MISTWOOD GOLF DOME open Christmas Eve 7-4Pm-closed Christmas Day. But now is time to sign up for the 4th annual Ice Bowl-Saturday January 7th at 7 Pm. But this event is limited to the first 30 teams that sign-up. Mistwoodgolfdome.com located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, or call (630)-739-7600 The dome is home to McWethy’s Sports Bar.

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.

Bettinardi and Greyson the collection is here.

Bettinardi Golf and Greyson Golf have announced a collaboration, with the launching of the Wolf Wizard Collection.

This collection sets out on a journey where the wolf encounters a practitioner of magic.

Having the Windy City as a back drop, the wolf embracers the spiritual power of the wizard, producing a spirited and refined collaboration.

So Bettinardi and Greyson are howling about the collection of apparel, headwear and headcovers.

But you need to visit the studio store at Bettinardi.com. Now available online.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open holiday week but closes early on Christmas Eve and is closed on Christmas Day. But between Christmas and New Years head out to the dome for a fun week of golf, and catch all the sports in McWethy’s Sports Bar in the dome. The dome is located on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook-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 and Facebook.

THE EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & SPA IN GALENA has opened it’s NEW multi-million dollar STONEDRIFT SPA. Now offering more treatments and services than before.

Welcome to the STONEDRIFT SPA

FINALLY !

The new Stonedrift Spa is open for business at the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena.

So the best golf resort in Illinois just got better, with the addition of this multi-million dollar addition to the property.

The relaxation room with snacks, oversized chairs, large couch and fireplace.

The original plan for the spa was for it to open in mid-July. But supply chain issues with some of the products needed, pushed things past the “Plan B” opening date of Mid-September. But “Plan C” came together with the start of November.

So winter has arrived and the resorts 63 golf holes are closed, golf is not closed at Eagle Ridge, because the simulator tent is now set up in the main dining room of the General Clubhouse. But book early because on many days it fills up.

Because golfers can use time to get the body back in shape for the winter golf trip, or by when spring rolls around. The new Stonedrift spa has something for all you golfers.

The massage table is home to a relaxing golfers massage.

The Golfers Massage (On the Green Massage) works well before or after your round or practice session.

This full body massage will focus on the muscles that you use most in your swing.

Starting with the lower back, hips , shoulders, forearms as well as stiffness that can form in the head and neck area. The golfers massage helps with range of motion, and reduces fatigue in your body during the round. There is now the Theragun Vibration Therapy.

But the Golfers Massage is not the only massage you can get. There is the Stonedrift Signature Massage, the Muscle Melter, the Stress Less CBD Massage, Mother to be Massage, the Drifting Hot Stone Massage.

IT’s TIME to get your hair done in the new salon.

So you want more, well here you go.

How about the new barbershop and the semi-private nail suite. The new state-of-the-art steam room located in both locker rooms.

The new spa boutique now offers you the chance to purchase the same products used in the treatments you receive while in the spa.

So if it’s just a massage before or after golf, a couples massage or other treatments. Contact the new Stonedrift Spa and make your reservations (recommended) at (815)-776-5772 or (800)-892-2269 and visit Eagleridge.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open for the winter season, and ready to welcome you for your golf practice, competition on Toptracer, a golf lesson or club fitting. But the McWethy’s Sports Bar is open with holiday season food and beverages. Located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, the dome is open daily. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (630)-739-7600.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and LinkedIn or Facebook. In the Mistwood Golf Dome.

WHO WOULD HAVE KNOWN!

ONE PLAYER who you did not hear about all week until he stole the show at the Father-Son/Mother Son team competition, was Will McGee.

McGee 11, was rolling in putts, and walking them in from across the green. McGee and his mom-Annika Sorenstam were 10 under par on day one. The galleries ate it up, likely so did the TV audience who thought there was only one team in the outing.

Charlie-Who? BUT something else you didn’t hear, is that on their 16th attempt, Vijay Singh and his 32 year old son Qass, WON the scramble outing.

STRETCH DRIVE TO CHRISTMAS-do you still need a holiday gift for your favorite golfer. Something stronger than a gift card. Golf balls are a great option. But right now the shoe industry is strong, between new options from Sqairz shoes, and a variety of new options from New Balance. But some of the new options will not be in stores until February.

GOLFERS ON GOLF has posted it’s last news column for 2022 yesterday. But the column will return on January 8th, 2023. I will post some year-end lists next week between Christmas and New Years.

BUT THIS WEEK AHEAD will still leave me with some new equipment listings to post from Tour Edge-Titleist and Honma. So stay clicked in for all the details.

COG HILL GOLF & COUNRY CLUB has released it’s tournament schedule for 2023, which includes the season opener-Eskimo Open on Sunday January 8th. Visit Coghillgolf.com for more information and to sign-up.

NEW YEARS EVE at the resorts. Various resorts are posting details and taking sign-ups for New Years Eve parties. Eagle Ridge in Galena, Mission Inn located in Howey-and-the Hills Florida (NW of Orlando), with other properties hosting parties. Check your favorite resorts website to see what’s going on.

THE WINNETKA PARK BOARD has voted to approve KemperSports Management as it’s new management firm for the Winnetka Park District Golf Club. All 27 holes at the club are closed until at least August of 2024. But the practice area’s will remain open through the renovation process. A storm water project was able to tie in golf course improvements during the project.

LIV GOLF has announced more tournaments at new sites across America, in Arizona, Oklahoma and West Virginia. The Greenbrier will host the West Virginia stop in August, on it’s Old White Golf Course. Old White was redone after the flood by architect Keith Foster (one of our favorites) and it’s outstanding. LIV Golf will return to Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove moving up two weeks from this year, and will be held on Labor Day weekend.

WALT DISNEY WORLD in Orlando has reopened it’s Magnolia Golf Course this past week from renovation. But word is that for now, only 14 holes are open. The opening of the other 4 holes is TBD. Stay tuned for updates here.

NO WORD YET on the official opening day for the Willow Hill Golf Dome in Northbrook, but it will be shortly.

ENJOY your lead-in to Christmas and the Gog Blog Speaks Out will return on December 26th. RS

STOP BY BOTH PLACES-THEY ARE BOTH OPEN ALL WINTER LONG. Mistwood is open year round-for golf and more. Golf in the dome, or enjoy McWethy’s Sports Bar or over at Mistwood Golf Club-McWethy’s Tavern is open daily. McWethysTavern.com or Mistwoodgolfdome.com  Practice, play on Toptracer, get a lesson or fit for golf clubs.

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 & (New) SPA-now open. Year End Specials and hosting the Best New Years Eve Party in Town. So visit EagleRidge.com #DontTakeUSforGranted

Sqairz Golf Shoes-now get gift card specials.

IT’s NOT SQUARE.

IT’S SQAIRZ quite likely the best golf shoes you have ever worn.

Since the time that plastic spikes have invaded the golf world, there has not been a shoe that offers the traction that Sqairz does.

So if you like to swing, and have a swing with some Speed to it. Why not try a pair of Sqairz Speed golf shoes.

Right now when you spend $100 on gift cards-you get $120. But if you spend $200, you get $250. So learn the options at SqairzGolf.com.

Cassy Tully Art, cards, ornaments and more.

THE CASSY TULLY YEAR-END SALE is here.

Now through December 31st-2022.

Shop now. Because some items have sold out, or are close to selling out.

So do you need some golf art for your clubhouse. How about the perfect personalized holiday ornaments.

But they are going quickly, so shop before Christmas and take advantage of year end prices. CassyTully.com.

Chad Johansen Indoor Golf all Winter Long.

CHAD JOHANSEN Mr. “Kids Rule” has it going all winter long in the golf dome.

Located in Yorkville and near Blackberry Oaks in Bristol. So grab a friend and cold-one for indoors, and head out to the dome.

Callaway Golf Ambassador Chad Johansen is offering, junior golf, lessons and club fittings. So keep your game together all winter-CJGAIndoorGolf.com.

The Work is underway at Winnetka Park District Golf Course.

Winnetka has closed it’s Park District Course, through at least August of 2024.

The par-3 9 hole course closed in July, with the 18 hole course closing on November 1st.

But recently the Winnetka Park Districts Board of Commissioners, voted to bring in Northbrook based KemperSports Management to run the operation of the facility.

Practice area’s will remain open through out the renovation project, that is being directed by architect Rick Jacobson. See more at Winnetkagolfclub.org.

A rendering of what Topgolf’s future Memphis venue will look like

DALLAS BASED-Topgolf has announced that it’s new venue in Memphis Tennessee has now started construction.

The new Topgolf located off of Germantown Road, will open in late 2023.

This will be the fourth location for Topgolf in the state of Tennessee.

You can learn more about what this double-decker hitting facility will offer at Topgolf.com.

New Balance Golf-The 997 Series.

NEW BALANCE introduces the 997 Series.

This new 997 line will be available in February of 2023.

The 997 series shoes come in both spikeless and spiked versions. 997 is a waterproof microfiber leather that is guaranteed to keep your feet dry on wet days, or early morning rounds when dew is still on the course.

Cushioning and shock absorption are key components of the 997 series. 997 has a CUSH+ insole that is paired with the new Abzorb midsole. Ultra-soft cushioning is felt with every step you take. More shoe-More comfort. Hear more at Newbalancegolf.com.

Fred Couples is back with Ashworth.

ASHWORTH APPAREL IS BACK!

So is Fred Couples with Ashworth Golf Apparel.

The 1992 Masters Champion will now wear the new Ashworth 2023 Apparel line.

Ashworth which is now returning to the US marketplace, now has it’s former spokesman back with the apparel line.

“I am thrilled to be back with Ashworth Golf and once again wearing the Golfman logo as I represent this apparel line,” said Couples. “Ashworth was there with me when I won the Masters and it was part of my success during so many memorable victories. Golfers the world over love this brand.”

Ashworth President Eddie Fabel says,” it’s only fitting to have Fred back with us.” So learn more about Ashworth and it’s return at http://us.ashworthgolf.com/ or visit Ashworth on social media outlets.

THE SUNDAY MORNING SHORT GAME-NEWS COLUMN returns Sunday January 8th, 2023. Thanks for reading all year long. RS.

EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & SPA YEAR END SPECIALS & NEW YEARS EVE-or-NEW YEARS EVE in FLORIDA at MISSION INN RESORT NW of ORLANDO. Check out year end specials and the New Years Eve celebrations at Eagleridge.com where the new spa is now open. MissionInnResort.com Mission Inn is located in Howey in the Hills Florida.

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 COG HILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB  will reopen it’s practice range this morning at 8 AM.

The range has been closed since 7th for maintenance. For more information and details please visit Coghillgolf.com or call (886)-264-4455. The range will be closed for Christmas Day, but does remain open all winter.

LAWSONIA GOLF in Green Lake Wisconsin, now is the time to book tee times for next 2023. But do you need a holiday gift. Lawsonia apparel is available with 10% off if you purchase by December 22. So use the SANTA23 promo code. Orders by tomorrow December 17th do arrive in time for Christmas. Stay & plays at lodging@lawsonia.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.

Steve Kashul hosts The Golf Scene on NBC Sports Chicago

THE WINTER EDITION of The Golf Scene on NBC Sports Chicago is back starting this Sunday Night at 5 Pm.

Your host is Steve Kashul who returns for another season.

Through the next week here is the schedule of broadcast times.

Sunday 12-18 at 5 PM. Monday 12-19 at 6:30 PM. Tuesday 12-20 at 5:30 PM. Wednesday 12-21 at 5 PM. Thursday 12-22 at 10:30 PM. Saturday 12-24 at 12:30 PM on NBC Sports Chicago Plus. Then back on NBC Sports Chicago at 4:30 PM. Sunday 12-25 Christmas Day at 11:30 Am.

FEATURES INCLUDE: X-Golf Chicago area locations. Golf Direct Now new west Chicago location. The options with Pins and Aces Golf Apparel Accessories. Score 18 Indoor Golf new Bolingbrook Facility. What’s new with XXIO Golf for Women. Then the destination feature-Las Vegas National GC.

So you can learn more about The Golf Scene on their Facebook Page.

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.

Cam Smith (M) holds the hardware after winning the Chicago LIV Golf Championship at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove last September.

THE FINAL 2023 Schedule is not ready yet, but more pieces of the puzzle are coming together.

LIV GOLF that recently announced three new destination tournaments outside the USA, have announced three tournament sites within the United States.

Plus the Chicago tournament will move up from Mid-September to Labor Day weekend, with championship week running from late August days into the first few days of September. But the official announcement will be out shortly.

The Greenbrier Resort and the First Tee area of the classic Old White Golf Course. LIV Golf at the Greenbrier is August 4-6.

MARCH 17-19 The Gallery Golf Club in Tucson Arizona. MAY 12-14 at Cedar Ridge Country Club in Tulsa. AUGUST 4-6 at America’s Resort the Greenbrier in West Virginia.

“LIV Golf’s expansion to new U.S. markets adds to the growing excitement for the league launch in 2023,” said LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman. ” So more fans across the country and around the globe will experience the LIV Golf energy and innovative competition that has reinvigorated the sport, and these championship courses will contribute to the transformative season ahead for players, fans and the game of golf.

Grounds passed for these three new USA events are now available at LIVGolf.com.  many of the top LIV Golf stars are known, the full roster of players will be announced in 2023. So there will be 12 team franchises and a 14 event schedule with prize money totaling $405 million dollars in prize purses.

The Gallery Club in Tucson Arizona.

The Gallery Club in Tucson has previously hosted the Match Play Championship.

Current LIV Golfer Henrik Stenson won the championship in 2007.

The courses green complexes have been compared to the famed Pinehurst No.2 course by Donald Ross. John Fought designed the two courses at the Galley Club.

Cedar Ridge Country Club in Tulsa Oklahoma.

Cedar Ridge Country Club in Tulsa Oklahoma will host LIV Golf from May 12-14.

The club was built in the late 1960’s. But architect Tripp Davis was hired by the club to rework the golf course in 2016. But with the project being done three holes at a time.

World Golf Hall of Famer Jan Stephenson, won the 1983 U.S. Women’s Open at Cedar Ridge.

Old White at the Greenbrier.

The Greenbrier Resort will again host professional golf on it’s classic design “Old White” golf course from August 4-6.

Old White opened for play in 1914, and was designed by the famed Charles Blair Macdonald. Updates were made in the 1920’s by Seth Raynor. But more recently a major restoration was completed after major flood affected the golf course and the area. Classic course specialist Keith Foster was brought in to restore Old White. Reviews have been outstanding, and current LIV Golfers Kevin Na and Joaquin Niemann have won professional tournaments on the golf course. But for years, golfs the all-time leader in tournaments won Sam Snead called Old White His home course.

LIV GOLF will begin it’s 2023 season in February. So learn more at LIVGolf.com and watch for the release of the full 2023 LIV Golf schedule coming soon.

A HUNDRED DOLLARS OF GIFT CARDS GETS YOU THE GOLF DOME STOCKING HAT. Bombs away in the dome, book your hitting bay now at Mistwoodgolfdome.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.

PXG DRIVERS and PXG Irons are on sale. So learn more at PXG.com

Some of the items that are less than $50.00 include Players Gloves, men’s and women’s. Performance 59 fitted cap, One on One club fitting.

The $150+ group is the 0211 XCOR Irons, the 0311 Gen4 Irons, 0211 Driver, 0811 GEN4 Drivers, 0311 3x Forged Wedges, the new 0317 ST Blades.

250+ NEW 0311 Gen5 Irons-New 0311 Gen5 Drivers-Sugar Daddy II.

1,000+ GEN5 Full bag, Gen5 Driver, Fairways, Hybrids, Gen5 Irons, Daddy II Milled Wedges, Battle Ready Putter, Hat, Headcovers and PXG Lightweight Carry Stand Bag.

0211 Z Full Bag: 0211 Z Driver, Fairway, Hybrid, Hybrid Irons, 0211 Putter, Hat, Headcovers and Stand Bag.

GEN4 Full Bag: Gen4 Driver, Fairways, Hybrids, GEN4 Irons, 0311 3x forged wedges, Battle Ready Putter, Hat, Headcovers and PXG Lightweight Carry Stand Bag.

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES

Fall/Winter Fashion 2022

For Men: Comfort Fit Short Sleeve Mock Pocket Polo. Paneled 1/4 Zip-Pullover. Quilted Puffer Down Vest.

For Women: Short Sleeve Chevron Polo. Checker Plaid Knit Skirt. Hybrid Leather Trim Vest.

Accessories: 20oz. Tumbler and Cactus Leather Duffle Bag. See more at PXG.com online or visit Chicago area locations in Northbrook and Oak Brook Terrace.

AT THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME in Bolingbrook on Rt. 53 (630)-739-7600. Swing away on Toptracer, grab a lesson or get fitted for clubs. Book at Mistwoodgolfdome.com

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

In the pro shop at Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein. Outdoor golf in December is special.

SO just when you think outdoor golf season is over-it is not.

Because yesterday on a 41 degree day, I went up to Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein to play outdoor golf.

Because it’s December and yes you can still play outdoors at “The Pine”.

Outdoor golf in December in the Chicago area, is a special day. Because it does not happen every year, due to cold and snow.

One of the things I liked was that with only 3 other players on the golf course, I could play quickly. Just a few minutes more than 2 1/2 hours for 18 holes.

But do take note, nothing is out on the course besides 18 flagsticks. No putting green, no open bathrooms, no tee markers or ball washers. Not one garbage can or tee signs. No bunker rakes, or beer carts, no beverage house open.

Even with the snow that fell and melted so the course could reopen, things were not to wet. Most of the pins were almost all on the front of the green, usually within three steps of the front fringe.

BUT THERE IS ONE ISSUE-whoever broke into the Pine Meadow pro shop and stole over $10,000 worth of merchandise should spend the holidays behind bars.

But as GM-Head Professional Dennis Johnsen told us, the golf season that was slow to start. Has now become the season that won’t end. Pine Meadow Golf Club, go enjoy it while you can. Is there one outdoor round of golf left in your season, you bet there is. Because it doesn’t matter what month it is, tee shots from 150 yards to 2 feet for a two always feel good.

PinemeadowGC.com or call (847)-566-GOLF (4653). But you probably don’t need a tee time.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is now in the full swing mode heading into the winter golf season. The fitting team that includes Matt Carter (R) is now set up in the dome. Toptracer lessons and more, see Mistwoodgolfdome.com plus the dome is home to the McWethy’s Sports Bar with award winning wings. (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 and Facebook.

In the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook. (630)-739-7600

PINEHURST IS THE BIRTHPLACE of American Golf, sometimes called the Cradle of American Golf.

Regardless, it’s a pretty special place, and not just the golf courses, but the entire community.

So it was sad to hear that the Pinehurst, Southern Pines area, and Moore Counties 45,000+ residents had lost power to a random act of violence.

Because someone or some people shot up two power stations knocking both of them off-line. One of them for six days. Repair costs are running in the millions, and the Pinehurst Resort, Ross Resorts, Talamore-Mid South resorts all lost power for days.

The resorts kept the golf courses open, but there were issues with clubhouses, hotels and rooms. The restaurants and businesses that rely on holiday sales were hampered. I do hope authorities catch whoever did this, and that person or persons are dealt with accordingly. But the good news is that things are now back in-order as the holidays approach.

THE MATCH was back again, with mixed reviews and I didn’t watch and hear I did not miss much.

THE FULL LIV GOLF SCHEDULE for 2023 is coming out shortly. LIV Golf will be returning to Rich Harvest Farms and the dates will be moving up a couple of weeks. Stay tuned for a full announcement shortly.

MIGHT THERE BE GOLF-There could be today, as I am going to try and sneak in a final round. Pine Meadow Golf Club is open if there is no snow, and it looks like last weeks dusting has melted away. So I will have details if I play, and you should consider sneaking out to “The Pine” always a good time. Tee times at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF). Because Chicago area golf in December is always a good thing, even if the temperatures are a little cool-like in the 40’s. 10 Pine Meadow Ambassador passes are still for sale.

CONGRATULATIONS is in store to 20 year John Deere Classic Championship Director Clair Peterson, who will retire this week from the championship and the John Deere Company. The party is this week at a Quad-Cites area casino.

SO AFTER speaking with golf dome guys like Andy Mickelson at Mistwood, and former White Pines Dome owner Mike Munro, they do agree with me that the new Willow Hill Dome playing 160 yards, will be the biggest in Chicago golf dome history.

Owner Kent Knebelkamp has a great plan to continue evolving Willow Hill even beyond golf. A 9-hole par-3 course designed by architect Greg Martin is in the works. So stay tuned as opening day is coming.

The Gog Blog returns all week. RS