THE SHACK-where Arnie is looking  down and around. So the new putting green is open, the new simulators are coming soon. The Shack is where the golf season just got longer. Book a bay today for a special event, or on the day of a big sporting event. THE SHACK is at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview. Theshackgolfclub.com or (847)-904-2905.

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

IT’S BEEN NEARLY 3 weeks since I hit the road for the annual winter golf trip.

So the 2024 PGA Merchandise Show is in the books already. Because heading into the show it seems like such a big week, and it is.

IT ALWAYS seems like a big long week with too much to do, and not enough time to do it. Because that’s always what it turns into, and so quickly it’s over and it’s time to return to your club or your course, and begin the year ahead. But armed with new products, to sell your members or customers. In less than 60 days most courses in the Chicago area will open for 2024, and the golfers return.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road has it’s three simulators open again. the pro shop is filling up with everything you need for the 2024 golf season. Play the indoor version of the Schaumburg Golf Club, by booking a bay today at (847)-885-9000 or Schaumburggolf.com.

GOLF in 2024 has an interesting season ahead.

Because it starts at the professional level. Will there be a major tour event in Chicago.

BMW have driven off to Colorado, LIV can’t figure out whether or not they want to be at Rich Harvest Farms this year in Sugar Grove.

Which is sad, because it would be great to have Jon Rahm back at RHF, some 9 years after he first played the course as part of the International Team during the 2015 Arnold Palmer Cup.

The amateur level will see the Western Amateur head off to Ohio, at the Moraine Country Club. Which is a great course, and looks stellar since architect Keith Foster got his hands on it a few years back.

LOOKING BIG is the Willow Hill Golf Dome at 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook. Chicago’s largest and longest dome at over 150 yards. Golf hours are 8a to 3p daily. Book a time at WillowHillDome.com

GOLF COURSES are reopening or are closing for improvements.

Chicago’s flagship golf club Medinah will celebrate it’s centennial year. But then somewhere in late June, the championship course #3 reopens from renovation.

Then in Evanston later in summer Canal Shores will reopen with a new look. So take a walk around the course and enjoy a fun old, but new golf course. Cantigny Golf in Wheaton will shut down 9 holes (Hillside) as the four year upgrade project begins. So stay tuned as the year moves forward, as I update courses that are opening or closing down for improvements.

kudo’s to Andy Mickelson and the golf team at Mistwood for winning yet another Golf Range Association of America (GRAA) Top 50 Range in America. Well deserved Mistwood, keep up the good work. Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook (630)-739-7600 eat at McWethy’s Sports Bar and hit some golf balls. Lesson’s, Club Fittings, Toptracer and more. Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

STILL TO COME..

Are more stories right here of the products I found at the PGA Show.

Clubs-golf balls-putters, apparel, golf gloves and snacks, of course the latest in golf energy drinks.

Because every year there is a new drink, that claims to be better than everything we had in the past.

But then a year later that product is gone, not at the show and not found anywhere.

SINCE LEAVING THE SHOW-I have explored some golf properties. Which includes Streamsong’s new Chain Course, by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. 13 holes open, with a few more to go.

BULLS BAY another adventure into my learn more about Mike Strantz, and 9 courses he created before sadly passing of cancer in 2005.

NOW IN MYRTLE BEACH where weather is okay but not great, I saw the recently renovated Pawley’s Plantation Golf & Country Club a Jack Nicklaus design.

NEXT STOP Pinehurst- followed by my two cancelled stops on the way down. Tot Hill Farm and the Asheville Municipal Golf Course. Then it’s time to take the golf cart and head for home. It’s been a tough trip this year. The home clubhouse even in 50 degree weather will look good. RS