MISTWOOD GOLF DOME ON RT. 53 in Bolingbrook is open for golf, Toptracer golf, lessons and club fittings. For food and beverage enjoy McWethy’s Sportsbar now open for indoor dining. For more details see Mistwoodgolfdome.com, or call (630)-739-7600.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE FINAL ROUND of the Honda Classic is on the tee today.

But while Arlington Heights native Doug Ghim has missed the cut, Winfield native and Wilson Golf staff player Kevin Streelman has a chance for a great finish, even if winning the championship seems out of the picture.

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT will return tomorrow, with more on what you can expect to read right here at Golfersongolf.com. Because I have some 14 stories coming out of the recent 28 day golf trip.

SCOTTSDALE AZ. based Troon (Golf) has been named as the management firm to operate the Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois.

“We are excited to partner with Troon for the management of the golf course operation at Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois, said Jackie Szymoniak, Assistant Athletic Director, University of Illinois Athletics. “Troon is recognized as a leader in golf management and particularly for delivering premium golf course conditions and exceptional customer service, which is pivotal as we renovate and enhance the Atkins Golf Club.

Atkins Golf Club is undergoing renovations by architect Drew Rogers, and should reopen this fall.

“The University of Illinois’ golf program has a tradition of excellence, and it’s home course should be representative of that,” said Phillip Martin, Troon’s Senior Vice President of Head of Operations for the company’s new Chicago office. “Troon is excited to be on board at Atkins Golf Club and is looking forward to enhancing the club, the university and the local Champaign-Urbana community.” More details can be found at Troon.com.

ILLINOIS Sophomore Jerry Ji, was awarded Big Ten Men’s player of the week. After Ji helped the Fighting Illini win the 36th annual Louisiana Classic’s Golf championship. Ji (-13) for the championship led the field with 18 birdies, as Illinois won the championship by 38 shots.

GLOW IN DARK GOLF is back. Because of popular demand, night golf at Foxford Hills in Cary is back for another year on Saturday May 8th,with a field limited to 72 players.. With many golfers staying out until darkness, why not just play in the dark with your glow in the dark golf balls. Bring your flashlight. Dinner at 5 pm and Shotgun start at 7 Pm. For more information call Foxford Hills at (847)-639-0400.

GALENA BASED-Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa is getting ready to open it’s golf operation for the 2021 season.

The North Course will open first on April first, with great spring rates.

Eagle Ridge assures us that the April 1st opening, is ‘no joke’.

Eagle Ridge has four golf courses in addition to the North Course. So add to the list, the South Course, east Course and one of the best courses in the State of Illinois, The General. For more information see EagleRidge.com or call (815)-776-5035.

BLACKBERRY OAKS in Bristol Illinois, has announced that it’s open for the 2021 golf season. But other news includes the departure of of long time golf professional Justin Wyeth, who leaves after 11 years to accept the full-time head coaching job at Aurora University. For more information on Chad Johansen’s summer junior golf programs and more call (630)-553-7170, or visit BlackberryOaks.com.

NORTHBROOK BASED KEMPERSPORTS has announced that Jeremy Goldblatt has joined the companies management team as executive vice president. Goldblatt will work in the managed and leased services division. This includes golf and hospitality operations at more than 100 highly rated golf courses and resorts in 24 states.

“With Jeremy’s strong background in hospitality, sports and entertainment he will be a very valuable addition to our leadership team as we continue to grow in golf, resorts and lodging management, ” said Steve Skinner CEO of KemperSports.

DALLAS BASED TOPGOLF has announced that Artie Starrs will become the companies new CEO starting on April 5th. Starrs will be responsible for growth and expansion for Topgolf under parent company Callaway Golf.

Starrs joins Topgolf from Yum! Brands where he was Global CEO for Pizza Hut, overseeing 18,000 locations  over 110 countries.

“We are thrilled to have Artie join Topgolf as he leads the company, together with the team, on it’s continued journey of accelerated growth,” said Callaway President and CEO Chip Brewer. “I am confident Artie’s leadership and track record of driving a global brand with a focus on operations and franchising, and digital transformation experience will add great value to the innovative team at Topgolf.”

“This opportunity marries my passion for the hospitality business with my lifelong love for the sport of golf,” said Starrs. “I could not think of a better time to join this brand, with so much momentum as we head into the future. I’m looking forward to joining more than 18,000 Topgolf team members to build on their incredible business success and powerful culture.” More details at Topgolf.com.

PINE MEADOW GOLF in Mundelein has announced Titleist fitting Thursdays from April 22nd through June 10th. Times run from noon through 4:45 pm. There are no walk-ups, call and make your appointment by calling (847)-566-GOLF (4653). But if your ready for outdoor golf next weekend, Pine Meadow has a 2-man scramble. So learn more at Pinemeadowgc.com.

GOLFDATA TECH has released the World Golf Report 2021 along with the YANO Research Institute on golf equipment and golf apparel sales. Which is a $14 Billion dollar industry.

“And despite the worldwide pandemic golf participation and sales were higher. Because with equipment as the leader, the combined sales showed a 3% growth to $13.93 billion. But a broad decline in apparel sales was evident, with pro shops being closed to golfers.

“It was a long, hard, painful first half of 2020, but the game, and the business of golf, quickly gained momentum during the spring/early summer months,” said John Krzynowek Partner of Golfdata Tech LLC. “Golf courses were soon full and rounds played soared, including an influx or newcomers to the game. But findings also indicated that the Top 5 World Golf Markets were #1 United States #2 Japan #3 South Korea #4 Canada #5 United Kingdom.

But Korean golfers spend more per capita on golf equipment than any other country. Sweden is the fastest growing country, up over 50% in golf related sales.

OAKBROOK TERRACE based Zero Friction has introduced a new 3″-inch tee to it’s Power 3 three prong line of performance tee’s.

Because the Zero Friction Power 3, has a deeper 3-prong shape, it reduces friction even more than the company’s original performance tee. So this results in more yardage to the golfer.

But the new Power 3 comes in a 4-inch model and in a variety of colors.

“Every golfer’s swing is unique,” said Zero friction owner John Iacono. “Different swings have different needs when it comes to equipment. So that’s why we created a three-inch model of our very successful performance tee line. Because more options are always a plus.

Zero Friction created the performance tee market years ago, and was the first tee to carry the PGA Tour logo. Zero Friction has created the universal fit glove line, which is a one-size fits most hand sizes. Products by Zero Friction has received industry honors from the ING Network. So learn more at Zerofriction.com or by calling (630)-317-7700.

MISSION INN Resort, owned by the Beucher family that has it’s roots in Chicago, is proud to welcome back the LPGA Symetra Tour from May 28-30.

“The entire Beucher family is so pleased to, once again be a part of the LPGA’s Symetra Tour in May of 2021,” said Bud Beucher, Vice President and General Manager at Mission Inn Resort and Club. “We and our great sponsors, AdventHealth, Visit Lake, Keiser College of Golf, Lassiterware Insurance agency, Target Specialties, Kirby Tents, Kevco Builders, and Sysco Foods, are helping to make this event one of Central Florida’s premier women’s professional golf events.”

But this year a full field with a purse that increases $75,000 up to $200,000, will battle it our for the $30,000 first place check. Pro-am’s will take place on Wednesday the 26th and Thursday the 27th.

Mission Inn’s golf history includes the famed 104 year old El Campeon golf course, one of Florida’s most historic golf courses. El Campeon has been home to over 20 NCAA Championships, USGA qualifiers for the U.S. Opens and U.S. Amateur championships.

For more details see MissionInn.com, the Symetra tour website. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available by calling (352)-324-3101.

HONMA GOLF has introduced a new line of clubs the T//World GS line. (Gain speed).

Because the World GS line has been created for a wide range of golfers. The line is available in both woods and irons.

So golfers can test the full line of Honma clubs at Honma custom fitters.

Because of the new line of clubs, the Honma T/World XP-1, will be replaced by the new GS line. The Honma T//World drivers are 460-cc, designed for a straighter ball flight and more distance. They have a 9-gram adjustable weight. Honma’s new Flip Shot Technology increases face flexure and reduces spins for more forgiveness. Cost set at $499.00, with lofts in 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5. Honma fairway woods are $249.00 and Hybrids are $219.00. Irons are $200 per club with a graphite shaft, and $175 with steel shafts. Men’s sets have irons 4-11 and a SW, with ladies set at 6-11 with a SW. See Honma.com.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS