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The White Pines Golf Club has 36 holes (still open) and the 37th hole for all of your food and beverage needs.

White Pines is also the perfect banquet facility for your special event, golf outings and more.

There are a still a few dates remaining for holiday parties and or New Years events.

Call White Pines (630)-766-0304 to make your holiday plans today.

CHAD JOHANSEN the GM and golf professional at Blackberry Oaks, has invented yet another great golf instruction aid.

Some years back Johansen created the Perfect Putting Aid, that isnow used by over 100 members of the PGA Tour, including one reigning major champion. For all that Chad has invented, plus his golf academy and Blackberry Oaks, see his website at Chadjohansen.com or blackberryoaks.com. Where junior golf and kids rule.                     ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogblogGuy. With Johnny Miller at the WGA Black Tie dinner.

The Western Golf Association recently held it’s Black Tie fundraiser in Chicago.

The guest speaker this year was two-time major champion and NBC golf commentator Johnny Miller. Along with Johnny that night to help emcee the event was NBC and Golf Channel reporter mark Rolfing.

Before the night started Golfers on Golf caught up with Miller and spoke with him about caddies, the WGA, golf in general and his association with the Oak Brook based Zero Friction that is designing golf gloves and is moving up the ranks in the golf world on the glove market. What he thinks for 2017 and more.

Miller was open, honest and more as always in his answers.

Click hear to hear the interview with NBC’s Johnny Miller. The sessions lasts just over 9 minutes in length.

The Gog Blog returns over the weekend, with more golf news. So stay clicked in.

   NEED 2, How about U.S. Open tickets for the 2017 U.S. at Erin Hills coming in June, see usga.org/tickets. Ron Whitten-Michael Hurdzan-Dana Fry with US Open Trophy.       ______________________________________________________________________

  THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on the 18th of Pinehurst #8. At Right, Donald Ross would be pleased with the renovations to his work in Pinehurst.        _____________________________________________________________________

Pinehurst.com RIGHT NOW you can escape to Pinehurst for only $199.00

You would have to think that Donald Ross would be happy with the new plan to redesign his course #4 at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.

The renovation of course #4 is just part of the master plan that’s in place for the next few years in Pinehurst.

Pinehurst is running strong with the opening of “Deuces” the sports bar behind the 18th green of course #2 and a new big time pool. But the work didn’t stop there as announced today by the resort. The #4 course last renovated over 10 years ago by Tom Fazio, this time will be done by Olympic Course and Trump Doral Blue Monster architect Gil Hanse.

In addition to course #4 work, will be the addition of a short course that will run over 10 acres of property, with some of that land coming from holes on courses # 3 & 5. The plan includes restoring some original Ross characteristics on courses #1 and #3, and then improving features of Maniac Hill and Thistle Dhu.

“There’s unique character at Pinehurst because of the landscape Donald Ross found when he arrived in 1900,” said Bob Dedman, Pinehurst Owner and CEO. “Back then, he may have been a minimalist by necessity, but were making a choice to present our historic golf courses in a natural state similar to that era.”

This vision follows the plan brought to the famed Pinehurst #2 and the success it has had in the last five years since 2011. “The overwhelming positive feedback we have received on the work on Pinehurst 2 encouraged us to continue options that are a continuation of that effort,” said Dedman. “We think Gil Hanse with his timeless and natural design philosophy, is the right person for the project.”

Tom Pashley is the resort President at Pinehurst.

The course #4 plan by Hanse will start in fall of 2017, and reopen 1 year later in fall of 2018.

The core of his master plan centers around a landscape that will resemble Pinehurst #2, and will be complete with exposed sand and native wire grass, wider fairways and a natural topography.

“We think this approach will create a more authentic, visually interesting golf course and one that feels in tune with it’s unique surrounds,” said Hanse. “A playable artfully shaped and conceived golf course that derives it’s character and appearance from the traditional golf flavor of this region is what we aspire for our approach to Pinehurst #4.”

“Fun and skill development are the most important concepts behind the short course,” says Tom Pashley, Pinehurst Resort President and COO. ” Whether you’re an avid amateur, a beginning golfer, or on an outing with golf buddies or family, the short course will offer an experience that can be enjoyed by all.”

The changes to Maniac Hill the resorts driving range include adding natural elements that are seen on Pinehurst 2. Thistle Dhu the putting course will be moved and expanded.

For more information see Pinehurst.com or call (855)-235-8507. Pinehurst, where it’s always a beautiful day.

 THE NEW SIMULATOR area in the clubhouse of the Schaumburg Golf Club, General Manager Jonathan Parsons shows off the place to enjoy golf all winter long. the Schaumburg golf club is located on Roselle Road in Schuamburg. (847)-885-9000.        _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on facebook, linkedin and twitter @gogblogguy. In the simulator at the Schaumburg golf club holding the new Titleist 917 Driver.

The Gog Blog is trying to enjoy the final few days of the fall golf season, I hope you are as well.

Yesterday, David Schuster of WSCR and I went out and enjoyed a round of golf at Pine Meadow in Mundelein. I must say that the greens (especially) and tees were in great shape, for any point of the season, much less in early November.

Afterwards I spoke with general manager Dennis Johnsen who says improved course conditions are the reason business and rounds are up at the Jemsek Golf run property for the second straight year. Johnsen says last year in 2015 rounds were up 10+%, this year you can add another over 8% increase. So much for the stories about nobody playing golf anymore.

Pine Meadow GM Dennis Johnsen.

I would also like to applaud Johnsen who will be honored this week at the PGA of America’s national meetings in New York.

Johnsen will receive the award for contributions of growing the game and and to junior golf. In spite of Johnsen’s hard work and dedication to junior programs since 1975, he was surprised when he got the call earlier this year and was told he was the winner.

“The process starts with a candidate from all 41 PGA sections across the country,” said Johnsen. “Then it gets narrowed to four finalists, then a winner is selected.”

The panel agreed that Johnsen’s approach to enjoyment and fun , coming before winning was very important. Johnsen says the quote used in the Pine Meadow programs is from Grantland Rice that reads, “when you meet the big scorekeeper in the sky, it won’t matter how much you have won or lost, but it’s how you played the game.”

Well said Dennis, and congratulations on your award, well deserved.

Schaumburg Golf Club general manager of golf operations Jon Parsons, shows of the golf simulator area in the basement of the clubhouse.

It was great to see what’s happening at the Schaumburg Golf Club. The new indoor golf area in the basement is really well done.

In fact all the recent changes there look good, including the expanded pro shop, the restaurant and the banquet area.

It appears that golfers in the area have noticed this as well, because the club will be doing around 55,000+ rounds again this year. So much for all those stories about nobody playing golf anymore.

There will be more to say shortly, but the Schaumburg Golf Club will be renovating all three nines over the next three years, starting in June of 2017 when work begins on one of the nine’s. Which nine is still yet to be determined, until the permitting process is concluded.

I enjoyed trying out the aboutGolf Simulators that are highly rated, they have a much realistic approach on the putting part of the round. Parson’s was kind enough to let try things out with the new Titleist 917 Driver, that is quite a club. In the meantime when it gets to cold to play outside call Schaumburg GC and set up some simulator time, call the course at the number at the top or visit schaumburggolf.com. or follow the course on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

WGAESF.org

The Western Golf Association (WGA) held it’s annual Black Tie dinner last Friday night in Chicago. A full story on that will be posted here in the short future as well.

The guest speaker was Johnny Miller with the emcee being golf reporter Mark Rolfing.

I will post my Miller interview soon, but below is my interview with Rolfing, who talks in depth about his involvement in a project to rebuild a new course in the Chicago south shore area, by connecting two current courses on the lake. The project will be part of a proposed location that will include the presidential library for current president Barack Obama.

Click here to hear the interview with Mark Rolfing.

While various names are being in conjunction with the project, Golfers on Golf has learned that Jerry Rich, owner of Rich Harvest Farms will be lending his support to the project. In what ways is still unclear, but financial involvement would be probable. Mike Keiser is also expected to be involved, along with the Chicago Park District and the First Tee Program of the Greater Chicagoland Area. It still remains unclear what President Obama’s role might be in the golf course, after he leaves office in January.

More golf news coming along week, so stay clicked in. RS

 US OPEN TICKETS…NEED TWO OR MORE USGA.ORG/TICKETS. In 2017 the U.S. Open makes a rare Midwest appearance at Erin Hills in Erin Wisconsin, in the suburbs of northwest Milwaukee. Dustin Johnson is expected to defend his title won last June.    _____________________________________________________________________

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

The World Champion Chicago Cubs.

For a limited time the Titleist Golf Company will make a Titleist Pro V1’s and Pro V1X’s available in a special set.

The set will include divot tools and ball markers.

This is a limited and short term offer.

For more information on how to order please visit Titleist.com and follow the link to special offers.

Congratulations to the World Champion Chicago Cubs, and to golfers everywhere that enjoy Titleist products and the Chicago Cubs World Series 2016 Championship.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow.

  2014-2015-2016-2017 ? ERIN HILLS JUNE 12-18. TICKETS USGA.ORG/TICKETS.     ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on facebook, linkedin and twitter @GogBlogGuy. The 6th tee at Wild Rock Golf Club Wisconsin Dells. Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry’s work in Wisconsin did not stop at Erin Hills.

It was one of the taste’s of the tournament. The sweetest moment might have been winning the Ryder Cup at Hazletine Hational Golf Club last month.

But maybe the sweetest thing to taste was the ice cream on hand during the week of the matches.

Ice cream that had a familiar name on the outside of the package.

How about Jack Nicklaus Premium Pints. Originally available in 7 flavors, the line has now expanded to 14 flavors.

Jack Nicklaus Ice Cream

The product is billed as a “Legendary Champion and Legendary Ice Cream.”

Jack Nicklaus Ice Cream is what’s called a commitment to quality, family and philanthropy with golf’s greatest champion.

The Schwan Food Company teamed up with Jack and Barbara Nicklaus to create a line of premium ice cream. Schwan is a proud supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Sales of Jack Nicklaus Ice Cream help support the Children’s Miracle Network that helps raise money for over 170 children’s hospitals across America.

The Jack Nicklaus Ice Cream comes from the Golden Bear’s love of Ice Cream, and Jack himself was involved with the development of each flavor.

NEW FLAVORS include Blueberry Cheesecake, Black Cherry, Mint & Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cookies & Cream, Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Mango Crisp. EXISTING FLAVORS are Warm Spiced Butter Pecan, Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl, Salted Caramel Toffee, Strawberry Lemonade, Triple Chocolate, Coffee and Donuts, and Homemade Vanilla.

The following flavors can be ordered for home delivery. Strawberry Lemonade (this editors favorite), Triple Chocolate, and Coffee and Donuts.

Where to find: It’s now available in over 200 Publix stores in various counties across Florida. You can find Jack Nicklaus Ice Cream in Kroger stores over 13 states, mostly in the southeast part of the country, along with Ohio, Michigan and Texas.

It is available online via Schwans.com. On social media learn more on Facebook at Jack Nicklaus Ice Cream, where you can like the page. Twitter #golffreezesover/@jacknicklaus/@schwans

Golfers you can enjoy Jack Nicklaus Ice Cream in time for the holidays, order now at Schwans.com for delivery to your home. Something every golfer can enjoy just as much as making pars and birdies.

 THE COURSE WITH NO NAME is getting closer to completion from renovation, see DuPagegolf.com. White Pines Golf Club located on Jefferson Street in Bensenville has 36 holes of golf and a great 37th for pre and post round food and beverage. A great fall day on tap today so play White Pines, plan your holiday party at whitepinesgolf.com.     ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG, by Rory Spears, editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or to the renovated Mt. Prospect Golf Club.

The fall golf season is starting to wind down. What started in September just after Labor Day has been a good time of year to play golf.

But once November rolls around it becomes clear that the season is starting to wrap up. Let’s hope there will be more days like today, when the mercury gets over 70 degrees.

I have played a few rounds in recent weeks in between the Ryder Cup, the BMW Championship, the Cubs playoffs and the start of Blackhawks and the Bulls seasons. With Thanksgiving now just a few weeks away the window is closing. Have you gotten out and played. I suggested a few weeks back that everyone go out and play at least one round in honor of Arnold Palmer who passed away in September. I played three rounds in honor of Arnie, and hope to play a few more.

THE RYDER CUP was quite an experience at Hazeltine and it’s been fun still writing about that experience, I still have one more Ryder Cup story to bring you before I wrap up all the news from Minnesota. I have saved it because it might be a product someone might enjoy over the holidays, that story coming soon.

DRIVER vs DRIVER are you watching that, I know it has got lost in the shuffle a little because as someone pointed out to me, every episode seems to run against a Cubs playoff game. I am hopeful us media types will get some access to the winners when they are announced, then we can bring the next chapter of their story to you right here. Tim Clarke the Wilson Golf GM will be trying to help us local media types with the next part of the story, and that is the launch of the winning driver. Which does happen on Black Friday.

THE NEW TITLEIST 917 Driver is out, I’ll have more coming on out this new club that I hear nothing but good things about, in the short future.

FORMER BULLS GREAT MICHAEL JORDAN is reportedly going to build his own golf course in Florida. According to reports Jordan has hired Florida based architect bobby Weed to build the course. Jordan will use his own money and will have 25 of his high roller friends put up a cool 1 million to help with the start up costs. Based on the name of the book Jordan Rules, the same will apply at the club. As if you were still wondering who make the clubs rules. You can bet on plenty of cigars being puffed while the golf is being played.

NO TURKEY THIS NOVEMBER several top players are pulling out of the Turkish Open over security concerns, sad to see but conditions don’t seem to be getting any better there in recent months.

CONGRAT’S TO MISTWOOD’S Director of Golf Andy Mickelson, while he did not come up short with his title defense at the PGA National Assistant’s Championship. Mickelson did finish a T-2 just one shot back from the champion.

THE GOLF CHANNEL is showing the East Lake College Golf Challenge, that includes Coach Mike Small’s #1 or #2 ranked Fighting Illini depending on which poll you read. More coverage later today on TGC.

The par 5, 5th hole at the “new course” in Addison.

I am really excited about the renovation done at the course formerly known as Oak Meadows in Addison. This course renovated by architect Greg Martin and his team, has done a marvelous job in planning the new course. When it opens next summer, it will be one of the better public courses in the Chicago area.

Golfers you should look to put this course on your schedule for 2017.

The Par 3, 14th hole at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington PA.

It’s been fun following the progress of the new Pete Dye course that’s being built in Farmington Pennsylvania.

This course, one of the last courses that is ever going to be designed by Pete Dye is turning out really well for the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and the new Director of Golf there former Illinois PGA professional Mike Jones.

Jones says the course will open about July 1st in 2017. Illinois golfers that love to travel to great golf destinations should put Nemacolin on their hit list. See nemacolin.com for more details.

IT WAS NICE TO HEAR that courses that have done recent renovations continue to do improved business. Mt. Prospect one-year after opening is doing quite well. Arlington Lakes 100+ days after reopening is off to a good start too. As a Arlington Hts. resident I can’t wait for for the park district to give either Mike Benkusky or another architect a chance to redo the best Par 3 course in the area, the Nickol Knoll Golf Club located on top of the old Walter Payton running hill. A new bunker plan would be a great idea.

The Gog Blog returns with more this week, so stay clicked in. RS

 THE GUIDE FOR GOLF and the PERFECT PUTTING AID are two great ways to improve your game. Both invented by Illinois PGA Professional Chad Johansen from Blackberry Oaks Golf Club. Chadjohansen.com for more information on these products. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on facebook, linkedin and twitter @GogBlogGuy. In the Paris 2018 Ryder Cup tent with Golf National GM Paul Armitage.

The Ryder Cup in America is over at Hazeltine, and now it’s time to look ahead to 2018 when the Ryder Cup visits France.

The Ryder Cup now in the hands of the American’s, will be contested by the European’s in a fierce manner in an attempt to win back the cup. All of this in the shadows of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

In fact those that are buying corporate hospitality, will have options of buying a table in the dinner area of the tower in downtown Paris.

Your scorecard for golf at the National Golf Club of France.

The National Golf Club of France was created with the Ryder Cup in mind. The holes have been built in a stadium like style to handle large crowds expected at a Ryder Cup.

Paul Armitage the GM of the resort that will host the 2018 Ryder Cup, feels that his advance team has learned a lot from it’s time at the last three Ryder Cups.

He hopes for one of the best experiences in 2018 that Ryder Cup fans have ever experienced. Golf is growing in France and there are now over 700 courses in the country. With a few more expected to be built by 2018. Before during and after the Ryder Cup Armitage and French Golf Foundation Chairman Pascal Grizot are looking forward to more american’s bringing their clubs when they visit France and the Paris area.

Click here to hear our interviews with Paul Armitage and Pascal Grizot on golf in France and the Ryder Cup coming to Paris in 2018.

The Gog Blog returns with more on the Ryder Cup front later this week, stay clicked in.

Perfectputtingaid.com

Guideforgolf.com

The Chad Johansen Putting Studio at Blackberry Oaks Golf Club in Bristol

CHAD JOHANSEN the General Manager of the Blackberry Oaks Golf Club in Bristol, also serves the clubs head golf professional, is somewhat of an inventor as well.

Johansen first created one of the games best ever putting aids, and it’s called the Perfect Putting Aid. How good is the PPA, well over 100 PGA Tour players have one, and some of them have won big tournaments in less than a year after using one. Can you say Claret Jug.

After the success of the Perfect Putting Aid, Johansen took his inventing skills to yet the next level with his creation of the Guide for Golf.

The Guide for Golf gives any golfer the opportunity to get any lesson when they need it. You can watch the lesson you need on your home computer and or laptop or cell phone. On the road, or just at home late at night before a big outing, match or tournament the day. The Guide for Golf is for You. See ChadJohansen.com or golf at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol. Blackberry Oaks is one of the top courses for junior golf in the Chicagoland Area.            _____________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on facebook, linkedin and twitter @GogBlogGuy, and to the 18th tee of the new DuPage County Course in Addison.

There are some old sayings in the world of business, like “you have to spend money to make money” or “give the customer something new”.

Well there is no doubt that there is some truth to what’s being said here, and the golf course business is no different.

The biggest renovation project going on currently is in Addison at the golf course formerly known as Oak Meadows. The club will have a new name when it opens in 2017. There is no doubt the new course will bring out golfers flocking to play this new architect Greg Martin design. The new course will gain more players alone due to the fact it will be open more frequently, because flooding and repair time from flood damage should all but disapear. The new courses will hold millions of gallons of storm water in places off the course it could not in the past.

Batavia based architect Greg Martin is the current President of the American Society Golf Course Architects.

But this will be nothing new to Martin’s designs. In recent years courses like Wilmette Golf Club in Wilmette, Fox Run Golf Club in Elk Grove, and the Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton have all seen a big jump in play after Martin was done installing his master plan.

The Glenview Park District course saw the same increase in it’s play after architect Rick Jacobson finished his renovation there.

There is more good news for two other renovations that have recently reopened for golfers. First up is the Mt. Prospect Golf Club in Mt. Prospect that was renovated by architect Dave Esler. It has now been open for over 1 year since it’s renovation project.

Esler took an old 1926 golf course, and made the current model have more of a 1926 feel to it than it previously had. Gone were the flat greens, in were the greens that had some classic style to them. Green complexes looked more like the famed Shoreacres golf club or he Chicago Golf Club. The private club classic style feel isn’t for everyone, but they have added something to the course that makes it standout more than it had in the past.

The Par 3, 7th hole at the Mt. Prospect Golf Club.

According to head professional and operations manager Brett Barcel, play is up and so is revenue at Mt. Prospect.

The course made a profit in 2013 the last full year of operation. That profit line is growing in it’s first full year of operation since reopening.

Barcel says the new full size range and practice area hasn’t hurt either, because golfers are taking advantage of that.

In response to the greens that a few golfers felt might be a little too severe. Barcel admits there is some truth to that, but ad’s those spots are being slightly leveled this off season in an effort to find a few more hole locations. It’s quite likely golfer will enjoy all the greens at Mt. Prospect even more than they do now. The club is a great place to golf, and is a great location for fall golf, plenty of tree’s with pretty colors and more. Go play while you still can before winter arrives.

The Par 3, 14th hole at Arlington Lakes Golf Club.

The renovation of Arlington lakes Golf Club by Mike Benkusky has turned out very good as well. The course has now been open for over 100 days since it had it’s grand reopening in July.

Golfers now have options on how many holes they want to play, 3-6-9 and 18 hole loops are available.

The renovated clubhouse is making that pre-round or 19th hole experience much more enjoyable.

As a result business is up says Arlington Lake Golf Operations Manager Tim Govern. During the renovation Benkusky took out the excessive amount of bunkers the course had, making the course much more playable for golfers of all skill levels. Pace of Play is much improved, part of that coming from a bigger gap between tee times as well. A little less play in the courses first few months from it’s reopening isn’t a bad thing either.

There haven’t been many open tee times on the tee sheet, even though as the temperature drops towards the end of the season there might be. There is still a few weeks left to go play Arlington Lakes, so why not go try it our before winter closes it up for the 2016 golf season.

What has been good to hear is that the courses that are making an investment in the business, and you the customer. Are seeing the returns that they have hoped for. Here’s hoping a few more area clubs take the time and money to make needed improvements.

   OAK MEADOWS is no more. What will the new name be when the course formally known as Oak Meadows reopens in 2017. Stay clicked in here to find out when the new name will be announced. The par 3, 9th hole at Wild Rock Golf Club in the Wisconsin Dells, golf here for 3 more weeks, Wildrockgolf.com by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry.   ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. On the 18th hole of the new DuPage Golf Course renovated by architect Greg Martin. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy.

If you are the way to Madison Wisconsin, or beyond to play some golf, a recent trip to the Wisconsin Dells showed that there is some great golf even before one gets to Madison.

South of Madison and North of Beloit is the town of Janesville. On the south end of Janesville next to the cities airport is a sporty golf course call Glen Erin.

This Par 71, 6,849 yard golf course has everything a golfer could ask for, and is a fun course to play. So says the course architect Greg Martin, who is currently renovating the course formerly known as Oak Meadows in Addison. At Glen Erin Martin has taken a piece of land that is mixed with trees and a wide open terrain next to the airport, and turned it into a fun but challenging round of golf.

The 424 yard par 4, 12th hole at Glen Erin golf club.

Where Martin had some wooded area’s to work, he carved out some nice tree-lined fairways.

Closer to the airport, there was some but not much dirt moved, and rolling fairways with bunkers and prairie grass was shaped in to give that area of the course an Irish links style look.

The No.1 handicap hole is the tenth hole that can play 589 yards from the tips. Once you split the woods with your tee shot, there are still two solid shots a golfer must play to have a chance at par or birdie. Handicap 18 comes early in the round at the par 3, 2nd hole. But don’t let handicap 18 fool you, it’s a hole that can play 225 yards from the back tees.

The par 4 first hole at Glen Erin requires a straight tee shot on your first play of the day.

The front nine has more of the open links style holes, and the back nine has more of the wooded holes.

Holes 6,7 and 8 wrap themselves around the driving range that has plenty of space for golfers to hit just about any shot they want, including the long hitters who want to pound the driver.

The clubhouse is not big, but it’s cozy with a popcorn machine near the bar.

So the next time your headed up to Wisconsin to play one of the big resorts, or courses that host U.S Opens, why not play one course that’s designed to test you game, but lets you enjoy the game as well. Play Glen Erin Golf Club in Janesville.

For tee times or more information, see Gleneringolf.com or call (608)-741-1100.

 Ron Whiten of Golf Digest Magazine (L) with Dr. Michael Hurdzan (M) and Dana Fry (R) with the U.S. Open Trophy, need 2017 US Open Tickets visit USGA.org/tickets. The US Open at Erin Hills coming June of 2017. WHITE PINES Golf Club in Bensenville has 36 holes (still open) and a great 37th hole for Pre or Post round Food and Beverage. If you need a place for your holiday get-together try White Pines see Whitepinesgolf.com. ______________________________________________________________________

THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears. Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy. On the 6th hole at Wild Rock Golf Club Wisconsin Dells.

These days architects Dr. Michael Hurdzan, and Dana Fry are getting a lot of credit for their work at Erin Hills Golf Club in Erin Wisconsin. With the 2017 U.S. Open coming there in just 8 months, those who have not taken notice of this property before, are doing so now.

But the work of Hurdzan & Fry did not stop at Erin Hills and did continue in the Wisconsin Dells area at the Wild Rock Golf Club.

Wild Rock is part of the Wilderness Resort, that calls itself the largest Water Park Resort in America. The drive up to Wild Rock is about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Chicago, much less from places like Rockford, Milwaukee and Madison.

The view from the backside of the Par 3, 9th hole at Wild Rock.

Wild Rock has some interesting looks to it, and it’s a great golf course. Maybe it’s not the most walker friendly course because there is some distance between holes on occasion.

There is even a bit of a drive to the first tee, but it’s a pretty ride in the cart so sit back and enjoy. Some of the rides are due to changes during the design of the course to when it actually opened for play. The current clubhouse does not sit on it’s original planned location, neither does the driving range. The fifth hole was supposed to be the 10th hole at one time, but in the end none of that matters. It all worked out and the golfers are enjoying the finished product.

Of course Wild Rock has a little Wisconsin feel to it. Here the backdrop to the Par 4, 16th hole.

The opening holes give the golfer a chance to settle into their game, with friendly wide fairways and greens that are not overly severe.

Depending on which tee boxes you are playing, there is a bit of a carry over a ravine on the second hole. But while it’s a challenging tee shot, it’s a fun one as well.

The fun does not stop on the second hole and it only gets better as you move forward. Which is something that makes Fry proud, he calls Wild Rock a fun golf course and depending on what you like about golf, you might describe the Wild Rock Golf Club as a little wild itself. The course sets up as one that would be a real enjoyable place, to hold a scramble format tournament on.

The Par 3, 15th hole is one of the most photographed holes on the course, it requires a tee shot that can carry a small quarry.

The elevation change comes into play on the 6th hole (see above photo). The view from the top of the 6th tee box on a clear day can range over 30 miles.

Elevated tee shots then follow on holes 7,8, and 9. The par 5, 10th hole requires an uphill tee shot, from an elevated tee box. Starting on 11, the course still offers elevated tee shots as the course slowly works it’s way back down to ground level.

The elevation change at Wild Rock is something that Wisconsin is not supposed to be, so much for the state being nothing but flat farm land. Hurdzan and Fry created five different tee boxes, from five different locations at different angles to play the par 3, 15th hole that plays over a small quarry. The 17th hole is a great short par 4, only 356 yard from the tips, with a downhill fairway the last 130 yards in. Fire away big hitters but watch out for the small pot bunker that guards the left side of the green.

If your out on the course at the right time of the day or year, you might get some visitors. The course is home to plenty of deer and some wild turkeys. You can then drink some Wild Turkey in the 19th hole that has a nice view of the driving range, after your round.

To learn more about Wild Rock, click here to hear our interview with head golf professional Josh Glendenning.

Wild Rock Golf Club is part of the Wilderness Resort. The resort has plenty of rooms in it’s lodge with pools, or you can stay in the larger villa’s. Rooms are very comfortable with large beds and hot tub whirlpools, that do feel great after a round of golf.

While there are several places to eat on property, one should enjoy at least one meal in the resorts Fields Premier Restaurant and Steakhouse. Fine dining not over priced, in a relaxing atmosphere that can be enjoyed by all. You can take a shuttle over from your room and never need to drive after enjoying a wide variety of some of Wisconsin’s finest beers. Golf season is not over. There is still about three weeks left to play Wild Rock before Mother nature will close up the course for the winter.

For more information please visit WildRockGolf.com or call (608)-253-4653. You can also visit online WildernessResort.com or call (800)-867-9453. On social media you can follow Wilderness Resort on Facebook, Twitter or You-Tube.