THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME has some new looks this season. So come enjoy the  new bar in the dome, and the three Mistwood Golf Simulators in the dome. So play it either way at the dome, in the shell or on the screen. The Mistwood Golf Dome is on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook and home to TopTracer and McWethy’s Sports Bar. Call today and book your bay, or simulator at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or by calling (630)-739-7600.

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

Medinah’s flag pole remains in place near the 18th green of Course #3

MEDINAH’S COURSE #3 IS DONE

Well at least the construction is done, and what’s left is just for the course to go through the grow-in stage.

So if Mother Nature is not too harsh this winter, the course could reopen by late June. Fingers are crossed by the club and the members that, that will happen.

GOLFERS ON GOLF was the first media outlet to be allowed to walk the golf course, since it changed from dirt-piles to a golf course with at least some grass on the fairways, greens, and tee boxes. Sand has arrived in the bunkers, and to aide the grow-in process, the greens were mostly tarped over. But they were allowed to get some air and sun on the 60+ degree day, that GOG did it’s walk through.

From the tee of Hole #5, or is it #1 for at least a week in 2026. The new OB fence is on the left side of the fairway, but inside the new service road for maintenance vehicles.

The 2+ hour tour started on the fifth hole, a hole that could be hole #1 come late September in 2026.

Because with the bulk of the realignment of the golf course coming on what had been holes 12-18, the PGA Tour is looking to bring the new holes into play late in matches during the Presidents Cup.

But in match play, many matches end around hole 14 or 15. So Medinah’s holes 1-4, will likely play as holes 15-16-17-18 during President’s Cup week, with Hole #5 being the first tee box. Routing thousands of patrons to the fifth hole area during championship week to see opening tee shots could be an adventure. But the PGA Tour has almost 2 years on how to figure it out.

A bunker nest guards the right side of hole 6, with the OB fence on left.

Course #3’s hole numbers have changed. But not all of them, so let’s see if this confusing or not.

Ready-here we go!

Holes 1-6 are numbered the same. But now the new hole #7, is the old #10 that runs east to west along Lake Avenue. The former hole #7, is now hole #10. A flip-flop is also true for holes 8 and 11. Hole #8 is the old hole #11. The old hole #11 is now #8. Got that. Okay hole #9 is still #9, and hole #12 is still #12. Holes #13-14 are new holes. But hole #15 is the old hole #16. With holes 16-17-18 now being new holes.

The new hole #7 (old10) has changed slightly. There is more sand coming into the green. Plus some elevation changes in the fairway that previous was flat.

CREDIT AUSTRALIAN DESING FIRM OCM-in being very creative in putting some BITE back into Course #3.

So the members that told the renovation committee, they wanted a championship golf course, a course ranked in the Top 100, and one that could hold the type of tournaments it has hosted in the past. Well it seems that OCM has delivered just that.

OCM that stands for Ogilvy (Geoff) the 2006 U.S. Open champion, partners Ashley Mead and Michael Cocking looked to eliminate the knock on course #3. Which was that the par-3 holes all looked alike and played the same way. That has now changed.

Work is moving along at The Shack Golf Club in Glenview. Owner Nick Larkin is adding 4 new simulators and a putting green by mid-to late January. TheShackGolfClub.com 1717 Chestnut Street in Glenview.

The risk-reward pond on the old 14th hole is gone. But the water area that was short and right of the 12th green, has gotten bigger. Because the green has been moved close to the water.

Par-3 13th, is now the short 135 yard par-3, water is no longer in play. Holes 14 and 15 are new holes, with the 15th green in the area of the old 16th green.

16 is now a dogleg right over the water, and heads back towards the middle of the golf course. Not Medinah Road as it previously played.

Hole 17 is still a par-3, it plays over the water, but not towards the clubhouse, instead it plays away from the clubhouse heading south. Finally, 18 plays more like the routing prior to the 1988 U.S. Senior Open. Hole #18 runs east to west and towards Medinah Road and not the club house.

Hole #18 from the back tee. 485 yards-par-4. Welcome to Medinah.

So for the record, the renovation was not just done because Justin Thomas shot 25 under par at the 2019 BMW Championship.

Even Thomas hopes Course # 3 was not blown up because of his score that week, Thomas told Golfers on Golf.

But when you add up the cost of the work that needed to be done, due to an aging infrastructure, which will tear up the course anyway. It was smart play to make all changes at once. The par-3 design can no longer be a bone-of-contention among course raters and media critics. But the par-3 routing is different, because three par-3’s are now on the back side. So there is only one par-3 on the front nine. The overall par for the course is still 72, but it plays 37-35=72.

OCM is (L-R) Ogilvy-Mead and Cocking.

So besides the hole routing, what else changed or got improved.

Here are the new stats for Medinah #3.

87% increase to green size (4.75 Acres).          68% increase to tee boxes (3.75 Acres)            157% increase to fairways (57 Acres)                116% increase to bunker size (4.6 Acres)        71% decrease to mowed rough (32.5 Acres)

OLD COURSE #3 Square footage. Greens 103,089-New Course footage 208,986.

Tees Old Course 98,500, 165,000 on the new course #3. Fairways 953,000 old course #3, new course #3 2,450,000. Bunkers Old course #3 94,000-new course #3 203,000. Rough old course #3 rough, 4,900,000, new course #3 rough 1,433,000. Fescue/Native Grass old course #3 footage 0 feet. New course #3, 1,750,000 square feet.

DRAINAGE WILL BE MUCH IMPROVED: Because when you add over 40 miles of drainage, even to a big spread out property like Course #3, it does make a difference. The renovation costs were over $20 million, but not as high as the $30 million spent at 2023 PGA Championship course Oak Hill in New York.

When the golden fescue grows in, the wispy thin fescue won’t force golfers and caddies to step on the golf ball to find it. Medinah will have a new look to it, different than in the past. But when the course opens in 2024, some things will change for a while. 100 rounds per day in 2024, no carts in 2024, no guest play for 2024-members only, for now. So even the halfway house will be different, new chairs, tables, carpeting and a paint job. Toss in some grab and go items for golfers, which will help keep the pace of play moving.

So throw in new short course-full of par-3’s, and a new Himalaya style putting green (found on the ground of the previous 18th hole fairway), and Medinah has really added to it’s already great golf experience.

Golfersongolf.com thanks the members of the Medinah renovation committee and the OCM team who have helped our work in covering the project. So for details see MedinahCC.org.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME Rt. 53-Bolingbrook-Mistwoodgolfdome.com or you can call (630)-739-7600. McWethy’s Sportsbar-Toptracer Golf Events. Club Fittings & Lessons.

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

David Schneider is the new GM/COO at Medinah Country Club.

MEDINAH COUNTRY CLUB

Announces that David Schneider has joined the club as the new General Manager/COO.

Schneider joins Medinah from the Happy Hollow Club in Omaha Nebraska, where he held the same position.

During his time at Happy Hollow Club, Schneider oversaw all club operations, and assisted club leaders with strategic planning and fulfilling the vision and mission of the club.

Schneider is a member of the PGA of America, and the Club Management Association of America (CMAA). Schneider’s history in the golf business includes time at the Wakonda Club (Des Moines-Iowa), Ventana Golf & Racquet Club (Tucson-Arizona), and the Waikoloa Beach Resort (Hawaii).

Medinah’s famed flagpole, that sits behind the 18th green on Course #3.

“I am excited to welcome David to our Medinah family,” said William R. Kuehn, President of Medinah Country Club. “David’s exceptional leadership and proven industry track record make him the perfect to drive our club to even greater heights.”

Schneider will join Medinah has the club’s historic Medinah #3 course prepares to come back online, after an extensive renovation by the OCM design firm, lead by former U.S. Open Champion (2006 Winged Foot) Geoff Ogilvy and partners Ashley Mead and Michael Cocking.

Medinah Country Club was founded in 1924, and will celebrate it’s centennial season next year. The clubs long history of hosting major golf events will continue in 2026, when the Presidents Cup will contested on the Medinah #3 course.

So for more information please visit Medinahcc.org.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is back running daily for the winter golf season ahead. Open daily until 10 Pm, the dome is the home to Toptracer Golf, McWethy’s Sports Bar and fun golf team events. So book a bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (630)-739-7600

MISTWOOD PRO SHOP HOLIDAY SALE Today through Friday 9-4P.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram. In Studio “B” the Bettinardi Putting studio in Oak Brook, photo by John Billiter.

JUST IN CASE…

You didn’t know-Bernhard Langer and his son Jason won the PNC Father-Son golf championship. They won for a fifth time (25).

Team Duval was second, Team Singh was third. That is all anyone needs to know about this event.

The Korn Ferry Q-School has it’s last round pushed back into today-because of heavy rains.

Good luck to those trying to earn a tour card.

The Ice House-Cool shirt-but was there really an ice house.

THE ICE HOUSE-A VERY COOL STORY: Sounds good on paper or on a shirt, as it was during the 2023 BMW Championship at Olympia Fields. But was it true. Because everyone who should know about the Ice House says it didn’t exist, or at least there is no record or evidence of it.

Because the ice-making facility under the clubhouse, as was told during championship week, sounds cool. So maybe even cold come winter time. But after a review with golf historian Tim Cronin of the Illinois Golfer, who wrote the Centennial Book on Olympia Fields Country Club. Cronin says, I can find no record of this “Ice House ever existing.” Multiple members whose family have long time ties to OFCC, say the same.

SO COOL STORY-Yes, Cool looking 1915 shirts with the Ice Block Tongs-Yes. If you bought one, thanks for your donation to the Evans Scholars Foundation, a cool charity.

The Shack Indoor Golf Club-1717 Chestnut Street in Glenview. book your simulator at TheShackgolfclub.com

LIV TRADES-FREE AGENCY IS HERE. When you have team golf through the season. The off-season can be filled with player movement. So maybe LIV golf teams will make more moves than say our Chicago Sports teams.

So with the off-season on-the LIV Golf players are on the move. 4Aces GC announces that Harold Varner III has been acquired from the Range Goats, joining team captain Dustin Johnson. But in return Peter Uihlein has been sent to the Range Goats.

Captain Bubba Watson of The Range Goats GC ah announced that both Harold Varner III and Matthew Wolff have joined the team. Wolff coming over from Smash GC. 2023 Individual Champion Talor Gooch has been traded to Smash GC. Smash GC Captain Brooks Koepka has added F/A Graeme McDowell and Jason Kokrak to round out Smash GC. The Crushers were the 2023 LIV Golf team champions.

MOST OF THE LIV SCHEDULE FOR 2024 is out. But there are still a few TBD’s at the end of the list. Here is hoping that Jerry Rich’s Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove-fill’s in one of those spots.

The new PXG Putter. See more at PXG.com.

PUTTING…

So how important is putting to your overall game.

Some teaching professionals will tell you very important, since you use the club for almost half of the strokes you take every round.

Because my putting has been good, but not great, I am taking the “Deep Dive” into putters in the season ahead. over the next few months I will add a few new putters to my collection.

I have not been three putting very often, but have not made enough one putts either. So keep it here for plenty of more putter stories that are coming up. But do check out the one I recently wrote about the new Bettinardi Putting Studio-Studio B in Oak Brook. A great place to wrap your head around the art of putting, and what it takes to get your golf ball in hole, quicker and with less putts. So here’s to plenty of more 1 putts in 2024.

Owner Nick Larkin surveys the work at The Shack Golf Club 1717 Chestnut Street in Glenview. 4 simulators will soon become seven as The Shack expands in January. TheShackgolfclub.com

LAUNCH TECHNOLOGIES INC. in Taiwan, a major manufacturer of golf balls for five companies, had two explosions in it’s main factory that killed 9 people.

Four of them were firefighters. The two explosions were 20 minutes apart and injured over 100 people.

LTI makes golf balls for Callaway, Taylormade, Bridgestone, Mizuno and Wilson Golf. LTI has 80% percent of its sales done in the United States. Callaway Golf President Glenn Hickey spoke out about the explosion and tragic loss of life. Hickey also confirmed that Callaway golf ball supply would only have minor interruptions. Which has been the case over the last 90 days.

Daily tickets are now on sale for the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst from June 10-16. See USOPEN.com/2024

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE…

Plus they would make a great holiday gift. The 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst this coming June 10-16, is the 25th anniversary of the great win by Payne Stewart.

The U.S. Open will be played on the famed Donald Ross design Pinehurst #2.

Pinehurst #2 is one of six U.S. Open golf courses you can play.

So do checkout Pinehurst at Pinehurst.com, the new Pinehurst #10 course opens on April 4th.

FROM CHRIS CHARNAS at Wilmette based Links Capital Advisors, the Links at Carillion a 27-hole Greg Martin design in Plainfield are for sale, with an asking price of $5 million. So to learn more contact [email protected].

IT’S BIG ALLRIGHT-The Willow Hill Dome in Northbrook is 160 yards front to back from the tee line. Daily dome golf in the WHD is from 8a to 3 Pm. Willowhilldome.com.

SORRY TO SEE…

That reigning Illinois Open Champion Vince India has been suspended by the PGA Tour for a period of six months.

India can resume playing in March. Both India and Jake Staiano were suspended for betting on PGA Tour events. The tour said neither player waged on tournaments they were competing in. But why did Staiano get three months and India receive a six month suspension. When contacted by Golfers on Golf Radio host Len Ziehm, India responded with a no-comment. But after Staiano went on a podcast and spoke of his situation, within 48 hours India posted an apology on his Twitter (X) account.

India to his credit took full responsibility for actions, and apologized to all. India promises this will not happen again. Where the two players were wagering, how the PGA Tour/Korn Ferry Tour found out and how much the players were betting is unclear. Here is to a better 2024 for India.

BETTINARDI FINAL 25th Anniversary in the Hive Release-tomorrow at 10 AM. Details at Bettinardigolf.com.

RECENTLY I TOURED the new Medinah #3 course, that has finished construction and moved into the grow-in stage. Stay tuned-more on Medinah as the week progresses. RS

  NICK LARKIN IS TAKING THE SHACK GOLF CLUB TO THE NEXT LEVEL- As the Shack is expanding come next month. When four simulators wasn’t enough, the total is now growing to seven. So you need more-how about a putting green. But if you need a simulator bay with theatre style seating. The Shack will have that too. So why not call The Shack and book a simulator at (847)-904-2905 or visit TheShackGolfClub.com The Shack is located at 1717 Chestnut Street in Glenview. Plan your next special event now.

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 Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Lessons, Club fittings and Toptracer golf. Home to McWethy’s Sports Bar (630)-739-7600, book a hitting bay online at Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open daily until 10 Pm.

But coming up will be the annual Ice Bowl.

So on January 9th the Ice Bowl will be 4-man teams, scrambling their way around the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links.

There will be multiple flight winners and beer tastings during the outing.

So sign up today. Because there is a limit of 30 teams and 120 players. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (630)-739-7600

The new Soleta Golf Club in Florida-Nick Price standing top, David Ledbetter standing next to the tractor.

THERE IS MORE NEW GOLF coming to Florida.

Because a recent media event was held to launch the new Soleta Golf Club in Central Florida.

So behind the new course design, is veteran PGA Tour player and major champion Nick Price.

Joining Price is long time veteran golf instructor David Ledbetter.

Golfers on Golf radio host and writer for the Daily Herald and Pro Golf Weekly’s Len Ziehm was there on site to cover the announcement. So to read the entire story visit LenZiehmonGolf.com.

LIV GOLF SHOPPING-so if your holiday shopping for your favorite fan of LIV Golf, you need to so quickly. 2 or 3 day shipping is now needed to get LIV Golf products to where you need them in advance of Christmas Day. See LIVGolf.com. Tickets are now on sale for the February tournament-Super Bowl week in Las Vegas. Jon Rahm has joined LIV Golf, trades have been made-teams are getting rebuilt. LIVGolf.com

TALON GOLF needs your order by today, to guarantee on time shipping for Christmas Day. Some items are up to 50% off. See TalonGolf.com #Comfyhoodies

GTECH-Warm winter apparel. So yes Christmas has come early at GTECH. But if you want a great deal-like 30% off. Use the promo code Hoodie30 on your order. Because there is no reason to be cold this winter Gtechapparel.com

LAB GOLF PUTTERS-The LAB is expanding, and Let’s get you a deal time is now.

LAB GOLF

But while there is LAB GOLF, there is also the LAB Golf outlet.

So if you need a deal-a budget helper, how about finding your next putter in the Lab Golf Outlet.

But even better news is that you can build your own putter with Lab Golf.

So which type of putter is best for you ? Just feed your specs into the LAB at Lab Golf.

So how long should the shaft be, what about loft off the putter head, do you need a special grip or want the Pistol Grip the craze in golf. So if your a DF fanatic-DF 3 is coming in 2024. Learn more at Labgolf.com LAB Golf=Lie-Angle-Balance. RIGHT NOW 20% soft good apparel-head covers & hats.

Willowhilldome.com Chicago’s largest dome located in Northbrook is 160 yards from front to back. Golf daily from 8 Am to 3 Pm. Then stay for the holiday light show.

EDISON GOLF WEDGES one of the best wedges in golf. Is offering a holiday specials on Edison Golf Gift Cards. 10% off the total amount you purchase. Edisonwedges.com.

LINKS CAPITAL ADVISORS and Chris Charnas have announced that Swan Hills Golf Course in Belvedere IL. near Rockford is on the market. Swan Hills which is has a positive cash flow, is for sale with a price of under $3.5 million. Serious buyers should contact Charnas at [email protected].

The Bettinardi Double B Series is here. Bettinardi.com

BETTINARDI GOLF

NOW with the fitting studio located in Oak Brook on 22nd Street,

So check out the new “BB” Series of putters.

You can purchase online-but it makes more sense to go get fitted in the new Oak Brook studio. Because you can leave with your new putter in hand and head for the golf course. So get the details at Bettinardigolf.com.

FOR YOUR GOLFER who has Everything. Finn Scooters, starting at $3,495.00. Ride to the golf course, ride down the golf course, FinnScooters.com.

The Power Shift Board-lets golfers feel the correct power shift in their swing.

MAKE THE SHIFT-THE POWER SHIFT

UK Coach and Inventor Dan Frost has created a new Swing Aid called the Power Shift Board.

” The indispensable golf training tool allows players to not only feel the correct pressure shift during their swing, but also to emulate the pressure shift patterns of elite players. The Power Shift Board beautifully facilitates the movement of pressure to the lead side early in the swing, ensuring that weight is forward at impact, just like the good players swings.”

KEY FEATURES INCLUDE: Dual Resistance Springs: which create a realistic simulation of the pressure shift. THE AUDIBLE FEEDBACK DEVICE: A first in golf training where the device emits a click when proper pressure is applied to the golfers front foot. So get your power forward, get away from swaying. GolfTrainingAids.com.

Bobby Jones Links Management Group.

(BJL) Bobby Jones Links the golf industry’s leading client-centric, boutique management company, has been named the management company of Chapel Hills Golf Club and Mirror lake Golf Club.

The two clubs are Atlanta-area private golf clubs that offer joint membership privileges. Atlanta based Silverline Golf Group recently completed the purchase of both clubs. But now Silverline will begin improving the amenities, and improve the number of member events and activities, to appeal to a wider group of demographics within the membership group.

SILVERLINE GOLF officials selected BJL to manage the two clubs because of their personal approach that brings out the true culture and identity of each club it manages. So to learn more about both golf clubs and BJL management see Bobbyjoneslinks.com.

LPGA International Hills Course-with new greens.

ONE OF DAYTONA BEACH’S top golf designs has reopened to strong reviews after the renovation of it’s greens.

THE LPGA HILL’S Golf Course by architect Arthur Hills, closed this past  April for a five month greens renovation project. During the renovation that brought the greens back to their original size, and back to USGA specifications.

The project added 26,600 square feet of green space to back to the, with a new TiFEagle Bermudagrass greens. So 65,340 feet of green space is now 92,000 square feet.

BUT GREENS were not the only part of the renovation project. Because 300 tons of sand was brought in to rebuild the bunker complexes, cart paths were resurfaced. The Hills Course has five sets of tee’s, with the back tees playing at 6,954 yards. So for more information visit DaytonaBeach.golf.

The Draw Board for when a right to left is really needed.

THE DRAW BOARD…

Is the answer to those who can only hit a slice.

From the same group that created the Power Shift Board, comes the Draw Board.

Because some recent studies do show that over 60% of all amateurs can only hit one shot shape-a slice. Okay for some it’s the dreaded slice.

So what would it mean to be able to hit a draw, on command when you need it. This a training aid that was inspired by the Augusta National Golf Club, imagine being able to to draw the ball on the par-5 13th hole. So add another swing to your game like pro’s do, it starts at GolfTrainingAids.com.

The Gog Blog returns on Monday. RS

ANDY MICKELSON-DIRECTOR OF GOLF, NICOLE JERAY TEACHING PRO-MATT CARTER-CLUB FITTING SPECIALIST. You can find all of them at the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook all winter long. The Mistwood Golf Dome is home to McWethy’s Sports Bar, so bring your clubs and your appetite. Hit some balls and then check out all the big games. Book your hitting bay today at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or you can call the dome (630)-739-7600. Club fitting/lesson season runs all year round.

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

Jasmine Koo from Cerritos California won the 123rd Women’s Western Amateur at the White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville.

ONWENTSIA TO HOST 124TH WWGA-AM

The historic Onwentsia Club in Lake Forest IL., will host the 124th Women’s Western Amateur Championship from July15-20.

Jasmine Koo-17 won the championship this past July. Koo was the first aged golfer to win the championship since 2015. So it’s likely that Koo will return to defend her title.

The WWGA Women’s Amateur is the longest annual championship in golf. There  has been no interruption of play since it’s founding in 1901.

Past champions include Patty Berg (1938), Louise Suggs (1946,1947), Stacy Lewis (2006) and Ariya Jutanugarn in (2012). But all of the success has not just come from the championships past winners. Because former participants have gone on to win 135 major championships in women’s golf.

The historic Onwentsia Club in Lake Forest.

“Onwentsia Club is honored to welcome the games top amateur players back to our historic golf club for the fifth time,” said Amy Lincoln, Onwentsia tournament co-chair and Western Golf Association Director.

“We’ve all witnessed some incredible moments over the decades since this championship established it’s roots at Onwentsia. We’re looking forward to adding another chapter to our storied relationship with the Women’s Western Golf Association, and the Western Golf Association (WGA).

Onwentsia Club history dates back to 1893, when it was known as the Lake Forest Club. But the club a seven hole course on the estate of Sen. Charles B. Farwell, went by that name for only two years. But in 1895, it moved to it’s current location on Green Bay Road and was given it’s current name.

Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. (630)-739-7600.

It was the famed Charles Blair Macdonald that designed the clubs first nine holes. But the back nine holes were designed in 1898, by Herbert Tweedie, James and Robert Foulis.

There was a renovation in 1996, by Tom Doak.

Onwentsia has a history of hosting major championships including the 1899 U.S. Amateur, 1900 western Amateur, 1906 U.S. Open, 1949 and 1965 Women’s Western Juniors and the 2021 Western Junior Championship.

The Shack Golf Club in Glenview is expanding. By mid-to late January the current four simulators will become seven, with the addition of a new large putting green. See TheShackGolfClub.com 1717 Chestnut Street in Glenview.

So this years field will be 120 players with a handicap of 5.4 or less. But while the first two days are 18-holes of stroke play.

The field will be reduced to 32 players, who will play single elimination match play until the championship is crowned.

“It’s always special when you can bring a marquee championship back to it’s original host site,” said Susan Buchanan, WWGA president. “We look forward to continuing to build the legacy of the Women’s Western Amateur at Onwentsia and celebrating the proud tradition of attracting the finest amateur in women’s golf to compete for our W. A. Alexander Cup.”

Past WWGA amateur champions at Onwentsia include, Illinois Golf Hall of Fame inductee Bessie Anthony in 1901-1902. Edith Cummings in 1924. Dorothy Germain in 1944. So for more information visit www.womenswesternamateur.com.

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

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

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

THE JOHN DEERE CLASSIC.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EIGHT IS NOT ENOUGH!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EDITORS NOTE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

TODD QUITNO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE SHACK IS BACK AND GETTING BIGGER AND BETTER. Owner Nick Larkin is expanding the Glenview based-“The Shack” from 4 to 7 simulators and adding a new putting green. The new area is expected to open in Mid-to-Late January. So stay tuned for details, the new simulator area’s are larger and one has movie studio like seating. So visit TheShackGolfClub.com or call to book your hitting bay at (847)-904-2905.

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

THE SAND VALLEY RESORT in Nekoosa Wisconsin has been named as host to four upcoming USGA Amateur Championships. Starting with the 2026 U.S. Mid-Amateur.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So for more information please visit USGA.org.

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

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

THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEDINAH #3…

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

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

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

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

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

THE GOG BLOG RETURNS-this week. RS