TPC SAWGRASS PAR 3 17TH, and the PAR 3, 16TH AT TPC SCOTTSDALE two of the most famous Par 3 holes on the PGA TOUR, two courses you can play. That’s right, you can play them in Florida or Arizona, or at the SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB right here in Illinois. The SGC has upgraded it’s simulators for the indoor golf season that has arrived. While golfing away all winter long right here in Schaumburg, you can enjoy the food and beverage provided by Chandlers Chop House right upstairs. So while you do your holiday shopping at Woodfield Mall just 5 minutes away, why not take a break and enjoy golf on several TOP 100 courses just down the street. Schaumburggolf.com or call the club at (847)-885-9000, located at 401 North Roselle Road. #golfallwinterlong

Schaumburg Golf Club’s GM Jon Parson’s talks the winter golf season at the SGC.

IT’S NOT FUN to look out the window when you like to play golf and see the snow starting to fall as it has here in Chicago today. By next week it will all be gone again, which isn’t so much a bad thing. There are those of us who still would like to play one more round of outdoor golf here this year, before it really becomes golf dome season.

IT IS less than 70 days until the Gog Blog departs for Orlando and the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show. Can’t wait for that week,because it always feels like the new season is upon us. I hope some of you have headed out to the GO FOR IT DOME in Yorkville where Blackberry Oaks pro and GM Chad Johansen has a 1 shot for $5,000 dollars today event going on if you make a hole-in-one. Closest to the pin wins a new Wilson Cortex Driver, the winner of the Wilson’s Golf’s Driver vs Driver 2 contest on The Golf Channel.

THE JACK NICKLAUS architecture design team is hard at work at projects around the world. But they do have three big renovations happening right here in the United States.

The Great Waters Course at Reynolds Lake-Oconee in Georgia. The Renegade Course at Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, and on the Florida State University Course in Tallahassee Florida. Details at Nicklaus.com.

The Nebraska based Dormie network has expanded with the purchase of the Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh Indiana.

The Dormie Network is in the process of assembling a nationwide stable of high-end properties, that combine the experience of destination golf, with an exclusive hospitality of private membership Each of the network clubs offers an intimate, pure golf experience in a relaxing and accommodating atmosphere, that is great for business or relaxation.

Among the other clubs in the network, include the Dormie Club in Pinehurst, Briggs Ranch Golf Club in San Antonio, Arbor Links in Nebraska City and Ballyhack Golf Club in Roanoke.

“We pride ourselves on providing exclusive private destination clubs strategically located around the country that offer our members pure golf as is should be,” said Zach Peed of Dormie Network. “A Dormie Network membership is truly unlike any other.”

“Every Dormie Network club is designed to feel like your home club,” said Dormie Network Operations Manager Mark Ruhga, PGA. “Each offers challenging and expeditious play in pristine course conditions, and genuine hospitality.”

For updates and improvements on all Dormie Network Clubs, and membership opportunities, see DormieNetwork.com or call (402)-858-2627.

TIS’ THE SEASON to still be busy at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club in Lemont.

This coming Friday is the Black Friday 2-man scramble event on  the Ravines Course #2. The 3-Club Chili Open is next on the scorecard coming up in December.

The Cog Hill Holiday Open House is scheduled for Saturday Dec. 1st, from 10 Am to 3 Pm in the pro shop of the 2-4 Building. Great savings along with the famed Cog Hill holiday punch and snacks. But more golf is scheduled for Jan. 6th in 2019, the famed Eskimo Open is $49 dollars a person, which includes golf, Chili and a Drink & Prizes. Carts if available are $ 17 per person. Tee times are from 7 Am til 11 Am on Courses 1 & 3. Tee’s, men plays the whites and the ladies are on the forward tees. To sign up-(866)-264-4455 or Coghillgolf.com. Registration OPENS on Dec 15th.

FROM MYRTLE BEACH comes word of the success of the Short Par 4 Fall Classic that just wrapped up yesterday. 432 players from 38 states played in the 72 hole-two person team event. The event sold out months in advance, and then tournament organizers added 70 spots (35 teams) to the field, that has over doubled in size since it’s inception. Teams get flighted based on handicap and there is a different format every day, and the entry fee is only $375.

The classic participants get opening and closing dinners and apparel and gifts from Short Par 4, details about the 2019 classic at MyrtleBeachfallClassic.com.

LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE (LMI) sponsors the Mentor Cup that benefits Gene’s Dream Foundation. Part of the LMI Invitational the Mentor Cup founded by former Golf Channel Host Kelly Tilghman, supports the late Gene Weldon a PGA professional who helped mentor numerous kids during his 50 year career in the Grand Strand area. For more details on this event see Genesdream.com or MentorCup.com.

FINALLY FROM MYRTLE BEACH SC….Kudo’s to Ed Bullock and Larry Leagans being inducted into the MB-Golf HOF. Bullock oversaw the building of the Surf Club and then Myrtle Beach National, and went on to be the head professional at each club, and Leagans who ran the Eagle Nest Golf Club were inducted into the MB-Hall of Fame last Thursday night. The HOF opened in 2009 and has 23 members including Kelly Tilghman.

KEMPER SPORTS has introduced a new digital news letter Outside the Ropes, and is promoting it’s new website Kempersports.com

              LINKS CAPITAL ADVISORS is your place for more information if your in need golf course consulting services.

If your not quite ready to sell your golf course but could use services in the area’s of Broker Opinion of Value, Operational Audits, Feasibility Studies, Sell/Hold Analysis, Developer Potential Studies, Conservation Easement Analysis, or more contact Chris at (312)-543-7192 or at Chris @links-cap.com.

Last month Rich Harvest Farms was awarded a Conservation@Work certification by the Conservation Foundation. Foundation President & CEO Brook McDonald, recognized Rich Harvest Farms for it’s environmentally friendly and sustainable landscape.

RHF only uses plants on the golf course that combine with water conservation practices, reduces storm runoff. It lowers maintenance costs and offers an improved habitat for wildlife. RHF is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf.

Rich Harvest Farms owner Jerry Rich thanked course superintendent Jeff VerCautren and Scott Restich estate grounds superintendent for their hard work. Rich Harvest Farms will host the 2019 WGA Junior Championship, the 2020 Big Ten Championships and the 2021 Palmer Cup. Details at Richharvestfarms.com .

MATT ADAMS host of the Fairways of Life Golf Show for the last decade on SiriusXM radio has taken his show global with new distribution options. It is now a free show on Fairwaysoflife.com or of the Fairways of Life App in iOS and Android.

V1 SPORTS Instructors get recognition among Golf Digest’s “Best young Teachers” V1 Sports had 12 teachers make the Golf Digest list. Instructors from Illinois included Keil Alderink from Champions Ways Golf Performance, Lake Bluff, and Jake Thurm of Ruffled Feathers Golf Club in Lemont. More information at V1sports.com.

Cassy Tully known for her art work in the golf industry, has opened her new studio in Milwaukee.

Tully’s work this year includes the art work for the 2018 BMW Championship at Aronimink and at the WGA Green Coat Gala.

Her golf work going forward includes the 2019 BMW Championship at Medinah and the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.

Christmas with Cassy takes place on Friday December 14th from 4-8 PM, and on Saturday December 15th at 11 AM to 3 PM at her studio in the Third Ward District across the street from Summerfest at 159 N. Jackson Street Suite #104. Feel free to visit Cassytully.com and you can see her online store.

The Gog Blog returns soon. RS