THE KOHLER GOLF CHALLENGE now on three weekends April 13-14, April 20-21, April 27-28 different weekends, different courses, Call (855)-510-7225 #Rydercup2020   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. At Reynolds on Lake Oconee’s National Golf Course.

Northwestern University senior Stephanie Lau has been selected to the 2019 United States Palmer Cup team.

Her selection was announced on The Golf Channel, with the other members of the team.

This years Palmer Cup, named for golf legend Arnold Palmer, will be contested at the Alotion Club in Arkansas, from June 7-9. The 2015 Palmer Cup was played in the Chicago area, at Jerry Rich’s Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. The Palmer Cup returns to Rich Harvest Farms in 2021.

“We are so excited for Stephanie that she has earned this remarkable honor of representing her country on an international stage,” Northwestern head women’s golf coach Emily Fletcher said. “Stephanie has proven she is one of the top amateurs in the world and we know she will represent our program with pride as a member of Team USA.”

Northwestern Wildcats

Lau becomes the first Northwestern University women’s golf student-athlete to represent her country at the team level in international competition.

The Palmer Cup a Ryder Cup style event for amateur golfers was formerly a just for men, but as of this year the teams have been expanded to 24 players to include women.

Lau is a three-time All-Big Ten honoree and was the 2016 Freshman of the Year in the Big Ten. Her stoke average of 72.12 was the second-lowest single-season mark in program history.

The first Palmer Cup was played at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando Florida, that is hosting this weeks Arnold Palmer Invitational on the PGA Tour. the Palmer Cup supports Arnie’s Army Charitable Foundation. Team USA leads in the all-time series winning the cup, 10-9-1.

The Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle Road in Schaumburg already has it’s 2019 golf season underway. It’s still indoors downstairs in the simulator bays, but you can play one of several Top 100 courses, or Ryder Cup venues. Call (847)-885-9000 #teetime.     _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on Linkedin and Facebook. On the National Golf Course at Reynolds at Lake Oconee.

When you hear it’s all about the short game, the first swing you take before you “putt for dough” is quite often made with your wedges.

The Pitching Wedge, the Gap Wedge, the Sand Wedge or the Lob Wedge, often found in degree intervals of 48-52-56 or 60, with minor variations available to all of the above.

The new look in wedges started at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando 6 weeks back. What’s on the market now in wedges is more amazing than ever before. Even higher handicappers are getting their ball out of bunkers, out of the rough, off the tight-lie in the fairway, and getting shots to spin and stop on the green. Leaving that putt for dough a little shorter than it has been in recent summers.

New from Miura Golf K-Grind 2.0 wedge

Miura golf has just announced the release of it’s new K-Grind 2.0 wedge. The K-Grind follows a 1957 original K-Grind, but the new 2.0 features a knuckled sole, from milling techniques that look and feel.

While the Miura craftsman worked to maintain the integrity of the original design, they added the feature of the knuckles that adds playability through every type of turf.

The new face of the K-Grind 2.0 now comes with a fully milled club face that should increase spin from all varieties of shots.

Hand-forged in Himeji, Japan, using Miura’s time-honored 14 step manufacturing process, the wedge comes in five lofts from 52-60 degrees. You can also custom design your new K-Grind 2.0 wedge with one of 19 types of shafts, and 14 styles of grips.

The new wedge comes on the creation of the new CB-301 Mirua Line of Cavity Back Irons, Miura says the new CB-301 line is the longest distance Iron that Miura has created, and the first cavity back Iron since the PP9003 in 2011. For more information on Miura clubs please visit www.Miuragolf.com.

Titleist wedge designer Bob Vokey in his studio.

The Wizard of Wedges Bob Vokey did not let this years PGA Merchandise Show go by without adding to his line of wedges.

For 2019 Vokey had added to his of Titleist SM7 wedges, a new finish that has his wedges now available in a Slate Blue Finish.

The new finish give players an option to look down at the club and have no concerns about reflection or glare. These wedges are now available in shops or golf retail stores.

“Very often wedge finishes look great, but they don’t last,” Vokey said. ” At the same time the most durable finishes often aren’t stunning. Slate Blue combines the two and the finish will last.”

Click here to hear the interview with Titleist Director of Wedge Relations Aaron Dill talk about Titleist Vokey Wedges.

The Blue Slate wedges are available in all 23 loft, bounce and grind options, and in RH-LH options. Cost $199.00 MAP.

Callaway Wedge Designer Roger Cleveland with the Mack Daddy and PM Wedges.

Callaway Golf that has been on the move in all area’s over the last few years, has new wedges out for 2019 as well.

Maybe lost a little with all the press the outstanding new Flash Driver and fairway metals have received, are the new PM Wedges.

PM in case you didn’t pickup on it stands for “lefty” Phil Mickelson. To learn more see Callawaygolf.com or check our interview with Roger Cleveland below.

Click here to hear the interview with Roger Cleveland on the new Callaway wedges.

BEN HOGAN GOLF EQUIPMENT COMPANY has announced the addition of it’s line of Equalizer BLACK Wedges, that feature a Black Diamond Metal Finish. That is an addition to the line launched one-year ago, and the Black Metal is up to 7 times more durable than nickel chrome.

With golfers repeatedly asking for lofts other than 52-56-60, changes were made and the Equalizer line has expanded. Another thing that golfers will love is the price which starts at $105 for either steel or graphite. With new milled features on the face and grooves, the wedges have maximum spin and stopping ability.

The longtime feature of Hogan wedges has included V-Sole Technology, which has been enhanced with a new sole geometry to fit a wider range of golfers and course conditions. This addition comes with input from tour players and should improve shots from deep round and tight fairways.

All Hogan Black Equalizer wedges come in the following options, GAP 48-50-52 degrees. Sand Wedges in 54-56-58 degrees and Lob Wedges in 60-62 degrees. For more information or to purchase the wedges see BenHoganGolf.com.

   DON’T LET WINTER GET YOU DOWN. SPRING IS COMING and the Schaumburg Golf Club will have you ready for the change in seasons, when you get your game in shape on the simulators at the Schaumburg Golf Club 401 N. Roselle Road, just minutes from Woodfield Mall. Play Top 100 courses, Ryder Cup venues, and matches with your favorite foursome while the temps are still in the 20’s. Call the Schaumburg Golf Club today for your tee time at (847)-885-9000 or visit Schaumburggolf.com.#golf    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy Linkedin and Facebook. With the Fairway Flash by Callaway, Barry Allen would love it, you will too. In the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook.

Special note: Are you trying to raise money for charities through golf. If so, check out SMT Events and Fundraising that has helped raise over $13 million dollars for charity in the last 10 years.

Having an outing, www.smtevents.com or call (888)-693-4001.

STATE APPAREL-a San Francisco based company that is launching it’s first women’s golf apparel collection.

That’s made with a unique Wiping System, and the collection features fitted polo’s, outerwear and tailored pants in a variety of colors.

With the successful launch of it’s men’s collection, creating the women’s collection was the next step for the company, says the companies CEO Jason Yip. The modern classic Pixley Polo is just ($87). For more details on the full line from State Apparel, visit stateapparel.com or you can visit their urban clubhouse in Downtown San Francisco.

Troy Merritt in his new Galvin Green outerwear

Galvin Green a leading technical performance brand of golf clothing, has added to it’s line up of PGA Tour players who serve as brand ambassadors.

Two-time PGA Tour Champion Troy Merrit will be wearing a Galvin Green breathable lightweight line in 2019. For Merritt it’s the third year of wearing the brand.

Martin Laird who has won three times on the PGA Tour including the 2011 Arnold Palmer-Bay Hill Invitational.

Ben Silverman who competes on the PGA Tour and kept his card with a par-saving putt at the end of his rookie year, is part of Galvin Green.

American Theo Humphrey who plays on the PGA  Mackenzie Tour in Canada is another member of the Galvin Green ambassador team. Merritt feels the VENTIL8-PLUS shirt that keep him 10-15 degrees cooler than other players, keeps him from changing shirts on hit days during summer play. See Galvingreen.com for more details.

Callaway Swing Tech Apparel

Callaway Apparel has announced the release of SWING TECH, which is a more technological advanced apparel that allows for comfort with less restriction, that allows for a better range of motion on every swing.

The line of Swing Tech apparel now includes, Polo’s, Shorts, and other outerwear including pullovers. Swing Tech is now available at select retailers and certain country clubs around the world. See callawayapparel.com and follow SWINGTECH on social media channels.

     NEW BALANCE GOLF SHOES and IMPERIAL GOLF HATS now released for the 2019 U.S Open.

Follow Golfers on Golf for more on golf apparel as we reach the summer season.

 ANDY MICKELSON swings at Vibe Speed with the new Epic Flash Driver by Callaway Golf, in the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook, come check out the new Toptracer technology, Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. Long time LPGA veteran and NIU alum Nicole Jeray is now part of the professional staff at Mistwood. Nicole is available for lessons (and is working with the junior program) #ladiesyourturn    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. A tip of the golf visor to the King, as Bay Hill week starts off in Orlando.

IT’S BAY HILL WEEK ON THE PGA TOUR which means it’s time to take a moment to remember the King, Arnold Palmer, who left us now 2 1/2 years ago.

Let’s hope for some good golf this week, and a great champion. Even though with Tigers Woods in the field, and NBC being the network this week, it’s likely we won’t hear much about many of the players we should be hearing about, or seeing all week long. (Update-Woods has just withdrawn due to a stiff neck).

This past week, was the Honda Classic that in recent years has finally been getting stronger fields. But with the new PGA Tour schedule this year, that has it’s pro’s and con’s, the Honda seems to have ended up on the short-end of the draw. Even with Brooks Koepka, defending champion Justin Thomas, and Rickie Fowler in the field, opinion was that the field was down and lacking. Top to bottom the Bay Hill field that had been missing for a few years, might be on the way back up. We will see.

Rules…Rules…Rules the debate is on and Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler seem to be in the middle of it, whether it’s in the press tent, on the golf course or on social media. In my early morning round table today with BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm who covered the Honda Classic this past week, Ziehm wondered where are all the veterans chiming in on the rules changes of this year. Nothing against Thomas or Fowler for speaking up, but where are guys like Tiger, Phil, or the Davis Love III’s, Jim Furyk, Ryder Cup Captain Steve Stricker, or even some of the senior-strokers like Fred Couples, Tom Lehman’s and Bernhart Langer’s of the PGA Champions Tour.

THE USGA has called out Justin Thomas in return of him calling them out, that seemed to put out Thomas who acted like his feeling were hurt, hopefully both sides get together this week and have some positive give and take on the issues.

Hole-More-Putts the latest technology by Odyssey putters to help you get fit for the proper putter. The I-pad style device that you putt off of, sends data to a technician with an I-pad to determine what kind of putter will work for you.

PUTTER FITTING yes it’s the next wave in getting fitted for proper clubs. While many golfers have been fitted for drivers, woods and irons, for a long time putters were all about a feel thing. Did the putter have a god feel, did have a good look, did it have an alignment line, was it the right face for me, solid or with an insert. Where was the shaft, middle or on the heel, straight down or with a some sort of a mid-slant.

Odyssey/Callaway has created something for golfers to think about, and it’s called Hole-More-Putts, and it’s putter technology at it’s finest. While Hole-More-Putts is still an infant, and will likely be improved at some point, it brings putter fitting to a new level.

Callaway Sales Representative Paul Schlimm, has been voted salesperson of the year for 2018, by members of the Illinois PGA Section, he will be honored on March 11th.

I tried it, and put my fitter through his pace. Being his first day on the new level of the high-tech product, he finally called in Callaway Sales Rep Paul Schlimm for a second look at my numbers. Schlimm decided that even though I was sinking more than my fair share of 18-20 footers on the floors at the PGA Tour Superstore on Butterfield Road in Downers Grove, that something had to change with my putting stroke before placing my order for a new putter in 2019. It’s always best to get things right the first time. Hole-More-Putts won’t tell you what’s wrong with your stroke, but it can tell you that something needs to change before you spend $200-$400 on a new putter.

TEAM WILSON GOLF Alessandra Ladd and Ryan First were at the Downers Grove PGA Tour Store on Saturday, handing out 2-packs of the Wilson DUO golf ball.

During my trip to the PGA Show in January, I was playing several rounds of golf in 35-48 degree weather while in Pinehurst.

With several keep warm layers on me, I wasn’t hitting my best approach shots and didn’t have many short putts for birdie or par.

While I didn’t have almost any three putts, I certainly didn’t have many 1-putts, or almost any 1-putts unless I missed the green and chipped it close. Maybe part of the problem was the layers of clothing that knocked my putting alignment off-track. Once I get it back on line, then I will visit Hole-More-Putts again and then continue the process of flipping the bag into new equipment.

The simulators are open at the Schaumburg Golf Club, 401 N. Roselle Roadin Schaumburg, Book your simulator time at (847)-885-9000 Schaumburggolf.com

IT WAS GOOD TO SEE WILSON GOLF, TaylorMade, Mizuno, Cleveland Golf all out at PGA Tour Superstore working with golfers and helping them be fit for the new clubs of their choice.

BREAKING NEWS: Northbrook IL. based KemperSports management has just announced they are the new management firm for Thornberry Creek at Oneida in Green Bay Wisconsin, the home course of the Green Bay Packers.

ON THE RUMOR MILL…will TEAM USA 2020 Ryder Cup Captain Steve Stricker name his former U of I teammate and current U of I men’s golf coach Mike Small a Vice-Captain for Team USA, it could happen, do stay clicked in. The Gog Blog Returns on Tuesday. RS

REYNOLDS AT LAKE OCONEE in Greensboro Georgia, six golf courses, 4 marina’s a Ritz Carlton and more, it’s time to get Georgia on your mind. #jackisback Jack Nicklaus is back on property at Reynolds renovating his Great Waters course, it is scheduled to reopen late in 2019. Learn more by visiting Reynoldslakeoconee.com. #itsgolfseason     _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. On the National Course at Reynolds on Lake Oconee GA.

Welcome to another Sunday morning of golf here at Golfers on Golf. It might be cold outside, but it’s nice indoors which means a great time for golf at both the Schaumburg Golf Club’s simulators where you can play several Top 100 golf courses, or recent or upcoming Ryder Cup venues. Learn More at Schaumburggolf.com or call the club at (847)-885-9000. OR…

The Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook on Rt. 53 where you can try out the new Toptracer technology, get fitted for new clubs at one of the Top 100 fitting places in America, enjoy the food and drinks in McWethy’s Sportsbar, pound your favorite pony in the domes OTB. (630)-739-7600.

WOULD YOU LIKE to be a caddie this summer, Cog Hill in Lemont is looking for caddies for the summer. Call the club at (866)-COG-HILL. Kids it’s a great summer job.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS fresh off a second place finish in Louisiana has headed to Las Vegas Nevada to for the start of the Southern Highlands Classic which begins this morning. The 25th ranked Illini are facing a full field of ranked or Top 50 teams and it should be a good test for Coach Mike Small’s team.

Part of the expanding product line at Zero Friction in Oakbrook Terrace.

Oakbrook Terrace based Zero Friction that is increasing their product line, has introduced a variety of new products at the recent PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

“We are excited to introduce our latest products in Orlando this year,” says John Iacono, founder and president of Zero Friction. “Our universal fit gloves achieved #2 in golf sales according to Golf Datatech, and we believe our new products will be just as successful.”

Zero Friction’s SuperTube line has expanded and now includes a Super Sleeve. With 7 matte finished distance balls in one clear tube, that be can be logo’d for tournaments and events. A new color matte finish blue is now available. the ZFT Maxx 4″ tee is now available for all the big hitters out there. The ZF6-way golf stand bag is great for walkers, short course players, junior or senior golfers. Golfers can also check-out the new Stryker Glove with a compression fit with an expansion flap for even a better fit. Just released at the show are the one-size work maintenance gloves great for course workers. For more details on Zero Friction Products see ZeroFriction.com or call (630)-317-7700.

CALLAWAY has announced that Cody Gribble, PGA Tour winner and national champion from the University of Texas has signed to be a brand ambassador for Callaway Apparel Tour Authentic collection. More on the line coming soon in a future story here.

THE BEN HOGAN Golf Equipment Company has signed Travis Fulton who is rated by one national golf publication as one of the best young instructors in Florida as a Brand Ambassador. For more information on the clothing line see Benhogangolf.com.

MIURA GOLF and Mexico’s Abraham Ancer have announced an agreement for Ancer to be playing Miura Products. Ancer an upcoming player on the PGA Tour has been tabbed by one publication to breakthrough in 2019 and win on the PGA Tour.

SWINGLOGIC EFX1 has created a new tee that helps with ball and shot alignment, for more details, see the video at DivotIsland.com/video. The product is endorsed by longtime golf instructor Jim (Doc) Suttie.

HERE IS A FAMILY OUTING FOR YOU..the first ever Kissimmee FL. Family Golf Classic will be played at the Reunion Resort on the Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson golf courses from June 20-23 of this year. The 54-hole, team scramble is open to any mix of family members. The entry fee is $799 per team. There  will also be a round played at the famed Celebration Golf Club designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Sr. For more details on this 4-day/3-night inaugural event visit kissimmeefamilygolfclassic.com

IN LONGS SOUTH CAROLINA, there is great news that Aberdeen Country Club has reopened as of last week. It’s taken five months to restore the course from damage caused by hurricane Florence. The new 4,000 square foot clubhouse has been redone and there wasn’t a divot taken from the course for over five months. Aberdeen is a Scottish links style design course that is now complete with a new fleet of EZ-GO golf carts. For information at PlayAberdeen.com or book times at Myrtlebeachgolftrips.com or call (800)-882-3420.

Dustin Johnson at the Dustin Johnson Golf School located in TPC Myrtle Beach

Dustin Johnson continues to give back to the game with the opening of the Dustin Johnson Golf School at TPC Myrtle Beach in SC.

” I couldn’t be prouder of the golf school and it’s growth,” said Johnson. “Golf has given me so much, and hopefully the school can play a role in developing some of tomorrows golfers.”

The state-of-the-art facility is located in a 4,000 square foot building that is among the best in the Carolina’s. Some of the modern technology at the school includes, Trackman, Swing Catalyst, K-Vest 3d Motion Analysis, SAM Putt Lab, there is three indoor hitting bays and a 140 yard tee box. The building is now home to the Dustin Johnson Foundation that has donated more than $500,000 to local junior golf programs, and has helped offset the cost of instruction to over 70 kids. Annually there is a donation of over $20,000 in equipment. For details see dustinjohnsongolfschool.com

DUSTIN JOHNSON and HOOTIE and the BLOWFISH Inducted into the Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame. Other inductee’s include Robert White and Kelly Tilghman.

BOYNE GOLF in Michigan has for over 30 years offered the “Great Escape Golf Package” it includes five nights and golf on seven Boyne Golf Courses. Pricing starts at $949 per person and runs for the 19 weeks of golf season in Northern Michigan from May 7th, through September 15th. Boyne.com/golf/great-escape-golf-vacation. Or call (844)-634-5315.

aboutGOLF has released aGLinks a platform for the modern golf in it’s simulators, and a new APP.

PITCHFIX has released the latest model of green repair tools, called Greenkeeper Pro, it’s long enough so you don’t have to bend over to fix a ball or spike mark. Check out Greenskeeper pro at Pitchfix.com Chicago area favorite, and tour pro Chip Beck was on hand at the recent PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando to serve as a spokesman.

MIZUNO has signed PGA Tour player Chris Kirk, and extended contracts of Luke Donald, Eddie Pepperell, Lucas Glover, Oliver Fisher.

LUKE DONALD has finally sold his Northfield IL. home for the reported price of $3.9 million dollars. The Gog Blog Returns tomorrow.

INDOOR OR OUTDOORS the Schaumburg Golf Club is ready to host your golf game year round. With the outdoor nine’s opening in just over a month it’s time to have your golf game ready to go. So check out the Top 100 courses or Ryder Cup venues on the simulators downstairs in the clubhouse. Located just minutes from Woodfield on Roselle Road, the Schaumburg Golf Club this summer will unveil the renovated Baer Nine in July. Start planning indoor and outdoor tee times now by calling (847)-885-9000 #golf    _____________________________________________________________________

The GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation, Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Linkedin and Facebook. On the first tee of the Players Nine with BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm at the Schaumburg Golf Club

STYLE, that’s how you could sum up the apparel line from Greg “The Shark” Norman.

When it comes to golf apparel, Norman has incorporated his own experiences from his playing days, into making better apparel for golfers. As a result, Greg Norman apparel is a leader in bringing the newest “technology” into his clothing line and golf apparel everywhere.

Norman was the first to ask the question about making a golf shirt that wouldn’t stick to golfers on humid days. With that thought, along came the PlayDry line of shirts. Norman didn’t stop there and kept moving forward into the stylish line of ML75.

Greg Norman wearing a pair of Greg Norman styled sunglasses

The improvements didn’t stop there. Solar XP was introduced for when golfers really need the extra protection (50+) on the golf course during sunny days. Add Weatherknit which is a mix of protections that involves all the different adverse conditions golfers face.

But for Norman, his advancements in apparel did not stop with golf shirts alone. Greg Norman golf pants or slacks, still remain one of the more popular styles among golfers today.

If you need your slacks shorter, no problem, Norman’s line of shorts come in plenty of colors and styles. Guys everything Greg Norman is not just for you, ladies can get in on the fun as Norman apparel also has you covered, so you too can look stylish on or off the golf course.

Brendan Tracy shows off the latest design in shirts (L) and Slacks (R) from the Greg Norman Apparel line.

Click here to hear the interview with Greg Norman’s director of Ecommerce and Marketing Brendan Tracy.

Greg Norman designs for the ladies at the PGA Merchandise Show

Late in 2018 Greg Norman apparel was named an official supplier of both PGA Championship and Ryder Cup merchandise.

Shortly thereafter the Greg Norman collection was named the official supplier for the LPGA and Solheim Cup merchandise. Early in 2019 LPGA player Morgan Pressel signed a multi-year agreement to wear the Norman line.

In 2018 Scott McCarron on the PGA Champions Tour and Charlie Hoffman on the PGA Tour, signed on with Norman apparel to be brand ambassadors.

For more information on the full Greg Norman line and what’s new for 2019, or to shop online, visit the GregNormancollection.com. In the Chicago area Greg Norman apparel is available at Macy’s stores. For more information on Greg Norman visit Shark.com.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is ready to welcome you to the beginning of the 2019 golf season. The simulators are open so why not get that first round of the year in today, so your game is ready when the snow melts. ***Congrats*** to Schaumburg GM Jon Parsons on winning the 2018 IPGA Public Course Merchandiser of the Year Award. Call for your tee time now at (847)-885-9000. TOMORROW at the PGA Tour Superstore in Downers Grove, Callaway/Odyssey putting fitting and more 10-2 on Butterfield Road.  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or Linkedin and Facebook. Wearing an Antigua wind-vest.

ONE ASPECT of the PGA Merchandise Show is the apparel section, where one can see what the styles will be for the year ahead.

From year-to-year the look changes, the in-colors are different, the fabric is now something new. Collars are in, or they are out, a bigger look, or thinner with an more athletic cut. What’s your look, what’s your color, do you need something that works well on the golf course and fits in well off it as well.

How do you stay dry on a humid day while playing golf, what to wear when the wind is blowing, do you need a fit that keeps you warm, dry, cool and still allows you to swing a club with no restrictions. Of course you do.

Antigua Sales VP Pam Miller (L) with company president and CEO Ron McPherson in the booth at the 2019 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

Those are the challenges that those in the apparel industry face every year.

Now the latest challenge is keeping you in something comfortable, non-sticky, looks sharp, and now keeps you safe.

Safe ? since when does your golf shirt or slacks need to keep you safe.

One of most significant changes in golf apparel, is finding the right materials that include sun-protection. Years ago you never worried about getting sunburned in the places where you were dressed. But over the years as types and thickness of materials changed, so did the amount of sun protection your body was getting. Have you seen the look on the face from a golf partner who realizes they got burned right through the shirt they wore that day on the golf course.

Welcome to Antigua 2019

One of the biggest changes in the golf shirt industry, is adding some level of sun protection to the fabric to help golfers from getting a variety of skin issues down the road from exposure to the sun.

Getting more mileage from your golf shirt is another challenge apparel makers currently have. Sure you want to look good on the golf course, the days of having shirts that don’t cut it past the 18th hole have passed.

Can it look good in a social setting, make it through a day in the office or at an off-site meeting. What about dinner with friends and family.

Click here to hear the interview with Antigua President and CEO Ron McPherson, on what’s new for 2019.

Like most major apparel companies, Antigua uses feedback from it’s professional tour players on what’s working for them on the course, and when they are swinging the club so it benefits you as well.

Antigua has license deals with the major professional sports leagues, so that if you are looking for the golf shirt that says your local (NHL) hockey team, or (MLB) major League baseball team has won the Stanley Cup or the World Series, those shirts are likely to be designed by Antigua. Look for them in your pro shop or sporting goods retail store.

For more information on Antigua golf and sports apparel, please visit Antigua.com or to purchase online shop.antigua.com.

JAY BAUER and LISA COPELAND are two customers enjoying the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. You can join them and try out Toptracer the newest in technology from Topgolf. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600.

Customer Jay Bauer talks about why he uses the Mistwood Golf Dome all winter long.

Customer Jeff Copeland talks about his daughter Lisa a 2017 finalist at Augusta National for Drive, Chip and Putt, and why they both love Mistwood where she learned the game since the age of just five years old under the guidance of the Mistwood Staff.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and on Linkedin or Facebook. Outside the historic Belvedere Clubhouse in Michigan.

The historic Belvedere Golf Club in Charlevoix Michigan is proud to welcome the 2019 U.S. Hickory Open from June 20-23.

The club has hosted a major championship of the Society of Hickory Golfers every year since 2006, is looking forward to hosting the major of hickory majors.

“Belvedere members embrace the event,” says Ernie Ernst, chairman of the U.S. Hickory Selection Committee who hails from Neenah Wisconsin. “They shut down the course for three days allowing us to compete with complete access. That’s unheard of almost anywhere else for a hickory tournament. Belvedere caused a real buzz when the application first came out. It was clear you better get online early or you would not get in, and then registration did fill up in just two days, which is almost unheard of.”

A Belvedere hickory group putts out.

The U.S. Hickory Open normally attracts a field of players that use pre-1935 hickory shafted shafted clubs or authentic replica hickory clubs.

Belevedere is the only club in the USA, that has some 44 hickory club players. The players dress in apparel of the era including knickers, ties and jackets as they celebrate the game from the 1910 to 1930’s era.

Dennis “Marty” Joy II, the clubs head professional says Belvedere is excited to host the open. “Here at Belvedere we have the most hickory society golfers of any club in the country. We have 44 members who play with hickory golf clubs. Many of our members will be playing in the open.”

The club released a video by sportscaster-club member Mike Tirico welcoming golfers from around the country. Some conservative estimates says that there are over 3,000 golfers worldwide who play with nothing but hickory golf clubs, and there is evidence that the number is growing every year.

    The first hole at Belvedere (L) opening tee shot, (R) from green back towards the clubhouse.

Belvedere was opened in 1925 and was designed by a famed architect of the era, Willie Watson. It has hosted some 40 Michigan Amateur Championships and will host the Michigan Amateur again in 2025 celebrating the championships centennial year. Belvedere does allow some public play, and to find out about teeing it up on this historic golf course, please visit, belevederegolfclub.com or call (231)-547-2611. To learn more about the Society of Hickory Golfers see hickorygolfers.com.

 ARE YOU READY FOR THIS…before you know it, the outdoor season will be here so why not get tuned up during the indoor golf season on the simulators in the lower level of the Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle road in Schaumburg. Play PGA Tour Courses and Ryder Cup venue’s all winter long. Call the course and get your tee time today at (847)-885-9000, for information and a full list of available courses schaumburggolf.com.  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, and Linkedin or Facebook. At the Dormie Club.

IT’S PART OF THE PINEHURST golf scene, but in just a small way. It’s not far (about 15 minutes) from the all the activities of downtown Pinehurst and Southern Pines.

But West End, North Carolina is really just a suburb of Pinehurst. But it is where you find the next chapter of work done by architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in the Pinehurst area. It’s where you find a nice piece of rolling terrain in the sandy foothills of North Carolina. As you drive on Rt. 211 in between the “pines” of Pinehurst, the Pinehurst resort, the Pinewild development, the Mid Pines and Pine Needles of Southern Pines, and all the other pines of the area, you will find a drug store from a major national chain, you make a turn and head off between the homes and the churches, then just keep going until it gets a little more remote, and that is where you will find the Dormie Club.

Bill Coore (L) and Ben Crenshaw (R)

When you arrive at the club you will find that nothing is over stated, in fact it’s the same touch that Coore and Crenshaw have applied at places like Mike Keiser’s Bandon Dunes and Sand Valley. It’s the kind of touch that Coore and Crenshaw will apply to another course waiting to reopen in the Pinehurst area, The Pit that the Pinehurst resort will have Coore and Crenshaw redo one of these years, and probably rename it Pinehurst 10 or 11. In the meantime, the Dormie Club just slowly ages like a good beverage.

It’s the type of course that Keiser and golfers that love his properties would like. Not much in the terms of cart paths, walking friendly, interesting greens, and the kind of course that allows one to get lost from the hustle and bustle of a fast-paced society.

  A lone sign in the tall pines marks the entrance to the Dormie Club, (R) the approach on the 18th hole with a small cottage, complete with a fireplace, in the woods behind the green that currently serves as the clubhouse. A new clubhouse is expected to be built in the soon future.

The clubs logo is simple and understated, and not much different from the famed Coore and Crenshaw design on Long Island, Friar’s Head. It’s just a flag stick with a red flag, nothing more, nothing less.

The massive bunker in the middle of the uphill par 5, 17th hole.

The course opened to rave reviews in 2010, it received several top mentions from Golfweek, including a nod on the best “new” course list.

Before long GW had it in it’s Top 100 modern course list. If you ask Coore about the types of courses that he and Crenshaw design, he will tell you that there are certain types of land that just work for him and Crenshaw. Dormie Club is that type of property which is right in the wheelhouse of C&C design.

The elevation change tops out around 110 feet, and the rolling sand hills surround three natural lakes, with inspirations from the Scottish Highlands. The course is shaped with Bermuda Fairways that surround bent grass greens. While there are some reachable par 4’s, that are some bunkers that require one to think their way around them or suffer the consequences. There is a reverse-Redan par 3 hole, that can play 241 yards-good luck.

Dormie Club’s Short Par 3, 113 yards from the tips

While some courses will talk at length about their “short par 4’s”, the Dormie Club can brag about it’s “short par 3”.

Not much different from the “shortie” than Coore and Crenshaw created on the Red Course at Streamsong, is the par 3, 12th hole that you need to blast your drive a whopping 113 yards from the back tees.

Which is a nice break after playing the long  par 5, 10th hole that is 653 yards all the way back. When it comes to golf at the Dormie Club, it’s golf that is right in front of you, keep it between the trees, out of Ben and Bill’s sandy bunkers, and test your putting on the subtleties of Dormie’s greens.

The Dormie Club over the past decade has bounced back and forth from private to public and back again through ownership changes, until now settling in as part of the Dormie Network. For further information on the Dormie Club, and the expanding Dormie Network of clubs, visit dormienetwork.com/dormieclub. The club is located at 6033 Beulah Hill Church Road, West End, NC. (910)-215-4587.

  MISTWOOD GOLF DOME and the SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB are your homes for indoor golf during the remainder of the winter golf season. In the dome at Mistwood you can enjoy the new Toptracer technology that allows for several ways to enjoy the dome. Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook (630)-739-7600 On the lower level of the Schaumburg Clubhouse is the latest in the world of simulator golf, play Top 100 golf courses and a few of the recent or upcoming Ryder Cup venues. 401 N. Roselle Road, or call (847)-885-9000.     _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy Linkedin and Facebook. With the Bear, at the start of the Bear Trap at this weeks Honda Classic.

The Illinois PGA Section has announced it’s Special Award winners for 2018.

At the top of the list is the Illinois PGA professional of the year award, which goes to Chris “Gumby” Gumbach of the River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst.

Gumbach (46) has worked at River Forest for 25 years, after growing up in Binghamton NY. In 1993 Gumbach in interned at Itasca Country Club, then returned to Illinois after graduation from New Mexico State to work for Terry Russell at River Forest, and has been at the club ever since.

“I’m very humbled and honored to be recognized by my peers as the Illinois Section Golf Professional of the Year,” said Gumbach. “This is certainly not a solo effort and I have a number of people including my parents, family, friends, members, mentors and fellow golf professionals to thank for their support an encouragement over the years. I really enjoy the game and the camaraderie being involved in all aspects it brings. My passion for the game and the desire to be engaged has been the driving force during my career.”

In 2013 Gumbach was elected the 25th IPGA Section President, he was the IPGA Section Assistant Professional of the Year and is now the only Illinois section professional to win the assistants and PGA Professional of the year awards. One of his biggest contributions to the section, is raising contributions for the sections Birdies for Charity Event, that has raised over $1.5 million dollars over eight years for local children’s charities.

Gumbach and the other award winners will be honored at a special ceremony on March 11th, at Bobak’s Signature Events in Woodridge Illinois, sponsored by EZ-GO Elite Professionals.

The remaining winners are.

Claire Castetter, Onwentsia Club-Assistant Professional of the Year.                                 Mike Carbray, Butterfield Country Club-Teacher of the Year.                                             Mark Krizic, Ridge Country Club-Player Development Award                                             Lance Olson, Champaign Country Club, Youth Player Development Award.                     Paul Betteridge, Pekin Country Club-Bill Strausbaugh Award                                             Nick Papadakas, Onwensia Club-Horton Smith Award.                                                     Harland Kilbourn, PGA Life Member-Bill Heald Career Achievement Award                     Shaun McElroy, North Shore Country Club-Merchandiser of the Year-Private Club.         Jon Parsons, Schaumburg Golf Club-Merchandiser of the Year-Public Course.               Lloyd McWilliams, Rockford Park District-Distinguished Service Award.

“We are privileged to have such an outstanding group of PGA Professionals in the Illinois PGA Section that are dedicated to growing the game for everyone from the junior player to the weekend player to the elite player,” said Carrie Williams, executive director of the Illinois PGA Section. “And this year’s Special Award winners exemplify all the PGA of America has to offer as the experts in the business of the game of golf.”

For more information on the IPGA Section special awards, visit IPGA.com.