THE HONEY BEE HIVES AT WORK-Mistwood Honey is here. So visit McWethy’s Tavern on Renwick Road at Mistwood Golf Club and get some today. The Mistwood Golf Dome is now open for indoor golf, so visit MistwoodGolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. #TrytheWings

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and connect on LinkedIn or Facebook.

IT’S NOVEMBER so the new driving range picker is here. Rory Spears is now holding down the seat.

ON THE HILL…

Today I went to play Settlers Hill in Batavia the newly reopened renovation of the Kane County Forest Preserve District Golf Course.

But while the course has greatly improved under the renovation work of architect Greg Martin, their is a couple of minor repairs left for the summer of 2023.

Later this week I’ll have more on Settlers Hill, and my thoughts on this redesigned Chicago area golf course, with elevation change and views not normally found in the Chicago area.

ON THE RENOVATION FRONT, last week I did a tour of Village links Golf Course in Glen Ellyn. So it’s good to see that the course is starting the master planning phase. While it does sound like any on course work will start in 2024 (maybe) at the earliest, a renovation plan seems to be coming together.

THE FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT of DuPage County and Martin continue to make progress on the next step of golf course renovation, this time at Maple Meadows in Wood Dale. The master plan seems to be taking shape, and the next step is to begin moving forward on it. But much like Village Links, there is plenty to do before any on-course work starts happening.

BUT WORK HAS STARTED on the Winnetka Park District Course. The par-3 course closed since July is now joined by the 18 hole course. Target date for reopening is August 2024.

ANNOUNCEMENTS are expected soon from local golf courses closing up outdoor play for the season. Heritage Oaks in Northbrook, that has it’s first full open season since 2019. Could be closing this weekend. But good news is that there is now simulators inside in the Acorn Grill. With temperatures not looking great starting this coming weekend and through the following week, expect more courses to follow suit.

IT MUST BE THAT TIME OF YEAR-Because “The Match” is coming back again. This years snooze-fest entry is Tiger and Rory McIlroy-vs-Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth. Action will be under the lights. Maybe Charles Barkley will call-in again and donate some money.

CONDOLENCES to family and friends of long time professional Dow Finsterwald who passed away last Friday in his sleep at the age of 93. His son announced.

THE YEAR END GOLF SALE at the Twin Orchard Country Club in Long Grove, is back for the first time since 2019. Friday (9A-8P) and Saturday (9A-5P) November 18 & 19. great year end deals from on merchandise from both Chicago area public and private clubs. I will post more on this event in the days to come.

THERE ARE some great days ahead this week to get out and play. Because colder temps are coming by next weekend. RS