MISTWOOD DIRECTOR OF GOLF ANDY MICKELSON says if todays rain and snow is causing issues with your golf plans, come to the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 located in Bolingbrook. MistwoodGolfDome.com or call (630)-739-7600 #McWethys Sportsbar

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.

Welcome to Myrtle Beach South Carolina, home of the Myrtle Beach World Amateur.

THE MYRTLE BEACH WORLD AMATEUR IS BACK.

Because this year from August 29th through September 2nd, the 39th annual will be contested. With the annual 3,500 golfers plus expected.

The World Amateur is a 72-hole net stroke play tournament, played over 50 of the best courses in the Myrtle Beach area.

But right now you can do an Early Bird entry into the championship. The early entry is at least four rounds of golf, nightly admission into the World’s Largest 19th hole and a gift bag. But if you register by May 18th cost only $599.00, which is a $100 savings off the regular price.

But there are even more benefits for those who sign up early. because if you register by April 20th, you are eligible to win one of over 50 prizes from a drawing. The prizes combined are worth $10,000 dollars, and include prizes from TaylorMade, Srixon and Cleveland Golf.

In 2021 over 3,500 players from all 50 states came to play. But with Covid issues fading, it’s expected that more golfers will play.

“We can’t wait to welcome people to the 2022, Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Handicap Championship,” said tournament director Scott Tomasello. “Because the energy surrounding the game has continued to grow. The returning of international players will bring even more excitement to what we believe will be the best World Amateur to date.”

The World Am flights players into nine divisions. Men 49 and under (must be 17), senior men 50-59, mid-senior men 60-69, super senior men 70-79, seasoned seniors 80+. Women 59 and younger, senior women 60+, the Gross division, mid-senior gross division 60+ and women’s gross gross division. But there is a “Just for Fun” Flight for those wanting to enjoy the event, without competition pressure.

After four rounds Flight Winners and ties advance to the World Championship Playoff. At night the Myrtle Beach Convention Center hosts participants with free food and drinks, and live entertainment.

The players gift bag that includes a polo, a rain jacket and golf towel, logo’d hat and PGA Tour Superstore gift card. A combined value of near $250.00. So sign up today at MyrtleBeachWorldAmateur.com.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has it’s pro shop and simulators open daily. So why not play the indoor version of Schaumburg Golf Club on the simulators. But while you golf order up some great food and beverage from Chandlers Chophouse right upstairs. Book a simulator online at Schaumburggolf.com or call the pro 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 and Facebook.

Rory at Grande Dunes Golf Club in Myrtle Beach SC.

DURING LAST YEAR”S TRIP to Myrtle Beach South Carolina, I was able to play of the area’s top golf courses.

Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand area, is one place you must visit if you love golf.

There are plenty of golf courses to choose from, in fact there are almost 90 courses in the area. Many of them won national awards from various golf publications, when they first opened or shortly thereafter.

The par 3, 12th hole at Tidewater Golf Club.

Tidewater is one of the courses that visiting golfers rave about, when they visit Myrtle Beach.

The Rees Jones-Ken Tomlinson design opened for play in 1990, and is now in it’s 32nd year of operation. Their is full size clubhouse, complete with a great menu and dining area to enjoy before or after your round.

But on the golf course there are six sets of tee’s, starting at 4,648 yards. But from the back tee’s its 7,044 yards, and a test for all golfers and big hitters. Some of the golf holes run along a water channel, so it’s not uncommon to see some nice boats racing past as you play. Tidewater’s par 3, 12th hole that plays 190 yards from the tips, is one of the most photographed holes in the area.

For more information and tee times visit Tidewatergolf.com or call the club at (843)-913-2424. Located at 1400 Tidewater Drive-North Myrtle Beach South Carolina.

Welcome to Grande Dunes, part of the Founders Group International.

The Founders Group International now contains 21 golf courses around the Myrtle Beach area.

Most of the courses are among the most requested courses to play for visiting golfers. Including the classic Pine Lakes Golf Club, just reopened from a restoration project.

Grande Dunes now in it’s 21st year of operation and designed by the Roger Rulewich Group, continues to attract golfers who want to play a fun, but challenging golf course. So while the course has six sets of tees to play from, the back tees are set at 7,578 yards. A test for even the best professionals who play the game.

The Par 3-11th hole at Grande Dunes. 190 yards.

Grande Dunes brings water into play on 12 of 18 holes.

During holes 13 and 14 water is a key factor on how to play the hole.

The 560 yard par 5, 13th hole has a double water crossing that requires a solid drive, and a better approach into the green.

But next up on the tee at the 14th hole, a 220 yard par 3, is a water crossing that runs into the water channel. A large bunker guards the right side of the green. But it does catch some shots and keeps them in play, instead of them ending up in the water. The Grande Dunes not only is 18 good holes of golf, it makes a great backdrop to the homes getting built around the golf course.

The club has a full size clubhouse for excellent dining and a fully stocked pro shop.  If your moving around Myrtle Beach playing golf, do it at the dunes. The Grande Dunes golf club is located at 8700 Golf Village Lane, Myrtle Beach. Tee times by calling the pro shop at (888)-886-8877 or visit Grandedunesgolf.com.

The Pete Dye Club at Barefoot Resort North Myrtle Beach.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH is home to plenty of golf courses, including four of them at the Barefoot Resort.

The four designers include Greg Norman, Davis Love III, Tom Fazio and Pete Dye.

While the Norman course has fairways running up to long sandy waste area’s, there other styles through Barefoot Resorts four courses. The Love III has previously hosted the Big Break. The Hootie and the Blowfish-Monday after the Masters Outing has been played on the Dye Course.

The 185 yard par 3, 3rd hole on the Dye course at Barefoot Resort.

The Dye course is vintage Pete Dye, golfers who have played Dye courses in other states, will enjoy seeing some of Dye’s trademark hazards, or maybe they won’t.

But one thing is for sure, there will be a little down south Dye home cooking tossed-in.

While you won’t find any of Dye’s famous volcano bunkers like at the French Lick Resort, or trips through a cave-mine in West Virginia, there will be plenty of humps, bumps, pot bunkers and railroad ties to hold you over. The golf course has five sets of tees with yardage going from 5,021 up front, to 7,343 off the tips. But if you get off to a good start, hang on to your hats and visors. Because the closing holes (14-18) is where Dye makes you earn your score.

Between the yardage, the carry’s, a few more deep pot bunkers lurking, golfers will need to choose what club they hit, and where to leave the current shot, so the next one sets you up to score. The big clubhouse is a great place to dine, and the pro shop has plenty of options to pick from if your apparel or other shopping. The Dye Course is Semi-private so check for playing opportunities before arriving. The Club is located at 2600 Pete Dye Drive, more information at www.barefootgolf.com or call the resort at (843)-399-7238.

For more photo’s see Rory Spears Facebook, or Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS THE PLACE for golf this week. But by the weekend the Mistwood Golf Course in Romeoville on Renwick Road will be open. But Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook opens daily at 7 AM, and with McWethy’s Sports Bar inside you have a place to see the Final Four. Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600.

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 Facebook.

The Nature of the Game is coming soon-May 30th.

THE NEW BOOK by  golf’s creator of courses Mike Keiser along with Stephen Goodwin is coming soon.

BUT YOU CAN pre-order now. Do so at Dreamgolf.com/preorder.

Pre-ordered books will get shipped on May 30th. Mike Keiser is signing 500 copies.

Cost is $40.00 for the hardback book. Order now and have it for Father’s Day. Sorry ladies Mother’s Day will have passed by already.

The new book has plenty to tell, much more than Bandon Dunes in Oregon.

How about tales from Sand Valley, St. Lucia and more. Learn more about Keiser’s sons Michael and Chris. The architects involved in the courses and some of the staff that works at these destination properties.

So learn more at Dreamgolf.com/preorder a great gift for the golfer in your family. But then again just the book you need to read. Get thinking about that next golf destination road trip.

MISTWOOD DIRECTOR OF GOLF ANDY MICKELSON invites you to come out and enjoy the Mistwood Golf Dome all week. Mistwood Golf Club will open on Thursday of this chili week. But don’t forget the dome is still open for golf and great food and beverage in McWethy’s Sports Bar. Final Four weekend is coming up. Mistwood Golf Dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook-Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (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. With the new Rogue Irons in the Mistwood Golf Dome.

OUTDOOR GOLF SEASON is here!

BUT there is still one issue that has not yet gone away, the weather.

Because over the last week or so, several of our local golf courses have opened, more are opening this week.

But Mother Nature has not cooperated. Today and tomorrow in the 30’s, Wednesday is almost 70, but with rain expected almost all day. Thursday and Friday are sunny, but back in the 30’s. Saturday might hit 50, with next Sunday back in the 40’s. It looks like we just can’t win in terms of getting outdoors and playing golf in decent weather just quite yet.

But with the first major of the year coming up next week, lets hope things start to shape up around here, so outdoor golf can really commence.

THE WORLD AMATEUR is back in Myrtle Beach, sign up is now underway for the W-AM that is August 29th-September 2nd. More details coming up right here this week. So stay clicked in for more on Myrtle Beach South Carolina.

IT’S GREAT TO SEE that more golf properties are getting better across the board. Because these days if you are standing pat and not making improvements, you are being left behind. Golfers will continue to play at the best area golf courses. Course improvements were announced at Lawsonia Links golf course in Green Lake Wisconsin. At Grande Dunes one of the flagship courses in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. Florida’s Saddle Brook resort has closed for a full property renovation. This includes both Arnold Palmer designed golf courses.

CABOT CITRUS FARMS (formerly World Woods) closes at the end of May for a total renovation of the property. Golf courses and practice area’s will be redone, the clubhouse will get demolished and rebuilt, and a new hotel on property will be constructed. Cabot Citrus Farms will reopen at the end of 2023.

THE WORK ON MEDINAH #3 will begin likely in October. Olympia Fields South Course improvements could begin this fall on nine holes, Northmoor Country Club in Highland Park having work done under the eye of architect Tyler Rae. Word is that Knollwood in Lake Forest could close by late August, as architect Drew Rogers will oversee the renovation work there.

WHILE THERE is NO planned date for closure or for work to begin. The DuPage County Forest Preserve District did have a survey out to those who are on the DuPageGolf.com mailing list. The survey asked golfers what they would like to see in terms of improvements to the Maple Meadows Golf Course in Wood Dale. Architect Greg Martin who did the multiple award winning work at the Preserve at Oak Meadows, will return come the day that master planning and work begins at Maple Meadows.

REOPENING COURSES THIS SUMMER include the Martin renovation of Settlers Hill in Geneva, expected to be open in July. But on the private side, Midlothian Country Club reopens this summer after architect Ray Hearn’s restoration. The Abbey Springs golf course in Fontana Wisconsin will reopen shortly from a Todd Quitno renovation, says the resorts website. Heritage Bluffs in Channahon says it’s clubhouse improvements are almost complete. The University of Illinois Golf Course will reopen after improvements by Rogers.

GLENEAGLES GOLF COURSE in south suburban Lemont, is expected to close permanently by the end of July. Stay tuned for updates regarding the last day for golf at Gleneagles.

THEIR MUST BE SOME CELEBRATION at the Western Golf Association (WGA) offices today in Glenview. Because Scottie Scheffler who won the WGA’s first Korn Ferry Tour event at the Glen Club in 2019. Is now the No.1 player in the world. Scheffler earned the honor after his win yesterday at the WGC Match Play Championship in Austin Texas. The Evans Scholars Invitational (ESI) returns to the Glen Club the last week of May (23-29).

THIS WEEK I’ll have more on what’s news in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. The latest line of putters from Scotty Cameron. Plus what’s happening at the new PXG Studio in Oak Brook Terrace.

GALVIN GREEN APPAREL has a new outer wear jacket inspired by the first major championship of the year, that’s coming up next week. See Galvingreen.com.

So stay clicked in. RS

FROM DOME TO HOME this week Mistwood Golf makes the move as Mistwood Golf Club on Renwick Road in Romeoville reopens on Thursday March 31st. Club fitting will be closed for two days during the transition phase. But you can now book for fittings at Mistwood Golf Club-see Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333 Dome (630)-739-7600. Thursday from 12-4 Pm there is a demo day at the dome for Mizuno Clubs-Cost is Free.

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

Rory Spears at Grande Dunes Golf Club in Myrtle Beach South Carolina, which is getting ready for Greens and Bunker Project.

MYRTLE BEACH SC.

Grande Dunes one of the favorite golf courses to play for area and traveling golfers, will be closed from May 16th, through September 14th for renovation work.

Because starting in May the master plan is to perform extensive work on the greens, bunkers and on the clubhouse.

Architect John Harvey will lead the project. Because Harvey previously worked with Roger Rulewich on the original design and construction of the golf course.

The par 3 11th hole at Grande Dunes. Myrtle Beach SC.

Grande Dunes that has some of the largest greens in the area, will see them returned to their original size. Because over the years, over 40,000 square feet has been lost.

Grande Dunes will install the new TifEagle ultradwarf bermudagrass greens, a strain of grass that performs well in subtropical climate.

Every bunker on the golf course will be renovated and have the Capillary Concrete bunker liner installed. A new premium bunker sand will be put into play. But there’s more improvements in the clubhouse.

The pro shop will grow by over 400 feet, other additions will include an indoor/outdoor bar, with more outdoor seating space. So players can enjoy the atmosphere of Grande Dunes before and after their round.

“Two of the most common things people talk about on a course are the greens and bunkers, ” said Harvey. “People will notice right away that the putting surfaces will be larger and more diverse with the pinning areas, allowing for more variety and strategy. The reshaping of the bunkers will add to the course’s visual appeal and the new sand will significantly improve playability.”

“Grande Dunes is on of Myrtle Beach’s crown jewels, and this project will ensure the course continues to provide the type of experience golfers have come to expect,” said Steve Mays, president of Founders Group International (FGI), Grande Dunes parent company. “John Harvey worked with Roger Rulewich to open the course in 2001.”

Founders Group International owns 21 golf courses in Myrtle Beach, making it one of the largest golf management firms in the Southeast. Founders Group has been and will continue to aggressively reinvest in it’s golf courses. Seven FGI courses have seen significant capital improvements in recent years. But there are more projects on the horizon. So learn more at GrandeDunesGolf.com.

CODY GUETZKE of Hartland Wisconsin, is the only qualifier from Wisconsin to make the nationals of Drive-Chip and Putt at the Augusta National Golf Club. Guetzke 14, will be in the Boys 14-15 year old age division. Guetzke won a playoff at the Medinah Country Club to advance from the regional finals.

ADRIEN DUMONT de CHASSART is the Big Ten Conference Men’s Golfer of the Week. Dumont de Chassart is a Senior on the University of Illinois Men’s golf team.

WILMETTE BASED-LINKS CAPITAL ADVISORS and Chris Charnas have announced that The Links at Carillon in Plainfield Illinois, are now for sale ($5 million asking price). The 27 hole Greg Martin designed golf course is making money and is the center piece of the Carillon Residential Community. But for more information Chris@Links-Cap.com or call (312)-543-7192.

Welcome to the Links Course at Lawsonia in Green Lake Wisconsin.

LAWSONIA is getting ready to open for the season in April.

But the bunkers are being restored this spring to the original William Langford design of the Links Course.

So for more details on playing the Links Course or the Woods Course, or booking a play and stay at Lawsonia. Please call (920)-294-3320 or golf@lawsonia.com.

The Duke Blue Devils golf glove. Can Coach “K” win it all in his final year.

MARCH MADNESS is in full swing.

So do you have the glove that represents your school, or pool choice to win it all this year.

Because if not, now is the time to get your golf glove and favorite logoed golf items in time for the summer golf season ahead.

So the best way to do that is to visit Zero Friction Golf and Zerofriction.com.

Not only does Zero Friction have great golf gloves. But golf push carts and colored golf balls. Specialized golf tee’s in the size that gets your golf ball flying at the height you need.

Head to Zerofriction.com and check out the full line Zero Friction golf products or call Zero Friction at (630)-317-7700.

GRAND GENEVA RESORT in Lake Geneva Wisconsin now has new offerings for 2022, including unlimited golf. With two championship golf courses, The Highland’s (originally designed by Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye) is now open for the season, and The Brute opening on Friday April 8th.

The resorts Director of Golf Ryan Brown, who joined the resort in 2021, will bring new weekly clinics to the resort this year. But there will be private lessons, couples sessions and group sessions.

Brown says that,” our team of golf professionals are here to help improve your game abilities and prepare golfers of all skill levels.”

BUT BETTER news is that this summer’s list of off course activities has several new options for guests. Food and Beverage will highlight the best tastes of Wisconsin. That includes a new limited edition of Knob Creek Bourbon, made just for the resort. Learn more at Grandgeneva.com/golf.

The Gog Blog returns all week. RS

STRIKER WELCOMES YOU TO THE SNAKE PIT on the Copperhead Course at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor Florida, play where the pro’s play at the Innisbrook Resort, see Innisbrookresort.com. THE GREAT WATERS GOLF COURSE at Reynolds Lake Oconee, by Jack Nicklaus for when you have Georgia on your mind. Find out about all 6 courses by visiting Reynoldslakeoconee.com Green jacket season is here.

*** Mistwood Golf Course in Romeoville is opening for the season on March 31st***

Len Ziehm (L) and Rory Spears (R) host the award winning Ziehm and Spears podcast series. In the Ziehm studios in Sarasota Florida overlooking the Palm Aire Country Club.

ZIEHM & SPEARS ARE BACK!

Len Ziehm and Rory Spears bring you the Chicago areas and beyond most complete almost weekly golf news update.

Because this week, Ziehm and Spears wrap up the PGA Tour’s “Florida Swing” where Len covered almost of the tournaments.

But there is more news coming from Florida on the resort, as Saddlebrook Resort just north of Tampa, has been sold and closed for remodeling.

THIS WEEK’S PGA TOUR Match Play Championship is missing several key players, why?

Reynolds Lake Oconee-when you have Georgia on your mind. Six golf courses, and one of the south’s flagship golf destinations.

THE USGA has fallen in love with Oakland Hills Country Club-they add six more USGA Championships to the clubs schedule. Can’t plan to far ahead, give OHCC the 2051 U.S. Open.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR this weeks edition of Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2022, Volume 7.

TO WRAP IT UP Len and Rory talk about what’s in our bag. Our thoughts on clubs, and why we play what we play.

Thanks for listening-Len and Rory.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open for your final indoor tune-up sessions. With rain the next three days expected, the dome is the place to play and practice. Toptracer, McWethy’s Sportsbar, lessons, club fittings and more. So call the dome and book a hitting bay at 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.

Saddlebrook Resort of Florida.

Saddlebrook Resort which opened in 1981, closed on March 2nd. Then sold by the Dempsey family owners since 1988 to Mast Capital, in partnership with Amzak Capital Management. Financial terms were not disclosed. But there are significant renovation plans in place.

Saddlebrook a 480 acre resort. It has 500 rooms and 100,000 square feet of meeting space. Two Arnold Palmer golf courses and a 45 court Tennis complex.

Golf on the Arnold Palmer Course.

Camilo Miguel, the CEO of Mast Capital, says his firm is in the early stages of a major renovation to the property.

The renovations will include the golf courses and other amenities. But it doesn’t stop there. Because there is a review of future expansion that would add commercial and residential space.

MAST CAPTIAL is also preparing to improve it’s food and beverage service.

“I think there is a lot of opportunity in elevating the property and bringing back some of it’s luster,” said Miguel. “There hasn’t been much investment in the property in decades, so the time had come.”

With an condo association and tennis academy, it was a complex transaction. But was completed due to a connection between Mast Capital and the Dempsey family.

MAST CAPITAL has a plan to refresh all common area’s ASAP. While improving both the golf courses and tennis academy. The firm has created a short list of architecture design firms. Mast has hired HEI Hotel’s & Resorts to manage the resort and Troon Golf to manage the golf operation, golf memberships and marketing.

SADDLEBROOK IS located one mile east of interstate 75 at exit 279. It’s just over 30 minutes north of the Tampa International Airport. So stay clicked-in for more details as they happen regarding resort improvements, and the reopening.

***MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB WILL OPEN on March 31st for the summer season.***

MISTWOOD DIRECTOR OF GOLF and 2021 IPGA Section Champion Andy Mickelson welcomes you to the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Call the dome at (630)-739-7600 or book a hitting bay online at Mistwoodgolfdome.com. THE NCR Country Club (R) will host the 2022 U.S. Senior Women’s Open in August. USGA.org.

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. In the Mistwood Golf Dome with the new Callaway Rogue Driver.

SHE IS IN !

Congratulations to Mistwood teaching professional Nicole Jeray on now being exempt into the U.S. Senior Women’s Open this August.

Jeray’s solid play in last year’s open and the Senior LPGA Championship helped earn her a spot in the field this year Kettering (Dayton) Ohio.

Because last year Jeray had to qualify at the Midlothian Country Club, and she was one of four qualifiers from that one day round of competition. Very nice of the USGA to put her in the field. But now we root for Conway Farms teaching professional Jamie Fischer who grew up in Dayton. Here’s hoping she gets a pass into the field as well.

GREAT WEEK OF GOLF at the Valspar Championship at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor Florida, home of the Copperhead Course. A course you can play. Because no membership is needed. Our Len Ziehm was there and will cover more about the tournament this week at LenZiehmongolf.com and on the Ziehm & Spears Podcast Series 2022-stay clicked in. Len Ziehm’s story and wrap-up is now posted.

Nicole Jeray Mistwood Golf teaching professional at the 2021 Senior LPGA Championship at the Pete Dye Course at the French Lick Resort.

This past week I finally had a chance to test my new Callaway Rogue Irons and Driver.

But I hit the clubs at half to three quarter speed on most swings. I wanted to break them in, and not overdue a mild shoulder-strain. But the results were still very good.

Because outdoor golf season is right around the corner.

But while the weather should be great today, it sounds like plenty of rain is on it’s way the rest of the week. UGH!

This week during Ziehm and Spears the Podcast Series 2022. Len and Rory will wrap up the Players Championship and the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook. But as club fittings ramp-up outdoors, we will discuss our what’s in the bag since some folks are actually wondering about the clubs we use.

THE MASTERS everybody loves the Masters, including me. But it’s been in poor taste that some publications have been putting out Masters preview stories with the tournament still a few weeks away. So going forward lets save Masters coverage for April, while letting the Florida Swing play out and the Match Play tee off.

THE WINTER TRIP OF 2022 is a wrap. I have concluded all my stories from the PGA Merchandise show and the golf properties I did visit on the way home. If you missed any of those stories circle back and the check them out.

BUT THERE IS some breaking news on one of Florida’s top golf resorts. More on that coming up tomorrow. So stay clicked in right here. RS

IT’S NOT A TRADING CARD-BUT IT’S THE UPPER DECK AT THE Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook Chicago’s premier indoor golf dome. So bring your clubs and your appetite and watch March Madness in McWethy’s Sports bar. Mistwood Pro Nicole Jeray is now exempt into the 2022 U.S. Senior Women’s Open at the NCR Country Club in August-Congrats Nicole on making your second straight U.S. Sr. Women’s Open. Book a hitting bay or get a lesson at Mistwoodgolfdome.com #MGD

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.

IT’S SUNDAY at the Valspar Championship-catch all the action on NBC live from Innisbrook Resort on the Copperhead Course. Photo by Rory Spears.

WHEATON’S Kevin Streelman in the hunt during today’s final round at the Valspar Championship on the PGA Tour. So catch all the action on NBC Sports.

The tournament is at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor Florida, on the Copperhead Golf Course. Play where the pro’s play. Because Copperhead is one of the famous foursome of golf courses at Innisbrook.

But for more information on how you book your play and stay at the Innisbrook Resort see, Innisbrookresort.com. A Salamander property.

CARLSBAD CALIFORNIA based Honma Golf has hired Chuck Couch as it’s new Vice President of Sales. Couch brings 28 years of golf industry experience to Honma, learn more at us.honmagolf.com.

UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS Fr. Jackson Buchanan had a final round four under par (68) to help the Fighting Illini move up into a share of Sixth place, at the National Invitational Tournament at the Omni-Tucson Catalina course. Adrien Dumont de Chassart led the Illini with a 54-hole total of -13 under par. The #20th ranked Illini finished 30 shots back of tournament champion, the #3 ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys. But for more information see FightingIllini.com

CALLAWAY GOLF and COG HILL have a fitting day scheduled for Wednesday March 30th from 10 Am to 4 PM-cost is $60.00. But you do receive a dozen Chrome Soft golf balls. Contact Callawaygolf.com or Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-264-4455.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein has Titleist fitting Thursday’s starting April 14th. Contact Pine Meadow Golf Club for full details at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF).

RICHMOND VIRGINIA based Haas-Jordan a lead in golf umbrella’s, has enhanced it’s 62″ golf umbrella to even more than ever reflect harmful sunrays. So see the new Haas Jordan umbrellas at Haasjordan.com.

BGT Golf Shafts has a spring special.

Breakthroughgolftech.com

Is where to visit if you need a new special themed golf shaft.

How about one for the classic putter in your golf bag.

But even better, could you use a new putter headcover.

Because if the answer is yes, purchase your new golf shaft and get the $79.95 head cover free of charge. #BGTgolf

ASICS and Srixon announce the new GEL-KAYANO footwear are available starting April 1st.

SRIXON/ASICS

Is announcing a new footwear model in their partnership.

The GEL-KAYANO ACE will be available on April 1st. Cost is set at $169.99.

The new Gel-Kayano Ace was created from the inspiration of ASICS running shoes, which deliver both comfort and flexibility. Gel-Kayano Ace is a spikeless, waterproof golf shoe that brings comfort to the golfer while playing. The TPU Heel Cradle will provide increased traction. But the waterproof mess lining, promises to keep golfers feet dry on the wettest days. For more information visit Srixon.com or Asics.com.

DO YOU NEED to produce multi-media content in the Myrtle Beach area. Golf Tourism Solutions has created has your covered. Because the new state of the art studio has you covered. But you can learn more at GolftourismSolutions.com.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS ON MONDAY. RS.

MISTWOOD DIRECTOR OF GOLF ANDY MICKELSON welcomes all golfers to enjoy the Mistwood Golf Dome, there are still a few more weeks before the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville reopens for the summer. The dome is on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, you can reserve a hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or by calling (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.

Welcome to the Champions Course at Palm Aire Country Club.

PALM AIRE COUNTRY CLUB is located in Sarasota Florida, it is a 36-hole private club.

But it does have both year round and seasonal memberships available. So please contact the club if interested.

If your an Illinois resident looking to move to the west coast of Florida, part time or full time. Palm Aire is a club you should consider looking into, especially if you enjoy golf.

Because recently the club renovated it’s first golf course designed by Dick Wilson, the architect who designed Cog Hill #4 (Dubsdread) and several other well know famous golf courses. Including this years U.S. Senior Women’s Open course NCR-South.

Selected by the clubs board of directors to do the reimagining of the golf course was Lake in the Hills (IL) based architect Mike Benkusky (who recently renovated the Arlington Lakes Golf Club). Illinois Golf Hall of Fame 2019 inductee Len Ziehm golf writer for the Daily Herald, and part of the Golfers on Golf-Foursome, is a new member of the club. RS

Len Ziehm (L) and Rory Spears (R) both members of the Ziehm & Spears Podcast series visit the grill at Palm Aire Country Club in Sarasota Florida.

IT WAS 1957 when the Desoto Lakes Golf & Lodge opened for business, along with it’s new golf course the Champions Course.

But only three years later, the PGA Tour and it’s group of champions came to play the 1960 Desoto Open. Because that year the famed Sam Snead took home the trophy and the first place check.

But Desoto Lakes wasn’t just for the men. Because one year in 1961 the LPGA arrived, and it was Louise Suggs turn to take home a trophy and the winners check.

The welcome wall to the Palm Aire Lakes Course by Joe Lee.

By 1981 the club had a new name, Palm Aire Country Club and a new golf course-The Lakes Course that opened in 1982.

Designer Joe Lee a Wilson associate was picked to create the second 18 holes.

But Lee must have loved how the par-3, 17th hole turned out, because Lee played the course on opening day and made a hole-in-one on 17.

The relocated bunkers make a challenging approach in the Champions Course opening hole.

By 2020 the Champions Course was starting to show it’s age, so the clubs sub-committee approached the board of directors and proposed that it was time for a renovation.

So the board moved the proposal to the general membership. Who voted an over 70% approval, for a renovation of the course.

Liebold Construction and Irrigation who had done previous work with Palm Aire. Recommended Benkusky to the club as the renovation architect. The club interviewed Benkusky and a few other architects. Before deciding Benkusky was the right person to move forward with.

The 404 yard par-4 dogleg right sixth hole.

The main focus of the reimagining of the golf course. Was to restore and move the bunkers into place, to keep up with todays technology.

Tee boxes were redone and greens were restored to their original sizes. The course gained over 100 yards in length to 7,126 yards on the back tees.

Champions now has eight sets of tees, with the front tees measuring out at 4,466 yards.

The 397 yard par-4, 16th hole, requires a tee shot out to the right, to avoid water down the left side of the fairway.

“The club is looking forward to hosting a USGA Junior Girls qualifier this summer, “says Jay Seymour, Palm Aire’s head golf professional. ” In 2023 the club will host the North Florida’s PGA Section-Southwest Chapters Section Championship.”

A college golf invitational will be played at the club in the future.

Possible improvements on the Lakes Course are under review. As Palm Aire works through a list of proposed improvements to the facility.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Mike Benkusky on the reimagining of the Palm Aire’s Champions golf course.

But for more information on Palm Aire Country Club in Sarasota Florida, please visit the clubs website at palmaire.net.