A FINAL LOOK at the Next MAJOR-Cog Hill pro shop sale starts today. Coghillgolf.com  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook, and connect on Linkedin. Wearing the new Sqairz golf shoes.

DJ GETS A NEW GREEN JACKET!

Congratulations to Dustin Johnson on winning the Masters, who was my pick to win.

20 Under Par at Augusta National is pretty special golf. DJ seemed calm, cool and collected all 4 days that was until after he won, when he was almost to choked up to speak at the ceremony.

So now with the men’s 2020 majors complete, we can look forward to the next major in 2021. The Masters is up on the tee again in just 5 months, a very short time for Johnson to be reigning champion. But who knows, he might win two in-a-row by next April.

A few other closing thoughts on Masters week in the fall. This tradition unlike any other can go back to being in April. It was something neat this past week to be able to see, but I can’t wait to have the Masters back in April. When it kind of launches golf season here in Illinois, and for much of the northern part of the country. I’m looking forward to seeing the patrons back as well on the hallowed Augusta National grounds, one can only hope that is what we will see.

THE OTHER 2021 men’s majors are in May, the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island in South Carolina, on Pete Dye’s Ocean Course. In June the U.S. Open goes west to Torrey Pines in California, on the South Course. The British Open is in July at Royal St. George’s. The rescheduled Ryder Cup is at Whistling Straits in Haven Wisconsin, in late September.

MAJOR SEASON is not over for 2020. The Women’s U.S. Open will take place at the Champions Golf Club near Houston next month, stay tuned.

A PERFECT 10. I didn’t expect that from Tiger Woods, but it’s not surprising. Augusta National can jump up and do that to anybody, if you hit the ball in the wrong spot on the right hole. The fact the both Tiger and Phil Mickelson made the cut, made it a good week for them. I’m not sure how much longer that will happen. Both players walked off into the sunset after their final hole yesterday by making birdie on 18, great way to end the week.

It was interesting to hear people this week call Woods the old man, even though he walks like it these days. But Phil is older, and so were some of the past champions, including Bernhard Langer, now the oldest player to make the cut at age 63.

HERE’S HOPING there is nothing really wrong with Bryson DeChambeau who said he didn’t feel well this past week. DeChambeau said he was suffering from some dizziness and other issues. These days it’s normally the fans who get dizzy watching DeChambeau’s long drives.

COG HILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB starts it’s holiday sale in the pro shop today. While supplies last, golf shoes are 50% off, hats are in the buy 1 get 1 free mode. Stop by Cog Hill and see all the sales. Learn more at Coghillgolf.com.

PRODUCT REVIEWS I have received a few products over the last few months to check out, and here are my thoughts.

Sqairz Golf Shoes, with all the traction you could ever need.

SQAIRZ golf shoes.

They are different, but they are good. It’s taken me a bit to get comfortable in them.

Sqairz depending on which model you get, can be a much heavier golf shoe than many golfers are used to. They did create different wear spots for me on my feet. As a result after the first time I wore them, I had 2 cuts on each foot, and a blood blister on one toe. The good news is that I am glad I did not give up on them, because 5 rounds later they are now feeling broke-in and much more comfortable. The extra weight on my pair of Sqairz shoes is keeping my feet from moving around as much when I swing. I’ve started scoring better in recent rounds since I have worn them. Sir Nick Faldo loves them, you might too. Check out a pair, great holiday gift, get the holiday bundle on sale all month long.

The other highlights about Sqairz, is that when they say they are waterproof, they are. I have never had a shoe keep my feet so dry on wet days, or when the morning dew is in full force. Another strong point for me with Sqairz, is the little bubble on the shoelaces, that help keep them tied through the entire round. I’ve always had trouble keeping my laces tied with other brands, and it’s annoying having to keep retying your shoes every two holes.

Canteen Spirits Vodka Soda

Canteen Spirits Vodka Soda, designed by a golfer for golfers, in five different flavors.

I did not get to try the lime flavored that I would like too try, but I had a couple of other flavors from the line.

The first one I tried was the Black Cherry. It was good, but I thought the Black Cherry flavor did not stand out as much as I would have liked. Watermelon was even better and the watermelon flavor was much more apparent in the taste, I thought the watermelon flavor was really good, and would be a great thirst-quencher on the golf course. It’s also a sugar-free drink.

I received a can of the Cucumber flavor. I’m not a Cucumber person, so I had a friend who loves Cucumbers try it and they loved it. Calling it tasty, refreshing, and thirst- quenching. Check out more spirits by Canteen and visit the website DrinkCanteen.com.

Scotland-Home of Golf

SCOTLAND-HOME OF GOLF.

A great new book by the father and son team of photographers Iain and Christopher Lowe, from St. Andrews.

The text and illustrations are from David Joy.

The book is considered a love-letter from the all the great courses in Scotland, that are currently missing those who love the game, links golf and can’t travel to Scotland because of the pandemic.

The Lowe’s photography captures 14 of Scotland’s best golf courses, ten of the courses have a long history including many Open Championships. Four of the courses are considered new, having opened since the year 2000.

A perfect holiday gift, available through Amazon.com or ScottishgolfLibrary.com with a cost of $45.00. Once you read this book, 175 pages of mostly pictures. You will want to plan your first or next visit to Scotland.

LEN ZIEHM has posted a story on architect Rees Jones and his redo of Coral Springs Golf Course in Florida, where he grew up, by the golf course his father designed and kept his offices. See LenZiehmongolf.com

THE MASTERS IS OVER but there is still some time left to get a LAB Golf masters themed putter, see Labgolf.com.

WEDNESDAY to SATURDAY the weather is not too bad. Get out and play while you still can. The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

ENJOY MASTERS SUNDAY-Augusta artwork by Linda Hartough, Visit Hartough.com     _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or Facebook and LinkedIn. In the Mistwood Performance Center with Master Fitter Chris Ioriatti, rolling the ball in the SAM Putt Lab.

CLUB FITTINGS are not just for Drivers and Irons. Get fitted for all your clubs including wedges and putters.

Mistwood Golf in Romeoville is a Top 100 fitting location in the country. See Eric Russell or Chris Ioriatti in the Mistwood Performance center, and get the right clubs with the correct lie and loft, and make your game better today.

Mistwoodgc.com or call Mistwood at (815)-254-3333. Coming soon-the Mistwood Golf Dome will reopen in Bolingbrook, on Rt. 53. Currently there is some 2020 Masters Merchandise for sale in the pro shop, including Crow’s nest T-Shirts.

Blackberry Oaks Pro Chad Johansen welcomes golfers.

Chad Johansen GM and Head Golf Professional at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol, has announced that 2021 golf memberships are now on sale.

In 2021 there will be three types of memberships for sale. You can visit Blackberryoaks.com to learn more.

For the winter ahead, Johansen has opened his indoor facility at the Go For it Sports Dome in Yorkville but located near Blackberry Oaks. In addition check out the Perfect Putting Mat while at the dome. (630)-553-7170.

CHAPEL HILL golf Club in McHenry had to close this week, due to possible staff exposure to Covid-19. As a result if you played golf at Chapel Hill in the week prior to Nov. 11th, monitor yourself for Covid-Symptons.

EAGLE RIDGE RESORT and SPA in Galena Illinois, is having a year end pro shop sale in the resorts North Course pro shop through November 25th. See EagleRidge.Com for more details and savings amounts on various merchandise.

Topgolf Schaumburg by night.

The Topgolf family is expanding in Europe.

The newest Topgolf facility is now ready to break ground in Oberhausen Germany. The new German facility will have 102 hitting bays spread out over three levels.

Which will go along with three bars and restaurants. No date is set yet for opening day.

In addition Topgolf has announced it’s stadium tour for 2021. With 14 different stadium locations having been selected. Most of the locations are spread out through the South and Western States. The only northern location is Progressive Field in Cleveland, in late September. For more information see Topgolf.com

Sqairz Golf Shoes, bringing golfers a new level of traction.

Sqairz golf shoes the hottest new brand of shoes on the market, is offering Black Friday specials this month.

You can bundle it along with Sqairz hats, Sqairz socks, Sqairz shoes and Sqairz personal pouches.

Through November 30th you can see what major champions like Nick Faldo are talking about, when he says that Sqairz Shoes are the best shoes he has ever worn. See Sqairz.com. Or you can call (888)-793-7779 for more information or to order your pair of Sqairz golf shoes.

STITCH GOLF has announced the release of it’s Birdie Bag. A carry bag for travel or one that you can take to the golf course. Use it to carry clothes, or other belongings during travel. It also makes for a great beverage bag on the golf course. For more information see Stitchgolf.com.

SKY GOLF RANGE FINDERS are offering a holiday promotion through the end of the 2020 year, on their award winning SX 400 and SX 500 range and the LX5 Smart watches. More details at SkyGolf.com.

The new Zero Friction Laser Pro

OAKBROOK TERRACE based Zero Friction Golf has expanded it’s product line into the Laser Range and yardage devices.

The two models, Laser Pro retails at $229.99 and the Laser Pro Sm at $329.99.

The biggest difference in these range finders, is the newly created pistol shaped rubber handle grip. making it easy to get your yardage quickly and accurately. Just aim and click.

“We wanted to be in the laser business, but we didn’t want to create another “me-too” palm held unit,” said John Iacono, Zero Friction Founder. “What we really wanted was a pistol-style grip. It’s simple to use. It’s much easier to hold steady in your hand than a unit that sits in your palm. It vibrates when it locks in on the target. So we ended up with exactly what we wanted. A unique product with impassive technology that fits our brand.”

Some of the features include, 1000=yard range at 1/-1 yard. Conforms to rules of golf. Measures in yards or meters, waterproof device IPx5 carry case, scan and pin lock modes, easy to read LCD magnify 6x. It’s lightweight at 6.5 oz or 182 grams. Locally in the Chicago area you can purchase the Zero Friction Laser pro’s at PGA Tour Store, along with other Zero Friction products such as gloves, balls and tees. You can get more information at (630)-317-7700.

JACK NICKLAUS hit his Masters Honorary tee shot with his Play-Yellow Glove and hat for charity. You can purchase your Play-Yellow glove with proceeds going to charity through Golf.com.

Streamsong Black by Gil Hanse.

STREAMSONG RESORT in Streamsong Florida, near Lakeland Florida, has announced  the new tradition of a “Golfers Holiday Stay and Play 36″ Package.”

You can enjoy a two-night stay at the Lakeside Lodge, and two rounds of golf, along with breakfast each day.

Currently while supplies last, don’t forget to get your Golfers Holiday travel bag, with special gifts valued at over $800.00.

Now is a great time to play Streamsong, with the Red and Blue courses just reopening after re-grassing and now have the Ultradwarf-Bermudagrass, Mach 1. This package is available from November 23, 2020 through January 16th of 2021 and starts at $1,299 per person based on double occupancy, or $1,499 per person on single-occupancy. Prices include tax but not resort-fees or caddie fees. For more details visit StreamsongResort.com.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out-returns tomorrow. RS

  IT’S MASTERS WEEK-landscaping artwork of Augusta National GC by Linda Hartough  ______________________________________________________________________

Ziehm & Spears Podcast series 2020-Volume 34. The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

ZIEHM & SPEARS

Back again with Volume 34 of the Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series for 2020.

Illinois Golf Hall of Fame inductee Len Ziehm and long time Chicago Golf and Sports reporter Rory Spears, have teamed up to bring golfers the most complete weekly report on golf around the Windy City and beyond.

This week Len and Rory talk a little about the Masters, and subjects around town, including what’s happening at Mistwood Golf and the Mistwood Golf Dome.

What’s up with new clubs, the start of golf holiday shopping, plus the PGA of America Assistant’s championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie Florida.

CLICK HERE to hear the 34th Edition of the Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2020.

Thanks for listening-Len and Rory.

SCOTLAND-HOME OF GOLF $45.00 at Amazon.com. Order your copy today. The new shell of the Mistwood Golf Dome has risen, and well open soon. Visit Mistwoodgolf.com  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-Rory Spears, Director of Content & Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or friend him on Facebook, and connect on LinkedIn or Instagram.

The Revelry in Mesa Arizona is now open.

The hottest new night spot in Mesa Arizona, that includes NextLinks golf gaming is the Revelry (therevelry.com)

The Revelry comes complete 14 individual 72′ x 16′ Smart Green putting stations.

NextLinks CEo Dave Shultz says the Revelry located in the busy nightlife Riverview district, a great setting for NextLinks new gaming creation, that includes competitive putting, that is directed by a patented smart-laser technology for 2-8 participants per action station.

The Revelry is an open-air designed facility in Arizona, but NextLinks helped create what called “Shots-in-the Night” at the Indian Wells Golf Resort, that saw a capacity (but socially-distanced) crowd, is built on a natural-grass outdoor putting course at Indian Wells.

Back in Arizona at the Revlery, that’s less than a mile from the Chicago Cubs Spring Training facility, and close to the Arizona State University campus. So when your ready for night life golf gaming, and mixed-in entertainment, find the facilities that offer a night of fun for families and friends.

You can learn more at Nextlinks.com, and how to enjoy a fun golf experience for all ages and people of different skill levels.

THE NEW MISTWOOD DOME SHELL IS UP-the dome is expected to open yet this month. Stay tuned for details. (R)-Master Fitter Chris Ioriatti works on a putter fitting in the Mistwood Performance Center. Schedule a fitting with Chris or Eric (815)-254-3333.  ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf, follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, Friend him on Facebook, Connect on LinkedIn.

SCOTLAND THE HOME OF GOLF- now available for purchase.

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

SCOTLAND, HOME of GOLF. Is now available for purchase, and is a perfect holiday gift for your favorite golfer. or something every golfer can add to their holiday want list.

“It’s not that Scotland, was the home home of golf, it still is.”

The book is the work of St. Andrews based father and son photography team of Iain and Christopher Lowe. With text and illustrations by Scottish golf historian and fourth generation St. Andrean David Joy.

This book centers around 14 of Scotland’s must play golf courses, the courses that make golfers from around the globe wishing to visit Scotland.

The books back cover. If you like the front and back cover, wait until you see what’s inside.

These 14 great Scottish golf courses represent over 600 years of golf history.

While historic courses such as Carnoustie, The Old Course, Muirfield, Turnberry, Prestwick, Royal Troon, North Berwick and Royal Dornoch are featured. New courses built since 2000, like Kingsbarns and Trump International are among those profiled in the book.

The Lowes currently have four photographic books titles to their credit, and Scotland-Home of Golf might be the best to date.

Around the pictures by the Lowe’s are hand drawn pencil illustrations, are joined with text and feature the great champions of the game that have walked the fairways of these golf courses.

The books creators like to say they have created a “love letter” to the golfers whose presence is currently missed, due to the pandemic.

Scotland-Home of Golf features mostly pictures that will inspire golfers. Golfers whose love of golf and especially links golf, will enjoy the book and want to start planning their trip to where golf is played in it’s purist form.

The book is now available for purchase at Amazon.com, or online through the following website, ScottishGolfLibrary.com.

See Scotland’s finest golf courses in a light you have never seen them in before. Scotland-Home of Golf, it still is.

COG HILL has Hole-In-One Honey, made at Cog Hill, get it while supplies last. CogHillgolf.com. The Schaumburg Golf Club has a pro shop sale on through November, get your golf holiday shopping done now and beat the rush. See SchaumburgGolf.com  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or friend him on Facebook or Connect on Linkedin.

Linda Hartough is one of the leading golf artists in the world.

HER CAREER started in Chicago, and in the Midwest, she painted barns and views of tall buildings in the Windy City.

But moving to South Carolina created an entire new opportunity for Linda Hartough, especially when some of her early golf artwork caught the eye, of the Augusta National Golf Club. 40 years later they are still working together.

Hartough hasn’t stopped with just Augusta National, or the Masters. She painted U.S. Open venues for 25 years straight, and the British Open “Rota Courses”. Scotland, Ireland, Pebble Beach, the lighthouse at Harbor Town in the Sea Pines, Hartough has made those places famous too. Odds are, if you have seen those paintings or prints hanging at a club or in someone’s home or office, they started with her. You can count The Golden Bear-Jack Nicklaus and architect Rees Jones who have added her work to their collections of golf art. Hartough has been inducted into the Low-Country (South Carolina) Golf Hall of Fame.

Click here to hear the full interview with golf artist and golf landscape specialist Linda Hartough.

Hartough has been to the Masters, during the tournament, before the tournament, she has climbed up in the TV towers to get the right look, and the right picture on film before she takes it back into her studio and puts the image on canvas.

The Augusta National Clubhouse (L) and the bridge that takes players to the green on the Par 3, 12th hole. The hole that helped decide last years Masters.

Linda Hartough originals can be seen and purchased through Hartough.com. You can enter her yearly Masters contest by entering your email to be on her mailing list, and you also need to pick this years winning Masters champion. If you sign up and guess correctly you win a print of the 16th hole at Augusta National.

Do enter quickly before the tournament gets to far underway. While on her site you can visit the other venues of the world, that Hartough has captured and moved to print form.

Hartough’s work makes the perfect holiday gift for yourself, or the golfer in your life. See Hartough.com to learn more.

  SCOTLAND THE HOME OF GOLF a new book from Ian and Christopher Lowe, with David Joy on the text. Amazon.com TOUR EDGE Golf the Hot Launch 521 Series is out, put a little magic in your game with the Houdini Sole, learn more at TourEdge.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 2-4 Building at Cog Hill in Palos Park.

GOLF IN NOVEMBER in the Chicago area. Yes it’s a wonderful thing and you wish it could last.

The last week has been great for golf in the Windy City area, but that is going to be changing in the next few days, and not for the better.

At first it appeared that Cog Hill’s #4 Course-Dubsdread, was sold out yesterday. But in truth the course has been closed for the 2020 season, and will reopen in 2021.

For now Cog Hill has three courses open, 1-2-3. Course #2 called Ravines has some scenic holes, and is quite a challenge. Ravines has it all, when it comes to sand, water, uphill & downhill shots.

The 14th hole on Cog #2, Ravines.

Ravines is still open for 2020, and it’s in great shape.

The Cog Hill maintenance team was on the course yesterday doing leaf clean-up and leaving the course, in golf ball findable condition.

With a strong wind yesterday, it was great playing many of Ravines holes, since it left your shots with a tailwind more often than not. So when your looking to play yet this fall, don’t rule out Cog Hill just because “Dubs” is closed. Three other good courses to pick from.

OR, at least it was available !

If your looking for a great beverage to serve your favorite beer drinking friends over the holiday, then make sure your stocked up with Cog Hill Long Drive Pale Ale, IF YOU CAN GET IT.

Right now Cog Hill does not have any. The brewing partner with Cog Hill, is Pollyanna Brewing, and with practically being shutdown from the Covid-19 Pandemic, it’s still TBD when the brewery will start making the tasty Cog Hill beer again.

It would be nice of Cog Hill could get some back in stock for it’s holiday sale, that comes around in early December.

What Cog Hill does have is it’s own honey made on the grounds at Cog Hill.

Hole-In-One Honey-made at Cog Hill (farms).

Alright if you can’t get Cog Hill beer, and you can’t get the Cog Hill wine, do go and try Cog Hill Honey, that has been out on the shelves of the Cog Hill pro shops, for this entire year.

The honey comes in two different sizes, and in two different colors.

A lite colored honey, with a golden look to it, is from the batch in the spring time. The darker colored honey comes from the fall. Cog Hill still has limited supplies of honey left, but it’s going quickly, and there might not be any left for the Holiday Sale in December, so grab yours today, or take a chance on some still being available in early December.

Add some in your tea, or during breakfast, or even in the BBQ sauce. Always a winner. As for golf, the day after Thanksgiving, the Black Friday Turkey Trot still has some spots open. Visit Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-COG-HILL.

THE NEW CLUBHOUSE AT-THE PRESERVE AT OAK MEADOWS in Addison is taking shape along with the new 1st tee starter shack. See more details at DuPageGolf.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, or LinkedIn.

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2020-Volume 33 is posted in case you missed it.

Len and I cover this weeks Masters Tournament, and other things from the local golf scene and beyond. Do check out Chicago’s most complete weekly golf report.

IT’S MASTERS WEEK. The Tradition unlike any other.

Well let’s hope not this year. This is not a tradition I would like to see continued.

No patrons, very limited media. Hard to get merchandise is the word, but somehow I bet you can order it online. Will the Back 9 on Sunday mean much if people are watching the NFL. I wonder who will call the main game on CBS at 3 O’ Clock with Tony Romo. ESPN College Game Day is live at Augusta National on Saturday, why not Jim Nantz doing PBP from the CBS compound at ANGC.

I was headed out to Cog Hill today, I have not played Cog 4 all year. Guess what, it’s a Tuesday in November in Chicago and No.4 is sold out. (Actually it turned out Dubsdread, Course #4 is closed for the year, and maintenance is happening). Sure there was warm and windy weather today at Cog Hill, and not only myself but maybe about 100 other golfers enjoyed courses 1, 2 and 3 on a 74 degree day, before the rain hit.

Speaking of hits, the Cog Hill Long Drive Pale Ale was such a hit, that they are out of the beer, and it’s unknown if more can be produced in 2020. Stay tuned. In the meantime do check out the bottles of honey that are produced at Cog Hill. It comes in different sizes and colors, depending on whether it’s a spring batch (lighter color) or fall batch (darker color).

MY Travels have taken me to various courses in the last few weeks. So I will have stories from those travels over the next couple of weeks. They include more on what’s happening in the world of golf in the Wisconsin Dells. Checking in on various course renovations around town, and all the new clubhouses going up.

What are the plans at White Pines Golf Club in Bensenville and how they might move forward with help from Mistwood Golf. The new dome shell at the Mistwood Golf Dome is up and looking sharp, as the dome prepares to open this month.

I’ll be catching up with Holland Michigan golf architect and Michigan State WGA Evans Scholar Ray Hearn, who is gearing up for projects at both Flossmoor Country Club and Midlothian Country Club.

I have more from Titleist on the new TSi drivers and woods. Did you see the new Augusta inspired LAB putters, looking sharp (limited edition model).

What’s nice this week in addition to watching the Masters, is that the weather is still good for golf. Which again is the one thing it seems like everyone can do outside. Enjoy it while you can, it won’t last much longer.

WHO DO YOU like to win the Masters. it doesn’t seem like many people think Bryson DeChambeau will go back-to-back in the majors. Little-by-little Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, and Brooks Koepka are emerging as favorites. I’d like to Rory McIlroy close out the career Grand Slam but his play is too up and down from round-to-round. He might make 5 straight birdies and then go bogey-triple bogey-bogey and give it all back just like that. I’m thinking Dustin Johnson is due, but any one of 12 guys could win it.

FACING REALITY… both Tiger and Phil don’t seem to have a shot. A Top 10 for either player would be a great week.

Podcast partner Len Ziehm has some great updates on two local tour players, Kevin Streelman on the PGA Tour, and Jeff Sluman on the PGA Championships Tour, but at 63 is ready to scale down how much he plays on tour. Ziehm reports that Sluman told him that he has sold his home in Florida, and will spend more in a new home in Chicago’s western suburbs. Streelman not in the field at the Masters this week, told Ziehm he wants to make sure he is in the field next April for the 2021 Masters.

On the equipment front, Wilson Golf has announced some new irons, and Tour Edge Golf has rolled out it’s 521 Series Hot Launch clubs, I’m looking forward to testing those clubs out. You should too. The Gog Blog is back all week.

Another edition of Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2020-Volume 34 comes along later this week. Stay clicked and tuned in to that. RS.

NEW CLUBHOUSES ARE GOING UP in the Chicago area. (L) Out of the ground is the new clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows. (R) The old clubhouse is gone at Fox Run Golf Club in Elk Grove. The new foundation is dug out and ready for the concrete.   _____________________________________________________________________

Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series, Chicago’s most complete weekly golf news report.

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2020-Volume 33.

Illinois Golf Hall of Famer Len Ziehm and Rory Spears, have teamed up to bring Chicago area golfers, the most complete weekly golf update on windy city golf news and beyond.

This week Len and Rory discuss “A Tradition Unlike any Other” we hope not, the 2020 November Masters.

Some of the other topics include, architect Ray Hearn gearing up for multiple projects in the Chicago area. Flossmoor Country Club flourishing under new management, Mistwood Golf at the golf course and the dome looking good.

The new clubhouse projects around town. DuPage Golf’s special little nine-hole gem Green Meadows in Westmont. Pine Meadow Golf in Mundelein has fairways looking better than ever. Will the PGA Merchandise Show ever be what it once was, after a year of being stuck in the virtual format.

All this and more.

CLICK HERE to hear Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2020-Volume 33.

Thanks for listening Len and Rory.

NEW CLUBHOUSE CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES-(L) at The Preserve at Oak Meadows, The Preserve’s new clubhouse should be up and operational in Spring of 2021.(R) Work has started on the new clubhouse at Fox Run Golf Club in Elk Grove Village, for now there is temporary trailer serving as the clubhouse. The staff at Fox Run hopes to be in the clubhouse by very late 2021 if possible. A new putting green is open.  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or on Facebook and LinkedIn. At Flossmoor Country Club that is growing quickly under new management.

VOLVIK GOLF BALLS have been named the official Golf Ball Partner of the Capital Long Drive Classic.

The inaugural Capital Long Drive Classic was held on October 24th, but will be televised nationally on the The Golf Channel on December 17th and 20th.

This classic event included both male and female Long Drive professionals for the first-ever event of it’s kind. It was held on the National Mall in Washington D.C.

“We were honored to be the Official Golf Ball Partner for the Capital Lon Drive Classic,” said Don Shin, president of Volvik USA. “In addition to providing the opportunity to view the extraordinary talent of the competitors in a wonderful setting, the Classic helped support a worthy cause.”

Volvik supplied the VIVID XT AMT distance golf balls for usage in the competition. The Classic was run in a Covid19-safe environment, and provided a youth clinic and helped introduce children from underserved communities a chance to get introduced to the sport of golf.

CLUB CHAMPION has announced a winter promotion. Custom fittings are 50% off with a purchase of clubs that is $500.00 or more. Putter fittings are 50% off with the purchase of a putter, with no price minimum.

The Club Champion store in Willowbrook.

The new promotion is expected to save golfers both dollars and strokes on the scorecard.

If you wish to give the gift of a fitting for the holidays, you can do that with a gift card.

This promotion is valid on fittings booked through January 31st, 2021. It went active across the country on November 1st.

“We have everything a golfer needs to gain distance and lower scores. We’re sort of like a candy store for golfers,” said Nick Sherburne, Club Champion founder. “From the moment you book an appointment, you’re immersed in this unparalleled experience that allows you a peek into a professional golfers life, with every club imaginable at your fingertips.”

Sherburne adds ” there’s no better time to upgrade your golf game. Our fittings are the best gift you can give yourself if you truly want to lower your scores.”

Promotional fitting fees are : Full Bag $175.00, Long Game Fitting $100, Drive Fitting $75, Iron Fitting $75, Fairway Wood/Hybrid $50, Putter fitting $50, Wedge Fitting $40.

More details can be found at ClubChampiongolf.com

GOLF INC. has announced it’s Top 100 people list, of the 2020 Power issue. Among those making the list are Augustin (Augie) Piza, an upcoming ASGCA architect from Mexico, watch for more from Piza’ in the months ahead. Congrats Augie on making this list of the Who’s-Who in golf.

The Green Books by Golf Logix.

The Green Books are growing in popularity in the game of golf.

As professionals from the PGA Tour to top rated amateur and now everyday amateur players, are finding the on course information they need on the golf course.

What started as an APP for cell phones, has expanded into yardage and green books, that reveal more information about golf courses that golfers have ever had.

Now as the holidays approach golfers can acquire green books of many of their favorite golf courses. For specials and pricing visit [email protected]

LEADING ITALIAN GOLF SHOE DESIGNER DUCA del Cosma has teamed up with the PGA Tour Superstore to sell it’s lines of custom Italian golf shoes here in America. There are over 20 pairs of both men’s and women’s shoe options available. For more information see Ducadelcosma.us.

BAG BOY’s New Revolver XP Bag

The Bag Boy Company has announced that it’s new Revolver XP cart bag will be available this month in November.

The Revolver XP comes with a 14-way rotating top, that includes full length individual dividers.

“Riding golfers love the convenience of the rotating top,” said Perry Hilbert, Sales manager at Bag Boy. “The new external putter tube provides unrestricted access and is perfect for jumbo grips.”

The Revolver XP includes 9 zippered pockets including a waterproof fleece-lined valuables pocket and an insulated cooler pocket.

The Revolver comes with Clip-Lok Technology and a Grip-Lok base for holding clubs. Other options include a towel-ring, glove holder, and tee holder. Bags can be customized and weight just 8.6 pounds. For more information and a list of Bag Boy products see bagboy.com.

The Ziehm and Spears Podcast Series 2020-Volume 33 will be out shortly. The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns this week. RS