IT’S TIME TO HIT THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB and plat the Schaumburg Golf Clubs winter edition on the three simulators. But you can get a lesson or fitted for clubs while you enjoy food and beverage from Chandlers Chophouse right upstairs. The pro shop is ready with your golf needs as outdoor season approaches and the clubs 27 holes reopen for play. Book a simulator time at 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.
The 123rd U.S. Open will played on the North Course at Los Angeles Country Club from June 15-19.
THE United States Golf Association (USGA) has now officially opened online registration to enter this years U.S. Opens.
There will be thousands of entrants attempting to qualify through the two-stage process for most applicants.
But players with no exemptions will be able to attempt qualifying, via 109 local sites around around America, with one site in Canada.
Around 1,000 players will got through final qualifying at 13 locations worldwide. The breakdown is one site in England (May 16), Japan (May 22), Canada (June 5), and then 10 U.S. locations. But one is on May 22nd, and the other sites on June 5.
The U.S. Open has 24 categories for exemption into the U.S. Open, with four new categories this year. They are the Latin America Amateur champion (must be an amateur). 2023 NCAA Division 1 men’s individual champion (must still be an amateur), 2022 Korn Ferry Tour season points leader. Plus the top 5 players in the 2022-2023 Fed Ex Cup point standings, who are otherwise not exempt.
Applications to apply can be found at champ-admin.usga.org. with entries being accepted until Wednesday April 12th at 5 PM-EST.
But since 2010 the U.S. Open has averaged 78 players in the final field (50 percent).
So now entries are being accepted for the 78th Women’s Open July 6-9 at Pebble Beach. The 43rd U.S. Senior Open June 29-July 2 at Sentry World in Stevens Point Wisconsin. The 5th U.S. senior Women’s Open at Waverley Country Club in Portland Oregon. Plus the 2nd U.S. Adaptive Open from July 10-12 at the Pinehurst Resort on Pinehurst Course No.6., will accept entries on Monday February 27th at 9 Am.
The Los Angeles Country Club will host the U.S. Open for the first time. but the championship is returning to the area for the first time since 1948. Ben Hogan won his first of four U.S. Open’s in 1948 at the Riviera Country Club.
But to learn more about the USGA or the U.S. Open Championships, visit USGA.org.
PARADYM CALLAWAY GOLF CLUBS were the talk of the day-at the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Book a hitting bay or get fitted for the new Callaway Paradym golf clubs with Matt Carter and Eric Russell. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome-the home of McWethy’s Sports Bar-at (630)-739-7600 #Simulatorsinthedome
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 Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook.
Golfers on Golf was the only media outlet on hand for todays Callaway Golf Seminar in the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook.
The 3 1/2 hour event had members of the Callaway staff presenting the new Paradym clubs (available Friday).
But there were sessions on the No.1 putter in golf-Odyssey ( bet you didn’t know that) the golf ball-Chrome Soft played by the No.1 men’s player, the No.1 women’s player, the No.1 Amateur women’s player ( did you know that). Bet you didn’t know that the Paradym driver has more wins this year than you know.
Callaway can’t say the name of two players that have won or made a playoff on the PGA Tour this year. Because those players are not under contract to Callaway. But GOG can give you a clue-the winner won at Pebble Beach.
Rory with Michael Vrska at the Callaway booth in Orlando Florida. Photo by Cassy Tully.
Callaway’s Director of Fitting and Player Development Michael Vrska was on hand at the Mistwood Golf Dome to be part of the presentation.
But Golfers on Golf spoke with Vrska at the PGA Show in Orlando last month.
For todays seminar at the Mistwood Golf Dome. There were over 175 golf professionals in attendance, in spite of the bad weather that made travel in the area difficult.
Callaway Golf brought golf balls, golf bags, shoes and other apparel for the professionals to review. But the winner of the day, was amateur golfers. Who can now gather more information about Callaway Golf products from their local PGA professionals.
CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Callaway Golf’s Director of Fitting and Player Development Michael Vrska-click here.
A section of the Illinois golf professionals in attendance at the Mistwood Golf Dome.
There is now great news. Because Paradym is available as of this Friday February 24th.
But one of the best places to be fit for Callaway Golf clubs in the Chicago area, is at Mistwood Golf Dome, or the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville in summer.
So if your ready to upgrade your Callaway Golf Clubs, or switch to the Callaway brand. Now is the time to do it, and be ready for the summer golf season before it arrives. Go test the Callaway Paradym golf clubs at the Mistwood Golf Dome.
So for more details, see Callawaygolf.com or visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com. Paradym a new way to enjoy golf and improve your golf game.
SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has three simulator bays open daily, where you can play the Schaumburg Golf Club indoors in the winter. Chandlers Chophouse is open and takes orders while your golfing. Schaumburg Golf Club is located at 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg-847-885-9000 or SchaumburgGolf.com. IN THE DOME is the Mistwood Golf Dome Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, home to Top Tracer Golf and McWethy’s Sports Bar. So book a hitting bay 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 @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Welcome to Southern Pines Golf Club in Southern Pines North Carolina. (L) is the first tee box. (R) is the new Kyle Franz designed large putting green, right of the first tee.
Southern Pines Golf Club part of the Ross Resorts group of courses that includes Mid Pines, Pine Needles and Southern Pines GC, all three Donald Ross designed courses, has added a new feature.
OPENING UP in April of 2023 is the new large putting green next to the first tee at the Southern Pines Golf Club. Ross Resorts has elected to give the new surface a little more time for grow-in. There is no official date in April to open as of yet. But April is the current timeline to open the green-that has not been named so far.
While other improvements have been taking place, including cart path improvement. The putting green has been developing.
THE NEW KYLE FRANZ DESIGNED putting green will add all sorts of fun adventures while you putt, and practice for your round at the Southern Pine Golf Club.
BUT IN other news from Southern Pines Golf Club, comes word that new villa’s are in the works for the club. The current plan is to have them constructed off to the right side of the first fairway.
So book your next golf trip to Ross Resorts at Rossresorts.com or call the resort at (800)-747-7272.
ANDY MICKELSON (L) Director of Golf at Mistwood Golf welcomes everyone to the Mistwood Golf Dome on RT. 53 in Bolingbrook. Book a hitting bay-try out Top Tracer Golf, get a lesson or club fitting from Matt Carter (R). The dome is home to McWethys Sports Bar. For details see Mistwoodgolfdome.com or 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. Behind the 18th hole at the Caledonia Golf & Fish Club on Pawley’s Island South Carolina.
BREAKING NEWS…
Tim Clarke the President of the Chicago based Wilson Golf, has left the company.
Clarke has posted this information on his Facebook page. But just moments ago I spoke with Clarke, who is ready for a break from the golf business and will recharge his batteries.
Clarke has not accepted a position with another company.
Three time PGA Tour Winner Brendan Steele a Wilson Golf Staffer-has left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf.
CONDOLENCES to Tour Edge Golf Marketing Director Jon Claffey, on the passing of his father last week, and to Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, Director of Golf Mike Weiler on the passing of his mother back on January 29th.
This past weekend, another win for Jon Rahm and his equipment company Callaway, as the Paradym clubs are off to a great start on the PGA Tour with four wins this year.
Schaumburg Golf Club-three simulators open daily. Come play the Schaumburg Golf Club year-round. While playing enjoy food and drinks from Chandlers Chophouse upstairs. Schaumburggolf.com or call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000. Located at 401 North Roselle Road.
SPEAKING OF THE GENISIS Tiger Woods played in the tournament. But was showing signs of wearing out on the weekend, after just barely making the cut. So by teeing it all four days, his World Golf Ranking (OWGR) is back in the top 1,000. So Mr. December is now additionally Mr. 985. Woods took a pasting on social media after outdriving his friend Justin Thomas on one hole. Then while walking down the fairway Woods handed Thomas a Tampon. Woods did later apologize after it was caught on camera.
SHOWTIME-The Chicago Golf Show in Rosemont tee’s off on Friday at the Donald Stephen’s Convention Center. The show that features Social media influencer Paige Spiranac, and broadcaster Colt Knost runs through Sunday. Knost won the USGA Publinks Championship in 2008 at Cantigny Golf in Wheaton. Spiranac and Knost will appear on the main stage both Saturday and Sunday.
LAST WEEKEND I was at the Milwaukee Golf Show. The show wasn’t as big as in recent years, but had a nice turnout. Crowd count was 1,500 for Friday, almost 3,000 on Saturday, and just over 2,000 for Sunday. But what was surprising was that many of the top courses in state did not have a booth. But both Kohler and Lawsonia golf did send prizes for giveaways.
THE MADISON WISCONSIN GOLF SHOW appears that it will be cancelled. It was supposed to be held the first weekend of March.
PGA SHOW stories are coming out soon, there are plenty of products I found at the PGA Show, that I will be writing about in the next week or two. Stay tuned. The Gog Blog returns all week. RS
SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road has three simulators open daily, where you can play the SGC indoors. The pro shop with plenty of golf supplies is there to stock you up for the season. So book a tee time at SchaumburgGolf.com or call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000. Schaumburg GC is just minutes from Woodfield Mall.
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.
David Perkins is the defending champion at the Illinois Open.
THE ILLINOIS PGA has announced it’s playing schedule for the 2023 golf season, including four major championships, highlighted by the Illinois Open.
But first on the tee is the Match Play Championship from May 9-11, which will return to the Bull Valley Golf Club in Bull Valley/Woodstock. Chris Nieto of Exmoor Country Club is the defending champion.
The Illinois Open will be played for the Third time at the Flossmoor Golf Club (previously known as the Flossmoor Country Club that hosted in 1984 and 1955, both times with a winning score of 209 or 9 under par). David Perkins is the defending champion, dates are Monday-Wednesday July 31-August 2nd.
QUALIFIERS for the Illinois Open are as follows: Deerfield GC June 21. Willow Crest GC June 29. Maple Meadows July 5. Ironwood GC July 13. Sunset Valley GC July 17. The Hawk CC July 19. Last chance qualifier is July 26 at Countryside GC (Prairie).
The Illinois PGA Section Championship will be played from August 14-16 for the first time at the Thunderhawk Golf Club in North Suburban Beech Park. Brian Carroll of The Hawk Country Club is the defending champion. The championship serves as the National PGA Professional Championship, 10 Illinois PGA members will qualify for that event in 2024.
TWIN ORCHARD COUNTRY CLUB in Long Grove will host the Illinois PGA Players Championship, October 9-10. It’s no longer an invite for the sections top 36 players in the point standings, any IPGA Section Class-A professional can play. Kevin Flack of the Mauh-Tee-See-Club is the defending champion.
The Preserve at Oak Meadows will host the Illinois Senior Open for the second straight year.
So after a successful hosting in 2022, the Illinois Senior Open returns to the Preserve at Oak Meadows.
University of Illinois Men’s golf coach Mike Small is the defending champion.
Because if you’re a professional or amateur with a verified handicap index of 10.0 or less, you can attempt to qualify. But you must be 50 by June 26th.
The other senior majors include the Illinois Senior PGA Professional Championship at the Merit Club August 7 & 8. But the IPGA Senior Match Play is moved to October 2-4 at Ridge Country Club. So dates are posted for the for the Senior Players Championship (Oct. 16-17). But the location is TBD.
There are six IPGA Stroke Plays starting on May 8th, at Bull Valley Golf Club. So after a recording breaking year in 2022 for Birdies for Charity (raising $600,000), the event returns to River Forest CC. But the date remains the Tuesday after Labor Day on September 5th.
The 61st Radix Cup is Wednesday June 15th. Teams of 12 players from the IPGA and the CDGA square off for the cup.
So for more information on IPGA events, see IPGA.com.
THE TIME IS NOW to visit the Schaumburg Golf Club located at 401 North Roselle Road, just minutes away from Woodfield Mall. Schaumburg has three simulators and you can play Schaumburg Golf Club on the indoor version. Schaumburg’s pro shop is filling up with all your golf supply needs for the summer ahead. So book a simulator time get a lesson or club fitting by visiting SchaumburgGolf.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.
TRUE BLUE by Mike Strantz is just half of a great 36 hole golf experience on Pawleys Island just South of Myrtle Beach-Caledonia Golf & Fish Club is right around the corner.
TRUE BLUE is the fourth signature designed by the late Mike Strantz, and the club opened four years later than it’s sister course The Caledonia Golf & Fish Club. Strantz designed True Blue during while he was still working at Tobacco Road north of Pinehurst.
Mike Strantz style of sliding the edge of bunkers into water hazards, shows here, on the par-3 third hole. What’s hidden is the hour glass shaped green that may or may not receive shots that clear the deep faced front bunker.
True Blue like it’s sister property Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, is or has been rated in the Top 100 courses by multiple publications.
At 7,126 yards True Blue plays longer than the 6,526 yards that Caledonia plays at from the tips.
But True Blue does offer wider fairways than Caledonia. Because off the tee it’s not hard to get your golf ball in play. But it’s second shot requires more from the golfer, as one navigates the Strantz green complexes.
The par-3 16th hole has a heavily fortified green from both sand and water. Multiple tee boxes play from longer that 200 yards.
Because of the where the water comes into play. True Blue’s par-3 holes require some of the golfers best tee shots they will hit all round.
Because of long running waster area style bunkers. The par-3 7th and 11th holes play just as challenging as the par-3 holes with water.
Director of Golf for both True Blue and Caledonia, Bart Romano says,” Ture Blue gets unfairly called a hard golf course.”
While Romano is correct that True Blue is not overly hard. There are places, more so around the green where golfers have to be on their game to score.
There is plenty of sand to carry on the par-3 11th hole.
The closing hole No. 18 is a 437 yard par-4. It gives one the feel of playing the 18th at TPC Sawgrass. Water running down the left side of the fairway.
But the approach is to a green guarded by sand to the right, and water to the left. A par here is great score, and likely could win a match with other players.
The Southern style plantation clubhouse is a great place for post round food and beverage. But the grill room is open daily for food and breakfast, for those with an early tee time.
The Caledonia Golf and Fish Club has a long history that dates back before golf. If you enjoy the drive-in to a nice club. Caledonia’s driveway rivals (R) a famous club in Georgia.
The Caledonia Clubhouse behind the 18th green, is a popular place for post round relaxation.
The Caledonia Golf and Fish Club is built on the site of an old southern plantation.
Dr. Robert Nesbit, a Scotsman named the old plantation Caledonia, a Roman name for Scotland.
But what’s not known is whether Nesbit acquired the land through purchase or marriage. Nesbit married Elizabeth Pawley in 1797.
Historical records indicate that Caledonia at one time, was one of the largest plantations in the area. Because what was at one time 2,542 acres, dropped to only 152 acres after the Civil War. The current owners started the property as a hunting and fishing club, until golf came along in the 1990’s.
The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, open daily until 10 PM. The dome is home to McWethy’s Sports Bar. See Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. #Lessons #Clubfittings #Toptracer.
Caledonia is mostly about golf these days, but the charm of the south hits you during the drive in. 150 year old trees covered in Spanish Moss, line the driveway.
Strantz made the courses four sets of tees, play from 4,975 to 6,526. The tee markers are various types of ducks or mallards. To play the back (Pintail) tees, you must prove your handicap is six or better.
The par 3-third hole at Caledonia.
Strantz gave this modern designed golf course, a real old club feel which is why golfers feel the club is much older.
There is water on some holes, but it’s not a strong presence all around the course.
The folks at Caledonia will tell you that they have 18 “signature holes”. But the hole most people talk about is the 18th hole. There is a strategic lay-up off the tee and water carry on the second shot.
CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Caledonia Golf and Fish Club and True Blue Director of Golf Bart Ramono.
The short par-3 ninth hole, from the back tees at 118 yards.
Caledonia leaves the golfer with more strategic decisions off the tee, that at True Blue.
But Strantz, like at True Blue has used high faced bunkers, deep bunkers and strategically place creeks to enhance green complexes.
Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, has earned it’s multiple Top 100 rankings, it’s classic golf at a 30 year old club.
So to golf at True Blue or Caledonia-only 2 minutes apart, please visit Caledoniagolfvacations.com or call (866)-954-8331. But you can call either course directly or visit each clubs website. Truebluegolf.com or Caledoniagolfandfishclub.com.
IN THE DOME or in THE SIMULATOR golf season never ends anymore in the Chicago area. Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook-home to the dome and McWethy’s Sports Bar. So book a hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600 and try Toptracer, get a lesson or club fitting. SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road is open year round. Because you can play Schaumburg Golf Club on the clubs simulators, and Top 100 golf courses. See Schaumburggolf.com (847)-885-9000.
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy and connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.
The PGA Tour and the Valspar Championship return to Innisbrook from March 13-19.
INNISBROOK RESORT the final stop of the Florida swing on the PGA Tour, will host the “Most Colorful Tournament on Tour” when the Valspar Championship returns from March 13-19.
Innisbrook and the Valspar Tournament are one of the most popular stops on the PGA Tour. But this year there is a rare chance to see history, as Sam Burns goes for a three-peat at this years tournament. Because that is something that does not happen very often on the PGA Tour. Two years ago-Burns stopped Paul Casey’s bid for a three-peat at Valspar. Past champions at Valspar include golfers with Chicago area ties, Luke Donald and Kevin Streelman.
Copperhead is one of the PGA Tour courses that you the amateur golfer can play. So sign up for your play and stay at Innisbrook, part of the Salamander Hotel and Resort chain.
The opening tee shot on Copperhead.
But while the excitement builds for another week of championship golf at Innisbrook, there is excitement building on where the direction of the property is headed.
While everything is not yet official, the resorts master plan of improvements is taking shape.
But the remainder of those plans will become official later this spring.
Mike Williams is the Innisbrook Resort’s Executive Director and General Manager.
Already confirmed by resort Executive Director Mike Williams, is that the resort will tear apart the inside of the Copperhead Clubhouse this summer (about July 1st).
The famed Packards Steakhouse inside will be temporarily relocated to the second floor of the Island Golf Course clubhouse. Packard’s is expected to reopen in the Copperhead Clubhouse around October 1st of this year.
Striker is ready to greet golfers who venture into the Snake-Pit, holes 16-17-18 on Copperhead.
Williams says the resort has spoke with all the top names in the golf architecture industry, in regards to building a par-3 course at the resort.
The resort is working with Toll Brothers in revamping the property. The North and South Courses, will have some rerouting done to work around other resort projects, including the building of some homes and villas on the resorts property.
CLICK HERE to here the full interview with Innisbrook Resort Executive Director Mike Williams.
The resorts four courses were all designed by later-in-life resident Larry Packard, who lived to be 102.
Copperhead is not the only championship course at Innisbrook, as the Island Course has hosted numerous championships. Among them the NCAA Men’s Championship won by six-time major champion Phil Mickelson.
But for more information on Innisbrook please visit Innisbrook.com. plus don’t forget to watch the Valspar Championship next month from March 13-19.
MISTWOOD STOCKING CAPS for when it’s still a little frosty outside. But as outdoor season approaches, get a golf lesson from Mistwoods professional staff like Nicole Jeray. The dome is home to McWethy’s Sports Bar and Toptracer golf. It’s located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. So book a hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (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 welcome to Cabot Citrus Farms, is 9 months away-in Brooksville Florida.
BROOKSVILLE-FLORIDA.
Is the new home to Cabot Citrus Farms, the latest destination property by Ben Cowan-Dewar, already known for his Cabot properties in Canada, and the Caribbean.
Worldwoods is gone in more ways than one. First up the name has changed, and two there is no longer many “woods” on the property. This after a massive tree clearing effort with the rebuilding of the new golf courses.
Project architects Southern Pines North Carolina based Kyle Franz and Texas based Mike Nuzzo say, they don’t know exactly how many trees were removed, but do admit it was a good amount.
To the left of the front entrance is the new look of Cabot Citrus Farms, limited trees and big sand dunes.
A preview of the property in advance of the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show, came with one major announcement.
A change in the architects working on the golf courses. Kyle Franz is still working on the course that was the Pine Barrens course. Mike Nuzzo is still working on the practice area’s and short courses.
Keith Rhebb and Riley Johns originally selected to renovate the Rolling Oaks course, have stepped back from the project. Rhebb and Johns currently have a large workload with much of it overseas. This limited the commitment they could make to the Cabot Citrus Farms project.
So Cowan-Dewar combined his on site team to take over Rolling Oaks. But with help from Ran Morrissette formerly of the USGA and Co-Founder of Golf Club Atlas, and more recently the architecture editor of Golf.com.
The digging in some area’s of Cabot Citrus Farms is quite extensive in some area’s.
But while there is plenty of dirt and sand to see at this stage of the project. It is being quickly shaped into some really neat golf holes, that will turn Cabot Citrus Farms into a high demand Florida golf destination.
So it’s not like courses Erin Hills or Chambers Bay that have less than 10 trees left. But the number of remaining trees is not a large one.
Architects Kyle Franz (L) holds a drawing of the new Cabot Barrens course while Mike Nuzzo (R) shows off “The-21”.
THERE IS PLENTY OF SAND around the Cabot Citrus Farms project that is located in Brooksville Florida.
Pine Barrens Golf Course is now called Cabot Barrens, and Rolling Oaks is renamed Cabot Oaks. The 21 designed by Nuzzo, is a combination of a 11 hole par-3 course, that will play “under the lights” at night called “The Ace”.
Part two of the 21, is a 10 hole executive course. The breakdown of The-21 is as follows. There are 14 par-3 holes, 6 par-4 holes, and 1 long par-5 hole, that according to Nuzzo will be about 560 yards. The Ten will circle around The Ace, but golfers can combine the two courses and play the 21 hole routing together. The totals of the 21 holes are a par-71 course, with a yardage total of 4,160 yards. There will be four sets of tees.
CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with architects Kyle Franz and Mike Nuzzo, on the Cabot Citrus Farms project.
Cabot Citrus Farms will open in December of 2023. A new clubhouse and overnight villas will begin construction this summer.
THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road is open year round. So you can play the Schaumburg Golf Club indoors on the simulators, and then outdoors in the summer months. But if you are looking for new clubs, this Wednesday afternoon Feb. 15th is a PING fitting day. But you must get an appointment. Call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000 or visit SchaumburgGolf.com. Chandlers Chophouse will be open.
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.
Tom Pashley with a 2024 U.S. Open pin flag in the pro shop of the Pinehurst Resort main clubhouse.
Golfers on Golf sat down recently for it’s almost every year talk with Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley.
Our session is a wide open discussion about Pinehurst, with no topics off the record.
The Home of American Golf under Pashley, has taken on a record number of improvement projects. A list that most properties could never undertake.
The Dedman family who owns the resort, and resorts team under Pashley’s leadership, enters the planning stage of any capital improvement project with a vision of how to get better, be modern. But while preserving the tradition and history of Pinehurst.
Starting in 2011 with the restoration of Pinehurst No. 2, by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The Pinehurst Resort has taken on a list of improvements that sounds exhausting, just reading them. So in addition to Course No.2, the improvement list is as follows.
Course No.4 with Gil Hanse. The Creation of the par-3 Cradle Course by Hanse, that has sparked a movement across the country for par-3 golf. A partial relocation of Courses No. 1 and No. 3. The building of the large Thistle Dhu putting green. Improvements to the practice areas. A restoration of Course No.8. The building of the Pinehurst Brew-Pub in the towns old steam powerplant. Renovations to the Carolina Hotel (still on-going), the Holly-Inn, the Manor-Inn and The Magnolia Inn. Buying and restoring of the Dornoch Cottage, which is Donald Ross house.
But their has also been a few tournaments the resort has hosted during the last decade. Including two U.S. Opens (back to back in 2014), a U.S. Amateur (2019) and there are three more U.S. Open’s this decade in the next 6 years. With the 2024 U.S. Open just over 400 days away. The members clubhouse and resorts swimming pool have been renovated. But it doesn’t stop there. Because the building of two of the most talked about halfway house’s located on the par-3 Cradle and between Courses 2 & 4 add to the list. The building of “The Deuce” restaurant in the clubhouse, behind the 18th green of Course No.2. Adding the Jack Nicklaus Pinehurst design to the family and creating Pinehurst No.9.
But there is still more. Because the USGA is coming to town, with Golfhouse Pinehurst. So how about the return of the World Golf Hall of Fame to Pinehurst. But like Pashley says, the building of more overnight accommodations that have views of golf when guests open the drapes in the morning is evolving.
The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, open daily until 10 Pm. Home of McWethy’s Sportsbar. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or (630)-739-7600.
So yet it doesn’t stop there. The creation of the Pinehurst 10 project, not a Pinehurst 10 golf course. Tom Doak with lead associate designer Angela Moser are hard at work on the land of the old Pit Golf Course, and some adjacent land the resort purchased in recent years. Doak might be first on the tee here, but Coore and Crenshaw will return because there is enough land for than one golf course.
Pashley says the resort was a little slow in getting back to Coore and Crenshaw on starting the Pinehurst 10 project, and that they are currently booked up for a while- so the resort took advantage of a window Doak had in his schedule to start work on the site.
Pinehurst has become an anchor site for the USGA, which means plenty of championships for years (like almost 30 more) to come to Pinehurst.
Pashley breaks down Pinehurst, it’s growth spurt, how the Pinehurst #10 project could evolve, being a USGA anchor location, and everything else from Putter Boy country, “The Home of American Golf.” Pinehurst.com.
CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley.
More from Pinehurst coming up in the days ahead, with a bigger look at the Pinehurst 10 site, that now has Tom Doak on location.
MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily until 10 Pm, and is home to McWethy’s Sports Bar. But in the golf dome you practice with Toptracer, get a lesson from the professional staff, or a club fitting from fitters Matt Carter (R) or Eric Russell. So book your hitting bay 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 @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.
2023 PGA Show_Day 3 Innisbrook GM Mike Williams (L) Innisbrook PR Ramona Herald (M) and Rory Spears of Golfers on Golf (R)-photo is courtesy of photographer Kevin Allen.
(Writing from Golfers on Golf headquarters in Arlington Hts. )
SO BACK IN THE OFFICE after 24 days and over 4,000 miles on the road, I am home. But more on that shortly.
Scottie Scheffler is No.1 after his win at the Waste Management Open in Scottsdale Arizona. Scheffler seems to be peaking at a good time for his title defense in Augusta at the Masters come April. Scheffler looked solid in his title defense at Waste Management over the weekend. So for those of you that will enter a pool, or pluck down some cash on the Augusta, Scheffler will be a great choice to win. But he will likely not have a great odds for a big payout.
THE WEEKEND didn’t happened for our local players. Kevin Streelman missed the cut at WM. On the Korn Ferry Tour, locals Patrick Flavin, Vince India and former University of Illinois standout all missed the cut.
SPRAYING TO ALL FAIRWAYS: There is so much to write after our winter journey, that I will be popping stories out like crazy all week, and next week, for about a month to try and catch up.
The Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road, is open for year round golf. But this time of year SGC is played on it’s simulators in the clubhouse. The pro shop and Chandlers Chophouse are open. Lessons, club fittings and simulator time by calling (847)-885-9000 or see Schaumburggolf.com.
ONE OF MY STOPS was Reynolds Lake Oconee in Greensboro Georgia, the No.1 golf destination in the Peachtree State, unless you can get a tee time at the ANGC. It’s now official that the 27-hole National Course by Tom Fazio will become 36 holes. So likely it will be split into two courses. There is an expected press release coming out this week.
COMING UP tomorrow is our podcast from my sit-down with Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley. The president of the Home of American golf has plenty to say about what’s happening in the sandhills of North Carolina. Pashley says the name of the Ryder Cup Room in the Carolina Hotel will change. The name is still TBD.
But in regards to the Pinehurst #10 project, Pashley explained how it’s Tom Doak working on site that includes part of the old Pit Course, and not Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, who are very busy these days-tune in to hear the entire story. Plus did you know that Moline Illinois based John Deere is now the official equipment supplier for Pinehurst, you do now.
PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein will open this week for some limited outdoor play over the next couple of days. Call the course at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF) for all the details.
COMING UP later this week. I will have some photo’s of the new Kyle Franz designed really big putting green-not yet opened. At the Southern Pines Golf Club, part of Ross Resorts with Mid Pines and Pine Needles Golf Courses.
I DID GOLF on the recent 24 day winter trip. 14 rounds to be exact. I will recap them in the weeks ahead. All but two of them were on public courses or resort courses you can play.
THE ILLINOIS PGA has announced it’s schedule for 2023 and the sites of it’s major championships. Flossmoor Golf Club will host the 2023 Illinois Open, with The Preserve at Oak Meadows hosting the Illinois Senior Open. Bull Valley Golf Club will host the Match Play Championship, and Thunderhawk GC the IPGA Section Championship, and Twin Orchard Country Club the Players Championship in the fall.
THE PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS in Addison has special hours in the clubhouse tomorrow for Valentines Day, if your looking for a nice place to dine. Details at DuPageGolf.com.
IT’S TIME TO HIT THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB and plat the Schaumburg Golf Clubs winter edition on the three simulators. But you can get a lesson or fitted for clubs while you enjoy food and beverage from Chandlers Chophouse right upstairs. The pro shop is ready with your golf needs as outdoor season approaches and the clubs 27 holes reopen for play. Book a simulator time at Schaumburggolf.com or (847)-885-9000.
