THE TRANSITION IS COMING as outdoor golf season is not far away. So enjoy this weekend in the Mistwood Golf Dome, and enjoy some Toptracer golf. But another option is the award winning chicken wings in McWethy’s Sports Bar in the dome. So book your hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600.
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram
Tyler Wollberg is the new head golf professional at Pine Meadow.
ARE YOU READY…
Because outdoor golf season is coming soon.
So for many golf courses, that season is starting tomorrow or on Monday.
But as in years past-Jemsek Golf is leading the way into outdoor play.
Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein is now taking tee times for tomorrow (Sunday) to play “The Pine.”
So for those who have enjoyed the Pine in the past, the clubhouse, has been painted indoors and the new carpeting is looking great. But better yet-hit the range, the mat area is now open. So book a tee time at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF).
Welcome to Cog Hill Golf and Country Club.
COG HILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
IS OPEN…
But then again-they always are. Because Courses 1 & 3 stay open year round, in addition the driving range with lights and heaters, and partially covered with walls ad a roof, is open as well.
So if your down in the Southwest Burbs, see Coghillgolf.com or book a tee time at (630)-264-4455.
PINE MEADOW in Mundelein and St. Andrews Golf & Country Club on Rt. 59 in West Chicago. Just north of North Avenue is open for golf and heated practice area’s. Call (630)-231-3100.
THE SHACK GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Ave in Glenview, is open daily with seven simulators and a putting green. So book your simulator time at TheShackGolfClub.com or call the Shack at (847)-904-2905. While your there, enjoy a beverage or flat breads.
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram
GOLF VX has now opened in Arlington Hts. at 644 East Rand Road- (847)-749-1054 visit their website at PlayGolfVX.com.
Golf VX has just opened in Arlington Hts. and the new golf facility has 12 simulators, and a putting green. There is a full size bar and menu, and membership options. Members can play in special events, leagues or tournaments. But there is more, like FREE coffee every day until noon for members. Rates do vary for peak and non-peak hours.
GOLFERS ON GOLF will have more on the new Golf VX studio later next week. So stay tuned.
THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road, has three simulators open daily. But even better is the opportunity to play the SGC indoors on the clubs simulators. Schaumburg’s pro shop is filling up with summer supplies, and right above the simulators is Chandlers Chophouse. Home to the best burgers in Schaumburg. So book a hitting bay, a golf lesson or club fitting at Schaumburggolf.com (847)-885-9000.
THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road has three simulators open daily. Where you can play the indoor version of the Schaumburg Golf Club. The pro shop is filling up with summer supplies and Chandlers Chophouse is open and serving the best burgers in town. So book a bay SchaumburgGolf.com (847)-885-9000.
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn/Instagram/Facebook
John Moran, left, speaks alongside Rand Jerris after they both received the Herbert Warren Wind Award during the 2025 Annual Meeting Dinner at The Carolina Hotel in the Village of Pinehurst, NC on Saturday, March 1, 2025. (Copyright USGA/Jason E. Miczek)
THE WINNER IS “The Prairie Raynor” by Chicago Golf Club historian John Moran, and Rand Jerris who spent over three decades at the USGA, overseeing the USGA Golf Museum and Library. Jerris now has his own consulting firm, Purple Valley Strategies.
Both Moran and Jerris were honored this past weekend at the annual United States Golf Association (USGA) meetings in Pinehurst North Carolina. Where both authors were honored by receiving the Herbert Warren Wind Award for their work in golf literature.
THE BOOK (published in 2024) is the vision released through the authors that incorporates historical photo’s and original sketches.
The cover of The Prairie Raynor book, by John Moran and Rand Jerris.
Readers can enjoy the story of Seth Raynor’s transformation of the Chicago Golf Club, into a historical design that has withstood the test of time.
Chicago Golf Club located today in Wheaton Illinois, went from being one of the five original founding USGA clubs. To being a venue that has hosted eight USGA national championships (with two more championships scheduled, the 2033 U.S. Women’s Open and the 2036 Walker Cup).
“The book reminds us of what it takes to stand the test of time,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “Chicago Golf Club is not just an iconic championship venue, but a beloved course that the greats in course architecture and agronomy have given to America. The incredible care that John and Rand put forth in creating this book reminds us why the story is important and why it’s deserving of recognition.”
Portrait of John Moran and Rand Jerris Ph.D., recipients of the Herbert Warren Wind Award, during the 2025 Annual Meeting at The Carolina Hotel in Village of Pinehurst, NC on Saturday, March 1, 2025. (Copyright USGA/Jaydon Brunson)
So the Prairie Raynor takes the reader through how Chicago Golf Club founder, Charles Blair Macdonald suggested the club hire Raynor to develop a new design, because of what had become an aging design and routing.
Because of the development of the rubber-core golf ball. The sport of golf and how it was played had changed in a just a few years.
But when Raynor arrived in Wheaton, his lack of knowledge in American prairie land became quickly apparent. So as a result, Raynor spent two full days sitting in the clubs clocktower. Where he would admire the expansive prairie land of the clubs current location.
The time turned out to be well spent, because his inspiration still stands over 100 years later. So does the clubs clocktower, now a monument to Raynor’s evolution in course design.
So as the book project started, Moran sought after Jerris to assist in an editorial role. But that quickly changed, and before long the two men were working as co-authors. Jerris brought the book an explanation on how Raynor’s work, is still of great influence in today’s designs.
THE SHACK GOLF CLUB located at 1717 Chestnut avenue in Glenview, is open daily with seven simulators and a putting green. So book your tee time today at TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905. #Lessons #Clubfittings.
MORAN HAS BEEN part of the Chicago Golf Club for five decades. But began his time at the club as a caddie in 1977.
But in 1986 he became a member of the club, and currently serves on the clubs board of directors.
“Chicago Golf Club has been an important home for my family and myself. The opportunity to tell the story of the course with Rand Jerris has been a pleasure and a privilege,” said Moran. “My hope is that the book helps our club and others like it. So they can recognize and perpetuate the strong level of stewardship that has gone into the creation and decades of subsequent care. Which has made our golden-age course beautiful and still relevant.”
CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Chicago Golf Club member/club historian John Moran. As Moran takes you through the creation of book and history of the Chicago Golf Club.
“John and I challenged each other to find innovative ways to describe a golf course,” said Jerris. ‘Seth Raynor’s creative genius and the club’s exemplary stewardship of his masterpiece provided ample inspiration to do so. It is our hope that the book will spark meaningful conversations between golfers, golf architects, golf course superintendents, green committee chairs and historians about the meaning, value and stewardship of great golf architecture.”
CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Dr. Rand Jerris. Jerris reviews Chicago Golf Club history and the creation of The Prairie Raynor.
The book is available for purchase at Grant Books Ltd’s website or USGA Publications.
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 FINAL DAY OF THE CHICAGO GOLF SHOW at the Donald Stephens Convention Center-Tickets at ChicagoGolfShow.com Sunday hours 9 Am to 4 pm.
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram
THIS WEEKS EDITION of the Sunday Morning Short Game-News Column.
THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB HAS Three simulators open daily for golf, including your chance to play the Schaumburg Golf Club indoor winter edition. Located at 401 North Roselle Road, you can call (847)-885-9000 or visit SchaumburgGolf.com. #SGC
THE SHACK GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview. Now with Seven simulators and a putting green. So book your indoor golf event-party or outing today either online at The Shackgolfclub.com or call The Shack at (847)-904-2905 #TSGC
THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Open daily until 10 Pm, with March still not looking great for outside golf, the Mistwood Golf Dome is still the place for winter dome golf. More options include club fittings, lessons and Toptracer golf. So book your hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600.
The Roost is now open at Cabot Citrus Farms in Brooksville Florida. Hole 13.
THE ROOST the latest 18 hole course at Cabot Citrus Farms is now open for play.
So why not plan a spring trip to Florida, and experience the latest golf property to open in the Sunshine State.
But the Roost is surrounded by other great golf courses including, the Karoo Course, and the Squeeze and The Wedge. So book your visit today by visiting CabotCitrusFarms.com.
THE QUEEN B 16 Remix putter is now available from Bettinardi Golf. So learn more about the new release at Bettinardi.com.
TITLEIST GOLF has announced that it’s new T-Series Black irons are now available. So learn more at Titleist.com.
MICHAEL THORBJORNSEN the 2021 Champion of the Western Amateur Championship at The Glen View Club, has announced an agreement with the WGA-Evans scholars Foundation. Thorbjornsen now on the PGA Tour, will donate $50.00 to the WGAESF for every birdie he makes on tour. See full details at WGAESF.com.
PINE MEADOW GC in Mundelein has announced they are open, walking only as of this past Friday. But the course will be open or not, pending the weather through out the Month of March. So stay in touch for play-days at Pinemeadowgc.com or (847)-566-4653.
FOXFORD HILLS in Cary, is hosting it’s annual Pars under The Stars-night golf on Saturday May 17th. Cost is $420.00 per foursome, which includes golf, cart, dinner, and three glow-in-the-dark golf balls. So visit Foxfordhillsgolfclub.com or call (847)-639-0400.
HORSESHOE BAY RESORT in Austin Texas, is now offering it’s Tee It Up Golf Package for spring of 2025. See the details at the top golf resort in Texas at HSBResort.com.
LAB GOLF CEO SAM HAHN-talks about why toe up putters still haven’t caught on after being on the market for years. So watch the video at LABgolf.com.
BEN HOGAN GOLF is back in the game, with a new set of Irons. So for more details visit BenHogangolf.com.
THE CHICAGO GOLF SHOW is now underway in the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. So go try and make the long putt and set off the Blackhawks goal siren. Sign up for free golf with GolfVisions, free golf lessons from the Illinois PGA. Show hours for the weekend are 9 to 5 today and 9 to 4 tomorrow on Sunday. #CGS
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram
COG HILL will on Monday March 3rd, start with the Titleist Golf Ball discount of buy three dozen balls, and get a fourth dozen free. Details at Coghillgolf.com
READY FOR MEXICO-Vallarta Vidanta home of the Mexican Open, where University of Illinois alum Brian Campbell won his first PGA Tour event, is open for public play. So check out the golf package and stay and play. See Vidantaworld.com and make your trip before December 25 of 2025, to enjoy the discounts and championship golf.
DID YOU KNOW-the Adam Scott was involved in the design of some of the new LAB Golf putters. So now you can watch Scott discuss his role in the putters design at LABgolf.com.
LEGION XIII of the LIV Golf Tour headed up by Jon Rahm, has entered into an apparel partnership with Greyson Clothiers. LIVGolf.com for more information.
THE National Golf Foundation (NGF) had added Willowbrook based Club Champion club fitters to the Top 100 businesses in golf list. See more at Clubchampiongolf.com.
THE TRANSITION IS COMING as outdoor golf season is not far away. So enjoy this weekend in the Mistwood Golf Dome, and enjoy some Toptracer golf. But another option is the award winning chicken wings in McWethy’s Sports Bar in the dome. So book your hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600.
PINE MEADOW in Mundelein and St. Andrews Golf & Country Club on Rt. 59 in West Chicago. Just north of North Avenue is open for golf and heated practice area’s. Call (630)-231-3100.
