THE SHACK IS BACK AND GETTING BIGGER AND BETTER. Owner Nick Larkin is expanding the Glenview based-“The Shack” from 4 to 7 simulators and adding a new putting green. The new area is expected to open in Mid-to-Late January. So stay tuned for details, the new simulator area’s are larger and one has movie studio like seating. So visit TheShackGolfClub.com or call to book your hitting bay at (847)-904-2905.

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

THE SAND VALLEY RESORT in Nekoosa Wisconsin has been named as host to four upcoming USGA Amateur Championships. Starting with the 2026 U.S. Mid-Amateur.

USGA.org The USGA has awarded four amateur championships to the State of Wisconsin.

THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION (USGA), has awarded four of it’s future amateur championships to the Sand Valley Resort, in Nekoosa Wisconsin.

The first of four is the 2026 U.S. Mid Amateur, the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2029, the 2030 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, and in 2034 the U.S. Girls Junior.

Great food and beverages are found in McWethy’s Sports Bar-inside the Mistwood Golf Dome. Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. So call (630)-739-7600 Toptracer golf and more.

“The USGA is excited to begin this commitment with Sand Valley Resort, so we look forward to a long and fulfilling relationship,” said Mark Hill, USGA managing director of championships. “The Keiser family has been committed to hosting national championships and promoting amateur competitions. So we know that the resorts courses will challenge and thoroughly impress the worlds best players.”

The resort is owned and operated by Michael and Chris Keiser, sons of Bandon Dunes founder Mike Keiser.

Sand Valley is now over 12,000 acres of wilderness in the Central Sands of Wisconsin, with dunes and sand barrens. But it’s also home to a native pine forest and restored timberland. Because Sand Valley is only 100 miles north of Madison, 170 miles from Milwaukee and 220 miles from downtown Chicago. The commute to the resort is under four hours from several cities.

Willow Hill Dome in Northbrook, is the largest indoor golf dome in Chicago history. With a front to back yardage of 160 yards. Golf hours are 8 Am to 3 Pm. But currently the Willow Hill Holiday light Show in running through Jan. 6th. WillowHillgolfdome.com

SAND VALLEY is now home to five golf courses. But the golf courses are part of an expanding community.

The Sand Valley Course was first, followed by Mammoth Dunes and the Par-3 course the Sand Box.

But more recent work by architect Tom Doak has included “The Lido,” and now Sedge Valley which will open in 2024.

But the Lido will be the primary course for the 2026 Mid-Amateur.

“We have looked so forward to this day for a long time,” said Chris Keiser, co-owner of Sand Valley. “Because amateur golf is the heart of the game. But to have the opportunity to host these elite men and women over the next ten years is a great honor. So we are thrilled to become part of the history of these great championships.”

The USGA has conducted 17 championships in the State of Wisconsin. But the 18th is scheduled for 2025 when Erin Hills will host the U.S. Women’s Open. But the four of named championships have age and handicap restrictions to be a part of the field.

So the dates for the champions are as follows. 2026 Mid-Am Sept. 26-October 1. The 2029 U.S. Junior Amateur is July 23-28. U.S. Women’s Mid-Am is Sept. 7-12. With the 2034  U.S. Girls Junior Championship, July 17-22.

So for more information please visit USGA.org.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily until 10 Pm. The dome is home to Toptracer Golf and McWethy’s Sports Bar. This winter Mistwood Golf Dome will host a series of golf events on Toptracer. So follow the news right here or at Mistwoodgolfdome.com. You can book a hitting bay online or by calling the dome at (630)-739-7600. Winter is a great time to take a lesson or get fitted for new clubs. But you can watch the best games in McWethy’s while you enjoy the award winning wings.

The Rich Harvest Farms holiday event L-R Jerry Rich, Monica Birnbaum and Rory Spears.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING…

This past weekend I enjoyed the annual Rich Harvest Farms holiday event.

Rich Harvest Farms has been the Chicago home of LIV Golf for the last two years. But will there be a year number three.

Jerry Rich has given LIV Golf the green light to return, but LIV still has not given RHF an answer if they are coming back to date. LIV has made no secret of their plans to take their tour to different markets. But right now they should simply just say yes to Chicago a great golf market. Published reports say LIV is coming back to Chicago, but that is not confirmed.

With no BMW Championship back in town for a while, it makes sense for LIV Golf to be in Chicago, a wide open market for 2024-2025-2027. The Presidents Cup is scheduled for 2026 at Medinah. But by then-will the Presidents Cup run by the PGA Tour, still be an event on the tour. So what if there is no PGA Tour, what if the PGA Tour combines with LIV Golf and the new name is ?

THE CANTLAY TOUR-will the Price Be Right for Cantlay to stay on the PGA Tour. So is Cantlay “calling the shots” for the tour as some on social media suggest he is. The Price Was Right for Jon Rahm to leave, but now as a team owner in LIV, will Rahm recruit three new players to leave the PGA Tour and join LIV Golf. Because numerous reports says Rahm’s good friend Tony Finau is next to go, and join Rahm. Tyrell Hatton a two-time European Ryder Cup team member, reportedly is next to leave and join LIV after Finau.

ALREADY LEAVING THE PGA TOUR is one of it’s signature events-The Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte NC., after the contract runs out in 2024. The Price was Wrong for Wells Fargo to stay. So as costs escalate to put on PGA Tour events, will other sponsors stick around. Here’s hoping they do, but what if they don’t. What would the Western Golf Association do, if BMW drove off into the night when the current contract runs out.

SO CAN THE PRICE BE RIGHT-and the PGA Tour and LIV Golf reach a deal by December 31st deadline. But I’m not sure that they will. The PGA Tour is now getting equity partners on board, but is that enough to put them anywhere in the ballpark or golf club when at the bargaining table with the Saudi PIF.

SO WHAT’S THE FALLOUT-there was talk that Greg Norman would be pushed out-but as things move along and Norman remains quiet, it seems that Jay Monahan is likely the fall guy. Will Rahm’s departure be the final straw in Monahan’s tenure with the tour. It could be, maybe it should be. Maybe Monahan should have just taken Norman’s phone call months ago.

IS RORY’S DEPARTURE from the policy board, a result of disagreements with Tiger Woods. Because it seems that McIlroy has been thinking big picture, and the future of golf, while Woods is being stubborn and still wants to play hardball against those that have left for LIV Golf. McIllroy is looking for ways to get LIV Golfers back into the majors and the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, uniting both sides. Woods might not be on board with that line of thinking. Jordan Spieth is now claiming that reports which include him fighting specifically for the stars of the PGA Tour, is really fake media.

WHAT WILL BE INTERESTING is who the three players are, that will become part of Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf team. Will that mean three more players depart from the PGA Tour. So if that’s the case-what will the poor anti-LIV social media crybabies do. Because if the Price is Right, three more PGA Tour players will go join Jon Rahm. My money is on Tony Finau to be one of the three. (even though he now says he isn’t leaving).

The tee shot from the back tee on the new 18th hole of he Medinah #3 course.

MEDINAH #3…

Golfers on Golf was honored to be the first media outlet to tour a finished Medinah #3, what’s left is for the grow-in process to get the course ready to welcome back golfers. Hopefully by late June of 2024.

My story runs this week on the OCM renovation, and how the 2024 reopening will operate.

While this is not etched in stone, the PGA Tour is planning to make sure all the new holes get in play during the 2026 Presidents Cup. But due to the fact in match play many matches wrap up by hole 15 or 16. The first hole is likely to be the current Hole #5. So the first hole tee box could be right outside the front door of the Medinah gun club.

ARCHITECTS DAY-one upcoming column this week will have interviews with several architects, including new ASGCA President Mike Benkusky from Lake in the Hills Illinois. There is so much course improvement work underway or upcoming in the next couple of years. That some golfers might need to start finding some other courses to play. Both public and private courses are making improvements, on and off the golf course.

I’M ANXIOUS TO PLAY the new par-3 course at Boyne Resorts in Michigan next summer. Architect Ray Hearn is the course designer, and he is really excited how this project is turning out. Doon-Brae is the name of this new 9-hole short course.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS-this week. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME has been open for the winter season and is ready to have you come by for some indoor practice on Toptracer. So if you need to practice, get a lesson, or fit for new clubs. Visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. The  golf dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook and is home to McWethy’s Sportsbar.

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

Work has started at Boyne Resorts in Northern Michigan, with the addition of a new large putting green, and 9-hole par-3 course designed by architect Ray Hearn.

THE NEXT PAR-3 COURSE

Northern Michigan’s Boyne Resort in Harbor Springs has announced the building of it’s tenth course, “Doon Brae”.

Doon Brae will be a 9-hole par-3 course designed by Holland Michigan’s architect and Evans Scholar Ray Hearn.

Boyne will additionally add a 1.5 acre Himalayan style putting green. The Doon Brae course will open for play in summer of 2024. But there is no official opening date scheduled so far.

Boyne Resorts Doon Brae Par-3 Course by Ray Hearn, opening summer of 2024.

“So as far as I know, this is the first modern golf course ever built on a ski hill,” said Bernie Friedrich. Director of Golf Course Renovations and Development at Boyne Resorts. “But what excites me the most is how beautiful and different it is. There are three or four stacked wall bunkers. Instead of using tee boxes, we’ll have just one marker on each hole and let guests play wherever they want.”

“The greens are inspired by some of the great ones from around the world. They’re not copies of any specific greens, but they look different and they are big. We also sodded all the fairways, which will be well maintained and surrounded by some tall fescue for that whisper look and feel. It’s going to be quite stunning. There’s a lot of excitement about short courses. We want to keep people excited about golf and wanting to play. So if playing 18 or 36 holes is not enough on any day, this gives golfers another option.”

Architect Ray Hearn has worked at Mistwood, Midlothian and Flossmoor in the Chicago area.

The name Doon Brae where Doon means going down into a valley, and Brae means the steep bank on, or a hillside in Scottish, it’s fitting as the routing of the course is on the site of a former Cuff Links nine hole par-3 course set along the hillside that doubles as a ski slope during the winter months.

“Working with Stephen Kircher and Bernie Friedrich on this project has been really exciting,” said Hearn. Who has been inspired by his many overseas trips to Scotland and Ireland and particular Royal County Down. So Hearn’s favorite part of the project was creatively designed green complexes.

“Drawing inspiration from the British Isles allowed us to create some scaled down versions of famous template greens highlighted by The Short at National Golf Links. Other green templates include Eden, Punch Bowl, Redan, Reverse Redan, Volcano, Steep Slope, Postage Stamp and Biarritz.”

So even with the course being routed on a ski hill, Hearn made sure he minimalized the uphill walking. Doon Brae will play 993 yards from the back tees and 678 yards from the front tees. Holes will range from 57 yards to 134 yards, the longer holes will have more bunkers and be played from strategic angles.

Hearn says,” I wanted to create something fun without being a difficult walk. But we considered families that would bring their kids out to play. But the routing runs this way, No.1 is a level hole, No.2 is uphill, No.3 is downhill, No.4 is uphill, with 5-6 & 7 are mostly sidehill, and 8 and 9 plying downhill.”

So for more information please visit BoyneGolf.com.

    MISTWOOD DIRECTOR OF GOLF ANDY MICKELSON-(M) has surrounded himself with two of the best club fitters in the area. Matt Carter (L) and Eric Russell (R). But better news is that both Carter and Russell can be found all-winter long in the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. The dome is home to Toptracer Golf and to the McWethy’s Sports Bar, where you can find great wings-burgers and beer. So book your bay today at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or you can 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-LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram

Tom Grey is the General Manager at Canal Shores in Evanston and Wilmette. Canal Shores is expected to reopen for play in August of 2024.

TEAM WORK…

THE CANAL SHORES PROJECT is well underway, and the 104 year old golf course is getting a much-needed overhaul.

But it’s a project that needed some help to get launched, a lot of help. So what Canal Shores has become, is the little course that could.

Because many of the big brothers and sisters of golf in the Chicagoland area have stepped up to make this preservation of golf happen. Canal Shores is not like most other 100+ year old golf courses, that get big dollar renovations from some big name architect. Because those projects get paid for by a membership with deep pockets.

So what has happened is that Chicago’s golf organizations have teamed up. They are working together to give Canal Shores a new presence and a new look on the golf scene in the Windy City.

The famed Baha`i Temple behind the new 6th green-that will be the 65 yard putting hole. Maybe the toughest par on the course.

The project started with Canal Shores managing partner KemperSports, who soon enlisted help and or funding from the Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation, the Chicago District Golf Association, Wadsworth Construction, The First Tee of Greater Chicago, Quitno Golf Design and others have stepped up with private donations.

But the estimated cost for the project runs $5.9 million, and fundraising is almost there, reaching $5.5 million. So a few more dollars are needed. So if you can-please do donate to this great cause. Because Canal Shores is more than just a golf course. It will be home to a WGAESF caddie training program and the First Tee once it’s completed and reopened hopefully in August of next year.

But according to the Canal Shores history books, the first tee shot at the course was hit on September 19th, of 1919. So could a new chapter of history for Canal Shores be written on September 19th of 2024.

Perhaps the next wave of Evans Scholars might get their training at Canal Shores. It would only seem fitting, if a few of them went on to study at nearby Northwestern University.

The big new 30,000 square foot putting green outside the clubhouse at Canal Shores.

Chris Charnas of Links Capital Advisors has been providing updates throughout the construction process.

The updates are found on the Canal Shores website, under the news section.

So do check them out, because they are interesting to read and very informative on each phase of the renovation process.

The par-3 16th hole-with a bowl. When the pin finds it’s way into the bowl area on the front of green, a hole-in-one could be in the cards.

Canal Shores receives no public funds or tax payer dollars. The course survives on it’s golf revenue, donations and the hard work of local volunteers.

Canal Shores is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization. So your donation is tax deductible.

The renovation of Canal Shores, forced architect Todd Quitno to be creative, in getting the golf course back to 18 holes.

A few years back-a political decision forced the course to lose the land of one of it’s holes. So Canal Shores became a 17 hole golf course. But then with the plan to introduce a new area for junior golf instruction and play, the first hole at times will be closed. So what does one do, when golfers want to play a full 18 holes. You build two new holes.

The 65 yard sixth hole, now called the “putting hole”, should be a treat to play. General Manager Tom Grey believes it will be the most photographed hole in the North Shore area. Teeing off, golfers have a nice new view of the historic Baha`i Temple in the background. Quitno then slipped in another new 70 yard par-3. So whether junior golf classes are active or not-golfers will play 18 holes. Canal Shores has 12 par-3 holes, and 6-par four holes. So par for the course is 60, and yes shooting a 59 here is still a good score.

The Par-3 tenth hole-that sits next to the hot dog stand at the turn.

Grey says the Evanston Open will return at some point, if not 2024 then 2025. The Evanston Open is just part of Canal Shores century long history. Former PGA Tour player Tim “Lumpy” Herron is among the past champions.

Did you know that Canal Shores is known as Bill Murray’s childhood golf course. Evanston native the late Gary Planos, who went on to be an Evans Scholar at the University of Illinois and Executive Vice President at Kapalua Maui-learned the game at Canal Shores. Planos was later the Tournament Chairman for the PGA Tour’s Tournament of Champions at Kapalua.

CANAL SHORES is a community golf course if there ever was one. Because it’s 19 holes run through both the communities of Evanston and Wilmette. But the golf course serves other purposes for area residents as well. Headed out for a bike ride- a jog-walking the dog, taking a short cut to school. Yes Canal Shores is place you will find all of the above.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Canal Shores GM Tom Grey.

Donations for Canal Shores are still needed. So to donate you can do so online at Canalshores.org/donate or mail a check to Canal Shores Golf Course 1030 Central Street, Evanston IL. 60201 or through your phone on Canal Shores QR code.

Learn more about Canal Shore and the Canal Shore project at CanalShores.org.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open for the winter season daily until 10 Pm. Andy Mickelson (L) Mistwood’s Director of Golf is the 2023 Illinois PGA Player of the Year. (R) it’s time to get he Mistwood golf dome stocking hat. Find out how, 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 LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram.

BETTINARDI STUDIO “B” is now open in Oak Brook. The most advanced putting studio many golfers will ever see, if they take the time to visit. The good news is that for those who live downtown, in the western or northern suburbs. There is no longer a need to drive all the way south to Tinley Park, a location that formerly was only convenient for south suburban customers.

MORE FROM RORY SPEARS: Recently I made my first visit to the new Bettinardi Studio “B” in Oak Brook and it won’t be my last. It was amazing what I saw. So just when you think you know a lot about something, you find out you really don’t. The data I was exposed to in many cases, were things I never knew went into a really solid and advanced putter fitting.

What’s even more amazing is that golfers don’t need to travel to California to experience this studio. Studio “B” is more than just a SAM Putt Lab, you might say it’s a Hive of Information. The putter you leave with might be the creation of a lifetime, your creation. Not what some major equipment company sells, and that you have to pick from. Studio “B” feels like somewhere that touring professionals would go to be fitted, a place that would be restricted to someone with a tour card. But it’s not. You can tune up for a fitting with a steak before or after from Michael Jordan’s steakhouse across the hallway. Studio “B” is across the street from Oak Brook Mall.

Rory putting with a BB style putter. Photo by John Billiter. Rimmy Dunlop (L) looks on.

General Manager David Kubiak PGA, who spent 10 years at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, before working the professional tours as the Bettinardi rep-and now runs Studio “B” was my tour guide.

During my session in the putting studio, fitters Connor Williams and Rimmy Dunlop assisted Kubiak. Okay so it took three people to get me on track. But in less than hour, Kubiak pretty much has figured what kind of putter should end up in my bag. Down the road I will see if he is correct. Bettinardi founder and owner Bob Bettinardi is anxious to hear stories about me making putts outdoors come 2024. So I hope to have a few to tell him. RS

REPLICA PUTTERS that hang on the Bettinardi Wall of Champions include, Francesco Molinari’s 2018 Open Championship putter (L) and Matt Fitzpatrick’s 2022 U.S. Open Championship putter (R).

Welcome to The Hive.

But one part of the tour, includes a visit to “The Hive”, where you find the most advanced putters, that come with real creativity involved.

So when one enters “The Hive” you find walls full of amazing putters, with features developed over the years.

Because here is where one sits with a Bettinardi representative, to create the putter a golfer simply has to have.

So do you need a special length, face, width, shaft location, color or milling. The Hive is where this type of putter gets designed.

But to take a step back, one enters the putting studio first. Where you start rolling putts, and where your data starts to add up, so you can build a putter that make putts, so your score doesn’t start adding up in the wrong direction.

Build it here-yes a majority of the time you will leave Studio B with the putter you selected to be right for you.

GOOD NEWS is that you get fitted in Studio B, and you likely leave Studio B that day with putter in hand.

So unless you have created a special edition putter, you do not leave the studio empty handed.

Because there is no, put in your order, then Oak Brook sends it to Tinley Park, and then you wait for some delivery service to show up at your home, office or club. So the pick it out and take it home concept is winning golfers over. Bettinardi putters are built here in the USA, not in China.

So how did Bettinardi golf get started. Bob Bettinardi was making and milling products for the U.S. Government, then he became a golf fanatic. One day after studying a putter he had from a major golf company. Bob started to make calls, he finally learned enough where he could take his ideas to bigger designers, before branching out on his own.

The data screen that hangs on the wall, tracks information and stats about your putting stroke, that you never knew about before.

Bob Bettinardi’s son Sam is now part of the family business. The father & son partnership has been a winner.

Bob takes great delight when his tour players win tournaments. Especially majors.

Francesco Molinari struck first, winning the British Open in 2018. At one point as Molinari lined up a putt, his putter was shown close up on television. The world saw the Bettinardi name for 6-7 seconds on the screen. Bettinardi learned what that meant, as shortly after Molinari lifted the Claret Jug, Bettinardi’s phones started ringing like crazy.

Bob Bettinardi will tell you. “The industry slogan is-what wins on Sunday, sells on Monday.”  So when Matt Fitzpatrick won the U.S. Open in 2022, Bettinardi took off for his pool, still dressed in his clothes, not a swimsuit and leaped in. Yelling to his wife to order some Champagne.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the full interview with Bob Bettinardi. Bob tells the history on the founding of Bettinardi Golf, some of the partners the company has, how his wife the designer, is the true star in the creation of “Studio B”.

So if your looking for a new putter, or need to know more about putting, and how to improve your putting stroke, visit Bettinardi.com. or visit the studio at 1225 W. 22nd Street in Oak Brook (630)-819-8592. Take your putting to the next level.

THE SHACK GOLF CLUB in Glenview is expanding and the new section opens next month. Hear out interview from yesterday with owner Nick Larkin. Shackgolfclub.com.

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

THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION-LIBERTY CORNER NEW JERSEY.

AS REPORTED HERE LAST WEEKEND- THE USGA and the R&A have announced a rollback to the golf ball. The rollback begins on professional tours in 2028, but then for the amateur in 2030.

The USGA feels the impact on amateur and recreational golf will be very minimal. But time will tell if that is the case. Test conditions revised were at 125 MPH clubhead speed which equals 183 MPH speed. Spin rate at 2200 rpm and launch angle of 11 degrees.  Current conditions set in 2003 were at 120 mph, 176 ball speed, 2520 rpm and 10 degree launch angle.

Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, book hitting bays at (630)-739-7600 see Mistwoodgolfdome.com Home to Toptracer Golf and McWethys Sports Bar.

The revised data is a collection from worldwide tours and reflects the yardage and speed from the games longest hitters, with the top ball speeds.

So the biggest affects to golfers are expected as follows by the USGA.

A loss of 13-15 yards to the longest hitters on professional tours. 9-11 yards from average distance hitters on tour. Top LPGA and LET players will be 5-7 yards.

But for amateur golfers-yardage loss is expected to be 5 yards or less, based on swing speeds of 93 mph for men and 72 mph for women. Existing golf balls approved to be in conformance in 2027, are allowed in play until January of 2030. In fact more than 30 percent of current golf balls on the marker will still be conforming after the rollback is in effect.

“Governance is hard. So while thousands will claim that we did too much, there will be many who said we did not do enough to protect the game long term,” said Michael Whan, CEO of the USGA. “But from the very beginning, we’ve been driven to do what is right for the game, without bias. So as we’ve said, doing nothing is not an option-and we would be failing in our responsibility to protect the games future if we did not take appropriate action right now.”

Marin Slumbers, CEO of the R&A, said. “We are convinced that this decision is one of the key ways of achieving a sustainable future of golf, protecting the integrity of the game and meeting our environmental responsibilities. The measure we are taking has been carefully considered and calibrated while maintaining the “one game” ethos deemed to be so important to the golf industry. Importantly. Importantly, it also keeps the impact on recreational golfers to an absolute minimum. We are acting now because we want to ensure that future generations can enjoy the unique challenge of golf as much as we do.”

THE USGA also announced that it will begin further testing and researching of drivers and the effects on distance they are creating. So the USGA has put equipment companies on notice, and that they have been and will be watching. At one point in the future, drivers will likely get trimmed back a notch-kind of like the golf ball. So learn more from the USGA at USGA.org/distanceinsights.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME ON RT. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily until 10 Pm. So why not try out Toptracer Golf or grab a bite and watch the games at McWethy’s Sports Bar. So get a lesson or get fitted for new clubs. Just practice keeping your game in shape by taking aim at the hanging targets or the target greens. Call (630)-739-7600.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Mistwood’s Director of Golf Andy Mickelson, the 2023 IL PGA Player of the Year (above right) who talks his award and Mistwood Golf.

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

THE SHACK OWNER NICK LARKIN (L) at the bar with Arnie, in the soon to be opened addition to The Shack coming in January of 2024.

When your clubhouse gets a little over crowded, frequently, what do you do. You build a bigger one. Which is exactly what Nick Larkin the owner of “The Shack” is doing.

Because business has been good at The Shack in Glenview, and not having enough simulator space, and enough bar space had started to be come a problem.

So fortunately for Larkin, space in the adjoining part of his building recently became available. The owner next door decided to downsize, and offered Larkin the chance to expand. So what did he do, other than saying YES. Larkin made plans to take out one simulator, punch a hole in the wall and extend his business into a newly acquired open space.

WORK IS UNDERWAY in the new space, that will increase The Shack’s amount of simulators from 4 to 7. But this area also adds more space in the new simulator’s that will include recliner like theatre chairs and more.

So the new space will have options for larger groups, and private functions. Larkin is expecting the new area to be completed and open by mid-to late January. But simulators are not all that will be added. So if you need to work on your putting and who doesn’t, a new putting green will be added in the area of where the old simulator three bay was located.

Larkin is excited about what options will be included in the simulators, adding you could watch a movie in the largest bay-simulator #7. So don’t be surprised if you walk into where the new Shack area is located, and Caddyshack or Happy Gilmore are playing on the screen.

Welcome to The Shack in Glenview.

Better news for golfers who enjoy the current Shack.

Because more Shack’s are on the way at some point in the future, according to Larkin.

Larkin admits that right now his focus is on getting the current expansion complete. But once the new wing of The Shack opens up, he will continue looking for the location of where Shack #2 and Shack #3 could go.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with “The Shack” owner Nick Larkin.

But even with more space coming to the current Shack. If you would like to mix in a little golf, on days with major sporting events happening. You need to book your group ASAP. Because NFL playoff weekends, Super Bowl Sunday, Masters week, and the Players Championship week, simulator space is already filling up quickly.

So will the new lockers where The Shack’s members will have the option of storing their golf clubs. Stay tuned for news on the opening next month, when the newly expanded area in The Shack, is open for business.

The Shack is located at 1717 Chestnut Street in Glenview, phone number is (847)-904-2905. See TheShackGolfClub.com

COME TAKE A SWING OR A 100 MORE. The Mistwood Golf Dome home to Toptracer and McWethy’s Sports Bar is open for the winter season. So grab a lesson, get fitted for your new clubs, play a Top 100 course on Toptracer. So visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

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

   THE CANTIGNY GOLF ACADEMY (L) AND LAKESIDE NINE-9TH HOLE (R)

CANTIGNY GOLF has announced that the Wheaton Illinois golf facility with 27 holes and a full golf academy, will begin a four-year renovation starting in 2024. Cantigny that was designed by the late Roger Packard, will be renovated by architect Todd Quitno.

Construction will begin in June of 2024, on the Hillside Nine. Once the Hillside nine is completed and reopened for play, then work will start on Woodside followed by Lakeside in succeeding years. Cantigny has announced there will be 18 holes of golf open for play at all times. The Youth Links 9 hole course will remain open at all times.

Cantigny first opened for play in 1989, and immediately earned Golf Digest’s “Best New Public Course in America.”  So while there was some renovation on the property improvement done in 2003, but the work starting next year will be the first significant work undertaken since the course first opened.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the full interview with Cantigny General Manager Terry Hanley.

Terry Hanley the KemperSports’ general manager of Cantigny Golf said,” Cantigny has a sterling reputation that attracts players from all over the country. So we are thrilled to drive the Cantigny Golf experience forward to both preserve the legacy of excellence and improve on it’s successes.”

ARCHITECT TODD QUITNO who has been a part of over 150 renovation projects is honored to oversee the work at Cantigny. Quitno’s recent Chicago area work includes the Schaumburg Park District 27-hole course, White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville, and the current work being done at Canal Shores in Evanston.

“I’m honored to be trusted with a course as respected as Cantigny,” said Quitno. “Cantigny represents some of the finest public course access golf in the country. So our team can’t wait to elevate this status to an even higher level.”

SO CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with architect Todd Quitno.

The Cantigny Golf complex sits on the 500+ acre estate of Colonel Robert R. McCormick, the long-time editor of the Chicago Tribune.

“Cantigny Golf has been a premier destination for the public for over three decades,” said Timothy P. Knight, president and CEO of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. “But in addition to the 27-hole golf course, Cantigny has one of the regions finest golf academies and a leading junior golf program. So working with Todd Quitno and KemperSports, we are confident that this renovation will preserve the hallmark of each layout. But also enhancing them to better serve our golf community and to grow the game for years to come.”

SO THE CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE is as follows. June of 2024: Phase One construction begins on Hillside nine, halfway house and putting green.

Phase Two-June of 2025: Hillside nine reopens: Phase Two construction on Woodside nine begins.

June of 2026: Woodside nine reopens: Phase three construction begins on Lakeside nine.

June of 2027: Lakeside nine reopens.

So for more information on Cantigny Golf, visit Cantignygolf.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open for the winter golf season daily until 10 Pm. The dome is home to Illinois PGA Section 2023 Player of the Year Andy Mickelson-congrats Andy, and McWethy’s Sports Bar home of the best wings in the southwest burbs. Lessons, Club Fittings & Toptracer Golf. Mistwoodgolfdome.com

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears (R) in the new Bettinardi Studio B in Oak Brook. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn-Facebook-Instagram. Photo by John Billiter IPGA.

SPIN BACK-BACK-UP-CHECK, Yes!

Roll It Back… Noooooooooooooooo.

So with the announcement that this Wednesday morning the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal & Ancient (R &A) will announce a Roll-Back of the golf ball.

Both professional golfers and amateur golfers alike, sit nervously and await their fate, with a new golf ball, that doesn’t fly like the old golf ball.

DISTANCE will be lost regardless of what style or level of golf that you play. So how much distance, that remains to be seen. Which boils down to how fast your swing and what ball you play.

THE FUNNY THING is that the argument can be made that many amateur golfers already play with a restricted flight ball that is already rolled back. How is that possible.

STOP and LOOK at the ball you are currently playing. Is it new. Is it old, did you find it on the golf course. In the weeds or fish it out of the pond. Does it have a cart path scuff on it, did it sit in your garage all last winter in the cold. Because if your using a golf ball on water holes that’s old or a cheap brand. You are already losing yardage, in fact you are already playing with a rolled-back ball.

SO WHO WINS OR LOSES WITH THIS DECISION…The architects win, the old courses that are land-locked and can’t have their tees pushed back 500 yards during the next renovation win. Those golf fans that don’t want to see the professionals play 575 yard par-5’s driver, 8 Iron. Architecture fans of old courses will rejoice. But everyone else, not so much.

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN for the touring professionals. For the most part they will complain, Rory McIlroy isn’t so far but he could be in the minority. Pro’s love to bomb it, and will say that’s what the fans come out to see. Grip It and Rip It Golf.

HOW WILL THE USGA and the R&A defend what they have done. The press releases and the speech by USGA Ex. Director Michael Whan should be interesting. Many golfers say the game needs to be protected, but this ruling shows that those in charge of protecting the game, have lost touch with reality and those who play the game.

WHEN WOULD THE ROLL BACK START-that day will be announced when the announcement comes out, but it won’t be right away in January of 2024. So what some people are expecting is that there will be a run on golf balls. Golfers buying dozens of ball to stock-up.

THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT-lawyers will be busy. Lawsuits from golf ball companies could surface and tie up the courts for a while. With the LIV Golf and PGA Tour fight out of the courts, there are some legal types looking for more golf work to keep them busy.

AS A LOW DOUBLE-DIGIT handicapper, I don’t think losing a yard or two off the tee box will kill my game. But every time I come up short on an approach shot, I will probably take the USGA’s name in vain. So pull up a chair on Wednesday and watch the show, some will call it a $#!t show. But before we all over-react, lets hear out those in charge and see what the plan is going to be.

KUDO’S to Mistwood’s Director of Golf Andy Mickelson on being the 2023 Illinois PGA Player of the Year. Speaking of the IPGA-great job by the section professionals who competed in the Birdies for Charity event in October. The pro’s raised almost $300,000 dollars for multiple charities, but that number could still grow with a few last minute donations.

LAST WEEK I visited the brand new Bettinardi Studio B in Oak Brook. It’s simply amazing, and I will have more coming up shortly on the facility. So if you want to learn the how-what and why’s about putting. This is the place to do it.

COG #4 and MEDINAH #3 two of Chicago top golf courses, and some might say the #1 public and the #1 private in town, will start the 2024 golf season on the sidelines.

AT COG HILL-Dubsdread has started a bunker project, that will leave the course closed to at least June 1st. MEDINAH’S COURSE #3 will still be in a grow-in period from a major course renovation. Medinah is hoping that the course can open by late June, time will tell.

WHAT ABOUT LIV GOLF-Rich Harvest Farms confirmed to Golfers on Golf that the door is open for the LIV Tour to return in 2024. A recent article in Sports Illustrated.com says LIV will return to RHF. But if that’s the case, when is LIV going to tell RHF that it is coming back next September. So as our caddy shack judge would say-WELL, We’re Waiting…

JON RAHM TO LIV GOLF, does appear to be a done deal. IF IT’S TRUE, good for Jon and good for LIV Golf, not so good for Jay Monahan.

THE GOG BLOG IS BACK-all week long. RS

MISTWOOD’S MATT CARTER (L) and ERIC RUSSELL (R) are Mistwood Golf’s club fitting team. So if you need new clubs-go see Matt and Eric at the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook-Mistwoodgolfdome.com. or (630)-739-7600. #McWethysSBar.

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

Katie MacNeil of Golf360 back tonight with a holiday edition at 7 PM, Comcast Sports Net Chicago.

GOLF360 IS BACK!

With a special holiday edition program, that kicks off, or tee’s off at 7 Pm.

Pardon the confusion but when two former Chicago Bears-Patrick Mannelly and new CDGA Ambassador Robbie Gould get together at The Shack in Glenview, some football will get discussed.

But since both have a love of golf, there will be plenty of golf talk as well.

So you need more-okay you got it. The Mistwood Golf Dome is front and center as the winter golf season has arrived.

The Chain by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw has opened at Streamsong in Florida,. But closer to home, the new PGA Tour has opened in Chicago’s Lincoln Park area at 1745 W. Fullerton. So learn more about both by watching Golf360TV.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein is expecting to be open for OUTDOOR golf today and in the week ahead. But do call ahead and check first at (847)-566-4653 Golf). But it’s also cyber week at “The Pine” for those looking for deals in their holiday golf shopping.

The Willow Hill golf dome logo.

IT’S OPEN.

This year the Willow Hill golf dome is not working on getting open. Because it is open.

There is multiple uses for the Willow Hill golf dome, but the golf side of the dome starts at 8 Am and it closes for golf at 3 Pm.

So if you want to hit balls in the largest golf dome in the Chicago area, you need to get an early start. WillowHilldome.com. Stop in and work on your game.

Makefield Putters are coming into their own and not just in the Philadelphia market.

MAKEFIELD PUTTERS have introduced a MakeFit home fitting system.

“This is a revolutionary product for the putter fitting industry. The new Makefit Home Fitting System from Makefield will dramatically affect the putter industry, and especially putter fitting for the consumer,” said Nick Biglasco, Marketing Director for Makefield putters.

So you can now try the Makefield Kit with it’s X-3 Weight system on your home turf at your own pace. It includes two club heads and four shafts with different hosel configurations, lie angles and grip styles. But in addition there is weights, washers, wrenches and screws, so you can understand the X-3 weight system.

Golfers can work with the pictures included to create a putter that works for them. So if you would like to avoid putter fittings at box stores. You can learn more at Makefieldputters.com. Putters that have won 2 of the last 3 PGA National Club Professional Championships. Makefieldputters.com.

Scottie Scheffler works out with the GolfForever trainer.

GOLFFOREVER TRAINER

A home fitness training system that helps golfers play without limits, is making a second-chance holiday offer.

So right now through December 25th, you can save $100 dollars, on a GolfForever swing trainer and one-year on the GolfForever app access. The bundled rate is only $299.00

But evn better are the new products launched by GolfForever which include the Stability Ball+Mini Bands+Wall Anchor Set. These products are now 15% percent off through Christmas Day. GolfForever is now being used by over 400 touring golf professionals including Scottie Scheffler, Zach Johnson, Justin Leonard and Ryan Palmer. You can purchase the GolfForver training aid though Amazon or at GolfForever.com.

DO YOU WANT TO BE A GOLF ARCHITECT. If so, you can now sign up to be part of of a golf architecture Boot Camp from September 10-13, 2024 at Erin Hills in Erin Wisconsin. The camp is limited to 16 architects in training. Golf is included. But the cost is $20,000, with $15,000 of the cost being a tax deduction contribution to the ASGCA Foundation. Details at Bootcamp@hunterpr.com. Or visit the Bootcamp website.

The Greenway Tap at The Preserve at Oak Meadows part of DuPage Golf. All DuPage brewed beers on tap.

ARE YOU HUNGRY.

How about a cold beverage for the holidays.

Well now you can enjoy 1 or more, when you visit the Greenway Tap. Chef Mike Riley’s specials will leave your mouths taste-bud’s watering for more.

So why not head out to the Preserve at Oak Meadows, and enjoy the Greenway Tap in the new clubhouse. So visit GreenwayTap.com to see the days and hours of operation.

LIV GOLF PROMOTIONS announces the December 8-10 qualifier at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club for the three open spots on the LIV golf circuit. More than 70 players will tee it up in this Stage 1 part of qualifying. So see more details at Livgolf.com.

The new BB Series of putters, from Bettinardi Putters of Tinley Park and Oak Brook. Bettinardigolf.com.

DALLAS BASED TOPGOLF continues to grow, with the announcement of two new facilities in southern states.

Both new facilities will open on Friday December 15th.

The first one is located in LaFayette Louisiana, which will be the second Topgolf in the state.

Topgolf Pompano Beach Florida, is the State of Florida’s 9th Topgolf venue. To learn more about both of the new facilities and everything Topgolf, see Topgolf.com.

THE CLUB AT LAC LA BELLE is running an online gift card promotion this weekend, for details visit Theclubatlaclabelle.com.

OAK BROOK TERRACE based Zero Friction Golf has announced it will return to the PGA Merchandise Show, next month in January of 2024. So learn more about the Zero Friction product line at Zerofriction.com.

NORTHBROOK BASED KEMPERSPORTS that has long been involved with promotion of the Maui Classic college basketball tournament, has announced that the company recently raised over $1.7 million dollars to help those people affected by the Maui wildfires. So see more information at KemperSportsLIVE.com

ST. ANDREWS LINKS and TRUST has announced a six day window March 28th-April 2nd in 2024 to play the historic Old Course in it’s historic reverse layout. So for details on how to play the Old Course in reverse visit standrews.com/old_course_reversed.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS TOMORROW. RS