WHO NEED’S TWO …or more, or a tent. Two great national championships coming here to the Midwest in 2017. Starting in May at Rich Harvest Farms the NCAA men’s and Women’s National Championship’s in back-to-back weeks. Experience two Final Fours and a lot of fun from May 19-31, NCAA.com/tickets. The U.S. Open makes a rare Midwest appearance at Erin Hills in June, get your tickets today at USGA.org/tickets.     ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG, by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory to places like the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington PA., and to Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

When one looks out the window and see’s another sunny day that’s a good thing, then when one see’s the thermometer and it’s only 34 degrees outside, and then looks at the date on the calendar, reality sets in. Outdoor golf season is likely over, and in the Chicago area that mean’s it’s golf dome season.

The golf domes in the Chicago area are pretty good, and there are several to pick from.

The old standard is the White Pines Golf Dome in Bensenville on Jefferson Street between York Road and Rt.83. The more modern domes are McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook, on Rt.53 north of the Stevenson (Rt. 55), and Links and Tee’s on Lake Avenue in Addison. The Buffalo Grove Dome on Rt. 83 is always another option.

  McQ’s Dome in Bolingbrook is part of the McWethy Golf operation that also includes the award winning Mistwood Golf and McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood in Romeoville. The Buffalo Grove Dome is part of the Buffalo Grove Park District.

 The Links & Tee’s Golf Facility on Lake Street in Addison has opened the golf dome for the winter golf season, Links & Tee’s is one the area’s premier golf domes, and is a multi-time GRAA (Golf Range Association America) Award winner.

Now I’m hoping next week Mother Nature will give us a quick day or two of over 50 so we can play outdoor golf one more time, I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

THE WEEKLY ONLINE GOLF PUBLICATION GLOBAL GOLF POST, is out again this week and has a link to a scary story in the USA Today by Christine Brennan, regarding the USGA and the 2017 US Women’s Open and the president-elect. If that’s all Brennan can come up with, she can do the great sport of golf a favor and WD before she get’s DQ’d. She has already missed the cut with many golfers, men and women alike.

BIG 3 Partner Len Ziehm, writer of lenziehmongolf.com

ON THE MOVE and it’s the Ziehm Machine.

BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm the name behind lenziehmongolf.com and yes there is a facebook page under that name as well, is on the move.

After spending a good chunk of the last five winters in sunny Florida, Ziehm decided to get closer to the action in the sunshine state.

Congrats to Len on buying a new clubhouse in Florida near the PGA of America Hall of Fame in Port. St. Lucie Florida. Ziehm has already attended the media day and written about the renovation of the Pete Dye Course (now reopened) at PGA Village on his website.

The only downside is that plans to install a backyard putting green have been hampered by a 8-9 foot gator that loves to reside during the sun-bathing hours in Len’s backyard. Hellooo…critter control 🙂

Ziehm will be lodging during the cold months in Florida, and then coming back up to Illinois for over 4 months in the summer to remain on top of golf season in the Midwest. Len’s work in the Daily Herald, Chicagoland Golf and the CDGA Magazine will continue.

Former Illinois PGA Professional Mike Jones is the Director of Golf at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington PA.

ON THE MEND..Get well wishes to to former Illinois PGA professional Mike Jones.

Jones who wrapped up 8 years on Maui in Hawaii this spring, and came back to the mainland to take over as Director of Golf at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington PA., recently had some knee and hip surgery.

Rehab is underway and Jones reports that he will be 100% by April and back on the golf course. About 3 months ahead of the opening of the new Pete Dye Course at Nemacolin that is scheduled for a July 1st opening. The new course that sits next to the #1 you can play course in Pennsylvania called Mystic Rock, has been named Shepherd’s Rock. For more information on this destination resort please visit Nemacolin.com.

IN PREPARATION for the holiday rush, if you are shopping for the golfers in your favorite foursome, and or in your life or family, please read our column from two weeks back on how to do it. Save yourself time and money by getting it right the first time.

The Gog Blog Returns this week, and keep warm everyone. RS

  Sentio Putters are now on the market, which style fits you. See Sentiogolf.com. Is your holiday party booked yet, still some open dates at White Pines, visit whitepinesgolf.com. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. Myrtle Beach starting to feel like a good idea as Chicago cools down.

The Gog Blog is starting to feel like it’s time to head south, as the cool air is settling into the Chicago area.

For those of you who will enjoy Thanksgiving and then move on to Florida or Arizona, enjoy, your golf season continues.

The Gog Blog will head to Florida in late January for the PGA Merchandise show, in the meantime for those of you about to start holiday shopping, the Gog Blog will try and pass along some golf ideas and places to shop. So stay clicked in.

From all of us at Cog Hill in Lemont.

The annual Cog Hill Christmas and holiday sale will be held on Saturday December 3rd from 10 Am to 3 Pm. There is free gift wrapping for those who need it, and punch bowl will be out with the famed Cog Hill holiday punch free of charge.

Cog Hill has also announced that the famed “Eskimo Open” will played this year on Sunday January 8th, call Cog Hill or visit Coghillgolf.com to sign up, hopefully the weather won’t have the course waist deep in snow so you won’t have to play with orange golf balls.

McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood on Renwick Road in Romeoville.

You might have heard of the golf show on The Golf Channel being sponsored by Wilson Golf, it’s called Driver vs Driver. Where the winner will be announced this coming week, see local listings for show times.

In Romeoville on November 30th, there is something else that will hit home to the taste buds of golfers. Beer vs Beer, and no the pro or the owner of Mistwood will not be the judge. YOU ARE. Revolution Brewing of Chicago, takes on Firestone Walker Brewing of Paso Robles California, there is four courses of culinary talent, and five courses of beer from the two breweries. The battle starts at 6:30 and cost is just $50 per person at McWethy’s Tavern (815)-254-7001 or McWethysTavern.com for more details.

ALSO FROM THE MISTWOOD/MCQ’S scene.. Black Friday sale this Friday Nov. 25th, doors open at 8 AM at McQ’s Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. The 2nd annual Breakfast with Santa in the Great Hall at Mistwood Sunday December 4th, 10 Am to 4 Pm this event sold out last year, Adults $45, Kids 12 and under just $12.

FROM THE DESK OF KEMPERSPORTS… Don Crowe has rejoined the company and will serve as the new General manager at Bandon Dunes in Bandon Oregon, he will become the the resorts third GM in 17 years, following Hank Hickox and Josh Lesnik. Crowe previously served at 5 KemperSports properties including the Glen Club.

Vince Juarez has been named by KSM to serve as the new GM at the Deerpath Golf Course in Lake Forest, that is under going several improvements and has been over the last few years. Juarez previously worked at Fox Lake Country Club in Fox Lake.

The historic Carolina Hotel at the Pinehurst Resort. Pinehurst.com

Pinehurst has announced the new Evergreen meeting package, with specials through March 4th of 2017.

Is it time for your next business setting to be at some place elegant and historical, with top level golf as the backdrop.

If so, check out the Evergreen Package at Pinehurst, where it’s always a beautiful day.

For more information please call Don Bostic at (910)-235-8508 or (800)-659-4653. You can email Don at Don.Bostic@Pinehurst.com.

The American Club in Kohler Wisconsin. Americanclubresort.com

If your ready for your next getaway, either this winter or you just want to book that 2017 golf trip now, well good news, you can.

Kohler is offering some winter escapes and now you can book your tee time to play Whistling Straits in 2017, the course that hosted three PGA Championships and will host the 2020 Ryder Cup.

Destinationkohler.com or call (888)-293-7337.

Thefirstteegreaterchicago.org

The First Tee Program of Greater Chicago is having a support day on November 29th.

The First Tee is hoping for donations of at least $20, in honor of the First Tee’s 20th Anniversary in 2017.

The First Tee is an development initiative of the World Golf Foundation and is supported by many of the leading organizations in the sport of golf. Donations have a positive impact on the lives of young children and golfers to be for decades to come.

                                                                 Evanston Illinois based Links Capital Advisors and Chris Charnas are proud to announced they are handling the sale of the Michigan based Manistee National Golf & Resort in Manistee Michigan, the property includes 36 holes of golf and and a lodge that includes 42 guest rooms now available for under 2 million dollars. Contact Chris at (847)-866-7192 or at Chris@linkscaptialadvisors.com.

The Gog Blog Returns on Monday… RS

 NEED 2, OR MORE well you can order your tickets to the 2017 NCAA National Championships of Golf right now, come and see the nation’s best Men and Women’s golfers at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove next May, see NCAA.com/tickets to purchase now. Sentio Putters are on the market, which one is for you Sentiogolf.com.     ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. On the 18th at the DuPage County Course formerly known as Oak Meadows, that will reopen in 2017 with a new name.

IS IT OVER, that’s the question golfers in the Chicago area are asking themselves this morning as the temperatures have plunged into the 30’s.

Originally it was supposed to be a high of 35 today but now it should be 41, but even that is a little chilly for 18 holes. As a result some courses are not opening their doors this weekend.

Tomorrow is not supposed to be much better, with temps around the same and Monday has only a small improvement. I suppose there is a chance Mother Nature might open the window for a brief 36 hours of temperatures in the Mid-50’s or even 60 yet, but before that happens it’s likely most of the golf courses in the area will have closed for the winter. The golf domes and the proshops will be open, taking gift card or membership orders, or maybe selling off some leftover golf shirts and hats at discount prices in time for the holidays, do take advantage while you can. Cog Hill will hold it’s big Christmas and Holiday sale on Saturday December 2nd, from 10-3 PM. Free wrapping if needed, plus you can’t beat the holiday punch, and that’s free.

  THE PAR 3, 12TH HOLE AT BLACKBERRY OAKS (L) and the Chad Johansen putting lab complete with a Perfect Putting Aid (PPA) inside of the Blackberry Oaks clubhouse.

I used some vacation days this past week to play 54 holes while that last blast of warm weather was with us. It was only the second time this year I got to play 3 straight days, it’s amazing how quickly your game can round into shape when you play a few days in a row.

WEDNESDAY: Blackberry Oaks, Bristol. I ended a nine day drought of not playing by heading out to Blackberry Oaks, always nice to see Chad Johansen the GM and head golf professional at “The Oaks”. I was at the grand opening of the course in 1993, and did not return until 3 years ago, when I got rained out on the sixth hole. By the time the rain stopped, a few holes were underwater so this time it was nice to get all 18 in.

Chad Johansen in the Putting Lab at Blackberry Oaks.

Johansen is one of the up and coming stars of the local IPGA Section.

Not only has he moved up from assistant pro to head professional and now to general manager, but he has created two really helpful game improvement aids.

First up is the Perfect Putting Aid, and over 100 PGA Tour professionals have one, including the reigning champions of both opens.

I have one in my office and I’m not sure there is a better putting aid on the market, if your putting has struggled or the junior golfer in your family wants to take the next step towards a spot on the golf team, or towards a college scholarship, make sure they have a Perfect Putting Aid, available online or in the Blackberry Oaks pro shop that can be reached at (630)-553-7170. Perfectputtingaid.com is also and option.

Johansen more recently created the Guide For Golf, that allows you to pull up golf lessons via your phone or computer whenever or wherever you need them. If your somewhere warm this winter, and need a quick fix, you need to be subscribe to the Guide For Guide through Guideforgolf.com. which is another great Christmas or holiday gift.

Johansen has created one of the better junior golf programs in the Chicago area, and the Chad Johansen golf Academy is one way the kids are getting involved and getting better on and off the golf course.

THURSDAY: Schaumburg Golf Club, Schaumburg. I had not played Schaumburg Golf Club in some 15 or 16 years, I didn’t remember much of the golf course but it’s a facility that deserves more props from us golf media types. General Manager and head professional Jon Parsons and his staff have earned it, but somehow Schaumburg has flown under the radar a little bit in the big picture. But apparently not among area golfers as the club does near 55,000 rounds a year, after my recent visit I’m not surprised by that total. Off the course Chandlers Restaurant looks pretty good as well.

 TOURNAMENT COURSE HOLE 6 THE PAR 3, and GM Jon Parsons showing off the new downstairs simulator and party area, open year round to help you get some swings in while the cold and snow are piled up outside all winter long.

The Schaumburg Golf Club simulator and indoor golf area, downstairs in the clubhouse.

In 2017 Schaumburg will start the first phase of a 3-year renovation program, nine holes at a time. The club is still working through the permitting program with county and Army Corp of Engineers so they don’t know which nine (Tournament-Baer or Players) will start getting dug up in June of next year, but I expect that in three years, Schaumburg will be among the area’s better public courses from top to bottom.  The course can be reached at (847)-885-9000.

FRIDAY: Prairie Landing Golf Club, West Chicago. I played the course in 1995 for the Grand Opening and ended up T-2 with a 13 under par score in a scramble, lost out to the team that had the mayor of West Chicago on it. After a long absence went back and played the course in 2008 with BIG 3 partner Len Ziehm, while the course was still nice not much had changed or been improved in 13 years. That is not something you can say anymore.

 THE NEW CART PATHS at Prairie Landing were just being finished yesterday and there is not a smoother cart path ride in the area (L). The new short game area in between the practice holes has added even more to the Prairie Landing Golf Club designed by Robert Trent Jones II.

Prairie Landings golf operation manager, JR Starnes has had an interesting season since taking over his position at the club. There were a few major staff changes and the year started with media types like yours truly reporting that the course was going to shut down for good.

Fortunately for Starnes and golfers everywhere that proved not to be the case. As a deal was reached and the company that had sought the land that is currently the golf course, no longer required it.

It was just two years ago, that a major bunker renovation was completed and there had been a major money commitment to keep improving the club. It would have been a shame to see all that go to waste.

The Par 5, 18th hole at Prairie Landing. The third shot requires an approach between a large pond and multiple bunkers.

When the good news about the club staying open for years to come, it was fun to be a part of spreading the good news.

Prairie Landing was a fun course to play my last outdoor round of golf for the 2016 season, if Mother nature doesn’t let us back outside for another round or two before the snow arrives and we are celebrating the Christmas holidays.

It is always fun to play outdoor golf in December around Chicago, if for no other reason to look around and feel the enjoyment of playing golf in Chicago at that time of year.

Prairie Landing Golf Club that enjoyed it’s 20th Anniversary in 2015, is not only a great place to golf, but excellent for banquets and special events. For more information on Prairie Landing call (630)-208-7600, or Prairielanding.com.

The three courses I played to maybe end the year of outside golf, all made me glad I had returned after not having played them in years, and you should visit courses you have not played a while including the three I above, even if it doesn’t come until 2017. RS.

 GET YOUR TICKETS NOW for the 2017 NCAA Championships at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. Two great weeks of golf as both the Men and Women battle for the national title, visit NCAA.com/Tickets. If your putting needs work, why not try the best putting aid on the market, the Perfect Putting Aid by Chad Johansen. It’s used by over 100 PGA Tour players including the reigning open champions. Perfectputtingaid.com.    _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy with the new Titleist 917 Driver at the Schaumburg Golf Club.

Each year there are new products on the market for golfers to try, the USGA receives many requests to approve new clubs, balls and shoes. These products have to fit USGA standards before they get approval to be on the market.

One of the latest products to get approval and hit the golf market is the new Sentio Putters.

If you haven’t heard of Sentio you soon will as their popularity spreads across the country. Sentio is making a name quickly and they have only been on the market a few months this year. The company is just starting to ramp up their promotion of the putter line.

Sentio Putters come in different colors depending the firmness you want.

Launched on September 20th Sentio Putters are catching the eyes of golfers everywhere.

It’s catching the eye of those in the golf media and those running various club contests.

President and CEO Jim Varney is very pleased with the initial response the putters have received.

The patented “Dynamic Response” technology isolates the entire face with a dampening polymer core, providing intuitive distance control and exceptional feel. Where does the exceptional feel come from, besides the insert in the middle of the putter that creates a new kind of feel though the putting stroke.

According to Varney and Sentio it comes from the different styles of putters Sentio has created, and the different styles are color coded. (See picture above).

Sentio Putters front-back and side.

The color coding is so golfers get the fit and feel they personally want. There is no one size, one weight, one length fits all plan with Sentio.

The new Sierra 101 is made in three different models, this allows golfers to color code their putter to the type of courses that they play most often.

GREEN/SOFT, this design is made with a Buttery-soft core, it’s a natural for those who are used to playing with a putter that has an insert, or putt on fast greens.

RED/MEDIUM a middle-feel design for playing greens that are not to fast and or not to slow or too soft.

BLUE/FIRM is designed for golfers who play slow greens on a regular basis, and require a more solid feel.

Click here to hear our interview with Sentio Golf CEO Jim Varney.

Golfers on Golf will have more on Sentio Putters after our hands on review is complete. For more information see Sentiogolf.com

Golfers on Golf will have more on Chicago area locations that sell Sentio Putters when this become available, Sentio hopes to have some local Chicago area partners in the short future.

 HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS of Kohler Golf by Cassy Tully see Cassytully.com. The Nemacolin Woodlands Resort will be opening it’s second Pete Dye Designed Golf Course on July 1 of 2017. 36 holes open for play, see Nemacolin.com Farmington PA. _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. At the Blackwolf Run Clubhouse.

The PGA of America recent held it’s 100th PGA Annual Meeting in New York.

During those meetings Paul Levy of Indian Wells, California was elected the 40th President of the PGA of America.

Prior to being president he served as vice president and secretary. Levy is the CEO and General Manager of the Toscana Country Club.

Suzy Whaley moved up from secretary to vice president. Whaley is the Director of Suzy Whaley Golf in Cromwell Connecticut.

Entering the chain of officers in the secretary position is Jim Richerson the General Manager and Group Director  of Golf At Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run in Wisconsin. Richerson has previously served on the PGA Board of Directors.

Jim Richerson heads up the golf team at Kohler Company.

Richerson manages the day-to-day golf business for Kohler Company.

As a previous member of the PGA’s Board of Directors, he was part of the PGA Budget Committee, Investment Committee and as Chair of the Golf Properties Committee.

In 2013 and 2016 Richerson was named the Wisconsin PGA Section Golf Professional of the Year. In other years Richerson was named the PGA of Wisconsin Sections Horton Smith and Bill Strausbaugh awards.

Richerson’s career has moved him around the country, and he has worked with top PGA professionals in nine sections. He will oversee Kohler’s preparation’s for the 2020 Ryder Cup matches that will be contested at Whistling Straits.

For more information on the PGA and it’s officers and board of directors visit PGA.com.

All of us at Golfers on Golf congratulate Jim Richerson on his appointment as National Secretary of the PGA of America. Golf is in better place as a result.

  WHO NEEDS 2, or more tickets for the U.S. Open. The 2017 U.S. Open makes a rare Midwest appearance at Erin Hills in Wisconsin. The U.S. Open will NOT be back in the Midwest area for at least 10 years. To purchase tickets today see USGA.org/tickets.       ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. With the Western Amateur Sweet 16 trophy at Rich Harvest Farms

The national championships of the NCAA and the Final Four are coming to Sugar Grove and to Jerry Rich’s, Rich Harvest Farms in 2017.

This is your chance to see the best golf teams in the county battle it out for the national championship.

Have you ever seen a final four in person, well here is your chance and there is plenty of tickets available right now. But don’t wait until the last minute and take a chance of the event selling out.

Golfers from both the men and the women’s championships will likely play on the PGA and LPGA tours in just a few years, see some of them in their days as an amateur player. Currently the University of Illinois Men’s team is #1 in the country and the Northwestern Women’s team is highly ranked as well.

Some of the other top schools expected to be in the championships are USC, Texas, California, Arizona State, Duke, Oklahoma State, Oregon and Stanford.

Click here to hear the interview with Rich Harvest Farms owner Jerry Rich on hosting the NCAA National Championships.

The dates of the two championships are May 19-24 for the Women, and May 26-31 for the Men.

Applications are being accepted for volunteers, and for tickets please visit NCAA.com/Tickets. the championship is hosted by Northern Illinois University.

             The NCAA national championship trophy (L) and ticket information for both weeks (R).    Hosted by NIU at Rich Harvest Farms.

 Golf Ornaments with a Kohler theme via artist Cassy Tully while they last, see Cassytully.com for details and information. White Pines Golf Club in Bensenville has 36 holes, still open and a fun 37th. Book your holiday parties now at Whitepinesgolf.com.    ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on facebook, linkedin and twitter @gogblogguy. On the 7th green at Mt. Prospect Golf Club.

It’s Mid-November so it’s that time of year, holiday shopping will be coming on Black Friday in less than two weeks.

Some people will start before then to beat the rush, and will be ordering online.

Based on popular demand, I have decided to write again about shopping for yourself, or for the golfer or golfers in your life.

If your shopping for the members of your regular foursome, you probably have them figured out. Player A losses a lot fo golf balls, so get him or her some. Player B needs something other than his 2002 Western Open golf shirt to wear every weekend. Player C can’t make a putt inside of two feet and really needs a new putter. Player D needs a gift card for a free round of golf because they are always complaining about how much it costs to play.

But if your golf gift ideas don’t come that easy, here is the way to do it. Save yourself some time or money now and get it right the first time.

Kohler Golf holiday ornaments created by Artist Cassy Tully, see Cassytully.com

When it comes to golf there are plenty of ways to go. There are options in golf clubs, balls, bags, towels, head covers, bag tags, pull or push carts, ball retriever, practice alignment sticks, the famous Perfect Putting Aid by Chad Johansen, golf lessons, golf outerwear in terms of jackets, pullovers, shorts, shirts, hats, caps, gloves, socks, slacks, rounds of golf, or credit toward that golf getaway or golf trip of a life time.

Even that gift card for the Friday night Fish Fry at the club is not a bad deal.

Many of the above products are or will be available with Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Champions logo’s on them. The perfect way to get two things with one gift out of the way. One thing you get now for next year, that likely you could not get for the World Series is tickets.

The NCAA trophy

The NCAA Men’s and Women’s national championships will be contested next May in 2017 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove in back to back weeks.

Tickets to go all week or just one day, or to wait until it’s down to the Final Four, are on sale NOW on line at NCAA.com/Tickets.

If you attend this event you will have so much fun that you will then want to attend the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills. Yes the U.S. Open makes a rare Midwest appearance next June at Erin Hills. Tickets at USGA.org/tickets.

Tickets will soon be on sale for other area tournaments such as the KPMG/PGA/LPGA championship at Olympia Fields for late June. In July tickets for the John Deere Classic, in September the BMW Championship returns to Conway Farms in Lake Forest.

NEXT WEEK on The Golf Channel the winner of the Wilson Sporting Goods contest of Driver vs Driver will be announced, the winning driver will be on sale as of black Friday. Wilson rep and PGA Tour player Kevin Streelman will have one in his bag when he starts play on the PGA Tour in 2017.

WAY TO SHOP… DO NOT just go buy clubs off the rack and give them to someone, especially an established regular player. Make sure they are properly fitting for the club before buying them, it will help them hit the ball longer and straighter. Golfers might prefer to play only a certain brand. Getting your golfer fitted before buying clubs, is like going to the tailor before you buy the suit.

The NEW Titleist 917 Driver, now in the pro shops and retail stores.

It doesn’t matter what kind of clubs you are buying, Woods, Irons, Wedges, Hybrids, or Putters, get fitted first.

A few of the major companies now have ball fittings as well. Golfers can be fussy about what type of ball they play, but them the right brand and type, you will be glad you did. How to know what they play, look in their bag, odds are it’s the type you see several off in the ball pocket.

As far as golf bags go, it can be the same thing as golf wear products. Some people need a certain size to carry or travel with, some want a certain company or golf course or resort logo on the product. try to find out where he or she likes to play.

The Perfect Putting Aid, by Chad Johansen.

Putting or swing aids are another option, as most but not all golfers do like to practice.

The best putting aid I have seen in over 30 years in the golf business is the Perfect Putting Aid by Chad Johansen, the head professional and GM at Blackberry Oaks in west suburban Bristol. The PPA is used by over 100 PGA Tour players, that should tell you something right there. Johansen has also created the Guide for Golf, a way to take the lesson you need, when you need it, see Guideforgolf.com or chadjohansen.com.

Clothes, just check on sizes and go from there. Some brands are better than others, and make sure you get something they can wear while trying to swing, on hot, cold, rainy or windy days.

Does your golfer need to getaway, for a destination trip. Gift card or book the trip, if you don’t play make sure that gift card to the golf resort, includes a shopping spree or spa visit for you.

Pictures, posters or golf paintings is another option. For example golf artist Cassy Tully in Wisconsin has golf art from Kohler and some other name golf properties. See cassytully.com.

Some golfers can enjoy food and beverage before during or after golf. Make sure he or she has her favorite golf wine, beer, cigars, a can of Arnold Palmer (iced tea/lemonade), or Jack Nicklaus ice cream now in 14 flavors.

Golf books are out on the market in numbers, getting your golfer the right book is a good idea, if you order soon enough sometimes you can get them autographed by the author.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS on how to shop for yourself or your favorite golfer, contact me via Rory Spears on Facebook, Linkedin and or Twitter @gogblogguy. Make your favorite golfer or golfers holiday one to remember. RS

  THE NEW TITLEIST 917 DRIVER Now on the market and in the pro shops and retail golf stores, see Titleist.com. White Pines Golf Club in Bensenville 36 holes on the course and a 37th in the clubhouse, see whitepinesgolf.com. Book Holiday Parties Now ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on facebook, linkedin and twitter @GogBlogGuy. With Artist Cassy Tully at the Ryder Cup.

THE GOG BLOG’S Sunday Morning Short Game is back for November.

Keeping up with golf news as we towards the end of the outdoor golf season, and prepare to go into the domes, and other places to play some indoor golf.

Are you ready for new equipment, where there is some on the market, and some coming soon. Like the new driver by Wilson Sports, that be released on Black Friday. The new driver will be the winner of the Driver vs Driver contest being shown on the Golf Channel.

Now on the market is the new Titleist 917 Driver that is getting rave reviews for it’s distance and control, go hit a new 917 before you purchase any driver in this off season.

If your starting to think holidays there are plenty of options out there for you, and I encourage you to pass around the proper shopping instructions to friends ans family so they don’t waste time buying you the wrong things, so you end up returning them after the holidays. Our column holiday shopping comes out tomorrow.

  NEED HOLIDAY GOLF ORNAMENTS well Kohler area artist Cassy Tully has created her 2016 line of golf ornaments, if you enjoy Kohler and the four championship Pete Dye courses, see her holiday designs at Cassytully.com. Several options to pick from.

ILLINOIS MEN’S GOLF continues on a roll. Mike Small’s team recently competed in the East Lake Cup Challenge, shown live on The Golf Channel. After knocking off Texas, Illinois beat Oregon for the title, these wins should put Illinois back at #1 after falling to #2 in a couple of polls.

RECRUITING FRONT, Small has landed a couple of Blue Chippers to add to his team in 2017. First up is Brendan O’Reilly who plays his high school golf at Hinsdale Central, where he just won the 3A Individual title and helped his team to their fourth straight team title. Varun Chopra from Urbana High School will also join the Illini in 2017, after a fourth place finish in 2016 at the 1A high school level. Varun was second in state in 2015.

Linkscapitaladvisors.com

Links Capital Advisors and Principal Chris Charnas are ready to help you sell or purchase your current or next golf property.

LCA is now announcing that the Antioch Golf Club is on the market, with an asking price of high six figures. In California the Pacific Golf Centers in Santa Cruz are for sale for a low six-figure number. Contact Chris on these two golf properties at (847)-866-7192.

Standing at the Deer of the TPC Deere Run Golf Links, home of the John Deere Classic. Johndeereclassic.com

The 2016 John Deere Classic has raised a record amount of of money for charity, through it’s Birdie for Charity program.

This year the championship raised a record $10.5 million dollars, that will benefit 491 local charities in the Quad Cities area.

This amount breaks the previous record set in 2015, that was a figure of $8.73 million.

“Everyone associated with the John Deere Classic is extremely proud and appreciative that individual donors, companies and family foundations stepped up in a big way to make this year’s charitable contribution by far the largest in tournament history,” said JDC tournament director Clair Peterson.

This amount brought the all time total raised to $81.3 million dollars.

Former PGA President Derek Sprague presents an award to Kohlers Jim Richerson for the 2015 PGA Championship.

Kohler Company’s Director of Golf Jim Richerson was named the new national secretary of the of the PGA of America, at the annual meeting of the association in New York City on Friday afternoon.

Richerson will then start moving up the chain of officers and will be the President of the PGA of America in just a couple of years.

Richerson with the support of the Kohler family and Kohler Company has made the resort one of the top golf destinations in the world. Whistling Straits will hold the 2020 Ryder Cup matches as the resorts next major golf event. For more information on the American Club and Kohler golf, see Destinationkohler.com. It’s not to late to cuddle up in Kohler for 2016.

The Gog Blog Returns on Monday. RS

  2017 Senior PGA Championship to be played at Trump National D.C., The new simulators at the Schaumburg Golf Club, see schaumburggolf.com (847)-885-9000.       _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. With former U..S and British Open Champion Johnny Miller at the WGA Black Tie dinner.

When Donald Trump won the United States Presidential election to become the 45th president of the United States, golf and politics ended up on the same path and bridge together.

BY: RORY SPEARS

I can not prove it has never happened before, but it’s believed when Donald Trump takes the oath of President on Jan. 20th, 2017, he will become the first golf course owner to also be our president.

A very interesting concept. It’s said that if you really want to get to know somebody, spend four hours with them on a golf course. Mr. President, got a spare four hours anytime soon, let’s go play. Meet you in Miami at Trump National Doral, I always enjoy a day on the Blue Monster (picture below).

Hitting it Long and Far on the Blue Monster’s 18th hole.

In recent years as businessman Donald Trump bought up more golf courses, the sport of golf and Trump have been joined at the hip.

Trump has wasted little time improving the golf properties he has acquired. That being said, he has improved the green fees to rates that many golfers don’t appreciate. Big clubhouses, flashy bunkers and waterfalls behind greens. Some of this is not really needed

Those rates are not ones that keep golfers coming back, over and over again. It would be nice to think that in honor of his election win, that his courses could have a day where green fees are only $20.16. Maybe one day next year in honor of the year he takes office, there could be a green fee day of just $20.17 per round.

My experience on the Blue Monster at Doral was good, Trump picked a great architect in Gil Hanse to redo the course, and Trump added a caddie program for those who wanted to walk the monster, and to create jobs at his resort.

While at Doral I learned Trump has been on the property that day before, the day before that I saw him at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. I wish he would talk again this year, but it appears he will be a little busy that week. At Doral the day before I arrived he was busy checking out the renovations that were on-going. Running around looking at the new villa’s, restaurant, pool and clubhouse. He had an investment there and he was paying strong attention to detail. I’ll hope that continues.

Trump courses had been scheduled to host three major tournaments in 2017. Now it’s two. First up the PGA Tour should be embarrassed for taking a tournament out of the USA and moving it to Mexico, that should never happen regardless of what the sponsor in this case Cadillac does. The car company now has some egg on it’s face, as it’s most popular demographic turned out in force for the president elect. Now the Blue Monster at Doral will not have a PGA Tour event next March for the first time in decades. That is sad.

Better news is on tap for the PGA of America and the Unites States Golf Association (USGA). Neither organization bowed to some misguided pressure to move tournaments away from Trump courses.

Those events will now be among the biggest on the calendar in 2017, with fans and players wondering if the president himself will show up. The Sr. PGA Championship will be played at Trump National DC in May, and the USGA U.S. Women’s Open at Trump National at Bedminster in New Jersey come July.

Trumps courses and other businesses will be run by his children according to those close to him, while he serves as president.

What remains to be seen is, can Trump use golf and his courses to help bring a divided country together, can he help grow the game. Can he bring the sport to minorities and others who don’t play or have a history of playing. Can the golf industry benefit from him being in office. Will he play as frequently as President Barack Obama does while in office, will he spend time at his courses or other courses with foreign leaders. I’d love to see him run a junior clinic with kids and another with women, not so sure the secret service will go for that.

All of this remains to be seen. But for all of us who love golf, we hope that as Trump tries to heal the country, he tries to do some of it through the great sport of golf. RS

  TITLEIST  Announces special edition PRO V1’s celebrating the Chicago Cubs World Series Championship, Titleist.com for more information. The latest and greatest from the world of Scotty Cameron putters, Cameron & Crown, see Scottycameron.com.          _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. With the new Titleist 917 Driver in the Schaumburg Golf Club’s new simulator bays.

They are here, and new from Titleist is the 917 Driver that offers maximum distance and more forgiveness with precise adjustability, that is expected to help golfers of all skill levels.

The new 917D2 and 917D3 models, provide an Active Recoil Channel 2.0 and SureFit CG technology, that is part of a design strategy by the Titleist R&D to develop the most comprehensive and efficient driver design.

Titleist staff players on the PGA Tour that are already using the 917 Driver include Adam Scott, Bill Haas and Jimmy Walker. Walker used his 917 D2 8.5 driver to win his first major the 2016 PGA Championship.

The Titleist 917 Drivers

“When we talk to golfers about driver performance, distance and forgiveness are always paramount. But they aren’t the only attributes that players look for in a driver. They also want to find a repeatable trajectory, a shot shape they can count on for better accuracy. And they need it to look and sound great,” said Dan Stone, Vice President, Titleist Golf Club R&D. “The meticulous nature of our R&D process guarantees that any new innovation ultimately complements the overall package, and we’re confident that 917 delivers on golfers’ each and every requirement. There may be other adjustable drivers in the market, but none are able to maximize the total driving performance for golfers of all abilities like the 917.”

The Titleist 917 family.

The 917 is now available in your local pro shops and golf retail stores.

The success of the 917 comes from the following technologies.

Active Recoil Channel (ARC) 2.0 which is a long, wide, deep sole channel, that actively flexes and recoils at impact to launch the ball off the face with higher speed and lower spin for more distance.

Radial Speed Face 2.0, a high speed forged face insert. A precise High-MOI Design, with a low and deep center of gravity location. The 16-setting SureFit Hosel and new SureFit CG weight system that delivers the ultimate in precision fitting for every player.

The 917 D2 is a large 460cc full pear profile, and offers a higher tradjectory with more spin than the D3. Available in the 8.5-9.5-10.5 and 12 degree lofts.

The 917 D3 is the more tour inspired 440cc pear profile, it offers a more workable style and less spin than the D3. Available in 8.8-9.5 and 10.5 lofts.

Price is $499.00 MAP and $550.00 MSRP. For more information see Titleist.com.