THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is OPEN. So is McWethy’s Sports Bar and McWethy’s Tavern. Call first to check Covid restrictions. Mistwood Golf Club will be the host of the 90th Illinois State Amateur July 20-22 of 2021. MistwoodGolfdome.com 30 hitting bays.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation, for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook-LinkedIn.

The Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA).

THE CHICAGO DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION (CDGA), has announced a championship schedule for 2021.

After a year that saw cancellations from it’s schedule, and championship play not resuming until July 8th because of Covid-19, the CDGA is hoping to play the intended schedule in full during 2021.

“We were so very thankful to have the opportunity to safely conduct four of our championships in 2020,” said Nick Scillia, the CDGA’s director of rules & competitions. “It was tough having to cancel what we did last year, but we’re hopeful that the guidelines put in place will bring a full season in 2021.”

The year ahead will have eight gross championships and 21 USGA qualifiers in what is the 108th running of championship golf for the CDGA. Registrations will open for the 2021 championship season, starting on Tuesday January 19th.

The 90th Illinois State Amateur will be played at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville from July 20-22. The 101st CDGA Amateur Championship will be played at Bull Valley Golf Club from June 21-24. Bull Valley hosted the CDGA Am in 2010, when Tommy Bliefnick defeated current Korn Ferry Tour member Vince India.

Scillia added,” we are so excited about the clubs on the 2021 schedule, and think they will provide a memorable playing experience for the competitors.”

The 6th CDGA Mid-Amateur starts the season on May 17-19 at Lake Shore Country Club. The Illinois State Senior Mid-Amateur will be played at the Preserve at Oak Meadows from Sept. 13-15. DuPage Golf’s Maple Meadows hosts the first CDGA Mid-Am qualifier on April 6th.

So for more information and the full CDGA schedule for 2021, please visit CDGA.org.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open. So are both the McWethy’s SportsBar at the dome, and McWethy’s Tavern. But call and check on current Covid restrictions before arriving at either location. Check out Mistwoodgolfdome.com or McwethysTavern.com.    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. In the bay at Club Champion in Willowbrook. Photo by CJ Marshall.

MOTHER NATURE seems to have dropped the ball on outdoor golf for the rest of December and 2020.

The temperatures will rarely hit 40 for the rest of the month, much less anything higher. Most of the courses have closed for the year, even with no snow on the ground.

Next Monday should hit 46. It makes you think about one more round for the year outside. Cold yes, but it is so very tempting. Long range forecasts have the Eskimo Open at Cog Hill on January 3rd of 2021, in for 35 degrees. But no snow. So there is hope for a nice turn out that day, at least I hope so anyway.

SPEAKING OF COG HILL-Congratulations to the Jemsek family on winning a national award from the National Golf Course Owners Association for 2020, on Player Development, along with the LPGA Foundation. A tip of the cap and golf visor to Frank Jemsek, Katherine Jemsek, GM Troy Newport and staff for a job well done.

THE NATIONAL AWARD WINNER for the Jemsek National Course of the Year Award, went to Stoatin Brae Golf Course in Augusta Michigan. Runners-up included Pinehurst Resort and Country Club in Pinehurst NC., and Gamble Sands in Brewster Washington.

The sun sets on another golf season at Pine Meadow GC in Mundelein.

I went up to Pine Meadow last week on Wednesday to play one more outdoor round of golf for 2020.

Teeing off at 1:38 myself and two partners pretty much got all 18 holes in, with skipping a tee shot on 16. To move around a slower foursome.

Head Golf Professional Dennis Johnsen clued me in that “The Pine” was getting ready to close for the year, especially if the temperatures stayed below 45 degrees. Memo to Dennis-46 next Monday. Insert happy face here.

Pine Meadow has set up an indoor teaching area for the winter, and Debbie’s holiday Christmas Sale is on-going. So check Pinemeadowgc.com for pro shop hours.

PLEASE KEEP former British and Western Open Champion, and current course designer Tom Weiskopf in your thoughts and prayers over the holidays. Weiskopf is fighting pancreatic cancer and has started under going chemo already. Keep going Tom, Fight the Fight.

AS MENTIONED HERE last week. The PGA Tour and Medinah CC did formerly announce the 2026 Presidents Cup coming to Medinah on Course #3, with a statement from former club president and the club’s bid-leader Michael Scimo. Who said in a prepared statement, that the club was looking forward to hosting the matches on it’s famed #3 course. That will be renovated prior to the matches. Stay clicked in, more to follow on this topic.

THE WEEK AHEAD-Ziehm and Spears Podcast 39 comes up later this week, and with more on travel. So stay clicked in and also see my story on Club Fitting at Club Champion. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-Is open, but do review Covid safety guidelines before going. You must reserve a hitting bay in advance. McWethy’s Sportsbar is open for To-Go meals. Beverages available while hitting or getting lessons. Mistwoodgolfdome.com ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook. Part 2 of our Sunday Morning Short Game-News Column.

Augusta National Golf Club the 12th hole-with the Ben Hogan Bridge.

AUGUSTA NATIONAL or maybe St. Andrews or Pebble Beach.

So is your clubhouse or office ready for some new art designs, to hang from the walls.

Because if they are, maybe it’s time for you to seek out artist Linda Hartough and her artwork.

Linda provides the best pictures you will see from the home of the Masters, the tournament that will be on the tee in again in just four months. For more information, visit Hartough.com for pricing and a full list of selections from some the great clubs of the world.

THE NEW SRIXON ZX Woods. Launching your game starting on January 15th of, 2021.

SRIXON will launch the new ZX Woods on January 15th of 2021.

The ZX series of woods was created for more speed and distance. Because it’s what golfers want from todays new equipment.

Srixon has created what they call the Rebound Frame Technology (RFT). The RFT is designed with a layering of alternating zones, of flexibility and stiffness that work in tandem to put more energy into the ball at impact. So the end result is an increased ball speed and distance off every tee.

“Rebound Frame represents the best energy transfer system we’ve ever designed into a driver,” says Jeff Brunski, Vice President of Research and Development. “From the center of the face to the very rear of the club, we’ve tuned the clubhead stiffness to put more energy into the ball than ever before. The entire driver head in harmony to provide an unprecedented rebound effect, giving you maximum ball speed for more distance.”

Srixon’s ZX7 and ZX5 drivers give golfers options. The same technologies will add to the performance of the Srixon’s Fairway Woods and ZX Hybrids. Pricing is ZX7 Driver at-$529.99, ZX5 Driver-$499.99, ZX fairway Woods-$269.99, ZX Hybrids-$299.99. For more information see Srixon.com.

The new Cleveland CBX 2 Black Satin Wedges.

CLEVELAND GOLF has announced an upgrade to it’s line of CBX Wedges.

The CBX Wedges now have a new addition to the family, and that’s the CBX Wedges in Black Satin finish.

CBX 2 Wedges were designed with forgiveness for the average player. Cleveland Golf feels many of the wedges designed today, were designed for best players in the world, but not the average everyday golfer.

This line of wedges are designed so amateur golfers can play them with success, and with a Black Satin finish so golfers can add some style points with their clubs. Cleveland wedges have a V-Shaped sole grind offered in 46-52 degree lofts. The S-Shaped Sole Grind is offered in 54-56 degree lofts, with the C-Shaped Sole grind in 58-60 degree lofts in both LH & RH options. Pricing at $139.99 for steel, and 4149.99 for graphite shafts. Visit Clevelandgolf.com for more information.

BGT-Breakthrough Golf Technology has announced a Limited Edition Tour Stability Black, A Barney Adams Limited Edition putter shaft. The putter shaft is designed with a stealth black matte shaft and glossy branding.

Each shaft comes with an authentication card, and will have a holographic numbered seal to ensure it’s authenticity. Better golfers can change out a steel shaft, without changing the balance of the putter. You will enjoy better distance and control. This limited edition model sells for $299.99. Details at BreakthroughGolftech.com

HONMA Golf TR-20 and TR-21 clubs.

HONMA GOLF has added two new major markets for it’s club fitting services.

SEATTLE & CHICAGO.

Joshua Williams joins the team in Seattle, and in Chicago-Chicago native Joseph Jung is on board. Both new fitters will serve their local areas and several surrounding states.

For Williams, he adds all of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Jung will work in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri and Iowa. Williams adds over 20 years of experience in the industry with Jung bringing his 35 years to the Honma experience.

Honma fittings are done in a safe environment during the pandemic times. To learn more about the Honma TR-20 Drivers  and the TR-21 full line of clubs, see HonmaGolf.com.

The Monster Mat-lasts longer than other mats.

THE MONSTER MAT.

SafePlay Golf, the creators of the Monster Mat, have announced that they have selected the Bartlett based, The Media Group, to manage it’s public relations for the year of 2021.

The Monster Mat made in the USA, and it is a less expensive and longer lasting golf practice mat.

It comes with a Z-Pro LSR Fiber fortified hitting surface unlike what you have used in the past. It’s shock system-claims to eliminate hand and elbow shock.

“Avoiding common nylon is one of the ways Monster Mat stays never longer,” says Brent Paschal, owner and creator of Monster Mat. For more information see MonsterMat.com.

ZERO FRICTION’S new lightweight Carry Bag.

OAKBROOK TERRACE based Zero Friction has created a brand new lightweight carry bag.

The carry bag weighs less than 5 pounds, and comes with a 40″ inch waffle towel.

Other features include the dual carry-strap, with a soft handle, and hip pad.

The Zero Friction bag comes with seven zipper pockets for storage, including an apparel pocket, and a lined pocket for valuables such as wallets, cell phones or jewelry. Need more, okay how about an insulated water bottle pocket, and slot for your umbrella when the rain is coming down.

Price of the bag is $199.00 and comes in a variety of colors, including red-white and blue. For more information see ZeroFriction.com or call (630)-317-7700.

Copper Tech copper gloves

MAYBE THE BEST GLOVE YOU HAVE OWNED.

That’s the slogan Copper tech Gloves uses, because they are so convinced that their product is that good.

Copper Tech Gloves-now made with more Copper.

If your hands have issues, and they struggle during your rounds of golf. Copper Tech Gloves could be the answer to your problems.

Do your hands hurt when you first warm-up, is there pain when you hit a hard surface like mats on the range. Hard ground on cold days. Do you have a little Carpel-Tunnel in the joints from banging on the computer all day long.

Well now you can put these issues behind you, when you use the Copper Tech Golf Gloves. Check out CoppertechGloves.com. And pick out your colors and style.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN-but do review Covid Safety guidelines before going. You must reserve a hitting bay in advance. McWethys Sportsbar is open for To-Go meals. Beverages available while hitting or getting lessons. Mistwoodgolfdome.com  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook. In the Mistwood putting lab with fitter Chris Ioriatti.

YOU CAN WORK ON YOUR GAME all winter long at the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook, on Rt. 53 or it’s also called Bolingbrook Drive.

You can use the Toptracer to track your progress, or sign up for lessons. If your game is ready for new equipment, get a club fitting.

That includes drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and putters.

In addition, McWethy’s Sportsbar in the dome is open for food and beverage. And check out the Pork-Rib sandwich, while there or on the way home. But the restaurant is closed for indoor dining. Because of Covid restrictions, but you can get food to go. Call the dome at (630)-739-7600 for your hitting bay reservation, and learn more at Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

Welcome to Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena Illinois.

THE GOLF SEASON HAS NOT ENDED at Eagle ridge Resort and Spa, in Galena.

Because now inside at the Highlands restaurant, there is a Trackman that is open for golf.

In addition to playing golf, you can purchase gift cards for future use, and golf in 2021.

If your headed to Eagle Ridge for a holiday or winter getaway, don’t forget that Thursday night is now Rib-Night. For more information on Eagle Ridge please visit EagleRidge.com

The West Baden Dome at the French Lick Resort.

THE FRENCH LICK RESORT in French Lick Indiana, has gift cards for sale here in the holiday season.

The great news about French Lick Resort gift cards is that they do not expire.

You can use them just about anywhere on the resort property, and at all of the resorts golf courses, or pro shops. (Sorry they can not be used in the casino).

For more details see FrenchLick.com and start making plans for your visit in 2021 to the French Lick Resort and Casino.

ORCHARD VALLEY GOLF CLUB in Aurora, has a holiday gift card special now going on. You can get a FREE green fee, with the purchase of a gift card of $100.00 or more through Christmas Day. See OrchardvalleyGolf.com or call (630)-907-0500.

THE SAND VALLEY RESORT-Clubhouse in Nekoosa Wisconsin.

NOW FOR THE HOLIDAYS, the Sand Valley Resort gift shop is open, and you can make all your holiday purchases online through the resorts website.

If Sand Valley is on your favorite golfers bucket-list, or if he or she hasn’t stopped talking about their trip to the resort.

Then why not add to their golf apparel collection, or glass wear collection, with a holiday gift from Sand Valley.

Enjoy the walk, and enjoy gifts from SandValley.com The resort is continuing to grow in the amount of rooms, and new golf courses. Stay clicked in to learn more.

CHAD JOHANSEN has taken it indoors for the winter golf season. #GoForitSportsdome

INDOORS and OUTDOORS, year round golf is happening with golf pro Chad Johansen.

When Johansen is not outdoors at Blackberry Oaks Golf Club, he is at the Go For It Sports Dome in Yorkville. Just around the corner from Blackberry Oaks.

Either way #KidsRule with Johansen. So if your ready to work on your game all-winter. Because it’s what you want and need to do. Head over to the dome, and let Johansen teach you his 4-Step Process teaching method. Guaranteed to help you shoot lower scores. See CJGA.com or visit Chad at the dome located at 9231 Galena Rd. in Yorkville (630)-383-1698.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME and McWethy’s Sports bar are open. Currently due to Covid restrictions, you must make reservations for a hitting bay. Mistwoodgolfdome.com ______________________________________________________________________

The Illinois PGA Section-Illinois PGA Foundation.

The Illinois PGA Foundation has announced the honorees of the Don Pieper and Oscar Miles scholarships.

An anonymous donor made it possible with a gift to the IPGA Foundation in 2004.

Don Pieper is the Director of Golf at the Merit Club, and Oscar Miles is the clubs superintendent.

The Oscar Miles Endowment Fund honoree is Jack Troy. there was 17 Don Pieper scholarships awarded, including five new recipients.

2020 Honorees are, Julia Kramer-North Central College (Class of 23). Morgan Krouse Lake Land College (Class of 24). Carly Schiene-Valparaiso (Class of 24). Will Troy-Illinois State University (Class of 23).

SCHOLARAHIP RENEWALS:

Maggie Anderson-Taylor university (Class of 2021). Chris Bruno-Millikin University (Class 2022). Madeline Chemers University of Illinois (Class of 2022). Mia Fogel-College of Lake County (Class of 2020). Claire Goss-Furman University (Class of 2024). Jack Grant-Michigan Technological University (Class of 2022). Tyson Kralis-Illinois State University (Class of 2024). Jeremy Lorenz Illinois State University (Class 2022). Claire Lunde- DePaul University (Class of 2024). Maggie Lynch-Illinois State University (Class of 2024). Andrew Romack-Iowa State University (Class of 2021). Katie Shook-University of Alabama (Class of 2024). Jesse Slattery-Rockford University (Class of 2021). Phillip Stackhouse-Xavier University (Class of 2022).

The scholarships go to children, grandchildren, children-in-law and nieces and nephews of Illinois PGA Members. Or individuals who resides within the IPGA Section boundaries and is enrolled in a PGA Golf Management Program at a PGA accredited college or universities that offer this program, are eligible.

More information can be found at IPGA.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53/Bolingbrook Road in Bolingbrook. The dome and McWethy’s Sportsbar are open, but call first to make reservations to get a hitting bay. McWethy’s Sports Bar and McWethy’s Tavern have restrictions. So please visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or McwethysTavern.com in Romeoville. Lessons are available.   ____________________________________________________________________

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2020-Volume 38. The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook.

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2020-Volume 38 is here. So sit back and listen-in.

Because Len Ziehm and Rory Spears provide the most complete weekly golf report, in the Chicago area.

It might be December, but there is plenty to talk about on the golf front in the Windy City area.

So while it looks like this crazy year of golf might be coming to an end this week, it’s been a fun ride since the courses were fully opened in June.

This week Len & Rory talk the end of outdoor golf season in the Chicago area. Len’s golf trip to see a new golf course in the Sebring Florida area. Because it’s getting be time for golfers to visit Florida in the winter time of the year.

Recapping Rory’s interview with new PGA of America President Jim Richerson. Plus another look at Chicago area stories that were broke by Golfers on Golf. That include a new renovation coming in 2021, at Conway Farms in Lake Forest. Plus the renovation of Medinah’s #3 Championship Course, and the club hosting the 2026 Presidents Cup.

A MAJOR IN DECEMBER-Len and Rory discuss the years final major championship, the U.S. Women’s Open at Champions Golf Club in Houston Texas. And would the USGA use this U.S. Open format in the future.

CLICK HERE to HEAR ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2020-Volume 38.

Ziehm and Spears have two more editions of the 2020 Podcast series left, before the holiday break. But they will return next year for Podcast Series 2021-Volume 1, in the middle of January.

Do stay clicked in, and thanks for listening. LEN & RORY.

MCWETHY’S at MISTWOOD and the Mistwood Golf Dome are open. But do call ahead to check on Covid-19 restrictions. The dome is open for golf, with reservations. You can get a lesson or club fitting. Details at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or McwethysTavern.com.   _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS. Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook. With PGA President Jim Richerson at the 2020, PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando Florida.

DOWN THE FAIRWAY with new PGA of America President Jim Richerson.

Richerson a Senior Vice President of Operations at Troon Golf, became the 42nd President of the PGA of America in October.

During his career as a PGA golf professional, Richerson has worked everywhere from the East to the West Coast and Hawaii.

From the Southeast to Northern Wisconsin at Kohler Golf. Richerson like other PGA officers, started as the Secretary, before moving to Vice President, and now PGA of America President for two years.

But now with 60 days under his belt, Richerson spoke with Golfers on Golf regarding many of topics facing the industry now, and what lies ahead in 2021.

Richerson covered his time working as a PGA professional around the country. Taking over as president during the Covid Pandemic era. Richerson looked ahead at the PGA Merchandise Show scheduled for next month in a virtual format. In addition to how the virtual format  of this year, could affect the show going forward.

The PGA’s new headquarters in Frisco Texas, and the two championship golf courses getting built there. And the championships of the PGA that will get played there.

What it means for Richerson to return to his old stomping-grounds in Kohler and Whistling Straits. Where he ran the golf operation for 10 years, as PGA President during Ryder Cup week.

He shares the excitement of the 2021 PGA Championship, as it returns to Kiawah Island. Which gets contested on the Pete Dye designed Ocean Course, on the coast of South Carolina.

Richerson covers what new PGA programs lie ahead, and which ones that he hopes will grow, during his time as president.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with new PGA of America President Jim Richerson.

The Ziehm and Spears podcast coming up later this week, will break down the interview. We add our thoughts of the PGA of America’s plans for 2021. So do stay clicked in for more.

.  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN-So are McWethy’s Sportsbar and McWethy’s Tavern which is located at the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville. Call ahead to learn the policies regarding safety from the pandemic. Please visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com.    _____________________________________________________________________

BY: RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf, host of Golfers on Golf Radio. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or friend him on Facebook, or connect on LinkedIn or Instagram.

           THE PRESIDENTS CUP                           THE MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB

EDITORS NOTE: In 2019 both Golfers on Golf and Len Ziehm on Golf reported that it was highly likely that the Presidents Cup would be coming to town in 2025. Both Conway Farms in Lake Forest and Medinah Country Club in Medinah Illinois, had been having site visits from the PGA Tour, as the tour was looking for future Presidents Cup venues.

As time went on, it seemed like Medinah was a more frequent stop for those on the committee, doing the advance scouting. Then Covid-19 hit, and the 2025 Presidents Cup became the 2026 Presidents Cup. The 2021 Presidents Cup that is now the 2022 Presidents Cup, will be held at Quail Hollow Country Club in Charlotte North Carolina.

Royal Montreal in Canada, has been selected for the 2024 matches.

The 2025 Presidents Cup-that became 2026, had Harding Park in San Francisco in the mix for a time. But from Day 1, there was possibilities that situation would change, with Harding Park having other options on the table.

So it appeared that both Conway Farms and Medinah, were never out of the mix for the 2026 Presidents Cup. See, The Gog Blog Speaks Out from earlier this week (Dec. 7th). As of today, media reports surfaced that supported what was originally reported here and by Len Ziehm. That the Presidents Cup is coming, to town.-RS

OTHER THAN THE OUTCOME-the week at Medinah in late September of 2012, was fun for everyone. Golf fans from Chicago and around the world has a great week, in what was great weather for Chicago that time of year.

In the end, Europe rallied from 4 points down during Sunday’s singles matches to win back the Ryder Cup. But golf fans in the Windy-City loved the event so much, that they have been asking for 8 years, when is the Ryder Cup coming back to Medinah.

The next available Ryder Cup on U.S. soil is in 2037, so if the Ryder Cup returns to Medinah it will be quite awhile.  But the next big thing in men’s professional golf, that is played in the team format, is the Presidents Cup. Team USA plays a team of International golfers from countries (Europe), that are not included in the Ryder Cup.

So the 2026 Presidents Cup will bring a Ryder Cup atmosphere back to Medinah, at some point (likely) September of 2026.

Medinah club officials had no comment tonight, but could go on the record in the next several days.

PRIOR TO 2026-Medinah’s Championship #3 Course will under-go a renovation. In a bit of a surprise, architect Rees Jones who worked on #3 prior to the 2006 PGA Championship and the 2012 Ryder Cup, will not be brought back as part of the new plan.

In fact the club went out of country, all the way to Australia to retain the services of OCM Golf. OCM located in Melbourne, stands for Ogilvy-Cocking-Mead. Ogilvy is Geoff Ogilvy, yes that Geoff Ogilvy who won the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot, Michael Cocking and Ashley Mead.

OCM has a history of working with high profile golf clubs in Australia and Asia, including Kingston Heath and Royal Queensland. Earlier this year, OCM finished it’s first project in America, at the Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas.

THE MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB website has this statement from current club board president Joe Gattone. “I am excited to embark on a plan that leverages Course #3’s current routing. While developing opportunities to strengthen the overall golf experience of our members and guests.”

The website segment went on to add the following information.

In November of 2019 (less than two months after PGA Tour players shot some low scores in great conditions on Course #3 during the BMW Championshi). Gattone initiated an ad-hoc committee to begin working on a plan, to address Medinah’s current and future needs, for the world renowned Course #3 (7,657 yards par 72).

The committee includes Past Presidents Bruce D’Angelo and Michael Scimo. Director Ryan Potts, General Manager Robert Sereci, Medinah Director of Golf Marty DeAngelo. Director of Golf Course Operations Steve Cook, and Course #3 Superintendent Peter Schmidt.

A new master plan will guide future capital spending, including all course infrastructure needs, that drive ideal playing conditions. To ensure an enjoyable playing experience for all levels of play. And to provide a long-term infrastructure and operational footprint for major professional tournaments and other events. Medinah’s Course #3 has enjoyed a rich heritage of championship golf. By having hosted an impressive slate of both amateur and professional golf events.

Golfers on Golf hopes that tradition will continue, and will continue to follow this story as it unfolds.

  All McWethy’s are open, but check in advance for Pandemic restrictions before going. The Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook is open for golf, but currently reservations are required for a hitting bay. You can get lessons or club fittings. Mistwoodgolfdome.com     ____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. At Cog Hill in the 2-4 Building.

2021 IS NOT FAR AWAY.

Sunday January 3rd, 2021 is the Eskimo Open, the first golf outing of the new year.

Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Palos Park Illinois, will host the famed Eskimo Open.

Rain or Shine or Snow. Be there, it’s golf. Dress warm, bring those colored golf balls.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM COG HILL-The Cog Hill driving range is open year round.

                   CogHillGolf.com

COG HILL and the Eskimo Open is $50.00 for Golfers playing Courses 1&3.

$60 for Golfers playing Course #2.

The fee includes golf, Chili a drink and prizes.

Carts-weather permitting are $18.00.

The individual competition is a Gross & Net (Peoria). Tee’s for play are White Tees for the Men. Women play from the Forward Tees. Tee times are from 7 Am to 11 Am.

To sign up visit Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-COG-HILL. 264-4455. Be a part of the first golf outing of the new year-2021. Play in the Eskimo Open at Cog Hill.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN make reservations for a hitting bay, and arrive 10 minutes early. MistwoodGolfDome.com. McWethy’s Tavern is open, but call first to check on pandemic restrictions. See McWethysTavern.com or Mistwoodgolf.com  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or friend him on Facebook at Rory Spears.

THIS WEEK COULD BE IT FOR OUTDOOR GOLF, get out and play if you can. The weather is changing and not for the better. But Tuesday into Thursday just might be outdoor golf days.

CONWAY FARMS in Lake Forest is getting ready to step it up on the renovation front.

Already one of the best golf courses in both the Chicago area, and the State of Illinois, Conway Farms is getting ready to get even better starting in 2021.

Likely in late August, renovation work will begin at Conway Farms. Leaving the club with 9 open holes for much of September. But at the end of September, the entire course will close for the year.

The clubs general manager of the last 27 years Todd Marsh, confirmed the upgrades and current time table to get the work started. Play should resume at the club in spring of 2022.

So what’s the plan. First up, Marsh made it clear that as always, the clubs planned improvements are for a better member and guest experience. Not to hopefully recruit professional tournaments. Marsh added that the club currently, has no agreements to host any tournaments or championships going forward. But that doesn’t mean they won’t be hosting a championship in a few years.

Conway Farms membership has always supported major golf championships over the years. The club’s track record of hosting the NCAA Championship, USGA events, and three PGA Tour-BMW Championships proves that. Word on the street is that the PGA Tour has been looking strongly at Conway Farms or Medinah, to host the now 2026 Presidents Cup. It’s likely one of the two clubs will be the host of the Presidents Cup, and the other club will end up hosting another championship in that time frame.

Maybe it’s a BMW Championship or whatever the tournament might be called by 2023, when the PGA Tour’s Fed Ex Cup Playoff event is expected to return to Chicago. Marsh says, “Olympia Fields did a great job hosting the BMW Championship this year, especially under tough circumstances.” So Marsh feels that Olympia Fields could get another shot to host the PGA Tour event, when it returns to Chicago. This time full of fans, skyboxes, and in the full hospitality mode.

But the upcoming scheduled renovation work, would make Conway Farms an even better destination for tournaments in the future.

It starts with the bunkers. Out with the old brown sand, in with the new Tour Angle-white sand. Bunker drainage will be improved across the golf course, but especially around the greens.

Will Conway Farms add yardage ? Marsh says yes, but is not sure what holes will get lengthened and or by how much. One thing that is certain, is that there will be improvements made in areas for galleries and gallery flow. Just in case the club does host a big tournament somewhere down the road.

My guess is that whether it’s 2023, 2024, 2025 or 2026, Conway Farms that has been receiving inquiries from multiple golf organizations and professional golf tours to host another tournament or championship, probably will host something that will bring the fans, or patrons back to Lake Forest.

UPON FURTHER REVIEW…

The overgrown Blackhawk Trace golf course at Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale.

In route to another project, I took time to see the closed Indian Lakes Resort Golf Course-Blackhawk Trace.

It’s a total overgrown wreck.

The tee’s, greens, fairways, and bunkers are a mess. The drainage and irrigation would have to be rebuilt if a golf course were to ever open again on that land. Likely cost is $2-3 million for just that part of the project.

Originally I was hopeful that when the Village of Bloomingdale buys the land (expected to be this week), that they would restore the golf course, as part of an open-space project that local residents are looking for. Now I’m not so sure that can be done.

In addition, the Indian Lakes Hotel didn’t look in great shape either. The entrance signs were cracked, the grounds, parking lot and hotel didn’t look much better. There is plenty of potential there for both a new golf course and a renovated resort hotel. But the cost would be a big dollar, and I’m not sure right now anyone is looking to come in and spend that kind of money. Which is sad in my books, I had some great times there over the years. In fact Europe’s Ryder Cup team stayed at Indian Lakes in 2012, they wouldn’t do that again today.

Dirt is being moved at Settlers Hill in Geneva, where the new driving range is going to be.

DIRT IS BEING MOVED at Settlers Hill in Batavia.

The course has closed for the year and the renovation is now fully underway. So architect Greg Martin and crew are starting to roll on next summers biggest renovation project, in the Chicago area.

Settlers Hill will be closed all of 2021, but is hoping to reopen about June of 2022.

The new routing plan by Martin, and the 4-hole junior course that has already been roughed in, looks like a great place that plenty of golfers of all ages should enjoy.

I’ll have more on the project in the next 10 days or so, do stay clicked in to learn more.

The Pils from the Hills that is, sipping suds, Wisconsin golf.

THERE IS PILS IN THOSE HILLS.

Some new tee boxes, and strains of  bent grass were not the only new things added at Erin Hills this past summer.

For those who need some good Wisconsin brewed beer, before they down a Fescue Rescue, may I suggest the Erin Hills Pilsner Beer.

It’s really good, and yes I have taste tested it, along with some good Illinois pizza.

Normally I would recommend this as a holiday gift, because it would make a perfect gift. BUT someone, I’m not saying who HEHE, cleaned out the remaining cases of the EHP for 2020. But no worries, I suspect more will be brewed in 2021. So that gives everyone another great reason to go play Erin Hills next summer. In the meantime, make your online order for the holidays from Erin Hills. If you spend enough. You will get a really nice Erin Hills hat for free. They are comfortable too, trust me.

LenZiehmonGolf.com has a story on golf travel that looks at the industry, and is a good read. Check out Len’s website if your thinking of golf travel for the holidays or in 2021.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow, so stay clicked in. RS