THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road is open daily and has three simulators to choose from. But whether you are golfing a Top 100 course of the indoor version of the SGC, you can enjoy great food and beverage from Chandlers Chophouse upstairs across from the pro shop. It’s not to early to grab a lesson or get fit for clubs, with many new options to choose from. Schaumburggolf.com (847)-885-9000.

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

Welcome to McLemore-Georgia’s newest golf destination property.

GOLF VISIONARY MIKE KEISER will tell you, that when you have one golf course, you are a curiosity. When you have two courses, you become a destination.

So welcome to one of golfs newest destinations, located in Northwest Georgia, in the town of Rising Fawn.

The destination property game in the Peachtree state, is no longer about what’s east or south of Atlanta. The northside has now entered the game, with a home run property, just south of of Chattanooga Tennessee.

Welcome to “The Keep” by Bill Bergin and Rees Jones.

ENTER MCLEMORE

Which has a hotel called “Cloudland” and now two-plus golf courses. The first course is the Highlands Course, part 1 of the Bill Bergin-Rees Jones designs on property.

But now there is a second Bergin-Jones design at McLemore, called “The Keep”. While both courses are ‘keepers’, The new Keep is the one starting to get a lot of attention. Because some folks in the golf industry already think “The Keep” will be the “Best New Course of 2025”. So if you have a chance, take that bet and your likely to be a winner.

THE CAIRN COURSE that sits behind the main clubhouse, is a short six-hole par-3 course.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with McLemore courses designer Bill Bergin.

“The atmosphere is so pleasing across the property. I made over 100 site visits to McLemore while building The Keep. Normally when you travel a lot, there are times your just ready to go home. But when I was there, I didn’t want to go home. I just wanted to stay.”-Bill Bergin course architect-ASGCA.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Toptracer golf, simulators, McWethy’s Sportsbar, putting and chipping greens. Your dome home for winter golf in Chicago. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600

GETTING TO MCLEMORE is a bit of adventure, if your coming through Georgia on Interstate 75, just head west on State Road 135 at Exit 320 and you can find your way to McLemore. It’s scenic drive around a few mountains and some farms. One can only imagine the late John Denver singing “Country Roads” in background, as one drives past plenty of white ranch houses, red barns, and a Baptist church or three. There is a historical marker at Snake Gap Creek, and a national forest as well to see.

But once you arrive at McLemore it’s a place you really don’t want to leave. The views from the hotel, and the golf courses are nothing short of breathtaking. So while the Highlands Course and the new Keep course are solid 18 hole designs, there is the short 6-hole par 3 Cairn course, designed by Bergin that sits behind the clubhouse at the Highlands. The longest hole plays 100 yards and the course is a great warm up upon arriving on property. But some golfers that have not had enough golf after a round on the Highlands or The Keep, might grab a wedge or two from their bag, along with a putter and go hit the Cairn Course that opened in 2019. A perfect course for the junior golfers, beginners, or seniors that don’t bomb it that far anymore.

“What we have here at McLemore on Lookout Mountain is a little slice of heaven,” says Director of Golf Greg Lecker. “It’s a place where you look forward to coming to work each day.”

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with McLemore Director of Golf, Greg Lecker.

The par-3 third hole on the Highlands Course.

MCLEMORE WAS PURCHASED by it’s current ownership in 2017 the Scenic Land Group, and the name of the resort was changed to McLemore. Then in 2018 Rees Jones and Bill Bergin were hired to renovated the existing golf course. Which they did and the course with some changes and upgrades became a top course you could play. The name was changed to the Highlands Course and play reopened in early 2019.

BUT WHAT WAS NEEDED was a better finishing 18th hole. Bergin noticed an area that had some trees and brush, and thought there could be potential for a great new 18th hole. So he scaled down the side of the rocks, and through the brush with thorny stickers on them, wearing shorts to give things a closer look. So when Bergin emerged back on top with legs bleeding, he was still smiling because he knew right there he had room to create an amazing finishing hole. Which is exactly what he did, and the par-4 18th hole has been named a top 10 finishing hole in the country. A real signature hole if there ever was one. One national golf publication called the 18th hole, the “Best New Finishing Hole in Golf designed since the year 2000. It would be hard to argue against that.

“The Keep course is built on a special piece of property,” says Keep head golf professional Doug Amor. “There is an old saying in golf about playing it where it lies. But what Bill Bergin and Rees Jones did, was to build it where it lies. The Keep is a great walking course, not always found on mountain designs. The Keep has a chance to be one of the best courses in Georgia and the Southeast.”

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with The Keep head golf professional, Doug Amor.

The par-4 17th hole at the Keep. The green sits in a natural small valley in between rock formations.

THE HIGHLANDS COURSE can play over 7,100 yards. But that’s mostly for championships, the standard scorecard for the average golfer has the tee’s at 6,332 yards and a par-71. If you play the Highlands at 6,332 yards, your probably playing one of the best 6300 yard golf courses you have ever played. So while the 18th hole on the Highlands gets much of the attention, the opening hole a par-5 at 548 yards is a really good opening hole. The first tee shot is downhill and takes the golfer right past the front of the stunningly designed Cloudland Hotel.

BUT FROM THERE the design maneuvers around some ponds, rock cropping’s and fescue waste area’s and some tall trees. Golfers who have played the famed Mike Strantz designs Tobacco Road and Tot Hill Farm near Pinehurst and enjoyed those courses, will love The Highlands.

The par-3 11th hole on the Keep, that plays like a partial island green.

STARTING LAST YEAR, The Highlands Course and the Cairn Course earned a new partner, as McLemore evolved into a golf destination. The Keep is one of the most amazing designs one will ever play. Even with no oceans or large lakes alongside, the views from the course can stretch over 60 miles on a clear day. The Keep is a perfect example of what you can find, when you strip down a property to it’s natural self, leaving only some trees. But with holes that run along a cliff, around a ravine, and through area’s that have rock formations or had the trees removed. The on course and surrounding trees and been canopied upwards, so there are no low-hanging branches.

Dining is always warm and cozy in the McLemore Clubhouse, where multiple menu’s offer guests plenty of selections.

Bergin calls the views around “The Keep” breathtaking, and that is another point that’s really hard to argue against. Currently the course is walking only, but carts will come along later this year as the course matures. But those in carts will be restricted to cart-path only.

“The Keep course sits on one of the top 5 pieces or property, I have ever had the chance to build on,”-Rees Jones.

ONE DOESN’T NEED TO BE on the first tee to realize your about to golf one special golf course. The par-72 course that plays 6,654 yards from the tips, plays longer due to the elevation change. While it’s not often the first hole is the #1 handicap hole, the 441 yard par-4 first hole is just that. Three of the first four holes are handicap seven or lower, so do be ready to play, when your round starts.

THE HOTEL A 245 ROOM Curio design and part of the Hilton Hotel network opened in 2024, complete with a conference center and a spa. Should one need to go for a swim, the outdoor Olympic size pool sits right behind the hotel, and there are dining options like “The Creag” inside the hotel. There are other options for staying on property, including a limited amount golf villas and relaxing cottages.

McLemore might need to build more golf cottages than what is currently on property. Because more golf courses could be coming in the years to come.

“The master plan for the property has the possibility of two more new courses getting built in the future,” says Lecker.

owner Nick Larkin invites golfers to keep their winter golf season rolling at The Shack Golf Club at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview. So call (847)-904-2905 to book a simulator. TheShackGolfClub.com

But some suggest that some of the best food on property is found at the McLemore Clubhouse at the Highlands. There are different menu’s for lunch and dinner, both with plenty of tasty options to choose from. The views from various different area’s in the clubhouse, provide an enjoyable setting for dining. But if the night is on the cool side, there are tables near the fire place, to warm you up.

MCLEMORE IS HEATING UP as a true golf destination. But offers plenty of other activities for after golf, or the non-golfers. Real estate options are now available. So to book a play and stay at America’s newest destination property a real keeper, visit themclemore.com or call (800)-329-8154

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily until 10 Pm. So come check out Toptracer golf, and start getting your game ready for the outdoor season ahead. Because it’s not too early in the year for a lesson or to get a club fitting. McWethy’s Sports Bar located in the dome, is your home for Sunday’s big game, and some outstanding burgers and award winning chicken wings. So book your hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600. MGD a home for golf.

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

Nick Biglasco the Director of Brand Development for Makefield putters, shows off the new Defiant Putter by Makefield Golf.

MAKEFIELD GOLF is making a move.

That move is right up the chain in the world of putters, and for the 2025 Makefields newest entry is, “The Defiant.”

Defiant is not a super high tech putter, like a Federation Starship. But one putter with a great balance that will put a steady roll on your golf ball.

Defiant comes with Makefields X-3 weighting system, that gives the golfer a chance to change the balance and set-up of the putter.

But interchangeable neck attachments add a new feature to Makefield’s latest putter. So do you want a straight down look, center shafted, heel shafted, or a slanted neck, Plumbers bend or Double Neck. You have the choice.

Makefield’s Defiant putter, new for 2025.

Defiant is milled in the USA, and made from aircraft 6061 aluminum.

Loft angle is 1.8 degrees, with Lie Angles at 70 degrees.

The standard weighted head is 340-370 grams. With the head of the putter at 4.5 inches wide, and putter depth at 2.5 inches deep.

The putter shaft is a KBS Tour Black with a standard Makefield STD midsized rubber grip. Cost at $349.99.

   THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road, is open for year round golf, having three simulators on the lower level of the clubhouse. So you can play many Top 100 courses, or one of the areas best clubs, The Schaumburg Golf Club indoors on the simulator. Chandlers Chophouse is right upstairs across from the pro shop, which is filling up with supplies for the summer season. SchaumburgGolf.com (847)-885-9000

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Nick Biglasco of Makefield putters on the new Defiant putter.

           THE DEFIANT PUTTER (L) and (R) The Shack Golf Club and owner Nick Larkin (L) and caddie master Greg Kunkel invite you to come to 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview to try out the new putting green, or the seven simulators. The Flatbread pizza’s are very good if your hungry. So book a simulator at TheShackGolfClub.com or (847)-904-2905.

BUT FOR MORE information on Philadelphia area based Makefield Putters, please visit the new website Makefieldgolf.com or call Makefield at (215)-245-5570.

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 NORTH ROSELLE ROAD with three simulators is open daily. Schaumburg’s pro shop is starting to fill up with everything golfers will want for the summer season ahead. But while at the club you can enjoy Chandlers Chophouse, home to great burgers. Schaumburggolf.com or (847)-885-9000 #SGC

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

THE PGA Merchandise Show-from the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando Florida.

WHAT’S IN THE BAG!

Well that depends on what you want in or on your golf bag.

So if your looking for something more specialized in golf bags, or personal bags, ORCA golf bags is the place to find exactly what you want in a personalized design. There are plenty of color options, and styles. So if you want a bag you walk with, or one just to throw in the back end of a cart, you can let ORCA create the bag that fits your needs or the look you want.

THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Ave in Glenview. Seven simulators and a putting green. Lessons and club fittings are available. (847)-904-2905 or see TheShackgolfclub.com.

So have you looked at the state of your golf bag lately, is it worn out. Might the strap be ready to break. Do the zippers on the pockets still work. Does the inside of the bag still smell from the all rain that settled in the bottom of your bag, during that round of golf on a bad weather day.

A selection of bags for golf and of the course uses.

ARE YOU one of the many golfers that needs a lighter golf bag for 2025.

IF SO-it’s time to view the ORCA collection.

Do you need a golf bag that’s designed for you. Perhaps one with your name on it, the name of your golf club, the name of your business, or the name of the products your represent. With ORCA golf bags, any of those options can be provided for you.

One of the best things about ORCA golf bags, is that your request for a specialized design, can be created.

ORCA’s bags for every day use, or ones that you can take on your travels, many easily fit in overhead compartments on airplanes.

So if you have client who plays golf, a supplier or a distributor that sells your products. You can give them a way to promote what they do for their business or yours.

ARE YOU planning to play professional golf at some level, get the bag that sells who you are and who you represent.

Golf bags make wonderful gifts at golf outings. ORCA can design those bags, with the name of the tournament, the charity or the organization putting on the event.

WHAT MAKES ORCA so special, is the materials that are used to make the bag. They are bags that do not tear easily, and they do clean up quickly.

SO IF your looking for a bag, that shows your colors, or if your a little more patriotic these days. The red, white and blue combinations are something that ORCA can design for you.

One of the several styles of USA bags, created by ORCA Golf.

SO DOES THE NAME ORCA sound familiar. Because ORCA is often confused as being a ‘Killer Whale’.

But it’s actually the largest member of the dolphin family, more information on the connection to the ORCA dolphins, can be found on the companies website.

ORCA Golf is based in Boca Raton Florida, it is the only women-owned company in the custom golf bag business. CEO Deborah Bennett and chief designer Erica Bennett, are the companies two co-founders.

So if 2025 is the year you need to have a new golf bag. Don’t just go buy the first bag you see in a retail store. Stop and visit orca-golf.com first, see all the options that you can add to your very own personalized golf bag.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview on ORCA golf products with CEO Deborah (Deb) Bennet.

Coming out this spring, is the companies new Bourbon collection of bags. So if you need a carry-bag, stand alone bag, full sized cart bag, Orca golf bags can provide the bag of your choice. Orca-golf.com or call (754)-216-3065.

THE SHACK GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview is open daily with seven simulators. Owner Nick Larkin with all-world caddie master Greg Kunkel welcome you to join them and Arnie at the bar. So book your tee time today, or come in to get a lesson or club fitting through the Shack’s professionals.  See TheShackGolfClub.com

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

THE RECENT SOLETA GC MEDIA DAY saw Golf Travel Writers Executive Director Len Ziehm, with Nick Price.

SENSATIONAL SOLETA…

NICK PRICE who carded his fair share on wins on the PGA Tour (18), and three major championships. Is now being a major player in the world of golf course design.

Price’s latest design in Myakka City Florida, shows just how far the 68 year old Price has come in golf course architecture. because during his time on tour, Price played all over the world (41 wins) and saw courses in many countries.

Those experiences show in his design at Soleta, a course that members and their guests will enjoy for years. Currently Soleta has some limited outside play, as the club continues it’s search for new members.

WHEN SOLETA opened for play last November, 150 members had already signed up. that number is now closing in on 200. The membership will cap out at 275-with room for another 25 International members, says head golf professional Aaron Crooks. So if one is looking for a club to join in Florida, Soleta still has room for new memberships. Which is something that is getting harder to find these days in the sunshine state. But those remaining memberships are moving quickly, so if your interested, don’t wait too long.

The 435 yard par-4 first hole at Soleta Golf Club.

While Price’s name is on the club for his design work, another big name from the golf world has put his signature on the practice facilities.

That would be world renown instructor David Ledbetter. Crooks says the practice area is something Ledbetter calls the “Field of Dreams.” Ledbetter did the design work on the practice area, and was on-site through much of construction.

SOLETA HAS a style that looks like Florida, but has wide shaped sandy waste area’s with sweeping dunes that would fit in other places in the golfing world, such as South Africa or Australia. But what’s really amazing is how fast the property came together once construction started. Work was completed in less than one year, and would have been finished sooner, if not for a short hurricane delay.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview on Soleta Golf Club with head golf professional Aaron Crooks.

The 186 yard par-3 third hole is surrounded by sand, but only requires a straight forward tee shot.

So while there is water on the course, a majority of it does not come into play. But in some cases it does, if you really hit a poor shot at least 40 yards off the fairway.

One thing that puts a damper on a great course design, is homes stacked on top of the course.

That will not be an issue at Soleta. There is only a couple of places that golfers will even see homes from the course, and it will take a solid mid-iron shot to reach the backyards of the houses.

The Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road, is open daily with three simulators to choose from. Courses to pick from include the SGC design, renovated by Todd Quitno. Chandlers Chophouse is right upstairs in the clubhouse. Lessons and club fittings are available. So call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000 or  Schaumburggolf.com.

Price did a nice job in creating ample wide fairways, so there is room to create shots. But those fairways will be nice on windy days, when the ball is moving to the left or to the right.

Another strong feature of Soleta, is the greens. They are plenty large enough to catch golfers approach shots. But Price did not go crazy with wild humps and bumps that one will need to put over.

What is amazing is how the golf course does not look like it just opened. It’s well grown in and looks to have been place for more than a few months.

When the Soleta membership continues to grow, work will start on the permanent clubhouse. Currently there are trailers, serving as locker rooms and the pro shop. Myakka City Florida is straight inland from the Sarasota/Bradenton area, on the east side of Interstate 75. So for more information see Soletagolf.com.

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road is open for year round golf in the clubs three simulators, on the lower level below Chandlers Chophouse. So you can play the Schaumburg Golf Club Course all-year round. The pro shop is now starting to stock up with everything for the summer season ahead. Currently you can get lessons or club fittings in the simulators. Schaumburggolf.com (847)-885-9000.

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

RORY SPEARS-OUTSIDE THE TRAILER at “The Keep”, by Bill Bergin and Rees Jones. The early front runner for the 2025 New Course of the Year. In Rising Fawn GA. Where the morning temperature when this photo was taken was 40 degrees.

IT’S OVER…

So just like that the 2025-23 day winter golf trip concludes, in just 19 days.

WHY?

It was an adventure to say the least from Day 1 moving forward. 13 rounds of planned golf turned into just 7, the best temperature for any of those rounds was 57 degrees. In Pinehurst North Carolina of all places during January. Pinehurst got 3 inches of snow just 72 hours after I left town. So I escaped to Florida just in time before things across the South went from okay-to forget it.

BACKING UP it’s never fun loading your car for a golf trip at 5:30 Am when it’s just 3 degrees above zero. But since your headed South, things can only get better right?. That is until you get to Indianapolis and you get out for gas, and it’s now -1. But by the time you arrive in Kentucky, and it’s at least 25. The heat wave had arrived.

THE SHACK at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview is open all winter golf season long-with seven simulators. Stop in and join Arnie at the bar. So book your time at TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905.

But when your plans require reaching Asheville NC. on Day 1, it sounds good, until Rt. 40 in Tennessee is closed and the detour kicks in to get into Carolina. Because last falls hurricane that flooded Western NC., has left quite a mess to clean up. Problem is part of Interstate 40 near the Tennessee and North Carolina border doesn’t exist anymore, because the road washed away into a mountain ravine. The road months later has not yet reopened and there is no due date for that to happen. The detour into Asheville only takes you 1 hour and 20 minutes out of your way. The fun is just beginning, and it’s only Day 1.

So after a long day of travel your big name hotel has no working internet, or phone in the room, no TV remote and the air conditioning is blowing full blast on cold. It is 38 degrees outside. I’ll say this, every hotel in Asheville is loaded up with dump trucks and repair trucks as the clean up and repairs continue. Good luck to those who live there in getting back on your feet.

AFTER A GREAT PINEHURST STAY-the road takes us to Florida and the late Tom Petty’s town of Gainesville Florida. Where our big name hotel has no working internet again. At least the Firehouse Sub place down the street has really good subs.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 83 in Bolingbrook is open daily until 10 Pm. Toptracer golf, lessons and club fittings. Then enjoy McWethy’s Sports bar for burgers and wings. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. So put your shoes on and head over to the MGD.

GOLF LEADING INTO the PGA Show is in South Florida, in Myakka City and the new Soleta Golf Club, by Nick Price. It is really good and there is room for some 90 more members at this time. I played as a single in the 54 degree weather, with World #1 Nelly Korda playing as a single behind me. My full feature on Soleta will be out this month.

THE DEMO DAY to open the 2025 PGA Merchandise Show at Orange County National GC, is held in rainy 42 degree weather. So sorry but this is not fun. But there reports of snow at the famed retirement community, “The Villages” only about 30 miles north of Orlando, with the rest of the South not doing any better.

So after the PGA show concluded and I spent a fun weekend in Parrish Florida with friends, it was off to the Innisbrook Resort that is starting to set up for the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship that concludes the Florida swing. The weather is better at Innisbrook, but my coughing bug is back and my energy is running low. As a result one forgets to set an alarm, and sleeps right through the tee-time on Copperhead. UGH!

BUT WHAT I CAN SAY is that the renovated Packard’s restaurant at Copperhead, is really good, and the Toll Brothers project with new homes coming to Innisbrook is well underway. So stay tuned for my Innisbrook feature.

FROM PALM HARBOR TO OCALA Florida and the media partner Len Ziehm’s on Top of the World Studio’s. But Len is still recovering from golf in the rainy cold weather from the Golf Writers outing at Missions Inn. So it’s a quick move on now headed out of Florida.

WITH STOPS on Hilton Head SC, Greensboro GA., and Myrtle Beach SC. having been cancelled for one reason or another, it’s time to venture into Northern Georgia. The town of Helen Georgia is Galena or Long Grove Illinois on steroids and really cool. In the heart of town sits the No.1 candy and chocolate store in the state, Hansel & Gretel’s Candy Factory. Well worth a side venture from golf, for those with a sweet-tooth.

THAT NIGHT in the Northern Suburbs of Atlanta-was night three of issues with the big name hotel chain. So it’s always great to have a third floor room, but as part of the “pardon our mess upgrades” the elevators don’t work and the internet doesn’t work in your room. The lobby yes-but the room-ah no. Who needs a health club, when you have stairwells to run, while carrying suitcases.

BUT THE NEW GOLF DESTINATION in Rising Fawn GA. is McLemore and or Cloudland as it’s called. It sits in the Lookout Mountain area, just south of Chattanooga Tennessee. Now with a second 18 holes-The Keep and short 6-hole course. The 42 holes make McLemore a real golf destination. But don’t try to arrive on a 48 degree day after 2.5 inches of rain has come down and the storm is just about to blow-out. My feature of McLemore is coming soon, along with more from the PGA Show.

GOLF TRAVEL in the winter months can be an adventure, and this year I found just how much. It’s a little earlier than planned, but Home-Sweet-Home, and the internet works.

STAY TUNED for the weeks that were all month long at Golfers on Golf. RS

   MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN DAILY until 10 Pm on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook, with new clubs coming out-the fitting team of Eric Russell, Scott Hogan and Matt Carter is ready to put you into a new club of clubs for the 2025 golf season. But while you are there, tackle some Toptracer golf, or enjoy the food and beverages in McWethy’s Sports Bar. So to book your hitting bay visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X or connect on LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram. In the Mistwood Golf Dome, with the Odyssey AI putter.

AS THE 2025 GOLF SEASON GETS INTO GEAR, one of the biggest golf events of the year starts this week in Orlando Florida.

The annual PGA of America merchandise show, and word is that it will be the biggest show in years. At least since the show has resumed, since the pause from the Covid pandemic.

Several of the major golf companies will not only be there, but will have in-hand new products, such as clubs, balls, shoes, apparel, hats and more.

But it’s also a great time to renew connections in the industry, and make new ones for the future. It’s a time to hear from the best professionals in the business, and learn more about the game. So if you want to know more about who is improving their clubs, or building new ones. This is the place to be.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg. Three simulators that do offer the Schaumburg Golf Club to play, among many other courses, is located below Chandlers Chophouse. So book your time today at SchaumburgGolf.com or call the club at (847)-885-9000.

While there are some teaching seminars today, the main body of the show starts tomorrow at the Orange County National Golf Club.

The OCNGC has one of the largest circular driving ranges you will ever find. So the companies set up in circular fashion, and show goes can hit most all the new clubs, or golf balls coming out.

But demo day is more than that, there are other products to test, including a putting green full of new putters from various companies.

The bad news for Demo Day, is that again this year, the weather report is not great. A couple of years ago it was so cold, that attendance was slim and almost none. Which is bad for the companies who invest the time and money to set up a display or hitting area.

ARNIE is always at the bar at The Shack Golf Club, 1717 Chestnut in Glenview. Seven simulators and a putting green, sit alongside some great flatbreads and warm or cold beverages. TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905.

But then on Wednesday the scene shifts to the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC).

This year the indoor show is supposed to be the largest in years. Let’s hope it is just that.

At one end is equipment and then the middle of the show floor shifts into a variety of products.

Then the other end of the main floor is the apparel section. If somebody is stitching it together, it is likely out on display.                                                    Then Thursday and Friday are days 2 and 3 of the convention center, with Friday being a short day, as show attendees head home

On Wednesday the International Network of Golf (ING) will present it’s annual media awards for work done in 2024. Golfers on Golf has won at least one award again this year. So I’m looking forward to seeing from which category it is from.

Merchandise Show week is always very exciting. So stay tuned for the all the news I can find. RS

  THE SHACK GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview is ready to host your golf game all season long. Cold and snowy outside-take your game indoors to The Shack Golf Club. Seven simulators and a putting green, and where Arnie is always at the bar. So book your time at TheShackGolfClub.com or call the Shack at (847)-904-2905.

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

The Payne Stewart collection store has opened in downtown Pinehurst.

25 years later as Bryson DeChambeau was holing the par saving putt on 18, to win the U.S. Open. The memories of Payne Stewart’s putt from 1999, were still in the air.

The legend and memories of the late, great Payne Stewart still echo through the golf world. It remains sad the Stewart and five others died in a tragic plane crash on October 25th, 1999.

But with players like reigning U.S. Open champion DeChambeau a Stewart fan playing at the level he is playing at, the memories or Payne Stewart still remain with golf fans every where. DeChambeau was quick to flash a Stewart logo ball marker into NBC’s camera just after winning the U.S. Open.

Chelsea Stewart-Payne’s daughter (L) Tracey Stewart (Payne’s widow C) Aaron Stewart-Payne’s son (R) cut the ribbon to open the first Payne Stewart Collection Store.

So in many ways Payne Stewarts memories remain with golf fans today, who saw Stewart play, interacted with him, or have watched the video’s since his passing.

Payne Stewart Collection store owner Jim Nash says,” one of the best things about being involved with this store, is hearing all the stories from customers who have great Payne Stewart stories to tell.”

But the next step for Nash is to find more retail space in the downtown Pinehurst area. Because with the Payne Stewart Collection expanding, the current retail space is not large enough to handle everything that will be involved with the growing Stewart line.

Sunday Blue, with a splash of red-the Payne Stewarts colors are on display in the PSC store.

NASH SAYS that the Pinehurst store, will not be the last store, that the hope is to add several more stores around the country.

Clubs that have a history with Stewarts career that included 11 PGA Tour wins (including three majors-1989 PGA at Kemper Lakes, 1991 U.S. Open at Hazeltine, 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst), can work the with the line and through the store on creating a private label products fit to their own club.

Nash worked with Mark Sutcliffe of Posse films, to help begin the store, and have the rights to do so, through the Stewart family.

Sutcliffe is working on a film about the life of Stewart called, “A Payne in my Heart”. The release date and start of production, is still to be determined.

The inside of, and a portion of the displays in the Payne Stewart Collection Store.

When you visit downtown Pinehurst, the Payne Stewart Collection store is easy to find.

The store sells a variety of polo shirts, hats, and of course the Hogan style hats that Stewart wore.

Sunday Blue-the vest made famous by Stewart who had the sleeves cut, and then recut for flexibility before the final round of the 1999 U.S. Open is a top seller.

Coming later this spring, will be Payne Stewart wines. The options will include a white Pinot Grigio and a red Cabernet Sauvignon, the front of the bottles will have the Stewart logo, doing the “Payne Pose.”

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road, has three simulators open for year round golf at the club. Located in the clubhouse downstairs from Chandlers Chophouse. While you are there check out the merchandise that is starting to arrive for the 2025 outdoor season. So book simulator time by calling (847)-885-9000 or visit Schaumburggolf.com.

Stewart’s family consisting of his daughter Chelsea, son Aaron and widow Tracey tasted the wines during the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, and gave their approval to start production.

They also attended the opening of the store, and cut the ribbon to officially open the business.

Coming soon to the business will be the Payne’s Putting Challenge. This will include for a small fee the chance to replicate the putts that Stewart made during Sunday’s final round on holes 16-17-18.

So if you enjoyed watching one of the most colorful players on the PGA Tour during his career, visit the Payne Stewart Collection store in downtown Pinehurst. 105 Market Square, you can call the store at (910)-420-1103. The Pinehurst Resort offers a limited variety of the Payne Stewart Collection, in it’s apparel shop in the Carolina Hotel.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Jim Nash-owner of the Pinehurst Payne Stewart Collection Store. Do enjoy the intro and end of the interview with music from Payne’s favorite group-Jake Trout and the Flounders.

So to see more of the Payne Stewart line of clothing, visit PayneStewartCollection.com

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg now has three simulators open for the winter golf season. But even better is that you can play the Schaumburg Golf Club-winter edition on the simulators. Located upstairs is Chandler’s Chophouse, so food and beverage service is available during the winter golf season. So book a simulator at Schaumburggolf.com or call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000 #SGC

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

Welcome to Pinehurst #10 Sandmines

PINEHURST #10 has now been open exactly ten months, and the progress continues at the newest property that comprises the Pinehurst Resort.

Tom Doaks stellar design is winning awards for the Best New Course of 2024, from several publications. But what #10 is, is not typical Pinehurst Golf.

There is elevation change, unlike the other Pinehurst courses, and the look is a mix of the Pinehurst old and traditional parkland course of pines, and the sandy waste areas that returned with the Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s restoration of the famed Donald Ross Course #2.

From the putting green the new buildings at #10 are going up.

So currently while course #10 is open, there is plenty still to be done. Pinehurst crews are working quickly to have much more of the #10 in order for the heart of the sandhills golf season.

But for those who played #10 last summer, things have changed since you putted out on 18.

The new pro shop building that will be home to both courses 10 and 11, is making it’s way through the construction process. The same can be said for the new restaurant going up right next to the pro shop building.

  (L) The new pro shop building is coming together. (R) For your food and beverages, the restaurant will be open this summer.

The new “halfway house” by the 9th and 16th tee boxes is open for business.

But once you hit the golf course, a well needed halfway house is open, after the 8th green, and behind the joining tee boxes of holes 9 and 16.

It is a great spot to grab an energy bar, or drink. Because walking #10 can really help you burn some calories.

Golfers to course #10 will enjoy the outdoor area around the restaurant when completed.

Course 10 merchandise is now arriving all the time, and is available in the current pro shop (trailer).

But for now the good news is that a great selection of #10 Sandmines merchandise has arrived in the current pro shop trailer.

There is also a smaller selection of #10 shirts that’s found in the merchandise shop in the Carolina Hotel. More items are still being added.

But for those of you that are still wondering, about the remainder of the property (aka course #11). There really is no update.

THE SHACK GOLF CLUB with owner Nick Larkin (L) and all-world caddie Greg Kunkel invite you to join them for the some golf this winter in The Shack. 7 simulators and more. 1717 Chestnut Ave, Glenview. So book some golf time at (847)-904-2905 or TheShackGolfClub.com

Because at one time there was some speculation that as soon as things got rolling at #10.

Course #11 would not be far behind. As of now that is not the case, and the resort has not announced a start date for construction to begin. When it does start, Coore and Crenshaw are still the front-runners to design #11.

Word has it that Coore and Crenshaw have been out to walk the land.

But for now, golfers can enjoy Doak’s Course #10, and wait to see the rest of the property evolve. Which now also includes an outdoor testing area for the USGA. To book your next Pinehurst play and stay-see Pinehurst.com.

  GET YOUR SHOES ON and go keep your game in shape at the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. So jump on Toptracer Golf and test your game, by playing a Top 100 golf course. But other options include lessons, club fittings, and upcoming demo day with Callaway Golf. Hungry or need a beverage, McWethy’s Sports Bar in the dome is the answer. Great burgers and the award winning chicken wings always hit the sweet spot in your stomach. So visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600.

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

Cottage Row at Pinehurst #8-golf views from your room.

Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley said a couple of years ago, “the resort needs rooms that have views of our golf courses, currently we don’t have any.”

Pashley was correct, but that was then and this is now. So Pinehurst is in the process of correcting that issue.

Welcome to the new subdivision in the middle of the Pinehurst #8 golf course. Cottage row all nine of them are under construction, with the first five units being open for business on May 1st. The four remaining units will open later this year. Calvin Burkley Pinehurst’s Director of Projects and Planning after a long run at Firestone Country Club, says the other units will be open by October 1st. Burkley ad’s that the huge putting green in the center of the cottages, will need some grow in time. So it won’t be ready until the fall.

Construction is full speed ahead on the new Pinehurst 8 cottages.

The cottages in some cases hold up to 16 guests, which is why the new lodging option is geared towards groups.

But that doesn’t mean two couples can’t get a cottage based on availability. However the cottages will be mostly used for groups of 8 or more.

Cottages will have a host who make sure guests have what they need, at all times. Run out of something-no problem. Want to eat out-take the golf cart up the hill to the newly refinished Pinehurst Course #8 clubhouse. The bar and dining area, have been redone with views of the closing holes.

The Simulator room at the Schaumburg Golf Club, at 401 North Roselle Rd. three simulators and Chandlers Chophouse right upstairs. So book your time today at (847)-885-9000. Schaumburggolf.com and yes you can play the SGC indoors on the simulators.

The design of the new cottages has variety of available options. No they don’t all look alike. Inside or outside.

The amount of bedrooms is different, but the layouts include, gaming rooms. So if you want to play pool, or take out the Ping Pong paddles you can.

Seating near the fire place or at the wet-bar are among other options.

There will be plenty of TV options, if the big game is on, or if you want to watch golf, from that weeks professional tournament. But with new patio decks on the backside of the cottages, sitting outside when weather permits is always an option.

  COTTAGES 1-3 being built around the new putting green area (L). THE SHACK GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview, is open all winter long with 7 simulators. So book your time today at TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR the full interview with Pinehurst Resorts Director of Projects and Planning, Calvin Buckley.

So to learn more about the new Pinehurst 8 cottages, visit Pinehurst.com.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily until 10 Pm. So get the clubs out and try some Toptracer golf. Get a lesson or a club fitting, and then go get some award winning wings in McWethys Sports Bar. So book your hitting bay today at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600-Golf the dome this winter

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

Opening Day for the 2025 golf season at the Gil Hanse designed Cradle Par-3 course at Pinehurst.

OPENING DAY 2025…

So it wasn’t a driver day, because on the Par-3 Cradle Course at the Home of American Golf, the Pinehurst resort doesn’t have holes longer than 120ish.

Driving to get to Pinehurst was a bit of an adventure, as the Asheville area in Western Carolina is still recovering from the massive flooding from last year. Detour’s galore and highway delays when you can get through.

Interstate 40 is closed in Tennessee, as part of the road washed away, and down a ravine so the story goes.

But once you arrive in Pinehurst the fun begins, even on a 52 degree day. because it’s outdoor golf in January. You can’t beat it.

The lawn chairs that overlook the Cradle are a fun place to watch golf, you never know when you might see a hole-in-one. As I did in 2023.

The halfway house is strategically located at the intersection of holes 2/3 and 8/9. So if you need a break, snuggle up to one of the chairs with the fire pits on each side of the house.

One never knows what the first hole of the year will bring, but when it plays only 104 yards, chances are a big number won’t appear on the scorecard.

So when you open the season with a bogey, not the worst score, it inspires you to get it right on the second hole, which is where the first par of 2025-hit the scorecard.

The Cradle has a great view of the historic Pinehurst Clubhouse.

One of the great things about the Cradle is that it most of the time it doesn’t take very long to play.

Unless the course is really crowded, just over an hour in the normal playing time. When it’s very busy, 90 minutes is usually the max it will take you.

So did I mention that even though you are only swinging, wedges and maybe a 9-Iron. It’s just a great feeling to hit the ball, out on the golf course. With that the 2025 golf season is underway-Pinehurst #8 tomorrow. Pull the driver.

  SIMULATOR TIME The Shack Golf Club (L) at 1717 Chestnut Ave in Glenview offers seven simulators and a putting green. Book a bay today at TheShackGolfClub.com or call the Shack at (847)-904-2905. (R) The Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle in Schaumburg. Three simulators in the clubhouse downstairs from Chandlers Chophouse. So book a time today at (Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000.

The Gog Blog is on the road to the PGA Show next week in Orlando Florida. RS