MCQ’S DOME RT. 53 IN BOLINGBROOK where you can hit balls, play the ponies or enjoy good food and beverages in the restaurant. New hotdog and drink bar right behind the tee line in the dome. Mcqsdome.com or call (630)-739-1592, part of Mistwood Golf. THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB, open this weekend for indoor golf on the new simulators. If your not ready to go play on the wet grass outside, stop and play a Top 100 course on the lower level of the Schaumburg Golf Club 401 N. Roselle Road minutes from Woodfield Mall, call (847)-885-9000 or Schaumburggolf.com. THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS, both Men and Women, see back to back Final-Fours on the grounds of Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove May 19-31, NCAA.com/tickets on sale now and they are moving fast. What schools will make the field, maybe your alma-mater ______________________________________________________________________

           WELCOME TO STREAMSONG              WELCOME TO STREAMSONG RED

 WELCOME TO STREAMSONG BLUE–THE GOG BLOG, by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the Streamsong Resort, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. PART 3-Destination Florida-Streamsong Resort.

Streamsong Resort Black Course in Central Florida, Streamsongresort.com Photo Courtesy of Streamsong and KemperSports

Welcome to Streamsong Black, are you ready for this.

The Streamsong Resort that opened in January of 2013 to rave-reivews with two Top 100 Golf Courses, is now almost ready for Part 3.

No, not just our story, but the next chapter in resort history. Ben Crenshaw and his partner Bill Coore were Chapter 1 with Streamsong Red, Tom Doak was Chapter 2, and now Olympic Course designer and reknown architect Gil Hanse is Chapter 3, with his creation of Streamsong Black. Expected opening date is this fall, and October could be the month.

Click here to hear our interview with Scott Wilson Director of Golf at the Streamsong Resort, who talks Streamsong Black and everything else you can do at Streamsong.

Scott Wilson Director of Golf at Streamsong stands in the Streamsong booth at the PGA Show.

Streamsong Red is a Par 72, course that can play as far back as 7,148 yards from the back tee’s.

Crenshaw and Coore created a routing that runs between the dunes, small lakes and natural waste areas.

Streamsong Blue is a Par 72, course that runs all the way back to 7,164 yards. Doak created wide fairways, with large bunkers in area’s of elevation change. Doak’s undulating greens will test the best putters.

Streamsong Resort Black Course in Central Florida, Hole #2 Photo Courtesty of Streamsong and KSM.

Streamsong Black, coming this fall is the “Latest and Greatest” by Gil Hanse, whose Black Course design will fit right in alongside of Red and Blue.

Hanse has brought to the Florida a bunkering style, that fits right in with the sand belt region of Australia.

The course has FIVE par 5’s and so the overall Par is 73 (bring your driver). The golf course is spread out over 300 acres of Streamsongs land which is part of the 16,000 acres it owns on the site of a former Phophate Mine and adjoining land in Polk County. The new Streamsong Black Clubhouse should open around the time the golf course does this fall.

Streamsong Black hole #5.

The current Streamsong Clubhouse does include 12 guests rooms that can sleep up to 16 people.

It includes over 4,500 sqaure feet of conference or meeting space, there is a themed restaurant, lounge and pro shop.

The new Black Course Clubhouse will be located on one of the higher elevation points of the property. The floor to ceiling windows will give views of the golf course, guests can enjoy food and beverage from the new Bone Valley Tavern, that will hold 32 people at it’s main bar.

Streamsong Resort Black Course in Central Florida, Hole #6

The main lodge at Streamsong, that did not open until after the the first two golf courses did, is now fully operational and has 216 guest rooms.

Around Streamsong other activities include, sporting clays, a lakeside pool, a nature trail, tennis, archery, and bass fishing with a guide.

The resorts spa is over 7,000 square feet, it gives guests the opportunity to experience many different types of treatments, and ways to energize your body. The spa is a great way to relax in between rounds of golf.

Dining at Streamsong comes in the form of four restaurants, Restaurant 59 in the main clubhouse, Sotto Terra a fine dining restaurant, P2O5 a Florida style cuisine like Key Lime Pie available all-day long. Fragmentary Blue a roof-top bar, that offers scenic views of the property, with american style pub entree’s.

For more information on Streamsong, please visit Streamsongresort.com or call (863)-428-1000. More information on Streamsong can be found on Facebook and Twitter @Streamsong.

 MCQ’S DOME RT. 53 IN BOLINGBROOK, is Part of Mistwood Golf. Stop and practice your game all winter long in the dome, and right in front of the new Hotdog and drink bar right behind the teeline. Grab a lesson, get fitted for new clubs, enjoy the Blackhawks game in an official Blackhakws bar, play the ponies in the OTB and be ready for Derby day less than 90 days away. For information see Mcqsdome.com or call (630)-739-1592 ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS. Editor and Director of Content, Follow Rory to the Innisbrook Resort and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy

There are several golf resorts in the State of Florida, but when it comes to a stay and play at a destination property on the West Coast of the State, there is only one option and that’s Innisbrook, home of the Valspar Championship on the PGA Tour.

Located just north of Tampa, Innisbrook offers golfers four courses to choose from. The star course is Copperhead that has just undergone a renovation or restoration, and plays home to the Valspar Championship, and is a PGA Tour Course you can play, except during tournament week in early March. The three other courses at the resort are the Island Course, and the North Course and the South Course. All of the four courses are enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.

  Welcome to Innisbrook, part of the Salamander Chain of Resorts, and one of the finest Steakhouses in Florida is Packard’s, located in the Copperhead Clubhouse, and named after the late Larry Packard who designed all four of Innisbrook’s golf courses.

The first hole on the Copperhead Course, swing away.

If your headed down to Florida, and you have not golfed in a while, the resorts professional staff can get your swing ready to play any of the resorts courses.

The resort has golf schools which are fun and especially if you are traveling as a group. If you are traveling with a group, be it a buddies trip, family trip or for business with staff or clients, contact Doug Schmidt a 14 year Innisbrook veteran who handles group sales, and corporate sales. Special family events such as weddings and birthday parties are no problem either.

  The Par 4, 14th hole on the North Course (L) and the Par 3, 15th hole on the South Course (R).

If your looking for more than just golf, there are plenty of tennis courts to play on. If your in need of some serious relaxation time, don’t hesitate to hit the spa and try out one or more of several different treatments or massages that are available. If your in Florida during when warmer temperatures are the norm, just cool off by jumping in the pool.

Accomendations are outstanding with full size rooms, and spacious balconies that are designed with side walls to break the wind or add some privacy. Many of them come with golf course views. Want to relax and just watch a movie or one of your favorite TV programs, Innisbrook rooms have a large amount of channel options, more than you will find in most hotels or resorts.

While your playing the Copperhead Course, don’t forget to have your picture taken at the entrance to the Snake Pit.

If you in the area during the week of the Valspar Championship, you won’t get to play the Copperhead Course, but you can attend the championship. Tickets are very affordable and the Copperhead Course has plenty of great places to watch all the golf action from.

So if your thinking Florida this spring why not visit Innisbrook, and be ready to golf. Innisbrook Resort, play where the pro’s play or go on line and checkout all the Salamander Resort properties. There are other locations in Florida. For more information please visit Innisbrookgolfresort.com or call ( 888)-794-8627.

 THE NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS COMING TO RICH HARVEST FARMS in Sugar Grove, starting May 19th and teeing up two great weeks of golf, two final fours and national champions. Hosted by NIU-See NCAA.com/tickets that are moving fast.     ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the Preserve at Oak Meadows, on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

THE PRESERVE-AT OAK MEADOWS

That is expected to be the new name of the golf course formerly known as simply Oak Meadows, or further back as The Elmhurst Country Club.

The name has been submitted to the DuPage Country Forest Preserve District Board of Directors for vote, as of this morning’s board session.

The final vote will take place next week on the 21st.

As of now, the board is expected to approve the name recommendation submitted by Interim DCFPD Executive Director Ed Stevenson. Stevenson was unavailable for comment this afternoon, but is expected to comment on the new course name in the next few days.

The entrance sign is about to change. For everything DuPage County Forest Presevre District Golf, see DuPagegolf.com

Why the “Preserve” name ?

If you visit the counties website, you can learn more about it’s rules and regulations regarding the naming of Dupage County Forest Preserve District properties. DuPageforest.org.

No, it can not be named after a person like what is is frequently done in Cook County.

Architect Greg Martin did oversee a team that restored the property, but there was never a chance of the golf course becoming Martin Meadows or anything close to that. In spite of the properties history with the great golf legend Ben Hogan, naming of the property as some sort of tribute to Hogan was also not possible.

Interim-DCFPD Executive Director Ed Stevenson stands on the renovated driving range at “The Preserve”.

In past interviews, Stevenson has said that the properties history will be remembered when the course reopens, which will take place this summer.

There is no official opening date set for the course at this time, but both Stevenson and other county officials are hopeful that the course can open around Memorial Day weekend. But if not at that time, then at some point in early to Mid-June. All will depend on the kind of weather the area gets, over the next 90 days.

The Preserve at Oak Meadows is expected to offer Chicago area golfers an exciting new place to golf beginning this summer.

While the final cost is not in as of yet, cost estimates for the entire project have been around the 15 million dollar range. However that is NOT 15 million dollars all spent on golf.

The golf part of the total cost, is expected to be around 1/3 rd of the final cost.

The project does show how golf can be an asset to the surrounding community in terms of storm water management, wildlife habitat enhancement, and being able to have better control over Salt Creek, that has been known to flood many area’s and neigborhoods in Cook and Dupage counties after heavy storms.

Golfers can follow DuPageGolf.com, this website or Chicagoland Golf Magazine (see the Preserve at Oak-Meadows ad in the Chicago Golf Show edition) for news regarding opening day and special events at the golf course coming up later this summer.

Progress is being made in the planning phase for the construction of a clubhouse, that is currently expected to open in 2019.

 THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB & ACADEMY is now a Year-Round Golf Facility. The club located at 401 N. Roselle Road and only minutes from Woodfield Mall, now has 27 holes open in the summer months (until the renovation starts this summer in June then the number becomes 18) and during the colder months has multiple simulators open for play, practice, lessons or fittings. While there you can get lessons from head professional Jon Parsons or enjoy the food and beverage from Chandlers Chophouse. For more information visit Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000.       ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG entering the Bear Trap at PGA National Resort and SPA, in Palm Beach Gardens Florida. By Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content, Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

The PGA National Resort and Spa in West Palm Beach Gardens, is one of the top golf destinations in Florida. It’s why the PGA Tour will be making a stop there in one week to conduct the Honda Classic.

PGA National Resort is the home of five golf courses, most notable is the Champions Course done by Jack Nicklaus.

The Honda Classic is played on Champion, and the Bear Trap even tests the nerves of the tour’s top players. Rory McIlroy, Ernie Els and players with Illinois ties, such as Luke Donald, Todd Hamilton and Mark Wilson have all won there. Winners will tell you it’s not easy, as the stretch of holes 15-16-17 called “The Bear Trap” requires tight shots over water to pins that are normally tucked near the edges of the greens. Even the par 5 18th hole is no-gimmie birdie.

Welcome to PGA National Resort and Spa, your tee time and spa visit await you.

The good news for visiting public golfers is that Champion, is a PGA Tour course you can play.

Do you want to play “The Bear Trap”, well you can try to hit it there just like the professionals do.

Champion is a fun golf course, and it’s not overloaded which large water hazzards through out the entire golf course, like some other championship courses in the sunshine state. Yes the three Bear Trap holes have a fair amount of H2o, but don’t look for that on all of the other 15 holes.

The Par 3, 17th hole on the Champion Course, already set up for the Honda Classic.

If your headed Florida way, and want to go far enough south in the state to ensure some warm weather, then PGA National and Spa is for you. If you are there before or just after Honda Classic week, you can play the course just like pro’s.

Even if the skyboxes are not full of patrons, enjoying the course in a tournament like setting is always fun to do. Honda Classic week tee’s starting next week February 20th, with tournaments rounds from the 23rd to the 26th. Television coverage will alternate between The Golf Channel and NBC. See local listings for times and channels.

If your visit is more than one day, then check out the other four courses on the property. They include, The Palmer, The Fazio, The Squire and The Estates. Regardless of your skill level, there is at least one and likely more golf courses on property that you can enjoy.

The rooms are comfortable, with large Kingsized beds (seen here) that will help you get a good nights sleep between rounds.

The resort has a great golf history, long before the Honda Classic arrived the PGA Championship, the Sr. PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup were all contested there.

If you wish to work on your game before you play, between rounds or after you have posted some scores that don’t sit well, then arrange lessons with the resort’s PGA instructors.

Located right on property is the David Leadbetter Golf Academy and the Dave Pelz short game school, so pick either one or both schools and get your game tuned up.

THE SPA is another place where you can relax and get treated just about anyway you want. The Spa offers all of the massages you have heard of and some you haven’t, but there are no shortage of options. Ladies if your expecting a child and are more than three months along in your pregnancy, there is even a massage for you. Massages, facials, body waxing, you name it, the PGA Resort and Spa has all the treatments you and your body are looking for.

No top resort destination is complete without great choices of restaurants, and PGA National is no exception. Whether it’s Ironwood, iBAR, or Bar 91, you have choices to make, if you looking for sportsbar type eats after your round, or a full course dinner in style, be sure to review all your drinking and dinning options on the website or when you arrive in your room. Either way you can’t go wrong.

From the time you enter the property until the time you leave, you can have all of your needs taken care of, but when it comes to golf you do have to hit your own shots. Caddies are available if you need a four-caddie or a walking caddie. Which is a great way to enjoy the resorts five courses, especially the Champion Course home of the Honda Classic.

For more information see PGAResort.com or please call (800)-863-2819.

Tune in next week to see who the 2017 Honda Classic Champion will be.  Adam Scott is the defending champion of the tournament.        

  Celebrate the Centennial Year of the Donald Ross Golf Course all year long at the French Lick Resort. This July look for the best in Women’s Golf as French Lick Resorts bridges the gap between the tours-Symetra-LPGA-LPGA Legends Tour-Frenchlick.com French Lick Resort is the Presenting Sponsor of the Chicago Golf Show Feb. 24-26. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG SPEAKS OUT-By RORY SPEARS. Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the NCAA Championships, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy

It was fun to get away to the 2017 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando a couple of weeks back, then I had an opportunity to see some destination properties in Florida, and both of the Carolina states.

At least when I got back to Illinois, there was a golf show to attend this past weekend in Tinley Park. More on that later.

As for Florida, the Sunshine State is preparing for golf from various tours to start teeing it up.

The Champions Tour has already played this past week, and for more on that, please visit our Big 3 Partner Len Ziehm’s site Lenziehmongolf.com as he recaps the Allianz Championship that drew large crowds this past week. Ziehm followed Barrington native Gary Hallberg who shot 64 to survive a Monday qualifier to play this past week. Hallberg did not play as well in the championship, finishing a T-66 for the tournament.

Coming this July to the French Lick Resort.

OUT WEST at Pebble Beach Jordan Spieth was back in the winners circle, for the tenth time, he put his name in the record books alongside the the greatest golfer of all time Jack Nicklaus, with his win total at his current age. Only Jack can match Spieth’s numbers.

Speaking of numbers, or lack of them, it’s Tiger Woods that is back in back rehab again. The writing on the wall is that his career could be over, and that would be no surprise at this point. Word is one major online golf publication is ready to post the caption on page 1 that says “Finished ?” with a picture of Woods. The odds for the Masters are coming out, and as Woods has been known for years in Las Vegas as “Mr. Suckerbet”, that would be true again this year.

FLORIDA is getting ready for the PGA Tour in a week, with the Honda Classic at the PGA National Golf Resort which was one of the stops I made during the time in Florida. I’ll have a story on the resort coming up this week, and how the Bear Trap put a real kink on my round, and knocked me from the ranks of under par golf on the back nine.

Welcome to the Bear Trap on the Champion Course at the PGA National Resort.

The Florida Tour will also take us to Innisbrook in Palm Harbour, the home of the PGA Tour’s Valspar stop.

Innisbrook has had great champions in recent years, like Spieth and our very own Kevin Streelman and Luke Donald, who both had great finishes at Pebble Beach this past week.

I spent some time taking a look at the Copperhead Course at the resort, and it looks great after a renovation that the tour players are going to love.

The Streamsong Resort Black Course in Central Florida, photo courtesy of Streamsong Resort and KSM.

While the PGA Tour might not be on it’s way to the Streamsong Resort in Central Florida, there is nothing from stopping you from heading over to tee it up on 36 holes of great golf. The team of Ben Crenshaw and his partner Bill Coore have designed Streamsong’s Red Course, while Tom Doak gets the credit on the Blue.

This October the new Black Course by Gil Hanse will open, and there will be 18 more reasons to get to Streamsong. I’ll have my interview with Streamsong Director of Golf Scott Wilson coming up this week. Do stay clicked in.

  HIT THE BALL outdoor golf season is right around the corner. McQ’s Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook (L) see Mcqsdome.com. TRY THE new simulators at the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg, play Top 100 courses and enjoy food and beverage from Chandlers Chophouse right upstairs. Visit Schaumburggolf.com (R)

THE TINLEY PARK GOLF SHOW was at it’s best in this it’s sixth year. A tip of the cap and or golf visor to Joe Copeland and partner Gregg Tengerstrom. The size of the show now runs from wall to wall in the Tinley Park Convention Center, and I saw many more golf booths, and less non-golf booths.

The long line waiting to get in, and the lack of parking when I arrived showed me that the golfers were out in force by the time the doors opened on Friday. there was more booths from courses outside of Illinois, and several courses I had not seen before. Both McQ’s Dome and Mistwood had a great presence, and so did Ravisloe, Cog Hill, Glenwoodie and others.

THE CHICAGO GOLF SHOW is now next up on the tee coming Feb. 24-26 at the Donald Stephens Convention Center. The long putt contest is back, get you swing and stroke ready to go. The Gog Blog Returns tomorrow. RS

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the French Lick Resort and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT home of the Award Winning Pete Dye Golf Course, and this July come to the inaugural Sr. LPGA Championship, see Frenchlick.com for details, The French Lick Resort is the presenting sponsor of the Chicago Golf Show Feb. 24-26 that will be held this year at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. ______________________________________________________________________

Final day the Tinley Park Golf Expo, until 4 PM.

THE GOG BLOG’s SUNDAY MORNING SHORT GAME… with all the golf news you need to know.

The Chicago Golf Show, will be held from Friday Feb. 24th until Sunday Feb. 26th in the usual place the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Doors open at Noon on Friday.

The Show has a special on weekend tickets, if you buy them this Tuesday on Valentines Day, how about that for a sweet gift. $2 discount. Online you can order them at Chicagogolfshow.com.

More news from the Chicago Golf Show, Chicagoland Golf will sponsor the show program with a nice glossy edition, a change from the newsprint style. Make sure you pick up a copy, in the issue there will be a story on the new name for the Oak Meadows Golf Club in Addison, that will reopen this summer after an almost two year renovation, headed up by architect Greg Martin.

NCAA.com tickets on sale now. The Men’s and Women’s Final Four and national championships at Rich Harvest Farms.

The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships will be played from May 19 through May 31, at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

Ticket are on sale now at NCAA.com and the championships will be hosted by Northern Illinois University, that uses Rich Harvest Farms as a home course.

The men’s team from the university of Illinois is expected to be in the field, and so is the women’s team from the University of Northwestern. The women’s team at Illinois lead by 2016 Illinois Women’s Open Champion Stephanie Miller is pushinghard to make the nationals for the first time. The men’s team at Northwestern is also making a late push to make the field as well. The Wildcats just won the B1G Ten match play championship yesterday in Florida (Top rated Illinois did not compete) at Hammock Dunes Resort on the Conservatory Course designed by the great Tom Watson.

Pam Miller VP of Operations for Antigua shows off some of the new Antigua line for 2017, at the recent PGA Merchandise Show.

ANTIGUA has been named as the official supplier for the 2017 U.S. Solheim Cup team.

This years Solheim Cup will be contested between Team USA and Team Europe from August 14-20 at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club in Iowa.

Team USA Captain Juli Inkster says that “Antigua has been great to work with and will have our team looking great during the matches.”

You can shop for Antigua products in your favorite pro shop or online at Antigua.com or ShopAntigua.com

The American Club in Kohler Wisconsin.

ARE YOU READY TO GET AWAY, how about “Taking Time for Two”, it might not be golf season quite yet in Central Wisconsin, but the American Club is open year round.

If a little R&R is what you need, now might be the time to slip away up north and get your body ready for the golf season ahead.

If you enjoy Chocolate, Kohlers Celebration of Chocolate will ‘taste’ place from Feb. 17-19, with Chef Josh Johnson leading the way. For more information see Destinationkohler.com.

CHICAGO/NORTHBROOK based KemperSports has been selected by the Country Club of St. Albans in St. Albans MO. to manage the club. St. Albans is considered one of the top private clubs in the St. Louis area. The club has 36 holes fo championship golf.

KEMPERSPORTS has announced it’s new program for private clubs called BackSpin Club services. This service helps club GM’s and Boards of Directors in operating their clubs more efficiently in various parts of club operations. For more information on this program see Backspinclubservices.com.

Coming June 29-July 2nd to Olympia Fields Country Club

THE 2017 KPMG at Olympia Fields will be conducted from June 29-July 2nd. But this past week on the Wanamaker Course at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Alison Curdt of Simi Valley California shot a 1 under par 71 (54 hole total 215 -1) to grab runner up honors and earn an a position in the field. The winner Karen Paolozzi who totaled a -5 211 score had qualified last summer Teaching and Club Professionals National Championship.

Curdt and Paolozzi are two of the four PGA professionals who earned a spot in the field at Olympia Fields.

Mcqsdome.com a part of Mistwood Golf

McQ’s Wing eating competition is having it’s qualifier round #2. Winner advances to Wing Bowl main event on March 3rd. The evening starts at 6:30 with the ladies from Deep Eddy Vodka.

Prior to eating some tasty wings, why not get out the golf clubs and go hit some balls in the golf dome, or work on your chipping and putting.

McQ’s Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, is a one-stop fun and run location. Watch the horses run in the OTB, while enjoy the food and beverage on the new menu. Mcqsdome.com.

The first hole at the course formerly known as Oak Meadows DuPagegolf.com

DuPage Golf is getting you ready to plan your golf season at Dupage Golf Courses.

Permanent Tee-times are now available. Are you ready for a 1-club tournament at Maple Meadows on Saturday afternoon April 15th, the tournament is 9 holes, you can sign up now and pay online at DuPagegolf.com.

Does your league need a new location, bring it to Dupage Golf.

Oak Meadows, will have a new name when it reopens this summer, what will it be, check out the Chicagolandgolf program at the Chicago Golf Show for the answer, and Golfersongolf.com will have the answer about that time as well.

OAKBROOK BASED ZERO FRICTION golf gloves now with GPS are rated in the top 5 gloves in the marketplace. Former U.S. Open champion Johnny Miller was the Zero friction booth at the PGA Show. The glove was well received at the show, and you can learn more about Zero-Friction at Zerofriction.com.

 BLACKBERRY OAKS in Bristol GM Chad Johansen inventor of the Perfect Putting Aid, and the Guide for Golf has announced some of the 2017 events at BBO’s. Registration is now underway for the PGA Jr. Golf League, and the Senior League. Plus dont’t forget to book your outing before all the best dates are filled. Call (630)-553-7170 or visit Blackberryoaks.com.

                                       Buying or selling golf properties, contact Chris@Linkscapitaladvisors. New property now on the market is Manistee National Golf and Resort, 36 holes of golf and a 42 room lodge. Current asking price $1.9 million dollars. More information contact Chris Charnas

The Long Putt contest at the Chicago Golf Show, Feb. 24-26-2017.

Baseball and golf will shae the stage at the Chicago Golf Show Feb. 24-26 at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.

Hall of Famer’s Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs and tim Raines fo the Chicago White Sox will visit the show.

Both players are avid golfers and are looking forward to attending. Raines will be on the mainstage on Saturday at 1 PM. While Sandberg will appear on the mainstage at 1:15 on Sunday.

Raines will be formally inducted to the hall in Cooperstown on July 30th. For more information see Chicagogolfshow.com.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns tomorrow on Monday. RS

 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

 THE FRENCH LICK RESORT & THE PETE DYE COURSE has earned the 2017 Award as Golf Course of the Year from the National Golf Course Owners Association. The Senior LPGA Championship will be contested as part of an over week long celebration of women’s golf coming this July. Learn more at FrenchLick.com or at the French Lick Resort booth, at the Chicago Golf Show in Rosemont from Feb. 24-26.       ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the Tinley Park Golf Show, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @Gog BlogGuy

It’s great to see golf filling up the local convention centers, it means that our main golf season, spring, summer and fall is just around the corner.

This weekend it’s the Tinley Park Golf Expo at the Tinley Park Convention Center at Rt. 80 and Harlem Avenue. The show in it’s sixth year, is the idea of Joe Copeland & Gregg Tengerstrom and Tenco Events.

If you attended the first year and then went back this year, you would notice how well the show has grown. The building is full from wall to wall, there are more booths selling something golf, and less booths selling something non-golf. Need tickets to attend the NCAA Championships at Rich Harvest Farms this May, you can purchase them at the show, and the same goes for if you need tickets for the KPMG/LPGA/PGA Championship this June and early July at Olympia Fields.

Ken Churilla the marketing director from the Homewood based Ravisloe Golf Club, explains how this former private club, is now a top rated public golf course that anyone can play.

If your looking for a top rated public course to play, why not Ravisloe. This Donald Ross design that used to be private is now public and anyone can play.

Ravisloe is now tied into a local hotel that gives you and your group of dinning and staying the night before, or after your round. Stop by the booth and see marketing director Ken Churilla, and pro Kevin Fitzgerald to learn everything about what Ravisloe can offer on and off the golf course.

There are new owners of the Balmoral Woods golf club in Crete, stop by the Balmoral booth to learn about the courses new connection with the ownership group that has taken control of the nearby Balmoral Race track.

Courses like Cog Hill, Glenwoodie and Mistwood have booths, and so does MCQ’s Dome and Chicagoland Golf.

So head out to the Tinley Park Golf Show, check in with the courses, buy some new equipment or golfballs, and maybe win a prize. Show hours are 9-6 today and 9-4 on Sunday.

FREE PARKING-for more information Tinleyparkgolfexpo.com

 THIS JULY BE A PART OF THE VERY FIRST LPGA-Major Championship at the French Lick Resort, details at FrenchLick.com. French Lick Resort Presenting Sponsor of the Chicago Golf Show Feb. 24-26 Donald Stephens Convention Center Rosemont. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS. Editor and Director of Content, follow Rory to the French Lick Resort, or on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter@GogBlogGuy.

When it comes to golf courses, it’s always nice when there is something new to play and test your game on.

As a result there is something new in Pinehurst for you to play. Pinehurst is home to American golf, and there are plenty of courses in town to enjoy.

There are also a few different resorts to play or visit while in town, having options is always a good thing for golfers.

Talamore Golf Resort along with it’s partner the Mid-South Club form an option that all golfers should experience.

                TalamoreGolfResort.com                                     Midsouthclub.com

When it comes to Talamore Golf, it’s hard not to remember when the course was known for it’s caddies, Llama caddies that is. When you reach the middle of the back nine, you will find the Llama’s are still there, waiting to watch you tee off. You did request a gallery right ?

Playing Talamore even in the morning mist, provides a round of golf that all skill levels will enjoy.

Whether it’s the Llama’s or the fun and challenging design at Talamore, over 90% of the golfers who play the course, do return for a rematch.

Groups are a big part of this property and while some parties number over 100, Talamore has a cozy feel that works very well for groups of 12-40.

Right next door to the spacious Talamore Villa’s, is the pool to relax in before or after your round.

The Par 3 second hole, leaves golfers two front British Open style bunkers to carry. Sandhill Sodwall bunkers provide a new look in the Pinehurst area.

“Thanks to all the renovation work, the new course at Talamore and the ‘new’ Mid-South Club stand as a one-two punch,” says Matt Hauser, Talamore Resort’s General Manager. “When you tack on the more than 20 other courses the Talamore Golf packages offer, there is simply not a better all-around value and diversity.”

In 2016 the 25th anniversary of the property, the greens were changed to Champion Bermuda, which allows for better playing or putting conditions all-year round. In addition, nearly 75 bunkers were taken out to improve the landing zones and give the golfers a little more needed forgiveness. The new routing has dropped an average of almost 30 minutes per 18 hole round, off the pace of play.

Talamore now has full cart access to everyhole, and is currently wrapping up a cart path project that will allow for a smoother ride around the course.

But before you can get to the enjoyable 19th hole, The Sodfathers’s Grille, you must challenge your game on the Par 4, 18th hole that starts with a tee shot from an elevated tee over water. Once your safely dry in the fairway, your chances to end up with par or better rise dramaticly. After holing out you can enjoy some Carolina BBQ, or hit the breakfast bar with the Dollie Llama waffle station, loaded with your choice of toppings.

The Par 5, 4th hole at the Mid-South Club will leave a third shot into an island like green.

THE MID-SOUTH CLUB formerly known as Pinehurst Plantation, was designed by Arnold Palmer.

After some changes in ownership, the club is now moving forward both on and off the golf course.

On the course the Mid-South greens are being redone, and the tee boxes will now include a set of forward tee’s that will make the round more enjoyable to those just taking up the game, or golfers who don’t fall into the “Big Hitters” category.

The Par 3, 5th hole at the Mid-South Club is not long, but does require a water carry.

There are new improvements on the 2017 calendar in the member facility area. Basketball being added on one of the tennis courts, and the creation of a new barbeque and hospitality area around the Mid South pool.

In 2016 the club created several new events that were well received, as a result there will be more events put on the calendar in the year ahead.

The Mid South Club is now home to lodges that are a “must-stay” feature of the property. They come complete with a full size living room, fireplace, big screen TV’s, a full kitchen with counter top designed bar-style. Two full size bedrooms, and bathrooms with showers and whirlpool bath tubs. Plus you can beat the view from your balcony, of the clubs 18th and 19th holes, and or the practice range and putting green.

 The balcony view from a Mid South lodge, onto the practice area (L), the living room (M), and the balcony with plenty of chairs to relax in, or tables to dine on.

The Arnold Palmer designed golf course at Mid South, has plenty of elevation change, and Sandhills style feel, with tall pines and waste area bunkers, complete with Pinehurst native grasses.

Talamore & Mid South might not be the biggest resort in town, but they are one of the best. These two golf courses, mixed in with other area courses that can be scheduled into your Pinehurst trip-Talamore Golf package, will leave golfers having thrills in the Sandhills.

See TalamoreGolfResort.com for the latest package information, or you can call (800)-552-6292. You can also visit Midsouthclub.com.

          MCQ’S DOME RT. 53 in Bolingbrook, your home for indoor dome practice Mcqsdome.com. The Schaumburg Golf Club, now a year round golf facility with the addition of brand new simulators, take a lesson or play a Top 100 course from around the world and enjoy food and drink from Chandlers Chophouse. Schaumburggolf.com.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the French Lick Resort, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

  MCQ’S DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, your home for indoor golf practice. McQ’s is part of Mistwood Golf, so their professional staff is at the dome for lessons and fittings. New this year is the hotdog and drink bar behind the tee line. Play the horses in the OTB, enjoy the new menu in the restaurant. McQ’s Dome your one stop place for fun and golf all winter long. See MCQ’SDOME.com.THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is now a year round golf faciltiy, new top of line simulators make playing golf at the club a reality. Now you can play Top 100 courses from around the world, while enjoying the best in food and beverage from Chandlers Chop House right upstairs. Located at 401 N. Roselle Road, minutes from Woodfield, Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000. ______________________________________________________________________

The volcano bunkers on the Pete Dye Course at the French Lick Resort. Play the Dye Course and visit Frenchlick.com.

It’s been an amazing three weeks, and the winter trip has run longer than ever before. But anytime someone can get out of Chicago for three weeks in the dead of winter you do it.

With 12 rounds of golf under my belt already in 2017, I now know where I need to work on my game by the time spring arrives in Chicago and our local courses open.

I still have a few more stories to post from the PGA Merchandise Show, and stories about a few more of the destination properties I visited. I start the last day of the trip where the first day of it ended, at the French Lick Resort in of course, French Lick Indiana, home of the LPGA Legends Sr. Players Championship this July. Go to Frenchlick.com. #Visitfrenchlick.

Former Medinah Country Club caddie Brendan Sweeney is the Director of Golf Marketing for the French Lick Resort, which is the presenting sponsor for the Chicago Golf Show Feb. 24-26 in Rosemont

I had great visits to, or stays at the following places. French Lick Resort, the Talamore-Mid South Club and Resort in Southern Pines, the Pinehurst Resort, the new home of Len Ziehm on Golf in the PGA Village of Port St. Lucie, the Innisbrook Golf Resort in Palm Harbor Florida, the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, The Palmetto Dunes Resort, and the Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. The Pine Needles and Mid-Pines Resort in Southern Pines North Carolina.

Special thanks to good people along the way for their help, Len Ziehm and Joy Sarver, Jeff and Nancy Rutter, Ramona Herald RHI PR, Doug Schmidt Innisbrook, Martin Armas and Armas PR, Tom Pashley, Jack Bickart and Alex Podlogar at Pinehurst, Augie Tonne of Kemper Lakes GC and John Farrell at Sea Pines, Dan Sheppard and Andy DeKeuster at Buffalo Brand PR, Sherry Major at the PGA Merchandise Show, Melanie Garbo, Dick and Mary Ann McCrary, Larry Spalla, Jerry Rich, Wayne Kearney, and Brendan Sweeney at the French Lick Resort. Not to mention the many great people I met at the PGA Show, Staying out on the road to find out everything golf for 2017 takes some work and planning with many different people, again my thanks to everyone.

              Pineneedles-Midpines.com                           PalmettoDunesResort.com                       THE NCAA’S see NCAA.Com/tickets                       Innisbrookresort.com

      The Lighthouse at Harbour Town Seapines.com        Pinehurst.com 2017 USGA 4-Ball

  KPMG CHAMPIONSHIP JUNE OF 2017      KPMG CHAMPIONSHIP JUNE OF 2018

               Talamoregolfresort.com                                     Midsouthclub.com

   PGAresort.com PGA Resort and Spa                             Midpines.com

Yes there are plenty of great golf destination properties to visit, start by putting a few on your bucket list. This year there are some great championships to attend in Illinois, start by getting your tickets today. In Wisconsin not far away, there is a rare appearence by the U.S. Open this June at Erin Hills.

I’ll start wrapping up show stories tomorrow, and don’t forget the Tinley Park Golf Show this weekend at the Tinley park Convention Center, Rt. 80 and Harlem Avenue. The show tee’s off Friday at Noon. The Chicago Golf Show in Rosemont, Feb. 24-26 presented by the French Lick Resort and glossy program by Chicagoland Golf.

Stay clicked in, the trip is over but like Len Ziehm would add, I still have a lot to say. RS