THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road has finished it’s facility improvements, an the simulators are now open. But while you are there hitting the ball, enjoy Chandlers Chophouse right upstairs. See Schaumburggolf.com (847)-885-9000.

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

    THE OAKS GRILLE at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol is now open, and open all winter long. See OaksGrille.com or Blackberryoaks.com-the-oaks-bar-grille.

SO WHAT DOES both Blackberry Oaks Golf Course and Heritage Oaks Golf Course both have in common. Their grills are open all winter long.

FOOD REVIEW-by RORY SPEARS.

THE NEW OAKS GRILLE at Blackberry Oaks Golf course in Bristol is good. Everything that has been added to the new grille, is an upgrade from the past. I had the mushroom and swiss burger. But with onion rings on the side-that I dipped in Blue Cheese. Oh yum!

I was told the burgers had been getting good reviews so I tried one. Which turned out to be a great choice. I washed mine down with a Coke Zero-but the beer selection both on tap and in the bottle of can was excellent. The staff headed up by manager George Bozonelos, is friendly and provides great service. But in the winter months servings of course take place inside. So the summer is great time to visit, before and after golf or even when golf is not in the plans that day.

Because the new outdoor chairs provide an excellent view to the 18th hole and a relaxing place to enjoy a cold beverage on a warm day. So try The Oaks Grille-reached at the Blackberry Oaks golf course, call (630)-553-7170.

  THE ACORN GRILL and TERRACE at Heritage Oaks is open during the winter months. But better yet is the specials that are so popular in the summer, are still available in the winter golf season.

SO IF YOUR HEADED into the simulators at Heritage Oaks-grab a bite and a beer in the Acorn Grill. Because specials include Taco Tuesdays $3 per and Wings on Wednesdays for $1 a per wing, they come with a variety of dipping sauces.

The transfusion at Heritage Oaks in the Acorn Grille.

So is your blood running a little cold this winter.

IF SO-try the transfusion. Because it goes well with everything on the menu.

The Acorn Grill at Heritage Oaks does have shorter hours in the winter golf season, so check them out before coming to the grill.

Soups, salads, burgers, hot dogs and more at the Acorn Grill. Located right off the main lobby and next to the clubs Brook Room. see more at Hertiageoaksgc.com.

I GIVE a full two-thumps up for both the Taco’s and the Wings.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS TOMORROW. RS

  THE NEW PUTTING GREEN IS OPEN and the King is here. So of course you can order an Arnold Palmer. The new simulators are moving towards completion. So be ready to enjoy them before long. See TheShackGolfClub.com or call (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-Instagram/Facebook/LinkedIn.

Heritage Oaks In Northbrook is getting ready for the 2024 Golf Season. Permanent tee time lottery now open.

HERITAGE OAKS in Northbrook is gearing up for the 2024 golf season.

Sign up for permanent tee times is now available. Lottery sign up deadline is February 13th. The drawing will be held in the Brook Room at Heritage Oaks at 7 Pm on February 15th.

OPENING DAY is April 20th, with the final day being September 1st.

But even sooner is TaylorMade fitting day on February 7th from 3-7 Pm. So while you drop by for fittings and sign up’s, check out the Acorn Grill with Taco’ Tuesdays and Wings on Wednesdays. Visit HeritageOaksGC.com or (847)-291-2351.

THE INN at Sentry World, make your plans now for 2024 at Sentry World.

THE INN at Sentry World is ready to welcome everyone back for the 2024 season.

But before it’s golf season, do you know that Valentine’s Day is coming soon.

So why not a visit and stay at the Sentry World Inn.

Beer tastings are coming up and before you know it, golf season will be here at Sentry World. This year with no U.S. Senior Open golf season starts sooner in 2024. (715)-345-1600 or SentryWorld.com.

ADVANCED TICKETS are on sale now for the Milwaukee Golf Show March 1-2-3. hours are 12-5, 10-5 and 10-3. NEW LOCATION but this year FREE Parking. So get all the details at Roylegolfshows.com.

MYRTLE BEACH now has seven courses in the Top 200 courses by one major golf publication. Because numerous Myrtle Beach courses are renovating or have had recent projected completed. So leading the way is the Caledonia Golf and Fish Club at No.46, learn more at PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com.

Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke the pre-order window has opened.

PARADYM Ai-SMOKE

So are you ready for another level.

NOW IN 2024 you can elevate your game to another level, with the new Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke.

Ai-Smoke, drivers, fairway woods, Hybrids and Irons.

Callaway staffer Chris Kirk won the first PGA Tour event of the season at Kapalua Maui with them.

So visit your local fitter or head out to a Callaway Demo day, and get fitted for your new clubs, before the temperature warms up in the Northern States and golf season returns. So visit Callawaygolf.com then go see the fitters at the Mistwoodgolfdome.com and book your fitting today.

  READY FOR GOLF IN THE NORTH SHORE. Come visit Willow Hill Dome and owner Kent Knebelkamp who has put up the largest dome in the Chicago area. because the hitting length is over 150 yards long. WillowHilldome.com located at 1350 Willow road in Northbrook.

The simulators are open at the Schaumburg Golf Club 401 N. Roselle Road. just minutes from the Woodfield Mall.

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB

NOW HAS it’s three simulators open for the winter golf season, after working through some facility improvements in the clubhouse.

So with three simulators, you can book ahead and schedule a hitting bay for when you want to play. Bur before, during or afterwards, why not dining on some great food, and a “warm” beverage from upstairs in Chandlers Chophouse. You can learn more at Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000.

THE MISTWOOD FITTING TEAM L-R Eric Russell, Scott Hogan, Matt Carter in the dome.

CLUB FITTINGS

IN THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Open daily until 10 Pm.

Come visit the brand new bar in the dome shell. But now you can also enjoy simulators in the former OTB area.

UPCOMING FITTING DAYS include Wednesday Jan. 17 Mizuno 2-6p, Callaway Golf Thursday Jan. 18th 2-6p, and TaylorMade on Saturday January 27th from 10-2p. Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS

   BIGGER-that’s what the WIllow Hill Dome is all about. Chicago’s largest dome, over 150 yards long, allows for golfers to see more ball flight. The Dome is located at 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook. So to learn more about hours and golf lessons-please visit WillowHilldome.com. The golf hours are 8a to 3 pm. The holiday light show is now over.

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

Architect Greg Martin (seen here at Settler’s Hill) continues to stay busy with several Midwest projects on his drawing board.

GREG MARTIN is keeping busy.

So with many courses taking on new capital projects, Batavia Illinois based architect Greg Martin has stayed busy.

AND THAT is good thing for golfers who enjoy playing good golf courses.

Because in recent years, Martin has been involved in many area renovation projects. Several of them have turned out to be national award winners. Martin is highly known and respected for getting a maximum amount of production accomplished, when having to work with public money or tax payer funding.

Greg Martin speaks to the town hall audience at Maple Meadows in Wood Dale, about the upcoming project at Maple Meadows GC. Photo by Ed Stevenson.

Martin is a just a few years past serving as the national president for the ASGCA. Which stands for the American Society Golf Course Architects.

Martin’s multiple award winning work at The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison, has had golfers flocking there to play the golf course in recent years.

The Preserve-formerly known as just Oak Meadows, has been able to wipe away the flooding problem it suffered with for years. In fact-Martin has been involved with two of the area’s projects that have suffered with major flooding issues in the recent years. Oak Meadows and The Wilmette Park District golf course. So with Martin’s involvement-both courses are playing much dryer, to the delight of area golfers. In addition to the management bodies that operate them.

MARTIN’S SUCCESS at recent projects includes public clubs like The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Wilmette Park District, Settler’s Hill in Batavia, Phillips Park in Aurora, Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton, White Tail Ridge GC in Yorkville, Fox Bend in Oswego. But Martin’s list of private club work is growing with clubs that include Park Ridge CC, and upcoming projects with Frankfort based Prestwick Country Club and in Wisconsin at Green Bay Country Club.

Architect Greg Martin in the ASGCA red tartan jacket.

So as projects continue to move forward around the area and into Wisconsin, Martin will stay busy. This is great news for golfers, who might be seeing their favorite courses making improvements.

ORCHARD VALLEY in Aurora is on the tee for later this year. Because planned improvements do include, tee boxes, bunker renovations, expansion to the greens and infrastructure.

BUT AT THE NAPERBROOK Golf Course in Naperville, there will be changes to the 18th hole  which will allow for the addition of a short-game and practice area. But future improvements include, bunkers, tees and irrigation.

MARTIN’S WORK at The Preserve at Oak Meadows has earned him another project with the DuPage Country Forest Preserve District that over-see’s DuPage Golf. So while work is expected by late 2025, it could start in 2026. The new routing was recently put on display at an open house, that was held at Maple Meadows last October.

VILLAGE LINKS IN GLEN ELLYN will be another Martin project that will take place in stages, over the next few years on the clubs 27 holes. So new practice area’s are part of the plan. But tree clearing, bunker renovations, tee improvements and fairway realignments are included, along with drainage and irrigation improvements.

White Tail Ridge Director of Golf Alex Balog, invites golfers to the new White tail Ridge Golf Dome. Located in Oswego right off of Orchard Road.

MARTIN’S WORK will take him to Indiana with a project at the Youche Country Club in Crown Point that starts with master planning in 2024.

“I am excited about the future of golf. I am equally thrilled about our current projects and our client list. These projects are valuable to memberships, local golfers and their communities. We want to make the game better-socially, strategically, environmentally, and operationally. I am hopeful these improvements will stand the test of time, offering golfers an engaging experience for decades,” said Martin.

Martin Golf Design is now at 30+ years in the golf business,. For information on Martin Golf Design, please visit Martindesigngolf.com.

  THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Avenue is expanding later this month. FORE new simulators and a new putting green highlight the changes. But can now enjoy new theatre style seating as well. So come enjoy The Shack-where golf season just got longer, and so did The Shack. Stop at the bar, which is a great place to enjoy a Arnold Palmer. See TheShackGolfClub.com or call and book 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 White Tail Ridge Golf Dome just off orchard Road in Oswego. Now Open.

THE GOLF DOME OPTIONS for area golfers have just expanded-with the new White Tail Ridge Golf Dome located in Oswego.

White Tail Ridge had been looking for a way to offer more of a year round product, and after experimenting with simulators that were somewhat successful, they opted to go bigger and better, and that led to a new golf dome.

So Whitetail Ridge Director of Golf Alex Balog and the Whitetail team did it’s homework. Both looking at other properties and trying to see what top notch product and services they could offer, then adding anything new area golfers had not seen before.

once golfers walk through the front door, they will find a new golfing experience they can enjoy.

Golf domes and what they offer has changed since new Chicago District Golf Association Director Mike Munro, brought the dome concept to the Chicago area, when he opened the White Pines Golf Dome.

The dome was set up on the driving range of the White Pines Golf Course in Bensenville. A concept no longer used.

Since then the Mistwood Golf Dome introduced Top Tracer golf, and the new Willow Hill dome has brought length to the dome concept, being the longest dome perhaps in the Chicago area ever, at just over 150 yards.

SO BALOG checked into Trackman Golf, which is what the PGA Tour is now using on it’s telecasts. Because Trackman is used by so many Tour players, Balog worked with Trackman to have the company bring it’s system indoors. So Trackman Range entered the dome world for the first time.

Alex Balog is the Director of Golf at Whitetail Ridge-the golf course and the dome.

The hard work started long before the dome was first inflated, as the team worked through the planning stage and then a building stage.

Balog says that last summer, days were spent, pouring concrete and doing brick work.

But the word was getting around that the new dome was moving towards completion. So when on this past Thanksgiving that there could be a soft opening on Black Friday, the friends and family group turned out in force. Balog though the group might be 50-or 60 people. But the final number turned out to be over 200.

The Persimmon Room is first to greet golfers when the arrive in the Whitetail Ridge Golf Dome.

So then there was the excitement of getting the new Trackman dialed in.

Balog says there was some fine-tuning to get the system working and online.

But before long Balog and the Trackman team had it up and running.

So one of the nice things about the dome, is that it has two levels. So there are plenty of hitting bays to pick from, oh yes and there are simulators as well.

The upper deck is a fun place to hit from.

But once you walk in the front door, patrons enter the Persimmon Room. A great place to enjoy food and beverage and catch top level sporting events, you can watch on the big screens.

But if you looking for beverages in the dome, there is a bar with snacks only a short walk from the hitting stations.

Seniors (60+) can get special rates on weekdays from Open until 3 Pm.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the full interview with Whitetail Ridge Golf Dome Director of Golf Alex Balog.

The Willow Hill Dome in Northbrook is open for golf from 8a to 3 p Monday through Friday. 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook see more at WillowHillDome.com.

Balog called the effort to get the dome open this year, a full team and group effort, with employees from other departments at Whitetail Ridge golf course coming over to pitch in.

The Whitetail Ridge golf dome is located at 3360 Station Drive in Oswego, just off of Orchard Road.

But for more information visit Whitetailridgegolfdome.com or call the dome at (331)-999-3545.

The Whitetail Ridge golf course in Yorkville will reopen this spring as weather permits.

  THE NORTH SHORE’S BEST WINTER GOLF-IN THE SIMULATOR at The Shack. OR in the dome at Willow Hill. The Shack at 1717 Chestnut Avenue in Glenview, is now expanding. Four simulators will soon be seven-plus a new putting green will be added. But while the beverages in the bar are cold-or at times warm this time of year, the food is still great. TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905. THE WILLOW HILL GOLF DOME is the largest dome in town. So come see your golf ball fly another 50+ yards longer than other indoor options. 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook. Golf hours have now returned to 8a to 3p, for more information see WillowHillDome.com 160 yards of flight.

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

Scotty Cameron Phantom Putters new for 2024.

THE PHANTOM PUTTER is here.

So this past week at the Sentry Tournament in Maui, and this coming week on Oahu at the Sony Open.

The Titleist Staff players on the PGA Tour are enjoying the latest from Scotty Cameron.

Because the mallet style Phantom Putter has arrived, or at least some of them have. But while four Phantom’s are here, Tour Reps Drew Page and Brad Cloke will bring out six more models in the weeks ahead.

Cameron Young brought his Phantom 5 with a proto-type knuckle neck to Kapalua, after testing it at home the previous week.

“That Phantom shape, for one, helps my alignment,” Young said at the Plantation Course at Kapalua. “And then also just the forgiveness of a mallet is important. I feel like anything that you can do to make off-center hits just a little better is always is always a good thing.”

Scotty Cameron 2024 Phantom Proto Types.

PGA TOUR PLAYER MAX HOMA has used a Phantom mallet for all five of his last PGA Tour wins.

“I was struggling with face control with my putter. So I tried a few mallets, and ended up going with one of the Phantoms,” said Homa. In 2021 one week after switching to a Phantom X 11.5 tour prototype. But since then Homa’s last four wins have been with the Phantom X 5.5.

Homa added that he did not have to do as much work with his hands to release the putter. The weight of the head made me feel I could control my putts in the 15-25 foot range. Which is where I had been struggling. So the speed control with the Phantom has been the benefactor in the tournaments I have won, holing a few more 10-20 footers.”

Scotty Cameron and Titleist did not announce a release date or dates for the other six models. So for more information see Titleist.com or Scottycameron.com.

  WHAT’S NEW IN THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-Scott Hogan (M) is the new member of the club fitting team (L). Then in the dome is the new in the golf shell bar. So it is time to start the club fitting process-take some lessons, play Toptracer golf. But when your appetite is ready-it’s McWethy’s Sports Bar. Mistwoodgolfdome.com Rt. 53 Bolingbrook.

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 new Callaway Golf Chrome Tour Ball.

CALLAWAY GOLF HAS ANNOUNED the improvements to the Chrome Line of golf balls.

Available for sale on Feb. 2, in pro shops and retail stores.

Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X, Chrome Soft will be priced at $54.99.

So what’s improved. The NEW Hyper Fast Soft Core, mantle designs, new Tour Seamless Aero package, and cover formulation.

But the process is complete because of the Callaway R&D team has spent countless hours working with some of the best Tour players in the game, taking the detailed feedback into the engineering process and the performance characteristics of these new golf balls.

The new simulators are part of the Mistwood Golf Dome.

CHROME TOUR is built for better players, who require the best in both distance and feel.

But it’s a ball that produces outstanding performance, with amazing speed, consistent flight, with high levels of spin and greenside control.

Because the core is engineered for balance of long distance flight and a soft feel. But Chrome Tour players well in any conditions, and allows players to go after shots because of the added spin.

Callaway Chrome-Triple Track

CHROME TOUR X

IS FOR the best players who want speed and control from their Tour ball.

TOUR X provides golfers with top distance, workability, and spin so one receives the best performance from tee-to-green.

The core provides maximum ball speed and distance, especially from hits of the driver. But better players can use TOUR X to hit better irons and wedges, from the spin and workability TOUR X provides.

Callaway Chrome Soft Yellow Golf Balls.

CHROME SOFT

Chrome Soft now provides a more outstanding performance with faster ball speeds.

Callaway calls it the seamless Tour Aero for an optimized ball flight, increased control around the green, and a soft feel.

This ball is built for aspiring players that are wanting a Tour quality golf ball. Golfers can start purchasing the full line of Callaway Chrome golf balls on February 2nd, in pro shops or retail outlets. but for more information please visit Callawaygolf.com.

  THE SHACK is expanding later this month. The indoor wall is being blown-out and 4 new simulators are coming in. But there will also be a new putting green. Add new theatre style seating, comfortable for larger groups. NFL playoffs, Masters week are filling up quickly. So Visit TheShackgolfclub.com or call The Shack at (847)-904-2905.

  THE WILLOW HILL GOLF DOME 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook. Golf hours in Chicago’s largest dome are 8A to 3P. So you can learn more at WillowHilldome.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

Tot Hill Farms-by Mike Strantz. The vision is back at Tot Hill Farms.

I SPOKE EARLIER THIS YEAR that in the last couple years, I finally got exposed to work by architect Mike Strantz.

Sadly, Strantz passed away from cancer at age 50, in 2005. His career cut short, after only 7 original designs and two major renovations.

What I have learned from seeing three of his courses, is that they are all good. So next week as the 2024 winter trip begins, I will see the fourth edition of Mike Strantz.

But since Strantz never designed any projects up north, many Midwest golfers are not familiar with his work. Which is something I am slowly doing, is trying to see what Strantz did before his passing. Tot Hill Farm sits in Asheboro North Carolina, about 50 minutes northwest of the famed Pinehurst resort. Another Strantz design Tobacco Road, is about 25 minutes northeast of Pinehurst. So I predict U.S. Open week this June, that plenty of golfers looking to get a round in, may venture out of Pinehurst to see a Strantz design. If you are in the Pinehurst area, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to go play Tot Hill Farm or Tobacco Road. RS.

Mike Strantz was known as a designer ahead of his time, those words are very accurate.

Mike Strantz was part of Tom Fazio’s design team, when Fazio had all the big golf design projects.

But in time Strantz, realized his time was now, so he went out on his own. When you look up Strantz designed courses, you find them in North and South Carolina, and Virginia.

However if Strantz was still designing courses years after he passed away, it seems like he would have been a fit to work with Chicagoan Mike Keiser. It seems likely that Strantz could have fit in at places like Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, or Streamsong.

Unfortunately we will never know.

So while Tot Hill Farm was opened in the 1990’s, and is not an old course per-say, but 25 years takes it’s toll on any golf course. So last summer the restoration work started at Tot Hill Farms. The new clubhouse is a barn that dates back plenty of years-over a hundred says Tot Hill Farms GM Greg Wood.

Photo Courtesy of Tot Hill Farms.

So the clubhouse was not the only part of the restoration project.

Green sizes were restored, to the tune of over a 1/2 acre of space.

There was native grasses that had to be trimmed back. But with any form of restoration these days, there are trees that have to go.

So in this case the number was over 1200 trees that came down. Sight lines were restored, two non-original bunkers were removed. With two more bunkers being added. The bunkers were redone for better drainage and a new strain of grass was installed in the greens.

The 18th hole at Tot Hill Farms. Photo’s for this story were provided by Tot Hill Farms, and pictures were taken by Ryan Barnett and Jeff Marsh.

Cart path work was done out on the golf course, and around the clubhouse area.

So what has emerged is the restored vision of what Mike Strantz created back in the 1990’s.

The terrain of Tot Hill Farm is not very farm like.

In the Midwest farm land is usually flat with no character. But this is not the case at Tot Hill Farm. Because elevation change runs over 250 feet. Rolling hills that have been compared to ski slopes-comprise the fairways of Tot Hill Farms.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Tot Hill Farm Gm Greg Wood.

THERE IS A SAYING when it comes to Mike Strantz designs. “Expect the Unexpected.”

So in a year with plenty of new courses coming online-and others coming back form renovation. Go and see a course that did it’s work last year, Tot Hill Farm in Asheboro North Carolina. Tothillfarm.com or call (336)-857-4455. A course that would be part of a Mike Strantz Trail-if there was one, maybe there will be one someday.

   THE SHACK AT 1717 CHESTNUT AVENUE IN GLENVIEW is open daily. But now will be expanding from 4 to 7 simulators, and the addition of a new putting green. Some theatre like seating will be added, with additional features for special group events. So do book now as some dates around top level sporting events are filling up quickly. The food and beverage options get high ratings from the patrons who have come and visited The Shack. So learn more at ShackIndoorGolfclub.com or call today (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 at LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram

  THE 2024 WORK BEGINS in the Willow Hill Golf Dome in Northbrook (L) or in the putting Lab of Studio “B” Bettinardi Golf in Oak Brook. The winter trip starts next week.

IT’S COMING AND IT STARTS NEXT WEEK. The winter golf trip, and it launches my golf season for the year ahead. Because the winter trip allows me to do much, on my way down to and back from the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando Florida.

the Willow Hill Golf Dome-1350 Willow Road in Northbrook. Willowhilldome.com Golf hours have returned to 8a to 3 pm. 160 yards long-see your ball fly.

SO THIS YEAR I will see several new courses along the way, and there is excitement in golf because of the amount of new courses that are opening in the year ahead.

THE PGA TOUR IS UNDERWAY and all it took was 29 under par to win. 29 under-geez, is this what it will take most weeks to win. So yes these guys are good, but seriously it’s like the tour is playing muni’s from under 7,000 yards. But now it’s off to Sony on Oahu in Honolulu, the greens are smaller, and the fairways are tighter. So let’s see what happens.

Architect the late Mike Strantz.

ARCHITECT MIKE STRANTZ

Here was a golf architect that many golfers who have seen his work, call him, ahead of his time.

Because now that I know a little more about Strantz, I agree with those who feel that way.

Strantz a Tom Fazio disciple, went off on his own and created some interesting golf courses. But not everyone really liked what he designed at first.

Tobacco Road just Northeast of Pinehurst North Carolina, was known as a love-it or hate-it golf course. I was told I would like it, so I went and played it. I did like it. But then last year I played two more Strantz designs. This time in South Carolina. But while the weather was very rainy, both True Blue and the Caledonia Golf and Fish Club were very good golf courses.

So just over a month ago, I learned about another Strantz golf course, Tot Hill Farm about 50 minutes northwest of Pinehurst. Last year a several month renovation was done, recapturing the Strantz vision. Early reviews are outstanding, so good that the marketing department for THF challenged golfers to come play it on Twitter (X).

So after seeing some photos, and seeing it is on my path to Pinehurst. Challenge accepted. What until next week. So as the year moves forward and the winter trip moves along. I am going to try to learn more and write more about Strantz, who sadly died from cancer in 2005 before he designed his tenth golf course.

Welcome to Tot Hill Farm-North Carolina. 50 minutes NW of Pinehurst.

THERE IS NO OFFICIAL Mike Strantz Golf Trail, running through the Carolina’s, but maybe there should be. I am not sure how many Chicago area golfers know about Strantz. But if they did, Chicago golfers heading to the major golf destinations in the Carolina’s, would try to play Strantz’s golf designs. Records say Strantz did seven new courses and two major renovations, before he passed away.

IMO-STRANTZ would have fit in well with someone like Chicagoan Mike Keiser. The two Mikes likely would have worked well and created well together. MORE on Mike Strantz as 2024 moves along.

THE CHICAGO AREA HAS A NEW GOLF DOME that has now been open 45 days. The owners of White Tail Ridge Golf Course in Yorkville, have built an indoor golf dome on the Aurora/Bristol/Oswego border. So in between the snowflakes this week, I’m planning to learn more from Director of Golf Alex Balog.

CALLAWAY GOLF is first out of the blocks with a major equipment launch, the Paradym Ai-Smoke. I plan to hit them this week. See my story from yesterday on the Driver, fairway woods, hybrids and irons. I will have more on the new Callaway Chrome Soft line of golf balls coming up later this week.

BECAUSE THERE SEEMS TO BE plenty of snow coming this week. The outdoor courses that have been open will have to close. So hit the domes, hit the simulators, plan your golf trips to warm weather states. IT IS that time of year. The Gog Blog returns all week long. RS

 THE DOME BAR IS OPEN (L) at the Mistwood Golf Dome a bar is now in the shell. So you can grab a drink-down by your mat. CLUB FITTING-team has gotten bigger as Scott Hogan (M) joins Eric Russell (L) and Matt Carter (R). Callaway Paradym Smoke has arrived, get fitted for the newest driver on the market. Lessons and Toptracer golf are waiting for you at Mistwoodgolfdome.com Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook or (630)-739-7600.

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

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke-Driver-NEW from Callaway Golf.

WELCOME TO 2024…

IT IS A NEW YEAR and a new season on the golf course.

So are you ready for a fresh start with what’s in your golf bag. Because if your ready for something new, Callaway Golf is first out of the blocks with something new for you.

But be ready, because it’s Smoking Hot. Pre-Sale is coming this week, starting on the 12th. Then coming to retail outlets on January 26th.

CALLAWAY PARADYM was hot. But Paradym Ai Smoke burns even hotter. SO IF your ready to dial it in, you do have options, FOUR options to be exact. MAX-MAX D- TRIPLE DIAMOND and MAX FAST. All four drivers allow players to correct different issues they face when hitting the big stick.

What Callaway is calling a quantum leap forward in it’s Ai journey, is the most sophisticated face they have ever created. Because with a mix of feedback from player data, and machine learning, Callaway Golf has raised it’s game, and yours.

THE NEW Ai SMOKE DRIVER features a forgiving shape with an adjustable perimeter weighting, which delivers up to 19 yards of shot shape correction.

SMART AI FACE TECHNOLOGY, creates micro deflections that activate upon impact helping for maximum impact and spin on off-center shots. Because of a newly added titanium support structure, the carbon chassis is now 15% lighter. Which allows for mass to be redistributed into the head to improve launch conditions, and add forgiveness. PRICING $599.99

Callaway Ai Smoke-Fairway Woods.

PARADYM Ai SMOKE FAIRWAY WOODS, feature Callaway’s Ai Smart Face. All the faces are created to optimize launch and spin. This creates sweet spots across the face. The Callaway design team focused on improving performance-low where  many misses with fairway woods take place.

The Carbon Chassis has been refined to increase launch, spin and increased forgiveness. Because the Tungsten speed Cartridge pushes the center of gravity (CG) low and forward to improve launch and distance.

LIKE THE DRIVER there are four models available. MAX-MAX D-Triple Diamond-MAX Fast. PRICING $349.99.

The Paradym Ai-Smoke Hybrid

PARADYM Ai SMOKE HYRBIDS are using the Smart Face to promote maximum distance and tight dispersion into the green. So the sole camber allows for more turf interaction, and clean contact.

Three models are available-Ai Smoke-Ai Smoke HL-Max Fast. PRICING $279.99.

PARADYM Ai SMOKE IRONS: Callaway calls the new irons a revolution in iron performance for the Ai Smart Face. Because these irons promote more distance and tighter dispersion into the green. But now with longer blade lengths, that have a thinner top line, and optimized sole. So this creates a more forgiving, but streamlined look at address. The soles leading edge will cut through the turf with better efficiency.

The Ai-Smoke Irons.

THERE ARE THREE MODELS OF Ai Smoke Irons-Ai Smoke-Ai smoke HL and HI Max Fast. Pricing $999.99 for the standard 7-piece set.

SO STAY CLICKED IN for the details on the new Callaway Chrome Golf Ball coming up this week.

CHROME TOUR, Chrome Tour X and the Chrome Soft Golf Balls.

So for more details on the new line of Callaway Golf drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, Irons and putters, see more at Callawaygolf.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-open daily until 10 pm. BRAND NEW THIS YEAR-is the in the dome bar-and new simulators. Mistwoodgolfdome.com Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Now is the time for lessons, club fittings and Toptracer tournaments. (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

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB is planning on being open today for outside golf. But with walking only. (847)-566-4653.

***THIS NEWS CAME OUT before the current weather forecast is predicting snow of up to 1 inch in the Pine Meadow area of Mundelein.

NO CARTS-walking only. But in the pro shop. The Titleist Vokey Wedge sale will be going on with SM 9 wedges. Because the SM 10’s will be coming soon.

THE ESKIMO OPEN tee’s off on Sunday morning at Cog Hill-Coghillgolf.com.

FOR THOSE WANTING TO HIT THE BALL THIS WEEKEND INSIDE-Here are two options.

  THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB-1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview (847)-904-2905

COMING LATER THIS MONTH-the four new simulators, and new putting green. So book your hitting bay now. Plan special events-but choice dates are filling up quickly. See the Shackindoorgolfclub.com.

THE WILLOW HILL DOME and WILLOW HILL LIGHT SHOW both up and running today. But it’s the last day for the winter & holiday light show. PLUS it’s the last day for the 8a to 8pm golf hours in the golf dome. Starting Monday golf hours return to 8a to 3 pm.

Willow Hill Golf Dome is located at 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook. Come see the light show on it’s final day of 2024 until November. WillowHillLights.com and for golf see WillowHilldome.com.