For THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME still ready for indoor golf, and ready to get you ready for the upcoming outdoor golf season. So why not take it inside for some golf, hitting with Toptracer, getting a lesson, or getting fitted for the new clubs that will have you lowering your handicap, or advancing in the club championship. For more details on the McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood or McWethy’s at the dome. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600 or see Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333 #MistwoodGolf ____________________________________________________________________
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook. On the 18th hole at Pine Needles, home of the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open.
OUTDOOR GOLF SEASON is here, or at least kind of.
But there are a few weeks to go, before things start to look fully in shape on our local courses.
Because last week’s early snow, and the rain on Wednesday, has left things a bit on soggy side headed into this past weekend.
So hopefully things will dry out a bit and more courses can open up. Because last week I came home from my longest golf trip ever, 28 days. But well worth it.
Because it has left me with plenty to write about. But I have some 14 stories from the trip yet to post. I have a few more days of everything Pinehurst. The Pine Needles and Mid-Pines resorts. Mission Inn in Florida, Streamsong and it’s transition into being a full KemperSports management facility.
Innisbrook Resort in Tarpon Springs Florida as it readies for the return of the Valspar Championship, and the PGA Tour. Valspar was the first PGA Tour event fully cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. On the private side on the west coast of Florida is the recently renovated Coral Creek Club. Now complete with recent Fazio renovation. The Coral Creek club sits next to a private airport, land your plane and be on the first tee in 5 minutes.
Back in Southern Pines North Carolina things are building towards the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open on the Pine Needles golf course. Built by Donald Ross, recently renovated by Southern Pines based architect Kyle Franz.
I met up with Franz to learn more about this young architect, who cut his teeth in golf course design by working on pacific Dunes with Tom Doak. Pinehurst #2 with Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore. Then in Rio with Gil Hanse on the 2016 Olympics golf course.
Franz renovation of the Country Club of Charleston in South Carolina was well received by the USGA, and the players in the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open. But Franz is working at Minikahda Club in Minnesota now, and another Donald Ross classic should be well preserved when he is done. Franz is working on Southern Pines Country Club, that when finished will give Ross Resorts three stellar Donald Ross courses.
There are some local topics to get with, and I’ll catch up on them as well. So stay Clicked in here, to find out what’s happening on the local golf scene. Ziehm & Spears podcast series returns by Friday, and as always Len will a lot to say.
THE FIRST TEE OF GREATER CHICAGO has announced two new members of it’s team. Julian Thompson will be the director of golf at the Waveland Facility. Jenna Coyne will be serve as Development Coordinator. Congratulations to Julian and Jenna on their new career opportunities.
FROM THE WGA-SERVPRO of Glenview has sponsored admissions into the Korn Ferry Tour and the Western Golf Association’s Evans Scholars Invitational (ESI). So this means spectators will have free admission into the championship. Dates are May 27-30 and the event has returned to the Glen Club.
Fans do have to register online to get those tickets. You can do so at ESInvitational.com/2021-tickets. You can purchase upgraded tickets to ‘the hanger’ a premium spectator venue, with access to the Glen Club grillroom and patio.
“We’re thankful to have SERVPRO of Glenview partner with us to give the Chicago area golf fans the opportunity to watch these exciting young players compete on a local stage,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA senior vice president of tournaments. “We remain committed to conducting a safe and entertaining event while raising funds for our charitable beneficiary, the Evans Scholars Foundation.”
Curtis Thompson the brother of LPGA Star Lexi Thompson is the defending champion, after winning last September at the Chicago Highlands Club.
THE VALSPAR CHAMPIONSHIP at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor Florida returns after a 1-year absence. Last year Valspar was the first championship that was fully cancelled because of the pandemic. So this year not only is the championship back, but so are the fans. But only around 8,000 per day, and those tickets are expected to sell out quickly and they go on sale this Thursday says championship director Tracy West. But if you want tickets for the Owls Nest on the course, those tickets will be available at Hooters in early April. The field includes World #1 Dustin Johnson, and two-time defending champion Paul Casey. Valsparchampionship.com for more information.
WITH SO MANY Golfers starting out late in the day to play, and playing until it’s gets dark, mostly due to a lack of tee times. Why not have a golf outing at night. So that’s what Foxford Hills will do again this year. Saturday May 8th put it on your calendar, and Foxford Hills in Cary to sign up.
BEFORE LONG the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame will announce the list of candidates for the class of 2021. Stay tuned.
THE GOG BLOG returns all week. RS.