THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is Chicago’s premier indoor golf facility. Director of Golf Andy Mickelson (above right) explains the new Toptracer technology that benefits all golfers. Mistwood Golf Dome is the home of the revamped McWethy’s Sports Bar, and the OTB that gives guests of the dome a place for live gaming action. Come see what is bringing record amounts of golfers outof their homes with their clubs during Chicago’s winter. Open Daily until 10 PM, and located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. For more details see Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome (630)-739-7600. #clubfittingseasonishere

Click here to listen to the interview with Andy Mickelson the Mistwood Director of Golf on the Toptracer technology, now available in all hitting bays of the Mistwood Golf Dome ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation, Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. Lights, Camera. Action it’s the Mistwood Golf Dome.

RAY HEARN the Holland Michigan based golf architect, has received his fourth ASGCA (American Society of Golf Course Architects) award in the last six years.

Hearn Golf Course Design’s most recent award, comes from his improvements to the Water’s Edge Golf Course, located in Fremont Michigan.

Hearn, the only ASGCA member who is an (WGA) Evans Scholar, is well known in the Chicago area, for his award winning work at both Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, and his renovation of Flossmoor Country Club in the south suburbs of Chicago. During the 22 years of Hearn Golf Course Design, the company has been involved in new construction, or course renovations at over 150 golf facilities.

Architect Ray Hearn in the ASGCA association Red Jacket

“We could not be prouder of our work at Waters Edge,” Hearn said. “To win an award for what we’ve done so far is outstanding, and we feel fortunate to have won the this award four times in six years. All awards are wonderful, but to come from my fellow members and peers at the ASGCA always makes it extra special.”

Hearn’s work at Waters Edge called for the creation of a new par 4 and a new par 3 hole, on a 63 year old public golf course. In addition, Hearn is building a new state-of-the-art training facility. The facility is comprised of a range with new target greens and fairways. There will be chipping and putting practice area’s that include, bunkers for both greenside and fairway practice.

Ray Hearns plan for Waters Edge via Hearns website.

“In addition to training that can take place on all aspects of the game, when the tee is closed it can be played anywhere from three to six holes as a small par3 course,” Hearn said. “It’s made so the course can use the facility in different and creative ways for it’s customer base.”

Hearn says that Waters Edge ownership is considering a performance training center building on the back of the practice center teeing area.

“The two new holes we created have set the stage for future improvements,” said Hearn. “I’m extremely pleased withhow they turned out. People will look and think what a beautiful piece of land. It is now, but it started out as a flat farm field.”

Hearns says the goal was to create holes that appear to have been there forever, and help recruit new golfers to come play the course that is 45 miles northwest of Grand Rapids.

New construction by Ray Hearn at Waters Edge golf course in Michigan.

The new holes at Waters Edge will open in May of 2019, with the new practice area that is still under contraction opening in late fall, with a soft opening tenatively planned.

Hearn’s other ASGCA Awards have come in 2017 for his work on Golf de Club de Panama in Panama City, the renovation of his original design at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville Illinois, and the renovation of his own design at Island Hills Golf Club in Centreville Michigan.

You can learn more about Ray Hearn and golf course design work at rhgd.com.