THE CHICAGO GOLF SHOW RETURNS Next Week FEB. 28-MARCH 1 & 2. Tickets are on sale at Chicagogolfshow.com Long Putt Contest is back. Hank Haney on stage.

CLICK HERE For a Show Preview With Corcoran Expositions (CGS) Matt McLaughlin.

The par-3 17th hole on Copperhead, part of the Snake Pit.

INNISBROOK-There is no better time to visit one of Florida’s premier golf properties.

ONE OF THE SALMANDER RESORT PROPERTIES is The Innisbrook Golf Resort in Palm Harbor Florida.

So while there are plenty of golf properties you could visit when in Florida, Innisbrook is a property you should visit.

BECAUSE NEXT WEEK the “Florida Swing” of the PGA Tour comes to Florida, which means the tour is only three weeks away from it’s annual visit to Innisbrook. What’s known as “The Most Colorful Tournament on Tour”, Valspar (Mar. 20-23) the paint company brings an exciting week to the community, that starts around the golf. But it becomes so much more with everything tournament attendees can enjoy.

YEAR-IN and YEAR-OUT the players of the PGA Tour rate Copperhead as one of the best courses they play all-year on tour. A course that you can play, if your heading to Florida and staying at the resort. The closing holes 16-17 and 18, make up “The Snake Pit” where Striker the Snake will greet you at the 16th tee box (a great photo opp. for your social media pages).

Bobby Barnes is the resorts interim Executive Director and General Manager.

Since there are no “pardon our dust” signs up. You would never know that the Innisbrook is a work in progress and improvements do continue. Even though the big picture around Copperhead is wrapping up.

But a few years back the course got a bunker renovation, that was followed by a full course renovation.

Off the course the famed Packard’s Steakhouse, has now reopened after a renovation. The steaks have never tasted better. But there is more to see in the Copperhead clubhouse building, including a redone Copperhead pro shop and locker rooms.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Innisbrook Interim Executive Director and General Manager Bobby Barnes.

***During an on property visit earlier this month Golfers on Golf sat down with Bobby Barnes in the newly renovated Packard’s Steakhouse. At that time the rumors were that Salamander properties could assume a management role at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens FL.. The home of next weeks PGA Tour event “The Cognizant Classic.” But nothing was official and since the deal did not include or effect Innisbrook in anyway, there was no questions asked to Barnes on the subject.***

Toll brothers is hard at work on the North end of the Innisbrook property, creating 171 new homes.

These days with a golf-boom still on-going since the Covid-19 pandemic. There are not many places that are reducing the amount of golf they can offer to guests, members or customers.

But Innisbrook has “for now” reduced it’s count from 72 to 63. This could change again at some point, but for now the North Course is just nine holes. Because the Toll Brothers housing project that is adding 171 homes is now underway.

Which is not the worst thing, because there are plenty of golfers who love to play 9-hole rounds. Better news is many of the North courses best holes, were saved and remain in play. But for the Innisbrook members and resort guests, there are still three 18-hole courses (Copperhead-Island Course-South Course).  Plus there is still plenty of practice area’s for those wanting to warm up before golf, or to work on their game.

Peter Malnati is getting ready to defend his title at the Valspar Championship.

Food and beverage around Innisbrook runs deeper than just Packard’s. The Market Salamander Grille in the check-in building has a great menu for lunch and dinner. Plus there are evenings that include live music.

Breakfast in the dining room offers really good tasty items like French Toast and Pancakes. Another great specialty of Innisbrook is it’s award winning onion rings. They are a must-eat, because you have never had better tasting ones.

During the last few years the rooms have been redone and upgraded. While there was a time that the rooms while still very cozy, were showing their age. Not anymore. Starting in the kitchens with new appliances, to dining area’s with new tables, and living rooms with new couches and big screens. Guests are as comfortable there, as they are in the upgraded bedrooms and bathrooms.

Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road, has simulators open daily, along with Chandlers Chophouse. Book a time for golf or a lesson today at SchaumburgGolf.com or call (847)-885-9000

INNISBROOK DOES offer plenty more to do besides golf, from pools, to trails, and tennis courts at the racquet center. But if your really looking for some total relaxation, the Salamander Spa located in the heart of the property next to the fitness center, might be calling your name.

IF YOU WISH, you can park the car and the only driving that would be needed is on the golf course. There are plenty of places at the resort that are walking distance from the rooms, plus shuttles you can take if needed. You can head off-property if you wish to enjoy the area, the beach on the Gulf is not far. Plus the Tampa area some baseball teams who conduct spring training in the area. The results of the professional sports teams in recent years-have left fans calling the area-Champ-A-Bay.

So if your ready for a great spring golf trip or need to book space for business conferences-look no further than Innisbrook. A destination property that is easy to get to, always a positive. So to learn more see Innisbrookgolfresort.com. (888)-794-8627.

     THE CHICAGO GOLF RETURNS FOR ANOTHER YEAR TEEING OFF NEXT WEEK ON FEB. 28TH and through the weekend of March 1-2. So order your tickets today at Chicagogolfshow.com. FREE GOLF is back courtesy of GolfVisions, and the main stage is full of top-end instructors like Hank Haney, Cog Hills Kevin Weeks & Mistwood’s Andy Mickelson and Nicole Jeray. Friday from 4-6 Pm is the Molson Coors-Happy Hour. The Donald Stephens Convention Center in ROSEMONT is still home course for the show.

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

The U.S. Open has returned to Oakmont Country Club.

THE 125TH U.S. OPEN returns to the famed Oakmont Country Club in the Pittsburgh area.

So the road to Oakmont is now open for those with game, to start applying for this years championship.

U.S. Open qualifying is open those with a handicap of 0.4 or a certified professional.

The United States Golf Association (USGA) has announced there will be 110 local qualifiers (108) in the United States and one each in Canada and Mexico. So the dates for the local qualifiers fall between April 16th and May 19th.

The Shack Golf Club at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview, is open daily with seven simulators and a putting green. So book your tee time at TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905

But this leaves an expected figure of around 1,000 players to advance to the final qualifying at 13 sites. So ten of those sites are in the United States, with one each in Japan, London and Canada. Nine of the ten U.S. sites will be played on June 2nd, which is also known as golf’s longest day. There are now 25 categories of exemptions for the U.S. Open, with the addition of the new category for top players on the LIV Golf tour as of May 19th.

The NCAA individual champion if still of amateur status, and the top five players in the Fed Ex Cup point standings, if not already exempt as of May 19th. Players in the World Golf Rankings (top 60) by June 9th. So now exempt is the top player in the DP World Tour standings, not already exempt by May 19th.

But to gain an entry form-applicants should visit champ-admin.usga.org. Entries will be accepted through April 9th at 5 Pm EDT.

The USGA has announced that applications are now being accepted for four other U.S. Opens in 2025. The 45th U.S. Senior Open, the 80th U.S. Women’s Open, the 7th U.S. Senior Women’s Open and the 4th U.S. Adaptive Open.

2025 will be the 10th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club. But the club has already accepted three more invitations to host the U.S. Open going forward. The next U.S. Open at Oakmont is 2033. Two more U.S. Opens are in 2042 and 2049.

LIV tour player Bryson DeChambeau is the defending champion and is expected to defend his title at Oakmont. So for more information on the USGA and it’s two museums in Liberty Corner NJ. and Pinehurst NC., see USGA.org.

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road is open daily with three simulators. Plus now the pro shop is starting to stock up with items for the summer that is coming soon. Chandlers Chophouse will send down hot juicy burgers while you golf on the lower-level. So book a simulator time at SchaumburgGolf.com (847)-885-9000.

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

The NEW Tour Edge Golf E-series 525 Driver.

Batavia IL. based Tour Edge Golf has released today it’s newest line of clubs for the 2025 golf season.

Tour Edge see’s it’s new E525 series of clubs as a groundbreaking line-that will serve as game improvement clubs. For golfers seeking more distance, but also more forgiveness.

But availability in retail stores is still just over 10 days out, with March 1st as the first day E525 will be on the shelfs.

Tour Edge says the 525 Series brings another new level of performance, for golfers needing more distance, forgiveness and a ease of play. 525 brings two ranges into play-the X-range and the E-range.

The NEW Tour Edge X525 driver, in the retail shops on March 1st.

Breaking the two ranges down-X-range is a Super Game Improvement set of clubs, with an anti-slice offset designs and extremely low CG positions, that include a ultra-shallow face that helps with an easy launch. E-range are Premium Game-Improvement clubs inspired by the Tour Edge Exotics technology, which offer class-leading MOI and enhanced forgiveness, power and accuracy.

“This marks a new era for Hot Launch, with our best-feeling and best-looking performance-enhancement clubs we’ve ever produced,” says David Glod, Founder and CEO of Tour Edge Golf. “The X-range offers golfers a new ‘X-factor’ to boost their game with cutting-edge SGI innovations. But the E-range is the highest-level of GI with a perfect balance of distance and forgiveness in more traditional shapes.”

CUSTOM FITTING will continue at over 1,500 fitting locations. But when you have need for speed, Tour Edge still offers 48-hour expedited shipping programs for custom orders in the United States. “Getting custom fit for both the GI and SGI golf clubs makes perfect sense in today’s game,” said Glod.

The new E-range VibRcor Hot Launch Iron.

Pricing on the new X and E lines from Tour Edge are set at the following.

Drivers-both X and E series $249.99        Fairway Metals $169.99 X and E              Hybrids $149.99 X and E series                Irons $89.99 X525-$79.99 E525              Wedges $89.99 X525-$79.99 E525

But there are differences in the two driver lines. So for golfers looking for something more traditional, the E525 shape could fit your eye. Because the X525 series driver has a built-in anti-slice Offset design.

The X525 driver starts with higher lofts (10.5). But E525 comes with a loft starting at 9 degrees.

The X525 Iron follows the technology of the X-series driver, with a Anti-Slice Offset Design. This feature makes the miss-hits and sliced shots go straighter. E525 Irons are a more traditional shape. E525 is for the golfer needing more distance, and comes with the Tour Edge famed VIBRCOR technology.

The E525 fairway metal 15 degree loft.

The E525 Fairway Metal, features a MOI-boosting rear sole-weights and Ridgeback Technology. E525 fairway metals will deliver high-launching shots with optimized spin rates and maximum ball speed.

Key technologies include:

MOI Boosting Rear Sole Weight. Ridgeback Technology. Diamondback Face VFT. Center-Sole rail Design. Ultra-Light Premium Shaft.

Right-Handed Lofts include 15 degree 3-Wood, 17 degree 4-Wood, 19 degree 5-Wood and the 22 degree 7-Wood.

The X525 series Hybrid 3 at 19 degrees.

The Hybrid Series comes with the X525 Hybrids comes with the 17-4 stainless-steel and the ultimate in slice-fighting technology. So the heel-weighted offset designs, allow for the face to square at impact for better ball flight.

Tour Edge engineers have positioned extra mass in the Houdini Sole. So this will create a ultra-low center of gravity, that improves stability and launch.

Key technologies include: Anti Slice Offset Design. Ultra-Shallow Face Design. Ridgeback Technology. Diamond Face VFT with an Ultra-Light Premium Shaft. Lofts for both RH-LH players are 3-19, 4-22, 5-25, 6-28.

The Tour Edge E525 56 degree wedge.

The Tour Edge wedges have been created with the concept of perfect control and spin, for every level of golfer around the greens.

A feel-enhancing internal technology creates a feel of the clubhead at impact, that will dampen the sound and shock.

The wedge line has VIBRCOR Technology, the maximum allowed milled grooves. A High-Toe Pad Design and Leading Edge & Rounded Camber Sole, and lightweight premium shaft.

So lofting options include every two degrees from 50 to 60 degrees for right handed players. Left handed players have options of 52-56 and 60 degrees. Shaft options include lightweight UST Mamiya Helium graphite for an increased clubhead speed. But a True Temper Elevate MPH 95 steel shaft can be ordered in the 525 Irons and Wedges for maximum launch and carry.

But for a full listing of options please visit TourEdge.com

  PUT ON YOUR GOLF SHOES and head over to the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook. The summer season will be here before long. So it’s time to get a club fitting from the award winning fitter Eric Russell. But you can take a lesson from several professionals on the Mistwood Staff. Then after Toptracer golf head into McWethy’s Sports Bar and grab the award winning chicken wings. Mistwoodgolfdome.com #MGD

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

Rory Spears on the 18th hole at the Sensational Soleta Golf Course by Nick Price.

AWFUL ANNOUNCING and some very confusing numbers from the PGA Merchandise Show.

STARTING WITH the broadcast from the Genisis Tournament at Torrey Pines yesterday.

THE CBS team needs to learn you can’t just lob wedge it out there, and hope nobody notices.

After an approach shot on 17 by Patrick Rodgers, Ian-Baker Finch said Rodgers left himself four feet for birdie. Hey Ian-if we add on 15 feet to what you had the putt at, that would be really accurate. Rodgers then missed his nearly 20 foot long putt.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road is open daily with three simulators open. So play the indoor version of the Schaumburg Golf Club while enjoying a Chandlers burger. SchaumburgGolf.com or call (847)-885-9000

THEN BOTH JIM NANTZ and TREVOR IMMELMAN really bungled things, when CBS showed a replay of winner Ludvig Aberg hitting a bunker shot. During the replay Immelman shouts out-“He hit that when Tiger was sitting in the booth with us watching.” Really Trevor-that’s the best you got, who cares where Tiger was sitting when Aberg hit a bunker shot-that’s brutal. It’s long overdue for CBS to pull the plug on Immelman and get somebody better to work with Nantz.

BUT THEN NANTZ wasn’t much better either. Three times in three minutes or less, while talking about Aberg, Nantz shouts out, Aberg wins Tigers Tournament, Tigers Tournament, Tigers Tournament. C’mon Jim, you have been a pitch man for how many years. I’m sure Genesis was happy with all the plugs you didn’t give them. Does it really matter whose tournament it is anyway, other than the main sponsor who is footing the bill.

The PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Florida.

THEN THERE is the PGA Merchandise Show, recently held in Orlando FL.

After the show was over, attendance numbers were put out. Ones that would make certain election judges happy.

The promoted attendance was 33,000, which is okay, but! The show said it was the largest attendance in 15 years.

But-in 2019 and 2020 the attendance figures were promoted at 40,000 and then 42,000. So go figure.

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE is brutal, so it’s time to go hit the simulators at least for another week or two. But then the Mistwood Golf Dome is great option as well. One can only hope that in a couple of weeks, maybe some outdoor driving ranges can open. But until then, golf with a Chandlers Chophouse burger, some Mistwood-McWethy’s chicken Wings, or Flat bread pizza’s at The Shack Golf Club all sound really good.

IT’S AMAZING THE LARGE CROWDS in Australia for LIV Golf, more coming up on LIV Golf before long. So stay tuned because golf at Adelaide is sticking around until 2031.

TOUR EDGE GOLF has a launch of new equipment coming out soon. So if you like Tour Edge products, one of the best makers of drivers and fairway woods, do stay clicked in for the announcement.

OUR MEDIA PARTNER LEN ZIEHM has a feature now posted at Lenziehmongolf.com that the state of Kentucky, is now the latest state to offer a golf trail.

THE WILLOW HILL GOLF DOME in Northbrook is closed today. The reason why was not released by management.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Men’s golf team, started their spring season in Hawaii. Coach Mike Small’s squad went from second to seventh to finishing fifth. The Fighting Illini were lead by Sophomore Max Herendeen, whose final round 63 (-7) tied the course record.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS THIS WEEK-RS

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road is open daily with three simulators, a quickly filling pro shop for the summer season ahead. Chandlers is right upstairs creating some of the best burgers in the area. So book your simulator time, a lesson, or club fitting at Schaumburggolf.com or call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000.

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

LIVGolf.com the next tour is here.

BOTH THE USGA and the R&A have finally stepped up, and awarded exemptions to LIV golfers that are not previously qualified into the two Open championships.

THE USGA has awarded one full exemption into the U.S. Open in 2025 at Oakmont from June 12-15.

Seven LIV players are already exempt into the 2025 U.S. Open including defending champion from Pinehurst-Bryson DeChambeau.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil issued this statement on the new exemption for the U.S. Open.

“We’re pleased that the USGA has formally created a new exemption for LIV Golf players to compete in the U.S. Open and and we appreciate Mike Whan’s leadership and commitment to growing the game of golf. Because every golf fan in the world longs to see the greatest players in the world competing on golf’s biggest stages at the majors. LIV Golf is committed to working hand in hand with golf’s governing bodies to elevate the sports in all corners of the world.”

So this exemption goes to the top LIV Golfer in the LIV standings (must be top-3) not already exempt. The USGA has also created up to 10 exemptions for LIV Golfers. To be exempt from the local qualifying (first round), for the next two years.

Golf but Louder-LIV Golf earns exemption into the Open Championship.

LIV CEO Scott O’Neil statement on  the exemption for a LIV player to compete in the British-Open Championship.

“We thank Mark Darbon for his leadership and the R&A for taking this step for the benefit of moving golf forward. The Open Championship is one of the most prestigious events in all of sports. The acknowledgement that competitors from the LIV Golf League and The International Series will have the opportunity to play in golf’s original major. Becomes a true testament to the strength of fields and the R&A’s commitment to golf fans around the world. LIV will continue our mission to bring the best players to the four corners of the world to grow the game. Because we are excited for the future of this sport.”

The Open Championship exemption goes to the the LIV player not already exempt into the field. But is in the top five of the LIV Golf individual standings.

    THE SHACK GOLF CLUB AT 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview is your North Shore home for winter golf. Seven simulators and a putting green. So then join owner Nick Larkin, All-World Caddie master Greg Kunkel and Arnie at the bar for a beverage and some great tasting flatbread pizza’s. TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905.

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

The Blackstone Golf Club is up for sale. Located in Marengo IL.

Chris Charnas and Links Capital Advisors is helping broker golf course sales, both in the Chicago area, and out of state.

Currently a couple of the courses up for sale include the Blackstone Golf Club in Marengo IL.

The profit making golf course is mixture of holes that run through both wetlands, and some thick forest area’s of both Hickory and Oak trees.

Because the club has easy access to I-90, and the opportunity to grow events and outings, on a well kept golf course. Blackstone is a great opportunity for either a first time owner, or current course owner looking to add to their portfolio.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH LINKS CAPITAL ADVISORS INCLUDE:

The Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road is open daily with three simulators. The pro shop is starting to fill up with items for the summer season ahead. including the new Pro-V1’s by Titleist. Chandlers Chophouse with great burgers is open as well. So visit SchaumburgGolf.com or call (847)-885-9000 and book a simulator time today.

THE NORTHERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY GOLF COURSE is now for sale for a great price. The well kept golf course has a small but stylish pro shop. So the course is for sale as the university foundation is divesting it’s current real estate assets.

Northern Michigan University golf course is a 6,800 yard par-72 Bruce Mathews design that first opened for play in 1992. It is located in the UP of Michigan, in Marquette Michigan.

LCA is currently handling the sale for four other clubs, both in and out of the state of Illinois.

RECENTLY SOLD CLUBS by LCA include.

The 36-hole Knollwood Country Club in Granger Indiana. Now also sold is the Par-5 Michicot Resort in Wisconsin.

SO IF YOUR looking to buy or looking to sell a golf course. Now is the time to reach out to Chris Charnas at [email protected]. now based on River Road in Des Plaines.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is home to Toptracer Golf, and McWethy’s Sports Bar. So right now check now Mistwoodgolfdome.com schedule and see what companies are bringing demo days to the dome. Because maybe it’s time for a new club or more. So book your hitting bay today by calling the dome (630)-739-7600.

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

  WELCOME TO THE HARBOR SHORES RESORT in Benton Harbor Michigan-(R) the Harbor Shores Clubhouse.

THE WEE COURSE is coming to Harbor Shores Resort in Benton Harbor. The Harbor Shores Golf Course, a signature Jack Nicklaus designed course, has been home to the Kitchen-Aid Senior PGA Championship on a every other year basis since 2012.

Nicklaus and his design team created an amazing 18 holes that winds through a 550-acre development. That mixes the traditional Northern Michigan style woodlands, through a wetland area, a dunes around the edges of Lake Michigan, and removal of a garbage dump, and small deserted buildings.

But now the Nicklaus influence at Harbor Shores will be recreated by Sr. PGA Champion at Harbor Shores Colin Montgomerie, on a smaller scale.

The INN at Harbor Shores is just two minutes from the clubhouse at the golf course.

Because while the five acre site might seem small, the area will be complete with both a 9-hole par-3 pitch and putt style course.

The course will sit alongside of the cottages by the first hole. these 9-holes will be inspired by the most iconic holes of the Harbor Shores Nicklaus design.

So all of the holes will measure 60 yards or shorter. The course will have two sets of tee boxes, so 18 holes can be played in different ways from different yardages. But that’s not all the project includes. Because an 18 hole putting course will be added, similar to designs found at both St. Andrews and Pinehurst.

Owner Nick Larkin invites all golfers to come and enjoy The Shack Golf Club, where golf season just got longer. 7 simulators and a putting green. So book a time today at TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905.

So while construction will start in the spring of this year, some limited preview play could happen by this fall.

A formal grand opening will take place in spring of 2026.

The visionary behind the project is former Whirlpool CEO Jeff Fettig who said, “it’s a perfect use for the land. It’s been in discussion for years on what types of other amenities we could add to the property. This project will fit that need. It will be a fun pitch and putt course that anybody can play.”

The Wee Course supported by donations from Corewell Health Foundation of Southwest Michigan, a large non-profit healthcare system. So through the support of the Corewell HF, kids will get to play for free. Serious golfers will find the Wee Course a great place to practice short shots, before hitting the Harbor Shores Championship golf course.

Three simulators and Chandlers Chophouse, all part of Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road. So book a time at Schaumburggolf.com or (847)-885-9000. Where you can play the Schaumburg Golf Club indoors all winter long.

Joshua Doxtator, General Manager of Harbor Shores Golf Club, sees the creation of the Wee Course as a way to further enhance the value of Harbor Shores.

“We’re very excited to create something that will be so much fun and unique while enhancing the value and overall experience for our guests, members, and the community,” said Doxtator. “The Wee Course will provide a much more accessible and less intimidating experience for youth and beginners to learn and play the game. But guests will enjoy the night life around the lighted area course and putting green.

So for more information on Harbor Shores, visit harborshoresresort.com.

  THE SHACK GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview is open daily until 10 Pm except Sunday’s 8 pm. So now is the time to book your party, league, lesson or club fitting. Hourly rates vary from Peak to Off Peak times. Call (847)-904-2905 or visit TheShackgolfclub.com. Shack memberships are available. #Golfseasonjustgotlonger

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

The U.S. Women’s Open Trophy-photo courtesy of USGA.

THE ROAD TO ERIN HILLS IS ABOUT TO BEGIN!

Erin Hills will host the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open, the clubs fifth USGA Championship.

The U.S. Women’s Open will be the 80th and will be played from May 29th-through June 1st.

So the USGA has announced the list of the 23 qualifying sites in the United States. But there will be three additional sites one each in Canada, Japan and Italy.

So the qualifying is now open for registration and the 36-holle rounds to qualify will be held from April 15, and May 13.

The Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road, has three simulators open daily. But the pro shop is starting receive items for this summers golf season, Titleist Golf Balls, new hats, and towels. Chandlers Chophouse is open for food and beverage. So book a simulator time at Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000.

“The collaboration between Allied Golf Association in the United States, International Federations and Tours is significant in the qualifying process and provides thousands of professional and amateur golfers, an opportunity to earn a place in the U.S. Women’s Open field, said USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer. “So we know that Erin Hills, the surrounding community and the State of Wisconsin have been ardent supporters of championship golf and will once again create an outstanding atmosphere for the world’s greatest players.”

Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta GA., and Sugar Mill Country Club in New Smyma Beach Florida, lead the way, as each club is hosting a qualifier for the seventh time. 17 different states are hosting qualifiers.

The United States Golf Association see USGA.org.

In 2024 the USGA accepted 1,897 entries for the championship, second only to 2023 when the entry count was 2,107 for Pebble Beach.

Erin Hills will become the 16th club have hosted both the U.S. Open, and the U.S. Women’s Open.

But while there will be no qualifiers in the state of Wisconsin, the will be two qualifiers in the State of Illinois. The first is on Monday April 28th in downstate Belleville, at the St. Clair Country Club. But the second qualifier is on Monday May 12th at the Elgin Country Club.

Welcome to the Elgin Country Club-home of the May 12th U.S. Women’s Qualifier.

Defending champion Yuka Saso won her first U.S. Women’s Open in 2021 at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.

But in 2024 she won her second championship at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania.

Birdie Kim (2005) was the last U.S. Women’s Open champion, who advanced through the qualifier that year.

This will be the 18th USGA Championship contested in Wisconsin, and the third U.S. Women’s Open. So for a full list of qualifier sites please visit USGA.org.

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road-just minutes from Woodfield Mall is a great location for indoor simulator golf. But while you are there check out the pro shop for what’s arrived for 2025, and Chandlers Chophouse for great food and beverage. So book simulator time at Schaumburggolf.com – (847)-855-9000.

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

Welcome to Streamsong-Central Florida’s Golf Destination, with a fifth course on the way.

STREAMSONG TO BUILD ANOTHER!

Streamsong Resort in Streamsong Florida has announced the building of a 5th golf course.

Construction is expected to begin early this year, and architect David McLay-Kidd has been tapped to head up the design.

Kidd is best known in the United States for his designs of Bandon Dunes, Mammoth Dunes at Sand Valley, plus Gamble Sands in the State of Washington. This new course (still not named) will be located on the Streamsong property, between the Red Course (Coore & Crenshaw) and Black Course (Gil Hanse).

David McLay-Kidd takes questions from a live audience at the recent PGA Show, about being picked to design the new course at Streamsong Resort.

“I have read many times how great players have a love for the majors. I was not sure what that meant when I was younger, but now I get it. In the world of golf design, there are certain properties, locations and even owners that working for can be like playing in the majors. Streamsong for me is a Major,” said Kidd.

“The destination is world renowned and KemperSports gets it. To be included in that group of architects requires my team and I to do something exceptional. That opportunity both excites me and makes me nervous, but in a good way. My team and I are so excited to add to the history of a place so young and yet rooted in a tradition of exceptional golf architecture.”

The Streamsong property map.

Streamsong first opened for play 13 years ago, in 2012. At that time the resort had two courses the Red and he Blue (Tom Doak).

2017 saw the opening of the Hanse Course the Black Course.

But more recently was the opening of the Bucket Course, a 2.5 acre putting course. In 2024 the Chain by Coore and Crenshaw a short course has mostly par-3 holes.

The Shack at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview is open daily with 7 simulators and a putting green. So book a hitting bay today at TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905.

“We are excited to partner with David to lead the continued evolution at Streamsong Resort,” said KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner. “He is one of the most talented architects of his generation with a unique ability to design golf courses that are visually appealing, challenging, and great fun to play. I know the entire world will be excited to see what he creates on some of the best property of the resort.”

There is no time table for the course to open and construction to be complete. When asked about a name for the course, Kidd shrugged and Skinner’s response was we don’t have one yet. But Skinner added, we have three courses that are named Red, Blue and Black. So maybe go from there. Well Gold, White, and Green are still available. Another option is the Sand Dunes at Streamsong.

But for more information on Streamsong please visit Streamsongresort.com.

  THE SHACK GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview has seven simulators and a putting green. Plus a full sized bar and grill. So now is the time to book your special event or start getting ready for the summer season ahead. Lessons and club fittings are available. Call (847)-904-2905 or online at TheShackGolfClub.com Open daily #TSGC

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram At The Keep Golf Course at McLemore Resort, in Rising Fawn GA.

THE SNOW IS COMING!

So while there has not been much snow all winter, which has been a good thing.

The run of luck we have been on seems to be coming to an end on Wednesday, and this Saturday night.

So any thoughts of outdoor golf coming soon, might have to be put on hold for a few weeks, unless a warm stretch comes to town before long.

Because it has been nice that some courses have stayed open all winter long, but that’s because there hasn’t been any snow. That seems to be changing.

The Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road has three simulators. Lessons and club fittings are available. Chandlers chophouse with outstanding burgers, is right upstairs and will bring food down to your hitting bay. So book your time at SchaumburgGolf.com or call (847)-885-9000.

So it’s time to take the game inside for the next few weeks.

Some of our favorite places to do that are, The Shack Golf Club in Glenview, call (847)-904-2905. Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road, call the club at (847)-885-9000.

But on the dome side, in Bolingbrook it’s the Mistwood Golf Dome, with award winning club fitter Eric Russell. The dome is home to McWethy’s Sports Bar, with outstanding beverage selections and chicken wings.

You can’t go wrong at any of these places, for both food and golf.

MORE GOLF NEWS-good things are happening in the Pine Meadow Golf Club clubhouse. The walls and ceiling have just been painted, and new carpeting is on the way in about 10 days. So stay tuned for pictures when things are complete.

The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Toptracer golf and fittings and lessons. Chipping and putting area’s. So book a hitting stall at (630)-739-7600 or at Mistwoodgolfdome.com

CONDOLENCES TO TIGER WOODS on the loss of his mom Kultida Woods, she was 78.

As a result, Tiger has withdrawn from this weeks Genesis Tournament, that was moved from Riviera Country Club to Torrey Pines GC, due to the Pacific Palisades fires.

THE LIV GOLF SEASON started in the Middle East. But better news was the announcement that both the USGA and the R&A have awarded LIV Golf players exemptions into both the U.S. Open and the Open Championship, for players not previously qualified. It was time for both of these organizations to step up and do the right thing.

PRESIDENT TRUMP has been meeting with a few golf people in recent weeks. Hopefully he can help broker the long, long awaited for deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf or the PIF Saudi backed group. Trump has golfed with Brandel Chamblee, and meet with Commissioner Jay Monahan and Adam Scott. Before he took office there was a round with U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau. LIV Golf will return to Trump Doral in Miami this year, and it’s time the PGA Tour does the same thing.

THE SHACK GOLF CLUB in Glenview is open daily. So come try the simulators and the pizza breads in the grill. (847)-904-2905 The Shack where golf season has got longer.

DUSTIN JOHNSON has ended his over 20+ year equipment deal with Taylormade golf.

So the former U.S. Open and Masters Champion is a free agent in the equipment market. It will be interesting to see where Johnson ends up next.

SO ARE YOU READY FOR VALENTINES DAY, if not check out what’s cooking in the clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison.

The chefs are cooking up some special Valentine’s Day delights in the Greenway Tap. A reminder from DuPage Golf, all three golf courses are closed for the winter golf season. DPG is hoping to reopen the courses for the start of the summer season around April 1st (no joke) weather permitting.

EQUIPMENT many of the companies are starting to get their new lines of clubs for 2025 into Pro Shops and retail stores. So if your thinking a new club or clubs for this season, starting checking to see what equipment is already in stock for you to hit.

THE GOG BLOG is back all week. RS