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

   THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle road has it’s simulators open daily from 9am to 8pm. Three simulators located right under Chandlers Chophouse in the clubhouse, do fill up quickly. But while the outdoor 27 holes at the club are closed for the winter, you can play the Schaumburg Golf Club on the simulators. The pro shop is open and filling up with supplies for the summer ahead. SchaumburgGolf.com or call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000, lessons and club fittings are available-book one today.

THE GOG BLOG BY RORY SPEARS-Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. In front of the historic national landmark the Carolina Hotel at Pinehurst. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy

BUT JUST LIKE THAT-ITS HERE.

So like any good naval aircraft carrier, it’s time to turn into the wind, and launch for Florida.

Because at 0600 this morning, it’s time to hit the road for Florida and the annual edition of the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

Golf trip #1 is on the board, because the next 23 days, are not all work. So the clubs are in the back end.

Opening day will have to keep until the way home, because the McLemore Resort in Northern Georgia has some weather. The resorts new course “The Keep” with it’s mountain views will be one of the best new courses in 2025. I can’t wait to get there, at some point this spring or summer, you should too.

Mistwood Golf Dome (630)-739-7600, your home for winter golf on Toptracer. Mitwoodgolfdome.com.

IT IS TOUGH to open the golf season when you have not hit a ball in almost 80 days. So if you are going traveling to warm weather soon. Get over to places like the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook. But if the simulators are enough, three excellent choices include The Schaumburg Golf Club, The Shack Golf Club in Glenview or the simulators at the Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook.

The Chicago Golf Show is back from Feb. 28-March 2, where Illinois PGA professionals will be giving free lessons, it’s great way to work out an issue or two before you play in 2025.

So with “The Keep’ having to keep for three weeks, opening day for me starts this Friday at Pinehurst-The Home or Cradle of American Golf. I have a rematch with the new Pinehurst #10, and Pinehurst #8 now with a redone clubhouse, and new cottage under construction deserve a closer look. My advance spy, says there might not be much new to report at Pinehurst #11, but I will look. The Holly Inn renovations seem to be on tap for late this year or early 2026.

THE SHACK GOLF CLUB in Glenview-where the golf season just got longer. TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905.

THE TALENTED GOLF ARTIST CASSY TULLY has moved her art studio to Pinehurst, and the new Payne Stewart Collection store has opened. Plus there is more to see around the “Pinehurst Campus” as the USGA and the World Golf Hall of Fame now help anchor the driveway to the main Pinehurst Clubhouse. I plan on seeing both.

STOP #2 will be the PGA Merchandise Show, where it will be time to review all the new clubs, balls, bags and apparel.

GOLFERS ON GOLF has been notified by the ING Awards Group, that I have a winner in some category of media work. I’m anxious to see what the judges have awarded me this year.

BU WHEN SHOWTIME ENDS there will be stops at places like the new Soleta Golf Club in Myakka City Florida, designed by Nick Price. The Innisbrook Resort home of the Valspar Championship on the PGA Tour.

MYRTLE BEACH and Properties Like Reynolds Lake Oconee which has a new Tom Fazio Golf Course are scheduled stops. Plus who know what other options might present themselves at the show, for after the show.

SO STAY WITH ME AS THE 2025 Winter Trip begins. I have promise the folks at Pinehurst I wont’ being any snow, and I will keep my word on that. So stay tuned, the 2025 golf season begins this week. RS

  THE SHACK GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview is open daily for the winter golf season. Now with seven simulators and a putting green-The Shack is the place to get your game in order while the temperatures are low outdoors, and your favorite course is closed for the winter. TheShackGolfClub.com or (847)-904-2905.

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

   THE DONALD STEPHENS CONVENTION CENTER IN ROSEMONT ILLINOIS.

The Chicago Golf Show is back and in town now for a span of 40+ years. So good news the dates have been announced, and starting next month on Feb. 28th and running through March 2nd.

Tickets are now available for purchase. But still to be announced is the Main Stage lineup, that has included plenty of PGA golf professionals and celebrities.

IF YOU ARE going to be hitting the road this year, for some golf travel. The Chicago Golf Show is the place to find fantastic locations for that next 2025 golf trip. It doesn’t matter if your going this spring, summer or fall.

CHICAGO GOLF SHOW PROPERTIES include resorts and clubs from the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest. Arizona, Las Vegas, California and more.

PRIZES yes of course there will be prize giveaways during the show, and GolfVisions that offers a FREE round of golf is back again this year.

Stop by the CDGA booth and get registered for a handicap if you don’t have one already. The Illinois PGA professionals will be giving free lessons in the hitting area, so get your swing on track for 2025.

Don’t wait order your tickets today, and follow the ChicagoGolfShow.com website for more announcements on who will be at this years show, show hours and more.

   THE SHACK GOLF CLUB 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview. Now with a new putting green and seven simulators. Lessons and club fittings available. So book your hitting bay today at The ShackGolfClub.com or call The Shack at (847)-904-2905 #TSGC

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.

   HERITAGE OAKS GOLF CLUB 3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook, is open for the winter with two simulators. So visit HeritageoaksGC.com or call (847)-291-2351.

The Acorn Grill in the clubhouse starting this weekend, will offer weekend family brunch’s. Children 12 and under eat for free. Hours are from 9a to 12 noon.

Permanent Tee times sign up begins on Feb. 11. But the drawing is on Feb. 13th at 7 Pm in the Brook Room.

Season starts on Saturday April 26th, and runs through Sunday September 7th.

The Heritage Oaks simulators are open to 9 Pm. So for more information visit HeritageOaksGC.com or call the pro shop at (847)-291-2351.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily to 10 Pm. So start your season with a club fitting or lesson. See what score you can post on a Top 100 course on Toptracer. McWethys Sports Bar is open with all the great food and drinks. So book a hitting bay today at 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

      ZERO FRICTION PRESIDENT JOHN IACONO with the Stride walking trolley. (R) Zero Friction products including gloves, balls, tee’s and back packs.

Zero Friction has announced it will give away a ZF Golf Glove to each PGA Merchandise  attendee, while supplies last, to show-goers who stop by the Zero Friction booth (#3173) and register.

“This year, we’re excited to do something a little different at the PGA Show,” said John Iacono, Founder and President of Zero Friction. ‘We’re giving all attendees who register at our booth one of our favorite golf gloves. So for those who haven’t has the chance to try our golf gloves yet, we want to offer you a firsthand experience of what everyone is raving about as our gloves offer an amazing fit every time. But for our loyal fans, we’re gifting you a glove as a token of our appreciation for your continued support.”

Owner Nick Larkin (L) and All-world caddie Greg Kunkel welcome golfers to The Shack Golf Club at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview IL. So book a simulator at TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905.

Zero Friction’s Cabretta leather golf gloves, eliminate the need to guess your size.

So golfers order the glove in one size, and stretch the compression glove to fit their hand.

There are a variety of sizes for men, women and youth golfers.

“Zero Friction’s gloves are the perfect fusion of fun, style and high-quality craftmanship,” said Iacono. “Zero Friction gloves allow pro shops and retail stores to offer a variety of exciting colors without having to carry a large inventory of different sizes.”

So for more information on Oak Brook Terrace based Zero Friction golf products, call (630)-317-7700 or visit Zerofriction.com.

  THE SHACK GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview is making your golf season a little longer, and little warmer this winter. Now with seven simulators and a new putting green, there is plenty of space to work on your game. So book a bay or come in for lessons and club fittings. Then you can join Arnie at the bar for some great pizza flatbreads, and a nice warm beverage. TheShackGolfClub.com (847)-904-2905.

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

Jon Rahm holds the trophy at Bolingbrook Golf Club as the 2024 LIV Golf individual champion. (photo by LIV Golf).

THE FULL 2025 SCHEDULE IS OUT

LIV Golf will return to the Chicago area, at the Bolingbrook Golf one month sooner in 2025-from August 8-10.

But now the full schedule has been released by LIV Golf.

The tour will remain in the Midwest after Chicago for the next two weeks.

Because from August 15-17 will be the new Indianapolis event. But then comes the LIV Team Championship, at the new Cardinal Course at the St. John’s Resort in Plymouth Michigan. The recently built Cardinal Course by architect Ray Hearn will be played August 22-24.

More new events include RIVADH from Feb. 6-8. Mexico City from April 25-27. Korea from May 2-4. Indianapolis and Detroit/Area Michigan in August.

So LIV Golf is following the footsteps of the PGA Tour by wrapping up before the main body of college football and the NFL kickoff for the season.

LIV Golf will also return to Trump Doral on the “Blue Monster” in Miami from April 4-6, then play in DC June 6-8 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.

So more information will be released as it becomes available for the Chicago area event, five weeks earlier this year. But will again be played at the Bolingbrook Golf Club.

The full 14 tournament schedule is found at LIVGolf.com.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME located on Bolingbrook Drive (Rt.83) in Bolingbrook is open daily until 10 Pm. So now with 2025 underway, it’s time to get a lesson before the winter golf trip, and start getting fit for any new clubs you might add to the bag in 2025. In addition to Toptracer Golf, there is McWethy’s Sports Bar where you can catch all the games, and enjoy some award winning chicken wings, burgers and more. So book a hitting bay today at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600 #MGD

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy or on LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram Rory putting in Bettinardi’s Studio B in Oak Brook IL.

WOW-THAT’S REALLY LOW !

Hidecki Matsuyama the blew the lid off low-scoring records in professional golf.

Matsuyama scorched the Kapalua Resorts Plantation Course for 35 under par over four days, to walk away with the PGA Tour’s season opening event The Sentry Championship.

The Sentry is no longer the Sentry Tournament of Champions. Because to increase field size, which had dropped into the 20 player range. The PGA Tour made the event players who won on tour the previous year, and or anyone in the top 50 players not already qualified.

Collin Morikawa shot a measly 32 under par and had no chance of winning. I’m sure by Sunday night Morikawa who didn’t win 2024, has to be wondering what it will take to carry home a trophy in 2025.

The Shack Golf Club-1717 Chestnut Ave in Glenview. 7 simulators and a putting green. Plus you can always join Arnie at the Bar. Book a bay, take a lesson, or get fitted for new clubs. The ShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905.

IS PLANTATION THAT EASY OF A GOLF COURSE. Actually no it isn’t. But there are some wide fairways on a few holes. I have logged some 20 rounds on Plantation, and it the Trade winds or Kona winds are strong, it’s brutal. The course can be a real golf ball eater, if your off-line or get blown around too much. The winds were not a factor this past week at The Sentry.

ONE YEAR I lost a dozen balls over two rounds on Plantation. So I would have gone back to Chicago with an empty golf ball pouch on my bag, if Kapalua VP-the late Gary Planos had not sent me home with a dozen special logoed balls from a cabinet in the back of his office.

WHAT I WILL DO is look for the C&C team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in Florida at the PGA Show. I can only imagine their reaction to the low scores posted this past week. Crenshaw might say something like, 35 under par over four days is a game I am not familiar with.

The Schaumburg Golf Club 401 North Roselle Road, has three simulators open for play. Enjoy the comfort’s of indoor golf all winter long at Schaumburg Golf Club. The pro shop and Chandlers Chophouse are also open. See more at Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000

TITLEIST HAS ANNOUNCED that the new Pro-V1 and Pro-V1x golf ball is coming out at the end of the month. It should be great. But it’s not the ball used by Matsuyma at Kapalua this week. So how about this, what did he use. The new Srixon Z-Star XV Ball available January 24th, at a cost of $49.99 a dozen. But I still wonder how many dozen’s of these balls pro shops will order. MIZUNO has launched new irons, the JPX 925 series, I’m wondering what their impact will be on the market.

THE TGL GOLF LEAGUE-starts tomorrow on ESPN. So what is TGL. Well it’s an indoor simulator like dome, with room for 1200 fans. It’s location is down in Florida, near where many of the PGA Tour players live. So it should be an easy drive over to compete.

TGL-Tomorrows Golf League, is the Rory McIlroy & Tiger Woods project where the original bubble got wrecked by a storm. This one is located on the campus of Palm Beach State College. Six teams with 3-players each will battle it out over the next two months to determine a winner. I’m curious to see what the golfing public will think of this latest venture. The television ratings should be interesting.

MORE NEWS-LIV Golfers Phil Mickelson now has his own YouTube Channel. Which is interesting, but what kind of content will “Lefty” provide. I can’t believe it will be a bunch of gambling or stock market tips.

THE BETTINARDI TIKI HIVE will be open tomorrow (Tuesday Jan. 7) at 10 Am CST. So do you need some Hawaiian flavor in your golf game. So to learn more visit bettinardi.com.

2025 has started, so let’s get the ball rolling. I can’t believe it’s only 9 days until departure day for the PGA Merchandise Show. The Gog Blog returns this week. RS.

  THE SHACK GOLF CLUB has extended Chicago’s golf season. Located at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview, The Shack now has seven simulators and a putting green. It’s a place where Arnie will always join you at the bar. So with top dates filling up quickly, book your bay today and start hitting the ball. TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905. Lessons and club fittings are available, try out Bettinardi Putters.

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears, Director of Content and creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy or connect at LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram In the fitting tent at Heritage Oaks GC in Northbrook.

HAPPY NEW YEAR…

I HOPE YOURS is off to a great start.

HERE at Golfers on Golf, I’m not so lucky. Because digging out of a 5 day brutal illness, is no way to start the season.

Have you ever hit your opening tee shot Out-of-Bounds. Then some joker yells “that’s two.” A joker who deserves a shot in the chops with 56 degree wedge.

But none the less, I feel like the opening days of the 2025 year or golf season have been brutal. Because I have no interest in being back on the “DL.” With the PGA Show 3 weeks away, I don’t want to be on the “IR.” I don’t want to be hitting 4 off the first tee box either. But it sure feels like that’s exactly where I am. So I am starting to feel better, so I’m back here on the forum. I will try to get caught up, but I’m running at a pace that averages out to slow play.

OKAY ENOUGH ABOUT ME… now some other golf topics.

THE PGA TOUR IS UNDERWAY with the Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua, my old Hawaiian haunt. I have played about 20 rounds on the Plantation Course, which is a fun golf course. Almost as much fun as blasting a long iron past Mark Rolfing’s fishing poles that hang out behind his house on the resorts Bay Course. Chris Kirk is the defending champ, but didn’t have the best 2024 season after winning the season opener in 2024. I don’t expect him to repeat. Sahith Theegala last year’s runner-up, Justin Thomas or Collin Morikawa have a better chance of winning this year.

SOME OF THE BIG NEWS to start the season, is that Max Homa has bolted from Titleist to join Cobra-Puma. Homa could use a spark in his game after a sluggish 2024, and will need one to make this years Ryder Cup team. Homa has brought in a new swing coach to go along with new clubs, new clothes and new shoes.

VICTOR HOVLAND the 2023 BMW Champion at Olympia Fields broke his toe while banging his foot on his bed while sleeping. So Hovland is taping up the toe as much as possible and taking some drugs. But as each round goes on-his limping is starting to show.

THE GOLF WORLD/MEDIA WORLD has been hit hard by some year-end passing’s. USA today writer Steve Dimeglio (63) lost his two year fight with cancer earlier today, only a couple of weeks after Geoff Babineau (62) passed away from natural causes.

DAN BAKER (58) of the PGA of America, who was very involved with the upcoming PGA Merchandise Show, was killed in a car accident last month, in route home from volunteering at a season ending LPGA event in Naples Florida.

THE NEW CALLAWAY CLUBS-ELYTE Woods and Irons are getting strong reviews. I can’t wait to test them out vs my Paradyms. May the best model win. Demo day at the PGA Show should be much more exciting now, I’m also hearing that Elyte with the right Fujikura Shafts can be a real dynamite combination.

TITLEIST GOLF has announced the new PRO V1 golf ball is coming out at the end of show week.

Locally Oak Brook Terrace based Zero Friction products has announced a return to the PGA Show.

NOW I just need to get healthy, I’m getting pumped for the show. But coming soon, my list of 10 courses I want to play in 2025, add them to your list as well. RS

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Bolingbrook Drive in Bolingbrook. So get a start on 2025 by taking your game & clubs to the Mistwood Golf Dome. (630)-739-7600 #MGD

   OWNER NICK LARKIN invites golfers to enjoy the warmth of the winter golf season at TheShackgolfclub.com at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview. Call (847)-904-2905 #SGC

   THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road Schaumburg IL. Check in for three simulators located right below Chandlers Chophouse (847)-885-9000.

                          Happy New Year from Ed Stevenson (L)-Rory Spears (M) and the IPGA Hall of Famer Len Ziehm.

Golfers on Golf is the longest running golf show in Chicago broadcasting history, and four-time national award winner. Entering it’s 35th season on radio, while Golfersongolf.com enters it’s 16th season. So stay with us all year for the best in Chicagoland Golf and beyond.

2025 is here, it’s drive time. Let’s go.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook-CLOSED TODAY-will reopen tomorrow. Merry Christmas. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600 #MGD

  THE SHACK GOLF CLUB 1717 Chestnut Ave. Glenview TheShackgolfclub.com or call (847)-904-2905. Merry Christmas.

MERRY CHRISTMAS from all of us at Golfers on Golf.

Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears. May the golfing Santa bring you what you need for 2025.