THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB brings a new concept to this years winter season, WINTER GOLF in the Schaumburg Golf and Academy Clubhouse on Roselle Road in Schaumburg. Announcing the new golf simulator area, with room for golf, drinks, food and fun. See Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000 for details and more. Stop upstairs at Chandlers Chop House, or order from Chandlers while downstairs golfing.     ______________________________________________________________________

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the new Schaumburg Golf Club simulators, where you can hit the new Titleist 917 Driver, or on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

The Greatest Golfer of all Time is still hard at work designing golf courses, with the announcement of yet another brand new 18 holes in West Palm Beach Florida.

The “Golden Bear” Jack Nicklaus, known world-wide as the greatest golfer who ever lived is still making an impact in the golf world will design the new golf course at the Banyan Cay Resort and Golf.

Banyan Cay is part of the Noble House Resort Chain, and will be situated on 250 acres of land in West Palm Beach. Noble House operates resorts from Seattle Washington, to the Florida Keys.

Jack Nicklaus (2nd from left with Blue Shirt-Dark Jacket) takes part in the ground breaking at Banyan Cay.

The new Banyan Cay look will include a Nicklaus signature designed golf course, along with a state-of-the-art practice area and new clubhouse. A new 150 room luxury hotel, residences, that are accompanied by various membership levels.

“The Banyan Cay Resort & Golf Club has been a favorite West Palm Beach destination for over 40 years, and Noble House is extremely pleased to take over it’s management,” said Pat Colee, Noble House founder and chairman of the board. “We’re confident that the transformation we envision featuring the new course by golf’s greatest champion, Jack Nicklaus, will not only reignite excitement among longtime loyalists, but will prove instrumental in attracting new visitors to this prestigious property.”

The new Nicklaus course will have as much as 25 feet in elevation change, almost double what most Florida golf courses have. The course will have rolling fairways,land forms and other various water features, and bunker that will provide stunning backdrops and create strategic avenues of play.

“I have known this site for many years, and now to have an opportunity to help shape Banyan Cay’s future and hopefully the next generation of golf in Central Palm Beach County is an honor,” said Nicklaus. “I applaud the city for it’s ongoing efforts to revitalize West Palm Beach. “It’s possible this could be the last significant golf development-one with resort access-to break ground in the West Palm Beach area. We are excited to officially get this project underway.”

The course will be a Par 72, design and have five sets of tees to for players of all skill levels, with yardage ranging from 4,800 yards to the back tee’s at around 7,200 yards. The is no scheduled opening date yet for the golf course to be completed or open for play.

For more information on Noble House Properties visit NobleHouseHotels.com or call (877)-Noble-Trip.

 MCQ’S DOME on RT. 53 in Bolingbrook is a great place for winter golf, winter food and playing the ponies in the OTB all year round. See Mcqsdome.com or call (630)-739-1592. Breakfast with Santa tomorrow morning at Mistwood Golf Club on Renwick Road in Romeoville, see Mistwoodgc.com or call (815)-254-3333 #santaiwantgolfclubs.           ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to Palmetto Dunes, and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

Winter Golf, it’s happening in the Carolina’s right now. North Carolina and South Carolina where two golf resorts are awaiting your visit.

First up the Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island has now reopened for play after clean up from Hurricane Matthew. The resort reopened on December 1st.

During the clean up period the resort took the time and overseeded the tee boxes, fairways and greens. As a result all three courses will be in lush conditions as guests come down during the holiday season.

The 10th hole on the Robert Trent Jones Course at Palmetto Dunes.

“Palmetto Dunes golf is back,” said Director of Golf Clark Sinclair. “Golfers are going to find some lush, green courses and no issues with cart paths or anything else. We are very excited.”

The George Fazio Course will be reopened in Mid-December. But the Jones Course and the Hills Course are open.

If you book tee times today, you can take advantage of special December rates. Recently the resort was ranked by one national publication as among the Top 20 resorts in the South.

Palmetto Dunes Resort has many activities besides golf if your traveling with a non-golfer, or if your looking for activities before or after golf. For more information on the reopening of Palmetto Dunes Resort on Hilton Head Island or the three golf courses please visit Palmettodunes.com or call (877)-567-6513.

The 11th hole on the new course at Talamore Resort in the Village of Pinehurst.

Happy 25th Anniversary to the Talamore Resort in Pinehurst North Carolina.

The resort that opened in 1991 with a stellar Rees Jones design, has seen changes to the course that were completed this summer.

The green complexes have been changes from bent grass to Champion Bermuda.

As part of the project Talamore removed a number of bunkers from the original layout, and reshaped area’s in a more forgiving way for the golfers that will play it. Talamore is now allowing full golf cart access to all holes, and improved cart access around the golf course.

In all 75 bunkers and a large amount of the overall sand content was taken out, as a result of less bunkers and improved cart access, pace of play average has improved around the course by around 30 minutes.

Golf All year Round at the Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle Road in Schaumburg, new indoor simulators, and Chandlers Chop House. Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000.

One popular spot for golfers is the Talamore Sodfather’s Grille, on the 19th hole. The resorts second course the Mid-South Club will have green work done. Mid-South an Arnold Palmer design has over 545 acres of tall pines.

While at Talamore there multiple options for lodging, they include the Talamore Golf Villas and the Lodges at the Mid South Club. There are other improvements that have been made around the resort for the resorts members.

“We are very excited about all the changes at Talamore and Mid South,” said Matt Hausser, Talamore Resort’s General Manager.” “Our goal is to provide a user-friendly resort that our guests want to return to year in and year out. We consider The New Course at Talamore and the Mid-South Club to be a very compelling one-two punch.”

For more information call (800)-552-6292 or see TalamoreGolfResort.com.

  THE SCHAUMBURG Golf Club and Academy announces it’s new indoor golf facility for the winter golf season, the newest in golf simulators that give you a real golf feel from the tee through the putting, for more information schaumburggolf.com or (847)-885-9000. The MCQ’S DOME in Bolingbrook is back and converted to golf for the winter season, the targets are up and ready to take your best shot, McQ’s Golf BBQ and OTB are back and running, so stop in hit the golf ball, or take a lesson or club fitting. Mcqsdome.com (630)-739-1592. For great food, don’t forget McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood Golf Club, open year round, and this Sunday December 4th is breakfast with Santa 10 AM-4 PM at Mistwood in the Great Hall, cost is $45 for adults and just $12 for kids that are 12 and under-reserve your place today it’s not too late. #Soldout last year.   ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the  new simulators in the Schaumburg Golf Club and on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

In 2017 the U.S. Open makes a rare appearance in the Midwest, when it visits Erin Hills in late June.

In preparation for the championship, Erin Hills closed a couple of weeks early in fall. In an unprecedented move by ownership, the club will not open for public play until after the championship is complete.

The opening date had previously been listed as July 11th, 2017, the new opening date is now July 1st. if you would like to be among the first golfers to play Erin Hills after the completion of the U.S. Open call now to (866)-772-4769. You can begin booking overnight stays at Erin Hills now as well, try a cottage for groups.

The US Open trophy has visited Erin Hills.

Tickets for the U.S. Open are now on sale and make a great holiday gift, for ticket information USGA.org/tickets.

Visit the website for individual tickets or for corporate hospitality tickets.

The Erin Hills pro shop has some U.S. Open merchandise on sale already, if you wish to shop for U.S. Open merchandise or Erin Hills merchandise that does not have U.S. Open logo’s on it, please visit the shop between 9-5 PM Monday-Friday through Jan. 6th. The golf shop will be open on Saturday December 10th from 10 Am to 3 Pm.

 The 2017 U.S. Open logo, the Erin Hills Clubhouse and home of the pro shop where you can find Erin Hills and U.S. Open Merchandise. Come to the US Open, in US Open logo’d merchandise, a great holiday gift. Visit Erinhills.com today.

Schaumburggolf.com

It’s one of the best charities in golf, and it helps grow the sport of golf across the world.

The Western Golf Association (WGA) has been running the Western Open or the BMW Championship for over 100 years. For many years the Evans Scholarships have been sought by many high school and college age kids trying to earn a ride to college. In some cases it’s the difference between some kids being able to attend college or not going at all.

Schaumburg Tournament Course Par 3, 6th hole.

This year the WGA has announced that the contribution from the championship was $2.8 million dollars.

The 2016 BMW Championship was contested at the Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel Indiana. In 2017 the championship moved back to Lake Forest Illinois and the Conway Farms Golf Club.

The largest fundraiser for the Evans Scholarship Fund is named after golf great Chick Evans, is currently the BMW Championship.

Schaumburg GC General Manager Jon Parsons sets up the new simulators for play.                                                             This years BMW championship drew over 120,000 spectators to Crooked Stick. Since BMW has joined the championship as it’s title sponsor, it has helped raise $24.4 million dollars.Current and former Evans Scholars worked in various capacities through out the tournament, with them donating much of their tips back into the foundation. This amount of money raised over $1 million dollars. Many of scholars worked at the putting challenge to raise additional funds.

The new simulators at the Schaumburg Golf Club, downstairs from Chandlers Chop House.                                                                                                ” We are proud to once again contribute to a cause that does so much good for so many deserving caddies and their families,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA Senior VP of Tournaments. “The tremendous support we received from Indiana golf fans and the local regional corporate communities helps ensure the Evans Scholars Foundation is able to continue awarding full tuition and housing scholarships to young men and women.”

The dates for next years BMW Championship at Conway Farms have now been set for September 12-17 of 2017. 2016 champion Dustin Johnson is expected to defend his title at Conway Farms. For more information on the Western Golf Association and the Evans Scholars Foundation please visit WGAESF.com.

Futures site for the BMW Championship include in 2018 the Aronimink Golf Club near Philadelphia, and in 2019 the Medinah Country Club in the northwest suburban Chicago area.

THE GOG BLOG is written by Editor and Director of Content, Rory Spears. Follow Rory on facebook, linkedin and twitter @gogblogguy.

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB & ACADEMY is making the golf season go year round now with new indoor additions in the lower level of the clubhouse. Three, top of the line simulators have been added, so you and your favorite foursome can play all the destination courses you have always wanted to play. Play golf, get fitted, take a lesson while enjoying the best in food and beverage from Chandlers Chophouse on the main floor, for more information call (847)-885-9000 or see schaumburggolf.com. #golfallyear. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the Schaumburg Golf Club and on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

The last several weeks viewers have enjoyed watching the Driver vs Driver program on The Golf Channel.

This golf reality show pitted several teams against one another to design a new driver for the Chicago based Wilson Sporting Goods company, with the winning team or person taking home a cool $500,000 dollars.

The winner was named in the sixth and final episode on Tuesday night before Thanksgiving. This done with the intent of having the winning driver, named Triton in the stores, the pro shops and ready to be purchased last week on Black Friday.

The new Wilson Triton Driver, with adjustable settings.

But as Triton hit the shelf’s and Wilson Golf hit the floor running last Friday, one problem immediately popped up.

The word came out that the United States Golf Association (USGA) had not yet ruled the driver to be a conforming and legal to put in play driver.

As a result some stores and pro shops took Triton off the floor and announced they will not sell the driver until the USGA issues a favorable ruling.

While it seems that the USGA will eventually rule in favor of Wilson and the Triton driver, the question is when ? Everyday during the holiday season that Triton sits on the sidelines, benched by the USGA, are turning into costly days for Wilson Golf, pro shops and golf retail stores. Not to mention frustrated golfers wanting to purchase the newest hot driver on the market.

  WILSON GOLF GM Tim Clarke (L) is working with the USGA to move the process along as quickly as possible. (R) Welcome to Far Hills New Jersey home of the USGA and it’s research testing facility.

 The outside of the USGA testing facility, with the newest version of the Iron Byron testing machine (R). One of the machines that will test out the new Triton Driver.

  The USGA testing lab, where conforming tests are run (L), along with another hitting bay to test hit clubs. The doors can be opened so long shots fly out on to the USGA range.

After the story broke on the weekend that Triton was still not yet conforming, Golfers on Golf contacted both the USGA and Tim Clarke for statements regarding the situation and requesting comment.

Visit USGA.org to learn more about the United States Golf Association

As of now, the USGA is currently not making USGA Managing Director of Club Testing John Spitzer available for comment, but might do so in the future if the situation requires it.

Through a spokesman the USGA did issue the following statement in regards to the new Wilson Triton Driver.

“Wilson has submitted the club for conformance testing and it is going through the standard review process. Since the testing process is confidential and it is still underway, we would not be able to provide anyone (Spitzer) to discuss the Triton Driver.”

Tim Clarke told Golfers on Golf he will leave tomorrow (Wednesday) and head to Far Hills and USGA headquarters for meetings with the USGA about Triton. As of press time on this story, he plans further comment on Thursday.

The Gog Blog will continue to follow developments regarding the USGA making the Triton Driver a conforming golf club.

 TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE for the NCAA Golf National Championships in May of 2017, at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, come see the final four two weeks in a row, first the women then the men from May 19th until the 31st, visit NCAA.com/tickets to purchase today. The new Sierra custom Putters by Sentio, see Sentiogolf.com.          _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on facebook, linkedin and twitter @GogBlogGuy.

Did you get your golf shopping done over the weekend, or on Black Friday. Maybe it’s time for the golf community to create a “Green” day, to buy golf things during the holiday season. Just a thought.

Today and tomorrow the weather is a bit shaky, cloudy and maybe rainy. But in the 50’s and warm enough for some outdoor golf, maybe take a shot if you still are looking for that last outdoor round of 9 or 18 holes.

If not the domes are open and you can head inside, and check out the improvements at places like McQ’s in Bolingbrook, Links & Tee’s in Addison, or on the new simulators at the Schaumburg Golf Club.

 THE NEW WILSON TRITON DRIVER, you saw it be named the winner in the recent Driver vs Driver contest on the golf reality show on The Golf Channel. The winning designer won $500,000, and Wilson staffer and PGA Touring professional Kevin Streelman says he will start his 2017 PGA Tour season with the new Triton Driver in his golf bag. (Above Right is Wilson Golf GM Tim Clarke who announced the winner in the final episode of the six-part series.

    The USGA Test Center in Far Hills New Jersey (L), the modern version of the “Iron Byron” club testing machine, which will be getting a work out with the new Triton Driver.

HOLD THE PRESSES… it seems that Golfweek Magazine reported first over the weekend, that the Triton that went up for sale on Black Friday as Wilson advertised and promoted that it would, is “not yet” USGA conforming. As a result some golf stores and golf course pro shops have pulled the club off it’s racks until the USGA gives it’s seal of approval, which according to Golfweek could be weeks away.

According to Clarke this is a cross over in timing, and full USGA approval is expected, but the question remains when, and if approval is not received, what happens to Triton and or what adjustments will get made and can it get back on the shelves before Christmas in the stores and shops that are supposed to be carrying it.

GOLFERS ON GOLF has made requests for comment from Tim Clarke at Wilson Golf and John Spitzer the USGA Managing Director of Equipment Standards, and hopes to post an update on this site later today after hearing from both parties.

The new Mistwood Clubhouse in Romeoville.

Daniel Wohlfeil who designed the new Mistwood GC clubhouse and has been retained to design the new Chicago Highlands Clubhouse, has now been selected to design the new clubhouse for the golf course, which will be renamed to replace Oak Meadows in Addison.

Wohlfeil will produce several options for the DuPage County Forest Preserve District to review, before the board of directors makes it’s final decision.

SINCERE CONDOLENCES to my Golfers on Golf Radio broadcast partner Bill Berger and his family on the unexpected passing of his 10 year old grandson this past Friday.

The Gog Blog Returns this week… RS

The cover of The Gift of Golf, the book by Peggy Kirk Bell her life story.

With some high profile passing’s in the last few hours, a couple of losses in the golf world have gone a little under the radar.

To catch you up, Peggy Kirk Bell the owner of the Pine Needles, and Mid Pines golf resorts in Southern Pines NC, and an LPGA Hall of Fame member has passed away at age 95.

Bell died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family on Wednesday night in her home.

Bell had an outstanding career on the golf course, and continued to contribute to the game during her years of resort ownership.

Pine Needles a wonderful property with a classic Donald Ross design golf course, has hosted 3 U.S. Women’s Opens. Into her 90’s Bell would still stop on the range and help golfers with their golf swings.

For more information there are statements by her son-in-law Kelly Miller, on the Mid Pines and Pine Needles resort websites, and a story from in the Pinehurst newspaper the Pilot. There have been no statements by the family yet, as what might be the business direction of both resorts going forward.

JERRY PALMER even though he was 15 years younger than his more famous brother Arnold Palmer, Jerry Palmer passed away on Thanksgiving at the age of 72 only some 60 days after his brother.

Jerry never quite had the game his brother had on the golf course, but he was a golf course superintendent and belonged to the ASGCS. Jerry Palmer served in that capacity at Latrobe CC home of his more famous brother for several years.

THE GOG BLOG returns on Monday. RORY SPEARS

    THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @Gog BlogGuy, and to golf resorts like Innisbrook in Palm Harbor Florida, home of the Copperhead Golf Course (L). The comeback journey does continue for Wilson Golf, with the release of the latest Wilson winner, the new Triton Driver, winner of the Driver vs Driver Contest.

  Wilson winners include Golf GM Tim Clarke (L) and Illinois Golf Coach and IPGA Section Champion and Wilson staff player Mike Small (R).

PALM HARBOR, FL – MARCH 17: Kevin Streelman holds the trophy after winning the Tampa Bay Championship at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club on March 17, 2013 in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Kevin Streelman a two-time winner on the PGA Tour holds the trophy after winning the Valspar Championship, Streelman is a Wilson Staff player and will play the new Wilson Triton Driver on the PGA Tour in 2017. Three time major champion Padraig Harrington  another Wilson Staff player, was impressed by the club but no word yet if he will use it on tour come next year.

                            The new Wilson Triton Driver, and winner Eric Sillies with his wife on the final episode of Driver vs Driver, that was filmed at Cantigny Golf in Wheaton.

If there ever was a great golf reality show, it was Driver vs Driver on The Golf Channel for the last 7 weeks. According to Wilson Golf GM Tim Clarke, over 300 people entered the contest to design a new driver for Wilson Golf and win $500,000 dollars in first place prize money.

The contestants ranged from engineers to golf professionals to college students to took on the contest like it was a school project, not everyone who submitted an entry even played golf.

In the end, the contest came down to a couple of outstanding entries, one submitted by winner Eric Sillies (The Triton Driver) and the other by Gavin Wallin (The Pivot), and even though Sillies won the contest, the driver that Wallin entered seemed to be a pretty good product in it’s own right.

Click here to hear the interview with Wilson Golf General Manager Tim Clarke on the golf reality show Driver vs Driver, that concluded last night on The Golf Channel.

Good news for all of you that enjoyed the show but wished that you could have entered a design of your own, Clarke has not ruled out a future show that could be something like, Iron vs Iron, Wedge vs Wedge, Putter vs Putter, or the same concept with fairway metals or hybrids. Let’s hope Wilson does just that.

Golfers listen to the interview for locations, or visit the Wilson Golf website for locations, but the new Triton Driver is now on the market, you can order them starting in just hours come Black Friday.

But with any golf club and Clarke also strongly recommends this with Triton or any golf club, but especially with Triton, because there are so many moving parts and adjustable weights, do get fitted by a fitting professional before you purchase your driver or other clubs and head out to the golf course.

If you missed the show or some episodes of the show, do golf visit The Golf Channel and click around until you find where you can watch past shows.

The Chad Johansen putting studio at Blackberry Oaks, also see Chad’s inventions at Perfectputtingaid.com and guideforgolf.com, Chad is located at Blackberry Oaks GC in Bristol.

Illinois PGA Professional and Blackberry Oaks General Manager Chad Johansen is not only a golf professional but a golf aid inventor.

Johansen has created the Perfect Putting Aid, used by over 100 PGA Tour professionals, including both reigning open champions.

Now comes his latest creation the Guide for Golf, take a lesson when and where you need it, focusing on the issue you are having that day.

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to Harbor Shores Golf Club and the Harbor Shores Hotel, facebook, linkedin and twitter @GogBlogGuy.

What was once a garbage dump, is now an area that has a lot to be thankful for.

The Harbor Shores Golf Club in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph’s Michigan continues to grow, and it all started with the building of a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course.

The latest and great at Harbor Shores is called Harbor Village, the seventh and latest as well as the largest development at the site is about to begin making progress.

Harbor Village will offer a variety of single family homes, townhouses and more, this area will open to residents next summer. The Harbor Village properties like the others will be connected to the waterfront and other activities in the area.

This area like the others around the golf course and the renovated harbor, should be attractive to younger families, empty-nest couples and retired families.

Single family homes will range from $300,000 to $550,000 and townhouses from the high $200,000 range to over $500,000. Model homes of all designs should be available to tour by fall of 2017.

Harbor Shores has been quickly growing since it’s inception in 2010, most of the inventory in the Trailside, Hideaway and Fairways area’s has been selling fast and is over 80% sold out. Many of the lots remaining do have views of certain holes on the golf course.

The Senior PGA Championship sponsored by area Kitchen-Aid and Whirlpool will continue to be played at the Nicklaus Golf Course. The championship was won this year by Rocco Mediate and will contested again on the course in 2018-2020-2022 and 2024. this coming year Mediate will defend his title at Trump National in Washington DC.

For more information on the Golf Club at Harbor Shores the Sr. PGA Championship and living in the communities of Harbor Shores please see harborshoreslife.com.

 DO YOU HAVE your golf holiday ornaments. Gift the holiday gift of golf through Kohler Golf ornaments by Cassy Tully, see Cassytully.com. The new Titleist 917 Driver and Fairway metals, now available at pro shops and golf retail stores visit Titleist.com.          _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG, by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to the new Oak Meadows (name to change) in 2017, facebook, linkedin and twitter @GogBlogGuy

In the past week the Illinois PGA has elected it’s new officers for 2017.

Golfers on Golf would like to congratulate the following section professionals.

Mark Labiak from Ruth Lake Country Club on being elected president.

Jim Miller from Bloomington GC on being elected vice-president.

Nick Papadakas from Onwentsia Country Club on being elected as secretary.

The following section professionals were elected to serve as board members, Ian Grant of TMP Golf Academy.

Dennis Johnsen from Pine Meadow Golf Club, and Steve Orrick from the Country Club of Decatur.

During a ceremony at Medinah Country Club in October, Casey Brozek from the Country Club of Crystal Lake was named the Illinois PGA professional of the year.