THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Avenue is expanding later this month. FORE new simulators and a new putting green highlight the changes. But can now enjoy new theatre style seating as well. So come enjoy The Shack-where golf season just got longer, and so did The Shack. Stop at the bar, which is a great place to enjoy a Arnold Palmer. See TheShackGolfClub.com or call and book 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 GOLF DOME OPTIONS for area golfers have just expanded-with the new White Tail Ridge Golf Dome located in Oswego.

White Tail Ridge had been looking for a way to offer more of a year round product, and after experimenting with simulators that were somewhat successful, they opted to go bigger and better, and that led to a new golf dome.

So Whitetail Ridge Director of Golf Alex Balog and the Whitetail team did it’s homework. Both looking at other properties and trying to see what top notch product and services they could offer, then adding anything new area golfers had not seen before.

Golf domes and what they offer has changed since new Chicago District Golf Association Director Mike Munro, brought the dome concept to the Chicago area, when he opened the White Pines Golf Dome.

The dome was set up on the driving range of the White Pines Golf Course in Bensenville. A concept no longer used.

Since then the Mistwood Golf Dome introduced Top Tracer golf, and the new Willow Hill dome has brought length to the dome concept, being the longest dome perhaps in the Chicago area ever, at just over 150 yards.

SO BALOG checked into Trackman Golf, which is what the PGA Tour is now using on it’s telecasts. Because Trackman is used by so many Tour players, Balog worked with Trackman to have the company bring it’s system indoors. So Trackman Range entered the dome world for the first time.

The hard work started long before the dome was first inflated, as the team worked through the planning stage and then a building stage.

Balog says that last summer, days were spent, pouring concrete and doing brick work.

But the word was getting around that the new dome was moving towards completion. So when on this past Thanksgiving that there could be a soft opening on Black Friday, the friends and family group turned out in force. Balog though the group might be 50-or 60 people. But the final number turned out to be over 200.

So then there was the excitement of getting the new Trackman dialed in.

Balog says there was some fine-tuning to get the system working and online.

But before long Balog and the Trackman team had it up and running.

So one of the nice things about the dome, is that it has two levels. So there are plenty of hitting bays to pick from, oh yes and there are simulators as well.

But once you walk in the front door, patrons enter the Persimmon Room. A great place to enjoy food and beverage and catch top level sporting events, you can watch on the big screens.

But if you looking for beverages in the dome, there is a bar with snacks only a short walk from the hitting stations.

Seniors (60+) can get special rates on weekdays from Open until 3 Pm.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the full interview with Whitetail Ridge Golf Dome Director of Golf Alex Balog.

Balog called the effort to get the dome open this year, a full team and group effort, with employees from other departments at Whitetail Ridge golf course coming over to pitch in.

The Whitetail Ridge golf dome is located at 3360 Station Drive in Oswego, just off of Orchard Road.

But for more information visit Whitetailridgegolfdome.com or call the dome at (331)-999-3545.

The Whitetail Ridge golf course in Yorkville will reopen this spring as weather permits.