THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg, golf all year round in the NEW simulators, and enjoy great food and beverage from Chandlers Chop House. See Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000 for more information.      _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the top of the volcano bunkers on the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Happy Birthday To Pete Dye, 91 today and counting.

As we wrap up 2016, it’s time to look forward to playing golf in 2017.

Coming quickly in 2017 is the first outing of the year in the Chicago area, and it appears to be the 54th annual Eskimo Open, January 8th at Cog Hill.

BIG 3 internet partner Tim Cronin says that former longtime CDGA/Cog Hill marketing guru Carol McCue claimed the first Eskimo Open was played in 1963 at Glenwoodie Golf Club in South Suburban Glenwood.

The plan was to golf first and then watch the NFL Championship Game with the Bears and the New York Giants. The game was blacked out in Chicago, so the big TV antenna at Glenwoodie, was to pointed in the direction of South Bend, to pick up a TV station showing the game in that part area of Indiana.

As legend has it, that part of the plan after golf was a failure, and those at the club never did see the game, but enjoyed good food and some warm cocktails, while listening on radio.

Over the years the Eskimo Open has been held at various sites. It has a history at St. Andrews in West Chicago and the Buffalo Grove Golf Club in Buffalo Grove. Long time Chicago golf writer and BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm played in at least 10 Eskimo Opens at Buffalo Grove.

Ziehm says he played in a few of them with famous Chicago DJ, the late Larry Lujack at the time with WCFL radio.

The barn at the back of the range at Cog Hill.

The folks at Cog Hill call the Eskimo Open golfers the “True Golfer” by playing in the Eskimo Open.

The open will be played on courses 1 & 3 on January 8th, with tee times from 7-11 AM.

Based on demand and weather course #2 might be added. Fee’s are $46 per golfer and will be $56 on course 2 if used.

For the fee golfers receive golf, food & beverage and prizes. IF available carts will be $16 per golfer.

See Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-COG-HILL, sign up is underway already.