club outside and inside on days like this in the winter. Schaumburg Golf Club is available on the simulators inside in the clubhouse year round. But there is more. How about a new bag, shirt, shoe or golf balls to be ready for golf season. Chandlers Chophouse in the clubhouse is open daily. So why not book your simulator bay at Schaumburggolf.com or phone (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 with him on LinkedIn/Facebook.

With the new Callaway Rogue Driver at the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook. Book a hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600

I WAS SUPPOSED TO BE on the road, probably in Ohio already. But my take-off for Florida has been delayed.

The weather in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia is not expected to be very good.

Rainy, snowy and cold temperatures in the south have ruined plans for some site visits and rounds of golf. I guess that will happen on the way home from the upcoming PGA Show. But the good news is that by the weekend I will be in Florida. Temperatures for show week will be in the middle to upper 60’s. Not great. But better than the Chicago area. 60 about now would probably feel like 75.

LES… Yes long time Chicago sportscaster Les Grobstein was a great friend and I’m sorry he has passed away at age 69. But Les had not felt well for several days before his passing.

IF YOUR WONDERING Les did play golf. Not often and not very well. But he had an old set of clubs that he would lug out to various charity tournaments on rare occasion and tee it up. Les would go out and cover the Illinois Open when he was at WLS 890 and DJ Larry Lujack was in the field. One time Lujack was in a bunker and Grobstein was live on the air-describing the super-jocks lie. But Lujack heard him and said Les lets not make it any worse than it is. #RIPLes you will be missed.

GOING ROGUE-I will have more on this at a later date. But I did attend the Callaway Golf fitting day last week at the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook. I got to hit the new Rogue Clubs just coming out. But golfers who have ordered already, will see their clubs next month. It’s not that way with all brands. Stay tuned for more on Rogue in the days ahead.

IT WAS NICE TO SEE the new hotel at Island Resort & Casino in the UP of Michigan has opened. 11 more floors and 138 new rooms, great to have when your waiting list is 150-200 people every weekend. Sweetgrass and Sage Run are both good golf courses as well. Take the drive up and go play.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

UPPER LEVEL OR LOWER LEVEL THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is upgraded for the current indoor golf season. So see the improvements upstairs in the hitting bays, or downstairs in the short game area’s. Mistwood Golf Dome is on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, call (630)-739-7600 or visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com. Lessons, Toptracer and fittings. You can also grab a bite and beverage in McWethy’s Sportsbar-enjoy the tasty wings.

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

The Schaumburg Golf Club is home to Chandlers Chophouse at 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg.

The Schaumburg Golf Club is one of the Chicago area year round golf operations.

In the summer play all 27 holes of the renovated Schaumburg Golf Club. But in the winter you can play those same 27 holes indoors on the simulators.

The clubs pro shop that’s open daily will allow you to stock up on golf supplies and apparel for the outdoor season ahead. So book your hitting bay online or call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000.

LEN ZIEHM has posted a posted a book review, of Tom Coyne’s “A Golf Course called America.” Check out Len’s review at LenZiehmongolf.com. Coyne is also the author of a book on golf in Scotland.

WILLOWBROOK BASED CLUB CHAMPION has now grown over the border and into Canada. Club Champion has announced they have acquired Tour Experience Golf (TXG Golf) a Canadian Club fitter, thus allowing Club Champion to expand it’s operation north of the border. TXG has been in business since 2016. But both companies say they have had a mutual level of respect for each other. More details can be found online at Clubchampiongolf.com.

The new look to Island Resort Casino Hotel in Escanaba Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula.

THE ISLAND RESORT and CASINO in Escanaba Michigan, has announced the completion of a $33 million dollar expansion to it’s hotel.

Island Resort is home to two great golf courses, both Sweetgrass and Sage Run.

The new hotel that is connect to the south end of the 11 story Palm Tower, opened on New Years Eve.

This new hotel has 138 guest rooms and suites, and is home to the Horizons Steak House, located on the top floor of the hotel. The new guest room offerings include golf and spa suites, with hot tubs and options for in-room messages.

“This expansion is a fantastic addition for us,” says Tony Mancilla, General Manager of the Island Resort and Casino. “It was developed out of necessity. Our demand and backlog of guests who wanted to get in on weekend was over whelming. Waiting lists had reached 150-200 people on weekends. But it showed us how much we needed more rooms. For golfers there are suites with views of the Sweetgrass golf course behind the hotel.

The resort now has new golf packages that are currently being booked for 2022. For more details visit Islandresortgolf.com.

The new Srixon Z-Star Diamond Ball. coming Jan. 21

SRIXON a leader in golf ball design, has announced the release coming on Jan. 21st of it’s new Z-Star Diamond golf ball.

The new Z-Star will retail for $44.99 per dozen.

“The Z-Star is a game changer for me,” says four-time major champion Brooks Koepka. “This golf ball was a major driver in joining Srixon and it’s been a seamless transition. Because the performance is really impressive, and I feel confident with it heading into the new tour season.”

Koepka put the ball in play during his win in “The Match” over Bryson DeChambeau.

“By working closely with our global Tour staff, we created the Z-Star DIAMOND ball as an enhancement to our premium tour lineup” said Jeff Brunski, Vice President of Research and Development at Srixon. “The Z-Star DIAMOND is something of a best-of-both-worlds type product, blending in many of our two current models. Like the Z-Star XV, the Z-Star DIAMOND that produces really good ball speed and distance. But thanks to it’s slightly thicker cover, the Z-Star Diamond features exceptional spin and control on approach shots.”

Some of the new technologies are the FastLayer Core, SpinSkin with SeRM and back is the 338 dimple pattern. So learn more at Srixon.com.

The Srixon Z-Star Divide golf ball. Release date Jan. 21 and retail price $44.99.

MORE FROM SRIXON GOLF.

Srixon is also announcing the release of another new golf ball, the DIVIDE.

DIVIDE has two models the Z-Star Divide and the Z-Star XV Divide. The balls launch on January 17th, and sell for $44.99 a dozen.

The Divide will be sold in both Yellow and White colors.

Both the performance and the visual colors that will stand out on the golf course, have Srixon General Manager Brian Schielke excited. “They will be easy to align your putts with, along with seeing them fly through the air.” DIVIDE will have the popular features found on the Z-Star line, such as SpinSkin with SeRM a thermoplastic urethane cover, with a 338 dimple pattern. See Srixon.com

XXIO announces the newest generation of lightweight clubs. But also announces the release of it’s new golf ball the Rebound Drive-available Feb. 11th for $49.99 a dozen. On the club side the XXIO X clubs will be released on Feb. 11th., they are lightweight and bring more to the course than their previous models. XXIO.com for more details.

           THE NEW ZERO FRICTION PULL CART and the ZERO FRICTION tee’s that are now the official tee of demo day-at the 2022 PGA Merchandise show next week in Orlando.

“This is not your typical golf bag. Our new Wheel Pro Push Cart bag is a three-in-one product. It’s a carry stand bag that quickly and simply converts to a push cart or can be put on the back of a motor cart,” said John Iacono, founder and President of Oak Brook Terrace based Zero Friction. “And it only weights 10 pounds.”

The Wheel Pro has a single strap, six full length dividers and seven zipper pockets. But it also has an umbrella holder and bag head cover. It comes in black/gray or gray/black and navy/white with an MSRP of $349.99. The cart is excellent for use by high school and college golf teams. So for more details see Zerofriction.com or call (630)-317-7700.

Participants at demo day will hit from the ZFT Maxx 3-prong tee, that offer golfers a 66% reduced contact area, but are extra large and durable. Iacono invites show goers to come visit the Zero Friction booth (3273) at the convention center to see Zero Friction products. But there will be more new products to be unveiled in Orlando.

The Gog Blog Returns tomorrow. RS

UPSTAIRS OR DOWNSTAIRS THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB IS OPEN. One of the Chicago area year round round golf operations. Because you can play Schaumburg Golf Club on the simulators indoors in the winter months. IF YOUR getting ready for the spring trip, get some new SGC apparel in the pro shop. BUT when your ready to chow down-Chandlers Chophouse is open. 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 Facebook or LinkedIn.

*** LAST MARCH  I toured the under renovation Southern Pines Golf Club with Sales Director of Ross Resorts-Ross Hutchinson. Then spoke with architect Kyle Franz who has now renovated all three courses at Ross Resorts. A couple of months back after a full years worth or work. Southern Pines Golf Club has reopened to rave reviews. On most days over 200 golfers are out enjoying the course.

In recent months resort president Kelly Miller and Franz have sat down to answer questions about the renovation process. Those interviews are below.

Kelly Miller (L) with architect Kyle Franz (R)

GOT ROSS !

Yes they do, and now it’s in three doses.

IN 2020 shortly before Covid landed, Ross Resorts president Kelly Miller added a third track to his property.

But this wasn’t any old course. Because it was another classic Donald Ross golf course, granted it needed some dust polished off it. But Miller had just the guy to do that in Franz.

So maybe for a minute or two some might have wondered if Miller made the right move buying the club on the front end of the pandemic. But now after reopening in the middle of a golf boom. Miller did what the movie title said, he made ” All the Right Moves”, acquiring Southern Pines Golf Club.

PHASE 1 saw an emphasis on tree removal, irrigation and bunker restoration. But then earlier in 2021, Phase 2 saw green work along with cart paths and some other areas had their time come improvement.

A history of Pinehurst Golf was brought to the fore-front when Franz working with 70 year old photo’s of the club, found the “Lost Hole”. The Lost Hole was a par 3 to the left of the 4th green, that connected to the 15th tee. This allowed golfers to play hole one to 4, then 15 to 18 and have a nine hole round. Not a bad idea since the 9th green is not near the clubhouse.

So with a tip of the cap to Pinehurst historic golf, Franz rebuilt the short hole, with a green, and with a sand green next to the regular green. A staple in tradition from the early days of Pinehurst Golf.

KELLY MILLER and KYLE FRANZ Click here to hear the interview from early in the renovation process.

During the restoration process, Miller announced that Cody Self who previously served as an assistant superintendent at both Mid Pines and Pine Needles before moving back to Tennessee, has rejoined the Ross Resorts family.

“I’m excited to work hard and see the course mature over the next couple of years and Southern Pines into a top 100 public course in America that all golfers can play,” said Self. “The Bell family now has three of some of the finest courses to be available for public play.”

CLICK HERE to hear another chapter of in the interview series of Kelly Miller and Kyle Franz on the renovation of Southern Pines Golf Club.

THE WORK IS DONE at Southern Pines Golf Club-golfers come out and enjoy the golf.

Book tee times for Southern Pines Golf Club and your play and stay for Mid Pines-Pine Needles and the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open today look for Ross Resorts on line, or call the resort at (800)-747-7272.