THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road has reopened it’s simulators for the winter golf season, after finishing clubhouse improvements. So now you can play the winter edition of SGC or over 100 other top venues. So to book a simulator bay-the call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000 or visit Schaumburggolf.com. Chandlers Chophouse has reopened and the pro shop is stocking up. Open 9-8 daily.

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.

Pinehurst Resort Director of Golf Matt Barksdale stands at the hole location of Payne’s Putt on the 18th green Pinehurst No.2 as the US Open returns in June.

MATT BARKSDALE’S last 8 years at Pinehurst have not been like 2024 will be.

The Director of Golf for the Home of American Golf, or the Home to the Cradle of American Golf, spends plenty of time these days doing his best that Pinehurst’s Golf operation is ready for just about anything.

So as 2024 begins, the countdown is on to a busy year ahead. Because in less than 60 days the new Pinehurst #10 course by architect Tom Doak and lead associate Angela Moser opens for public play. Then just over 60 days later, the U.S. Open comes back to town for the first time in 10 years. But it also marks the 25th anniversary of Payne Stewart’s famous open winning putt on the 18th green of Pinehurst No.2. Sadly it would be Stewarts last win before being killed in a tragic plane crash that October.

  NORTH SHORE GOLFERS have two great winter golf options. In the simulators at The Shack in door golf club 1717 Chestnut Avenue in Glenview (847)-904-2905. Book a bay today-The new putting green is open at TheShackgolfclub.com. WILLOW HILL GOLF DOME at 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook is the largest dome in the Chicago area, at over 150 yards long. So see the ball fly longer indoors-WillowhillDome.com 8a-3p daily.

Matt Barksdale gets a moment to relax in his busy office inside the famed main clubhouse of Pinehurst.

While the new Pinehurst #10 and the U.S. Open will earn much of the focus this year. Barksdale and his team still have eight other 18 holes courses, and the 9-hole par-3 Cradle course to keep their eyes on.

As one might guess, the golf operation is in fifth straight year of rolling along, since the golf-boom restarted during the pandemic months of 2020. The resort has been nothing but busy ever since.

2024 will be no different. Barksdale is anxious to hear what the golfer will have to say about Course 10 when it opens. Barksdale adds it’s been great having Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw on property, as they work on getting Course No.2 ready for the U.S. Open.

Because the B&B team has been out walking the land formerly known as “The Pit” course. Where Course 10 is, and Course 11 will be. As golfers flock to play the new Course 10. Some of them might get lucky to run into Bill and Ben, who will be at the same location building yet another course for the historic Pinehurst Resort.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Pinehurst Resort’s Director of Golf Matt Barksdale.

  (L) the Pinehurst Pin Flag on Course #2. (R) Hole-10 on Course 10 is a 600 yard plus par-5 hole.

The NEW-bar in the Shell at the Mistwood Golf Dome is being enjoyed by golfers all winter long. Mistwood Golf Club and Mistwood Golf Dome ranges have been awarded another GRAA Top 50 award.

Barksdale has shed some light on what patrons attending the U.S. Open will find this June.

Because the hospitality on the course will be different than found at past U.S. Opens held on Pinehurst No.2.

Hospitality tents will be found in different area’s course, that did not have them before.

But during the U.S. Open golf will continue around the resort, at courses that don’t rub shoulders with course No.2. So Barksdale and his team will have Courses 6,7,8,9 and 10 operating for members and corporate guests, still wanting to play golf.

But as the U.S. Open approaches the good news for Barksdale, is that the USGA will do more of the heavy lifting on Course No.2. So with the USGA now with it’s own campus across the parking lot from the main Pinehurst Clubhouse. Barksdale says it’s not uncommon to see USGA staff wondering the halls of the clubhouse, or on the putting green, the range, or Cradle holes that are right outside the front door.

But while things will be hectic the next 150 days or so, Barksdale will enjoy the ride. Because if you love golf, there aren’t any other places better to be than Pinehurst in 2024. To visit Pinehurst or play the new Course 10-See Pinehurst.com. But for more information on the 2024 U.S. Open, and or tickets to attend the U.S. Open championship. Visit USGA.org.