IN THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME or the SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB SIMULATORS golf season in Chicago never ends. Tune your game up for the season ahead, get new clubs, get lessons, practice for the winter getaway trip. The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook (630)-739-7600. Schaumburg GC 401 N. Roselle Rd. (847)-885-9000

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

The Srixon ZX MK II Irons.

THE NEW SRIXON IRONS

ARE THE latest equipment launch from the Cleveland/Srixon golf family.

But following up on the launch of the ZX MK II Woods, are the ZX MK II Irons.

“The technologies driving the exceptional performance of the ZX MK II Irons are really exciting to launch and get into the golfers hands,” said Brian Schielke, General Manager of Srixon. “Longer distances, improved feel, more control and greater consistency in each iron set.”

Srixon ZX MK II irons are designed for good ball strikers, but they are a players iron with a incredible feel. The PureFrame improves the feel by limiting unwanted vibrations. But it brings an 80% thicker portion of 1020 carbon steel. So the end result is a solid feeling at impact.

But the line of irons includes ZX4, ZX5, ZX MK II and a Z-Forged II muscle back blade iron.

THE KEY TECHNOLOGIES are PureFrame Forged into ZX7 MK II. But it’s placed where you strike the ball, but while delivering an impact feel.

MAIN FRAME: MainFrame is the variable thickness pattern of grooves, channels, and cavities milled into the backside of the iron face. MainFrame is on ZX4 MK II, ZX5 MK II, and the ZX MK II Utility Irons.

TOUR V.T. SOLE: takes turf interaction to a new level of detail. But with a combination of sole widths, bounce angles, and notches that encourages a smooth glide through fairway, rough and sand to strike the ball solidly without losing clubhead speed.

PROGRESSIVE GROOVES: The 3i-7i feature wide grooves for longer shots needed in all conditions. The 8i-AW have deeper, but a closer set of grooves that cut through the grass and debris to enhance spin on approach shots.

FORGED MULTI-PIECE CONSTRUCTION: ZX MK II Utility forged SUP10 faces are strong yet light-increasing face flex at impact. But designed for enhanced speed and distance.

PRICING: ZX7 MK II Irons $1,199.99 7-piece steel. ZX5 MK II Irons $1,199.99 7-piece steel. ZX4 MK II Irons $1,199.99 7-piece steel. Z-Forged II Irons $1,199.99 7-piece steel. But ZX MK II Utility Irons are $239.99

U.S. Launch date Jan. 20, 2023 ZX MK II Irons. But Z-Forged II available spring of 2023.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily until 10 Pm. You can practice with Toptracer, get a lesson or club fitting. But don’t just bring your clubs, bring your appetite and enjoy the food and drink at McWethy’s Sports Bar in the dome. You can have food and drinks brought directly to your hitting bay. 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.

Architect Tom Doak will design Pinehurst 10, with design associate Angela Moser.

PINEHURST #10

Finally the long talked about Pinehurst #10 is moving forward.

Because four miles south of resorts main clubhouse that borders courses 1,2,4, and the Cradle. Is the land that will become Pinehurst 10.

Architect Tom Doak has a a long list of credentials from creating course with plenty of sand and sand dunes.

Pinehurst #10 will be at the site formerly known as “The Pit” golf course.

The new course will be built on land formerly known as “The Pit” golf course that closed some 10 years ago.

But what’s not clear, is how much of “The Pit” course, will be used in the Pinehurst 10 design.

A previous routing by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, included up to 4 holes from the Pit course. Remaining holes constructed on adjoining land recently purchased by the resort.

Work on Pinehurst 10 is underway and the golf course will open for play, before the 2024 U.S. Open which takes place on Pinehurst 2, in June.

Rugged dunes that were mined at the turn of the 20th century have built-in natural ridgelines. That include landforms, towering longleaf pines, stream and ponds, with Doak envisioning a course that compliments Pinehurst’s other courses through contrast.

“The site is topographically distinct and drastically different from anywhere in Pinehurst,” said Doak. “It’s bigger, bolder and more dramatic. Because there’s about 75 feet of elevation change. We will work our way up to it around the mid-point of the layout. So you’ll have expansive views from this apex over the rest of the course. It will be an unforgettable experience for the golfers.”

Doak recalled his first visit to Pinehurst more than 40 years ago, calling Pinehurst No. 2 the famed Donald Ross design a “10” in his book, “The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses.”

The Schaumburg Golf Club has three simulators open daily. Come play the Schaumburg Golf Club indoors all winter long, or pick from other nationally recognized courses. 401 North Roselle Road schaumburgGolf.com or call (847)-885-9000. Home of Chandlers Chophouse.

“Tom Doak builds incredible golf courses on sand, and we’re excited to see what he’ll create in the North Carolina Sandhills, says Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley.

“We’ve worked with some amazing golf architects who’ve embraced our natural aesthetic. But we believe Tom will do something fantastic on the site.”

Landscape architect Angela Moser will be Doak’s lead designer on the project. Moser’s past projects include LACC-North Course and Streamsong Black.

“The number one thing that excited us about the project is working with the beautiful sand that’s native to the region,” says Doak. “The sand, the wiregrass, the bluestem grass, and the other native grasses that grow around the Sandhills create a fabulous texture for golf. Because it’s something that most places just don’t have.

Tom Pashley is the resort president at Pinehurst.

The Pinehurst resort visions more growth around the newest course, with having over 900 acres in the community of Aberdeen.

Pinehurst with speak with community officials with options that include more golf, short courses, a clubhouse, guest cottages and other lodging options.

So for more information on Pinehurst. Visit pinehurstresort.com or call to book your next play and stay at the “Home of American Golf” at (855)-235-8507.

THE TIME IS HERE to check out the simulators at the Schaumburg Golf Club-401 North Roselle Road. Three simulators, a pro shop full or merchandise and great food or beverage from Chandlers Chophouse. 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.

The Willow Hill Golf Dome in Northbrook.

OPEN FOR GOLF

After a few delays, the Willow Hill Golf Dome is now open for golf.

But not all day, but during the daytime hours of 7 Am to 3 Pm.

Hours could change so check-in before you go.

Owner Kent Knebelkamp is planning many different activities for the dome and Willow Hill in general. Including a new 9-hole Par-3 course designed by architect Greg Martin, with work starting this year.

Book your hitting bay online at Willowhilldome.com or call (847)-736-4777.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN DAILY UNTIL 10 PM. But if your ready for new sticks this year, it’s time to go see Mistwood fitters Matt Carter (R) and Eric Russell. This time of year is a great time to break-in some new clubs. Do you have a warm weather trip planned soon, to be ready get a lesson before you head out. The Mistwood Golf Dome is home to McWethy’s Sports Bar where you can catch all the action while you enjoy the food and beverage. So bring your appetite and your clubs to the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook-book a hitting bay online 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 as the trip to the PGA Show is getting ready to start.

2023 HAS HIT THE GROUND RUNNING.

I wasn’t sure that there would be this much to talk about this early in 2023.

The PGA Merchandise Show that runs from Jan. 24-27 is where plenty of the early season news is made.

But so far, nobody seems to waiting for the big show to start.

Last Friday at 6 Am my “In-Bin” had details of the big sale of Streamsong Resort in Florida. As the folks at Northbrook Illinois based KemperSports increase their stake in the property just South of Lakeland Florida.

This a great move for the folks at KemperSports and their subsidiary Lone Windmill LLP. It became obvious to me during my last visit their 2 years ago, that since KSM had taken control of the resort and wasn’t just managing the golf, things were going to get better.

Because there were already plans in place to upgrade the shaky wireless, redesign the common area’s with new bars and social area’s. The new shuttle vans designed to make guests only have to drive, when hitting off the tee boxes. Early in 2022, former Medinah Country Club head golf professional Mike Scully arrived as Director of Golf to oversee the golf operation. The halfway houses on the three golf courses with different food themes (like Mexican and BBQ) are really good.

Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw will design “The Chain” the resorts fourth, but likely not last new golf course. Now the question is, what does LW and KSM buy next. I can’t believe the purchase of Streamsong will be the last.

Welcome to the PIT or what’s left of it.

THE PIT… now to be Pinehurst #10

This project is really interesting for me. I never did get to play the Pit while it was open, but I did hike the property a few years back when word broke that Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw would build Pinehurst #10 on that site, or part of it.

NOW comes word that will not happen. Bill and Ben are out and Tom Doak is in, building the new #10, on the land of the Pit. Coore and Crenshaw’s routing included 4 of the old Pit holes, and 14 holes on land that the Pinehurst Resort acquired that sat next to the Pit course in recent years.

Tom Doak stands on the land that was formerly The Pit Golf Course.

So the new question is how much of the land from the old Pit golf course will Doak use.

Doak says the land that is being used for #10, has 75 feet of elevation change.

My walk around the abandoned Pit Course was something like out of a Scooby-Doo mystery. I found a few golf balls, over-grown bunkers and greens. A water-cooler stand and other trinkets.

After the Pinehurst #10 story was released by the resort, pictures showed golf course work had started. I saw pictures in the local Pinehurst newspaper “The Pilot”, that showed a line of John Deere tractors already on site.

I will be in Pinehurst and go exploring again later this week. Pinehurst #10 will be no different, as yet another top rated architect gets to show his talents at the Home of-Or Cradle of American Golf.

ISN’T time to get over to the Schaumburg Golf Club and try out the indoor simulators. Which include the option of playing the Schaumburg Golf Club. (847)-885-9000 401 North Roselle Road and home to chandlers Chophouse. SchaumburgGolf.com.

The restoration side of Pinehurst just wrapped up on Pinehurst 8.

25 years after opening Pinehurst redid in record time, like just over 100 days this past summer, Pinehurst 8.

Because over than span of time, golf courses like other things show off their wear and tear.

So Pinehurst decided to give No.8 a Tom Fazio classic, a restoration with updates to what you see and what you don’t. Credit Pinehurst for pulling this off in record time and getting the golfers back on the golf course.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS-yes up here in the cold weather north. But it’s not all that cold. So courses like Cog Hill 1 & 3 are open. Pine Meadow is open today and tomorrow for a few hours anyway. (847)-566-4653 (GOLF).

CALLAWAY GOLF is off to a fast start in 2023 on the PGA Tour. Si Woo Kim’s win at the Sony Open, makes it two straight wins for Paradym clubs. Kim backed up Jon Rahm’s win at the TOC at Kapalua. So if your buying new clubs this year, hit the Callaway Paradym’s before you buy anything else.

TITLEIST has now released it’s line of TSR Hybrids for 2023. I will have details on the pre-sale and date in shops coming up this week.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow. RS

THE TIME IS HERE to take it indoors at the Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg-just minutes from Woodfield Mall. While playing either the Schaumburg Golf Course or a distant warm weather classic club on the simulators, you can enjoy great food from Chandlers Chophouse right upstairs. The pro shop is open daily with a full line of shirts-shoes-caps-golf bags and golf balls. Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000. There are lessons and club fittings available 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 on LinkedIn and Facebook.

McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville, is hosting another special event.

MCWETHY’S TAVERN

IS HOSTING ANOTHER special event, with the upcoming wine tasting event on January 25th.

***You must be 21 years of age to attend***

Tickets are available through Eventbrite at $55.00 This is cocktail style event, and not a seated dinner. Wines are from the Wagner Family collection and Rodney Strong. But to learn more see McwethysTavern.com McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood GC is open all year round. Because don’t forget the Mistwood Golf Dome open daily until 10 Pm. located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook (630)-739-7600.

The NEW Callaway Paradym golf clubs.

COG HILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

is offering a Callaway Golf Paradym golf club fitting on Thursday January 25th, from 12-4Pm.

Cost of the fitting is $60.00, but you do receive a dozen Callaway Golf Balls.

Space is limited so sign up quickly before all the slots are gone.

Because you must pre-register to take part in this fitting event, and have an appointment. So for more details see Coghillgolf.com or call (866)-COG-HILL (264-4455).

The Chicago Golf Show has returned.

THE CHICAGO GOLF SHOW is back for the first time since 2020, in Rosemont at the Donald Stephens Convention Center.

Special weekend guests include Paige Spiranac a major social media influencer, and Colt Knost, the winner of the USGA Public Links championship at Cantigny and now a broadcaster on network golf television. So get tickets now at Chicagogolfshow.com Show dates are Feb. 24-26.

TOPGOLF has announced the latest of it’s venue openings for Friday January 20th in Charleston South Carolina. This will be third Topgolf venue in the state of South Carolina. The other two locations are in Myrtle Beach and Greenville. Learn more at Topgolf.com.

ARE YOU READY TO BUY YOUR OWN GOLF COURSE if So contact Chris Charnas of Wilmette based Links Capital Advisors. Because currently LCA is handling the sale of the Saddlebrook Golf Course in Indianapolis. Contact Chris Charnas for more information at (312)-543-7192 LinksCapitalAdvisors.com.

LAB GOLF PUTTERS-LINK1

LAB GOLF

LIE ANGLE BALANCE GOLF PUTTERS.

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THE WEBSITE IS WORKING AGAIN.

A STYLE THAT FITS

LIE ANGLE BALANCE

THE LAB line is growing, and getting better.

See Labgolf.com Because your game demanded it.

MYRTLE BEACH GOLF NEWS-Resorts Caledonia Golf and Fish Club and True Blue Golf Club has been named to the Golfweek Magazine Top resort courses in America. The Mike Strantz designs Caledonia came in at No. 49 and True Blue at No. 85. So to see more visit CaledoniaGolfandFishClub.com or TrueBlueGolf.com.

Cleveland Golf RTX 6 ZIPCORE Wedges.

CLEVELAND GOLF

Announces the new RTX 6 ZipCore wedges, they start launching on January 20th-2023.

RTX ZipCore is a series of wedges that hits the high spin shots-no matter the lie you have.

“The RTX 6 ZipCore Wedge may have a classic look on the outside, but on the inside it’s packed with three technological breakthroughs that give the advantage to the golfer and not the conditions,” says Pat Ripp, Tour Engineering Manager of Research and Development.

So Cleveland Golf will tell you that HydraZip is the key to the spin these wedges produce, including a 43% increase in wet conditions. Different grinds are available with additional finishes coming later in 2023. pricing is $169.99 available this Friday Jan. 20.

The Gog Blog returns tomorrow RS.

GOLF SEASON IN GALENA is 90 Days out-Start packing the Clubs. EagleRidge.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.

Golfers on Golf’s Len Ziehm (L) with Rory Spears (R) and Heritage Oaks head golf professional John Billiter (M).

HERITAGE HAPPENINGS.

IT MIGHT NOT BE summer golf season at Heritage Oaks in Northbrook, but there is plenty going on.

The entry deadline for permanent tee times for the 2023 season is tomorrow Jan. 15th. So get in the lottery.

The lottery drawing is Thursday night January 19th at 7 PM, in the Brook Room at Heritage Oaks.

This years 2023 season starts on April 22nd, and runs through Sunday September 3rd.

The Titleist fitting experience is Monday January 16th-cost is $100.

The Acorn Grill and Terrace, open year round at Heritage Oaks.

The Acorn Grill is open year round at Heritage Oaks.

The grill is open Tuesday-Sunday and closed on Mondays. Hours start at 11 Am daily, and the restaurant is open for both Lunch and Dinner.

The two indoor simulators are open year round. So book an hour or more to play some of the worlds top golf courses.

The indoor simulator league is underway. But learn more about lessons and club fittings at Hertiageoaksgc.com or call The Oaks at (847)-291-2351.

SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB on Roselle Road in Schaumburg has open simulators and is home to Chandlers Chophouse. The pro shop is complete with a full line of all the golf items you need for the season ahead. So visit Schaumburggolf.com or call the club at (847)-885-9000. Schaumburg Golf Club is just minutes away from Woodfield Mall.

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

Streamsong Resort has been sold to Lone Windmill LLC a subsidiary of Kemper Sports.

SOLD.

Streamsong Resort and it’s 7,000 acres were sold to Lone Windmill LLC, but is a subsidiary of Northbrook Illinois based, Kemper Sports Management LLC.

KemperSports originally ran just the resorts golf operation, but then two years ago added total control of the resort to it’s portfolio. But has increased that into ownership. Cost of the sale was $160 million dollars. Streamsong opened in 2012 and is in it’s 11th year of operation.

The Red and Blue Course Clubhouse at Streamsong.

Streamsong resort has three 18 hole golf courses, with a short course and full practice facilities.

Streamsong’s Red Course is by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The Blue Course by Tom Doak, but the Black Course was designed by Gil Hanse.

Mosaic plans to use nearly a quarter of the money from the sale to benefit long term funding. This for the company’s global community investment activities.

The Streamsong Lodge.

“For 10 years Streamsong has demonstrated Mosaic’s ability to put formerly mined land to economically and environmentally productive use,” said Mosaic President and CEO Joc O’Rourke. “Because it has always been our intention to identify the right long-term steward of the land, and we have clearly done that with KemperSports. KemperSports has clearly been an outstanding partner for years. So we have every confidence they will continue to build upon Streamsong’s remarkable record of delivering a best-in-class guest experiences while providing meaningful employment opportunity and economic impact in Central Florida.”

Streamsong Blue Hole #7.

“Streamsong has generated a great value for Mosaic. It’s shareholders and this transaction demonstrates Mosaic’s steadfast commitment to disciplined asset and capital management,” said O’Rourke. “In addition, funding our community investment work with a portion of the proceeds from the sale ensures that our communities will continue to benefit from Streamsong’s legacy for many years to come.”

Streamsong Black #18

‘We have always valued our partnership with Mosaic, and it is a privilege now to be carrying on the legacy of Streamsong,” said Steve Skinner, KemperSports CEO. “So our team has and will continue to prioritize elevating our guest experience. But resort offerings now include the development of our new fourth course, The Chain, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.”

KemperSports has ungraded the guest experience since taking over more than just the golf operations in 2020. Former Medinah Country Club professional Mike Scully is now Director of Golf. So for more information please visit Streamsongresort.com or go to KemperSports.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME ON RT. 53 IS OPEN DAILY TO 10 PM. So book a hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600.

IN THE DOME or in the simulator. Between the Mistwood Golf Dome (L) or the stylish Schaumburg Golf Club simulators, year round golf is in full swing. The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Toptracer-golf lessons or fittings, the Mistwood Golf Dome is the area’s premier dome, book a hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com. (R) The Schaumburg Golf Club near Woodfield Mall offers play on many Top 100 clubs, plus the Schaumburg Golf Club’s 27 holes (indoor version). Located on Roselle Road the SGC is home to three simulators and Chandlers Chophouse located right upstairs from the land of golf. See Schaumburggolf.com or call to reserve 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.

Zero Friction’s NEW Stride Bag with a remote following technology.

SO YOU WANT TO WALK.

But you don’t want to carry your bag and caddies are not available.

So then it’s time for you to find your STRIDE with a new Stride, by Zero Friction.

“Stride is like having your own personal caddy that can travel anywhere in the world with you,” said Zero Friction Founder and President John Iacono. “Everything you need is included on the new Stride bag, and Stride follows you around the golf course.”

STRIDE weighs only 15 pounds but includes a remote that uses the Smart Follow Technology. Because beings built in to Stride is the intelligent gyroscope control system for stability, speed control and a soft start. Stride can navigate all types of terrain including steep hills and deep rough.

The battery life can run from 36-45 holes, with an average speed of 3 Mph with a max of 5 mph that can stop quickly with the autobrake system and the Smart gearbox.

But one of the top features with Stride is the space. 14 club dividers, 2 waterproof pockets, 2 towel accessory rings, 1 umbrella holder, plus a built-in cooler that can hold up to six cans, and 2 invisible magnets that helps secure a rangefinder or Bluetooth speaker.

So there are two colors available, black or gray. So for more information please visit Zerofriction.com or call (630)-317-7700.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily until 10 Pm. The dome is home to McWethy’s Sports Bar that serves the best wings in the area. For golfers practice with Toptracer or get fitted for clubs and take a lesson with one of the domes professional staff. Book a hitting bay online at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or you call the dome at (630)-739-7600 Mistwood Golf is open year round at two locations.

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.

Paradym by Callaway Golf is here.

Paradym is here.

So this Thursday on January 19th from 11 Am to 3 Pm-Callaway Golf will hold a fitting for Paradym Clubs at the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook.

Fee is $60.00.

But the fee includes a box of Callaway golf balls.

Because space is limited you need to sign up quickly.

So visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600. Mistwood Golf Dome is a Top 100 nationally ranked fitting facility run by Eric Russell and Matt Carter.

EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & SPA is open and so is the new spa. Visit EagleRidge.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.

Welcome to Cog Hill Golf & Country Club

Cog Hill Golf and Country Club is now offering it’s 2023 Golf Passes.

So right now you can purchase a variety of golf passes.

There are passes for Cog Hill Course #4, Senior passes, weekday passes and others.

So if your ready to save some money on green fees this year, you can purchase 2023 passes now. Learn more at CogHillGolf.com or call (866)-264-4455.

Cog Hill is open year round for golf on Courses 1 & 3 and the range is open daily.