SHOW PATRON FAVORITE the long putt was very busy once more. Instructor Hank Haney was a big draw on the main stage-Saturday afternoon. Golf Season is here.
The Gog Blog by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on X @GogBlogGuy with a DF3 Lab Golf Putter on The Evans at Canal Shores. 6th tee-the putting hole.
NOW IT FEELS LIKE GOLF SEASON.
Because for me the golf show season is now over. So now all that is left is for the temperatures to warm up, and golf courses to open.
But let’s hope that no more snow arrives, and things can start to green up over the next 27 days.
So are you ready for golf season? Have you taken a lesson, have your purchased new clubs. Maybe you at least some new golf balls to start the 2025 golf season with. If not many clubs are now doing the buy three dozen, get a fourth dozen balls for free. So check with your local club for golf ball specials.
SO WRAPPING UP THE CHICAGO SHOW-News, notes and more.
THE ILLINOIS PGA has announced that the Illinois Open at Kemper Lakes in early August, will have a presenting sponsor-Troon Golf. Illinois PGA officials do expect the purse and winners share (providing they are a professional) to increase.
CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Illinois PGA Executive Director Carrie Williams, on the Illinois Open, and everything IPGA for 2025.
James Nelson (L) Ambassador of Illinois PGA Section-PGA Hope. With Carrie Williams IPGA (R).
So in addition to the Illinois Open news, is the IPGA Championship series.
Six events at six great clubs, where the professionals can play with the amateurs who have a handicap of 10 or less.
So visit IPGA.com for details. The IPGA Section Championship now a 36-hole event, has allowed more premium Chicago area clubs to offer to be a host facility. This year the Illinois Section will be played at the famed Donald Ross designed Beverly Country Club in late August.
SPEAKING on behalf of the IPGA membership was section Vice President and Director of Golf at Mistwood golf club Andy Mickelson.
CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with IPGA VP Andy Mickelson.
Instructor Hank Haney was a hit on the main stage on Saturday afternoon.
GOLF INSTRUCTOR HANK HANEY was the star of the main stage.
Haney a long time swing coach to star players on the PGA Tour, answered questions from the audience, after sharing several of his thoughts and approaches to the game of golf.
Recently Haney (69) relocated back to the Chicago Northern Suburbs, to help his son get more involved in youth hockey.
During an interview with Golfers on Golf, Haney spoke about his plan to build several teaching studio’s around the Chicago area. The first one is nearing completion in the North Shore. Haney is still scouting locations around Chicago to build another four or five locations.
FOR THOSE OF YOU looking for a new putter this year. Make sure you listen to Haney’s comments on LAB Golf putters, he is a big fan.
CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with golf instructor Hank Haney.
NEW GM at the White Pines Golf Club in Bensenville Andrew Godfrey-congrats Andrew. White Pines will be redoing it’s cart paths all 36 holes in May.
FROM BOYNE GOLF in Michigan-the new par-3 course Doon Brae and Back Yaird putting green designed by Ray Hearn-will open on June 6th. Boynegolf.com.
Next stop for the PGA Tour-Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill. Photo by Larry Spalla.
The PGA Tour after a week in Palm Beach Gardens will move a little more north to Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill. It should be an exciting week at Arnie’s Place.
MY GOLF SPY has put out some early in 2025 awards, and given the new Callaway Elyte XXX driver the best new driver award.
But MGS also awarded the new Tour Edge 525 series driver as the best new-accurate driver. Kudo’s to everyone at Batavia based Tour Edge Golf.
Word is that Tour Edge Golf could have an additional product announcement coming out later this month. So stay tuned for more.
I do have a few samples of the new Zero Friction TruRoll golf balls that I’m looking to try out when the courses open. They do look like a good ball, hopefully they are just that.
FINALLY WRAPPING UP FROM THE CHICAGO GOLF SHOW. Great show this year, very well attended. So maybe the warm weather on Friday or cold weather on the weekend played a role. It really showed that a top rated instructor attracts people to the main stage, if Haney isn’t available for an encore-maybe David Ledbetter or Jim McLean in 2026.
GOT THE GOLF BUG NOW-get in the simulators at The Shack Golf Club in Glenview (847)-904-2905, OR get over to the Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle Road (847)-885-9000. Great food and beverages at both locations.
THE GOG BLOG returns all week. RS
