MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB in Romeoville on Renwick Road, is still open for outdoor golf through this Sunday November 17th. So then the action heads over to Bolingbrook and the Mistwood Golf Dome. But get final outdoor tee times for 2024 at (815)-254-3333.

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

Pine Meadow professional Dennis Johnsen is retiring December 8th, after 50 years in golf.

50 YEARS WENT BY FAST…

So after 50 years in the golf business, Dennis Johnsen is putting out at the age of 72.

Which is par for the course at the Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein.

Johnsen a past Illinois PGA Senior Masters Award winner, is ready to head off to Springfield MO., not far from Payne Stewart Boulevard. Where he will enjoy some summer three day weekends off, for the first time in many years.

Prior to 20 years at Pine Meadow Johnsen had a long run at Pheasant Run Resort in West Chicago. But since Johnsen was so good at booking golf outings, Frank Jemsek had to get the guy who was taking his business away from the Jemsek Golf Team. So Jemsek hired Johnsen away from the resort and moved him to Pine Meadow.

The Year End Golf Sale at Twin Orchard Country Club is back for another year.

Johnsen says he would have stayed at Pine Meadow longer if he could just be a Walmart type greeter, and talk to he customers. Pine Meadow customers are the friends and people he will miss the most. But Johnsen is ready to be done with the day-to-day operations of running Pine Meadow.

Those operations have been challenging at times. Because several years back “The Pine” cleaned out over a dozen dumpsters full of brush and branches to get some air flow into areas where the turf was repeatedly having trouble growing.

Then there was an issue with salt getting into the clubs watering system. But since the problem was solved, the turf under the watchful eye of superintendent Scott Denil has been excellent. So now golfers who play at Pine Meadow would never know that years back the turf had growing pains.

The par-3 12th hole at Pine Meadow.

Pine Meadow still has some classic golf architect William Flynn holes on the property, along with one of the great driving ranges in the area.

Because there is a large natural grass area to hit from, that golfers love to hit from.

But off the course is one of the great little grills you will find at any golf club in the Chicago area.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Dennis Johnsen of the Pine Meadow Golf Club.

Pine Meadow was voted a multiple time winner of the “Best Hot Dog” at any Chicago area golf course, by Chicagoland Golf.

The last day for Johnsen will be Sunday December 8th. There will be a party in Johnsen’s honor from 1-4 Pm on that day. Public invited. Pine Meadow will remain open for golf this year, as long as weather permits. In 2023 golfers enjoyed playing golf on Christmas Day at Pine Meadow.

See more information at Pinemeadowgc.com.