THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IN BOLINGBROOK IS OPEN and taking precautions to be a safe and clean facility at this time. Looking for something to do, go hit some golf balls, get ready for golf season, drink down a virus stopper. Details at (630)-739-7600.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on LinkedIn or Facebook. With the Hall of Famer Len Ziehm in Port St. Lucie-in Jan. of 2020.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT. Scroll down to hear Ziehm and Spears Podcast 2020-Volume 2.

As golf changed before our eyes, what we saw, what we know and what we don’t.

As usual, Len has a lot to say and we hope you will enjoy this version of our podcast series for 2020.

ONE THING LEN AND I will continue to do, is search out all the golf news we can during this time when the Corona Virus is disrupting our daily routines, and effecting work, school, travel and more. Today there is breaking news about our area’s latest course renovation. Settlers Hill in Kane County. Golf architect Greg Martin has been selected to oversee the master plan for the courses improvements.

Settlers Hill will remain open for all of 2020. Some renovation work will start on the course this summer, in area’s that will not affect play. But the course will be closed in all of 2021, and likely not reopen until late spring (May-June) of 2022.

Settlers Hill in Batavia is preparing for renovation.

This past week the Kane County Forest Preserve District approved Settlers Hill for renovation.

This decision was years in the making, but will benefit those who use the facility for years going forward.

Martin calls Settlers Hill, “a piece of property with enormous potential, residing on some of the most interesting and unique property in central Kane County.”

Architect Greg Martin works in his west suburban offices.

Martin will oversee a long list of needed improvements to the golf course.

The list includes, relocation/realignment of some holes to accommodate better site characteristics, drainage, circulation and views.

A regrading and drainage improvements, that will improve maintenance

Renovations of bunkers, tees and greens. A partial renovation to bridges and cart paths. Tree Clearing. Tee to green Grassing. The addition of a Practice Range and Youth Links. A new full irrigation system.

Click here to hear the interview with golf architect Greg Martin on the renovation plan for Settlers in Hill in Batavia.

In recent years Martin has served as National President for the ASGCA (American Society Golf Course Architects), and in the Chicago area Martin has done renovation work at Phillips Park in Aurora, Fox Run Golf Club in Elk Grove, Wilmette Golf Club in Wilmetter, Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton, The Preserve at Oak Meadows Golf Club in Addison, Park Ridge Country Club (summer of 2020).

Martin’s work at, The Preserve at Oak Meadows and Phillips Park won numerous awards from various national organizations and golf publications.

The Gog Blog still has plenty of stories to write, so if your looking for golf news during the virus filled days ahead, keep it here. RS