THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open for the winter golf season daily until 10 Pm. The dome is home to Illinois PGA Section 2023 Player of the Year Andy Mickelson-congrats Andy, and McWethy’s Sports Bar home of the best wings in the southwest burbs. Lessons, Club Fittings & Toptracer Golf. Mistwoodgolfdome.com

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears (R) in the new Bettinardi Studio B in Oak Brook. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn-Facebook-Instagram. Photo by John Billiter IPGA.

SPIN BACK-BACK-UP-CHECK, Yes!

Roll It Back… Noooooooooooooooo.

So with the announcement that this Wednesday morning the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal & Ancient (R &A) will announce a Roll-Back of the golf ball.

Both professional golfers and amateur golfers alike, sit nervously and await their fate, with a new golf ball, that doesn’t fly like the old golf ball.

DISTANCE will be lost regardless of what style or level of golf that you play. So how much distance, that remains to be seen. Which boils down to how fast your swing and what ball you play.

THE FUNNY THING is that the argument can be made that many amateur golfers already play with a restricted flight ball that is already rolled back. How is that possible.

STOP and LOOK at the ball you are currently playing. Is it new. Is it old, did you find it on the golf course. In the weeds or fish it out of the pond. Does it have a cart path scuff on it, did it sit in your garage all last winter in the cold. Because if your using a golf ball on water holes that’s old or a cheap brand. You are already losing yardage, in fact you are already playing with a rolled-back ball.

SO WHO WINS OR LOSES WITH THIS DECISION…The architects win, the old courses that are land-locked and can’t have their tees pushed back 500 yards during the next renovation win. Those golf fans that don’t want to see the professionals play 575 yard par-5’s driver, 8 Iron. Architecture fans of old courses will rejoice. But everyone else, not so much.

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN for the touring professionals. For the most part they will complain, Rory McIlroy isn’t so far but he could be in the minority. Pro’s love to bomb it, and will say that’s what the fans come out to see. Grip It and Rip It Golf.

HOW WILL THE USGA and the R&A defend what they have done. The press releases and the speech by USGA Ex. Director Michael Whan should be interesting. Many golfers say the game needs to be protected, but this ruling shows that those in charge of protecting the game, have lost touch with reality and those who play the game.

WHEN WOULD THE ROLL BACK START-that day will be announced when the announcement comes out, but it won’t be right away in January of 2024. So what some people are expecting is that there will be a run on golf balls. Golfers buying dozens of ball to stock-up.

THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT-lawyers will be busy. Lawsuits from golf ball companies could surface and tie up the courts for a while. With the LIV Golf and PGA Tour fight out of the courts, there are some legal types looking for more golf work to keep them busy.

AS A LOW DOUBLE-DIGIT handicapper, I don’t think losing a yard or two off the tee box will kill my game. But every time I come up short on an approach shot, I will probably take the USGA’s name in vain. So pull up a chair on Wednesday and watch the show, some will call it a $#!t show. But before we all over-react, lets hear out those in charge and see what the plan is going to be.

KUDO’S to Mistwood’s Director of Golf Andy Mickelson on being the 2023 Illinois PGA Player of the Year. Speaking of the IPGA-great job by the section professionals who competed in the Birdies for Charity event in October. The pro’s raised almost $300,000 dollars for multiple charities, but that number could still grow with a few last minute donations.

LAST WEEK I visited the brand new Bettinardi Studio B in Oak Brook. It’s simply amazing, and I will have more coming up shortly on the facility. So if you want to learn the how-what and why’s about putting. This is the place to do it.

COG #4 and MEDINAH #3 two of Chicago top golf courses, and some might say the #1 public and the #1 private in town, will start the 2024 golf season on the sidelines.

AT COG HILL-Dubsdread has started a bunker project, that will leave the course closed to at least June 1st. MEDINAH’S COURSE #3 will still be in a grow-in period from a major course renovation. Medinah is hoping that the course can open by late June, time will tell.

WHAT ABOUT LIV GOLF-Rich Harvest Farms confirmed to Golfers on Golf that the door is open for the LIV Tour to return in 2024. A recent article in Sports Illustrated.com says LIV will return to RHF. But if that’s the case, when is LIV going to tell RHF that it is coming back next September. So as our caddy shack judge would say-WELL, We’re Waiting…

JON RAHM TO LIV GOLF, does appear to be a done deal. IF IT’S TRUE, good for Jon and good for LIV Golf, not so good for Jay Monahan.

THE GOG BLOG IS BACK-all week long. RS

MISTWOOD’S MATT CARTER (L) and ERIC RUSSELL (R) are Mistwood Golf’s club fitting team. So if you need new clubs-go see Matt and Eric at the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook-Mistwoodgolfdome.com. or (630)-739-7600. #McWethysSBar.

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

Katie MacNeil of Golf360 back tonight with a holiday edition at 7 PM, Comcast Sports Net Chicago.

GOLF360 IS BACK!

With a special holiday edition program, that kicks off, or tee’s off at 7 Pm.

Pardon the confusion but when two former Chicago Bears-Patrick Mannelly and new CDGA Ambassador Robbie Gould get together at The Shack in Glenview, some football will get discussed.

But since both have a love of golf, there will be plenty of golf talk as well.

So you need more-okay you got it. The Mistwood Golf Dome is front and center as the winter golf season has arrived.

The Chain by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw has opened at Streamsong in Florida,. But closer to home, the new PGA Tour has opened in Chicago’s Lincoln Park area at 1745 W. Fullerton. So learn more about both by watching Golf360TV.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein is expecting to be open for OUTDOOR golf today and in the week ahead. But do call ahead and check first at (847)-566-4653 Golf). But it’s also cyber week at “The Pine” for those looking for deals in their holiday golf shopping.

The Willow Hill golf dome logo.

IT’S OPEN.

This year the Willow Hill golf dome is not working on getting open. Because it is open.

There is multiple uses for the Willow Hill golf dome, but the golf side of the dome starts at 8 Am and it closes for golf at 3 Pm.

So if you want to hit balls in the largest golf dome in the Chicago area, you need to get an early start. WillowHilldome.com. Stop in and work on your game.

Makefield Putters are coming into their own and not just in the Philadelphia market.

MAKEFIELD PUTTERS have introduced a MakeFit home fitting system.

“This is a revolutionary product for the putter fitting industry. The new Makefit Home Fitting System from Makefield will dramatically affect the putter industry, and especially putter fitting for the consumer,” said Nick Biglasco, Marketing Director for Makefield putters.

So you can now try the Makefield Kit with it’s X-3 Weight system on your home turf at your own pace. It includes two club heads and four shafts with different hosel configurations, lie angles and grip styles. But in addition there is weights, washers, wrenches and screws, so you can understand the X-3 weight system.

Golfers can work with the pictures included to create a putter that works for them. So if you would like to avoid putter fittings at box stores. You can learn more at Makefieldputters.com. Putters that have won 2 of the last 3 PGA National Club Professional Championships. Makefieldputters.com.

Scottie Scheffler works out with the GolfForever trainer.

GOLFFOREVER TRAINER

A home fitness training system that helps golfers play without limits, is making a second-chance holiday offer.

So right now through December 25th, you can save $100 dollars, on a GolfForever swing trainer and one-year on the GolfForever app access. The bundled rate is only $299.00

But evn better are the new products launched by GolfForever which include the Stability Ball+Mini Bands+Wall Anchor Set. These products are now 15% percent off through Christmas Day. GolfForever is now being used by over 400 touring golf professionals including Scottie Scheffler, Zach Johnson, Justin Leonard and Ryan Palmer. You can purchase the GolfForver training aid though Amazon or at GolfForever.com.

DO YOU WANT TO BE A GOLF ARCHITECT. If so, you can now sign up to be part of of a golf architecture Boot Camp from September 10-13, 2024 at Erin Hills in Erin Wisconsin. The camp is limited to 16 architects in training. Golf is included. But the cost is $20,000, with $15,000 of the cost being a tax deduction contribution to the ASGCA Foundation. Details at Bootcamp@hunterpr.com. Or visit the Bootcamp website.

The Greenway Tap at The Preserve at Oak Meadows part of DuPage Golf. All DuPage brewed beers on tap.

ARE YOU HUNGRY.

How about a cold beverage for the holidays.

Well now you can enjoy 1 or more, when you visit the Greenway Tap. Chef Mike Riley’s specials will leave your mouths taste-bud’s watering for more.

So why not head out to the Preserve at Oak Meadows, and enjoy the Greenway Tap in the new clubhouse. So visit GreenwayTap.com to see the days and hours of operation.

LIV GOLF PROMOTIONS announces the December 8-10 qualifier at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club for the three open spots on the LIV golf circuit. More than 70 players will tee it up in this Stage 1 part of qualifying. So see more details at Livgolf.com.

The new BB Series of putters, from Bettinardi Putters of Tinley Park and Oak Brook. Bettinardigolf.com.

DALLAS BASED TOPGOLF continues to grow, with the announcement of two new facilities in southern states.

Both new facilities will open on Friday December 15th.

The first one is located in LaFayette Louisiana, which will be the second Topgolf in the state.

Topgolf Pompano Beach Florida, is the State of Florida’s 9th Topgolf venue. To learn more about both of the new facilities and everything Topgolf, see Topgolf.com.

THE CLUB AT LAC LA BELLE is running an online gift card promotion this weekend, for details visit Theclubatlaclabelle.com.

OAK BROOK TERRACE based Zero Friction Golf has announced it will return to the PGA Merchandise Show, next month in January of 2024. So learn more about the Zero Friction product line at Zerofriction.com.

NORTHBROOK BASED KEMPERSPORTS that has long been involved with promotion of the Maui Classic college basketball tournament, has announced that the company recently raised over $1.7 million dollars to help those people affected by the Maui wildfires. So see more information at KemperSportsLIVE.com

ST. ANDREWS LINKS and TRUST has announced a six day window March 28th-April 2nd in 2024 to play the historic Old Course in it’s historic reverse layout. So for details on how to play the Old Course in reverse visit standrews.com/old_course_reversed.

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS TOMORROW. RS

  HERITAGE OAKS GOLF CLUB at 3535 Dundee road in Northbrook is now an all-year golf facility. The two golf simulators are open, and so is the Acorn Grill with great specials on Taco’s and Wings. The lesson and club fitting tent is open in the pro shop, so start looking at the new clubs today. HeritageOaksGC.com or call (847)-291-2351.

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.

COG HILL HOLIDAY SALE UNDERWAY TODAY From 10-3PM IN THE 2-4 Building.

A Deere is running through Cog Hill on the 9th hole.

THE WORK IS UNDERWAY AT COG HILL.

Course #4 the famed Dubsdread is undergoing the knife, some 15 years after the last major work was done.

But this time, it’s not a full renovation of the golf course. Because it’s a bunker project, with some green work and a handful of trees coming down as well.

The Better Billy Bunkers are going in, to a golf course that has always had enough sand to challenge the best golfers.

Your on the first at Cog Hill.

Architect Greg Muirhead part of the Rees Jones team, is back on the course, over-seeing the project like he did back in 2007-with an assist from architect Joe Jemsek.

But as winter closes in-the work is moving along, but there is much still to do. Because currently the digging has been on holes 1,2,3,9 and 10. The remaining holes are staked out-but the bunkers have not been dug-up.

The Mistwood Golf Dome-open daily until 10 PM. Home to Toptracer and McWethy’s Sports Bar. Located in Bolingbrook on Rt. 53, call and book a bay at (630)-739-7600.

The third green has had some additional work done to it, so it’s currently covered.

There are a few places where some trees have come out. But the number is very small, so for those of you golfers that work the golf ball, you won’t gain that much room.

Dubsdread #4 did close early this year so the work could begin. But it will also reopen late in 2024, giving things time to settle before it’s balls in the air time.

The 3rd green on Course #4 at Cog Hill.

So as of now, the “hopeful” reopening date for 2024 is June 1st.

But as anyone who follows golf course improvement projects knows.

They rarely do open on-time. Sometimes it’s only an additional 2-3 weeks, sometimes it’s a month or 6 weeks. So hope for a winter that is not too harsh, and a spring that is even better. But until then the Jemsek’s will have Courses 1,2 and 3 up and running which leaves golfers 54 holes still to choose from. Cog Hill Golf as always-open all year.

See more at Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-264-4455

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB (L) and Mistwood Golf Dome (R)-the year round Mistwood Golf Operation. Currently the dome is in full swing, with birdies and coming soon. But the dome is open daily until 10 Pm, for Toptracer golf, lessons and club fittings. So call the dome at (630)-739-7600 or online at Mistwoodgolfdome.com. #McWethysSportsbar

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 drawing of the proposed Maple Meadows renovation by DuPage Golf and architect Greg Martin.

FIRST COMES OAK-NOW IT’S MAPLE.

The DuPage County Forest Preserve District is moving into Phase Two of renovating its golf operation.

So after a successful multiple award winning renovation of Oak Meadows, now known as “The Preserve at Oak Meadows”. The second stage will be the renovation of Maple Meadows, which is located across the street from The Preserve.

Nearly 60 people turned out at an open house to hear about the proposed plan for Maple Meadows. Photo by Ed Stevenson.

But the best news for golfers, might be that there will be no disruption of play in the 2024 golf season.

Ed Stevenson Director of Golf for the forest preserve district, says work is proposed to start in 2025 or 2026. But the permitting process to begin work on the property. Can cause delays in the actual construction to start.

Roughly 60 people showed up at an open house, to hear more from Stevenson and architect Greg Martin.

Architect Greg Martin at the podium speaks to the proposed master plan for Maple Meadows golf course. Photo by Ed Stevenson.

“The proposed work at Maple Meadows is intended to provide greater variety, make it more playable, highlight the landscape, expand practice options and simplify the operations,” Martin said. “Simply we are focused on making Maple Meadows the best it can be.”

Martin’s plan does call for changes to the routing of Maple Meadows, and an expanded practice areas for the golf course. But not a full-sized driving range built to the scale of the one at The Preserve.

Stevenson summed up what the renovation will do for Maple Meadows.

“For decades, Maple Meadows has been a place where a broad audience of public golfers can find quality conditions. Which include a fun experience at a moderate price point. Technology, the game of golf, and the expectations of public golfers have evolved over the years. In addition to fixing aging infrastructure, the updates to the layout and improved amenities proposed in our plan will make sure Maple Meadows continues to be fun and engaging for the public golfer in the decades to come. While improving the golf experience, we plan to enhance the environmental benefits within the property as well. Costs for the improvement to the infrastructure, golf course, and environmental areas are approximately $10 million dollars.”

Green Meadows a nine hole course operated by the DuPage Country Forest Preserve, could see improvements in the future. But any work there would not begin until Maple Meadows reopens from its renovation. This way during the Maple Meadows renovation, the DCFPD would still have two courses open for public play.

Golfers on Golf will continue to follow developments regarding the Maple Meadows renovation.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB & MISTWOOD GOLF DOME, one of Chicago’s year-round golf operations. So as the temperatures drop, your game can raise itself up with some winter practice with Toptracer in the Mistwood Golf Dome. The dome is home to the famed McWethy’s Sports Bar, where some of the best chicken wings you will ever taste do reside. The dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook see Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome and book a hitting bay at (630)-739-7600. Birdie & Brews Sat. Dec. 9th.

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

Michigan architect Ray Hearn will by the architect working on the Lincolnshire Fields bunker renovation project.

LINCOLNSHIRE FIELDS Country Club has launched a full course bunker renovation with architect Ray Hearn.

Lincolnshire Fields Country Club located in Champaign Illinois, a 1976 design by the late E. Lawrence Packard, is undertaking the project as part of the masterplan created by Hearn in 2022.

“My goals and objectives with a great club like Lincolnshire are very simple,” Hearn said. “As I do with all my projects, I want to make sure the renovations reflect what the club desires for their course and that they are strategic for golfers of all skill levels.”

During the master-planning stage, Hearn noticed that the green and fairway edges had moved away from the bunkers in the four decades since the original construction.

“We’re tuning that up, bringing the bunker edges closer and we are also making some significant design changes to certain bunkers,” Hearn said. “They were originally constructed in the mid-60’s (first nine) and mid-70’s (second nine) and that was the era of big capes and bays in bunker design. The club is now looking at bunkers in a more Golden Age style. So to appear that they were constructed in the early 1920’s by the legendary architects of that period.”

Bunker work has started at Lincolnshire Fields.

Hearn says the course will now have a historic look and feel, when work concludes.

” A lot of clubs are gravitating to the historical look with their bunkers because of the classic appearance,” said Hearn. “Capes and bays have become higher maintenance items. So I have given Lincolnshire a design with beautiful bunkers that I feel will play more strategic.”

Hearn expects the project will be completed by next spring, and adds that General Manager Rob Walls and Superintendent Paul Sermershein are great to work with.

Walls says that,” we aren’t fully able to execute (Ray’s) plan at this time. But the bunkers are a key first step to the level we want to reach. The Golden Age shaping will have a greater effect on play.”

Hearn calls Lincolnshire country Club one of the great clubs in Illinois. “So I look forward to a continued relationship with this tremendous club. Lincolnshire Fields first review the project in 2012 under late Superintendent Werner who passed away in March.

The American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) have awarded Hearn five design Excellence Awards since 2012. So to learn more about this project, please visit rhgd.com.

ERIC RUSSELL (L) AND MATT CARTER (R) MAKE UP THE Mistwood Golf club fitting team. Currently both Russell and Carter are doing fittings in the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. So visit the events schedule at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600 to book a hitting bay. While there eat at 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

Geoff Ogilvy of the Australian course design firm OCM at TPC Deere Run during the John Deere Classic.

THIS SUMMER Geoff Ogilvy of the OCM golf course design firm, took time to speak with Tim Cronin of the Illinois Golfer, and Golfers on Golf about the Medinah Course 3 renovation his firm is conducting.

Ogilvy the 2006 U.S. Open Champion at Winged Foot works with Michael Cocking and Ashley Mead which forms OCM.

Medinah Course #3, will reopen in 2024-at some point around the 4th of July, pending how much work was completed this fall. Plus the grow-in time needed after what a harsh or soft winter does to the course in the cold months ahead. So stay tuned. RS

IG: TELL US ABOUT THE MEDINAH PLAN: OGILVY “As historic as Medinah is, there is not a real attachment to any famous architect. So it was all about making it as good as you can. We found evidence that (AW) Tillinghast had been there, but it was still about making it as good as you can. Which is fun, because Course #3 is an amazing piece of land. So we took our principals and tried to maximize the appeal of the land. One of the shots against Medinah has always been that three of the par-3’s (2-13-17) were the same.”

OGILVY” So for the first 12 holes we really didn’t change anything. We just tried to improve what’s there. The last six holes are quite different. The 16th hole is still there, but it’s going to be 15. Which is a great hole, it’s the Sergio (Garcia) hole. But it’s going to be a little bit straighter, but it’s going to feel like 16.”

IG: OVER THE LAST SIX HOLES-DID YOU SEE ONE HOLE YOU HAD TO HAVE, THEN BUILD THE OTHERS: OGILVY ” 16 is a pretty cool hole, so we were a bit scared about suggesting that, since it’s a big change. There is fantastic drama there around the lake, and we thought what could we do to maximize it. So I think it will turn out pretty well. It’s really exciting and pretty cool.”

GOG: HAVE YOU BEEN ON PROPERTY LATELY: I have and I’m going back. Medinah has been a fantastic club to work with. Pulling the trigger like that which such a large membership is difficult. Trying to get the membership to approve can upset the applecart with a big group of people. But the communication as been great with the membership, us, and the PGA Tour because of the Presidents.”

OCM at Medinah this past July-photo courtesy of Ryan Potts MCC. L-R Geoff Ogilvy-Ashley Mead-Michael Cocking.

GOG: TELL US ABOUT THE CHANGES TO THE 18TH HOLE, WHICH IS NOW A GOLF HOLE THAT RUNS TO MEDINAH ROAD WITH HUGE BUNKERS-INSTEAD OF THE CLUBHOUSE, A PUTTING COURSE, AND PAR 3 COURSE. OGILVY, “The bunkers are big, but our research showed that 18 used to run up that corridor next to the first hole. The flag pole is still next to the green, which makes the hole feel the same and in time people will forget the change of direction. The second shot will still feel the same, but the tee shot is more interesting. What’s flashy is the big bunkers on the left and the big one on the right. I’m not sure where people will tee off from, but the drive on 18 will become an exciting shot.”

IG-HOW ABOUT ELIMINATING THE CURRENT 15TH HOLE: OGILVY “I don’t think anyone was enamored with the 15th hole and the pond on the right. I don’t anyone loved that one. I don’t think anyone at Medinah will be sad to see that 15th hole go. When the the club said it could go, it gave us room to fix up that entire corner of the property. The first 12 holes should still feel like Medinah to everybody, with the last six holes being different. There will be a touch of native grass, but not much. Which adds some texture to the golf course. I know over the last 15 years the club will now have redone all three courses, hopefully now they will be done.”

OGILVY: “The Short course will be fun, everywhere you put them people love them. The Himalaya putting greens are still hit and miss, people really love them or hate them. But they are good for kids or the senior players. I just felt the one thing that could not go on the 18th hole or in that area was the flag pole.”

Golfers on Golf will continue to follow the progress of the Medinah Course #3 renovation. RS

  HERITAGE OAKS in Northbrook on Dundee Road is now a year-round golf facility. But while the 27 holes outside are closed for the year. Both the Acorn Grill and the clubs two simulators are open all year. So watch for holiday season pro shop sales for those shopping for a favorite golfer. See more at Heritageoaksgc.com or call (847)-291-2351.

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.

Rory Spears-In the range barn at Heritage Oaks GC in Northbrook, as the retrieval of range balls continues. Photo by Hayden Leven-Glenbrook North HS-Golf.

HOLIDAY SEASON is here, which means it’s time to start shopping for your favorite golfer.

So if your Black Fried-Day out, Small Business Saturday-out, and Cyber Monday-out. Now dig-in, the real shopping begins.

This year I’m curious to see what golf products will sell, and which ones won’t. Because I’m working at two golf clubs, so I have been able to track what is selling and what is not.

So I can say that it’s been a rough year for golf shoes. It appears that brands like Adidas, FootJoy and especially Nike have had a drop-off in sales. One year ago-4G was a popular seller, not so much this year which comes as a surprise. Will the Nike line of shoes and apparel now moving under the umbrella of Cleveland/Srixon-Dunlop change Nike’s run in golf. One area professional told me that not one person came in all year-looking for Nike Shoes or apparel.

So last week I wrote about what was selling and what wasn’t at the Year-End Golf Sale at Twin Orchard Country Club in Long Grove. The show run by TOCC merchandiser Stacy Larson who does an outstanding job putting the sale together. It’s the best place to buy merchandise from both private clubs and public golf courses. Many smart golfers made purchases for both the holiday season, and to load up on needed products for the 2024 golf season.

GOLF BALLS-Pro-V1 is still the best seller on the market. Pro-V1 even out sells the Prov-V1x according to some professionals by a 5 or 6 to 1 margin at some courses, I spoke with. So as someone who had played the Pro-V1x ball for years, and found it to be a better ball to score with. I wonder what has golfers flocking to the straight Pro-V1. But while Pro-V’s are strong sellers, Titleist balls such as Velocity, Tru-feel and Tour Soft have not done as well. Some golfers told me Titleist should quit making the three balls I just mentioned. Even a mid-summer price increase to Pro-V’s did not slow down sales.

CALLAWAY seems to have jumped into second place in the ball market and is making a strong push at Titleist to be a front runner. Several golfers and industry professionals have told me that golfers seem to be losing faith in TaylorMade golf balls. Personally I put Bridgestone in third place behind Titleist and Callaway. Srixon balls were a tough sell at the YE-Sale, even at discounted prices. The ladies were quickly buying up the Callaway Reva-Ball. While Callaway Red Box Chrome Soft was out selling the Black Box, word is the Black Box Chrome Soft will be upgraded in 2024. So stay tuned.

GOLF BAGS-have slowed down in sales. But this seems to be because of strong price increases. I heard numerous complaints at various courses from golfers complaining about the price of golf bags, that have sky-rocketed in the last few years. Sun Mountain makes a great variety of bags, along with Callaway and Titleist.

The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600 open daily and home to McWethy’s Sports Bar.

GOLF APPAREL-has reached a point where it’s starting to become over priced in a crowded market. Because it seems that everyone thinks they can produce golf apparel. So if your an athlete or movie star-come out with your own line of golf apparel. It’s kind of like golfers all coming out with their own wine, after the success Greg Norman had when he started selling the grapes.

Golf apparel has become to thin in many cases. Sure you don’t want sticky fabrics on hot days but… Apparel has become in many cases skin thin, maybe it doesn’t restrict your swing however… some golfers are complaining they are still getting sun-burned in area’s covered by sleeves. Plus a stop in a well air-conditioned 19th hole leaves golfers chilled. But it’s not from having frosty mugs of beer. UnderArmour is leader in the thin like skin department from complaining golfers-who say the brand is also over priced.

But there is more-when temps drop this apparel doesn’t get it done. Mock-turtles don’t keep people warm, especially in the neck area. The answer to this problem is not to go wear a hoodie on the golf course.

WHAT I USE-my shoes these days are Sqairz-the best golf shoe I have ever worn. The current models are much lighter than the originals and have more style and color to them. CLUBS-Callaway, which continues to make yearly improvements to equipment like I have never seen by any golf company in 50 years of playing golf and buying equipment. APPAREL on clothing side Dunning slacks and shorts are winners for both style and comfort. But my golf shirts usually come from my favorite courses that I have played. But shirt brands such as Adidas, Greg Norman, Peter Millar, Polo are still winners in my book. You can’t go wrong with socks from FootJoy, Kentwool and Sqairz.

PUTTERS are an interesting area in the club world. The new Callaway AI Odyssey putters appear to be real winners, my limited practice with them was a positive one. But I’m very curious about Bettinardi and the continued improvement of LAB Golf putters, both worth investigating and I will be doing that in the short future. Recently I tried a Tour Edge 703 Wingman series putter, and it’s not bad. Tour Edge also has a great set of wedges, with design input from TE staffer Bernhard Langer. Makefield putters out of the Philadelphia area are not bad either. Makefield putter users have won 2 of the last 3 PGA National Club Professional Championships.

GLOVES-THERATEC by Oak Brook Terrace based Zero Friction are really good for grip and comfort. But maybe even better for the long term health of your hand, especially for you range rats that love to have long sessions of beating balls. Titleist’s Players Gloves are always a good choice, they cost a few extra bucks but well worth it. But for those in need of some copper in the glove for long term health of the hand. I recommend Copper Tech Gloves, the first company to add Copper inserts in the glove.

HATS OR CAPS-Several companies make great golf hats, including Imperial and Ahead-4G is pretty good as well. DO YOU NEED TO KEEP your hands warm, there is nothing better than GTech handwarmers-which beat the rub the packet warmers-hands down. Callaway and FootJoy make cart-mitts that are both really good. CLUB HEADCOVERS-get them from your favorite golf clubs. But do get a variety of them as you travel around, unless an equipment company is paying you. There is no need to to have a full bag of headcovers from an equipment company. I DON’T have a rangefinder but from the ones I have tried, Bushnell is the front runner for me and will be my choice of purchase when I do get one.

SO WHAT TO GET YOUR FAVORITE GOLFER-golf balls are always a winner. Every golfer needs them, but do make sure you are buying the right type. Because it’s easy these days to buy the right brand but the wrong type of ball. A new shirt from the favorite club is never a bad idea. Clubs-let your favorite golfer get fit for the clubs they want. You do not have to buy a full set of clubs at once. Many times just a new driver or putter will be enough. Buying someone a round a golf can be tough at this time of year, since many clubs have not set their rates yet for 2024.

MEDINAH’S NEW DIRECTOR OF GOLF CASEY BROZEK is a great choice for the Chicago’s area’s largest club. Brozek the former president of the Illinois PGA Section will bring stability to the club’s golf operation as it gets ready to reopen it’s famed Course #3, and welcome the 2026 Presidents Cup. I have known Brozek for some 15 years, and his personality and knowledge of the golf industry, will leave the members pleased with the decision to hire him as the clubs new director of golf.

The Gog Blog is heating up as the temperatures outside are starting to cool down. Back again tomorrow. RS

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME LOCATED ON RT. 53 in Bolingbrook is now open for the winter golf season. The dome is home to Toptracer and the McWethys Sports Bar with some of the best chicken wings anywhere. Mistwood’s professional staff is there all winter for club fittings and lessons. So follow Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (630)-739-7600

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

Casey Brozek returns to Illinois as the new director of golf at Medinah Country Club.

HE’S HEADING BACK NORTH.

CASEY BROZEK IS COMING back to Illinois and leaving Naples Florida, and the Quail West Country Club where he spent the last six years.

Previously Brozek was the head golf professional at Crystal Lake Country Club in Illinois for 16 years. But then Florida and Quail West Country Club came calling, so Brozek packed up and headed to warmer parts of the country.

“Some people might think I’m losing my marbles leaving Florida in February, and coming back to Illinois,” said Brozek. “But Florida gets as hot in the summer, as Illinois gets cold in the winter.”

Brozek admits this summer was extremely hot in Naples, saying the area had “a bit” of a drought. Plus Naples didn’t get many of the brief afternoon showers to cool everyone down.

So when asked if it took some “soul-searching” when he learned the Medinah Director of Golf was open. If he had to think about about coming back to Illinois from sunny Florida, Brozek has a quick answer.

“It didn’t take any soul-searching at all,” said Brozek. “I mean it’s Medinah, that’s an opportunity of a life time. So I was honored to be asked, to be under consideration for the position.”

The last two professionals to hold the Medinah Director of Golf position, are now both working in Naples Florida.

The historic Medinah Clubhouse stand tall in the middle of the Course #3 work that has been going on since the fall of 2022.

What Brozek will inherit when he starts at the club on February 4th of next year, is the clubs famous Course #3 still in the grow-in process from a major renovation.

Medinah 3 will celebrate both it’s reopening by early to mid-summer, and it’s centennial.

But Brozek is looking forward to a busy summer. Since Medinah will not only will have all three courses back-up and running, but growing closer to hosting the 2026 Presidents Cup.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with new Medinah Country Club Director of Golf, Casey Brozek.

Brozek will begin working on his “team” at the club as soon as possible. Because when you have a country club of over 1,000 members. One person can’t do everything that will be needed to be done. Brozek admits he has a past connection to Medinah, since he served as a volunteer at the 2012 Ryder Cup that Medinah hosted. Brozek was also serving as the Illinois PGA Section president at the time. While Brozek isn’t saying he will run for national office in the PGA of America in the future, he’s not ruling it out either.

Brozek’s return to Illinois is a boost for both Medinah and the Illinois PGA. Illinois PGA has seen several of it’s top professionals either retire or head south for new career opportunities in recent years.

But for now his focus is on Medinah, and building a top level of hospitality and golf for it’s members and guests.

HERITAGE OAKS is open in the winter golf season. So check out the Acorn Grill and the two simulators. See HeritageOaksGC.com or call the course at (847)-291-2351.

IT’S DOME TIME AT THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on RT.53 in Bolingbrook. So try out Toptracer and watch all the big games in McWethy’s Sports bar-home of the award winning chicken wings. Mistwoodgolfdome is open daily until 10 Pm. (630)-739-7600.

MISTWOOD FITTER MATT CARTER (L) will get you fitted for the proper clubs all winter in the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Mistwoodgolfdome.com. But it’s never too late for individual lessons, see Mistwoodgolfdome.com for the full list of instructors.

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.

SQAIRZ GOLF SHOES-Black Friday Sale is still underway. Save $30 dollars, check out Sqairz.com. ladies now visit the new line of women’s Sqairz golf shoes, Sqairz for you, see it today. Sqairz has been named the ‘Most technologically advanced shoes of 2023 by Sports Illustrated.”

PINE MEADOW GC in Mundelein will have 2024 Ambassador Passes on Sale starting Monday December 4th at 8 Am. 100 will be sold, various levels are available. Call The Pine at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF) or visit Pinemeadowgc.com.

BETTINARDI GOLF has black Friday specials, Betti Black Friday see Bettinardigolf.com So do you have a question on the putter that would be right for you. See the Bettinardi Putter Quiz and get your answers.

SALAMANDER HOTELS-5 More days to book, save up to 50%, pick your destination, relax, golf at Innisbrook and more Salamanderhotels.com.

GOLFVISIONS The 2024 Players Pass now on sale. Buy why you can. Discounted golf at several area golf courses, visit Golfvisions.net.

KEMPERSPORTS has announced that it raised over two million dollars for the Folds of Honor Foundation. Well done KSM-Foldsorhonor.org. KSM will now also manage the North Shore Sports Center in Northbrook. NSSC is one of the top places for youth sports and activities in the Chicago North Shore area.

GOLF TOURISM SOLUTIONS the agency behind promotions of golf for the Myrtle Beach area-has hired Ryan Cannon as it’s new Executive Director. MyrtleBeachgolftrips.com has a Black Friday sale-check it out.

LABGOLF is offering a 20% off sale. So LAB rats have at it, use the promo code to get your discount-LABGolf.com. PS-While you are at it-check out the new hats, and watch the broomstick video for those making the switch to something longer. See the new LABGolf headcovers.

SAND VALLEY GOLF 25% off sale, on all orders over $150.00 through December 20th. So visit Sandvalley.com.

DALLAS BASED TOPGOLF has announced the opening of it’s newest location in Little Rock Arkansas, on Friday December 22nd. The facility will be the 98th Topgolf location worldwide. This will be the second Topgolf location in the state of Arkansas, with the first Topgolf in Rogers. So enjoy Toptracer Golf in the new Little Rock facility. Topgolf.com for more information.

TOPGOLF II-The new location in Mobile Alabama has now opened as of November 17th. See details at Topgolf.com.

TOPGOLF III Opened in Mid-Town St. Louis on October 20th. So this becomes the second Topgolf in Missouri, with the first Topgolf being in Chesterfield. See more information at Topgolf.com.

CALLAWAY GOLF is again offering it’s Jailbird Putter starting at $399.99. But there is only a limited supply available. So act quickly, see your options at Callawaygolf.com. But now golfers can also add the Callaway Supersoft Winter Golf ball to their golf bags. Complete with the snowman logo. The Callaway Golf gift guide shows you all the Callaway products you can purchase during the Holiday season. So now if you spend $300 or more. You earn a $50 Topgolf gift card.

SuperStroke Grips adds 18 NFL team grips, just in time for the holidays and the playoffs.

THE HOTTEST PUTTING GRIP in professional golf, SuperStroke Grips has added 18 NFL teams to their list of teams that golfers love to cheer on.

So just in time for the holidays and the NFL post season, golfers can now purchase the grip of their favorite team. Because now all 32 teams are available.

SuperStroke grip professionals have now won 66 tournaments on various professional tours, some victories include major championships. But in terms of money, that total is now over $41 million dollars in winnings. So learn how to order at SuperStrokeUSA.com Five new NCAA Schools including Iowa of the Big Ten are now also available.

SO IF YOU NEED MORE FROM SUPERSTROKE-check out the new line of Golf Bags, with multiple options on the Pantheon Bags. Cart bags, carry bags, and hybrid models. See SuperstrokeUSA.com.

SETTLERS HILL in Batavia is now selling 2024 membership passes. See SettlersHill.com for more information. BLACKBERRY OAKS golf course in Bristol is now selling 2024 memberships, call (630)-553-7170 or visit BlackberryOaks.com.

WILLOWBROOK IL. based Club Champion has made the INC. 5000 list for fasting growing companies. So throw in new locations like Vancouver B.C. Canada and others and Club Champion continues to be a world wide leader in club fitting. See Clubchampionshipgolf.com to see all of what’s new at Club Champion.

SENTRY WORLD in Stevens Point Wisconsin that played home to the 2023 U.S. Senior Open, will now play host to the 2025 Rolex Junior Girls Championship from June 17-20. Sentry World previously hosted the championship in 2019. Sentry World is now taking reservations for 2024 Play and Stays-see SentryWorld.com for booking information.

LIV GOLF has announced that Lawrence Burian has been named COO of LIV Golf. Burian comes over from the MSN (Madison Square Garden) group.

ST. ANDREWS LINKS & TRUST (Scotland) has named John Wood, as the new “Keeper of the Green” on the Old Course at St. Andrews. Wood is the tenth person to hold the position since Old Tom Morris.

JACKSON DAVISON has been named the head golf professional at the Jack Nicklaus Signature design Harbor Shores Golf Club, in Benton Harbor Michigan.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS MEN’S TEAM has signed three players to a letter of intent. Jake Birdwell, Spring Lake MN., the Minnesota Player of the Year. Joseph Buttress, Perth Australia, two time Western Australia player of the Year. Trey Marion of Chesapeake VA., a Virginia High School State Champion. But the Illini women’s golf team has added Yurang Li, of Sunny Hills California. Isabel Sy tied for third place at Medinah Country Club with a -8 score, in the Illini Women’s Golf Classic. But the Illini Women’s team was 11th in a 14 team field.

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

HERITAGE OAKS GOLF CLUB at 3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook. But while the outdoor season at Heritage Oaks has ended, the indoor season in the Acorn Grill and the clubs two simulators is just beginning. HeritageOaksgc.com or call (847)-291-2351.

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

The last shift ends at Heritage Oaks for the 2023 golf season.

IT CAME AND WENT-JUST LIKE THAT. Outdoor golf in the year 2023.

Because today the outdoor golf season ends for several courses, even though a few other will stay open as long as there is no snow on the ground.

But the 50 degree mark seems to be where courses close, when the temperatures don’t exceed this level for several days in a row.

THE SNOW BIRDS as they are known, are starting to pack their car and head to places like Florida, Arizona and Southern California. Because for many clubs the only thing left do, is to have the annual holiday party.

I work at two clubs Heritage Oaks in Northbrook, which is now a year round golf facility. Because when the club was renovated a couple of years ago, the new clubhouse added an upgraded grill, complete with two simulators. The outdoor version of Heritage Oaks is closed, but the indoor golf facility is filling up quickly. BTW the Acorn Grill has great taco specials on Tuesday, and chicken wings specials on Wednesday. So do check them out all winter long, your taste buds will thank you.

MY OTHER IS THE GROVE COUNTRY CLUB in Long Grove, which will introduce simulator golf to it’s members this week for the first time. After a great year outdoors, the club is growing and seeing more use by the membership. So for the first time in a while, the club could enjoy some winter golf. The Grove is a great place for golf outings and weddings, do visit TheGrovecc.com for more information. The club is closing outdoor play tomorrow.

SO DID YOU get a jump on your holiday golf shopping. Because the Year End Golf Sale at Twin Orchard Country Club last week was the place to do it. Because many golfers did just that. Stacy Larson of Twin Orchard CC runs a great show So here is what I observed from the shoppers.

A great deal on Pro-V1 golf balls by Titleist was found quickly, and those balls nearly sold out the first night. Early into Day 2, they were all gone. Callaway golf balls Red Box were next on the buyers list. Golf balls that didn’t sell that well were TaylorMade and Srixon, even at low prices.

What seems to have been a hard sell this year was golf shoes. Because some of the big names in golf shoes just didn’t move like you would think they would. So are golf shoes being made too flimsy, too expensive, too heavy, poorly shaped or something else. I thought golf bags which have really gotten expensive would move better than they did at the show. Sqairz golf shoes are my shoe of choice, they are best golf shoes I have ever worn. I can’t wait to see what is coming next, from Sqairz in 2024.

CUBS FANS must have outnumbered Sox fans, because Cubs golf items sold out, the Sox items did not sell at all. Apparel logo’s, are golfers now looking for shirts with the manufacturer’s logo on them or the golf course logo. Does one need to be a Top 100 course to really move golf shirts.

The Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook is open for the winter. The Mistwood Black Friday sale is at the dome this week. See Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

The Mistwood Golf Dome is open for the winter season, on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook.

The dome is home to McWethy’s Sports Bar, where you can continue to watch our local sports teams lose on more nights than most. Do have the chicken wings, among the best you will find.

But the golf with Toptracer is there, and club fitting and lessons are always available. Kudo’s to Mistwood’s Director of Golf Andy Mickelson, on being the Illinois PGA section’s 2023 Player of the Year. Nicely done Andy.

WORLD PLAYER RANKING #1407 is Tiger Woods. The lowest ranking ever for the guy making yet another comeback. Like an over the hill prizefighter, Woods will tee it up in his 20 player golf outing “The Hero.” While his Tiger Golf League that suffered the loss of Jon Rahm, now has lost it’s dome facility to a collapse from a power outage. So as a result the league will launch in 2025. I bet you can’t wait-yeah right.

ZINGER IS OUT-NBC has announced that color analyst Paul Azinger will not have his contract renewed. So who is in the booth next. Sadly NBC still hasn’t removed Dan Hicks from the booth. So there is speculation Brad Faxon could be next one in. But what would be great is if NBC could talk Johnny Miller out of retirement.

THE PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB isn’t worried about Black Friday sales, they have already started several sales on golf products. But they have a Thanksgiving Day golf special on the tee, for those wanting to play before or after they eat. So visit Pinemeadowgc.com for call (847)-566-4653 (GOLF) for details.

THE GOG BLOG will return this week. But enjoy golf tomorrow if your club is still open. RS