THE WILLOW HILL DOME at 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook, is the largest golf dome in the Chicago at 150+ yards. Golf is daily from 8am to 3 pm. See WillowHillDome.com

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

WRITING FROM THE 2024 PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW IN ORLANDO.

Welcome to Mike Strantz’ Tot Hill Farm in Asheboro NC.

THIS IS A COURSE YOU JUST NEED TO PLAY.

Because over the last year, this Mike Strantz classic, got cleaned up and restored to Strantz vision.

Somewhere in golf heaven Strantz should be smiling. Because that’s what golfers will do when they play this course. The views and shot making challenges will test golfers who wish to rise to the challenge.

TOT HILL FARM was showing it’s age a couple of years ago-so new ownership came in, took down the tree’s, cleared out the brush and expanded the greens back. Now Tot Hill Farm is back, add it to your hit list in 2024. So don’t wait, just go play.

Because while one of the most over-used terms in golf is “Hidden Gem,” that’s about what Tot Hill Farm really is all about. So maybe not so hidden anymore, diamond is the way to go.

Oliva is standing by at the inside the dome bar, at the Mistwood Golf Dome. the new bar in a shell and some new simulators are improvements to the MGD in 2024. See Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. #Bourbon tasting night next week.

TOT HILL FARM is an eye catcher right from the first tee box. Because the golfer can tell the hole is downhill, but until one reaches the first green, it is really hard to tell how much.

But the scenic views don’t stop after hole one. Because in-fact they continue. Hole two has some rolling terrain to play over, before golfers hit the par-3 third, called “The Rock.”

So if your not careful, you can be locked-up at the rock. Because there are plenty of rock out-cropping’s to navigate through before hitting the bottom of the cup. So if you need an uphill approach shot, hole 4 has some of that for you. With hole five giving the golfer some carry to be concerned about.

Looking up to the first tee box, from the first green. Yes the hole is really that much downhill.

Elevation change is a strong part of Tot Hill Farm, working your ball around numerous rock cropping’s is another.

The recent restoration has really opened up Tot Hill Farm. there are now more scenic views than one can count.

But even better news, is that work is continuing to cut down trees and take out brush.

So the Farm will be able to breathe. The clubs marketing director on Twitter or (X) challenged golfers who did not play Tot Hill Farm on New Years Day. Saying you should go play Tot Hill Farm in 2024, put it on your list. So after a tour in a golf cart, that is exactly what you should do.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Tot Hill Farm marketing director Robbie Wooten.

TOT HILL FARM is conveniently located 45 minutes from Pinehurst, and easy to get to. So to call for tee times it’s (336)-857-4455, or visit Tothillfarm.com.

  THE SHACK IN GLENVIEW at 1717 Chestnut Avenue is expanding. The new putting green is open, and FORE more simulators are close to opening. So book your hitting bay as quickly as possible. Special dates in sports are filling quickly. You can visit The Shack on line at TheShackgolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905 #GetanArnoldPalmer

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

Welcome to the Asheville Muni-where anyone can play.

DOANLD ROSS WOULD BE PROUD.

Because his 1927 design is coming back on line. So while the course was showing it’s age, and needing some repair.

Do credit the city of Asheville NC., for finding a way to round up nearly $4 million dollars to complete a historic renovation, with architect Kris Spence.

The good news says Director of Golf Pat Warren, is that there is still work to be done, but the golf has reopened for play. The golf course has different nine’s. Because the front side sits down in what was a place for water to drain-off to, with the back-nine up in the hills. The Beverly Hills subdivision has nine holes running through it, even though there is no sign of Jed Clampett or any other stars.

Director of Golf Pat Warren holds the National Historical site, certificate.

The Asheville Municipal golf course is a historical site. But while that is in part to Donald Ross working there, and probably having slept there, it has a history with Black Americans.

Because not only did some of the great black players in the game get their start at the AMGC, black golfers got their start there.

The Asheville Municipal Golf Course was the first golf course in America, that actually let black golfers play golf.

The simulators at the Schaumburg Golf Club 401 N. Roselle Rd. are open once more. So with the facility improvements wrapped up, golf is back on. The pro shop is open, and so is Chandlers Chop House right upstairs. So get some golf in-by calling (847)-885-9000 or visit Schaumburggolf.com.

Warren says that within the next year the planning will begin, for what the club will do for it’s centennial.

Because that is only a few years away (1927).

But even more good news is that the renovation team was able to find, original photos of the course. This way Spence was able to understand what the original Ross vision for the property.

So if your driving down to North Carolina, do stop in and play the Asheville Muni. Because history happens here, and will continue well into it’s next century of golf.

But do plan ahead, so that old man winter doesn’t close the course before you arrive, and or limit your round to just three holes. So visit Ashevillegc.com or call (828)-298-1867. located at 226 Fairway Drive-NC. See additional photo’s on Rory Spears-Facebook-X/twitter at GogBlogGuy.

  CALLAWAY PARADYM Woods & Irons now with an expanding line. Callawaygolf.com

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

Liberty National, 18th hole and the clubhouse. Photo courtesy of WGA.

THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP is the move yet once more.

Because this time it’s in 2027 and to the State of New Jersey. But the bad news the championship venue is not Pine Valley Golf Club, which is located in New Jersey.

So while Liberty National that opened on July 4th in 2006, is a newer club. It has already hosted several top events in the world of golf.

Liberty National-with the Statue of Liberty in the background. Hole 13.

“We are excited to bring the PGA Tour’s best players back to Liberty National for the BMW Championship,” said Vince Pelligrino, WGA Senior Vice President of Tournaments. “This course is no stranger to the thrill of the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs, and we know it will deliver an unmatched experience for the players and out fans.”

The 2027 championship will bring the PGA Tour back to Liberty National, that previously hosted the President’s Cup in 2017, and the Northern Trust in 2009, 2013, 2019 and 2021.

The club’s design was done by former U.S. Open Champion Tom Kite, and architect Bob Cupp. Cupp served as the lead designer for Jack Nicklaus for 15 years. So the layout of holes was done to include views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Manhattan Skyline.

OLIVA says the new dome bar is open-what time are you coming by. The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Three new simulators have opened as well. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (630)-739-7600.

PAUL FIREMAN, former CEO of Reebok and co-founder of Liberty National Golf Club says,” welcoming the worlds top players and passionate fans to Liberty National with the iconic New York City skyline as the backdrop promises to be an incredible event. We are thrilled to be adding the BMW Championship to our stellar line up of tournaments.”

So the BMW Championship will driving into New Jersey for the first time. But it will be the fifth time the championship will be on the East Coast.

THE NEW PUTTING GREEN is now open at THE SHACK in Glenview 1717-Chestnut Avenue. Book a hitting bay today at (847)-904-2905.

The BMW Championship will have a nationwide road tour, before it rolls into New Jersey.

Because in 2024 the championship heads west out to Colorado and the Castle Pines Golf Club.

But then in 2025 the second version of visits to Caves Valley in Maryland will take place.

So then it’s back to Bellerive and St. Louis for 2026, and then to New Jersey, the home of BMW North America in 2027.

THE BMW Championship has raised over $45 million dollars for the Evans Scholars Foundation, not including the money raised at Olympia Fields in 2023.

“The BMW Championship at Liberty National Golf Club will give us an opportunity to show a new market the power of the Evans Scholars Program,” said John Kaczkowski. “This is an important partnership with the New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA) Caddie Scholarship Foundation. This will promote and develop youth caddie opportunities at the clubs in New Jersey and expanding scholarship funding for caddies in the state.”

But for more information on the travels of the BMW Championship, please visit WGAESF.org.

*** This information was released during the 2023 BMW Championship at Olympia Fields. GOG regrets the delay in it’s release.

  SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has wrapped up the facility improvements, and it’s three simulators have reopened. So come play golf on the indoor version of the Schaumburg Golf Club downstairs in the clubhouse. 401 North Roselle Road. Schaumburggolf.com.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Putting in studio “B” Oak Brook.

THE 2024 WINTER TRIP BEGINS!

BECAUSE IT SURE does feel like winter. So now after several days of below zero weather, it is time to head South.

BUT WHILE the winter trip takes us to many places in eight states, it all centers around the PGA Merchandise show in Orlando from Jan. 23 through the 26th.

DEMO DAY at Orange County National Driving range, gets things rolling. The equipment companies are there, for the most part. Some would say, the ones’ that matter are here. Of which there is some truth to that.

SO AS OF TODAY Golfers on Golf is turning into the wind-and launching in the director of Florida, after a few stops in North Carolina. Cold weather will be an issue, but it’s time to play, and time to start figuring out what’s working and what is not.

Studio “B” in Oak Brook a new facility for Bettinardi Golf. IF You want to learn about putting-Studio B is a great place to go.

So as I head South into North Carolina a road that leads to 2024 U.S. Open site Pinehurst #2 on Friday.

I head out with a new weapon in the bag, and I am prepared to use it. For the first time in some 5 years, a new putter goes into play.

The Bettinardi INOVAI will have a chance to prove it’s worth, over how many rounds get played over the course of the trip. Because once I return there will be challengers coming, as I will really spend this year researching and practicing putting. Because it’s time to get better in that area.

The SHACK is wrapping up the improvements. The new putting green is open. The new simulators are not far behind. TheShackIndoorgolfclub.com. (847)-904-2905.

MY GOLF SEASON STARTS on Wednesday at the Asheville Municipal Golf Course.

This almost 100 year old public Donald Ross course, is coming off a $4 million dollar Kris Spence renovation.

But the temperature will be only 38 degrees, but with the sun out is the forecast.

So Thursday is Tot Hill Farm, the Mike Strantz classic in Asheboro NC, that was restored last year. the temperature should be 43, I’m hoping it will. So it should feel warm after the last week here in Illinois.

Shack owner Nick Larkin is ready to serve you and Arnold Palmer, they do taste great even in the winter golf season. (847)-905-2904 book a simulator bay today.

The 2024 U.S. Open Course is on tap for Friday.

BUT NOW WEATHER ALERT, Pinehurst has informed me that all of it’s courses could be closed from Friday to Sunday.

SO FINGERS CROSSED that the 49 degree temperature expected for Friday holds up. But from there it’s off to Florida and next Mondays preview day at Cabot Citrus Farms in Brooksville Florida, the old World Woods Course is no more. 41 holes are open for golf, with 18 more coming soon.

SCOTT HOGAN (M) joins the Mistwood Golf club fitting team with Eric Russell (L) and Matt Carter (R). Mistwoodgolfdome.com. (630)-739-7600

RIGHT FROM CCF is the into Orlando for the 2024 PGA Show-my 14th. The show took a big hit around Covid, but is making a comeback. So I’m interested to see the turnout and how many exhibitors show up. I do know there are more than last year signed up.

NEWS AND NOTES European golf to loss two bosses. DP Tour Boss Keith Pelley is heading off to oversee Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Group. R & A boss Martin Slumbers will retire at the end of 2024. So are they timely departures happening as the PGA Tour and LIV Golf moved towards a merger. That could be part of it, regardless their departure is a loss, but they are not people who can’t be replaced.

U if ILL-INI Guy Kent Knebelkamp has plenty of range balls waiting for you at the Willow Hill Dome, 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook. WillowHilldome.com Current golf hours in the dome are 8a to 3p.

NEW CLUBS.

SO IT IS a great idea to add something new to the bag every year.

But when it comes to clubs, you do have plenty of great options.

So far I have written about Callaway, and Titleist. But I should mention that Ping has launched the G430 MAX 10K drivers.

But TaylorMade has countered with it’s Qi Drivers. So visit those companies websites to learn more. LAB GOLF DF3 putters-coming soon.

So stay clicked in during the next 3-4 weeks as Golfers on Golf brings you the best stories from where the golf world is happening. Lets launch-balls in the air, tires on the ground. IF you are stuck up north, visit the Mistwood Golf Dome, plenty of golf things happening there in Bolingbrook, call (630)-739-7600 Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

THE GOG BLOG Checks in from NC-stay tuned. RS.

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road has finished it’s facility improvements, an the simulators are now open. But while you are there hitting the ball, enjoy Chandlers Chophouse right upstairs. See Schaumburggolf.com (847)-885-9000.

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

    THE OAKS GRILLE at Blackberry Oaks in Bristol is now open, and open all winter long. See OaksGrille.com or Blackberryoaks.com-the-oaks-bar-grille.

SO WHAT DOES both Blackberry Oaks Golf Course and Heritage Oaks Golf Course both have in common. Their grills are open all winter long.

FOOD REVIEW-by RORY SPEARS.

THE NEW OAKS GRILLE at Blackberry Oaks Golf course in Bristol is good. Everything that has been added to the new grille, is an upgrade from the past. I had the mushroom and swiss burger. But with onion rings on the side-that I dipped in Blue Cheese. Oh yum!

I was told the burgers had been getting good reviews so I tried one. Which turned out to be a great choice. I washed mine down with a Coke Zero-but the beer selection both on tap and in the bottle of can was excellent. The staff headed up by manager George Bozonelos, is friendly and provides great service. But in the winter months servings of course take place inside. So the summer is great time to visit, before and after golf or even when golf is not in the plans that day.

Because the new outdoor chairs provide an excellent view to the 18th hole and a relaxing place to enjoy a cold beverage on a warm day. So try The Oaks Grille-reached at the Blackberry Oaks golf course, call (630)-553-7170.

  THE ACORN GRILL and TERRACE at Heritage Oaks is open during the winter months. But better yet is the specials that are so popular in the summer, are still available in the winter golf season.

SO IF YOUR HEADED into the simulators at Heritage Oaks-grab a bite and a beer in the Acorn Grill. Because specials include Taco Tuesdays $3 per and Wings on Wednesdays for $1 a per wing, they come with a variety of dipping sauces.

The transfusion at Heritage Oaks in the Acorn Grille.

So is your blood running a little cold this winter.

IF SO-try the transfusion. Because it goes well with everything on the menu.

The Acorn Grill at Heritage Oaks does have shorter hours in the winter golf season, so check them out before coming to the grill.

Soups, salads, burgers, hot dogs and more at the Acorn Grill. Located right off the main lobby and next to the clubs Brook Room. see more at Hertiageoaksgc.com.

I GIVE a full two-thumps up for both the Taco’s and the Wings.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS TOMORROW. RS

  THE NEW PUTTING GREEN IS OPEN and the King is here. So of course you can order an Arnold Palmer. The new simulators are moving towards completion. So be ready to enjoy them before long. See TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905.

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

Heritage Oaks In Northbrook is getting ready for the 2024 Golf Season. Permanent tee time lottery now open.

HERITAGE OAKS in Northbrook is gearing up for the 2024 golf season.

Sign up for permanent tee times is now available. Lottery sign up deadline is February 13th. The drawing will be held in the Brook Room at Heritage Oaks at 7 Pm on February 15th.

OPENING DAY is April 20th, with the final day being September 1st.

But even sooner is TaylorMade fitting day on February 7th from 3-7 Pm. So while you drop by for fittings and sign up’s, check out the Acorn Grill with Taco’ Tuesdays and Wings on Wednesdays. Visit HeritageOaksGC.com or (847)-291-2351.

THE INN at Sentry World, make your plans now for 2024 at Sentry World.

THE INN at Sentry World is ready to welcome everyone back for the 2024 season.

But before it’s golf season, do you know that Valentine’s Day is coming soon.

So why not a visit and stay at the Sentry World Inn.

Beer tastings are coming up and before you know it, golf season will be here at Sentry World. This year with no U.S. Senior Open golf season starts sooner in 2024. (715)-345-1600 or SentryWorld.com.

ADVANCED TICKETS are on sale now for the Milwaukee Golf Show March 1-2-3. hours are 12-5, 10-5 and 10-3. NEW LOCATION but this year FREE Parking. So get all the details at Roylegolfshows.com.

MYRTLE BEACH now has seven courses in the Top 200 courses by one major golf publication. Because numerous Myrtle Beach courses are renovating or have had recent projected completed. So leading the way is the Caledonia Golf and Fish Club at No.46, learn more at PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com.

Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke the pre-order window has opened.

PARADYM Ai-SMOKE

So are you ready for another level.

NOW IN 2024 you can elevate your game to another level, with the new Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke.

Ai-Smoke, drivers, fairway woods, Hybrids and Irons.

Callaway staffer Chris Kirk won the first PGA Tour event of the season at Kapalua Maui with them.

So visit your local fitter or head out to a Callaway Demo day, and get fitted for your new clubs, before the temperature warms up in the Northern States and golf season returns. So visit Callawaygolf.com then go see the fitters at the Mistwoodgolfdome.com and book your fitting today.

  READY FOR GOLF IN THE NORTH SHORE. Come visit Willow Hill Dome and owner Kent Knebelkamp who has put up the largest dome in the Chicago area. because the hitting length is over 150 yards long. WillowHilldome.com located at 1350 Willow road in Northbrook.

The simulators are open at the Schaumburg Golf Club 401 N. Roselle Road. just minutes from the Woodfield Mall.

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB

NOW HAS it’s three simulators open for the winter golf season, after working through some facility improvements in the clubhouse.

So with three simulators, you can book ahead and schedule a hitting bay for when you want to play. Bur before, during or afterwards, why not dining on some great food, and a “warm” beverage from upstairs in Chandlers Chophouse. You can learn more at Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000.

THE MISTWOOD FITTING TEAM L-R Eric Russell, Scott Hogan, Matt Carter in the dome.

CLUB FITTINGS

IN THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Open daily until 10 Pm.

Come visit the brand new bar in the dome shell. But now you can also enjoy simulators in the former OTB area.

UPCOMING FITTING DAYS include Wednesday Jan. 17 Mizuno 2-6p, Callaway Golf Thursday Jan. 18th 2-6p, and TaylorMade on Saturday January 27th from 10-2p. Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS

   BIGGER-that’s what the WIllow Hill Dome is all about. Chicago’s largest dome, over 150 yards long, allows for golfers to see more ball flight. The Dome is located at 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook. So to learn more about hours and golf lessons-please visit WillowHilldome.com. The golf hours are 8a to 3 pm. The holiday light show is now over.

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

Architect Greg Martin (seen here at Settler’s Hill) continues to stay busy with several Midwest projects on his drawing board.

GREG MARTIN is keeping busy.

So with many courses taking on new capital projects, Batavia Illinois based architect Greg Martin has stayed busy.

AND THAT is good thing for golfers who enjoy playing good golf courses.

Because in recent years, Martin has been involved in many area renovation projects. Several of them have turned out to be national award winners. Martin is highly known and respected for getting a maximum amount of production accomplished, when having to work with public money or tax payer funding.

Greg Martin speaks to the town hall audience at Maple Meadows in Wood Dale, about the upcoming project at Maple Meadows GC. Photo by Ed Stevenson.

Martin is a just a few years past serving as the national president for the ASGCA. Which stands for the American Society Golf Course Architects.

Martin’s multiple award winning work at The Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison, has had golfers flocking there to play the golf course in recent years.

The Preserve-formerly known as just Oak Meadows, has been able to wipe away the flooding problem it suffered with for years. In fact-Martin has been involved with two of the area’s projects that have suffered with major flooding issues in the recent years. Oak Meadows and The Wilmette Park District golf course. So with Martin’s involvement-both courses are playing much dryer, to the delight of area golfers. In addition to the management bodies that operate them.

MARTIN’S SUCCESS at recent projects includes public clubs like The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Wilmette Park District, Settler’s Hill in Batavia, Phillips Park in Aurora, Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton, White Tail Ridge GC in Yorkville, Fox Bend in Oswego. But Martin’s list of private club work is growing with clubs that include Park Ridge CC, and upcoming projects with Frankfort based Prestwick Country Club and in Wisconsin at Green Bay Country Club.

Architect Greg Martin in the ASGCA red tartan jacket.

So as projects continue to move forward around the area and into Wisconsin, Martin will stay busy. This is great news for golfers, who might be seeing their favorite courses making improvements.

ORCHARD VALLEY in Aurora is on the tee for later this year. Because planned improvements do include, tee boxes, bunker renovations, expansion to the greens and infrastructure.

BUT AT THE NAPERBROOK Golf Course in Naperville, there will be changes to the 18th hole  which will allow for the addition of a short-game and practice area. But future improvements include, bunkers, tees and irrigation.

MARTIN’S WORK at The Preserve at Oak Meadows has earned him another project with the DuPage Country Forest Preserve District that over-see’s DuPage Golf. So while work is expected by late 2025, it could start in 2026. The new routing was recently put on display at an open house, that was held at Maple Meadows last October.

VILLAGE LINKS IN GLEN ELLYN will be another Martin project that will take place in stages, over the next few years on the clubs 27 holes. So new practice area’s are part of the plan. But tree clearing, bunker renovations, tee improvements and fairway realignments are included, along with drainage and irrigation improvements.

White Tail Ridge Director of Golf Alex Balog, invites golfers to the new White tail Ridge Golf Dome. Located in Oswego right off of Orchard Road.

MARTIN’S WORK will take him to Indiana with a project at the Youche Country Club in Crown Point that starts with master planning in 2024.

“I am excited about the future of golf. I am equally thrilled about our current projects and our client list. These projects are valuable to memberships, local golfers and their communities. We want to make the game better-socially, strategically, environmentally, and operationally. I am hopeful these improvements will stand the test of time, offering golfers an engaging experience for decades,” said Martin.

Martin Golf Design is now at 30+ years in the golf business,. For information on Martin Golf Design, please visit Martindesigngolf.com.

  THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Avenue is expanding later this month. FORE new simulators and a new putting green highlight the changes. But can now enjoy new theatre style seating as well. So come enjoy The Shack-where golf season just got longer, and so did The Shack. Stop at the bar, which is a great place to enjoy a Arnold Palmer. See TheShackGolfClub.com or call and book at (847)-904-2905.

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

the White Tail Ridge Golf Dome just off orchard Road in Oswego. Now Open.

THE GOLF DOME OPTIONS for area golfers have just expanded-with the new White Tail Ridge Golf Dome located in Oswego.

White Tail Ridge had been looking for a way to offer more of a year round product, and after experimenting with simulators that were somewhat successful, they opted to go bigger and better, and that led to a new golf dome.

So Whitetail Ridge Director of Golf Alex Balog and the Whitetail team did it’s homework. Both looking at other properties and trying to see what top notch product and services they could offer, then adding anything new area golfers had not seen before.

once golfers walk through the front door, they will find a new golfing experience they can enjoy.

Golf domes and what they offer has changed since new Chicago District Golf Association Director Mike Munro, brought the dome concept to the Chicago area, when he opened the White Pines Golf Dome.

The dome was set up on the driving range of the White Pines Golf Course in Bensenville. A concept no longer used.

Since then the Mistwood Golf Dome introduced Top Tracer golf, and the new Willow Hill dome has brought length to the dome concept, being the longest dome perhaps in the Chicago area ever, at just over 150 yards.

SO BALOG checked into Trackman Golf, which is what the PGA Tour is now using on it’s telecasts. Because Trackman is used by so many Tour players, Balog worked with Trackman to have the company bring it’s system indoors. So Trackman Range entered the dome world for the first time.

Alex Balog is the Director of Golf at Whitetail Ridge-the golf course and the dome.

The hard work started long before the dome was first inflated, as the team worked through the planning stage and then a building stage.

Balog says that last summer, days were spent, pouring concrete and doing brick work.

But the word was getting around that the new dome was moving towards completion. So when on this past Thanksgiving that there could be a soft opening on Black Friday, the friends and family group turned out in force. Balog though the group might be 50-or 60 people. But the final number turned out to be over 200.

The Persimmon Room is first to greet golfers when the arrive in the Whitetail Ridge Golf Dome.

So then there was the excitement of getting the new Trackman dialed in.

Balog says there was some fine-tuning to get the system working and online.

But before long Balog and the Trackman team had it up and running.

So one of the nice things about the dome, is that it has two levels. So there are plenty of hitting bays to pick from, oh yes and there are simulators as well.

The upper deck is a fun place to hit from.

But once you walk in the front door, patrons enter the Persimmon Room. A great place to enjoy food and beverage and catch top level sporting events, you can watch on the big screens.

But if you looking for beverages in the dome, there is a bar with snacks only a short walk from the hitting stations.

Seniors (60+) can get special rates on weekdays from Open until 3 Pm.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the full interview with Whitetail Ridge Golf Dome Director of Golf Alex Balog.

The Willow Hill Dome in Northbrook is open for golf from 8a to 3 p Monday through Friday. 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook see more at WillowHillDome.com.

Balog called the effort to get the dome open this year, a full team and group effort, with employees from other departments at Whitetail Ridge golf course coming over to pitch in.

The Whitetail Ridge golf dome is located at 3360 Station Drive in Oswego, just off of Orchard Road.

But for more information visit Whitetailridgegolfdome.com or call the dome at (331)-999-3545.

The Whitetail Ridge golf course in Yorkville will reopen this spring as weather permits.

  THE NORTH SHORE’S BEST WINTER GOLF-IN THE SIMULATOR at The Shack. OR in the dome at Willow Hill. The Shack at 1717 Chestnut Avenue in Glenview, is now expanding. Four simulators will soon be seven-plus a new putting green will be added. But while the beverages in the bar are cold-or at times warm this time of year, the food is still great. TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905. THE WILLOW HILL GOLF DOME is the largest dome in town. So come see your golf ball fly another 50+ yards longer than other indoor options. 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook. Golf hours have now returned to 8a to 3p, for more information see WillowHillDome.com 160 yards of flight.

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

Scotty Cameron Phantom Putters new for 2024.

THE PHANTOM PUTTER is here.

So this past week at the Sentry Tournament in Maui, and this coming week on Oahu at the Sony Open.

The Titleist Staff players on the PGA Tour are enjoying the latest from Scotty Cameron.

Because the mallet style Phantom Putter has arrived, or at least some of them have. But while four Phantom’s are here, Tour Reps Drew Page and Brad Cloke will bring out six more models in the weeks ahead.

Cameron Young brought his Phantom 5 with a proto-type knuckle neck to Kapalua, after testing it at home the previous week.

“That Phantom shape, for one, helps my alignment,” Young said at the Plantation Course at Kapalua. “And then also just the forgiveness of a mallet is important. I feel like anything that you can do to make off-center hits just a little better is always is always a good thing.”

Scotty Cameron 2024 Phantom Proto Types.

PGA TOUR PLAYER MAX HOMA has used a Phantom mallet for all five of his last PGA Tour wins.

“I was struggling with face control with my putter. So I tried a few mallets, and ended up going with one of the Phantoms,” said Homa. In 2021 one week after switching to a Phantom X 11.5 tour prototype. But since then Homa’s last four wins have been with the Phantom X 5.5.

Homa added that he did not have to do as much work with his hands to release the putter. The weight of the head made me feel I could control my putts in the 15-25 foot range. Which is where I had been struggling. So the speed control with the Phantom has been the benefactor in the tournaments I have won, holing a few more 10-20 footers.”

Scotty Cameron and Titleist did not announce a release date or dates for the other six models. So for more information see Titleist.com or Scottycameron.com.

  WHAT’S NEW IN THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-Scott Hogan (M) is the new member of the club fitting team (L). Then in the dome is the new in the golf shell bar. So it is time to start the club fitting process-take some lessons, play Toptracer golf. But when your appetite is ready-it’s McWethy’s Sports Bar. Mistwoodgolfdome.com Rt. 53 Bolingbrook.

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

The new Callaway Golf Chrome Tour Ball.

CALLAWAY GOLF HAS ANNOUNED the improvements to the Chrome Line of golf balls.

Available for sale on Feb. 2, in pro shops and retail stores.

Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X, Chrome Soft will be priced at $54.99.

So what’s improved. The NEW Hyper Fast Soft Core, mantle designs, new Tour Seamless Aero package, and cover formulation.

But the process is complete because of the Callaway R&D team has spent countless hours working with some of the best Tour players in the game, taking the detailed feedback into the engineering process and the performance characteristics of these new golf balls.

The new simulators are part of the Mistwood Golf Dome.

CHROME TOUR is built for better players, who require the best in both distance and feel.

But it’s a ball that produces outstanding performance, with amazing speed, consistent flight, with high levels of spin and greenside control.

Because the core is engineered for balance of long distance flight and a soft feel. But Chrome Tour players well in any conditions, and allows players to go after shots because of the added spin.

Callaway Chrome-Triple Track

CHROME TOUR X

IS FOR the best players who want speed and control from their Tour ball.

TOUR X provides golfers with top distance, workability, and spin so one receives the best performance from tee-to-green.

The core provides maximum ball speed and distance, especially from hits of the driver. But better players can use TOUR X to hit better irons and wedges, from the spin and workability TOUR X provides.

Callaway Chrome Soft Yellow Golf Balls.

CHROME SOFT

Chrome Soft now provides a more outstanding performance with faster ball speeds.

Callaway calls it the seamless Tour Aero for an optimized ball flight, increased control around the green, and a soft feel.

This ball is built for aspiring players that are wanting a Tour quality golf ball. Golfers can start purchasing the full line of Callaway Chrome golf balls on February 2nd, in pro shops or retail outlets. but for more information please visit Callawaygolf.com.

  THE SHACK is expanding later this month. The indoor wall is being blown-out and 4 new simulators are coming in. But there will also be a new putting green. Add new theatre style seating, comfortable for larger groups. NFL playoffs, Masters week are filling up quickly. So Visit TheShackgolfclub.com or call The Shack at (847)-904-2905.