THE SHACK GOLF CLUB starts this years winter golf season with 7 simulators, and a putting green. But while you are at the Shack, why not join Arnie at the bar. So book your bay and bring a group by calling (847)-904-2905 or visit TheShackgolfClub.com

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

    THE SIMULATORS ARE OPEN-every day until 9 Pm. Open all winter long starting at 11 Am, is the Acorn Grill. Coming starting on January 11th, the Saturday and Sunday family brunch. Kids under 12 are free.

The Mistwood Golf Dome Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Toptracer golf and McWethys Bar. (630)-739-7600 and visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

So enjoy food and beverage from the Acorn Grill while you golf in the simulators.

But if your in need for holidays gifts, or want to give your favorite golfer the FREE gift of golf for 2025. Why not order a Heritage Oaks gift card. They can be purchased for amounts starting at $25 or higher in the pro shop.

So do you need a fitting, tomorrow (Friday the 13th) Titleist Golf comes to Heritage Oaks. But call the pro shop at (847)-291-2351 for hours and availability. The 2025 outdoor golf season will be here before you know it. Fittings are done all winter in the fitting tent in the pro shop. Heritageoaksgc.com.

Heritage Oaks Golf Club is part of the Northbrook Park District.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook has plenty to offer during the Chicago winter golf season. So come enjoy Toptracer golf, get a club fitting, attend one of the upcoming demo days, take a golf lesson, play in one of the Toptracer golf events, or enjoy great food in McWethy’s Sports Bar. So book a bay today online or on the phone at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600 #Mistwoodgolf

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

Tyler Wollberg the new GM and head golf professional at Pine Meadow GC in Mundelein.

THIS SUNDAY FROM 1-4 at THE PINE

Jemsek Golf invites you to come and meet Tyler Wollberg the new General Manager and Head Golf Professional at Pine Meadow GC in Mundelein.

Wollberg the Mundelein native and high school graduate comes backs to his home town.

Retiring GM and head Golf Professional Dennis Johnsen says,” I could not be more pleased with the selection of Tyler. Because I believe he is the perfect fit for the Pine Meadow community.”

Wollberg comes over to Pine Meadow from The Grove Country Club in nearby Long Grove. But prior to that Wollberg a PGA member since 2014, attended Carthage College in Kenosha Wisconsin where he was a three-time NCAA Division III All-American.

The Shack Indoor Golf Club at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview. 7 simulators bays, and a putting green. The Shackgolfclub.com or call (847)-804-2905

Wollberg later coached college golf in Kenosha at UW-Parkside for the Rangers.

Wollberg is a TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) Level 3 Instructor, Wollberg is a Level 2 Junior US Kids Certified Coach.

The meet and greet is this Sunday from 1-4 Pm. But for more information you can call Pine Meadow at (847)-566-4653 (Golf).

Pine Meadow Golf Club has one of the most popular grills in the Chicago area, and one of the largest practice ranges, that includes natural grass hitting space. Pinemeadowgc.com.

   THE SHACK GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut in Glenview is open for the winter golf season with new simulators and a putting green. So now there is more room to get in a practice session with Trackman or test your game on a top rated golf course. The food and beverage menu is great to enjoy while getting your golf, and you will find Arnie at the bar. So book a bay today at (847)-904-2905 or visit TheShackGolfClub.com.

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

Bettinardi Studio “B” is open in Oakbrook on 22nd street, next to Michael Jordan’s restaurant.

IS IT TIME FOR A SERIOUS PUTTER FITTING.

Studio B the “northern home” of Bettinardi Golf is ready to take you to a level your putting game has not experienced before.

This morning the Hive is active again, with the “Bettipalooza” drop of goodies.

So just in time for the holidays, you can find putters, wedges, putter covers all types, and golf bags.

Welcome to Studio B at Bettinardi Golf

What type of putter are you looking for, are you a Bears fan. Because if so, right now for a limited time, there are some custom putters with Bears logo’s on them.

So if your looking for a special golf gift this holiday season, why not get your golfer a putter fitting at Studio B.

Studio B is easy to get to, and with it’s Oakbrook location, its centralized from about any where in the Chicago area. But if your favorite golfer actually buys a putter on the day of a fitting. Chances are they will walk out the door and be taking their new putter back to their clubhouse with them.

                      TAKE YOUR PICK of putters at Bettipalooza. Stop by Studio B in Oakbrook and get a putting fitting. Because you can make 2025 the year you start making more putts, and lowering your score and handicap.

But while you are at Studio B, check out what else Bettinardi Golf has to offer. So do remember-The Hive is active today. Don’t miss out. Bettinardigolf.com.

  THE SHACK GOLF CLUB OWNER NICK LARKIN (L) with All-World Caddie Greg Kunkel (R) are at the bar where Arnie hangs out all year round. The Shack is now complete with 7 simulator bays and a putting green. But the great food and beverage at the bar heighten The Shack experience to another level. So book your party today, or just come by and hit some balls on Trackman. Lessons and club fittings are available. The Shack also sells Bettinardi putters. Located at 1717 Chestnut Ave in Glenview. So call and book your simulator time today at (847)-904-2905 TheShackGolfClub.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/Facebook or on Instagram.

SILLY SEASON IS HERE!

SO THAT also means it must be December, and Tiger Time now fills the void in the Silly Season.

Because when December comes around, there is plenty of Tiger talk. Did he play in the Hero (No). Will he play in the Zozo (No). Will he play in the Father-Son PNC (not likely).

But that is likely to be a good thing for the Father-Son, because for once people who follow the event can find out who the other teams are. Plus everyone might find out who actually won, which is not always easy to do. So in a couple of years when Tiger hits 50, there will be plenty of talk about him playing on the Champions Tour.

THE CHAMPIONS AM-FAM event run by Steve Stricker that is moving to the Stricker renovated TPC Wisconsin, is apparently becoming a 2-man team event. Which could be like the New Orleans event on the PGA Tour. So the question has been raised, What about a Sticker-Woods team in 2026 at the Am-Fam. Stay tuned.

The bar is open at McWethy’s Sports Bar in the golf dome in Bolingbrook Rt 53. (630)-739-7600 Mistwoodgolfdome.com book a Toptracer hitting bay today. Sign up for lessons and club fittings-tis the season.

WOODS held a presser at last weeks Hero Tournament-where Scottie Scheffler won again, over that massive field of 20 players. Woods suggested a $5 million dollar payout to all players on the USA Ryder Cup team. Say what? Of course Woods did suggest that all the money get donated to various charities, not a bad idea.

BUT WHILE THE PGA OF AMERICA makes a good buck on the Ryder Cup, giving $5 million to 12 players and probably the Captain, and maybe the assistants. Sounds like another reason for prices on Ryder Cup tickets and other items to just sky rocket more than they have for next year at Bethpage-Black (course) on Long Island. I would hope that when the Ryder Cup returns to the USA and Hazeltine CC in Minnesota in 2030, prices take a dip from what they are next year.

The new bar in the dome itself is open at the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. So book a Toptracer hitting bay at (630)-739-7600-Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

NEWS FROM UP NORTH AND DOWN SOUTH-that’s not so silly.

What a great job of reporting by Gary D’Amato of Wisconsin.Golf.

Because first up was D’Amato breaking the story of the latest project by Bob Lang, called Trinity Hills to be built up in Wisconsin.

Lang you might remember built Erin Hills before selling it to Andy Ziegler the current owner. Erin Hills will host the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open in June.

This time Lang will have Steve Stricker design the course with another architect on board. Original Erin Hills Director of Golf Kent Instefjord will return to Trinity Hills.

But then D’Amato caught up with Sand Valley’s Mike Keiser-son of yes Mike Keiser. Keiser told D’Amato that what was once 1,500 acres when his dad first bought the land, is now more like 15,000 acres. So that’s enough land to build 5 more 18 hole courses, and that’s what Keiser plans to do. I hope he does, and maybe picks a few new architects to add some variety to all the great work done by Kidd-Crenshaw and Coore, and Tom Doak.

The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook, (630)-739-7600. Mistwoodgolfdome.com, lessons, fittings, Toptracer, and Yummy Chicken Wings.

KEISER SAYS the family would like to end up with 100,000 acres of land in the area.

80,000 to be used for a Wisconsin state park, with the other 20,000 acres to be the Sand Valley Golf Resort.

So when the day comes that Sand Valley has built all of these other proposed courses. The only other property with as many golf holes will be Pinehurst, and maybe Reynolds Lake-Oconee by then. So you can read more on this, and everything Sand valley at Wisconsin.Golf.

The NEW Soleta Golf Club designed by Nick Price in Myakka City Florida (east of Sarasota). memberships and home now available.

TWO TIME WESTERN OPEN CHAMPION NICK PRICE-meets the media tomorrow at the new Soleta Golf Club (designed by Price) in Myakka City Florida. The new course is now open for play, and will have some public play until all the memberships and homes are sold in the surrounding  Soleta community.

Golfers on Golf will have our radio partner Len Ziehm at media day to get all the details. Then see what Ziehm has to say at LenZiehmongolf.com. Ziehm is now the new Executive Director of the Golf Travel Writers Association of America. Congrats Len.

DENNIS JOHNSEN has now officially retired from Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein after 20 years at the club, and 50 years in the golf business. Tyler Wollberg is the new head golf professional and he starts today at “The Pine”. It was great to see a group of over 100 people at Pine Meadow yesterday for Johnsen’s send off, including Frank and Katherine Jemsek.

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open for the winter golf season that has now arrived. So put on your golf shoes, and drive over to where you can get a club and putter fitting. Did you get a gift card for the holidays, why not use it to make an investment in your golf game. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600.

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

Shack owner Nick Larkin (L) with All-World Caddie master Greg Kunkel at the Arnold Palmer bar in The Shack Golf Club.

THE SHACK IS BACK AND READY!

The Shack Golf Club in Glenview, never left, but the expansion work is done.

Owner Nick Larkin is ready for the simulator season, and has 3 more simulator bays to offer, than he did through most of the last winter golf season.

But that’s not all. Because if your putting is keeping your scores or handicap higher than you want them. Then use The Shack’s new putting green and be ready to roll it better next year outside on the green.

Some of the new simulators at The Shack Golf Club.

Since Larkin had some extra space to work with, he extended one of the new simulators into one with theatre style seating.

So if you have a large group, or want Larkin to find you a golf movie to show. Reserve the bay with the extra seating and bring your group over for golf and more.

The simulator bays have Trackman so you can just hit balls, if you just want to swing. But if your looking for stats on how far your old clubs are still hitting the ball, or need numbers on what your getting from that new $500 driver. Then dial-in Trackman and find out. So if your looking for some off season golf, punch up one of the great courses from around the world, and test your game.

The new putting green at the Shack. Do you need a new putter. The Shack sells Bettinardi putters.

But if your looking to really tuned up your game, you can get a golf lesson in the simulator with a teaching professional.

Do you need new clubs? If it’s time to make the move and upgrade. Come to the Shack and get a club fitting done.

The Shack has agreements with both Titleist and TaylorMade so you can order new clubs.

So since odds are you might work up a thirst, or appetite while you are there. The bar has plenty of great options, and the menu is loaded with good food. The pizza breads are a Shack specialty.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Shack owner Nick Larkin, and hear what else might be coming to The Shack.

A final thought, if you thinking to book a private or corporate party. Do reserve your date sooner than later. Some days of major sporting events fill-up quickly. You can learn more by visiting theShackgolfclub.com or by calling (847)-904-2905.

Because “The Shack” just made your Chicago golf season, year round.

  PUT ON YOUR SQAIRZ GOLF SHOES and go head to the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. So take on Toptracer and enjoy the best chicken wings in town. So book a hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. THE SHACK GOLF CLUB in Glenview this season has a new putting green and more simulators to choose from. Golfersongolf.com will have more with owner Nick Larkin coming up this week. So enjoy the bar where Arnie comes to play and a great food menu. Because now is the time to visit TheShackGolf Club.com or call the Shack at (847)-904-2905.

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

Rory Spears tests putters at the Bettinardi Studio B facility on 22nd Street in Oak Brook.

THE EXTENDED COLD WEEK that we have had has pushed golf season into the domes and the simulators around the windy city.

But the good news is that there is plenty of options to hit the golf ball around.

While the simulators are great, my first choice depending on what I want to do, is hit the golf dome. Mistwood Golf Dome is my favorite, but Willow Hill in Northbrook is still growing with what is being offered there. Willow Hill is the largest golf dome in terms of length anywhere in the area.

Owner Kent Knebelkamp has big plans still unfolding at Willow Hill in Northbrook.

The Gog Blog hears Knebelkamp is not done in terms of how to make his dome even more golf friendly this coming winter season.

But more good news is that dome is now open for the winter, and the Holiday Light Show the circles around the dome is back up for another season. There is not a better decoration display anywhere in the North Shore.

SIMULATORS and there are plenty of places that now have them. So if your looking for a few destinations to go hit the simulators, are a few I places I have seen that area very good.

The Shack Golf Club in Glenview, owner Nick Larkin expanded the facility last year and it’s paid off. What was four simulators, is now seven. The toss in a new putting green and you can’t go wrong. The menu is pretty good, I’m a big fan of the pizza bread options.

Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle Road has three simulators, that are right down the stairs from Chandlers Chophouse. So order up one of their fine steaks or burgers while you golf. You can’t go wrong.

Mistwood Golf Dome now has some simulators in addition to the dome. But back over in Northbrook at Heritage Oaks GC are two simulators and they are located right next to the bar in the Acorn Grill. Heritage Oaks now has a club fitting simulator tent in the pro shop area, which is also available for golf lessons.

THE GOLF COMMISSIONERS are hot topics this week. So first on the tee is PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan. Because his salary and breakdown of it shows he was paid over $20 million dollars. Plenty of folks including tour players will tell you he is not worth it. But that remains to be scene.

OVER ON THE LPGA SIDE Commissioner Molly Marcoux Samaan has resigned after three years on the job. I am not alone in the golf media world, that wondered from the start if she was ever the right choice. One would think she found that the job was not what she thought it would be. Marcoux never looked comfortable in the role from Day 1.

So it will be interesting to see if the LPGA gets it right this time around.

BOB LANG IS MAKING A COMEBACK. So if you have ever enjoyed a round of golf or more at Erin Hills. Send a big thank you to founder Bob Lang, who went through plenty, of issues and money woes before selling the course to financial guy Andy Ziegler. But while Ziegler should get all the credit for taking Erin Hills from point A to point B to point C as in U.S. Open Championship (2017). It was Lang who got the ball rolling by finding the land, and getting the course built.

THE CREDIT on this story goes to Wisconsin.Golf and Gary D’Amato who broke the news. So check out the full story in Wisconsin.Golf.

While Lang has been out of Erin Hills for years, he has found new land for another golf course. Which he is calling Trinity Hills. Not super far from Erin Hills.

LANG HAS Already put his team in place for the project. Steve Stricker will be the course designer, working with an architect. Former Erin Hills Director of Golf Kent Instefjord, will hold the same title at Trinity Hills. No date set for construction to begin. Opening day for golf will be a few years off. The course will be private at some point, with limited public play.

GOLF CLUBS-new clubs are on their way. Because both Ping and Callaway Golf have new drivers on the way. Ping will launch the G440 Max, while Callaway counters with the Elyte driver in four different models including the Triple-Diamond, and Max-Fast driver.

TAYLORMADE GOLF has announced it has purchased Logan Olson Putters, which will now come under the TaylorMade umbrella.

The Gog Blog will return this week. RS