OUTSIDE or INSIDE The Schaumburg Golf Club is open at 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg-just minutes from Woodfield Mall. Three indoor simulators, or 27 holes outside. But either way you can play the Schaumburg Golf Club. Chandlers is now open inside the clubhouse and the pro shop is stocking up for the summer season ahead. So book a hitting bay or go outside and play. Schaumburggolf.com or call (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/Instagram/Facebook

A helpful caddie.

THE UNWANTED CADDIE…

Sadly there is such a thing. Because for so many years the caddie has been a great help on the golf course.

A caddie can help make a great walk around a fantastic golf course even better. Or not.

Recently I started my golf season with a round of golf on Pinehurst No.2. Yeah I know, what a place to start the season. Because No.2 is this years U.S. Open site, and even in January it can play like one. But then playing in 40 degree weather doesn’t help.

But I can say that I had a caddie that day, and Tom is a good one. In fact Pinehurst caddies all seem to be good ones, maybe they are trained that way. My experiences with Pinehurst caddies have all been good ones, the caddie operation is run really well at Pinehurst. You need a caddie-no problem. You don’t need a caddie-no problem.

My caddie Tom did all right things a good caddie should do. Carried the bag, had the right yardage, cleaned the ball on the green, read putts when needed, found every golf ball I hit in one of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s waste area’s. Had the wet towel handy to wipe the clubs, and raked the bunkers. He never had my bag 50 yards away when I was ready to hit. Tom and I had some good discussion, but he didn’t chirp in my ear all day long, like he was getting tipped by every word he said.

The Shack Indoor Golf Club has expanded to seven simulators and a new putting green. So get your game ready for the outdoor golf season. TheShackGolfClub.com (847)-904-2905.

TOM WAS ON POINT all day long, and even though the back nine that day got cold, I still had a great time.

I have had great caddies at Oakmont, Merion, Streamsong, Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, Friar’s Head, Erin Hills and Olympia Fields. But not so much at some other places, including a few Top 100 courses.

BUT THE POINT I am trying to make here, is that there is no better way to pour a bucket of cold water over what should be a great day of golf, than to get stuck with a caddie you don’t want, didn’t ask for, but got stuck with.

So have you ever had that awkward moment where everyone in the foursome looks at each other on the first tee or in the first fairway, and goes I didn’t bring any cash for this guy. Can you cover me. So then several discussions occur that didn’t need to happen, how the caddie will get a gratuity. Will the tip be far below standards, because that’s the only option.

FORCING A CADDIE on a group or every group is not a smart move. If your a club doing this-STOP. Don’t put a bad taste of what the caddie industry is, into the mouth or heads of golfers who want to enjoy their day on the links. Yes-even un-escorted non-members deserve the right to not have a caddie forced on them.

EVEN WORSE than forcing a caddie on a group that doesn’t want one, is sending out an untrained caddie that doesn’t really know what to do. They only show up with a yardage gun, no wet towel. They come under the impression that if they go click-click and supply yardage a few times, they have the right to expect $75 or $100 at the end of the round. When the fact is they deserve ZERO $$$, after not reading a putt, raking a bunker or cleaning a club all round long. So when a caddie can’t find a ball for 18 holes, yes that is an issue as well.

THE WESTERN GOLF ASSOCIATION (WGA) runs a great caddie training program, so it would be nice if more clubs made their new caddies pass the program before starting out. More caddie masters need to send young or new caddies out on the course for training with members or even good employees on Monday’s, who know the game and it’s traditions.

SOME CADDIEMASTERS will tell you that the level of caddie training is not what it was. That some caddies ride in your cart most of the day, don’t carry a bag and still expect $100.00. The highest rated caddies, should be the only ones allowed to double-bag. Because many of the double-baggers can’t keep-up when carrying two bags.

THERE ARE SOME COURSES that are really must plays with a caddie. Most golfers know where those courses are. Caddie experiences should be a good one, let’s keep it that way. So that golfers continue to ask for caddies, when they play at club where they can get a looper. RS

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open for golf and more. So now it’s Sauce Madness that’s heating up in McWethy’s Sports Bar. But over in the dome shell is the new bar- so get sauced up on the award winning wings. Outdoor golf season is coming soon, so get with Toptracer and hit the ball. Call the dome and book a bay at (630)-739-7600 or visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com. #Lessons #Clubfittings #Wings THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road is open, both indoors in the simulators and outdoors on all 27 holes. There are some good weather days this week and chandlers Chophouse is open. SchaumburgGolf.com or call (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/Facebook.

Welcome to Bay Hill-home of this weeks Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando. Photo by Larry Spalla.

ARNIE…

That one word stands by itself, and this week the focus should be as much on the man as it is on the tournament that carries his name.

Because while there are some who think golf isn’t in the best of places right now, their are others who know it would be in a better place if Arnold Palmer was still here to have say on things.

Arnold Palmer’s event this week at his beloved Bay Hill in Orlando always held a special meaning. Because even if he wasn’t playing, the Arnold Palmer pre-tournament presser was a can’t miss event.

The Arnold Palmer Statue at Bay Hill.

Media people loved it, it didn’t matter what hot shot PGA Tour player was talking that day. Because all one had to do was listen to Arnie, and then go write Arnie. Before having lunch and enjoying-yes you guessed it- an Arnold Palmer as your beverage.

Sadly, just before the 2016 Ryder Cup, Palmer passed away on the night before a scheduled surgery. I will never forget his Ryder Cup bag on the first tee that week at Hazeltine. The USA won that week of course, behind the stellar play of yes-Patrick Reed. Ryan Moore who won the 2016 John Deere Classic-captured the winning point for Team USA.

The umbrella sign among others is up at Bay Hill. Photo by Larry Spalla.

What is funny is how some of today’s younger generation doesn’t know Arnold Palmer the golfer. But they do enjoy an Arnold Palmer on a hot day at their favorite watering hole.

I ordered an Arnold Palmer one day, and the bartender a young gal about 21 I will say, asked me, do you know who this guy Arnold Palmer was.

Me: Well you came to the right place. I have some history and a few stories for you. I won’t ever forget being the only on course reporter working for the new WSCR-AM 820 and going live with George Ofman every 30 minutes with an update. As Palmer and Michael Jordan played in a pro-am together in front of 18,000 people at Stonebridge Country Club in Aurora.

During the press conferences afterwards, Rick Telander of the Chicago-Sun-Times asked Jordan if he thought he could play professional golf once his NBA career was over. Jordan responded that he could. Palmer sitting between both myself and broadcast partner Jerry Kuc, nudged both of us and shook his head-no, on a Jordan pro golf career. Something that Palmer figured out, long before MJ did.

If Arnie was still alive today, you have to wonder what role in the grand scheme of things Palmer would be playing.

Because it would have been really special to see Palmer having summoned PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, and LIV CEO Greg Norman to a room at Bay Hill for a pow-wow, when the LIV Golf-PGA Tour fight started.

The SHACK in Glenview now has 7 simulators and a new putting green. So stop in and get your game ready for the summer season that is quickly approaching. 1717 Chestnut Avenue in Glenview. (847)-904-2905.

Palmer might have said, boys the door is locked and we aren’t going anywhere until this thing gets settled. Plenty of dollars in legal fees might have been saved. Norman who had the API stolen from him one year by Robert Gamez, who holed an eagle from the fairway to beat Norman by one shot, might have settled quickly so he didn’t have to look out on the 18th green and recall such memories.

Palmer lifted golf in many ways, becoming a pitchman for several products. Palmers tractor in Latrobe PA., was subject of plenty of questions from people who would meet Palmer for years after the commercials for Valvoline Oil stopping running. Today with NBC’s logo all over The Golf Channel, people forget that it was Palmer who helped launch the network, and without his input The Golf Channel might not exist.

Palmer pitched this weeks API sponsor Mastercard, and was a Callaway Golf guy as well. So when you watch how Callaway Golf has developed in recent years, one wonders how much better the company could be, if they still had Arnie around to pick his brain now and then. I’m sure Callaway Golf CEO Chip Brewer might have gotten a few calls from “The King” himself. With Palmer adding some input on todays Callaway golf products.

Palmer had his own golf course design company for years. But since Palmer’s passing, many of the talented architects who worked on the team have gone into business for themselves. So hopefully they have brought a little bit of what they have learned from Palmer as they set out to design their own projects, or fix up one of Arnie’s former golf designs.

Arnold Palmer last spoke in Illinois, at the Arnold Palmer Cup at Rich Harvest Farms in 2015. The tournament was held again at RHF in 2021.

Palmer’s last visit to Illinois came in 2015, for the Arnold Palmer Cup.

He spoke outside at Rich Harvest Farms, but his remarks were short. Palmer was still feeling the effects from a bad fall he had taken a few month’s before.

Rich Harvest Farms was also the location of the last Arnold Palmer Cup he attended in person. But the tournament still continues, what was formerly an event for boys. Now has the girls as part of the field as well.

THIS WEEK as the Arnold Palmer Invitational tee’s off, enjoy the golf, maybe an Arnold Palmer or two. Hopefully NBC and TGC will let us relive some of The Kings best moments, and see some of the great work the Arnold Palmer’s Children’s Hospital is doing these days, for all those kids that need the help. RS

  INDOORS AND OUTDOORS The Schaumburg Golf Club is ready to welcome your start to the 2024 golf season. So the good news is that the clubs three simulators are open, but now as of today so are the clubs 27 outdoor holes. Spring golf at Schaumburg is in full form. So book your tee times at SchaumburgGolf.com or call (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/Instagram/Facebook

  ISABEL SY was co-champion of the Chevron Collegiate at the Golf Club of Houston in Humble Texas (L). MAX HERENDEEN (R) is one of six freshman inn the country who is on the Ben Hogan Award watch list. Photo’s courtesy of the U of I athletic department.

The university of Illinois men’s golf team coached by Illinois Golf Hall of Fame inductee Mike Small, heads into the spring season ranked 20th in the nation.

The Shack Indoor Golf Club at 1717 Chestnut Avenue in Glenview has just expanded. So come by and see all the improvements, and get your game ready for the outdoor golf season that’s coming soon. (847)-904-2905

Illinois starts by heading into spring the Hal Williams Collegiate in Mobile Alabama, hosted by the University of South Alabama. The Illini entered the event as the defending champions, and walked away as the two-time defending champions.

Ryan Voois led the Fighting Illini with a 54-hole score of -7, that put Voois in 4th place overall. Illinois had to hold off a final round charge from LSU to take home the title.

“A great way to start the spring schedule,” said coach Small. Who was proud of the team effort to win the tournament.

TOURNAMENT TWO on the Illini schedule was the Southern Highland Collegiate in Las Vegas. Fifth year senior Tyler Goecke had a 5 under par (67) to pace Illinois. Illinois wrapped up a fifth place finish for the tournament. But the next stop for Illinois is on the east coast at St. Simon’s Island from March 11-12 in The Johnnie-O.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, is open for golf. The home of Toptracer and McWethy’s Sports Bar makes it a great place for golf, food and cold beverages. So book your hitting bay and get warmed up for the season ahead. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600 #Lessons #Clubfittings

SO FAR early in the spring schedule the Fighting Illini Women’s Golf Team, has been led by Isabel Sy.

Because of her recent individual win at the Chevron Collegiate, the Big Ten named Sy the B1G Ten Player of the Week.

Sy was second at the spring opening tournament the Nexus Collegiate, finishing the tournament with a score of 1 under par.

The Illini finished in 8th place at the Nexus, then had a ninth place finish at the Chevron Collegiate.

Illini women’s coach Renee Slone was thrilled for Sy, and glad to see Sy win her first tournament while playing college golf.

The Illini Women’s golf team has this week off, before returning to spring season play. But for more information on Illinois golf, see FightingIllini.com.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME ON Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook has added a new Bar in the Shell and simulators for the 2023-2024 winter golf season. But now that spring is ready to arrive, the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville will open soon. But there is still time to get your game ready indoors in dome. So come enjoy the Mistwoodgolfdome.com and all it offers, including McWethy’s Sports Bar and Toptracer Golf call (630)-739-7600.

***SPECIAL CELEBRATIONS for St. Patrick’s Day March 17th and March 31st for Easter in McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood Golf Club located on Renwick Road in Romeoville. (815)-254-3333.

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

SPEED II by Sqairz-the newest line from golfs emerging shoe company. $180.00

SPEED II PROS 2 & VELO

The latest from Sqairz Golf Shoes, as the 2024 golf season begins. It’s not one line of shoes, it’s three.

Fast-faster and fastest. Because golfers need traction, and shoes that allow golfers who have faster swings, to be able to let it fly.

Sqairz continues to evolve it’s lines and designs, and the numbers are coming in and going up in the amount of pairs being sold in todays market.

The numbers on Sqairz are showing gains across the board.

SQAIRZ EXPLAINS the new Speed2

The patented toe box design is strategically designed to accommodate the natural speed of the toes as pressure is exerted on the ground, enabling a more natural and comfortable positioning that diverges significantly from the restrictive feel of traditional golf shoes.

By aligning with the foot’s natural mechanics, the patented toe box directly translate to improved balance, stability, and energy exchange, showcasing SQAIRZ’s commitment to fusing advance biomechanical insights with performance-enhancing footwear technology.

Schaumburg Golf Club is opening the outdoor 27 holes tomorrow March 2nd. But it’s not too late to use the three simulators below the pro shop. Book a bay at SchaumburgGolf.com or call (847)-885-9000 #ChandlersChophouseisOpen

MORE OF THE FEATURES SQAIRZ brings to the golf course, the practice area and your feet.

Because the Sta-Put lacing and it’s silicone nubs help keep shoe laces tied through the round.

A breathable tongue and collar lining forms to the foot for comfort and airflow.

So the TPU carbon film extends from the heel to the arch for stability, and to prevent roll over.

Ground contact comes from over 290 points of optimal ground force production and unparalleled traction on all types of surfaces. Speed II is 100% waterproof, because a padded mesh tongue with side sewn gussets, will prevent sand and water from entering the shoe.

The Shack owner Nick Larkin has expanded from 4 to 7 simulators, and added a putting green. So get a hitting bay today as the outdoor golf season is coming. TheShackgolfclub.com 1717 Chestnut Avenue in Glenview. (847)-904-2905.

So the new Speed 2 is also 100% waterproof, with a reactive synthetic leather upper material.

Sqairz golf shoes have over 2,000 5-Star reviews for comfort and game improvement.

The win total on the PGA Tour is now three, including Sepp Straka winning the John Deere Classic.

Tour legends Sir Nick Faldo and former world #1 David Duval. But now there are endorsements from renowned instructors Jim McLean, Rick Smith and David Leadbetter.

  PRO S2 BY SQAIRZ AT $200.00 and the new VELO (No Exit) by Sqairz $220.00

PRO S2 is a new lightweight, breathable, 100% waterproof ComfortFlex microfiber upper material. But the toe box design is strategically designed to accommodate the natural spread of the toes as pressure is exerted on the ground. Because this enables a more natural and comfortable positioning that is different from the restrictive feel of a traditional golf shoe.

VELO-The first ever speed-rated designed shoe for a Pro-performance and for power hitters.

The new NRGY-Direct Technology reduces energy loss in the high-stress lateral side of the shoe, redirects and funnels power upwards. So the average increase of distance is 12 yards, with a swing speed increase of 3.9 MPH. A tighter dispersion of up to 30% is in the results. The 100% water proof shoe, comes with a new lightweight-responsive NRG Foam midsole delivers step-in comfort and energy return.

So for more information please visit Sqairz.com.