MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is back open for business. So is McWethy’s Sports Bar that’s tucked inside. The Mistwoodgolfdome.com is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, you can book a hitting bay online or call the call the dome (630)-739-7600 #Toptracer

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, the Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook. In the newly opened Stonedrift Spa at the Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena Illinois.

SO here we are two days after Christmas, and I’m hoping everyone got what they wanted for Christmas, on the golf side and all the other area’s.

But did you get golf clubs, or do you have a check, credit or gift card in hand ready to go shopping.

Because if so, take your time. The big equipment companies will have something new before the courses open here in the spring.

There should be some information at the PGA Merchandise Show Jan. 24-27 in Orlando Florida. Most of the major equipment companies are returning. There could even be announcements as soon as next week. So stay clicked in right here.

GREAT PLACES AROUND TOWN to start looking for new clubs, include Mistwood and the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook. Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook, Club Champion Studios at several Chicago locations. PXG Studios in both Northbrook and Oak Brook Terrace.

CONDOLENCES to all the family and friends of LPGA great Kathy Whitworth who passed away on Christmas eve, according to media reports. Whitworth was with family and friends celebrating Christmas when she passed. But her 88 wins are most of any player on any tour, matching Sam Snead whose current official number is 82. Snead’s victory count saw six wins removed by former commissioner Deane Beaman who didn’t like Snead. But Snead’s real win count is 88.

Whitworth a World Golf Hall of Fame member, was the first woman to win over 1 million dollars in prize money on the LPGA Tour, but was frustrated that she won the U.S. Women’s Open. She was 82.

A GREAT PIECE FOR SI-GOLF on the best 10 voices on the air in golf by John Hawkins. Who is correct in leaving Trevor Immelman off the list, and adding that his brother Mark is better (he is). CBS Jim Nantz is #1, but will have to work harder with such a weak partner now that Sir Nick Faldo has retired. Somehow the weak link on the NBC’s broadcast Dan Hicks made #5, Hicks could be deserving if he would quit kissing a few players backsides in especially Mr. December’s.

AUGUSTA NATIONAL AND THE MASTERS TOURNAMENT-will remain a major tournament, with the addition of 16 LIV players in the field. The Masters risked becoming a minor tournament, should they have played politics by excluding certain players because they were LIV Golf members.

Were back.

GREAT NEWS FOR GOLFERS

The Chicago Golf Show is returning after a two-year absence-due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

February 24-26 are the dates and tickets are on sale now. Saturday social media influencer and golfer Paige Spiranac will be on the main stage. Chicagogolfshow.com. It’s great to see the show back at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. I am anxious to see all the courses and resorts back again-updating what’s happening on their properties. Course restorations, practice area’s, par-3 courses and accommodations have been improved at many facilities in the last three years.

LEN ZIEHM at LenZiehmongolf.com and part of our Golfers on Golf family-Chicago’s Favorite Foursome recently posted a piece on the Bonita Bay Club, which is Florida’s largest private club with five golf courses. A recent renovation of the clubs Cypress Course was done by Tom Fazio, and is reported to be outstanding. I am looking forward to visiting the property next month after the PGA Show. So keep it here for details.

WILLOW HILL GOLF DOME is getting closer to opening after a few small delays. So keep it here for updates. But in the meantime-enjoy the 1.7 mile drive around the hill at night to see the holiday light show.

Massage room in the new Stonedrift Spa.

YES I DID GO SEE the new Stonedrift Spa at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena. The new multi-million dollar spa is outstanding. But while toured the entire facility, I did not enjoy any of the spa services or new spa services that are now offered. But you can bet I won’t wait long to do that in 2023. So think about New-Years Eve or Valentines Day as great dates to visit.

The 2023 golf season on Eagle Ridge’s 63 holes will begin on April 14th. So learn more at EagleRidge.com. Eagle Ridge Golf-2023 #DontTakeUSforGranted.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow starting our series of year-end thoughts, wrap-up’s some Top 10’s and more. So go hit some balls in the Mistwood Golf Dome, it’s warm in there. RS