THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME ON RT. 53 IN BOLINGBROOK is now open for the indoor golf season. Call and reserve your hitting bay at (630)-739-7600 or sign up for a hitting bay by visiting Mistwoodgolfdome.com. Mistwood golf course is still open for play. ______________________________________________________________________

Rory Spears (L) and Len Ziehm (R) host Ziehm & Spears Series 2021-sponsored by Mistwood Golf. Rory and Len at Kelpie’s Korner at Mistwood Golf Club.

BACK AGAIN !!!

Ziehm & Spears Podcast Series 2021-Volume 32, is here, and sponsored by our friends at Mistwood Golf.

Both the golf course on Renwick Road in Romeoville, and the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook.

But don’t forget, some of the best food and beverage in the area is found at the golf course-McWethy’s Tavern. OR at the golf dome, McWethy’s Sports Bar.

This week Len and Rory discuss the changing seasons, in both Illinois and Florida and what that means for the golf scene in each climate. Plus Greg Norman bursting back into the golf scene, with his new job as CEO of the 10-event series on the Asian Tour.

Norman’s new position and series of golf events could attract some of the games best players. Because these events are bankrolled with some big time Saudi-dollars.

MORE ON THE TEE comes with a series staff promotions at the French Lick Resort. But Len has more on the exciting week for Highwood IL. native Patrick Flavin who had a Top-20 week on the PGA Tour.

THE 2022 PGA Merchandise Show is taking shape, and it looks like most show-goers and exhibitors are returning, except for most club makers. So what does that mean big picture for the show, in 2022 and beyond.

ZIEHM & SPEARS Podcast Series 2021-Volume 32. Click here to listen.

COMING UP on Ziehm and Spears Podcast series future editions. Len and Rory rate our favorite travel destinations. But some holiday gift ideas and thoughts for your favorite golfer.

So stay clicked in, and thanks for listening. Len Ziehm and Rory Spears.

MCWETHY’S SPORTS BAR Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. (630)-739-7600 or go online and visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com. No Bears game until Monday night. But bring your clubs.    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook . On the first tee at the Schaumburg Golf Club.

AS WE MOVE INTO NOVEMBER, one part of golf season that so many golfers enjoy, the fall golf season is fading away.

But here is hoping that it sticks around for a few more weeks. It seems that many of the area golf courses want to stay open until Thanksgiving week. So you still have a little time left to go play.

But once they close, courses will remain closed for the year. From what I hear it won’t be open-close-open-close. As the weather changes, and or an early snow melts away.

But if you are ready for a warmer practice area, The Mistwood Golf Dome located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook (630)-739-7600, is open and ready for the colder season ahead. So book your hitting bay online today, you can book a hitting time 7 days out.

COMING UP THIS WEEK is another chapter of Ziehm and Spears podcast series 2021-volume 32. Len and I hope you will check it out. It remains the area’s best weekly update of golf news from Chicago and beyond. One of the topics that Len and I will discuss is the Greg Norman-Saudi golf connection. Because it appears that Norman and his big dollar friends are creating their own version of the WGC Tournaments, within the Asian Tour. So stay tuned.

LEN ZIEHM will have a nice feature in this weeks Daily Herald, on Highwood’s Patrick Flavin who had a Top-20 finish this past weekend on the PGA Tour. Flavin just missed by a couple of dollars, in getting his first six-figure payout.

I GOT OUT LAST WEEK on Tuesday to play the Schaumburg Golf Club one of the top public courses in the area. The Todd Quitno renovation is really good. Which is why by the time the course shuts down for the year around Thanksgiving. It’s expected that some 65,000 rounds will be played there this year. THAT is a big number even in these pandemic times where golf has exploded.

CONGRAT TO THE FOLKS at Batavia based Tour Edge Golf. Last Wednesday was the biggest one day amount, in total sales. So maybe Bernhart Langer’s win on the PGA Tour Champions helped, or maybe it’s just that the product Tour Edge is putting out is really just that good. I’ll be checking out a few of their products in the next couple of weeks.

GOLF SEASON is not over just yet. So keep it here. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN-SO IS THE MISTWOOD GOLF COURSE so enjoy Mistwood Golf, both inside and out while you still can. See Mistwoodgc.com for more or visit MistwoodGolfdome.com. McWethy’s Sports Bar is open (630)-739-7600.     _____________________________________________________________________

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

Welcome to the Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells.

THE CULA VISTA RESORT part of the Wisconsin Dells, is home to one of the oldest golf courses in the State of Wisconsin.

In fact some recent research suggests that it’s in the five oldest golf courses in the state.

J.C. Wilson of the Chicago Golf Commission, designed the course, with it official opening in 1923. Area pioneer Clinton Berry did a ground-breaking for the golf course in 1917. But it appears that because of World War I, progress was delayed. Because of that, the first nine finally opened in 1923, and much of the original nine holes is still intact today.

The 469 yard par 5, first hole at Cold Water Canyon.

As a result the front nine is considered short by todays standards. Because the back tee’s only play to 2,871 yards.

The total yardage for the entire golf course is just 6,027. But in-spite of being short, the course isn’t always easy.

Because the front nine has some elevation change, in between some tighter fairways, with tall trees, and lies in the fairways that aren’t always flat.

The par 4, 9th hole at Cold Water Canyon.

The par 4, 3rd hole, one of the three par 3’s on the front nine, plays over 200 yards from the back tee’s.

The ninth hole is only 290 yards. But it’s straight uphill and not easy to clear to the ridge at the top.

But if you do, the short 60-70 yard pitch shot is into a small and slopped green. Three small bunkers guard the left side of the green.

The golf villas sit behind the 10th green on Cold Water Canyon.

But then the course’s look and length change on the back nine. Because from the back tees, the back nine is about 300 yards longer.

The back nine opened in the late 1990’s. The golf villas that behind the 10th green, and along the 11th hole have a sharp rustic log cabin look to them outside. They are even better indoors.

The back nine weaves through the front entrance area of the resort, and around the east side of the spacious clubhouse. The clubhouse is home to the Tavern Restaurant. A great place to eat whether you are there to play golf or not.

The par 4 12th hole, winds through the hills and trees that welcome guests to the resort.

Josh Glendenning is the new PGA Director of Golf, as of March of this year.

Glendenning says he is working with the resorts owners, to review improvements for the golf course and the practice areas.

But Chula Vista Resort is not just about great golf. Food and beverage is rated among the best in the area. In the main lobby area, is the Kilbourne City Grill and Breakfast Buffet. Great for breakfast lunch or dinner. But if your really hungry, and enjoy some good size steaks, try Kaminski’s Chop House.

The Canyon Bar in the Tavern Restaurant, is a popular gathering spot at the Chula Vista Resort.

Chula Vista Resort is located on the Northside of the Wisconsin Dells off of Highway 13. The resort has waterslide rides and other outdoor activities.

There are over 600 rooms, with plenty of suites to pick from if you need more space. Many of the suites have a great views of the waterways that run through the property.  For business purposes, there is more than 200,000 square feet of conference space. Plus plenty of banquet space to host your special event.

To learn more about one of the hot spots in the dells, see ChulavistaResort.com. You can also learn more about golf in the dells area at WisconsinDellsGolf.com or call (866)-825-6337.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN FOR GOLF-located on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook. But the dome is home to McWethy’s Sports Bar. So bring your clubs and the passion for watching your favorite teams. Call the dome (630)-739-7600 or Mistwoodgolfdome.com. _____________________________________________________________________

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

The future could be bright for the PGA Show in 2022. Rory Spears at the 2021 PGA Show, wearing Peak Vision sun-glasses.

THE PGA SHOW in Orlando is coming back in 2022.

The dates are January 25-28.

But the question remains, what will the response be, how many people will show up.

In recent years prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, attendance had grown to over 42,000.

After cancelling the in-person edition in 2021, and making the show virtual (which was not a big success) the real edition returns.

The PGA show has conducted studies and surveys already, to try and get a handle on who is coming in January. So the early results are in, and the news is good. Very good.

Apparently over 70% of the previous 42,000 are coming. With 19% percent of the other 30% still undecided. But not ruling out attending as of yet.

Most of the manufacturers are coming, so there will be plenty of booths. But one area that could take a hit is equipment companies.

Golfers on Golf has learned that equipment manufacturers such as TaylorMade, Wilson, Tour Edge, Ping, Mizuno are not attending. With Callaway’s presence being limited to apparel, golf balls, and some items like golf bags. Clubs will not be part of the show. Titleist as now seems to remain being committed making it’s normal presentation.

Over 450 exhibitors are coming, with 650 brands as of now expected to participate.

“The 2022 PGA Show will play an especially important role in helping the industry and PGA Professionals move forward from the pandemic. This will help capitalize on the growing interest in the sport and uncovering new tools to improve the grassroots golf experience,” said PGA of America President Jim Richerson. “Unprecedented strains on operations and supply chains issues due to Covid-19 have impacted nearly all industries. This includes golf. While we anticipate a short-term contraction of participation during this transition year, the 2022 PGA Show will continue to be the largest annual gathering of our membership with thousands of PGA Professionals and top buyers experiencing first-hand the innovative offerings from the more than 650 golf brands. The PGA Show will continue to build business for all who participate and be a bridge in 2022 to an exciting new era in golf.”

The schedule will still remain with a demo day at Orange County National Golf Club. But then followed with three days in the Orange County Convention Center. More details at PGAShow.com.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB and MISTWOOD GOLF DOME now both open. So are both McWethy’s Restaurants. Sunday enjoy the NFL ticket at the golf dome in Bolingbrook. Call Mistwood Golf Club at (815)-254-3333, or call the golf dome at (630)-739-7600.      _____________________________________________________________________

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

THE SHARK-Greg Norman is the new CEO of a 10 Event series on the Asian Tour.

GREG NORMAN IS BACK. Somewhere that music best known for the JAWS movie, is starting to rev-up.

But somehow Norman seems to be perfect for the role he is about to play. CEO is the Saudi-Group that will add it’s money to the Asian PGA Tour, in a 10-event series. Which = big money for top players.

This is not a new idea. Norman back in the 1990’s tried launching a ‘World Golf Tour”. But then PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem blocked it, and reeled in his tour’s players. So in 1999 Finchem created a series within a tour, with the launch of the WGC-Series of tournaments. With the WGC-the PGA Tour controlled the events, and took the credit, with Norman being kicked to the curb.

That won’t happen this time.

So how will current PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan respond to the latest challenge, this time Saudi Golf. Monahan has already threatened to expel current players off the tour, if they leave to play on other tour start ups.

The Saudi wealth fund-known as the PIF, is reportedly worth over 500 billion. The PIF has put on a European Tour event for a few years called the Saudi International. This tournament has drawn American stars such as Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau. As you might guess, they all received big appearance fees. Saudi golf is now building several new courses, including one by Jack Nicklaus.

But will all the top players leave for this start-up tour. The PGA Tour and the European Tour’s are trying to stop the challenge. But have not stopped it so far.

This time Norman is not being left behind. Norman and his backers are playing the PGA Tour’s game from the 1990’s. Create a series of high-profile, big dollar events, and being a tour within a tour. The concept worked for the PGA Tour 20 years ago. Can it work again, and draw some of the PGA Tour’s biggest stars.

It’s hard to say. But as always, money talks.

NFL SPORTS SUNDAY is alive and well at the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook. The dome is now open for golf. During the Bears game on Sunday, you can win a signed Mike Ditka jersey. So bring your clubs and your appetite. McWethy’s Sportsbar inside of the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook call (630)-739-7600 or online see MistwoodGolfDome.com or Mcwethyssportsbar.com. Mistwood GC is open.  ______________________________________________________________________

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

Welcome to the Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein.

THERE AREN’T many fall scramble tournaments left.

But there is still is one more that’s coming up next Saturday, November 6th at Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein.

But it is a 2-man scramble. So act quickly because there are only 4 spots left for this event.

Call the Pine Meadow pro shop at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF). For more details see Pinemeadowgc.com.

MCWETHY’S SPORTS BAR in the Mistwood Golf Dome is getting ready to host golfers and football fans Sunday for the Bears-49er’s game. So visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com      _____________________________________________________________________

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

THE PETE DYE GOLF COURSE at the French Lick Indiana Resort, home of the famous volcano bunkers. For details on booking your play and stay-Frenchlick.com.

So after a record year in golf business for the three golf courses at the French Lick Resort. Now comes word of national recognition. Because Golf Digest has awarded the #19 spot on it’s Top 100 public course list, to the resorts Pete Dye Golf Course.

The Pete Dye Course has made the Top 100 public course list every year since 2011.

The Dye Course for the 12th consecutive year, was named the #1 public course in Indiana. But the resorts Donald Ross Course was voted the #2 public course in state.

“Having two well-respected courses by the golf community at the same resort, is a tremendous point of pride,” said Dave Harner, French Lick Resort’s Director of Golf.

Rounds on the resorts three golf courses showed a 50% increase over this time in 2020. Golf golf season ends at the resort for the Pete Dye Course November 7th, and November 28th for the Ross Course. But both dates could change if warm weather is present. The 9-hole Valley Links course remains open all year weather permitting.

2022 will be an exciting year for golf at the French Lick Resort. The Men’s Big Ten Championship arrives April 28-May 1. The Indiana State Amateur is June 20-22, in French Lick for the first time since 1922. The French Lick Stroke Play Championship on the Symetra Tour, debuts from August 4-7, with all tournaments on the Pete Dye Course.

Learn more at Frenchlick.com.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is OPEN! Located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Learn more at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or by calling (630)-739-7600. The Mistwood Sports Bar has the Sunday NFL Ticket-tomorrow you can win an autographed Mike Ditka Jersey during the Bears-49ers game. Bring your clubs, bring your appetite to the MistwoodGD.  ______________________________________________________________________

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

Welcome to Cog Hill in Palos Park.

THANKSGIVING DAY IS BACK AT COG HILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB.

Thursday November 25th from 11Am to 3 Pm seating is available at Cog Hill for Thanksgiving Day.

But reservations are required. So call Cog Hill at (866)-264-4455 x 310.

Adults $37.00, lower rates for children. Kids age 3 & under are complimentary. Tax and gratuity are not included. Courses include, Soup, Salad, Entree’s of Carved Roast Turkey, or carved Roast Sirloin of Beef. Multiple sides, Children’s Table, Desserts.

The Black Friday golf outing is on the tee the next day on November 26th. Sign up at Coghillgolf.com.

THE SUNDAY TICKET at the Mistwood Golf Dome and McWethy’s Sports Bar, on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Mistwood Golf Club Renwick Road in Romeoville Mistwoodgc.com .  _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy. On the South Course at NCR.

TODAY IS A WET ONE!

Not sure I will play today as I always do, when I get another year older, and hopefully wiser.

Heavy rains have pounded the Chicago area on Sunday. Because of this huge downpour, the rainout maybe on.

So as much as I like to play golf. It’s hard to do, when you need an ark to get to your ball.

But what I do hope, is that courses in the area won’t throw in the towel on the 2021 outdoor golf season just yet. Because things should dry out, in a day or two, or week or so.

22 YEARS AGO we lost Payne Stewart today. I’ll never forget him, what a golfer, what an amazing personality. Golf could use more players like him.

CONGRATULATIONS to Blackberry Oaks teaching professional Roy Biancalana and University of Illinois Coach Mike , for their fine showing in the Senior Professional Championship in Port St. Lucie Florida.

Because Small finished 1 shot out of a playoff to win it all. Biancalana dug-in and by two shots, will join Small at the 2022 Senior PGA Championship. The Senior PGA will be held at the end of May at Harbor Shores Golf Club, in Benton Harbor Michigan. I can’t wait to see both of them there in competition next year.

WITH ONE WEEK left of October, which is also known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Several golf companies have specials on “Pink Items” or are donating money per sale. So do check around and see if there is something you can purchase this week.

SPEAKING OF PURCHASING THINGS-there are still reports that it might be wise to order holiday gifts early this year. Because of the many issues in the worlds supply chain. Golf has had it’s issues as well. So don’t be afraid to start getting golf gifts now, and don’t wait until Black Friday. Because your favorite golfer or golfers will be glad to receive their gifts in late December.

I HAVE TO ADMIT I’m really getting impressed with University of Illinois Sophomore Piercen Hunt. Hunt had a nice win in Florida at Isleworth in the last U of I men’s fall tournament. Hunt came from six shots back in the final round to win. Coach Mike Small has to be hoping Hunt sticks around for a few more years before going pro.

STAY DRY everyone and I hope you get a few more outdoor rounds in before it becomes golf dome and simulator season. RS

MISTWOOD THE GOLF COURSE is still open for outdoor play in Romeoville. But the Mistwood Golf Dome opens November 1st. For outdoor tee times see Mistwoodgc.com. _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG is written by Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn.

The Sunday Ticket in the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook.

GOLF-FOOTBALL PRIZES and more.

The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, open for golf next week.

But this weekend it’s football. Because in addition to the new menu, you can watch the Sunday NFL ticket.

So you need more. How about the chance to win a Chicago Bears WR Allen Robinson jersey. So if that sounds good, hit the Mistwood Golf Dome and McWethy’s Sports Bar today for the Bears and the Buccaneers game that kick’s off at 3:25 on FOX.

FIRST TEE OF GREATER CHICAGO will launch it’s winter programming sign up tomorrow October 25th. See more at FirstTeeChicago.org.

DALLAS BASED TOP GOLF has announced it’s building it’s third location in the state of North Carolina. The new facility will open in late summer of 2022 in the Raleigh-Durham area. This new facility will have three levels and over 100 hitting bays. More details at Topgolf.com.

FIGHTING ILLINI Sophomore Piercen Hunt was named the B1G TEN player so the week. After his six-shot come from behind win at the Isleworth Collegiate Invitational, to be the medalist. It was Hunt’s first win of his collegiate career. Hunt shot a 4 under par 68, in the final round to win the championship.

CLARITY.GOLF has launched a Private Clubs Service Division. Clarity Golf is a golf technology company, featuring work in the installation of monitors, simulators and other technologies. For more information see Clarity.golf or contact [email protected]

The G-Tech Apparel hand warmer.

G-TECH Apparel’s hand warmers are selling quickly.

So you need to get yours, or place your order before supplies run out.

The cold weather golf season is coming quickly. So why not extend your golf season, or start it earlier next spring, by having the warmer the professionals use.

But the GTech hand warmer is not just used by golf professionals. It’s used by players in Major League Baseball, and the NFL. Learn more at GTechApparel.com.

THE LAB GOLF Mezz 1 proto

LAB GOLF has created another classic putter. The Mezz, limited production of 1,000.

So you need to order yours today. LAB that stands for Lie-Angle-Balance. Creates some of the most unique looking putters in the world.

But they roll the golf ball to the hole, unlike many of the putters in todays market.

So learn more about LAB Golf Putters by visiting LABGolf.com. LAB Golf putters are available in the Chicago area at PGA Tour Store locations.

OAK BROOK TERRACE BASED ZERO FRICTION has introduced a new Turf Tee, a Two-In-One Product. Because the new Turf-Tee comes complete with a two prong bottom of the tee. So it goes in the ground easier, and helps fix ball marks.

“It’s essentially a two-in-one product,” says John Iacono, Founder and President of Zero Friction. “It serves as a high-performance golf tee, and a divot repair tool. Golfers will no longer have to carry two products in their pockets. Turf Tee serves a dual purpose.”

So you can see the new Turf Tee on Vimeo. 30 packs sell for $12.99 for a 30-pack. But for more information visit ZeroFriction.com or call (630)-317-7700.

The Pro V1 that sync’s with Trackman

TITLEIST PRO V1 with Radar Capture Technology.

Titleist and Trackman, engineers have teamed up to create Pro-V1 and Pro V1x golf balls, that track ball flight indoors, to deliver the best date possible.

Because Pro V1 and Pro V1x RCT golf balls improve TrackMan experience for dedicated indoor fitting specialists.

“Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1xxRCT balls combine the game’s greatest combination of speed, spin and feel with new technology. But it captures precision performance and golf ball data from Trackman units used in a indoor setting,” said Jeremy Stone, Vice President of Golf Ball Marketing. “We have worked hard with TrackMan for more than two years to optimize this embedded radar reflective, patent pending technology.”

But while certain Titleist trade partners can get the new balls on November 3rd of 2021, global distribution starts in April of 2022. $64.99 per dozen. More details at Titleist.com.

Photo’s of some of the above products can be viewed on Facebook-Rory Spears page, or Twitter. The Gog Blog Speaks Out-Returns tomorrow. RS