THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS NOW OPEN and ready for the indoor golf season, are you ? SO if you wish to stay outside for a few more weeks, you can at the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville (815)-254-3333. But the transition into the dome is starting now. So visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. (630)-739-7600. OPENING DAY is coming soon to the StoneDrift Spa at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena EagleRidge.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 Gog Blog by Rory Spears, with new Callaway Rogue ST-LS fairway woods at the Mistwood golf Club Performance Center. Photo by Eric Russell.

THE GOG BLOG is ready to step up the news.

Because over the last several weeks, I have been stock-piling information for stories, that will be coming out in the days and weeks ahead.

It was great last Friday to step out at the Mistwood Golf Club and get in a round of golf-outdoors.

So I’m hoping there is still time to get in a few more rounds, before the temperatures drop and the snow starts landing on the tees, greens and fairways.

NEWS ALERT*** perhaps as quickly as tomorrow. The will be some breaking news regarding some major golf events in the Chicago area. But they might still be some years out. So stay tuned right here for the details.

THE 2023 PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW in Orlando Florida scheduled for late January is gaining steam. Because this year attendance was down and the equipment companies were no-shows.

But not this year. Callaway Golf and Topgolf have just announced their return to the show. Previously Titleist and FootJoy announced a return to the show. Cleveland Golf and it’s companies are returning. Cobra Golf and it’s companies are making a return.

ONE COMPANY that will be a no-show is TaylorMade Golf, their reason or reason’s for not attending are at this time are unknown. But the good news is that there is still time for the company to change it’s mind.

I have reached out to representatives of local companies Wilson Golf and Tour Edge Golf to see if they are returning. But they have not yet commented. There is a few return commitments on the apparel side, including leader Peter Millar.

So all of this sounds good for golf in 2023. But one survey company is suggesting that golf equipment sales are starting to slide down. This might be true, but many golfers have reloaded their bags in the last couple of years. But there are other things that many golfers could add to their bags, including new bags, maybe it’s time to upgrade your wardrobe if you haven’t in the last few years. I will have a column on upgrades for golfers in the days ahead.

I found it interesting that an unofficial Twitter poll had comments from golfers about how over priced new golf equipment is these days. But the thing is, is that there are so many clubs being sold at top dollar, why should prices go down. Prices in golf are like any other industry, car prices go up, utility bills go up, home prices go up, etc. Why should golf be any different, I hate to say it, but it’s the truth.

SOME MORE GOOD GOLF NEWS the pre Black Friday golf show is back on for this year. Because what hasn’t been held since November of 2019 is back at the Twin Orchard Country Club in Long Grove. So if your looking for good deals on apparel, golf shoes and hats, some golf balls and clubs, this is the place to go. Dates are supposed to be November 18-19, hours are TBD.

I LOVE THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME, it’s the best in the area. But when it opens for golf, it means outdoor golf season is fading. But the chicken wings alone are worth taking a drive there.

LIV GOLF wrapped up it’s season at the Trump Doral Golf Resort in Miami. Dustin Johnson seems to have walked away the big winner in terms of dollars made. The total plenty. More good news for golf fans and LIV Golf players, the British Open and the Open Championship says they will not exclude any players at next years championship. So now it’s time for the USGA, the PGA and the Masters to get on board as well.

WORD IS THE FOX RUN Golf Club in Elk Grove is again looking for a new Director of Golf operations, apply at the Elk Grove Park District if interested in the position.

CHECK BACK TOMORROW more golf news I think, is coming. RS

THE STONEDRIFT SPA at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, is getting ready to finally open. (R) ER-Resort owner Mark Klausner. So follow all the details by visiting Eagleridge.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.

With new Callaway Rogue Fairway woods in the Mistwood Golf Performance Center. Photo by Eric Russell.

JUST IN TIME.

MY NEW CALLAWAY Rogue ST fairway woods have landed from the Callaway plant.

They came late last week, and the early birthday presents arrived in time for the Heritage Oaks Golf Club team championship I played in with partner Patrick Crampton a fellow Heritage Oaks staffer. Second place wasn’t bad on the Low-gross side.

I did not hit the fairway woods as often as expected with Crampton bombing his drives. But when I did, they went long and straight. It did take several years to get new Callaway fairway woods, that could out perform my Callaway Steelhead fairway woods from 2017. But the Rogue ST’s proved they could do just that. #Lockandload

So I am anxious to get back on the course in a round of golf where I am playing solo, and I can hit the Rogue ST 3 & 5 woods more often. Because they are really good clubs.

OWGR and the MAJORS FOR NOW. It is really getting tiring listening to all the reports of the latest lawsuits being filed between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. I’m not totally sure why PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan choose this path to move forward on. But maybe someday cooler heads will prevail.

For now the OWGR World Ranking points are important. But if the system continues to not rank the world’s best players, they will soon become insignificant and worthless. There does seem to be some conflicts of interest as to who is sitting on the OWGR board. So maybe some resignations should be forth coming, or add Greg Norman to the board.

MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS, the Masters, and the golf organizations that currently run the major championships still seem stuck on who should be able to be in their fields. It’s pretty simple really, anyone that is a past champion-where that applies, or anyone who qualifies, where that applies.

Because if the major tournaments won’t let in the best players, or players who have previously earned exemptions, they will no longer be considered majors. Because they will become minors.

I’M GLAD TO SEE THAT RORY MCILROY is back being #1 after his win last week in South Carolina. Personally I think it’s always good when a Rory is #1.

LOCALLY word is that long time Libertyville based golf architect Rick Jacobson is easing into retirement. Jacobson will finish what’s currently on his table, and head off to warmer pastures. Jacobson’s last major local project will be the Winnetka Park District course. The course is expected to close on November 1st, and might not be reopened until summer of 2024. Stay tuned. ALSO at Winnetka, word is Northbrook based KemperSports will be running the facility starting next week.

BATAVIA BASED GOLF ARCHITECT GREG MARTIN has announced he will begin master planning for the Village Links Golf Club in Glen Ellyn. But there is no announcement yet as to when any work might start at the 27 hole facility, which is due for a tune-up.

THE GRUMBLING CONTINUES from several local IPGA professionals about the treatment or lack of it, at the sections last major championship, The Players Championship at the Lake Shore Country Club in Glencoe. Come-on LSCC, course maintenance happening during play in the second round. Please do rough-cut mowing and bunker work before a round starts, or after it’s over. The IPGA and our Illinois section professionals deserve better.

I’M HOPEFUL that Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, will finally get it’s new state-of-the art spa open next week as now planned. Because supply chain issues on some products have already caused a delay of over 100 days.

The Gog Blog will return this week. RS

  THE STONEDRIFT SPA at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa is almost open. EagleRidge.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.

David Paeglow 2022 IPGA Senior Players Championship winner. Photo courtesy of IPGA.

DAVID PAEGLOW of Kishwaukee Country Club was the winner by four shots at Glen Oak Country Club, in Glen Ellyn.

Paeglow’s winner was wire-to-wire in the 36 holes event, played in cold and windy conditions.

“It was quite a chore out there the past couple of days,” said Paeglow. “The weather was really windy and cold during the first round. But today wasn’t quite as bad. The greens were very fast and tricky. So I was lucky to get hot with the putter and was able to make a few putts. Because that is what it took to keep the round going. I was fortunate to win in these conditions and I’m very happy with the outcome.”

The IPGA Senior Players Championship is an invitational for the top 32 players on the 2022 Errie Ball Player of the Year list. So due to his seventh place finish, Roy Biancalana won the 2022 IPGA Errie Ball Senior Player of the Year Award. So for Biancalana he wins the award back-to-back and for his fourth time in five years. During the 2022 season, Biancalana won three times including two senior majors.

The brutal conditions during Round 1, left the days scoring average at 81.53. Paeglow was tied for the lead after Day 1, after shooting a 4 over par 76. During Round 2, Paeglow carded an even par 72, which was tied for the days low score.

David Hannon (Links and Tees) was able to finish at +8 for 36 holes, which gave him a solo-second place finish. Beverly Country Club’s head professional was third two shots back of Hannon.

The Illinois PGA wraps up it’s playing schedule for 2022, with the Pro-Superintendent event at Kemper Lakes Golf Club. but for more information visit IPGA.com.

HERITAGE OAKS has been open all year for the first time in three years, it’s renovation and rebranding has been attracting golfers all year long. So visit HeritageOaksGC.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.

Heritage Oaks Director of Golf Greg Baron at the grand Reopening in August of 2021.

HERITAGE OAKS in Northbrook and part of the Northbrook Park District, has retained it’s designation of being a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary”, through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.

This program is an international program

Bill Meyer Parks Division Manager led the effort for Heritage Oaks to maintain it’s Audubon status. Because it was first awarded this prestigious honor in 2015. So It’s one of only 900 courses worldwide to hold the distinction from Audubon International.

The Audubon Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, is endorsed by the United States Golf Association. So it does provide leadership in helping golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, while protecting natural resources.

The sun rises on the 18th hole at Heritage Oaks on the Classic 18 course.

Golf courses from several countries and multiple continents have received their certification in the Audubon Sanctuary Program.

“Heritage Oaks Golf Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. So they are commended for preserving the natural heritage of the area, and providing a sanctuary for wildlife,” said Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International.”

“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” explained Kane. ” These categories include Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitant Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management. Courses go through a recertification every three years.”

“As the Director of the Golf Division. I am elated to share that our golf maintenance staff takes tremendous pride in maintaining the certification standards and education required to be certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.” said Greg Baron. “Enhancing wildlife habitats and natural areas while minimizing harmful impacts of the golf course maintenance programs. Is a high-level goal while trying to provide the best possible public golf experience we can. Being certified for the third successive time in a row is truly an honor.”

But the recent renovation of the golf course saw environmental concerns addressed at every decision making session. So these sessions led to the creation of enlarged ponds to better manage storm-water after heavy rains.

“A large part of our mission is to practice environmental stewardship,” said Molly Hammer, Executive Director of the Northbrook Park District. “So the Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary designation is a testament to our talented staff members who maintain and preserve our golf course and additional park assets in an environmentally responsible manner. But the amazing byproduct of this work is a stunning golf course. That features 27 holes of golf for the community.”

Audubon International is located in Troy, New York. Heritage Oaks Golf Course is located on Dundee Road in Northbrook. So for more details see HertiageOaksGC.com or call (847)-291-2351.

EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & SPA OWNER MARK KLAUSNER (L) AND NEW GM STEVE GEISZ are getting the Eagle Flying High Again. #DontTakeUSforGranted for booking your next getaway, please visit EagleRidge.com 63 Holes of Golf and more.

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.

(L-R) Eagle Ridge owner Mark Klausner, Marketing Director Colin Sanderson, General US Grant, Rory Spears.

THE GENERAL TURNS 25.

Last week the General Golf Course at Eagle Ridge in Galena IL., celebrated it’s 25th anniversary. I was proud to be back after 25 years to play it all over again.

Because on May 27th of 1997, The General opened for play with a grand opening outing.

Eagle Ridge members, homeowners, some golf staff members, media members, vendors and VIP hosts Bears Coach Dave Wannstedt and his wife Jan were on-hand for the opening.

So were some “Union Soldiers” and General U.S. Grant, or at least someone who looked like and maybe smelled like he did back in the 1860’s. The civil war era cannon was aimed down the first fairway, when Wannstedt suggested it be re-aimed and fired towards Green Bay.

The weather on May 27th 1997 wasn’t that great, it was overcast all day and the temperatures never hit 60. But this time with a 30-minute delay involved, the rain stopped shortly before the start, and as Eagle Ridge Director of Golf Mike Weiler read the format for the day, the sun came out and stayed out until almost the end of play. The temperature this time around made it up to 69 degrees.

So this time there were no Porta-Potties, but real bathrooms. The courses was in great shape in-spite of a 1/2 inch of rain in the morning. But this time the winners were determined on the golf course. Not in a putt-off in the clubhouse bar. There were contests on every hole that made for so much fun. This time there was only 13 foursome’s with few last minute cancellations due to the rain, those people sure made a mistake. This years outing never saw 1 drop of rain. I think two years from now will be the 40th anniversary of the South Course, outing please.

Eagle Ridge owner Mark Klausner shows off the new Stonedrift Spa, which will be a difference maker for the resort.

A FEW THINGS HAVE CHANGED at Eagle Ridge, since I was last there in early May.

Because the Stonedrift Spa is much closer to opening, and finally will open in just a few weeks. I took an updated tour with resort owner Mark Klausner and this spa looks really good. I think those who enjoy spa’s, will love the new Stonedrift Spa.

But back downstairs in the main-inn building, I found new General Manager Steve Geisz, who has now been on the job for 4 months. Geisz an 8 year U.S. Army veteran of Operation Desert Storm, is working to get the spa opened before moving on to another project.

BUT WHAT WILL THOSE PROJECTS BE. It appears that a restoration of the Main-Inn seems to be on-tap, with updated look outside and redone rooms on the inside. But for you golfers, the practice areas and range will see improvements. So stay tuned.

CONGRATULATIONS to IPGA member Roy Biancalana on qualifying for the 2023 Senior PGA Championship in Frisco Texas. The first major championship played on the courses at the new home of the PGA of America.

THE FIGHT CONTINUES for World Golf ranking points. But it’s time for a few members of the board at the OWGR to resign for conflict of interest reasons. If things are not settled quickly.

THE WEATHER GETS BETTER later this week, but outdoor golf season is slipping away. So get out and play while you can. The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

ARE YOU READY TO TRAVEL-BECAUSE IF YOUR ARE, it’s time to visit Eagle Ridge. Golf season is not over, and new state-of-the-art Spa is almost open. EagleRidge.com

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

Steve Giesz at his new desk in the offices of the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa.

STEVE GIESZ IS HOME.

Because Illinois is where his world wide journey in life started.

But in between the start, the stops and now the landing, Giesz has logged a lot of miles.

Giesz is an 8-year US-Army veteran, whose duties included Operation Desert Storm back in the early 1990’s. Giesz calls himself lucky, that he is one of the 2% of Army veterans who did not come back with PTSD. But he remains close with army friends that have suffered with PTSD. Giesz helps out where he can with others who weren’t so fortunate.

During his time in the Middle East, Giesz started doing demolition work. So his background in this specialty, later landed him a job with the Miami Marlins in 2001 helping put on fireworks shows. But fireworks shows were eliminated after 9-11. So after the Marlins rallied to stun the Chicago Cubs in 2003 NLCS and advance to the World Series. Giesz was called back by the Marlins, to run a fireworks display, during the World Series win over the New York Yankees.

The new spa, was the first major project Giesz has a settled into upon starting as GM at Eagle Ridge.

But after earning a college degree in hospitality, Giesz started working at various properties that included the ski slopes in the mountains of North Carolina. From there he spent years at the Doral Resort in Miami, which gave him a front row seat for golf, when the PGA Tour visited each March.

But as Giesz looked to return to his roots in the Midwest, a recruiter called asking him to interview for a job in Galena.

So when Giesz learned the job was at Eagle Ridge. He jumped at the opportunity to interview with owner Mark Klausner. Giesz was familiar with the resort after growing up playing football against Galena high school. So after listening to a sales pitch from Klausner, Giesz couldn’t wait to roll up his sleeves and start taking Eagle Ridge to a new level.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Eagle Ridge and Spa General Manager Steve Giesz.

Giesz knows getting the spa open, is step one of the major projects ahead. But the army veteran is not one to back down from the challenge of getting the eagle flying high again. So for more information visit Eagleridge.com.

READY TO TRAVEL-HOW ABOUT SECENIC GALENA AND THE EAGLE RIDGE RESORT. The General Golf Course has turned 25, and spa is brand new. Eagle Ridge Resort-it’s at the Top of the State. So don’t take it for Granted. Do visit EagleRidge.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.

Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa owner Mark Klausner shows off some of new products coming to the Stonedrift spa.

DRIFTING INTO PLACE.

The new Spa at the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena Illinois, is finally drifting into place, as the resorts newest amenity.

Because due to supply chain issues, what was once planned to open this past July, is finally about to open it’s doors.

The new Stonedrift Spa will be heads and tails better than the current one.

The Women’s locker room is taking shape, and so is the Men’s.

First is all the new space, the spa has for guests to be more comfortable in. There will be a barber shop for everyone, especially for all you guys who still need to dump the Covid-Era shaggy look.

But something else to look forward to, is the salt-spray water to help cleanse your skin.

Because you asked, there will be a Yoga room for those enjoy stretching their bodies into shape, or getting in a full workout.

So do you enjoy getting your feet and toes massaged, the new chairs to enjoy those procedures are installed. But the sauna’s for two, is an addition that friends or couples will enjoy.

Owner Mark Klausner views the new Yoga room in the Stonedrift Spa.

The relaxation room with a scenic view to the outdoors behind the spa, offers room for individuals to just relax and talk in groups before or after treatments.

But with 63 holes of golf on property at Eagle Ridge, you can bet that the golfers have not been forgotten.

Because golfers massages will now be available, to help keep your body ready for the golf Eagle Ridge offers.

Are you ready for some steam.

There will now be a group room for before and after treatments. So the bride and her bridesmaids, or the groom plus his best-man and groomsmen can enjoy some relaxation before the march down the aisle.

Regardless of your needs. If it’s time to really let your body relax or get rid of some aches and pains.

Then the new Stonedrift Spa is the place to visit during your Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa stay. So stay tuned for the opening of the spa, which is expected to be in a few weeks.

For more information visit EagleRidge.com or call the resort at (815)-777-5000.

THE GENERAL AT EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & (NEW) SPA WILL HOST THE 25TH Anniversary tournament of the General Golf Course, first opened in 1997. The Roger Packard-Andy North design is still a 5 Star Course and one General Grant would have enjoyed. Sign-ups are still being taken until 10 AM tomorrow. Visit EagleRidge.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 foursome at Lawsonia Links for the Langford Shield outing. L-R Jason Kauflin-partner/Patrick Crampton-Rory Spears.

THE STRETCH DRIVE IS HERE.

As we roll through the start of October it’s hard not to notice that the end of outdoor golf season here up north is getting close to ending for 2022.

Because many Chicago area courses, are getting close to closing, and now anytime Mother Nature drops the snow bomb or really cold temperatures for a few days on us. The courses will close.

Because of how busy courses have been the last few seasons, it seems that many area courses will not be chasing the extra few dollars late in the year. So don’t expect many courses opening-closing-reopening and closing again. So unless the weather is really good past Thanksgiving and into early December, there will not be many open courses to choose from.

BUT WEATHER PERMITTING there will be some Turkey Trot tournaments and Black Friday events. So stay tuned.

HURRICANE IAN really dropped a bombshell and plenty of water in various places in Florida a few weeks back. But many of the clubs are starting to reopen. Resorts like Innisbrook, Doral and Streamsong have reopened and are welcoming back the guests.

But the closer one gets to the Fort Meyers area, reopening’s could take month’s in some cases. All of us at Golfers on Golf wish a speedy recovery to all the golf courses and people who live in Florida.

IT WAS SAD TO HEAR of the passing of Dave Mueller who was part of the McDonald-Mueller family that owned courses like Rob Roy in Prospect Heights, and Chapel Hill in McHenry, plus Crystal Woods in Crystal Lake. I worked with Dave for years at Rob Roy and his father the late Jake Mueller gave me my first job, and first job in golf at the Rob Roy driving range. But while it was only $2.00 an hour picking and cleaning range balls. It started me towards working in the business of golf where I still am today. Condolences to Dave’s family and friends.

I AM really excited for this Wednesday’s 25th Anniversary tournament of the General Golf Course in Galena-at the Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa-new spa is coming FINALLY at the end of the month.

THIS TOURNAMENT will be fun. Because of contests on every hole. There will be long drives, closest to the pins, on par-3’s and par-5’s in three shots. I will be one of the returning players, who played 25 years ago in the Grand Opening of the General tournament.

THE KEMPERSPORTS Invitational at the Glen Club was last week. But kudo’s to two of my teammates from last year, who went on two win again this time. Former Daily Herald writers Joe Aguilar and Barry Rozner won, after being paired with Steve Olken and Walter Lis. So while my attempt for a 3-peat did not happen. Seventh place was not all bad either.

HALTOM-OLIPHANT GOLF that manages several courses in Wisconsin. Did recently host the famed (William) Langford Shield event on the Lawsonia Links course. The two player team event is really fun, and the post round food is even better. Craig Haltom who found the land now known as Sand Valley, and his team put on a great event. My partner Patrick Crampton and I managed a 16th place finish out of 54 teams.

Lawsonia’s Links Course is rated 23rd on the Classic Course Top 100 list (Golfweek). But what’s not to well known is much about the second course there. The Woodlands Course which was recently renovated, was designed by Rocky Roquemore. Roquemore did the  restoration work at Pine Meadow for the Jemsek’s in the mid -1980’s.

NICK HARDY-KEVIN STREELMAN AND DOUG GHIM all had nice weeks at the Shriner’s tournament on the PGA Tour. Streelman led the way with a T-20, then it was Hardy followed by Ghim further down the leaderboard. But at least all three made the cut and got a check.

THE NEXT COUPLE DAYS should see some nice weather. So get out and enjoy some outdoor golf while you can. Because sadly, the end of outdoor golf season is sneaking up on us.

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

The 25th Anniversary tournament for the General Golf Course at Eagle Ridge in Galena IL. Wednesday Oct. 12th. Sign up today.

THE SUNDAY MORNING SHORT GAME NEWS COLUMN is back.

A mulligan of last weeks column is coming soon. So stay tuned for that issue.

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 25th ANNIVERSARY of the General Golf Course will be celebrated this coming Wednesday at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena Illinois.

The outing will have contests on every hole and is only $97 dollars to enter. Because the course opened in 1997, hence the 97 dollar entrance fee. See EagleRidge.com for details and to enter.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein will have a 2-person scramble on Saturday November 5th. So for details on format and to sign up call Pine Meadow at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF). Pine Meadow now has a sale on PING G425 demo clubs.

CLUB CHOICE IRELAND is promoting different area’s of Ireland for your next golf trip to one of the world’s top golf destinations. See Clubchoiceireland.com for more information. Druids Glen Hotel is one stop worth a visit when visiting Ireland.

Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook is having fall tournaments during October, are you ready for the challenge.

HERITAGE OAKS GC on Dundee Road in Northbrook, is having several tournaments over the next few weeks.

Starting on Wednesday October 12th is the Senior Scramble, for four-man teams.

But you must register by tomorrow night at 7 PM.

Saturday October 22nd is the 2-man 27 hole team championship. Play every hole at the Oaks, with a different format every nine holes. November 1st is the start of simulator leagues indoors. But on Saturday November 12th, is the famed Turkey Trot Shootout. So for more information please visit HeritageOaksGC.com or call (847)-291-2351.

Get tested or fitted for clubs at Club Champion golf.

Willowbrook based Club Champion Golf has announced the opening of five new locations across America.

So Club Champion now has more locations (over 100) across America, than any other fitting studio.

The new locations include Torrance CA, Wilmington NC., Pleasanton CA., Mandeville LA.,  Ashburn VA., so with the new locations and grand openings, come a fitting discount, with a club purchase. So for more details see Clubchampiongolf.com.

The Club at Lac La Belle in Wisconsin’s Milwaukee’s west suburbs.

The Club at Lac LaBelle in Wisconsin, has announced it has started it’s fall rates for the remainder of the 2022 golf season.

Lac LaBelle one of Wisconsin’s historical properties is growing quickly in popularity following a recent renovation.

Fall is great looking time to visit the club, walking rates are now just $110.00 dollars. Check out all the fall specials at Clubatlaclabelle.com.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AND THE B1G Ten Conference have announced that University of Illinois Men’s Golf Team member Sophomore Jackson Buchanan has been named Big Ten Men’s player of the week. Buchanan’s third place finish helped the Illini win the inaugural Folds of Honor Collegiate, by a margin of 15 strokes. For more details see FightingIllini.com.

The Streamsong Lodge in Florida.

STREAMSONG RESORT has reopened for business after being closed for a short period, for clean-up from Hurricane Ian.

But the good news was that clean up did not take long, and the resort has opened and is now welcoming back guests.

Streamsong has made several improvements on and off the golf course, since KemperSports Management has taken over operation of the entire resort. See Streamsong.com for all the details. Three 18 hole courses, a short course and a new Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design on the way.

GALVIN GREEN has spent the last three years putting together the INSULA Sweaters, that come from 3 million recycled PET plastic bottles. For more details see Galvingreen.com.

MISWTOOD GOLF CLUB in Romeoville has announced the start of it’s fall rates. So to view hours, rates and dates see Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333.

Zero Friction Golf Products, located in Oak Brook Terrace Illinois.

OAK BROOK TERRACE ILINOIS based Zero Friction LLC, golf products, has announced that Tom Cismoski, has joined the company in a newly created position of Sr. Vice President of USA Sales.

Cismoski a graduate of Baylor University in Texas, previously spent 23 years at TaylorMade Golf, before joining Honma Golf as vice president of sales the last four years.

Zero Friction Golf is the home to many golf products including the 3 & 1 golf carry bag and convertible pull cart. So learn more about Zero Friction at Zerofriction.com or call (630)-317-7700.

TONY LEODORA and his program, The Traveling Golfer has a feature out on the Southern Pines based Talamore and Mid-South golf properties that feature among the best golf in the Southern Pines & Pinehurst area. See Travelinggolfervideos.com for information on how to see the feature.

LINKS CAPITIAL ADVISORS and Chris Charnas have announced the listing of the Saddlebrook Golf Club in Indianapolis Indiana. This fun but challenging golf course is a favorite of local players, and has been for the 30 years the club has been open. For details on a purchase call Chris at (312)-543-7192.

MYRTLE BEACH GOLF is now open for business. Because all of the Grand Strand area’s golf courses have now reopened for play, after some needed clean up from Hurricane Ian. So if your ready to travel this fall, think Myrtle Beach South Carolina. Visit Playgolfmyrtlebeach.com.

LIV GOLF has it’ season finale from October 28-30 at Doral Resort in Miami Florida, tickets are now on sale at LivGolf.com.

JENNIPHER SATTERLY has been named president of the Academy of Golf Art based in Okatie South Carolina. Details at AcademyofGolfArt.org.

THE Gog Blog returns this week. RS

THE GENERAL GOLF COURSE at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena has turned 25-The NEW Stonedrift Spa is close to opening. See details on both events at Eagle Ridge.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.

IT’S BACK TO AGUSTA for 14 year old Martha Kuwahara of Northbrook.

D-C-P if your a junior golfer with some drive for competition, and a chance to make the national finals at the Augusta National Golf Club, you know what D-C-P stands for.

Drive, Chip and Putt.

Winners at the regional finals advance to Augusta National the Sunday before the Master Tournament. You will be on national TV, you have a chance to meet some of the greats of the game, past and present.

So for Martha Kurahara, it a return trip to August, because she qualified a year-ago, and competed in Augusta this April. But she finished 9th, due to nerves she says, and is ready to do better this times around.

From the boys side of the 14-15 year old’s, the winner is Alex Kim of Brookfield Wis., who plays out of Brown Deer Park GC.

The competition played out at the Medinah Country Club, and ended minutes before daylight faded for the day.

The other winners advancing to Augusta included.

Adalyn Lupton 9 years old, from Waunakee Wis., But Lupton had to win a playoff to advance, over 2021 Augusta qualifier Eloise Fetzer.

Emory Munoz 7, from Lockport IL. Emory plays his golf at Cog Hill. Sophia Miller 11, of Princeton Iowa, has two older sisters playing college golf at DePauw University in Indiana.

William Comiskey 11, of Hinsdale (Not related to members of the White Sox founding family). Comiskey made his run on the putting green and say Jack Nicklaus is his favorite player of all time. Because Nicklaus hits his irons so well and is great to his kids.

Anna Bell 11, of Popular Bluff Mo., says she is just proud to take her dad to Augusta National Golf Club, for all the help with her golf game he has given her.

Ben Patel 13, of North Aurora IL., is making the trip to August on his second attempt. Ben was looking forward to celebrating with his brother Luke. Because Luke who was also competing at Medinah, but finished 8th in his Boys 10-11 age group.

So Congratulations to all who made it to Medinah, and the 8 juniors advancing to Augusta next April.