HIT THE BALL..Whether you go in the dome, or in the simulator it’s time to warm up that swing for spring. McQ’s Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, is a one stop place for golf, playing the ponies at the OTB, enjoying Blackhawks Hockey in the official Blackhawks Bar, the golf professionals on hand at McQ’s at part of the Mistwood golf staff, so you can take a lesson or get a club fitting. Call (630)-739-1592 or visit Mcqsdome.com. THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 N. Roselle Road just minutes from the Woodfield Mall is now a year round golf facility, with the addition of new simulators that allow you to play Top 100 Courses from around the world. So play as a single, with a group or take lessons, while enjoying food and drink from Chandlers Chop House located right above the hitting area’s, you can call (847)-885-9000 or visit Schaumburggolf.com.         ______________________________________________________________________

STANDING ON TOP of the Volcano Bunkers on the Pete Dye Golf Course at the French Lick Resort. THE GOG BLOG, by Editor and Director of Content Rory Spears. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

Since the Cook Group invested over 600 million dollars in the renovation of the French Lick Resort, the awards have just keep on coming.

The latest major award for the resort and the Pete Dye course, comes in the name of the 2017 Golf Course of the Year Award, from the National Golf Course Owners Association.

The award was presented at the NGCOA 2017 Golf Business Conference, held at the Golf Industry Show in Orlando Florida.

A final determination of winner was based on the quality of the course, ownership and management, contributions to the community and the game of golf.

Runner-ups included the Canoe Brook CC in New Jersey, the Chi Chi Rodriguez Club in Florida, and the Poppy Hills Golf Course in California.

One of the four par 3 holes on the Pete Dye Golf Course

“We are thrilled and humbled to receive this honor from the NGCOA, and to be recognized alongside so many top faciltities from around the country,” said Dave Harner, French Lick’s director of golf. “The Pete Dye Course has become a symbol of excellence in the industry being an economic driver that is changing the lives of so many people through jobs,major golf championships, and our many charitable events such as Riley’s Childrens Foundation with our previous Legends and upcoming LPGA Senior Championships.”

The view from behind the clubhouse near the first tee at the Pete Dye Course.

The Dye Course opened at the resort in 2009, and had two national golf publications name it the Best New Course of that year.

Several of it’s caddies have received the Evan Scholars award that sends caddies to college on a full scholarship.

The golf course and the resort renovation was the vision of Bill Cook, the French Lick Resort provides jobs for over 1,700 of towns 3,000 residents. It has put the town on the map for something other than being the hometown of former NBA star Larry Bird.

The entrance to the golf course

“This honor is also a testament to the vision of Mr. Cook and long-time chariman of the board to the Cook Group, Steve Ferguson, who both recognized the impact that this project would have an impact on thousands of lives in the region,” said Harner.

The golf course was built into the top of a hilltop that is one of the highest elevation points in the state of Indiana. The course offers views in all directions of up to 30-40 miles on clear days. For more information please visit Frenchlick.com or go to #Visitfrenchlick.

 SR. LPGA CHAMPIONSHIP, celebration of women’s golf, coming to French Lick in July