ZIEHM & SPEARS PODCAST SERIES 2020-RETURNS This Weekend stay clicked in. The TOUR EDGE Golf Hot Launch Series is underway, put some Magic in your game with the Houdini Sole. A get out of jail free card. You can 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 friend him on Facebook-Connect LinkedIn.

Kyle English holds the CIPGA Section Championship Trophy.

Kyle English (Crestwicke Country Club) has won the 2020 Don Drasler Illinois PGA Assistant Player of the Year and the Central Illinois PGA Chapter (CIPGA) Player of the Year, the Illinois PGA announced this week.

For English it was his first Assistant Player of the Year Award, and his second Chapter Player of the Year  Award.

“I’m honored to be accepting the awards this year for Illinois PGA Assistant and CIPGA Player of the Year,” said English. “These accolades are extremely special to me largely in a year filled with so much uncertainty. I’m beyond thankful to the Illinois PGA staff for their efforts in making this season possible. It doesn’t seem like too long ago I was sitting here wondering if we would have the opportunity to compete this season. Although further challenge still present themselves, I want to acknowledge the hard work of the Tournament Staff in 2020 and dedicate these awards to their team.”

The Illinois PGA Assistant Player of the Year Award is named after Don Drasler. Drasler was a PGA Professional from 1965-2007 and served as the Assistant Professional at the Old Elm Club in Highland Park, Illinois.

Drasler Assistant Player of the Year points are awarded at Assistant Stroke Play events, the Illinois PGA Assistant Championship, the Assistant Match Play, the IPGA Players Championship and the Illinois Open Championship. Players earn points based on their finish against the entire field. Points are also weighted based on the size and strength of the field.

“We have a very competitive group of Assistants and Associates in the Illinois Section,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois PGA Section. “Kyle showcased some fantastic golf through out the season and played well at both Assistant and Chapter events. We congratulate him on his outstanding season and on winning both of these awards.”

English played in eight Illinois PGA events in the Assistants Division this season. He was first at the Assistants Division Stroke Play at Onwentsia Club and the Stroke Play at Hawks Country Club. English also won the his second career Illinois Assistant PGA Professional Championship by six strokes in 2020.

English won the season-long Illinois PGA Assistant Match Championship. Competitors had to schedule their own matches within a time frame set by the championship committee. English defeated Adam Patronik (Old Elm Club) in the championship match at Conway Farms.

English was the second highest finishing IPGA Professional finisher T-15 behind Mike Small at the Illinois Open.

Many CIPGA event had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. One event they have was the CIPGA Section Championship that was won by English over Small on the second playoff hole.

 IT’S COMING TOGETHER-THE PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS. A new clubhouse is rising from the ground (R), a new starter shack at the first tee is open. 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. At Flossmoor Country Club.

MIKE GALESKI will be the Tour Director of the new US-Am Tour-Chicago in 2021.

The U.S. Am-Tour is a nationwide series of amateur golf tournaments, open to anyone who wishes to compete on a local, regional and the national level.

Launched only this year on June 1st, the tour already has over 4,100 members.

According to Galeski the tournament schedule is growing across the country.

What the tour is looking to provide is, an unrivaled and comprehensive tournament experience.

The tour starts here in 2021, and a 15 tournament schedule is planned. Some of the courses include Cantigny, Ravisloe, Harborside, Ruffled Feathers, Rolling Green and Thunderhawk.

The tour is hosting tournaments at both private and public clubs. Tournaments are both single and multiple round events. Players compete in play against players of similar ability.

The Championship Flight is for handicaps of of 3.9 or less, to the Tiger Flight for golfers handicaps of 20 and over. The are a variety of flights in between.

Players can enjoy the camaraderie and compete for bragging rights and trophies, Order of Merit Points. Point to accumulate over the season, and can earn a spot at the national championship. More details at usamtour.com.

Founding membership rate is now $99.00 through December 31st of 2020, and it jumps to $139.00 on January 1st of 2021. Full Chicago schedule to be announced shortly. USAMTour.com

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB IS HAVING a pro shop sale all month. (847)-885-9000      ______________________________________________________________________

David Paeglow with the Illinois Senior Open trophy.

David Paeglow is the 2020 Illinois PGA Senior Player of the Year, with the Illinois PGA making the official announcement this week.

Paeglow wins the Errie Ball Senior Player of the Year Award for his first time.

“Winning the 2020 Errie Ball Senior Player of the Year Award is a great honor,” said Paeglow. ” I have come close a few times, but it feels incredibly rewarding to have won this recognition against some very elite senior players in the Illinois PGA Section.”

Errie Ball Senior Player of the Year points are acquired through Illinois PGA senior Stroke Play events, the IPGA Senior Match Play Championship, the IPGA Senior PGA Championship, the Senior Illinois PGA Players Championship, and the Senior Illinois Open Championship. Only Class A members 50 and over are eligible. Point are based on the finish and the strength and size of field.

“We have a lot of great Senior Competition in the Illinois Section,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois PGA Section. “The Senior Player of the Year Award is difficult to win, and David showcased some great golf throughout the season, performing well at every event he participated in this year.”

Paeglow played in eight Illinois PGA Senior events in 2020. He had three victories. They were the Illinois PGA Senior Stroke Play at The Hawk Country Club, the Illinois PGA Senior Stroke Play at Ivanhoe, and the Illinois PGA Senior Open, which he won on the last hole with an Eagle.

In addition, Paeglow was a top five finisher four times. Three of those finishes were in the senior majors he didn’t win. Paeglow is the head golf professional at the Kiswaukee Country Club.

Paeglow earned his way to Port St. Lucie Florida to compete in the national Senior PGA Club Professional Championship, where he made the 36 hole cut, and advanced to play on the weekend.

The award is named for Errie Ball, who lived to 101 years of age, and spent over 40 of those years serving as the Head PGA Golf Professional at the Oak Park Country Club. Ball did qualify for the U.S. Open 20 times, the PGA Championship 8 times, and won the Illinois PGA Professional Championship three times (1949, 1955, 1965), and was the first Director of Golf at Butler National Golf Club in Oak Brook in 1972.

Played in the Masters Tournament as was elected to the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame in 1990.

THE NEW TOUR EDGE-HOT LAUNCH C AND E 521 SERIES-ARE NOW AVAILABLE, put a little magic in your game with the new Houdini Sole. Learn more at TourEdge.com. ______________________________________________________________________

University of Illinois golf coach Mike Small, is the 2020 IPGA Player of the Year. Photo by Nick Novelli.

MIKE SMALL has won his second career IPGA Bernardi Player of the Year Award, the Illinois PGA has announced.

Small previously won the award in 2008.

Small was named the National PGA Player of the Year in 2006, 2007, 2010. Small was named the National Senior PGA Professional of the Year in 2017.

“The goal for all competitive golfers is to achieve a high level of consistency over time, and the Illinois PGA Player of the Year Award is representative of that,” said Small. “I’m a proud member of the Illinois PGA Section, and it was enjoyable to play more often this year in Section events, and to spend more time competing alongside my fellow professionals. I have great respect for the members of the Illinois PGA, and I’m honored to be their player of the year.”

The Illinois PGA professional compete for the player of the year award through a series of stroke play events, and the four IPGA Section major championships. Those majors include the Match Play Championship, the Illinois Open, the Player Championship, and the IPGA Section Championship, that was won this past August at Medinah Country Club (Course #1) by Small. Points are also awarded based on the size and strength of the field.

Mike Small knocks in the winning putt at the IPGA Section Championship this past August.

“We have some very elite players in the Illinois Section,” said Carrie Williams, Executive Director of the Illinois PGA Section.

“The Player of the Year race is always fun to watch as it unfolds throughout the course of the season. Mike showcased some great golf this season and performed well at major events. We congratulate Mike on this outstanding achievement.”

Small entered nine IPGA Section events in 2020, two Illinois PGA Senior events and one Central Illinois Chapter event. Small was a top-10 finisher at every event he competed in. He had three victories, including the section championship. The others being the Illinois PGA Senior PGA Section Championship at the Merit Club, and  the Illinois PGA Stroke Play that was held at the Elgin Country Club the day before the match play championship began.

The Illinois PGA Player of the Year Award is named for Sam Bernardi, an Illinois PGA member from 1926-1972. Bernardi worked at Briegrate Country Club, Old Elm Club and the Indian Hill Club, and an outstanding player in section events.

THE GOG BLOG: BY RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and friend him on Facebook, and connect on Linkedin.

CHAD JOHANSEN welcomes golfers to Blackberry Oaks and the Go For It Golf Dome.  ______________________________________________________________________

Chad Johansen IS THE MAN with the Golden Jacket.

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

WHO IS CHAD JOHANSEN ?

Chad is the General Manager of Blackberry Oaks Golf Club in Bristol Illinois. He is also the head golf professional.

But over the years he has been much more than just golf professional. He has been a golf product inventor, a crusader for junior golf, and finds ways to make the average amateur golfer better, so they can enjoy the game of golf, and have some fun along the way.

You could say that Johansen is having fun along the way as well. He never stops coming up with the next way to make people better golfers. Johansen looks at ways to make the kids have more fun at the golf course. #KidsRule is his slogan, and that has helped build one the Chicago area’s largest and best junior golf programs. Johansen has been nominated several times for Illinois PGA Section Teacher of the Year, the only thing that is curious here, is that he hasn’t won the award. That should change.

The 4 Step Process will produce lower scores in your golf game.

Johansen always has something going on. Like a Turkey Shoot this weekend at Blackberry Oaks, sign up today.

The indoor golf leagues are coming to the Go For It Sports dome in Yorkville, not far from Blackberry Oaks.

If your game needs improvement, and whose doesn’t unless your on the PGA Tour. Johansen doesn’t give you just one way to fix your game, he has 4 or even 10 ways to do it if you need or want that many. Golfers like options, and Johansen has plenty.

Johansen is quick to reward golfers who take their game to the next level, like Bo Proczko and Mike Knutson who are winning the Senior Open at their club like Proczko did, or shooting an all-time low score like Knutson did.

Neither Proczko or Knutson cluttered their head with another swing tip from a magazine, or a video on their cell phone. Johansen will tell you, Four Steps is all it takes.

The Perfect Putting Aid was Johansen’s first invention. At one time over 100 PGA Tour professionals had one, several of them won major tournaments.

RIGHT NOW those 4-Steps come at a great price and make a perfect holiday gift for the golfer in your life.

You can get over $2,000 worth of coaching for under $100.00.

Details at 4Stepprocess.com

Find the way to make your practice sessions, have some purpose. Don’t just go beat range balls, with no idea on what you are trying to improve on.

Watch the five minute video, and find ways to improve your golf game today. Even with the weather changing, you can work year round on your game and get better. The Perfect Putting Mat is now out at the dome.

Indoor Golf leagues are starting at the Go For It Sports Dome, at Johansen’s state-of-the-art corner of the dome. Learn more from Chad Johansen Golf where golf season never ends. Chadjohansen.com The 4-Stepprocess. #KidsRule

FOR THE NEXT WEEK while the weather is still good. Go play the Oaks, a fun golf course. Blackberryoaks.com or call (630)-553-7170. Blackberry Oaks is located on Kennedy Road in Bristol.

THE TOUR EDGE GOLF HOT LAUNCH-Now available to be put in your bag. Today. Get fit, get your clubs in 48 hours. TourEdgegolf.com The SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has a pro shop sale running through the end of the month. Visit SchaumburgGolf.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 Top Golf Schaumburg

IS THIS IT. For the northern region and golf in 2020.

This week the temperatures will sore into the mid to upper 60’s. 70 could happen on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Next weekend several courses are hosting their annual Turkey-Shoot or Turkey-Trot outings. Sign up today or tomorrow, so you get in the field.

If you have bought new equipment in the recent weeks, get out and test those clubs in better conditions while you can. One week from tomorrow is expected to be the end of warmer weather, before a steady diet of low 30 degree weather returns.

What will people do, who have relied on golf as on outlet during the pandemic. Hard to say, hopefully golf domes won’t get shut down by local or state government. But who knows. I’m anxious to see the new dome shell at the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook, that is currently being put up.

TOPGOLF is now fully bought out by Callaway Golf. People are asking if this is a good thing. It should be. The biggest fault I find when hitting balls at Topgolf, is that the balls aren’t great, and the clubs aren’t much better. A full infusion of a “Top Flight” golf ball made by Callaway would be better, and so would giving Topgolf customers some form of Callaway Clubs.

In the modern world companies are always looking at how they are going to hook the younger generation, or where they find the next generation of future customers. I think both companies just found the answer they are looking for. Callaway previously owned 14% of Topgolf, and now after near a 2 billion dollar buyout, Callaway owns Topgolf. Callaway CEO Chip Brewer feels great about what both companies can accomplish together. Topgolf will keep it’s corporate offices in Dallas, Callaway stays in California.

GOLF EQUIPMENT SALES set a new record for the third quarter of any year, going over the 1 Billion dollar mark for only the second time in history, for a 1 quarter sales number. The number could have been higher, but golf ball shortages, led to a lack of sales in that area. Only one other time in history has the quarter number been over a Billion Dollars, and that would be the second quarter of 2008.

This sales number, represents a 42% increase in sales over this time period of 2019. The question now is how can golf sustain this growth in 2021. Golf bags, Irons and Wedges were the big sellers. Maybe future growth will have to come from drivers, fairways woods, hybrids and putters next year. It will be interesting to see what area’s, and what companies will deliver on sale prices during 2021, in these area’s.

THE UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS has received a $5 Million dollar grant from a donor so the university can go forward with renovations to it’s Atkins Course at the University of Illinois. The course was donated to the university earlier this year by the Atkins family. Architect Drew Rogers is expected to work with the school on the course renovations.

LEN ZIEHM AND I talked during our recent podcast about new clubhouses in the area that are under construction, such as the Preserve at Oak Meadows, Fox Run in Elk Grove, Sportsman’s in Northbrook, and at Settlers Hill in Batavia. The new clubhouse for the Glencoe Golf Club still needs some additional funding before construction can begin. A group calling itself “Friends of the Glencoe Golf Course” is trying to assist with raising the money needed. Let’s hope they can raise what’s needed as soon as possible, and Glencoe can build it’s new clubhouse.

GOLF BALL SHORTAGES. A story that has not got a lot of attention in recent months was the golf ball shortage that was affecting the country. Certain brands and higher end golf balls were affected the most, says several Midwest professionals and managers at PGA Tour Stores. Titleist Pro-V’s were apparently right at the top of the list, but they were not the only company that had issues keeping up with demand. The reason why, seems to be golf ball producing plants being shutdown for Covid, then reopening without a full staff, and finally the huge demand for golf equipment and products such as golf balls, as participation in golf sky-rocketed in the last several months. As a result of shortages that are still happening, most of the top golf ball producing companies will not be offering late fall or holiday discounts on purchases of a dozen balls, or multi-dozen purchases in the end of 2020.

The Gog Blog will be back all week long. I know I’m a bit behind after being shutdown for a week, but I’m catching up with all the great golf stories that need to be told.

SPEAKING OF TELLING GOLF STORIES or NOT. The Chicago Tribune is now without a golf writer as Teddy Greenstein moves on to the editors job at SportsBetsUSA. Good luck with the new gig Teddy, I bet you will like it. Now only the suburban Daily Herald has a golf writer (Len Ziehm) on staff, with columnist Barry Rozner and Blackhawks beat writer John Dietz both chipping with golf coverage from time-to-time. RS

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is running a pro shop sale through November 30th, most items are 35% off, get a special while you can. Call the pro shop (847)-885-9000 or visit SchaumburgGolf.com. All 27 holes are open for play at 1501 N. Roselle Road.     ____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG-by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or on Facebook or LinkedIn. With the famed World Series of Golf Trophy at Firestone Country Club in Akron Ohio.

PINE MEADOW Golf Club in Mundelein golf professional Dennis Johnson has recorded a video explaining how the golf course is moving forward with a change of Illinois restrictions for Covid.

The golf course is open, and you can go into the pro shop to purchase merchandise, food or use the restrooms. But when you buy food take it outside.

That is all, it’s pretty simple. What’s even more simple is that it’s time to sign up for next weekend’s 2-Man or 2-Woman scramble. You need to sign up quickly if you plan to play. Call the pro shop at (847)-566-GOLF or 4653.

Sand Valley resort in Nekoosa Wisconsin is now more than just golf.

Golf might be over for the season at Sand Valley Golf Resort, but now the season never ends at Sand Valley.

Are you ready for the fall and winter season.

Sand Valley’s cottages are available for off season rentals for those looking to get away.

If outdoor activities are still on your agenda, then try cross country skiing, walking, or biking. Enjoy some time around a fire or a fire place. Call (855)-456-2100 or see [email protected].

Welcome to John Deere-The 2021 John Deere Classic is July 5-11, at TPC Deere Run.

Even with no tournament in 2020, because of Covid-19, the John Deere Classic excelled off the course, with it’s Birdies-For-Charity program.

The john Deere Classic raised a staggering $12.22 million for some 465 Quad City area charities.

In order to reduce contact during the Covid Pandemic, all charity checks will be mailed this year, instead of being delivered or picked up in person.

“Thanks to the incredible ongoing generosity of individuals, companies and family foundations, the John Deere Classic is pleased to announce that despite the cancelation of the tournament we were able to raise $12.22 million dollars including a five percent bonus for 465 deserving charities,” John Deere Classic tournament director Clair Peterson said during a recent news conference. “In particular Deere & Company and the John Deere Foundation played leading roles in helping us maintain the charitable impact the tournament has on the community.”

The figure is the fourth largest amount in tournament history, according to tournament records. The 2021 John Deere Classic will be played July 5-11.

BUYING MADE EASY-Prospect Heights Illinois based Golftini has announced that it’s Spring of 2021 “Good Humor” Collection can now be purchased online. Check out the new video featuring Golftini owner and designer Susan Hess to see the line. For more details inquire at [email protected].

THE SIMULATOR is up tomorrow at Petrifying Springs golf course in Kenosha Wisconsin, rates start at $35 an hour on weekdays. For more information on lessons and availability call (262)-925-8000. PetrifyingSprings.com

CALLAWAY GOLF’s new line of Players Irons are now available, the X Forged UT-CB and Apex MB irons. See Callawaygolf.com for more details.

LINKS CAPITAL ADVISORS is now listing Kewanee Dunes Golf Club for Sale in Kewanee Illinois. Asking price $750,000. For details see Linkscapitaladvisors.com or contact Chris Charnas at (312)-543-7192. LCA also announces the sale of Royal St. Augustine, in St. Augustine Florida.

Welcome to Cog Hill Golf & Country Club.

The annual Cog Hill Golf & Country Club is proud to host it’s Turkey Shoot outing next weekend, Saturday and Sunday November 7 and 8.

There are different flights, and different courses are played on different days.

Course 1 & 3 on Saturday, and Courses 2 & 3 on Sunday. For pricing and details see CogHillGolf.com or call Cog Hill at (866)-COG-HILL 264-4455.

Titleist announces it’s new and improved Pro-V1 and Por V1x golf balls.

Titleist after spending two years to develop a better golf ball, has now released the latest edition of it’s Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls, to it’s staff players on the PGA Tour.

These proto type golf balls produced at Titleist’s famed Ball Plant 3 in New Bedford Mass, have been delivered to PGA Tour players starting at the Las Vegas tour stop at TPC Summerlin.

The entire Pro V1 era was launched at Summerlin back in the year 2000, when PGA Tour players first received them. Titleist.com for more information.

The NEW Ben Hogan GS53 Max Driver.

The Ben Hogan Company has announced the release of it’s new GS53 Max Driver.

The driver is now available, and the 460cc GS53 Max lists at $355.00. It’s a driver that features a lightweight Carbon Composite Crown to help achieve maximum distance and forgiveness.

GS53 Max offers the golfer a 22% larger and 11% taller clubface, than currently popular Ben Hogan 445 cc GS53 that will stay offered in the product line.

Weight distribution has been moved to the edges of the clubhead to help increase stability and keep the clubhead squared at impact. The GS53 Max is acoustically tuned to have a solid sound at impact.

“This is a special driver that is born off Mr. Hogan’s principals of club design,” said Scott White, CEO, Ben Hogan Golf Company. “Our R&D mission for the GS53 Max was to keep the Center of Mass low and as far rearward as possible, which is very different when compared to the original GS53 driver which is much higher and more forward. As a result, the combination of the lightweight composite crown and tungsten sole weight allow us to position the Center of Mass so that we maximize launch while decreasing the amount of ball spin. This provides a higher ball flight…especially for players who don’t have Tour-caliber clubhead speeds…for increased roll and carry out.”

The driver comes in lofts of 9.0 and 10.5 with a variety of shaft and grip options. For more details see BenHoganGolf.com or on major social media networks.

Canteen Vodka Soda-now available

New on the market from Canteen Spirits is their Vodka Soda, a great beverage to enjoy while you enjoy the November version of the Masters, or hitting the links here up north before the outdoor season ends.

Now in FIVE flavors, Canteen has a higher alcohol content (5%) than most beers, but with no carbs so you don’t feel full on the course. The come in regular 12oz cans, and were designed by Founder Brandon Cason, and avid golfer, so they would stay in the cup holders on your golf cart. Golfers on Golf will have a review in our weekly speaks out column tomorrow. See DrinkCanteen.com for more details.

ZEN GREEN STAGE is an adjustable platform for indoor golf and training. Practice your putts from different slopes, and adjust for fairway lies that are not level. To learn more about this product from the UK, see Zenoracle.com.

DO YOU NEED HELP WITH THE RULES OF GOLF, how about learning them in simple easy instruction, through video’s that even those new to the game of golf, can pick-up quickly. Learn more at Expertgolf.com, there is a full series of video’s you can learn valuable information from. Follow Expert Golf on various social media outlets.

The Horseshoe Bay Resort near Austin Texas.

THE HORSESHOE BAY REORT near Austin Texas has created it’s first ever Stay-Paly and Learn Package.

Horseshoe Bay Resort is a AAA Four Diamond Property and Conde-Nast Readers Choice Award-Winning world class destination.

Current as part of the Stay-Paly and Learn package-guests can get a minimum 2-night stay, that includes a one-hour lesson with Director of Instruction Bobby Steiner, that includes a nine-hole playing lesson with Steiner, and a nine hole round of golf for 2-players after the on course lesson with Steiner.

Before you even come to Horseshoe Bay Steiner will speak on the phone with guests purchasing the package to learn more about them, and what types of lesson experiences they have had in the past and their skill level, regardless of what level that is. Horseshoe Bay has four championship golf courses, an exciting 18-hole miniature golf course, and more to do. Recent renovations to the property have run into the millions of dollars. For more details visit HSBresort.com or call (877)-611-0112.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns on Monday. RS

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB located at 1501 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg now has a pro shop sale going on through November 30th-35% off most items. For more information on pro shop merchandise or playing all 27 holes-call (847)-885-9000.   _____________________________________________________________________

Len Ziehm and Rory Spears-The Podcast Series-Where Golf Season Never Ends. Promo-logo by Heidi Ziehm.

THEY ARE BACK !

As always after missing a week, Len has a lot to say.

Illinois Golf Hall of Fame inductee class of 2019 member Len Ziehm, and Chicago area golf reporter Rory Spears, have teamed up to bring you the Chicago area’s most complete weekly golf report.

This week is no exception, as Len and Rory look ahead at what could be the last great weather week for outdoor golf in the Chicago area for 2020.

Beyond that topics include, former Kohler VP Jim Richerson takes the presidents chair for the PGA of America. A virtual PGA Merchandise Show for 2021, new equipment rolling out including Chicago based Wilson Golf and suburban based Tour Edge Golf from Batavia.

New clubhouses are on the rise in the area, find out where. A longtime classic golf course on the southside has been sold, is it the end of golf on the property ?

Trappers Turn in the Wisconsin Dells is moving ahead with big plans to expand over the next few years, including new openings for 2021.

The Masters is right around the corner, and some changes to the week were announced, what’s being cancelled, and what isn’t. Is a new dome shell going up at the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook. Plus the John Deere Classic wins big off the course in it’s charity arm-Birdies for Charity.

All this and more in Volume 32 of Ziehm & Spears the podcast series.

CLICK HERE to hear Ziehm & Spears Podcast Series 2020-Volume 32. Chicago’s best weekly golf report, of what’s going on here, and beyond that Chicago area golfers need to know more about. Fore-Go Play and Thanks for listening Len and Rory.

THE TOUR EDGE HOT LAUNCH 521 SERIES-with the Houdini Sole. Put a little magic in your game, or use your “Get out of Jail Free card” by learning 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 on Facebook, connect at LinkedIn

The Tour Edge 521 Series 56 degree wedge

THE HOT LAUNCH 521 Series concludes with the wedges.

The wide sole puts the club weight both below and behind the ball, making it easier to get the ball in the air.

A dual-flange sole design comes with 14-degrees of bounce, this allows for the wedge to slide through the sand of grass, without digging in, and there reducing the amount of shots hit fat or skulled like line drives. This wedge promotes open faced shots for maximum loft.

The Hot Launch 521 series wedges or Iron-Wood set, come in lofts for Gap-Sand and Lob wedges.

The Houdini Sole, with it’s curved front edge, reduces turf interaction by 35% and helps with a “no dig” design, and less topped shots.

The wider sole-combined with a heavier head weight on the E521 promotes better contact and reduces miss-hits. it offers better results for all types of wedge play shots, including pitch shots, explosions shots from the rough or the sand, bump-and-run shots, flops shots or chipping around the green.

The deeper under cut cavity on the club, allows for more spin and enhanced flight, with better playability from both the sand or the rough. Grooves are maximized to USGA depth and sharpness for more spin and control.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Tour Edge Marketing VP Jon Claffey, who speaks to all area’s of the Hot Launch 521 Series rollout.

Cost on the E-Series wedges are $89.99 for either steel or graphite. All wedges are built in the United States. Get fit at over 850 fitting locations, and receive delivery within a 48-hour window. Lofts for both left-handed and right-handed wedges are 52-56-60.

The stock shaft on the wedges is the Mitsubishi Fubuki Graphite HD-55 gram, and on steel is the KBS Max 80 Uniflex. Grips are the Lamkin Z5 rubber in a variety of sizes. More details at TourEdge.com.

PUT A LITTLE MAGIC IN YOUR GAME-WITH THE NEW HOUDINI SOLE offered by Tour Edge Golf in it’s C & E Series 521 Hot Launch-Get Out of Jail Free TourEdge.com   ____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram. At Trappers Turn Golf Club in the Wisconsin Dells.

THEY ARE HOT.

If you have been looking for your get out of Jail Free Card, now you have it.

It’s name is Tour Edge Golf.

For Illinois golfers Tour Edge Golf is right here in West Suburban Batavia.

During the month of October Tour Edge has rolled out the largest equipment launch in company history.

You need new clubs that can put a little magic in your game, now you can and it starts next week as we welcome November to the calendar. The new Houdini Sole might just be what you need to lift your game to another level.

The Tour Edge C-Series 521 Irons.

Houdini Sole Technology, creates a super-shallow face with, slice fighting offset designs, and heel weighting for an added draw bias.

A new raised steel mass area, set on the rear of the clubhead will reduce the amount of sole area, to reduce drag and turf interaction.

The Houdini Sole adds an area of mass concentrated on the trailing edge of the sole on the clubhead, in addition to a leading edge under the clubface. The Houdini design has created a golf club that reduces turf interaction by 35%. This getting balls out of tough lies, and decreased the amount of “duffed ‘ shots, and improving ball contact.

The face on a new Tour Edge Series C-521 Iron.

The Competition Spec 521 irons are a maximum distance and forgiveness iron with a traditional cavity back design. These C521 Series Irons are made of the soft 431 stainless steel, which provides a feel for players at all skill levels.

The C521 Iron set comes as a 7-piece set with club options that include, 4-iron to 9-iron, or a pitching wedge, approach wedge, sand wedge and lob wedge. The set comes in both left and right handed models.

The C-Series irons include an expanded undercut cavity to offer maximum forgiveness, power and consistent performance. The undercut cavity does provide a higher launch angle that adds more forgiveness. Other features include a 15% percent wider sole design, for better shot making. A Chamfered Face that helps the iron add even more ball speed. Advanced Toe Weighting to help with off center distance hits, and leaves the golfer a better feel on off center hits. The Power Lofted iron allows for more distance and a lower spin rate, with the same characteristics of a standard lofted iron.

Launch date to consumers is November 1st, with the E521 Iron-Wood at $89.99 per steel and graphite. The C521 Iron is $69.99 per steel or graphite. Standard shaft is the Mitsubishi Fubuki and KBS Max 80 Shafts. The Lampkin Z5 Rubber grips are available in Undersize, Standard and Midsize sizes.

Stay clicked in for our final part, that is Part 4, Tour Edge E521 Wedges, coming up tomorrow. Be ready to put these clubs in your bag next week.

More details at TourEdge.com