ERIC RUSSELL (L) and MATT CARTER (R) form the multiple award winning fitting team at the Mistwood Golf Club and currently in the winter season, the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook. The boys are very busy, so get your fittings booked, and your clubs and grips in for repair now. The Summer season is coming soon. Congrats to both Eric and Matt on winning a national award from Mizuno Golf. Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

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

The Bushnell Range Finder. 

THIS YEAR are you ready to dial in your yardage, and shoot better scores.

If so, why not when you can, dial in your yardage with Bushnell range finders.

Do note that in some tournaments, that range finders or laser guns are not allowed.

But your average amateur golfer can use one during normal play. So do you find yourself guessing at what club to hit. So is your favorite muni short on yardage markers. Does your private club leave you guessing unless you have a caddie.

Bushnell more models-more options.

But regardless of where you play, you should be able to know what yardage you need, especially when hitting shots into the green. Bushnell Golf has expanded it’s range of devices used to calculate yardages. Both on the golf course, and now on the range. Do you want to shoot yardages with a range finder and just click the button. Would you be more comfortable wearing a watch and use a GPS system to dial in what club you need to hit.

Bushnell now offers you options on the practice range, with it’s line of launch monitors. This way you can know what club, for what situation before you tee off.

CLICK HERE to hear to learn more about Bushnell products, listen to the full interview with Senior Brand Manager at Bushnell, Derek Schuman.

The Bushnell Pro X3.

The Bushnell Pro X3 is an example of how Bushnell took it’s top of line range finder and made it better.

Because now new features include, adding both adjustments for Slope, and the current temperature your outside playing golf in that day.

So when you need the most accurate yardage, in differing conditions. The range of options is complete with Bushnell range products. See the full line of Bushnell products and accessories, at bushnellgolf.com.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB Simulators are open. The Mistwood Golf Dome is open. So it’s time to get your game ready before the golf courses open for the outdoor season. Three simulators the best in Schaumburg are at 401 North Roselle Road. So book a tee time at Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000. Mistwood Golf Dome is having events like Toptracer scrambles on Pinehurst No.2. But you can get a lesson or a club fitting and be ready for outdoor golf. Mistwoodgolfdome.com (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 on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Oak Brook Terrace IL. based Zero Friction company founder and owner John Iacono, on the show floor with ZF’s new cart-Stride. COMING SOON.

THE WAIT IS ALMOST OVER.

STRIDE the first of it’s kind all-in-one electronic bag trolley. That comes with remote and follow me technology.

Stride will be a walking round-changer for those who don’t want to ride in golf carts.

But if your tired of waiting for the halfway house, or the beverage cart gal. One of the main features that is a part of Stride, is that ability to keep a six-pack cold. Golfers will like that-even if the beverage cart people don’t.

Zero Friction company founder and owner John Iacono takes pride in creating new golf products, to help golfers enjoy the sport they enjoy. Iacono’s new “Trolley” called Stride is a new version of an old pull or push cart.

It’s said that golf and the clubs, golf balls, golf shoes, golf gloves keep evolving. Stride is what’s evolved in walking carts. Stride will be available for purchase in early May. But while the price of $1,899.00 could be considered high, what’s amazing is the options Stride offers at that price. That higher priced trolley carts don’t offer. Stay tuned for more information on Stride when it goes on sale in nearly 60 days.

The TheraTec golf glove-helping to reduce hand injuries suffered while golfing or practicing.

The copper infused Lyrca golf glove designed by Dr. Conor O’Brien of Ireland.

Dr. O’Brien has been in sports medicine for over 30 years. He served as team doctor for the Irish Olympic team.

O’Brien both an avid golfer and former Rugby player, has studied hand injuries in depth for years.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Zero Friction company president John Iacono.

There are seven types of elements that reside in the hand bone, soft tissue and nerves. They are located in the pinkie finger area of the hand. Zero Friction still produces a full line of golf gloves, colored golf balls and performance tees. So for more information on Zero Friction products, visit Zerofriction.com. or call (630)-317-7700.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open for golf, and ready to get you ready for the outdoor golf season that is coming soon. So whether it’s teeing it with Top Tracer, getting a lesson or club fitting with Matt Carter or Eric Russell. The Mistwood Golf Dome is your place for golf and hoops. With March Madness heating up, bring the clubs and your appetite to McWethy’s Sports Bar in the dome. Book a hitting bay online at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or you can call the dome at (630)-739-7600.

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

The Gog Blog by Rory Spears-Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf.

THE API turned into quite a shoot out.

IT was so good, that NBC’s mouthpiece Dan Hicks, didn’t have much time to do his usual suck-ups to Tiger Woods.

NICE WIN for Kurt Kitayama, edging our Rory McIlroy and some other big names. My choice to win from back in January Viktor Hovland didn’t have his best on Sunday.

Media reports have his caddy making a run to the local PGA Tour Store after round 3, in search of a 3-wood for Hovland. Because Hovland’s 3-wood was damaged during the 3rd Round.

PGA TOUR Veteran James Hahn Tee’d up the PGA Tour in Golf Digest with it’s new plan that takes care of it’s Top 50 players, and not really anybody beyond that. The short no-cut fields are great some players, not so good for others. Hahn even suggested that Tiger Woods makes too much money from the PGA Tour and really never plays due to injuries. But as one might guess, as the Tour’s elevated event process came out-the LIV Golf folks quickly posted a response on various social media outlets. LIV suggested that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

There is plenty of debate if the new format is really helping the tour’s sponsors. So maybe some of the them, others not so much. Reports have the AT&T at Pebble Beach dropping the amateurs after Fridays round. So none of them get to play on the weekend. Tough break for Bill Murray and the gang of CEO’s and NFL Quarterbacks.

OUTDOOR GOLF IN THE CHICAGO AREA-Because some courses are opening here and there. So as usual Cog Hill courses 1 & 3 are open year round. But Pine Meadow in Mundelein is open as many days as many days as possible. Foxford Hills in Cary now has nine holes open.

THIS WEEK AT THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP the defending champion will NOT be in the field. Cam Smith a member of the LIV Tour, is banned from defending his title. Smith tells Golf Digest he will be out on the waterway around Jacksonville fishing, one of his favorite pastimes. Smith figures with many folks out at TPC Sawgrass, the fishing spots he likes should be quiet.

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED has released it’s own World Golf Rankings. These days with the sad state of the OWGR ratings, SI might now have the most legit set of rankings in the world. OWGR remains on the path to being insignificant.

THE MAJORS WILL REMAIN MAJORS in our books anyway. As written here, any major championship that didn’t allow LIV players, would be demoted to a minor tournament. But LIV players can play at the four majors. But making it into the Ryder Cup will be tougher, but not impossible. LIV players probably need to win a major to have a shot at the Ryder Cup teams. For both either Europe or Team USA.

THE DUSTIN JOHNSON WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP at TPC Myrtle Beach was won by Jackson Koivun on the boys side, by 2 shots. Koivun the #1 rated junior in America led wire-to-wire. Ryleigh Knaub was a two-shot winner on the girls side. Congrats to both players.

THE BLACKBERRY OAKS 4-Player Spring Scramble is April 16th. So sign up today at BlackberryOaks.com.

PARS UNDER THE STARS a great event is Saturday May 20th at Foxford Hills Golf Club in Cary. See [email protected] The event starts at 5:30 Pm. Night golf is a really cool and fun event-glow in the dark golf balls. You have to love it.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow-RS.

ALL 3 SIMULATORS are open for business at the Schaumburg Golf Club located at 401 North Roselle Road. So you can play the Schaumburg Golf Club indoors, until the golf course opens for the summer. The pro shop is now getting stocked up. (847)-885-9000

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

THE SMSG-NC is back-sorry for the delay. More editions are now coming ASAP. So stay clicked in.

The Mistwood Golf Dome is open daily until 10 Pm. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600 #mcWethy’s Sports Bar.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open and ready to bring you-Glory’s Last Shot.

Saturday March 11th 7 Pm, on Top Tracer in the dome. A 4-man scramble on Pinehurst No.2.

So rates are $300.00 per team, with a better number for Mistwood members.

But sign-up at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600. Wilson golf fittings on Thursday-with specials. Questions, contact Eric Russell at the golf dome.

THE LIV TV numbers are in. The full audience through the CW-Network, APPS and other social media platforms was 3.2 million viewers. But this was for the first LIV event in Mexico, won by Charles Howell III. Numbers released by Nielson. So don’t believe nobody was watching, because people were watching.

The par 3-11th hole at the recently renovated Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach SC.

MYRTLE BEACH SC.

Is a winner again, in the contest that announces the top golf destinations in the world.

Myrtle Beach was the only destination from America in the Top 5. Because the area is an American favorite for buddie trips and the World’s Largest Amateur, that is played in late August.

Learn more about Myrtle Beach Golf at PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com. Numerous courses in the are have seen renovations. But this weekend the Dustin Johnson World Junior championship is being played at TPC Myrtle Beach.

The 2023 U.S. Senior Open comes to Sentry World in Wisconsin this June.

SENTRY WORLD-Stevens Point Wis.

The U.S. Senior Open visits Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin, this June 29-July 2.

Wisconsin natives Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly will be strong favorites. But the golf course will be closed all summer until after the U.S. Senior Open is concluded. So with large tee time intervals, tee times will go quickly this summer.

But you can book a room in the Sentry World Inn and enjoy other festivities. So visit the website at Sentryworld.com or (866)-479-6753.

The simulators at Heritage Oaks Golf Club in Northbrook, are open for play and fittings or lessons.

HERITAGE OAKS in Northbrook is open year round.

Located on Dundee Road, Heritage Oaks is getting to re-open for the 2023 outdoor golf season.

But until then the two simulators are open for play, or lessons and fittings.

Coming up on March 24th in the simulators is a Callaway Golf fitting day. But you must schedule in advance, those who do receive Callaway Golf balls and credit towards the purchase of custom golf clubs. The Acorn Grill is open from Tuesday through Sunday for Lunch and Dinner. So for more information visit Heritageoaksgc.com or call (847)-291-2351.

CABOT CAPE BRETON-the countdown is on to opening day. Less than 60 days out. Aren’t you ready to head to Canada for golf. CabotCapeBreton.com Play Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS Men’s and Women’s Golf Team’s win awards. Fifth year senior Tommy Kuhl won back to back Big Ten Player of the week awards, after helping Illinois rally to win the Southern Highlands Collegiate in Las Vegas. The Fighting Illini Women’s Team saw Jr. Isabel Sy named Co-Big Ten player of the week. Sy shot the Illini women’s program low-with a second round 63 at the ICON Invitational. Bot for more information see FightingIllini.com.

DISMAL RIVER GOLF CLUB in Mullen Nebraska, will add a third golf course. The first course designed by Jack Nicklaus in 2006 (White), the second by Tom Doak in 2013 (Red). Media reports from Nebraska, say the Northbrook IL. based KemperSports managed property will select an architect from the five remaining finalists.

DALLAS BASED TOP GOLF will add a new Florida venue in Pompano Beach Florida, in the Florida Gold Coast off of Interstate 95. This venue will open in late 2023. But there is another Top Golf opening in Montebello California, in the San Gabriel-LA area. But this location will open in early 2024. So for more details see Topgolf.com.

El Campeon at the Mission Inn Resort will see some course improvements under new management.

THE MISSION INN located in Howey-In the Hills Florida, is coming under new management.

Bud Beucher and Beucher family recently sold the resort to MMI Hospitality.

MMI has introduced a Phase 1 or improvements to begin this year.

Cindy Staley has been named the resorts new general manager. The famed El Campeon golf course, will see some drainage improvements. So there will also be work done in the resorts rooms, and a new swimming pool. But the size will increase from 2500 square feet, to 10,000 square feet, with plenty of bells and whistles attached. But to learn more please visit MissionInnresort.com.

COG HILL GOLF in Palos Park has announced a March 10th Top Tracer scramble. The course of course is Harbor Town at the Sea Pines Resort. But there is more, such as spring scrambles and a Callaway golf ball special. Because if you buy 3 dozen personalized balls, you get a fourth dozen for free. So visit Coghillgolf.com today.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow-with the Gog Blog Speaks Out. RS

IT’S TIME TO VISIT THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg. The simulator room with three simulators, lets you golf Top 100 courses and the Schaumburg Golf Club indoor version. The pro shop is stocking up for your summer needs, and Chandlers Chophouse is ready to handle your food and beverage choices. So book a lesson, fitting at SchaumburgGolfClub.com or call (847)-885-9000.

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

Lloyd Cohn is president and CEO of Copper Tech Golf Gloves.

COPPER IN THE GOLF GLOVE

So where did the idea start ?

The first company to add Copper in the golf glove was the Stuart Florida company Copper Tech.

President and CEO Lloyd Cohn broke two fingers as a child, and after his fingers healed. Cohn still experienced pain especially while he worked, or tried to take part in activities.

So the research started of how to create a glove that could or would reduce or eliminate pain, while working or taking part in sports activities like golf.

THE MISTWOOD Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, home to McWethy’s Sports Bar-golf and March Madness coming soon. (630)-739-7600 Mistwoodgolfdome.com

While Copper Tech has been making golf gloves for several years, the company has expanded its reach to other area’s. Mechanic’s gloves, gardening gloves are among the other area’s that Copper Tech now produce’s gloves for.

Cohn takes pride that orthopedic doctors call him and ask how their patients are doing activities, such as golf without pain in their joints, or people who suffer with arthritis playing pain free golf.

The Coppertech Patriot half glove.

IS COPPER TECH A MIRACLE CURE, well maybe not. But there is a large amount of people who can now do various activities without pain they previously experienced.

Golfers if gripping the bigger clubs in your bag has been a problem, or hitting the ball with speed is an issue because of hand pain.

Try a Copper Tech glove, which can be worn even on the putting green when putting. Does hitting out of a bunker hurt your hands, try Copper Tech it just might work for you.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Copper Tech President and CEO Lloyd Cohn.

Cooper Tech gloves come in both men’s and women’s styles, for both left and right hands. A large variety of colors. So if your a golfer, or could the right gloves for gardening or mechanical work-try Copper Infused Technology products from Copper Tech. Cohn says there are more new things coming out shortly for Copper Tech, so stay tuned. Coppertech.com

4ORE NUTRITION based in Salt Lake City, has brought a solid new energy product to the golf market. 4ORE.com.

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

TJ Telford of 4ORE Nutrition in the booth at the PGA Show.

IF THERE WAS one things evident at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, it was that the CBD product booths have left the show.

Another category this was basically absent was the “health products” be it liquid or solids.

The survivor this year was 4ORE Nutrition, that has four good tasting flavors.  But 4ORE is a healthy drink, that is “not loaded” up with Sugar or Caffeine. So there is no crash or the feeling of the jitters, when you need to make that putt on the 17th or 18th holes.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with 4ORE Nutrition Co-Founder TJ Telford.

4ORE does offer some flavors that do have a small amount of Caffeine, but for the most part it’s healthy ingredients from multiple food groups.

MOST RECENTLY at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show, a few show attendees used the 4ORE Nutrition products to help make it thought a long day. When there was no time for a full lunch. 4ORE Nutrition did the trick, and helped keep energy levels high.

There are professional players on tour using the product, but since there is no agreement with the company. Their names can not be published at this time.

Schaumburg Golf Club has three simulators downstairs from the pro shop and Chandlers Chophouse. book a simulator time at (847)-885-9000 SGC 401 N. Roselle Road in Schaumburg. Schaumburggolf.com

The four flavors on display at the show were Green Apple, Triple Berry (maybe the most popular), Peach Mango and Citrus Blast.

Triple Berry tastes more like it’s color of Grape.

Purchase 4ORE in different sizes. But the best way for golfers to use it, is to buy a 10 pack package.

This way you can mix it with water before your round, or during it. So if your fatigued after your round, it’s still a good time to mix a batch of 4ORE Nutrition.

So to learn how to purchase 4ORE Nutrition visit 4ORE.com.

OUTDOOR GOLF SEASON IS COMING SOON-So it’s time to get warmed up indoors at the Schaumburg Golf Club’s three simulators. Schaumburg Golf Club located at 401 North Roselle Road-minutes from Woodfield Mall, not only is filling up the pro shop with your season’s golf supplies. But provides top-notch food and beverage in Chandlers Chop House in the SGC’s Clubhouse. See SchaumburgGolf.com or (847)-885-9000.

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

GOLFTINI President and Designer SUSAN HESS with some of the new Golftini fashions for 2023.

GOLFTINI APPAREL continues to grow under the dynamic leadership of company founder, and fashion designer Susan Hess.

Hess who had no formal apparel training got tired of not finding the apparel she was looking to wear, so she created her own brand.

It’s done nothing but continue to grow it’s sales year after year. One thing Hess takes pride in-is, that Golftini stayed busy and continued to grow even through the worst days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

GOLFTINI from the fairways and vines and into your taste buds, was the late into show day theme.

Golftini started in New Jersey before moving to Illinois a few years ago.

Then Hess relocated Golftini from the Northwest Suburbs into a larger office and warehouse in the city limits on the Northside of Chicago.

Through the multiple changes, Hess has rebuilt her team-many of them were working the PGA Merchandise show for the first time.

But even with a new team, things were not as hectic as when Hess took her young company to the PGA Show for the first time some years ago. Because back in year one, there was so much to do that Hess had forgot to trademark her company’s new name. So many of her new buyers asked where the name came from. The explanation was simple for Hess, Golftini was a combination of two of her favorite things in-life. Golf and drinks whose name ended in “Tini”. So one of first things Hess did after getting back to New Jersey, was trademark Golftini.

Golftini founder Susan Hess shows off some of new 2023 apparel from Golftini.

Staying ahead of the industry is one of the challenges those in apparel always have to do.

So thinking ahead comes with the job, what will the popular length be a year from now.

Will Pink be the hot color, or will some form of Blue or Black be the desired look.

So what about a lite-white for the summer months. One thing that Hess has shown, is the ability to create the right colors and styles when those fashions are in demand.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Golftini owner and designer Susan Hess.

When asked if Golftini will ever add some men’s wear, Hess says there is a limited offering. With three men’s shirts styles named after her three sons. But for now it seems that an expansion on the men’s apparel side is a little ways off.

IT NEVER HURTS to be handed a “tini” after a long day at the PGA Merchandise Show.

ONE THING that has been part of Golftini’s success is the speed in which it delivers product.

Because it’s not uncommon to hear from the merchandisers at clubs, saying they put in an order one day, and product arrives the next day.

Especially when the order is in the Chicago area.

So ladies if your in need of looking sharper for your next round of golf.

Maybe you would like something that works for you both on and off the golf course. A couple of years back, Hess made a hole-in-one at the Conway Farms Golf Club.

Proving that she is acing the test, both on the golf course and in the world of women’s golf apparel. For more information on Golftini, see Golftiniwear.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily and ready to get you ready for the outdoor golf season that is coming soon. Mistwood Club Fitting specialists Matt Carter (R) and Eric Russell can get you fit into new clubs. Which now including the new Callaway Paradym clubs that are taking the golf world by storm. The Mistwood Dome is home to McWethy’s Sports Bar and its award winning chicken wings. Practice with Toptracer or get a lesson. 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 @GogBlogGuy or Connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Sqairz Golf Shoes CEO Bob Winskowicz in his booth at the PGA Show.

BOLD IS COMING!

Speed was so fast that it’s run past the 18th green, and the next best Sqairz is almost here.

Bold is releasing shortly, like this month.

Bold has less going on, when your looking down at the shoe, while putting or driving the golf ball. So keep the mind focused and ready to hit your best shots on the golf course.

BOLD is coming soon.

IF YOU TRIED the original line of Sqairz shoes, and found the shoe to be too heavy, or shaped like an old NFL place kickers shoe. Well the design has changed.

Not that the original design was bad, it was just different than many modern golf shoes. In fact some golfers found that the original Sqairz design, helped keep their feet a bit more quiet. Are you a golfer that had excessive foot movement, up and down or spinning all-around during your swing. The original heavy Sqairz models helped reduce that problem.

So Speed and now Bold have a sharper image. But they are still built more solid than other golf shoes on the market. The spikes with the advanced traction sole, allow you to swing harder if that’s your game.

Sqairz Bold and Speed on display at the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

COMFORT IS HERE

If you found the old original models a bit uncomfortable, that will no longer be an issue in the current designs.

The new shape and styling allows the foot to fit into the shoe, in a way that adds a more relaxing feel. From the toes, through the arch and into the heel.

ONE OF THE strong offerings of Sqairz, is the laces stay tied. Because if your a golfer that likes to walk when you play. You have probably found with most brands, that shoe laces like to come untied every two holes. That’s annoying. But the Sqairz small bubble patches in the laces, help reduce or eliminate that issue.

“I don’t just stand behind Sqairz shoes, I stand in them when I play and practice.” Rory Spears-Golfers on Golf.

IN THE RANKS of professional golf, there are more golfers switching to Sqairz, when they compete on tour.

There is no secret that Sepp Straka won the 2022 Honda Classic on the PGA Tour, wearing Sqairz.

This past week Straka finished Top 10 at Honda, again wearing Sqairz.

Straka is not the only player on the PGA tour wearing Sqairz. There are players on the Champions Tour wearing Sqairz, the Korn Ferry Tour, and now some highly rated LPGA players are walking with Sqairz during tournament play. Nick Faldo and John Daly now wear Sqairz golf shoes. Daly winning the PNC Father-Son tournament while wearing Sqairz.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Sqairz Golf Shoes President and CEO Bob Winskowicz.

This year Sqairz has created a new plan to help PGA professionals have a limited inventory in the pro shop, so customers, members or guests. Can now order though their PGA professional and their member club or favorite public course. Sqairz golf shoes-better balance, longer distance. So for a better fit-it’s recommended you order a 1/2 size smaller than your regular shoe size.

For more information visit Sqairz.com.

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has three simulators that are open daily. So now is the time to start getting ready for the outdoor golf season. Come and enjoy Chandlers Chophouse and play the Schaumburg Golf Club on the simulators before the club opens for the outdoor season. Lessons and Fittings are available. For more details please visit Schaumburggolf.com or call the club 401 N. Roselle at (847)-885-9000.

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

Welcome to the Country Club of North Carolina in Pinehurst NC.

PINEHURST NORTH CAROLINA is known as “The Home of American Golf” starting at the Pinehurst Resort with courses created by the famed architect Donald Ross.

Pinehurst has and will continue to host tournaments like the U.S. Open’s and the U.S. Amateur.

The Pinehurst and Sandhills area is great place for golf, and Pinehurst is not the only resort in town. But it’s not the only great golf facility either. Because just down the street from the resort, sits one of the great private clubs in America. The 36 hole Country Club of North Carolina is a private facility, but has a great history in addition to the two outstanding golf courses within the club.

Because golfers can’t go wrong on either of CCNC’s two-championship golf courses, Dogwood and Cardinal. Dogwood has been on several Top 100 lists over the years.

The first green on the Dogwood Course at CCNC.

The clubs rich history starts in 1962 when a group of local businessmen, found the right piece of property.

That piece of property was 900-acres of land, with plenty of sand and pine tree’s and sits on a stretch of land between Pinehurst and the neighboring town of Southern Pines.

The original owner John Warren Watson, a Philadelphia engineer had a dream to build a golf course and hotel on the property. But those plans never came to be before Watson passed away, but his home still stands today on the property.

The par-3 third hole on the CCNC-Dogwood course.

Raleigh account Dick Urquhart, Greensboro investment banker Hargrove “Skipper” Bowles, Greensboro builder Griswold Smith, and attorney James Poyner became the four founding members.

But it didn’t take them long to recruit over three dozen other charter members, that represented a Who’s Who of North Carolina to join the club.

From there Atlanta based planner Willard Byrd, and Donald Ross Protege’ Ellis Maples, to design the community and golf course.

The par-4 11th hole on the Dogwood golf course.

Golf at the club started in December of 1963, with two nines-Longleaf and Dogwood.

These proved to be so popular that Byrd was brought back to build a third nine hole course. The land was acquired in a property trade with the Tuft family who owned Pinehurst.

But by 1970, more land was needed, and then acquired from Robert Trent Jones. But as part of the deal, Jones was hired to build nine more holes, the two 18 hole courses were then re-named Dogwood and Cardinal.

Dogwood plays to a par of 72, and over 7,300 yards from the back tees. But Cardinal isn’t much shorter at a par of 72, and yardage that plays over 7,200 yards.

Championship golf arrived in 1965 with the club hosting the North Carolina State Amateur. By 1971 and 1972 it played host to the U.S. Professional Match Play Championships (Jack Nicklaus won in 1972). Hal Sutton won the U.S. Amateur in 1980, the first of the USGA championships the club has hosted.

The club has kept up with the times by having architects Arthur Hills renovate Cardinal in 2001, and Kris Spence update Dogwood in 2016. Jeff Dotson the clubs head golf professional, has been there over 30 years.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with the Country Club of North Carolina’s long time head golf professional Jeff Dotson.

The club offers several activities in addition to golf. Because other options include hiking, fishing, racquets, health club, and a swimming pool. Dotson says there are multiple categories of membership, with openings in some of the membership categories.

Dotson says the club has hosted numerous North Carolina amateur championships, but a USGA Championship could still be years away.

But since the club is private, visitors wishing to play CCNC would need a member invitation. Because the area of Pinehurst and Moore County is quickly seeing it’s population growing, the club’s membership could grow as well. For more information on the Country Club of North Carolina please visit ccofnc.com.

Sitting in the shadow of the Pinehurst Resort, the Country Club of North Carolina provides one of the top private golf experiences in America.

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road-minutes from Woodfield Mall has three simulators open daily. The simulators sit downstairs from the award winning pro shop and Chandlers Chop House, that brings your food to your hitting bay. So this week on Wednesday from 3-7 Pm is a Callaway fitting event. But you must pre-register. For more information visit Schaumburggolf.com or call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook. In the Sqairz booth at the 2023 PGA Show in Orlando FL.

PAIGE & SHOE TIME!

The 2023 Chicago Golf Show is in the books, but it’s a three day successful event that shows Chicago golfers are ready for the season to start.

I spent the show working with a 30 year+ long time friend & golf professional Mike Weiler, now the Director of Golf at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena.

In fact I worked with Weiler in Milwaukee the weekend before. But in the last 9 months it’s been great to see how things are changing at the one and only real golf resort in Illinois. New owner Mark Klausner is making more than material improvements. Because Klausner is building a culture of great options, better golf courses, better accommodations, better services for the guests. Stay tuned because each month a new chapter is unfolding- and the new spa is fully opened.

WHAT WAS REALLY GREAT TO HEAR is the amount of people that are coming to Eagle Ridge this spring-summer and fall. But this is a continuation of what I have been writing since the winter golf trip. Destination properties are getting better in many places. Golfers are taking notice and are making trips and planning getaways.

Paige Spiranac a social media influencer and good golfer as well, had plenty of followers at the show.

THE CHICAGO GOLF SHOW saw a turn out much stronger than the Milwaukee show. So properties that did not have a booth. Really lost out on reaching an audience that’s ready to travel, ready to golf, ready to have some fun. Not to mention-ready to spend money and improve your bottom line. There were numerous show patrons that left carrying a new golf bag, gloves, shoes and a club or two.

I PUT THE ATTENDANCE for the Milwaukee show at nearly 7,000 for the three day total. The Chicago show number was likely double that with 14 to 15,000 being a real number. I do believe there were few people that just came out this past weekend to see social media golf star Paige Spiranac. Yes-I don’t blame them either.

In my opinion one of things that golfers who attend the show like to do. Is gather all the brochures from destination properties, and head back to their clubhouses and start comparing prices. From talking to plenty of show-goers the last three days. It appears there will be plenty of golf trip planning over the next two or three weeks. The Illinois PGA and the Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) had booth’s. Plenty of golfers enjoyed the free IPGA golf lessons, free golf from GolfVisions and CDGA handouts.

Sqairz golf shoes-the best shoe on the market.

THIS PAST WEEK it was reported that both Sergio Garcia and Dustin Johnson parted ways with Adidas, their brand of golf shoe on tour.

There was different reasons for that. Garcia’s deal expired and was not renewed, Johnson and Adidas parted ways on mutual agreement.

Because in Johnson’s case it likely had something to do with him playing on the LIV Tour. However as a long time Adidas guy off the golf course, their shoes are lacking these days. The last pair of Adidas golf shoes I got, and the last pair of regular Adidas I bought. I found the soles to be too thin and lacking both support and comfort. Especially the Boost golf shoes. The mesh look isn’t very good either.

So I would hope that both players go looking for a better built shoe. The first one that comes to mind is the shoe I wear, Sqairz.

Since another media member referred me to Sqairz, I have been wearing them. The first pair of Sqairz was heavier than I wore at the time. They reminded me of some old NFL place kicker shoes from back in the day. But that’s not the case anymore. They are more stylish, lighter weight, great show laces that don’t untie every two holes (FJ). Spikes that hold up better, and the traction is really good. All-in all they are a solidly built, sturdy, dry and stylish shoe. So I don’t just stand by them-I stand in them when I practice and play.

SO SERGIO AND DJ get your agents on the phone and give Sqairz CEO Bob Winskowicz a call. Try out some Sqairz shoes and take even more of the LIV Golf money.

The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Open daily until 10 Pm, book a hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com. or call (630)-739-7600. Home to McWethy’s Sports Bar.

IT WAS DISAPPOINTING to see the strength of the final field for the last Honda Classic this past week. When so many top names that didn’t play, actually live near the golf course. Real touring professionals will tell you, to never pass up a home game. NBC had Jack Nicklaus on-air to talk about the event next year, that likely will have a new sponsor. Honda which was the longest running sponsor on the PGA Tour, apparently had enough of the PGA Tour and commissioner Jay Monahan. Which PGA Tour sponsor will be next, could it be the John Deere Classic. Stay tuned.

LIV GOLF started this past week, and Charles Howell III was the winner. There are a few new names on the LIV Tour this year including former Illini guy Thomas Pieters. Pieters agent Mark “Whiney-Steiny” Steinberg who also represents Tiger Woods, dumped Pieters for jumping to LIV. Pieters is better off without him. LIV GOLF has a new TV deal with the CW Network and a new global sponsor. Long time PGA Tour professionals Brendan Steele and Danny Lee have joined LIV.

THE MADISON WISCONSIN Golf Show that had been scheduled for next week, has been cancelled. So after three golf shows in the last five weeks, I’m ready for hitting the links. But in the meantime, I still have plenty of stories still to post from the winter trip.

So stay tuned-a look at the Pinehurst area Private Club experience tomorrow. CCNC Golf, 36 really good holes of golf. RS