THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road is open year round. So you can play the Schaumburg Golf Club indoors on the simulators, and then outdoors in the summer months. But if you are looking for new clubs, this Wednesday afternoon Feb. 15th is a PING fitting day. But you must get an appointment. Call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000 or visit SchaumburgGolf.com. Chandlers Chophouse will be open.

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

Tom Pashley with a 2024 U.S. Open pin flag in the pro shop of the Pinehurst Resort main clubhouse.

Golfers on Golf sat down recently for it’s almost every year talk with Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley.

Our session is a wide open discussion about Pinehurst, with no topics off the record.

The Home of American Golf under Pashley, has taken on a record number of improvement projects. A list that most properties could never undertake.

The Dedman family who owns the resort, and resorts team under Pashley’s leadership, enters the planning stage of any capital improvement project with a vision of how to get better, be modern. But while preserving the tradition and history of Pinehurst.

Starting in 2011 with the restoration of Pinehurst No. 2, by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The Pinehurst Resort has taken on a list of improvements that sounds exhausting, just reading them. So in addition to Course No.2, the improvement list is as follows.

Course No.4 with Gil Hanse. The Creation of the par-3 Cradle Course by Hanse, that has sparked a movement across the country for par-3 golf. A partial relocation of Courses No. 1 and No. 3. The building of the large Thistle Dhu putting green. Improvements to the practice areas. A restoration of Course No.8. The building of the Pinehurst Brew-Pub in the towns old steam powerplant. Renovations to the Carolina Hotel (still on-going), the Holly-Inn, the Manor-Inn and The Magnolia Inn. Buying and restoring of the Dornoch Cottage, which is Donald Ross house.

But their has also been a few tournaments the resort has hosted during the last decade. Including two U.S. Opens (back to back in 2014), a U.S. Amateur (2019) and there are three more U.S. Open’s this decade in the next 6 years. With the 2024 U.S. Open just over 400 days away. The members clubhouse and resorts swimming pool have been renovated. But it doesn’t stop there. Because the building of two of the most talked about halfway house’s located on the par-3 Cradle and between Courses 2 & 4 add to the list. The building of “The Deuce” restaurant in the clubhouse, behind the 18th green of Course No.2. Adding the Jack Nicklaus Pinehurst design to the family and creating Pinehurst No.9.

But there is still more. Because the USGA is coming to town, with Golfhouse Pinehurst. So how about the return of the World Golf Hall of Fame to Pinehurst. But like Pashley says, the building of more overnight accommodations that have views of golf when guests open the drapes in the morning is evolving.

The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, open daily until 10 Pm. Home of McWethy’s Sportsbar. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (630)-739-7600.

So yet it doesn’t stop there. The creation of the Pinehurst 10 project, not a Pinehurst 10 golf course. Tom Doak with lead associate designer Angela Moser are hard at work on the land of the old Pit Golf Course, and some adjacent land the resort purchased in recent years. Doak might be first on the tee here, but Coore and Crenshaw will return because there is enough land for than one golf course.

Pashley says the resort was a little slow in getting back to Coore and Crenshaw on starting the Pinehurst 10 project, and that they are currently booked up for a while- so the resort took advantage of a window Doak had in his schedule to start work on the site.

Pinehurst has become an anchor site for the USGA, which means plenty of championships for years (like almost 30 more)  to come to Pinehurst.

Pashley breaks down Pinehurst, it’s growth spurt, how the Pinehurst #10 project could evolve, being a USGA anchor location, and everything else from Putter Boy country, “The Home of American Golf.” Pinehurst.com.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley.

More from Pinehurst coming up in the days ahead, with a bigger look at the Pinehurst 10 site, that now has Tom Doak on location.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily until 10 Pm, and is home to McWethy’s Sports Bar. But in the golf dome you practice with Toptracer, get a lesson from the professional staff, or a club fitting from fitters Matt Carter (R) or Eric Russell. So book your 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 and Facebook.

2023 PGA Show_Day 3
Innisbrook GM Mike Williams (L) Innisbrook PR Ramona Herald (M) and Rory Spears of Golfers on Golf (R)-photo is courtesy of photographer Kevin Allen.

(Writing from Golfers on Golf headquarters in Arlington Hts. )

SO BACK IN THE OFFICE after 24 days and over 4,000 miles on the road, I am home. But more on that shortly.

Scottie Scheffler is No.1 after his win at the Waste Management Open in Scottsdale Arizona. Scheffler seems to be peaking at a good time for his title defense in Augusta at the Masters come April. Scheffler looked solid in his title defense at Waste Management over the weekend. So for those of you that will enter a pool, or pluck down some cash on the Augusta, Scheffler will be a great choice to win. But he will likely not have a great odds for a big payout.

THE WEEKEND didn’t happened for our local players. Kevin Streelman missed the cut at WM. On the Korn Ferry Tour, locals Patrick Flavin, Vince India and former University of Illinois standout all missed the cut.

SPRAYING TO ALL FAIRWAYS: There is so much to write after our winter journey, that I will be popping stories out like crazy all week, and next week, for about a month to try and catch up.

The Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road, is open for year round golf. But this time of year SGC is played on it’s simulators in the clubhouse. The pro shop and Chandlers Chophouse are open. Lessons, club fittings and simulator time by calling (847)-885-9000 or see Schaumburggolf.com.

ONE OF MY STOPS was Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro Georgia, the No.1 golf destination in the Peachtree State, unless you can get a tee time at the ANGC. It’s now official that the 27-hole National Course by Tom Fazio will become 36 holes. So likely it will be split into two courses. There is an expected press release coming out this week.

COMING UP tomorrow is our podcast from my sit-down with Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley. The president of the Home of American golf has plenty to say about what’s happening in the sandhills of North Carolina. Pashley says the name of the Ryder Cup Room in the Carolina Hotel will change. The name is still TBD.

But in regards to the Pinehurst #10 project, Pashley explained how it’s Tom Doak working on site that includes part of the old Pit Course, and not Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, who are very busy these days-tune in to hear the entire story. Plus did you know that Moline Illinois based John Deere is now the official equipment supplier for Pinehurst, you do now.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein will open this week for some limited outdoor play over the next couple of days. Call the course at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF) for all the details.

COMING UP later this week. I will have some photo’s of the new Kyle Franz designed really big putting green-not yet opened. At the Southern Pines Golf Club, part of Ross Resorts with Mid Pines and Pine Needles Golf Courses.

I DID GOLF on the recent 24 day winter trip. 14 rounds to be exact. I will recap them in the weeks ahead. All but two of them were on public courses or resort courses you can play.

THE ILLINOIS PGA has announced it’s schedule for 2023 and the sites of it’s major championships. Flossmoor Golf Club will host the 2023 Illinois Open, with The Preserve at Oak Meadows hosting the Illinois Senior Open. Bull Valley Golf Club will host the Match Play Championship, and Thunderhawk GC the IPGA Section Championship, and Twin Orchard Country Club the Players Championship in the fall.

THE PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS in Addison has special hours in the clubhouse tomorrow for Valentines Day, if your looking for a nice place to dine. Details at DuPageGolf.com.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road is open year round for golf. In the summer play Schaumburg outside, in the winter play the course indoors in the simulators. Chandlers Chophouse is open for food and beverage right upstairs. So book a tee time or get a lesson or club fitting at Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open today Superbowl Sunday for golf and football watching. Bring the clubs and the appetite today for a full day or sports. Mistwood Golf Dome is the perfect place for a lesson or club fitting. So book a hitting bay online to try out Toptracer for a great practice session. Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600. The dome is located on Route 53 in Bolingbrook, and is open daily until 10 Pm. #McWethys

THE SUNDAY MORNING SHORT-GAME hopes that you enjoy Superbowl Sunday and will return next Sunday Feb. 19. The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns tomorrow on Monday Feb. 13. with an update on our winter golf trip that included 9 states and over 4,000 miles of driving.

on the porch at the Caledonia Golf and Fish Club on Pawley Island South Carolina.

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.

See you tomorrow-enjoy the game. RS

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg, is open year round. Yes you can play the Schaumburg Golf Club on the three simulators in the clubhouse. But there are plenty Top 100 courses to pick from. Get a lesson, or be fitted for new clubs, the outdoor season is coming. Schaumburggolf.com or (847)-885-9000

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open daily until 10 Pm. Located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. The dome is home to McWethy’s Sports Bar. Book a hitting bay online at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (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.

WHAT A difference a few weeks makes. The historic Carolina Hotel at Pinehurst has reopened after being closed for a nearly a month. The renovations continue in advance of the resort hosting the 2024 U.S. Open.

A new lighter brighter front entrance and lobby, greets guests as they arrive for their stay. Even the check-in counter has a new look, as do some of the seating area’s in the lobby and outside of the Carolina’s dining room (home of the best breakfast in golf).

Guests enjoy the new seating area’s in the lobby of the Carolina Hotel.

The Ryder Cup Room is still in a state or “Pardon our Dust” but should be open before long.

When you need your coffee, the coffee shop area has been redone and is now open.

But with growing popularity for outdoor relaxing, and dining. The new fire pits area outside the hotel is finished, much to the delete of visiting guests.

But while the hotel is open, not all of the rooms in the Carolina are finished. Because the sounds of a reimaging are on-going. But signs of improvement are everywhere, as the Carolina is still the historic hotel it has always been, but she’s showing guests a new smile that has been brought back to life.

The new firepits allow guests a place for outdoor relaxing, while enjoy food and beverages.

A few blocks away from the Carolina, sits the latest acquisition for the Pinehurst resort.

The Magnolia Inn which first opened in 1896, now gives its hotel guests a feel of a Bed & Breakfast.

But while there are only eight rooms, they give one the feeling of both the old, and new look of Pinehurst.

The rooms are named after the streets in downtown Pinehurst, and are located on the second and their floor. There are both regular rooms and a few suites to pick from, with the first floor being an upscale Italian restaurant. The food theme is Northern Italy, but sorry they do not serve pizza. However the wine list is quite extensive plus the Lasagna and bread with dipping oils are very good.

The Magnolia Inn in downtown Pinehurst.

The Magnolia might be a hotel and restaurant, but it looks more like a regular home.

A long history accompanies the Magnolia, that has been more than a home. It has served as a school, a hospital, a bed and breakfast (twice) and a personal home (twice).

Around the Magnolia is downtown Pinehurst, where guests can find places to eat, along with a variety of shops. Chicago area visitors might compare downtown Pinehurst to northern Chicago suburb of Long Grove.

The first floor dining area’s come complete with fire places, while the upstairs rooms have been refurnished. Mixing in a touch of both modern and classic style looks. In the restaurant area, diners will enjoy many great photo’s with history of golf in Pinehurst.

So while everything is not yet complete on the accommodations side of the resort, things are taking shape and everything will be ready when the U.S. Open arrives in June of 2024.

For more information on Pinehurst hotels, or book your golf play and stay. Visit Pinehurst.com

For more photo’s visit Rory Spears on Facebook and Twitter.

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 NORTH ROSELLER ROAD minutes from Woodfield Mall, has three simulators open all year round. So drop in and play the indoor version of the Schaumburg Golf Club. You can be fitted for clubs, or get a golf lesson. To book simulator time call (847)-885-9000 or visit SchaumburgGolf.com. MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open for golf and home to McWethy’s Sports Bar, need a place for Sunday’s big game. Mistwood Golf Dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Call or book online a hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com. (630)-739-7600 IT’s new club fitting season.

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. At Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach SC.

GRANDE DUNES IS BACK.

Because not only is the golf course open for play, it’s back in form after last years over four month renovation.

Architect John A. Harvey got the call to oversee the renovation project. Harvey worked under original architect Roger Rulewich who designed Grande Dunes that opened in 2001.

Grande Dunes is one of Myrtle Beaches top golf destinations. But while their is plenty of room for golf, there are now very nice homes around the golf course on most holes.

The renovation project has added some teeth to the golf course. But still helps the average amateur golfer enjoy their round, while having fun.

While the yardage tops off at 7,578 long enough for any tournament, their are six sets of tee’s. The front tee’s measure out to 5,353 yards, with four sets of tees playing over 6,000 yards. The black tees do measure to 7,183 if the back tees are too long for your game.

The Par 3 14th hole that can play 220 yards, is regarded the signature hole at Grande Dunes.

What was really needed from the renovation, was having the tee’s, bunkers and greens redone.

The greens had lost a third of their size over the years and have had over 40,000 square feet added to them, with fairways having grown by eight acres of grass.

Because the bunker conditions have been improved. It should be easier for most amateurs to get out them. But the improved drainage so keep the course playing faster and firmer.

Tom VanHoogen is Grande Dunes head golf professional.

Tom VanHoogen the clubs head golf professional, is as excited about all the improvements off the golf course, as he is the ones on the golf course.

Because not only did the golf course get a renovation. But the clubhouse did as well.

VanHoogen will tell you that golfers would only grab a hotdog and “hit the road” after a round of golf.

So now it’s not just a snack, but you can really get a full meal for lunch of dinner.

The 19th hole is Terrazza-19 and the full menu is a good one. But if you do want something a little more traditional, the Pimento cheeseburger is really good.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Grande Dunes head golf professional Tom VanHoogen.

So if your headed down to Myrtle Beach, put Grande Dunes on your hit list. You never know who you might find there. During a recent visit, golfers found former PGA Touring professional who now works in television, Charlie Rymer on the new back porch taping a segment for the Today Show.

The par-3 11th hole at Grande Dunes can play up to 190 yards.

The outdoor dining area has heaters when needed. But in Myrtle Beach that is not too many months a year.

Practice area’s have been updated, so when you need to hit balls before a round, you will enjoy having some nice facilities to practice in. Don’t forget while you are there to visit the pro shop, with plenty of apparel and golf balls.

Grande Dunes is located not far inland from the ocean. So on any given day the wind conditions can change, testing golfers with new conditions.

So to book a round of golf at Grande Dunes, or you can call the course at 888-886-8877 or visit online Grandedunesgolf.com.

IT’S TIME TO VISIT THE THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB that’s open year round, with 3 simulator bays downstairs from the pro shop and Chandler’s Chop House. So come play many Top 100 courses, and the Schaumburg Golf Club in the simulator area. The club is located at 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg. Call (847)-885-9000.

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy AT THE Caledonia Golf and Fish Club on Pawley’s Island SC.

THE FINAL week of the winter golf trip is underway, as this afternoon I head back to the home of American Golf, the Pinehurst Resort.

Yes back where this trip started a couple of weeks ago. Where I will catch up on a few more things that have happened since I left town for Orlando and the PGA Show.

The Carolina Hotel has reopened, and I’m there tonight. Plus the Magnolia Hotel has opened from restoration since the purchase of the property by the resort. Should be exciting.

What I do know is that there is plenty going on in the world of golf, and this will make for an exciting year in the industry. I have been so busy stockpiling it all, I have not had much time to write. But that will change, as I’m back in the windy-city by Friday night.

Will someone please melt all the snow before I get home. I don’t need to see any.

But once I left Orlando it’s been great to visit several properties making changes and improvements. The Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Springs Florida, has redone it’s Cypress Course and it’s really good. The club is getting back to speed from last falls hurricane, but making progress.

AT INNISBROOK there are changes coming that will shake up the property. So I caught up with resort General Manager Mike Williams who broke it down for me. The Copperhead Clubhouse home of the Valspar Championship will be gutted. Packard’s steakhouse will be moved to the Island Clubhouse. There is a par-3 course coming and more. Stay tuned.

REYNOLD’S LAKE OCONEE I will look at the two Bob Cupp courses that launched the property years ago. But there are happenings on the land that a decade ago, was going to be the resorts 7th course by Pete Dye. Will the Fazio-National course now 27 holes, soon be 36.

MYRTLE BEACH I arrived after the Chinese Balloon was shot down, off the coast from my hotel. It was loud and quite a sight. I played the two Mike Strantz courses in the rain yesterday-True Blue and The Caledonia Golf and Fish Club. Strantz was a really good architect before passing away too early in life from cancer.

Cart Path Only is no fun, but the courses were. So this morning it’s off to see the renovation of Grande Dunes a Myrtle Beach favorite of many golfers. It’s now been open four months.

Then home and home-stay tuned for plenty of news in the weeks ahead. RS