MISTWOOD IS NOW FULLY OPEN at the golf course, and in the golf dome, where Oliva is ready with a cold one of your choice. The Dome in Bolingbrook on Rt. 53, call (630)-739-7600. The golf course in Romeoville on Renwick road, call (815)-254-3333.

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

The Scorecard of Pinehurst #10-Opening this Wednesday.

***EDITORS NOTE***

PINEHURST #10 Sand Mines-the new course at Pinehurst opens for public play this coming Wednesday April 3rd.

This past week, I got a sneak peak of the new #10 by architect Tom Doak and lead Associate Angela Moser. It’s a good one-add it to your bucket list. RS.

#10 is opening, after being built in nearly record time, fitting into a window Doak had for construction.

BRINGING DOAK and lead associate Angela Moser to build #10, when long time front runners Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw were booked and not available, has turned out to be a stroke of genius for Pinehurst. Doak and Moser have delivered a solid product, and on time before the U.S. Open tee’s off in some 80 days.

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn/Instagram or Facebook. On the par-3 17th of Pinehurst #10. Photo by Derek Duncan.

PINEHURST #10 is the beginning of a new property, within a property that has existed for over 100 years.

FORMERLY known as the Pit Golf Course, #10 uses part of the land that “The Pit” existed on.

THE PINEHURST RESORT not only owns the land of the old Pit Golf Course, but has purchased some adjoining land.

So the total acreage is over 900+ acres. Because Pinehurst has some elbow room to work with, #10 is not the end of what will be the new area of Pinehurst. But located in the neighboring town of Aberdeen, on an old sand mine. So the new course name comes from the history of the property.

Doak’s #10 design uses many of the Pit’s front nine holes, but then the remaining routing comes from the newly acquired land. Courses #10 and #11 when it’s built by Coore and Crenshaw, will share the Pit’s old first hole.

But what they share will be a double-ended driving range. With Course #10 golfers on one end, and Course #11 golfers using the other end, located near the old Pit Course clubhouse. That clubhouse still stands, but is now a construction office. It’s also a great place to currently ride out a rain storm with lightning. But will be torn down once Course #11 is built.

The opening tee shot on Pinehurst 10. Par-4 first hole 447 yards, to front tees of 336 yards.

The Course #10 and 11 area, is expected to add another par-3 course, large putting green, and villa’s.

But the designer’s for those projects are still TBD.

Course #10 will be the focus around Pinehurst for about 5 weeks, until things revolve around the playing of the 124th U.S. Open in June.

So once the U.S. Open is in the books, the focus can return to the development of the new property. Coore and Crenshaw have been walking the land that had been the back nine of the Pit Course. But the routing that could be the winner of the new #11 Course, apparently will not incorporate to many of the old holes from The Pit.

The par-3 second hole, plays from 182 yards to 100 yards from the front tees.

But while Course #10 opens this week, there is a punch list to still finish up.

So do know there are no golf carts on the course. So yes, you are walking, or pushing a Trolley, or taking a Pinehurst caddie.

Based on experience, taking a caddie is currently your best option. But plan “B” would be walking and carrying yourself. So plan “C” for now, is taking the Trolley. Because right now, and still on the punch list, is developing a solid routing on every hole from tee to fairway when using the Trolley. The same issue applies when walking from green to the next tee box with a Trolley. Pinehurst in short order-will get that issue under control.

The Short par-4 fourth hole plays 342 from the tips, but 260 from the front tees. Most players will play the hole around 300 yards.

Currently the greens aren’t playing very fast. But they will get up to a normal number on the Stimpmeter before long.

Some caddies were guessing the “speed” at about “8” this past week, before the rain showed up.

The trailer near the first tee, is not yet stocked with merchandise, carrying the new logo. But that will be changing very quickly. Some wooden boxes will soon have water in them, and a newly built and very creatively painted food truck will serve hungry and thirsty golfers.

  SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is open inside and out. All three simulators and all 27 outdoor holes are open. So book your tee time online or by calling the pro shop at (847)-885-9000. SGC is now offering Trackman on it’s range outside. But for more information see SchaumburgGolf.com (R) THE SHACK Golf Club has now finished it’s expansion, by adding four new simulators and a putting green. Located at 1717 Chestnut in Glenview, see TheShackgolfclub.com or call (847)-904-2905. #BookaBay.

Take it over, or take it around the mound. The par-4 8th hole has a tee shot that resembles another Pinehurst area golf course’s 1st hole. Which road to the hole will you choose.

But what #10 offers the golfer, is a different style of Pinehurst golf.

Yes there is sand, and tree lined fairways. No there is not plenty of water on every hole.

But what #10 brings is a newer look to how the waste area’s were built. When it comes to the walk, that is something that golfers will find different than the resorts other courses.

Bottom Line-it’s not so flat. Because #10 is elevation change to the extent not found on the other Pinehurst resort courses. So be prepared to burn calories, even with a caddie. Not all of it is evident from the tee box, but wait until you get to the green and turn around and look backwards down the fairway.

The late holes on the front nine and early holes on the backside are where things move around the most. Par is 70, there are four sets of tee’s, but with some hybrid mixes worked in, golfers can create up to seven different yardages to play from. The back tee’s top out at 7,020, with 4,985 from the front tees. The par-5 tenth hole is the longest hole on the course, playing 634 yards. But the 14th hole is a 264 yard par-3, and the 13th hole is a 508 yard par-4, for those who enjoy a long hitting challenge. Doak did add a few humps and bumps in the greens.

Doak and Moser mixed up the par’s, with five par-3’s and three par-5’s (no par-5’s after the 12th hole). The waste area’s are deceptive, in how far they carry out from the tee’s, because of the elevation changes. A majority of the strategy golfers will need, will come from the tee shot they are going to hit.

But for more information on playing Course #10 and booking a Pinehurst stay, where it’s always a beautiful day, visit Pinehurst.com.

  WE ARE OPEN & WE ARE OPEN TOO! Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville (L) or in Bolingbrook in the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53. Catch the Madness-The Sauce Madness, and brings the clubs and the appetite. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or the golf course at MistwoodGC.com. Lessons, Club-fittings, Toptracer Golf and more hoops.

THE TENTH ON #10. The Gog Blog by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on X-Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn-Facebook or Instagram.

THE SPRING GOLF TRIP HAS BEGUN.

I HAVE run out of the last blast of winter in the Chicago area. So it’s back to Pinehurst for the third time this year.

So there is much to see, and much to do, from the unfinished business list of January and February.

Pinehurst has started setting up for the U.S. Open, now that it’s less than 100 days out. The new hotel renovations at the Carolina, the new Course #10 is just 10 days from opening. Renovations at the Carolina Hotel are about finished after three years of work. YES as the saying goes, it’s a beautiful day in Pinehurst. So I’m glad to be back at the Home of American Golf.

TEN #10 and PINEHURST 10 it’s opening early next month. So I think golfers will enjoy the course from what I have seen in my recent visits. Because other than the local Pinehurst newspaper reporter from “The Pilot”, I was the first media to go exploring on the new #10 course property.

But what was an adventure, was my first trip to the “Pit Golf Course” property, when it was nothing but an abandoned golf course. The story I wrote after that visit, earned comments for many months. But it proved to me, when Pinehurst got around to a full reimagining of the property, there would be plenty of interest from golfers everywhere.

Pinehurst Director of Grounds Bob Farren was kind of enough to drive me around in his truck in January of 2023. Tree’s were still being cut down, and fires were lit to burn up piles of debris and smaller trees.

The routing of Pinehurst 10 being cleared in Jan. of 2023.

Tom Doak’s lead associate Angela Moser was on-site, and Doak was expected back on property in three weeks.

Moser was kind enough to do her first interview about the Course #10 project with me, sitting in the front seat of my Jeep, as the temperatures were only in the upper 30’s.

What became clear is that someday, Moser will be one of the leading design architects in the world, not just one of the best women architects, one of the best design architects overall.

EARLIER THIS YEAR my visit back to the quickly maturing property on a 14 degree morning, showed me that Doak and Moser had done the property a real service. What I have called a “dazzling display of design”, is the capturing of Pinehurst flavored golf at the new #10. But by the time Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw wrap up #11 on the same site, the old Pit area, might not be referred to as a Pit anymore.

MY THIRD VISIT to the old Pit Course land is this week, this time with clubs in hand. I’m ready to see what Doak and Moser have dialed up. My #10 preview will run here later this week.

U.S. Open preparations are underway on course #2. Bleachers and more are going up. The new USGA building and World Golf Hall of Fame facility in the parking lot of the Pinehurst Clubhouse, are quickly taking shape.

So I am really looking forward to a third Pinehurst trip in 2024. If you have never been to Pinehurst, it’s time to go, or time to return if it’s been a few years.

IT IS A SPECIAL YEAR in the Cradle or the Home of American Golf. RS

  MISTWOOD OPENS THIS THURSDAY-So do you have a tee time booked already. The Performance center will be open-get club fittings, lessons, and a bar. Mistwoodgc.com.

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

Heritage Oaks in Northbrook with the best public course bag drop staff in the North Shore, opens for 2024 on Friday March 29th. HeritageOaksgc.com

Heritage Oaks Golf Club at 3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook, will reopen for the 2024 golf season this Friday March 29th.

So book your tee times by calling the pro shop at (847)-291-2351. But you do have the option of booking online.

The Trackman Range is already open for the season. But if the weather gets a little chilly, the two simulators are still open. So is the Acorn Grille.

  Heritage Oaks  3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook. Photo-The 18 green on the Classic 18 golf course. Golf ball special, buy 3 dozen get a 4th dozen free. See HP-John Billiter.

The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600.

COBRA FITTING DAY

So have you signed up yet.

Because if you wish to participate this coming Thursday March 28th from 2-6 Pm, you do need to register in advance.

So if you have any questions about demo day, or fittings with Mistwood Golf, contact Eric Russell. You can register for the Cobra Golf fitting day at Mistwoodgolfdome.com. Outdoor golf season is coming-get fit for clubs now.

FIVE IRON GOLF is offering free golf for women on Wednesdays in the month of March from 5-8 pm. So for more information see fiveirongolf.com.

EATHAN PASCHAL and VANESSA BOROVILOS were the winners at the 2024 Dustin Johnson World Junior Golf Championship at TPC Myrtle Beach. Paschal will attend North Carolina and Borovilos will attend Texas A&M.

SWING CONTROL has renewed it’s partnership with Women on Course. Details at Swingcontrol.com or Womenoncourse.com.

PARS UNDER THE STARS the night golf event at Foxford Hills in Cary, will be held on May 18th. So to sign up call the pro shop at (847)-639-0400.

LIV GOLF has announced a partnership with U.S. based Streaming Network Caffeine to show LIV Golf events through the end of 2024. LIVGolf.com.

NOW in the Hive at Bettinardi Golf-Air Strike. Bettinardigolf.com

MISSION INN

HOWEY IN THE HILLS-Florida

NOW UNDER new management, that has already brought numerous improvements to the resort.

Two golf courses, the famed El Campeon and Los Colinas.

So you can now learn more at Missionresortandclub.com.

During the spring season, you can take advantage of specials that can allow you to save up to 40% on your next stay,

SUPERSTROKE congratulates Jake Knapp on his win at the Mexico Open on the PGA Tour. The specs on Knapp’s grip are length 10.99, Core .058, Weight 58 grams and width 0.99, learn more at Superstroke/USA.com.

THE WAIT IS OVER you can now book your golf on Sedge Valley at Sand Valley. Because opening day is now July 1st, of 2024. Sandvalley.com.

THE PGA OF AMERICA has announced it’s renewed it’s partnership with Women’s Golf Day, the has now evolved into Women’s Golf Week. So for more details visit PGA.com or Womensgolfday.com.

SWAN HILLS GOLF CLUB in Northern Illinois (Belvidere) is for sale. But the club has a positive cash flow and space for improvements in several area’s. So for more information please contract Chris Charnas at Chris@links-cap.com.

THE GOG BLOG Speaks Out-returns tomorrow. RS

  MISTWOOD GOLF DOME (L) THE SHACK GOLF CLUB (M) SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB (R)-YOUR HOME for hoops and golf all weekend long. Because the snow is back, your golf game has to go back inside for the weekend. So enjoy the hoops and enjoy the domes and simulators. The MistwoodgolfDome.com or TheShackgolfclub.com and SchaumburgGolf.com. EAT UP AT McWethy’s Sports Bar-The Shack Bar, and at Chandlers Chophouse. #Indoorgolf #Marchmadness #PGATOURValsparChampionship

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

Tom Grey is the Director of Golf at Canal Shores, that will reopen this summer from renovation.

CANAL SHORES GOLF CLUB is closing in on reopening for play.

While there never an official opening day set for the golf course, the hope last fall was a late August date in 2024.

Because as with most renovation projects, reopening depends on the weather and the conditions of the grow in season.

When up north, renovation projects take longer than they do down south.

A scenic back drop (Bahai Temple) sits behind the putting hole on Canal Shores.

ACCORDING TO A STORY in the Evanston Round Table- with great reporting by Jim Brown, in his interview with Evanston/Wilmette Golf Association President Matt Rooney, Rooney says that a more formal announcement will happen around June 1st.

But according to Rooney, with winter not being as strong as in past seasons, the reopening could come in late July. A current plan with fingers crossed is to reopen 11 of the courses 18 holes in July. But the final seven holes would more likely be in September.

CAN YOU HELP WITH $$$$. The project costs are estimated at $5.9 million dollars. But so far only $5.4 million has been raised. So to donate visit CanalShores.org/donate.

THE EWGA is asking for neighbors and area residents to please stay off the course, whether walking, running, or dog walking. People walking on the newly reseeded area’s could set back the reopening of the course.

Golfers on Golf will continue to provide updates on the reopening of Canal Shores.

  THE TIME HAS COME TO MOVE IT BACK INSIDE for golf today, and probably for the weekend. The Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road has all three of it’s simulators open, and if you want to golf and watch the hoops-Chandlers Chophouse is open. Book simulator time at SchaumburgGolf.com or call the pro shop (847)-885-9000.

  THE NEW SIMULATORS AND PUTTING GREEN are open at the Shack in Glenview at 1717 Chestnut. The Shack Golf Club where golf season just kept going, and Arnie is always at the bar. Book a hitting bay today, now there are seven. Call the Shack at (847)-904-2905 or visit the Shack online at TheShackGolfClub.com #WatchValsparGolf

  OLD STYLE is back in McWethy’s Sports Bar in the dome, in time for Sauce Madness with all the hoops happening. So bring your clubs and bring your appetite to the dome where golf and basketball games are happening. But if your in the dome…see below.

  OLIVA IS HERE at the new bar in the dome shell. A cold or warm beverage is never far away. The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook call (630)-739-7600 #WINGS

THE SNOW report 48 hours ago said Wisconsin. But then it was Southern Wisconsin, but then it became Northern Lake County of Illinois. So when golfers awoke today they found something a little different.

Because the snow got much further snow South than it was supposed to. Because all of Lake County had snow, Northern Cook County had snow, DuPage County got snow.

So while it’s been a fun and warmer than normal spring, it looks like for the next few days the snow is here to stay.

The par-3 17th hole on Copperhead, home of this weeks Valspar Championship on the PGA Tour.

But if you had golf plans for the outdoors, you should check out the Valspar Championship on the PGA Tour, live from Innisbrook North of Tampa Florida.

Because the first round leader is past Valspar Champion and Wheaton Illinois’ Kevin Streelman, the former Cantigny Golf employee. Arlington Heights native Doug Ghim and Northbrook native Nick Hardy are both playing in the tournament as well. But you can also add Northwestern Alum and past Valspar Champion Luke Donald to the field.

So here in Illinois-hit the domes, hit the simulators, enjoy the hoops on the big screens and see who might dance into the weekend. But enjoy the Wings in the Mistwood Dome, the burgers at Chandlers, and the flat bread pizza’s in The Shack.

So until tomorrow, keep warm golfers. The outdoors and outdoor golf, can wait a few more days.

  MISTWOOD GOLF is moving back to Romeoville shortly. So while it’s been a great season in the Mistwood Golf Dome, opening day back at the golf course is coming up quickly. Mistwood Golf Club is located on Renwick road in Romeoville. #McWethys

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

Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB

Has now announced that Thursday March 28th will be opening day for the 2024 golf season at the golf course.

So you can now start booking tee times for the outdoor golf season ahead.

The Ray Hearn design is one of the best public golf courses in the Chicagoland area.  Plus now you can sign up for the April 6th Pick Your Pin Scramble.

Mistwood Golf Club on Renwick road in Romeoville. (815)-254-3333 or Mistwoodgc.com.

  THE VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP live from Innisbrook Resort, as the Florida Swing of the PGA Tour wraps up. (L) Copperhead-tee it up where the professionals do, play four courses all in one resort. Packard’s Steakhouse has reopened-yum. So book your next Florida stay and play at Innisbrookgolfresort.com. THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB (R) has all outdoor 27 holes open for play. Three simulators indoors are open for any cold days that might remain. SchaumburgGolf.com or call the pro shop (847)-885-9000.

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

The flag in the breeze at Village Links Golf Club.

RENOVATIONS are coming to the Village Links Golf Club in Glen Ellyn.

Architect Greg Martin will over see the planned improvements. Martin is an  national award winning architect, and past president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. (ASGCA).

Martin’s recent work in the Glen Ellyn area includes, the Preserve at Oak Meadows, and Settlers Hill in Batavia.

  ARCHITECT GREG MARTIN will create the masterplan for Village Links in Glen Ellyn.

OPEN HOUSE for the renovation of Village Links.

TWO NIGHTS ONLY- with architect Greg Martin. Tuesday March 26th at 6:30p in the Blue Herron Room at Village Links.

SAME PLACE SAME TIME-in case you missed the first one, the second session is Wednesday April 3rd.

So here is your chance to hear more about the master plan, and the improvements that are being discussed by architect Greg Martin and the Glen Ellyn Park District.

But more details at Villagelinks.com.

  THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB AT 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview. Because the outdoor season is coming up soon, book a hitting bay today. TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905. Four NEW simulators and a NEW putting green. #ArnieatTheBar

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

NEW Innisbrook Resort Executive Director Chris Walling stands by the Valspar championship trophy.

THE FLORIDA SWING HAS ONE FINAL STOP.

Innisbrook Resort and the VALSPAR Championship.

The tournament is one of the most fun tournaments on tour, and the players of the PGA Tour love it.

So you should too. Because this golf course-Copperhead, is one you can play. While challenging for all skill levels, it’s also fun for all skill levels.

Welcome to VALSPAR the Most Colorful Tournament on Tour.

So players with Chicago ties have won here, including Kevin Streelman and Luke Donald.

Both players are in the field this week. But so is Northbrook native Nick Hardy, and Arlington Heights very own Doug Ghim.

So whoever does win this week, Chicago area golf fans should enjoy the broadcasts with so many area favorites in the mix.

STRIKER can be found at the start of the Snake Pit holes 16-17-18. Innisbrookgolf.com

Copperhead has a great stretch of finishing holes.

Because holes 16-17-18 are called the Snake Pit. Par is 4-3-4.

The tour players love the challenge, and plenty of top names will be here this week.

10 of the Top 30 are signed up and in the field.

When you tune in for the tournament on both The Golf Channel and NBC, you will see birdies. But this is no desert shootout. Because nobody will shoot 25 under par by the time Sunday wraps up.

COPPERHEAD the par-3 17th part of the Snake Pit.

So please do check out the Valspar Championship this week. Because it will be exciting golf.

But better yet is the fact that Copperhead is a golf course that you the public golfer can play.

You have heard the saying before, play where the pro’s play.

Well the Innisbrook Resort is one of those places. But Copperhead is not the only course on property. Because other courses include, the Island Course where Phil Mickelson won his NCAA Championship.

The South Course is a great golf course, where there is some room to move the ball around, but golfers will find some sneaky in places, elevation change. Currently the North Course has been reduced to nine holes, that involves some property revisions around the resort. The resort has not announced the full details of a planned new par-3 golf course.

The Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road, is now open indoors and outdoors. The driving range is now the Trackman range. See more at SchaumburgGolf.com or call (847)-885-9000.

When one visits Innisbrook, you not only have great golf options, but newly renovated rooms across the property.

But if you need some additional relaxation, check out the Salamander Spa, your body will thank you.

But there is more on the food side. The famed Packard’s Steakhouse is now open after a full renovation.

The Osprey Bar and patio is a great place for appetizers and cold beverages.

But for more information see InnisbrookGolfResort.com or call (888)-796-2487. So inn the meantime-enjoy the Valspar Championship this week. Some tickets are still available.

  THE SEASONS ARE CHANGING-take it outside at the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road. All 27 holes are open outside, three simulators are still open inside. The pro shop is filling up for the season ahead. SchaumburgGolf.com (847)-885-9000.

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy and connect on Facebook/LinkedIn and Instagram. In the fitting simulator at Heritage Oaks GC in Northbrook IL.

THE OUTDOOR GOLF SEASON IS COMING-SOON.

So while the weather will be a little tricky the next two weeks, the warmer spring and summer season are getting ready to knock at the door of the clubhouse.

ARE YOU READY?

So answer yourself this question. What have you done in the winter off season, to make yourself a better golfer in the outdoor season that is coming quickly.

DID YOU GO AND HIT BALLS-in the dome. Did you go hit balls and a play golf in the simulator. How about practicing on the indoor putting greens, or even the living room or office carpet.

ARE YOUR CLUBS still in the garage, if so bring them inside and warm them up. Did you buy new clubs, or a new club, such as a driver, a wedge or a putter.

WHAT ARE THE condition of the golf balls still in your bag from last golf season. Still with dirt of cart path scuffs on them. Because if you plan to use them, bring them inside, and clean them with some warm water. But better yet, go buy some new balls. Because many clubs are still running the buy four dozen and pay for three dozen deal. Yes it is a deal, as golf balls, the best balls are now edging up towards $60 a dozen.

Arnie is always at the bar-at The Shack Indoor Golf Club 1717 Chestnut Street in Glenview. 4 new simulators and a putting green. Be ready for outdoor golf season, by getting ready at The Shack. (847)-904-2905

So what about your glove, is it black and crumpled from a rain day last year. Does it have a hole-in the palm.

But what about you hat or visor. Still dirty from last year, with the sweat stains from the hot days.

IS YOUR GOLF BAG beat. Is the strap or the stand broke. Do you still have any tees in the bag, or a marker to ID your golf ball before you tee off.

Did you ever find the missing head cover or head covers you lost at the end of last year. Because if you did not get a call from the pro shop at the golf course, that said we got them in lost and found. Your woods still need covers to start the year. But what is really amazing, is how many people never come back to a course or make a call about lost head covers. Some courses are throwing garbage bags full of head covers in the trash every year.

BETTER YET-did you ever get the range finder back you left on the post of the golf cart, or does it need a new battery.

The Mistwood Golf Dome Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook-now is the time to dig into the madness-hoops and golf season prep. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. Book a hitting bay today, open daily until 10p.

SHOES-are they still wet and dirty from that final round last October.

Is the umbrella still in one piece after that rainy, windy fall day last year.

IF YOU answered YES to any of these questions, take an hour to put things in order, before the league starts. Before the first outing, before the first business golf day. Before the first day your regular foursome is ready to tee off.

But maybe even more important is, what kind of shape is your game in as the golf season ramps up. Are you going to address the short comings before you hit the golf course.

I DECIDED that enough is enough in some area’s, and have already taken steps to be better this summer. Yes that means play more and practice more, but even beyond that, there was more that needed to be done.

Last years failing putter is gone-it was cut and released for more “cap space”. You have to love the Callaway Golf trade-in program. Odyessy AI-Two has been ordered. But there is already a new Bettinardi Novai in the bag. Soon a LAB Golf DF3 will be on it’s way to my front door. So it will be like a battle for the starting QB job in training camp. Who will start, who will back-up and who will hold the clip board while wearing a baseball, oops golf hat.

LAST YEARS NEW STICKS the Callaway Paradym’s were tested against the NEW Callaway Smoke AI, was it time to upgrade. My answer was no. The new Smoke’s won the battle vs Paradym’s. But only by 1-2 yards in both woods and irons, so I’m sticking with last years models that still don’t have many rounds on them. But if you did not upgrade last year, the time could be right for an upgrade now.

FITTING does not mean a full new bag of clubs all at once.

I already have a new pair of Sqairz Speed II golf shoes and new spikes. Traction will not be an issue if it’s a wet spring. I picked up some new gloves at the PGA Show, and the new golf balls are coming soon. I might take one day to burn out last years low mileage models, but lets get the new balls in the air.

LESSON’S-Do you need a couple. I did, and it’s already helping. Just because you take one lesson, doesn’t mean you need a whole bunch. I have to thank two members of the Illinois PGA for some quick tips. Both Billiter brothers Jim (Ivanhoe Club) and John (Heritage Oaks GC) might have figured out my issues, that were dragging on and keeping the handicap in double-digits, during one quick segment.

While at the new Cabot Citrus Farms before the PGA Show-Jim straightened out my driver stance, and ball positioning on my iron shots. Improvement in both accuracy and distance came quickly. John while working in the IPGA booth at the Chicago Golf Show, made a slight grip change, and closed the club face a little on my take-away. I am already liking what I see, and it’s still only March.

BUT WHAT I DO KNOW-I am already feeling more upbeat about my golf season ahead. So take the steps you need to be ready for golf season, don’t use 10-12 rounds to work the rust off. With some proper prep, you can have better results from the start, if you take a little stock in your overall game, and equipment.

PGA TOUR-LIV GOLF MEETING with all the big bosses and some players. Could happen today or tomorrow, somewhere near Sawgrass and Tour headquarters. Stay tuned.

ILLINOIS GOLF-on the women’s side Isabel Sy earned co-champion honors at Briar’s Creek Invitational. The Illini were fourth, and for Sy, it was her sixth straight Top 5 finish. The men’s team finished 8th at the Johnnie O’s Invite at Sea Island Resort in GA.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS

  IN THE SIMULATOR or IN THE SHELL the Mistwood Golf Dome is rocking as golf and more is happening all week long and open everyday until 10 Pm. McWethy’s Sports Bar has Sauce madness happening as the tournament tip’s off. So now is the time to get your game tuned up for the outdoor season. Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600.

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

The NEW Bonita Bay Club Performance Center-known as the Golf Lab.

THE BONITA BAY CLUB

The bounce back from Hurricane Ian continues.

Editor Note *** I visited the Bonita Bay Club in 2023, as it bounced back from a pounding it took from Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Because of the clubs 5 courses, only two were fully open. But the clubs other three courses, were partially closed, but combined into one 18 hole routing. During this clean up and repair phase, Bonita Bay Club the largest member-owned golf facility in Florida, continued to upgrade this world class golf and more facility. *** RS

Bonita Bay Club has built not one but two new golf performance center. A four-bay Golf Academy with the latest in golf technology for instruction and game improvement and fitness. But the second Golf Lab has two-bays. One for club fitting and repair, and the other is a putting studio. So the area can fit, build and customize clubs on-site.

The Shack Golf Club in Glenview has expanded. Have you seen the NEW simulator bays. If not now is the time to get your game ready for next month when all the clubs have opened. The new putting green has opened as well, and the food tastes better than ever. The Shack Indoor Golf Club where golf season just got longer and Arnold Palmer is always at the bar. (847)-904-2905 Book a hitting bay today.

“Our goal has been, and continues to be, to give members everything they need here at the club without having to go elsewhere,” said E.J. McDonnell, director of golf, Bonita Bay Club.

“Todays golfers love technology and everything they can learn about the game of golf and their equipment. We like to tout ‘Golf is King’ here and the new performance centers are proof of that.”

The Bonita Bay Golf Academy offers the newest camera and ground force-plate technology. One bay has a Zen Swing Stage, which can be tilted in different directions to practice uneven lies-something McDonnell says is a difficult phase of the game that is hard to teach or practice.

MORE PHASES of technology include Trackman and the Foresight GC Quad launch monitors, the golf fitness room has Technogym and TRX equipment.

With temps dropping this week. Step back into the warmth of the three simulators of the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road. HINT: you can still play the Schaumburg Golf Club indoors on the simulators. Book a bay at (847)-885-9000 while the outdoor season takes a few days off. Hungry-head upstairs to Chandlers Chophouse. SchaumburgGolf.com.

“We will use Trackman and Foresight GC Quad Launch monitors for club-fitting,” McDonnell says. “The full-service repair and build shop will allow us to do most repairs on site, plus some custom building of clubs.”

McDonnell who currently is ranked in the Top 10 of the World Senior Long Drive-Senior Division, has been long familiar with how technology can improve ones game.

“I use technology at every opportunity to improve my skills and diagnose the proper equipment,” McDonnell said. “We use Trackman and GC Quad for work on swing speed, smash factor, ball speed, spin, launch, face and club angles.”

The opening of the Golf Academy and Golf Lab are the latest additions to the clubs golf master plan. Last July the club started several amenities on both of the club’s two campuses. Improvements include work on it’s Sabal Course, and Naples Clubhouse, and practice facilities, over the 2,400 acre community.

Bonita Bay Club, that first opened in 1985, is a leading Platinum Club with the best offerings of member amenities. The club has five golf courses. Cypress and Sabal by Tom Fazio, with three courses that include Bay Island, Creekside and Marsh, designed by Arthur Hills.

But for more information on the Bonita Bay Club, please visit Bonitabayclub.net.