THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN DAILY UNTIL 10 PM, come practice, try out Toptracer, get fitted for clubs and take a lesson. McWethy’s Sportsbar is open for this Sundays championship game. So book your hitting bay at MistwoodGolfDome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600. THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle is open year round. Play Schaumburg Golf Club indoors on the simulators by calling (847)-885-9000 and visit SchaumburgGolf.com Chandlers Chophouse 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

Rory on the tee at Pine Barrens Golf Course in Brooksville Florida. What was World Woods-will be Cabot Citrus Farms.

(Reporting from the Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst NC.)

***As Golfers on Golf was putting this story together, news is breaking that the architects picked for this project, that were expected to be announced in late March, could be announced as early as next week-stay tuned). ***

Early last week both Len Ziehm on Golf and Golfers on Golf played the famed public track Pine Barrens in Brooksville Florida. Pine Barrens that opened on April 1st, 1993 was part of the World Woods golf complex. But the other 18 holes the Rolling Oaks Golf Course, a short course and large practice facilities, made up the rest of World Woods.

The land was bought by Japanese ownership-Yukihisa Inoue and designed to be a place for young Japanese golf professionals to train their golf skills. To hopefully help them prepare to make a run to the PGA Tour. That plan which also included 7 golf courses and a hotel, never really came to fruition. But 30 year General Manager Rick Kelso is ready for the plan that is now coming into place. Because World Woods is about to become Cabot Citrus Farms.

World Woods GM Rick Kelso at the famed World Woods scoreboard.

What’s changing starts with Ben Cowan-Dewar who created Cabot Links in Canada. Then Cabot Cliffs alongside the first course.

Cowan-Dewar made his first visit to World Woods 20 years ago, then started thinking about purchasing the property about 10 years ago. He has other projects in the construction phase, including Cabot Lucia in the Caribbean and Cabot Revelstroke in British Columbia.

But for Chicagoan’s and other American golfers, the name that stands out is Dewar’s good friend, Mike Keiser. So far Keiser has not been talking about the project, but Dewar’s team says Keiser will be involved. But to what point is still unclear.

Kelso told Len Ziehm on Golf and Golfers on Golf that some of the things were announced in a press release, have changed. Which included a reported June 1st-ish of 2022 closing date. But then the property would reopen in December of 2023, should things remain on schedule.

Kelso explained that both of the current courses, are not getting completely dug-up for total renovation. Because the “bones” are good and the corridors will likely remain. But the goal is to improve the current holes, the short course and circular practice range. So what will be totally new. How about a new clubhouse and lodging on property. But even better news is that there is enough land (over 500 acres) to at some point, add another course-or two.

The Par 4, 16th hole on Pine Barrens golf course.

Kelso says all the big name architects have been in to take a look at the property.

The two courses that are a part of Cabot in Canada, were designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. So as a result, it’s likely that C & C will be in the mix for this project. For at least one course or another. Crenshaw and Coore are the design architects for Cabot St. Lucia.

There is some speculation that architects Keiser has worked with such as Coore and Crenshaw, David Kidd, Tom Doak will be the front runners at the new Cabot Citrus Farms. Keiser’s Bandon Dunes and Sand Valley properties, are walking courses with a big caddie presence. Kelso confirmed that walking and caddies will likely be a part of Cabot Citrus Farms going forward. In fact one of the factors going into the redesign, would be making the course more walking friendly.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with World Woods GM Rick Kelso.

World Woods has had events that included Phil Mickelson and David Toms, and some other tournaments. But now once the project is completed what will be headed to Cabot Citrus Farms. Because December 2023 isn’t that far away, and the new look of Cabot Citrus Farms is likely to be what many hoped World Woods was supposed to be years ago.

***Architect announcement*** likely next week. Stay tuned.

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is open year round. Because you can play the course outside or inside on the simulators all winter long. Do you need golf supplies for the outdoor season ahead, load up now in the pro shop. Schaumburg Golf Club is located at 401 North Roselle Road. See Schaumburggolf.com or call the shop (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.

A work in progress. The Historic Carolina Hotel is getting better, with Rory Spears.

(Reporting from the Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst)

Pinehurst North Carolina is the home of American Golf. Donald Ross slept here, worked here and left his handiwork.

Golfers on Golf made it’s annual stop in Pinehurst, where it’s always a beautiful day. Even if it’s a little chili and some must rain fall.

Pinehurst has 10 golf courses, one of which helped spark a boom or short course or par 3 course building. But it’s safe to say, that number of courses, the perfect 10 might not stay that way for long. Options are on the table to add more courses, and they are being carefully reviewed.

Matt Massei is Executive Vice President of the Pinehurst Resort.

IN FACT-there have been so many improvements around Pinehurst in recent years, it’s almost hard to keep track of all of them. But you can without too much help.

Because those improvements aren’t just course renovations, they include off the course updates as well.

One of the biggest improvements happening right now, are the restorations to the famed historic landmark, the Carolina Hotel. The improvements are so amazing, that right now guests can’t even get the front door. But check-in has been moved while the lobby is sealed off. With workers moving forward as quickly as possible, it’s not hard for those in the Carolina dining room (home of the Best Breakfast in Golf) to hear some pounding and sawing from the work areas. But hey-the Ryder Cup Lounge is still open if you need something to eat or drink.

Executive Vice President Matt Massei joined Golfers on Golf for sit down talk, about what’s new, what’s coming, and how many more USGA championships are coming to town.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Pinehurst EVP Matt Massei.

Massei started at Pinehurst as the head professional at what was the new course, Pinehurst 8 (Centennial) by Tom Fazio. But after a stint as Director of Golf, Massei move on for a couple stops. But he is now back fold working side-by-side with resort president Tom Pashley.

As a result, the shutdown of Course #8 this summer, along with improvements to the #8 clubhouse, are ones Massei will watch closely. The plan is to have all the course work done in just over 100 days, and back open for play around Labor Day weekend.

While Massei says the resort is excited about another back-to-back men’s and women’s U.S. Open’s in 2029. Massei is quick to remind you that the 2024 men’s U.S. Open will be here in just over two years. But even better news for golfers who enjoy getting a jump on buying logo wear from upcoming championships. There is a limited amount of caps and shirts for the 2024 U.S. Open, already for sale in the main pro shop.

The Crossing-The Cradle’s new halfway (almost) house.

When Massei looks out his office window, he has a great view of the Par 3-Cradle Course, and Thistle Dhu massive putting green. But part of the Cradle these days is the new halfway (sort of) house with restrooms out on the Cradle. The Crossing’s as it’s now called has become a hot spot for golfers and resort guests to just hang out. But who knows, one might even see a hole-in-one while enjoying the chairs and firepits next to the Crossing House.

So how hot is the Crossing. When it first opened, some t-shirts and hats were made. But you needed to buy one quickly, because they sold out immediately. So what else is happening. A new restaurant opens this week, plus the Pinehurst Resort could enter into an agreement with a local development to operate their golf courses.

IT’S ALWAYS A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN PINEHURST-and getting better by the year.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road is open year round. So you can play the Schaumburg Golf Club on one of the three simulators in the clubhouse. So don’t wait until April, play SGC now. While you are there, check out the clubs pro shop with plenty of items you will want for the summer season ahead. Chandlers Chophouse is open daily. So book your simulator time at (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. On the 13th hole at Great Waters Golf Course-Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro GA.

REPORTING FROM REYNOLDS-Lake Oconee.

IT’S BEEN an interesting winter golf trip through the South. The PGA Show and then visits to podcast partner Len Ziehm’s Palm Aire Club in Sarasota.

Then there was more time in Florida at Innisbrook Resort, and World Woods Golf Club, that is now Cabot Citrus Farms. Stay tuned for more on that.

Currently I’m at Reynolds Lake Oconee in Georgia, and getting ready to depart for the final stop on the trip, which is the Pinehurst/Southern Pines area. Plenty more to learn about what’s new at the Pinehurst Resort, and the renovated Southern Pines Country Club.

But I’ll have more to say about the PGA Merchandise Show, which unfortunately has taken some cheap shots from media members. Not sure why some people are trying to paint the show out to be less than it was.

Sure attendance was down, and the major equipment folks bailed out. I hope that changes next year. But it still was a pretty good show. Did you not show up because of the poor weather, no big equipment companies, or are you a Covid-coward in which case you probably should stay home.

The Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook is open daily to 10 PM. Lessons, club fittings and Toptracer. Book your hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. Located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook.

I attended a party one night thrown by a Michigan based PR-firm. One comment I overheard by a few media types was, “if your somebody in the golf industry you are here at the show, if your not here, well the rest goes without saying.” Which pretty much sums things up.

There was plenty to see and much to learn at the show. I’ll have a great story in the days ahead on how a two-time U.S. Open Champion took my new pair of golf shoes and walked out the door with them. It’s funny-well kind of.

More quick notes, Streamsong Resort announced a fourth golf course, to be designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Disney World celebrating it’s 50th Anniversary is revamping it’s entire golf operation over the next few years. The Magnolia Course will get blown-up later this year for a full renovation, and then we will see.

There seems to be plenty of advancement in golf gloves, golf shoes and golf apparel. The presence of CBD companies was down. But not out at the show. With that it’s off to Pinehurst/Southern Pines before heading home with plenty of stories to tell. RS

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME with McWethy’s Sportsbar inside, is the Chicagoland’s premier indoor golf dome. So bring your appetite and your golf clubs, and enjoy food and beverage while you practice. Book a hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600. While you are there you can get a lesson or a club fitting.                                                                                                                                               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.

Cog Hill’s Kevin Weeks speaks at Demo day in Winter Garden Florida.

REPORTING FROM LAKE BEUNA VISTA.

Demo day had a new look in 2022, far less people, and far less exhibitors. So either way it allowed everyone that was there, to see everything quickly and get out of the rain. Which was coming and going.

One of the highlights of demo day was watching the presentation by Cog Hill Golf Professional Kevin Weeks. Weeks spoke for about 30 minutes on the topic of both wedge and putter fittings. Which was of course, very informative.

Golfers on Golf toured the demo day set up, with Tim Cronin of the Illinois Golfer. We did a lap and a half in no time. But with temperatures hovering around 50, and more rain expected. 90 minutes was enough, much less time that the normal 4 hours that is spent at demo day.

A few other stops of note. I took a few swings with the Stix based golf clubs. A newer equipment company based in Elgin Illinois. The all black-clubs have a nice feel to them, and will be worth another look when I get back to Chicago.

The Schaumburg Golf Clubs three simulators are open daily. Book your tee time at (847)-885-9000, and while there visit the pro shop and Chandlers Chophouse.

The really good Sqairz Golf Shoes had a booth at demo day. There will be more to my time with Sqairz coming up in future posts. But the new Sqairz golf shoes are even better than the original pair I have.

Cronin and I spent some time at the Folds of Honor tent, it was nice to catch up with the group that does plenty for our veterans. But I did learn that Major Ed Pulido a driving force in Folds for years, has opened his own foundation with John Daly. I can’t wait to see them together, it must be really something.

Demo day was lacking the major equipment companies, and that was too bad. It took much of the buzz out of the day. Well-wait until next year.