THE GOG BLOG’S SUNDAY MORNING SHORT GAME-NEWS COLUMN

MATT CARTER (L) AND ERIC RUSSELL (R) make up the highly rated Mistwood Golf Club Fitting Team-the outdoor season will be here soon. Get your clubs ready to go for outdoor play on this 30+ degree morning. Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600.

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

Not much snow left-time to visit the Schaumburg Golf Club. The outdoor course will be opening soon-stay tuned for an announcement on opening day. three simulators now open. Schaumburggolf.com (847)-885-9000

STILL PLENTY OF NEWS LEFT to hit down the fairway, so stay clicked in to Golfers on Golf.

THE Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) has announced a new event for 2023.

The Inaugural Family Classic, build your team of related family, for a 1:30 shotgun tee time at the Prairie Landing Golf Club, in West Chicago.

The event is sponsored by Zero Friction Golf Products-of Oak Brook Terrace-to sign up visit CDGA.org.

  THE COTTAGES at Cabot Citrus Farms in Brooksville Florida now on sale starting at $1,995,000. Golf on the property expected to open in late 2023. Phase 1 with 36 cottages (nestled into the golf courses) to pick from-See CabotCitrusFarms.com.

LIV GOLF ORLANDO coming this week. Buy your tickets now.

ARE YOU READY TO LIV.

The LIV Golf Tour comes to Orlando Florida this week.

So get your tickets now. This will be the strongest field in golf this week.

Year 2 for the LIV Golf tour is underway and playing it’s second event of the year in the USA. Located at the Orange County Golf Club-site of demo day during the PGA Merchandise Show. LIVgolf.com for more details.

THE BB 41 by Bettinardi Golf

BB41

The BB 41 by Bettinardi is here.

It’s the third edition of the companies 25th anniversary series.

The limited edition has a special insert for a small amount of limited purchasers.

Bettinardi putters are made in the Chicago area suburb of Tinley Park, and played on tour by the reigning U.S. Open champion. So learn more about the putter line at Bettinardi.com.

The L’auberge casino hotel and golf-Lake Charles Louisiana.

THE L’Auberge Casino Resort and Golf has announced it will join with the Women’s All-Pro Tour (WAPT) in holding a tournament during the week of April 11-15.

The tournament will help raise funds for the Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana.

This is the second event of the year for the tour, and is part of the PXG race to Stage II. The field will be 108 professionals from around the world. Tournament purse is $55,000, with the winner taking home $10,000. Details at Dirercareinc.com or autismservicesswla.com.

THE PRESERVE at Oak Meadows is expected to be open next weekend (April 1st) weather permitting. Dupagegolf.com

THE ANNOUNCEMENT IS HERE

Opening day is almost here. So DuPage Golf wanted you to know it’s time to be ready for golf.

Monday March 27th-Maple Meadows is open.

Thursday March 30th-Green Meadows is open.

The Preserve at Oak Meadows-should open next weekend April 1st, weather permitting. So watch for details at DuPageGolf.com and enjoy food and beverage at the now award winning Greenway Tap in the Oak Meadows clubhouse. Check DuPagegolf.com for days and hours at the Greenway Tap.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS has announced that 5th year senior Matthis Besard was named the B1G Ten Golfers of the Week. Besard finished 9th at the NIT Tournament. Besard’s scores led the Illini to a 4th place finish in the extremely strong field in Tucson Arizona. The field included 9 of the nations Top 30 ranked programs.

The Oaks Grille opening soon at Blackberry Oaks, operated now by Blackberry Oaks.

NEW At Blackberry Oaks in Bristol IL.

Coming soon to Blackberry Oaks Golf Club-home of the Chad Johansen Golf Academy, is the new Oaks Grille. The name the Oaks Grille won out in close vote over the name-**Chads**.

Blackberry Oaks has announced the new manager will be Ryan Auberry. The club is now hiring all positions in the Grille and needs cart attendants. The Spring scramble is sold out, but spots remain open for the summer scramble. See BlackberryOaks.com

Welcome to Sea Pines Resort-Hilton Head Island South Carolina.

SEA PINES RESORT is offering a Spring Great Escape.

The Escape Vacation Package can be attractive to families with adults and children of all ages, and with variety of interests.

Golf is a strong activity at the resort and is home to the RBC Heritage, the only PGA Tour stop in the state of South Carolina. The package is not available during the RBC, which runs from April 10-16.

Two airports serviced by Delta-American and united make it easy to get to the resort. So for more details see Seapines.com/offers-and-packages/escape-vacation-packages and enter the promotion code ESCAPE or call (866)-561-8802 and mention the offer.

The Stewart Apex remote trolley.

STEWART TROLLEY has announced the latest addition to it’s line of products.

The NEW Apex Remote Trolley is a pioneer in the world of “follow technology”.

Stewart Golf is calling the new trolley the “ultimate remote machine”, because it gives golfers control over their trolley from up to 100 yards away.

The new Apex trolley comes with Active Terrain Control (ATC) so golfers remain in control in spite of how difficult the terrain can be. The SmartPower Lithium batter gives the trolley enough energy for 27 to 45 holes of golf.

“With the forward-thinking the technology applied to Apex, we believe we have a machine that not only looks fantastic, but performs at a level that sets it apart from anything else out there,” says Mark Stewart CEO of Stewart Golf. So for more details visit Stewartgolfusa.com The Black or Carbon editions retail at $1,899.

PXG announces the release of Gen6 clubs.

GEN6 is here.

PXG Golf has released the Gen6 clubs as of this past week.

PXG CEO Bob Parson’s says,” Our irons that people said could not get any better, are faster, longer and more accurate. They might be the best iron on the market. Our new driver we feel is the best driver on the market.”

Parson’s adds, “we have pushed the limits in technology, while creating these clubs.”

PXG Golf has two locations in the Chicago area, one in Northbrook, and one in the western suburbs of Oak Brook Terrace. A more in depth story will be featured here in the day ahead. So until then visit PXG.com which now has almost 40 touring professionals on it’s golf staff. PXG has announced the release of it’s 2023 Spring Apparel collection, see more at PXG.com/apparel.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein has announced Titleist fitting days with fitter Brad Nelson-starting April 13th. There is a $100 per hour fitting fee, that is applied to any purchase. But you must book an appointment in advance-NO Walk Ups. To schedule please call (847)-566-4653 (GOLF).

Con Struct Apparel-new and made from recycled products.

CON.STRUCT has launched.

First seen at the 2023 PGA Show in Orlando Florida.

Con.Struct has launched it’s 2023 line of men’s clothing. But the line is made from recycled products and renewable solar powered energy.

The line of Polo styled shirts-quarter styled zips and more has a UV 50 rating of protection. So Con.struct is the Golfers on Golf Best Men’s Apparel winner from the golf show. Conxstruct.com.

The New XXIO Prime line of clubs.

XXIO ANNOUNCES THE XXIO PRIME

The official launch date will be April 14th of 2023. But the Prime Line will offer improved power, control and speed performance. These features come in a lightweight design set of clubs.

In addition to Prime is the Prime Royal Edition in Men’s and Ladies editions.

The key additions to Prime are a Rebound frame, Weight Plus Technology, ActivWing, Super-TIX 51 AF Titanium Face, SP-1200 Shaft. Cost XXIO Prime Driver $899.99 Fairway Woods $599.99, Hybrids $419.99-Irons 7-PW $1,199.99, Single Iron $299.99. XXIO Prime package Set $4,499.99.

PRIME ROYAL EDITION Men’s and Ladies. Driver $1,199.99, Fairway Woods $799.99, Hybrids $499.99, Six Piece Irons 7-SW $2,099.99, Single Iron $349.99. Package set $5,299.99. XXIOusa.com. “These clubs are created for golfers who have lost some speed over time, but are still looking to add distance and maintain accuracy,” said Chuck Thiry, Vice President of XXIO.

Srixon/Cleveland launch partnership with Arccos

SRIXON/CLEVELAND to partner with ARCCOS GOLF.

Arccos is know for being a pioneer of automatic shot tracking, big data and artificial intelligence for golf.

Currently these is a special offer for Srixon/Cleveland player to receive a free set of Arccos Smart-Sensors, plus a 45-day free trial of the Arccos Caddie Platform.

“Capturing and analyzing on-course data has long been an essential tool for the world’s top players,” said Scott Carlyle, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing. “Through this partnership with Arccos, we are making the same opportunity to play smarter golf to our community of golfers.” To redeem the promotion visit Srixon’s website.

The Donald Ross course at the French Lick Resort.

FRENCH LICK RESORT continues to see growth in golf play.

So with golf rounds growing by over 22% since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, pre-bookings for 2023 have increased.

Pre-booking for golf at the resort, are up over 300% already.

“With growth and popularity of the game since the pandemic, we have seen a significant increase in demand for our golf courses, both in regular tee times and with golf packages,” said Dave Harner, French Lick’s Director of Golf. “Traditionally, golfers would wait to book packages in the spring or last minute in the summer thinking they might get a greater value. But since the pandemic-golfers have been booking in fall for the next year, to assure the best times possible.”

Harner said rounds are up 58% since 2020 on the Pete Dye Course. Even with price increases on French Lick Resort Golf, demand is still high. So for more information on the French Lick Resort or FLR-Golf, see Frenchlick.com. Nearby course Sultans Run golf club, has been named home of the 2024 Senior LPGA Championship. Which was previously held on the Pete Dye Course.

GOLFFOREVER has announced 2023 Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson as a new brand ambassador for the stretching and training aid. Because at age 46 Johnson continues to wanting to compete at a high level. Johnson joins fellow ambassadors Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth current product ambassadors. But for more information see GolfForever.com.

Callaway Golf’s full face-full toe grooved wedges. So learn more at Callawaygolf.com.

PLAY GOLF MYRTLE BEACH

So it’s time to mark your calendar.

Because the 40th Annual World Golf Amateur Handicap Championship will be played from August 28 through Sept. 1.

But entries are already being accepted. So don’t delay, over 3,200 players are expected this year. Entry fee is now $699.00, which includes at least four rounds of golf, night admission into the World’s Largest 19th hole and a gift bag. The tournament gets played on over 50 Myrtle Beach golf courses. Because golfers have 12 different age divisions to fit into, you won’t be playing against players half your age. There are divisions for both men and women.

So get signed up at MyrtleBeachWorldAmateur.com.

Jacob “Jake” Mendoza returns to Rich Harvest Farms as the clubs new Superintendent.

HE’S BACK!

Jacob “Jake” Mendoza is back at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. The announcement was made by RHF owner Jerry Rich.

Mendoza previously worked at RHF from 2005 to 2008, after wrapping up an internship at Winged Foot.

But then Mendoza left for Medinah Country Club, and was the lead superintendent on Course No.3 for the 2012 Ryder Cup.

After Medinah, Mendoza went to the Detroit Country Club, and prepped the course for the PGA Tour’s Rocket Mortgage Tournament. So now he gets the task of getting RHF ready for the 2023 LIV Golf Tournament in September.

THE INDOOR GOLF SHOP and the INHOME GOLF form an Exclusive North American partnership.

DALLAS TEXAS-The Indoor Golf Shop the largest U.S. distributor, manufacturer and online retailer of residential and commercial indoor golf simulator equipment, and InHome Golf, Canada’s leading custom golf simulator design and installation company, have created a partnership to build the best indoor golf experiences in North America.

So for more information on this partnership please visit Shopindoorgolf.com or Inhomegolf.com.

The U.S. Senior Open the Francis D. Ouimet trophy. June 29-July 2 at Sentry World.

THE USGA has announced the qualifying sites for this years U.S. Senior Open.

This years Senior Open will be held at SentryWorld in Stevens Point Wisconsin, from June 29-July 2.

Qualifiers are 18 holes and will be held at 33 locations. Defending champion Padraig Harrington will defend his title.

Expected to play are Wisconsin natives, 2019 champion Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly. The only qualifier held in Illinois, will be at the Flossmoor Golf Club on Tuesday May 23rd. So for more information please visit USGA.org.

Cantigny Golf Learning Center-Wheaton Illinois.

KEMPERSPORTS Management and Cantigny Golf have announced the addition of Trackman to it’s practice facility.

All 10 indoor climate controlled hitting bays, have 27 inch screens for golfers to view the data from from their shots.

“This is an investment in our future and our customers,” said head golf professional Matt Tullar. The practice facilities are open various hours from Tuesday through Sunday. But for further information please call Cantigny at (630)-260-8199, or visit Cantignygolf.com.

FINN SCOOTERS for when your round of golf has a need for speed.

TO YOU LIKE TO MOTOR when you play golf ?

Well now you can, just find a course that has Finn Scooters for you to rent for your day on the golf course. There are now over 160 courses in 40 states that allow golfers to use the Finn Scooter.

Because the Finn Scooters come complete with coolers, cargo baskets, golf bags, seat covers and more. So if you need your music-the Blue tooth speakers are an option. Their speed is the same as a golf cart-about 15 mph. So if you want one for personal use Finn Scooters sell for the price of $3,499. Learn more at FinnScooters.com.

The Sun Mountain Baron stand bag-$319.99.

NEW FROM SUN MOUNTAIN.

The Baron-stand alone golf bag.

This new bag comes with a velour-lined pocket for rangefinders.

There are full length dividers, and six pockets. They include a beverage pouch, apparel pocket, and velour lined pockets for valuables.

A plush-lined shoulder strap gives the golf comfort while carrying the bag around the golf course. But the chrome plate can be used to customize your name or initials. So learn more about “The Baron” at Sunmountain.com.

Cleveland Golf Releases the new full-face CBX Wedges.

THE NEW CLEVELAND CBX WEDGE

Cleveland Golf has released the new full-face CBX Wedges.

They are now available in pro shops and retail outlets.

The wedges are designed to be even more forgiving, with both a larger face, and added Hydra Zip, Zipcore and UltiZip technologies. Cleveland says it’s the perfect wedge for golfers wanting to get creative around the green. “With the biggest face ever on a CBX wedge, golfers can strike the ball anywhere on the face and get more forgiveness,” says Dustin Brekke, Director of Engineering at Cleveland Golf. So for more information see online us.dunlopsports.com Cost is $169.99 per wedge.

NOW RELEASED the Zip Core wedges in Tour Rack and Black Satin finishes. USDunlopsports,com/clevelandgolf.

THE BRAND NEW TITLEIST PRO V1   and the          TITLEIST PRO V1X

For 2023 Titleist has upgraded the famed Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls. But for Titleist to release a new version of the Pro-V golf ball, the company says it must be better than the previous version. So as in past upgrades-there are changes to the cover, the core and the dimple pattern. The new version of the Pro-V golf ball is now available at a cost of $54.99 per dozen. But for more information see Titleist.com.

The NEW PuttView glasses.

PUTTVIEW X has made it’s debut at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

This Augmented Reality system has raised the level of golf technology. The PuttView X can instantly read greens, calculate distance, break, slope and speed.

So once you put on the glasses, the green becomes a learning platform. PuttView is a training aid to help players practice their putting in ways like they never have before. Learn more about PuttView at Puttview.com This line will start shipping in June-Cost is $14,480. A $500 dollar deposit is required for pre-orders.

THE ILLINI Women’s Golf Team has a winner. But while the team finished in 11th place at the Clemson Invitational-Crystal Wang with a final round 3 under par 69. But Wang tied for first place with three other players, getting her first. Details at FightingIllini.com.

Duca Del Cosma SS23 line is now released.

UNTICKit and Fair Harbor.

UNTUCKit.com and Fairharbor.com

NEW performance polo’s, with a golf style. Great fit for both on and of the golf course.

So are you looking for a new style, something a little different but stylish.

Do visit the websites or Rory Spears on Facebook for photo’s.

G-TECH heated golf apparel. For when you really need to keep your hands warm.

G-TECH APPAREL

So if your on the golf course, and you need more than rubbing a bean-bag in your hands.

Look at G-Tech. Because it’s the warmth your hands and fingers need.

The new additions to the G-Tech line include heated hoodies and vests for men and women. These vests allow golfers to golf in comfort all year round.

The new G-Tech 3.0 series that made their debut at the PGA Show in Orlando, now include Waterproof Zippers to increase water resistance. 3M Poly fill insulation to increase heat retention. Upgraded rechargeable battery to increase battery life. Dual head wall charge for faster charging. Used by athletes or various sports including members of multiple professional golf tours. Gtechapparel.com Keep your hands warm this spring on the golf course.

THE WEEK AHEAD includes further wrap-ups on equipment by multiple companies. Statistics on the golf industry, awards for Players of the Year by the Illinois PGA Section.

Our look at LIV Golf as it starts it’s second season and it’s run of tournaments leading into it’s second Chicago event at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove-this September. So who has won the first tournaments this year, and a look at this weeks event in Orlando-at the Orange County Golf Club. The final tuned up for the 16 players from the LIV Tour headed to Augusta National Golf Club.

Thanks for reading the longest Sunday Morning Short Game-ever done by Golfers on Golf-RS.

This entry was posted in News by Rory Spears. Bookmark the permalink.

About Rory Spears

Rory spent over 8 years growing up working at Rob Roy Golf Club in Prospect Hts.IL, then two years at Chevy Chase in Wheeling. He has covered golf in Chicago since 1986. Rory was one of the initial members of WSCR all-sports radio Chicago and covered golf there for 5 seasons, before moving on to work for ESPN/Sportsticker and ESPN Radio. In addition to hosting Golfers on Golf Radio on WCPT AM820 Chicago, he writes for both the Chicago District (CDGA) Magazine, and formerly Chicagoland Golf. Rory has played over 525 courses in 39 states, and rates golf courses. He does golf course management and communications consulting, within the golf industry.