THE SHACK IS BACK AND GETTING BIGGER AND BETTER. Owner Nick Larkin is expanding the Glenview based-“The Shack” from 4 to 7 simulators and adding a new putting green. The new area is expected to open in Mid-to-Late January. So stay tuned for details, the new simulator area’s are larger and one has movie studio like seating. So visit TheShackGolfClub.com or call to book your hitting bay at (847)-904-2905.

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

THE SAND VALLEY RESORT in Nekoosa Wisconsin has been named as host to four upcoming USGA Amateur Championships. Starting with the 2026 U.S. Mid-Amateur.

USGA.org The USGA has awarded four amateur championships to the State of Wisconsin.

THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION (USGA), has awarded four of it’s future amateur championships to the Sand Valley Resort, in Nekoosa Wisconsin.

The first of four is the 2026 U.S. Mid Amateur, the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2029, the 2030 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, and in 2034 the U.S. Girls Junior.

Great food and beverages are found in McWethy’s Sports Bar-inside the Mistwood Golf Dome. Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. So call (630)-739-7600 Toptracer golf and more.

“The USGA is excited to begin this commitment with Sand Valley Resort, so we look forward to a long and fulfilling relationship,” said Mark Hill, USGA managing director of championships. “The Keiser family has been committed to hosting national championships and promoting amateur competitions. So we know that the resorts courses will challenge and thoroughly impress the worlds best players.”

The resort is owned and operated by Michael and Chris Keiser, sons of Bandon Dunes founder Mike Keiser.

Sand Valley is now over 12,000 acres of wilderness in the Central Sands of Wisconsin, with dunes and sand barrens. But it’s also home to a native pine forest and restored timberland. Because Sand Valley is only 100 miles north of Madison, 170 miles from Milwaukee and 220 miles from downtown Chicago. The commute to the resort is under four hours from several cities.

Willow Hill Dome in Northbrook, is the largest indoor golf dome in Chicago history. With a front to back yardage of 160 yards. Golf hours are 8 Am to 3 Pm. But currently the Willow Hill Holiday light Show in running through Jan. 6th. WillowHillgolfdome.com

SAND VALLEY is now home to five golf courses. But the golf courses are part of an expanding community.

The Sand Valley Course was first, followed by Mammoth Dunes and the Par-3 course the Sand Box.

But more recent work by architect Tom Doak has included “The Lido,” and now Sedge Valley which will open in 2024.

But the Lido will be the primary course for the 2026 Mid-Amateur.

“We have looked so forward to this day for a long time,” said Chris Keiser, co-owner of Sand Valley. “Because amateur golf is the heart of the game. But to have the opportunity to host these elite men and women over the next ten years is a great honor. So we are thrilled to become part of the history of these great championships.”

The USGA has conducted 17 championships in the State of Wisconsin. But the 18th is scheduled for 2025 when Erin Hills will host the U.S. Women’s Open. But the four of named championships have age and handicap restrictions to be a part of the field.

So the dates for the champions are as follows. 2026 Mid-Am Sept. 26-October 1. The 2029 U.S. Junior Amateur is July 23-28. U.S. Women’s Mid-Am is Sept. 7-12. With the 2034  U.S. Girls Junior Championship, July 17-22.

So for more information please visit USGA.org.