THE SHACK IS GETTING BIGGER at 1717 Chestnut Avenue in Glenview. Owner Nick Larkin (R) looks-on as workers prepare four new simulators in the newly acquired space that Shack will have running next month. But right now The Shacks Four simulators are up and running, so enjoy the bar-the food and watch the sports. TheShackGolfClub.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

Sepp Straka is the defending champion in the John Deere Classic.

THE JOHN DEERE CLASSIC.

The little tournament that could. Because every year the John Deere Classic is just that, it’s a classic.

Classic story lines, classic finishes, classic winners, classic galleries and more.

But after “The Classic” ended in July, there has been plenty of more news ever since.

So it started with the birdies. Birdies for Charity that is. Because in the Quad-Cities there is plenty of charity, especially from the classic.

2023 saw a record amount of charity raised ($14,102,833 million dollars) which broke the old record set in 2022 by $194,165 dollars. The tournament will pay a 7.5 % bonus to the 478 charities that participate in the program. Which makes the final dollars amount add up to and amount of $37.60 per resident. Based on the population of 375,000 Quad Cities area residents.

Tournament Director Andrew Lehman thanked everyone who donated to the BFC program. But since 1971 when the tournament was founded, $174 million dollars has been raised for local charities.

The Mistwood Golf Dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Book a hitting bay today at (630)-739-7600, then enjoy McWethy’s Sports Bar . Lessons, Club Fittings and more see Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

JDC-OFFERS TWO EXEMPTIONS into the “Open Championship.”

The John Deere Classic will now offer two exemptions into  the Open Championship, this July 18-21 at Royal Troon.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our 156 contestants the opportunity to compete for two spots in the Open Championship,” said tournament director Andrew Lehman. ” So we expect that the chance to earn this exemption will enhance our field and bring another dimension to the competition.”

But the R&A that operates the Open Championship, says the exemptions will go to the top two highest finishers, not already exempt into the Open. So at one time the JDC had three exemptions to award, but that number dropped to none last year.

The John Deere Classic-has some of the most unique tee markers on the PGA Tour.

EIGHT IS NOT ENOUGH!

Because the John Deere Classic will not stop working hard to continue to earn awards for the type of tournament it conducts.

But last week the John Deere Classic won it’s eighth “Most Engaged Community” award, presented by the PGA Tour.

The factors considered to earn the award consist of volunteer support, spectator attendance, and how the community mixes into the flavor of the tournament. Tournament director Andrew Lehman said, “The John Deere Classic is excited and honored to win the this award for the eighth time.”

Tournament dates for 2024 are July 3-7 at TPC Deere Run. But for more information and details see JohnDeereClassic.com.

NICK LARKIN OWNER OF THE SHACK at 1717 Chestnut Avenue in Glenview looks on as workers ready The Shack for it’s new expansion. Larkin says The Shack will increase to 7 simulators and add a putting green by Mid-to-Late January. But for now you can still enjoy the four simulators and the great food and bar. Book your hitting bay by calling (847)-904-2905. Want to add a special event see TheShackGolfClub.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

THE WILLOW HILL DOME on Willow Road in Northbrook is the largest golf dome ever in the Chicago area. (R) Owner Kent Knebelkamp is teeing up golf season all winter long. But he has also created one of the best holiday light shows you find anywhere in the Chicago area and beyond.

Inside the Willow Hill Dome-where there is 160 yards of length to fly the golf ball.

Knebelkamp is getting plenty of mileage out of Willow Hill, and golf is not all of it.

Golf is where Willow Hill begins, but certainly not where it ends.

Willow Hill already has a nine hole course, but as the property develops there will be more than that.

Knebelkamp has hired architect Greg Martin to design Willow Hill’s new par-3 course. Knebelkamp wanted the work to be gin last summer, but constructions crews were booked solid, so the work will begin in summer of 2024. The concept for the new par-3 course is three-loops of three-that all circle back to the middle of the layout. But the center of the course will be highlighted with a food and beverage area. The concept will be great on a hot summer day. Junior golfers will enjoy snacks and maybe a hotdog or two.

But here during the winter is the golf dome, created by a Canadian company Knebelkamp says is outstanding for a such a project. Because of demand for indoor sports, and Knebelkamp’s desire to get athletes of all types to Willow Hill. The golf hours in the dome are from 8 Am to 3 Pm, when the golf balls get picked up because Youth Soccer starts at 4 Pm. Soccer practice-leagues and tournaments are all part of Willow Hill. Sometimes later in the evening those who enjoy flying remote-control airplanes do so in the Willow Hill Dome.

Welcome to the Willow Hill light show (L). Then (R) the Indy style race car is among the many light displays.

THE WILLOW HILL GOLF COURSE-has recently seen work done to the driving range and the club house which has been renovated inside. So for the winter season, the golf courses cart paths and services roads make a holiday trail.

SO WHAT IS WILLOW HILL LIGHTS ? It’s some of the best holiday enjoyment you will find anywhere in the North Shore. Because some neighborhoods don’t decorate like years ago, Willow Hill is the place to find a fantastic holiday light display. The display salutes various religious faiths, the armed forces, various sports, and gives one a taste of Jurassic Park.

The Shack Indoor Golf Club-1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview has expansion in the works.

THERE IS A NICE DRIVE in from Willow Road to where you adventure begins. So tune your radio channel down, and the volume up as you ride around in your car. Because during your drive around the light show, you can then enjoy your favorite holiday music.

The drive is over 2 miles long, and takes a while to get all the way around the course. Since the roadway is one lane, your trip can be anywhere from 35 minutes to over and hour. Depending on how fast the cars in front of you are moving. FIND FROSTY THE SNOWMAN, if you find Frosty and he moves around. Send in Frosty’s picture where you found him, you could win a prize.

Knebelkamp has plenty of idea’s for Willow Hill, and what the hill will transform into, come the years ahead. Golf yes-but there will be even more.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the full interview with Kent Knebelkamp, on his plans for golf, what charities Willow Hill will support, and more activities planned for Willow Hill in Northbrook Illinois.

So to learn more about everything Willow Hill-The Holiday Light Show, indoor dome golf, and youth soccer. See Willowhilldome.com. Bring your clubs-then sit back and enjoy the light show.

ANDY MICKELSON (L) of Mistwood Golf-NICK LARKIN (M) of The Shack-KENT KNEBELKAMP (R) of the Willow Hill Golf Dome/WH Holiday lights show. Three men who are getting Chicago area golfers through the winter months that have now arrived. So visit the Mistwood Golf dome in Bolingbrook. The Shack in Glenview. Willow Hill Golf Dome in Northbrook. Because these are three places where golf and winter can mix.

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 Mike Benkusky takes the gavel for the office of president, for the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).

EDITORS NOTE:

With the recent announcement by the USGA, of a golf ball roll back. Golfers on Golf decides to reach out to various golf architects to get their take.

I spoke with four members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), to see if the roll back rolling will affect their business and courses they work on.

LAKE IN THE HILLS IL. Architect Mike Benkusky who recently assumed the office of President for ASGCA, was asked about the recent USGA announcement, his current and upcoming projects. Benkusky recently completed Arlington Lakes Golf Club in Arlington Heights, and will upgrade the AHPD’s 9-hole course Nickol Knoll (also known as Payton’s Hill-for former Chicago Bear RB Walter Payton).

Benkusky is working on two courses in Florida at the Palm Aire Country Club in Sarasota, and former long time Western Amateur site Point O’ Wood’s Country Club in Benton Harbor Michigan.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEW with ASGCA President Mike Benkusky.

Architect Todd Quitno who recently completed work at the Schaumburg Golf Club, will oversee a four year renovation of Cantigny Links in Wheaton.

TODD QUITNO

Was kind enough to take our call while driving to the St. Louis area. But when you are as busy as Quitno is, that might be the only time Quitno can answer the phone.

Golfers on Golf spoke with the Park Ridge IL. based Quitno in September in regards to his Cantigny Links project. Because that will run for a period of four years.

So at the time Quitno and GOG agreed to resume our conversation on his project at Canal Shores, and now the Merit Club. But for Quitno it’s also now the state of Wisconsin that will be calling him back north again in the short future.

But there was the topic of the golf ball roll back and how it might or might affect golf for courses Quitno finds himself working on.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the full interview with architect Todd Quitno on past, present and future projects. But with thoughts on the recent USGA golf ball roll back announcement.

Architect and Evans Scholar Ray Hearn at Mistwood Golf Club, one of several Hearn Illinois projects.

ARCHITECT RAY HEARN based in Holland Michigan has worked on numerous projects over the years.

Hearn’s work in Illinois includes the highly rated Mistwood in Romeoville, and home of the Illinois Women’s Open.

But it doesn’t stop there. Because Hearn’s work at Flossmoor Golf Club will be honored for the second straight year. When Flossmoor hosts the 2024 Illinois Open in early August. Because of the strong reviews the course received this past August at the 2023 Illinois Open. The IPGA decided a return to Flossmoor one more time was in-order. Hearn’s other work in Illinois includes the Midlothian Country Club, and perhaps another announcement coming shortly. So stay tuned.

But what is well known and will open in summer of 2024-is Hearn’s new nine hole par-3 course. Boyne Resorts in Northern Michigan is the home of Doon Brae. Hearn expresses some great thoughts and comparisons on the USGA ball roll back as well.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR PART 1 of the interview with Evans Scholar Ray Hearn.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR Part 2 of the interview with architect Ray Hearn.

Greg Martin speaks at the recent open house for the redesign of Maple Meadows.

ARCHITECT GREG MARTIN of BATAVIA IL. and Past President of the ASGCA, appeared on Golfers on Golf Radio in September. At that time Martin spoke about his upcoming project at Maple Meadows in Wood Dale. Martin did the multiple award winning work across the street at The Preserve at Oak Meadows.

Martin spoke to the work at Maple Meadows in our recent feature here at Golfersongolf.com. Summer of 2024 Martin will be working at Willow Hill in Northbrook designing the new Par-3 course at that location.

So in regards to the recently announced golf ball roll-back announced by the USGA, he offered these thoughts on how it could affect golf course architecture moving forward.

Let me preface: I don’t know enough about the details, but I understand this will only affect the pros.

It’s been needed as technology has outpaced architecture. Safety, cost and pace of play are just a few of the issues adversely affected by the golf ball going further.

Here’s the defining issue: golf is the only sport where there are no defining measures for the playing field. Baseball is the closest, but has general acceptable standards. Golf offers some very basic standards for lengths in relation to par. Outside of that, every playing field is different. But the capacity of the golf ball has surpassed existing infrastructures for many golf courses-particularly the classic courses by Golden Age Architects making them obsolete.

And of course… Golf is about strategies, shot-making, thinking and execution-not distance.

THE SHACK IS BACK AND GETTING BIGGER AND BETTER. Owner Nick Larkin is expanding the Glenview based-“The Shack” from 4 to 7 simulators and adding a new putting green. The new area is expected to open in Mid-to-Late January. So stay tuned for details, the new simulator area’s are larger and one has movie studio like seating. So visit TheShackGolfClub.com or call to book your hitting bay 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 SAND VALLEY RESORT in Nekoosa Wisconsin has been named as host to four upcoming USGA Amateur Championships. Starting with the 2026 U.S. Mid-Amateur.

USGA.org The USGA has awarded four amateur championships to the State of Wisconsin.

THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION (USGA), has awarded four of it’s future amateur championships to the Sand Valley Resort, in Nekoosa Wisconsin.

The first of four is the 2026 U.S. Mid Amateur, the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2029, the 2030 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, and in 2034 the U.S. Girls Junior.

Great food and beverages are found in McWethy’s Sports Bar-inside the Mistwood Golf Dome. Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. So call (630)-739-7600 Toptracer golf and more.

“The USGA is excited to begin this commitment with Sand Valley Resort, so we look forward to a long and fulfilling relationship,” said Mark Hill, USGA managing director of championships. “The Keiser family has been committed to hosting national championships and promoting amateur competitions. So we know that the resorts courses will challenge and thoroughly impress the worlds best players.”

The resort is owned and operated by Michael and Chris Keiser, sons of Bandon Dunes founder Mike Keiser.

Sand Valley is now over 12,000 acres of wilderness in the Central Sands of Wisconsin, with dunes and sand barrens. But it’s also home to a native pine forest and restored timberland. Because Sand Valley is only 100 miles north of Madison, 170 miles from Milwaukee and 220 miles from downtown Chicago. The commute to the resort is under four hours from several cities.

Willow Hill Dome in Northbrook, is the largest indoor golf dome in Chicago history. With a front to back yardage of 160 yards. Golf hours are 8 Am to 3 Pm. But currently the Willow Hill Holiday light Show in running through Jan. 6th. WillowHillgolfdome.com

SAND VALLEY is now home to five golf courses. But the golf courses are part of an expanding community.

The Sand Valley Course was first, followed by Mammoth Dunes and the Par-3 course the Sand Box.

But more recent work by architect Tom Doak has included “The Lido,” and now Sedge Valley which will open in 2024.

But the Lido will be the primary course for the 2026 Mid-Amateur.

“We have looked so forward to this day for a long time,” said Chris Keiser, co-owner of Sand Valley. “Because amateur golf is the heart of the game. But to have the opportunity to host these elite men and women over the next ten years is a great honor. So we are thrilled to become part of the history of these great championships.”

The USGA has conducted 17 championships in the State of Wisconsin. But the 18th is scheduled for 2025 when Erin Hills will host the U.S. Women’s Open. But the four of named championships have age and handicap restrictions to be a part of the field.

So the dates for the champions are as follows. 2026 Mid-Am Sept. 26-October 1. The 2029 U.S. Junior Amateur is July 23-28. U.S. Women’s Mid-Am is Sept. 7-12. With the 2034  U.S. Girls Junior Championship, July 17-22.

So for more information please visit USGA.org.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily until 10 Pm. The dome is home to Toptracer Golf and McWethy’s Sports Bar. This winter Mistwood Golf Dome will host a series of golf events on Toptracer. So follow the news right here or at Mistwoodgolfdome.com. You can book a hitting bay online or by calling the dome at (630)-739-7600. Winter is a great time to take a lesson or get fitted for new clubs. But you can watch the best games in McWethy’s while you enjoy the award winning wings.

The Rich Harvest Farms holiday event L-R Jerry Rich, Monica Birnbaum and Rory Spears.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING…

This past weekend I enjoyed the annual Rich Harvest Farms holiday event.

Rich Harvest Farms has been the Chicago home of LIV Golf for the last two years. But will there be a year number three.

Jerry Rich has given LIV Golf the green light to return, but LIV still has not given RHF an answer if they are coming back to date. LIV has made no secret of their plans to take their tour to different markets. But right now they should simply just say yes to Chicago a great golf market. Published reports say LIV is coming back to Chicago, but that is not confirmed.

With no BMW Championship back in town for a while, it makes sense for LIV Golf to be in Chicago, a wide open market for 2024-2025-2027. The Presidents Cup is scheduled for 2026 at Medinah. But by then-will the Presidents Cup run by the PGA Tour, still be an event on the tour. So what if there is no PGA Tour, what if the PGA Tour combines with LIV Golf and the new name is ?

THE CANTLAY TOUR-will the Price Be Right for Cantlay to stay on the PGA Tour. So is Cantlay “calling the shots” for the tour as some on social media suggest he is. The Price Was Right for Jon Rahm to leave, but now as a team owner in LIV, will Rahm recruit three new players to leave the PGA Tour and join LIV Golf. Because numerous reports says Rahm’s good friend Tony Finau is next to go, and join Rahm. Tyrell Hatton a two-time European Ryder Cup team member, reportedly is next to leave and join LIV after Finau.

ALREADY LEAVING THE PGA TOUR is one of it’s signature events-The Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte NC., after the contract runs out in 2024. The Price was Wrong for Wells Fargo to stay. So as costs escalate to put on PGA Tour events, will other sponsors stick around. Here’s hoping they do, but what if they don’t. What would the Western Golf Association do, if BMW drove off into the night when the current contract runs out.

SO CAN THE PRICE BE RIGHT-and the PGA Tour and LIV Golf reach a deal by December 31st deadline. But I’m not sure that they will. The PGA Tour is now getting equity partners on board, but is that enough to put them anywhere in the ballpark or golf club when at the bargaining table with the Saudi PIF.

SO WHAT’S THE FALLOUT-there was talk that Greg Norman would be pushed out-but as things move along and Norman remains quiet, it seems that Jay Monahan is likely the fall guy. Will Rahm’s departure be the final straw in Monahan’s tenure with the tour. It could be, maybe it should be. Maybe Monahan should have just taken Norman’s phone call months ago.

IS RORY’S DEPARTURE from the policy board, a result of disagreements with Tiger Woods. Because it seems that McIlroy has been thinking big picture, and the future of golf, while Woods is being stubborn and still wants to play hardball against those that have left for LIV Golf. McIllroy is looking for ways to get LIV Golfers back into the majors and the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, uniting both sides. Woods might not be on board with that line of thinking. Jordan Spieth is now claiming that reports which include him fighting specifically for the stars of the PGA Tour, is really fake media.

WHAT WILL BE INTERESTING is who the three players are, that will become part of Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf team. Will that mean three more players depart from the PGA Tour. So if that’s the case-what will the poor anti-LIV social media crybabies do. Because if the Price is Right, three more PGA Tour players will go join Jon Rahm. My money is on Tony Finau to be one of the three. (even though he now says he isn’t leaving).

The tee shot from the back tee on the new 18th hole of he Medinah #3 course.

MEDINAH #3…

Golfers on Golf was honored to be the first media outlet to tour a finished Medinah #3, what’s left is for the grow-in process to get the course ready to welcome back golfers. Hopefully by late June of 2024.

My story runs this week on the OCM renovation, and how the 2024 reopening will operate.

While this is not etched in stone, the PGA Tour is planning to make sure all the new holes get in play during the 2026 Presidents Cup. But due to the fact in match play many matches wrap up by hole 15 or 16. The first hole is likely to be the current Hole #5. So the first hole tee box could be right outside the front door of the Medinah gun club.

ARCHITECTS DAY-one upcoming column this week will have interviews with several architects, including new ASGCA President Mike Benkusky from Lake in the Hills Illinois. There is so much course improvement work underway or upcoming in the next couple of years. That some golfers might need to start finding some other courses to play. Both public and private courses are making improvements, on and off the golf course.

I’M ANXIOUS TO PLAY the new par-3 course at Boyne Resorts in Michigan next summer. Architect Ray Hearn is the course designer, and he is really excited how this project is turning out. Doon-Brae is the name of this new 9-hole short course.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS-this week. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME has been open for the winter season and is ready to have you come by for some indoor practice on Toptracer. So if you need to practice, get a lesson, or fit for new clubs. Visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. The  golf dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook and is home to McWethy’s Sportsbar.

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.

Work has started at Boyne Resorts in Northern Michigan, with the addition of a new large putting green, and 9-hole par-3 course designed by architect Ray Hearn.

THE NEXT PAR-3 COURSE

Northern Michigan’s Boyne Resort in Harbor Springs has announced the building of it’s tenth course, “Doon Brae”.

Doon Brae will be a 9-hole par-3 course designed by Holland Michigan’s architect and Evans Scholar Ray Hearn.

Boyne will additionally add a 1.5 acre Himalayan style putting green. The Doon Brae course will open for play in summer of 2024. But there is no official opening date scheduled so far.

Boyne Resorts Doon Brae Par-3 Course by Ray Hearn, opening summer of 2024.

“So as far as I know, this is the first modern golf course ever built on a ski hill,” said Bernie Friedrich. Director of Golf Course Renovations and Development at Boyne Resorts. “But what excites me the most is how beautiful and different it is. There are three or four stacked wall bunkers. Instead of using tee boxes, we’ll have just one marker on each hole and let guests play wherever they want.”

“The greens are inspired by some of the great ones from around the world. They’re not copies of any specific greens, but they look different and they are big. We also sodded all the fairways, which will be well maintained and surrounded by some tall fescue for that whisper look and feel. It’s going to be quite stunning. There’s a lot of excitement about short courses. We want to keep people excited about golf and wanting to play. So if playing 18 or 36 holes is not enough on any day, this gives golfers another option.”

Architect Ray Hearn has worked at Mistwood, Midlothian and Flossmoor in the Chicago area.

The name Doon Brae where Doon means going down into a valley, and Brae means the steep bank on, or a hillside in Scottish, it’s fitting as the routing of the course is on the site of a former Cuff Links nine hole par-3 course set along the hillside that doubles as a ski slope during the winter months.

“Working with Stephen Kircher and Bernie Friedrich on this project has been really exciting,” said Hearn. Who has been inspired by his many overseas trips to Scotland and Ireland and particular Royal County Down. So Hearn’s favorite part of the project was creatively designed green complexes.

“Drawing inspiration from the British Isles allowed us to create some scaled down versions of famous template greens highlighted by The Short at National Golf Links. Other green templates include Eden, Punch Bowl, Redan, Reverse Redan, Volcano, Steep Slope, Postage Stamp and Biarritz.”

So even with the course being routed on a ski hill, Hearn made sure he minimalized the uphill walking. Doon Brae will play 993 yards from the back tees and 678 yards from the front tees. Holes will range from 57 yards to 134 yards, the longer holes will have more bunkers and be played from strategic angles.

Hearn says,” I wanted to create something fun without being a difficult walk. But we considered families that would bring their kids out to play. But the routing runs this way, No.1 is a level hole, No.2 is uphill, No.3 is downhill, No.4 is uphill, with 5-6 & 7 are mostly sidehill, and 8 and 9 plying downhill.”

So for more information please visit BoyneGolf.com.

    MISTWOOD DIRECTOR OF GOLF ANDY MICKELSON-(M) has surrounded himself with two of the best club fitters in the area. Matt Carter (L) and Eric Russell (R). But better news is that both Carter and Russell can be found all-winter long in the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. The dome is home to Toptracer Golf and to the McWethy’s Sports Bar, where you can find great wings-burgers and beer. So book your bay today at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or you can call the dome at (630)-739-7600.

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

Tom Grey is the General Manager at Canal Shores in Evanston and Wilmette. Canal Shores is expected to reopen for play in August of 2024.

TEAM WORK…

THE CANAL SHORES PROJECT is well underway, and the 104 year old golf course is getting a much-needed overhaul.

But it’s a project that needed some help to get launched, a lot of help. So what Canal Shores has become, is the little course that could.

Because many of the big brothers and sisters of golf in the Chicagoland area have stepped up to make this preservation of golf happen. Canal Shores is not like most other 100+ year old golf courses, that get big dollar renovations from some big name architect. Because those projects get paid for by a membership with deep pockets.

So what has happened is that Chicago’s golf organizations have teamed up. They are working together to give Canal Shores a new presence and a new look on the golf scene in the Windy City.

The famed Baha`i Temple behind the new 6th green-that will be the 65 yard putting hole. Maybe the toughest par on the course.

The project started with Canal Shores managing partner KemperSports, who soon enlisted help and or funding from the Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation, the Chicago District Golf Association, Wadsworth Construction, The First Tee of Greater Chicago, Quitno Golf Design and others have stepped up with private donations.

But the estimated cost for the project runs $5.9 million, and fundraising is almost there, reaching $5.5 million. So a few more dollars are needed. So if you can-please do donate to this great cause. Because Canal Shores is more than just a golf course. It will be home to a WGAESF caddie training program and the First Tee once it’s completed and reopened hopefully in August of next year.

But according to the Canal Shores history books, the first tee shot at the course was hit on September 19th, of 1919. So could a new chapter of history for Canal Shores be written on September 19th of 2024.

Perhaps the next wave of Evans Scholars might get their training at Canal Shores. It would only seem fitting, if a few of them went on to study at nearby Northwestern University.

The big new 30,000 square foot putting green outside the clubhouse at Canal Shores.

Chris Charnas of Links Capital Advisors has been providing updates throughout the construction process.

The updates are found on the Canal Shores website, under the news section.

So do check them out, because they are interesting to read and very informative on each phase of the renovation process.

The par-3 16th hole-with a bowl. When the pin finds it’s way into the bowl area on the front of green, a hole-in-one could be in the cards.

Canal Shores receives no public funds or tax payer dollars. The course survives on it’s golf revenue, donations and the hard work of local volunteers.

Canal Shores is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization. So your donation is tax deductible.

The renovation of Canal Shores, forced architect Todd Quitno to be creative, in getting the golf course back to 18 holes.

A few years back-a political decision forced the course to lose the land of one of it’s holes. So Canal Shores became a 17 hole golf course. But then with the plan to introduce a new area for junior golf instruction and play, the first hole at times will be closed. So what does one do, when golfers want to play a full 18 holes. You build two new holes.

The 65 yard sixth hole, now called the “putting hole”, should be a treat to play. General Manager Tom Grey believes it will be the most photographed hole in the North Shore area. Teeing off, golfers have a nice new view of the historic Baha`i Temple in the background. Quitno then slipped in another new 70 yard par-3. So whether junior golf classes are active or not-golfers will play 18 holes. Canal Shores has 12 par-3 holes, and 6-par four holes. So par for the course is 60, and yes shooting a 59 here is still a good score.

The Par-3 tenth hole-that sits next to the hot dog stand at the turn.

Grey says the Evanston Open will return at some point, if not 2024 then 2025. The Evanston Open is just part of Canal Shores century long history. Former PGA Tour player Tim “Lumpy” Herron is among the past champions.

Did you know that Canal Shores is known as Bill Murray’s childhood golf course. Evanston native the late Gary Planos, who went on to be an Evans Scholar at the University of Illinois and Executive Vice President at Kapalua Maui-learned the game at Canal Shores. Planos was later the Tournament Chairman for the PGA Tour’s Tournament of Champions at Kapalua.

CANAL SHORES is a community golf course if there ever was one. Because it’s 19 holes run through both the communities of Evanston and Wilmette. But the golf course serves other purposes for area residents as well. Headed out for a bike ride- a jog-walking the dog, taking a short cut to school. Yes Canal Shores is place you will find all of the above.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Canal Shores GM Tom Grey.

Donations for Canal Shores are still needed. So to donate you can do so online at Canalshores.org/donate or mail a check to Canal Shores Golf Course 1030 Central Street, Evanston IL. 60201 or through your phone on Canal Shores QR code.

Learn more about Canal Shore and the Canal Shore project at CanalShores.org.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open for the winter season daily until 10 Pm. Andy Mickelson (L) Mistwood’s Director of Golf is the 2023 Illinois PGA Player of the Year. (R) it’s time to get he Mistwood golf dome stocking hat. Find out how, call (630)-739-7600.

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.

BETTINARDI STUDIO “B” is now open in Oak Brook. The most advanced putting studio many golfers will ever see, if they take the time to visit. The good news is that for those who live downtown, in the western or northern suburbs. There is no longer a need to drive all the way south to Tinley Park, a location that formerly was only convenient for south suburban customers.

MORE FROM RORY SPEARS: Recently I made my first visit to the new Bettinardi Studio “B” in Oak Brook and it won’t be my last. It was amazing what I saw. So just when you think you know a lot about something, you find out you really don’t. The data I was exposed to in many cases, were things I never knew went into a really solid and advanced putter fitting.

What’s even more amazing is that golfers don’t need to travel to California to experience this studio. Studio “B” is more than just a SAM Putt Lab, you might say it’s a Hive of Information. The putter you leave with might be the creation of a lifetime, your creation. Not what some major equipment company sells, and that you have to pick from. Studio “B” feels like somewhere that touring professionals would go to be fitted, a place that would be restricted to someone with a tour card. But it’s not. You can tune up for a fitting with a steak before or after from Michael Jordan’s steakhouse across the hallway. Studio “B” is across the street from Oak Brook Mall.

Rory putting with a BB style putter. Photo by John Billiter. Rimmy Dunlop (L) looks on.

General Manager David Kubiak PGA, who spent 10 years at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, before working the professional tours as the Bettinardi rep-and now runs Studio “B” was my tour guide.

During my session in the putting studio, fitters Connor Williams and Rimmy Dunlop assisted Kubiak. Okay so it took three people to get me on track. But in less than hour, Kubiak pretty much has figured what kind of putter should end up in my bag. Down the road I will see if he is correct. Bettinardi founder and owner Bob Bettinardi is anxious to hear stories about me making putts outdoors come 2024. So I hope to have a few to tell him. RS

REPLICA PUTTERS that hang on the Bettinardi Wall of Champions include, Francesco Molinari’s 2018 Open Championship putter (L) and Matt Fitzpatrick’s 2022 U.S. Open Championship putter (R).

Welcome to The Hive.

But one part of the tour, includes a visit to “The Hive”, where you find the most advanced putters, that come with real creativity involved.

So when one enters “The Hive” you find walls full of amazing putters, with features developed over the years.

Because here is where one sits with a Bettinardi representative, to create the putter a golfer simply has to have.

So do you need a special length, face, width, shaft location, color or milling. The Hive is where this type of putter gets designed.

But to take a step back, one enters the putting studio first. Where you start rolling putts, and where your data starts to add up, so you can build a putter that make putts, so your score doesn’t start adding up in the wrong direction.

Build it here-yes a majority of the time you will leave Studio B with the putter you selected to be right for you.

GOOD NEWS is that you get fitted in Studio B, and you likely leave Studio B that day with putter in hand.

So unless you have created a special edition putter, you do not leave the studio empty handed.

Because there is no, put in your order, then Oak Brook sends it to Tinley Park, and then you wait for some delivery service to show up at your home, office or club. So the pick it out and take it home concept is winning golfers over. Bettinardi putters are built here in the USA, not in China.

So how did Bettinardi golf get started. Bob Bettinardi was making and milling products for the U.S. Government, then he became a golf fanatic. One day after studying a putter he had from a major golf company. Bob started to make calls, he finally learned enough where he could take his ideas to bigger designers, before branching out on his own.

The data screen that hangs on the wall, tracks information and stats about your putting stroke, that you never knew about before.

Bob Bettinardi’s son Sam is now part of the family business. The father & son partnership has been a winner.

Bob takes great delight when his tour players win tournaments. Especially majors.

Francesco Molinari struck first, winning the British Open in 2018. At one point as Molinari lined up a putt, his putter was shown close up on television. The world saw the Bettinardi name for 6-7 seconds on the screen. Bettinardi learned what that meant, as shortly after Molinari lifted the Claret Jug, Bettinardi’s phones started ringing like crazy.

Bob Bettinardi will tell you. “The industry slogan is-what wins on Sunday, sells on Monday.”  So when Matt Fitzpatrick won the U.S. Open in 2022, Bettinardi took off for his pool, still dressed in his clothes, not a swimsuit and leaped in. Yelling to his wife to order some Champagne.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the full interview with Bob Bettinardi. Bob tells the history on the founding of Bettinardi Golf, some of the partners the company has, how his wife the designer, is the true star in the creation of “Studio B”.

So if your looking for a new putter, or need to know more about putting, and how to improve your putting stroke, visit Bettinardi.com. or visit the studio at 1225 W. 22nd Street in Oak Brook (630)-819-8592. Take your putting to the next level.

THE SHACK GOLF CLUB in Glenview is expanding and the new section opens next month. Hear out interview from yesterday with owner Nick Larkin. Shackgolfclub.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

THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION-LIBERTY CORNER NEW JERSEY.

AS REPORTED HERE LAST WEEKEND- THE USGA and the R&A have announced a rollback to the golf ball. The rollback begins on professional tours in 2028, but then for the amateur in 2030.

The USGA feels the impact on amateur and recreational golf will be very minimal. But time will tell if that is the case. Test conditions revised were at 125 MPH clubhead speed which equals 183 MPH speed. Spin rate at 2200 rpm and launch angle of 11 degrees.  Current conditions set in 2003 were at 120 mph, 176 ball speed, 2520 rpm and 10 degree launch angle.

Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, book hitting bays at (630)-739-7600 see Mistwoodgolfdome.com Home to Toptracer Golf and McWethys Sports Bar.

The revised data is a collection from worldwide tours and reflects the yardage and speed from the games longest hitters, with the top ball speeds.

So the biggest affects to golfers are expected as follows by the USGA.

A loss of 13-15 yards to the longest hitters on professional tours. 9-11 yards from average distance hitters on tour. Top LPGA and LET players will be 5-7 yards.

But for amateur golfers-yardage loss is expected to be 5 yards or less, based on swing speeds of 93 mph for men and 72 mph for women. Existing golf balls approved to be in conformance in 2027, are allowed in play until January of 2030. In fact more than 30 percent of current golf balls on the marker will still be conforming after the rollback is in effect.

“Governance is hard. So while thousands will claim that we did too much, there will be many who said we did not do enough to protect the game long term,” said Michael Whan, CEO of the USGA. “But from the very beginning, we’ve been driven to do what is right for the game, without bias. So as we’ve said, doing nothing is not an option-and we would be failing in our responsibility to protect the games future if we did not take appropriate action right now.”

Marin Slumbers, CEO of the R&A, said. “We are convinced that this decision is one of the key ways of achieving a sustainable future of golf, protecting the integrity of the game and meeting our environmental responsibilities. The measure we are taking has been carefully considered and calibrated while maintaining the “one game” ethos deemed to be so important to the golf industry. Importantly. Importantly, it also keeps the impact on recreational golfers to an absolute minimum. We are acting now because we want to ensure that future generations can enjoy the unique challenge of golf as much as we do.”

THE USGA also announced that it will begin further testing and researching of drivers and the effects on distance they are creating. So the USGA has put equipment companies on notice, and that they have been and will be watching. At one point in the future, drivers will likely get trimmed back a notch-kind of like the golf ball. So learn more from the USGA at USGA.org/distanceinsights.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME ON RT. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily until 10 Pm. So why not try out Toptracer Golf or grab a bite and watch the games at McWethy’s Sports Bar. So get a lesson or get fitted for new clubs. Just practice keeping your game in shape by taking aim at the hanging targets or the target greens. Call (630)-739-7600.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Mistwood’s Director of Golf Andy Mickelson, the 2023 IL PGA Player of the Year (above right) who talks his award and Mistwood Golf.

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 SHACK OWNER NICK LARKIN (L) at the bar with Arnie, in the soon to be opened addition to The Shack coming in January of 2024.

When your clubhouse gets a little over crowded, frequently, what do you do. You build a bigger one. Which is exactly what Nick Larkin the owner of “The Shack” is doing.

Because business has been good at The Shack in Glenview, and not having enough simulator space, and enough bar space had started to be come a problem.

So fortunately for Larkin, space in the adjoining part of his building recently became available. The owner next door decided to downsize, and offered Larkin the chance to expand. So what did he do, other than saying YES. Larkin made plans to take out one simulator, punch a hole in the wall and extend his business into a newly acquired open space.

WORK IS UNDERWAY in the new space, that will increase The Shack’s amount of simulators from 4 to 7. But this area also adds more space in the new simulator’s that will include recliner like theatre chairs and more.

So the new space will have options for larger groups, and private functions. Larkin is expecting the new area to be completed and open by mid-to late January. But simulators are not all that will be added. So if you need to work on your putting and who doesn’t, a new putting green will be added in the area of where the old simulator three bay was located.

Larkin is excited about what options will be included in the simulators, adding you could watch a movie in the largest bay-simulator #7. So don’t be surprised if you walk into where the new Shack area is located, and Caddyshack or Happy Gilmore are playing on the screen.

Welcome to The Shack in Glenview.

Better news for golfers who enjoy the current Shack.

Because more Shack’s are on the way at some point in the future, according to Larkin.

Larkin admits that right now his focus is on getting the current expansion complete. But once the new wing of The Shack opens up, he will continue looking for the location of where Shack #2 and Shack #3 could go.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with “The Shack” owner Nick Larkin.

But even with more space coming to the current Shack. If you would like to mix in a little golf, on days with major sporting events happening. You need to book your group ASAP. Because NFL playoff weekends, Super Bowl Sunday, Masters week, and the Players Championship week, simulator space is already filling up quickly.

So will the new lockers where The Shack’s members will have the option of storing their golf clubs. Stay tuned for news on the opening next month, when the newly expanded area in The Shack, is open for business.

The Shack is located at 1717 Chestnut Street in Glenview, phone number is (847)-904-2905. See TheShackGolfClub.com