MCWETHY’S TAVERN IN ROMEOVILLE at Mistwood Golf Club is open year round. Boy that’s sweet. But don’t forget the Mistwood Golf Dome is open and getting ready to host it’s first club fitting day Thursday Jan. 19 with Callaway Golf. Because you can book your hitting bay today at or sign up for the club fitting at MistwoodGolfDome.com.

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

Rory Spears is getting ready for a new year on the golf course.

THE TEMPERATURE almost hits 50, the sun comes out, and those clubs start heading for the front door.

Because they must know that the 2023 PGA Show is right around the corner, and I will be headed South towards Orlando.

So as the excitement starts to build, as the emails are pouring in about the show, and the events being scheduled, there is a part of me that’s just ready to start playing some golf as well.

Because it’s time to get the handicap lowered a few shots.

SO FAR CALLAWAY GOLF and Cleveland Srixon Golf are leading the way with new equipment launches for 2023. I hope you have seen my story on Paradym (Para-Dime) the new equipment line from Callaway Golf.

YES I KNOW that Collin Morikawa had a late collapse at Kapalua on Sunday. But Jon Rahm with his new Paradym’s in the bag walked away with the trophy. Score 1-W for CEO Chip Brewer and the Callaway Team. There is a Paradym fitting at the Mistwood Golf Dome next week in Bolingbrook.

The Cleveland Srixon golf launches are just starting to pop in the email box, so stay tuned for later in the week to see what’s new in addition to the ZX MK II Woods from Srixon.

GOLF COURSE renovations and restoration announcements soon. I’m sure the golf architects will be making announcements along with the courses involved before too long, on what the next big projects will be.

FORMER IPGA Executive Director Michael Miller has resigned from the same job in the Southwest PGA Section, and calls himself “retired” from the PGA after 37 years. Miller relocated to Tennessee, and has joined a company that works with drone’s. Stay tuned and look up into the skies above.

PINEHURST RESORT is building Pinehurst #10 by Tom Doak. The first new course since Pinehurst 8, designed by Tom Fazio in 1997. Pinehurst #8 has now reopened from restoration, Pinehurst.com.

THIS PAST WEEK our Golfers on Golf and Podcast partner Len Ziehm celebrated yet another birthday. Happy Birthday Len-more birdies this week.

BASED ON THE WEATHER and lack of snow. I have to believe that the annual Eskimo Open at Cog Hill was quite a success yesterday. Congrats to cog Hill and all who played in the first golf outing of the year in the Chicago area in 2023.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME RT. 53 IN BOLINGBROOK-Open daily until 10 pm. Are you ready for new clubs-fitter Matt Carter is ready to put you in the clubs you hit best. Book a hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600 #McWethys

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.

NICK HARDY at the Glen Club.

NORTHBROOK’s NICK HARDY is getting more colorful on the PGA Tour.

Hardy has agreed to be a sponsor of SWAG golf products.

SWAG has it’s home office in Northbrook Illinois, in Hardy’s hometown.

Hardy who begins his 2023 PGA Tour season this coming week at the Sony Open in Hawaii, will have a much more colorful bag and headcovers going forward.

THE PGA OF AMERICA has announced that Toptracer has become the “Official Range Technology of the PGA of America.” Details at PGA.com.

Welcome to the clubhouse at the Preserve at Oak Meadows.

THE PRESERVE at OAK MEADOWS and the Greenway Tap, have appetizer specials for you this month.

50% off

***But restrictions do apply***

Because Chef Mike Riley’s winter menu and homemade soups are getting rave reviews, you do need to stop and dine.

So to get the 50% discount make an online reservation at greenwaytap.com then show the DuPage Golf email to the server. But there is a limit of two appetizers per entree purchased. This offer runs through January 21st. Dining is available Thursday-Saturday Noon to 8 Pm.

McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood Golf Course is open all year round, in Romeoville on Renwick Road.

BOURBON NIGHT at mcWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood golf course is here.

Because Wednesday night January 18th is coming soon. So sign up quickly and get tickets for $55.00

Many of the top names in the Bourbon industry will be represented. So why not taste the names that are so well known.

But this event is sponsored in conjunction with Mint Creek Farms. So go to Mcwethystavern.com and click on the link to the Eventbrite site, and get signed up today.

CLEVELAND-SRIXON-XXIO Dunlop Sports have combined their websites under one roof, and added racquet sports together. But you can quickly swing your way into any sport you want under the umbrella of golf and tennis. But then into which ever golf brand your desire. US.dunlopsports.com.

The NEW Srixon ZX MK II Woods-Coming Jan 20th-2023.

SRIXON GOLF has made it’s first launch of the 2023 golf season, with the new ZX MK II Woods.

So with the new ZX MK II Woods your power goes further off the tee, with these tour performing woods.

“With ZX MK II, we’ve built upon the foundation of success with the previous generation,” said Jeff Brunski, Vice President of Research and Development. “Rebound Frame is a unique ball speed system that delivers a pure energy transfer into the golf ball at impact. So the result is an entire driver head that works in unison to deliver an unprecedented rebound effect that delivers maximum ball speed and ultimately, more distance.”

But you can learn more about the two Zone’s 1 & 2 and how they effect the power and launch speed of your golf ball at Clevelandgolf.com. ZX MK II come with Project X HZRDUS Shafts, Smoke Red RDX Shafts. Available Jan. 20th. Drivers-$499.99 ZX MK II Fairway Woods 7279.99 ZX MK II Hybrids $249.99. Clevelandgolf.com for a full list of lofts available.

PUTT VIEW based in Hamburg Germany, will release PuttView X an outdoor training aid at the 2023 PGA Show in Orlando. The new AR technology and PuttView X will help players outside on real greens, the new technology was a tireless development says Christoph Pregizer one of PuttView’s founders. So learn more at Puttview.com.

Photo’s and more of some products on Rory Spears Facebook and Twitter.

OPEN YEAR ROUND-Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena, the new Stonedrift Spa is open, and there is golf in the General Clubhouse Simulator. EagleRidge.com. THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open daily until 10 Pm, for lessons, club fittings and you can practice with Toptracer. Book a hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600. The dome & McWethy’s Sports bar is on Rt. 53 Bolingbrook.

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

Mission Inn Resort in Howey In The Hills Florida.

MISSION INN RESORT

The longtime resort has been under the ownership of the Beucher family for 58 years.

The Beucher’s starting with Nick Beucher a native of Evanston Illinois, bought the property in 1964 and started making improvements from that point forward.

But more recently Bud Beucher and sister were operating the resort for the family. But the MMI leadership team will take over and the resort will be operated through their management division.

Mission Inn is home to the famed El Campeon Golf Course.

Mission Inn Resort and Club is home to a 500+ acre development, where new homes are being built.

The resort has 176 hotel rooms, two award winning golf courses, three restaurants, spa, and rooms with more than 30,000 sq. feet of event space.

“So as a family owned and operated business, this particular property caught our attention. So we’re grateful to have forged this relationship with a like-minded family business that shares many of the same values,” said President and CEO Micajah Sturdivant. “Because with the purchase of this cherished resort we hope to continue the legacy set forth in Lake County by the Beucher family by expanding on the unique attributes of Central Florida.”

Bud Beucher ran Mission Inn Resort for over 20 years.

MMI Hospitality Group has a portfolio that includes such properties as, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Mission Inn has been hosting numerous golf tournaments on the El Campeon Course in recent years. Because of the championship calibur of the golf course these events will likely continue.

But currently there is no word on whether the resort will continue to host it’s LPGA Epson Tour event.

But MMI is promising to make property enhancements to the Mission Inn Resort starting early in 2023.

So for more information please visit MMIHospitality.com and MissionInnResort.com.

  PARADYM (PARA-DIME) NEW FROM CALLAWAY GOLF Fittings available this month. Learn more about the latest from Callaway Golf in 2023 by visiting CallawayGolf.com Paradym fittings are expected to take place this month in the Mistwood Golf Dome. See MistwoodGolfDome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600 on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook.

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.

Walt Disney World’s Magnolia Course is open again. Photo-Larry Spalla.

SO IF YOUR heading to the World of the Mouse, bring more than just your kids.

Bring your clubs.

Walt Disney World little by little is redoing it’s golf operation.

The first course to under-go the knife was it’s Magnolia course.

But now the course has reopened, or at least most of it. 14 holes have been open for about 5 weeks, with the other 4 holes coming soon.

Before golfers even hit the first tee at Magnolia, they will find one of the biggest putting greens they have ever seen. Then word is that the greens are bigger and now raised up as well.

Golfers on Golf will have more on Disney World Golf when it gets to Orlando for the 2023 PGA Merchandise Show Jan. 24-27.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN DAILY until 10 pm. The dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. You can book a hitting bay online at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600. Book a lesson, practice with Toptracer, get fitted for new golf clubs. But you can enjoy great food and beverage in the dome McWethy’s Sports Bar.

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.

Steve Kashul hosts The Golf Scene on NBC Sports Chicago.

The award winning Golf Scene Tv Show hosted by Steve Kashul is back all month in January.

So golfers start your golf season off the right way, and check out The Golf Scene on NBC Sports Chicago.

This months schedule is here.

Jan. 8 at 5 Pm. Jan. 9 6:30 Pm on NBC Sports Chicago Plus.

Jan. 12 11:30 Am NBC Sports Chicago Plus. Jan. 15 at 6 Pm. Jan. 17 4 Pm. Jan. 18 at 5 Pm. Jan. 20 6:30 Pm. Jan. 22 11:30 Am and Monday Jan. 30 at 4 Pm.

Features this month include: X-Golf’s Chicago area locations. Golf Direct Now’s new West Chicago Store. The new product line from Pins & Aces Apparel and Accessories. Score 18 Indoor Golf’s new Bolingbrook Facility. XXIO Golf for Women. Destination Golf travel Las Vegas and the LVNGC.

The Golf Scene has a Facebook Page with more information.

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME RT. 53 IN BOLINGBROOK-Open daily. Spend the winter getting your game tuned up for the warm weather that’s only 90 days away. Toptracer golf, lessons, club fittings and great food and beverage in McWethy’s Sports Bar. So book your hitting bay at 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 and connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Callaway’s NEW driver Paradym (Para-Dime). Callaway’s Biggest Launch of 2023.

CALLAWAY GOLF

HAS STARTED 2023 in a big way, with it’s biggest launch of the year.

Introducing Paradym (Pron. Para-Dime) which comes in different forms. But the line includes Drivers-Fairway Woods-Irons and Hybrids.

But even better news is that fittings for Paradym are expected to begin this month at places like the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook. So watch for fitting dates on line.

Paradym the driver. There are three different models. Paradym, Paradym X and Paradym Triple Diamond. Pricing is $600.00.

The following comes from information released by Callaway Golf. But more details and specifications will come out in the days ahead.

PARADYM DRIVERS are a complete shift in performance, with a design that breaks the tradeoff between distance and forgiveness. Top of mind in design is our industry-first 360 Carbon Chassis that eliminates titanium from the body, so we can push weight and stability to the limit. It promotes unprecedented weight redistribution for maximized distance, with a Triaxial Carbon crown and Forged Carbon sole is 44% lighter than a titanium chassis, this weight savings is repositioned for higher MOI and increased forgiveness.

Because the new A.I. designed jailbreak system enhances stability for faster ball speeds, while Callaway’s all-new A.I. face optimization enhances speed, launch and spin, and now downrange dispersion. Paradym is the first driver to utilize Callaway’s industry-leading face cup technology. We’ve paired the face cup with a powerful, forged titanium face. A combination that provides higher energy transfer to the ball than a standard driver face insert.

Callaway’s new Paradym fairway wood.

PARADYM Fairway Woods.

There are three models. Paradym, Paradym X, Paradym Triple Diamond (349.99/each).

This new construction eliminates weight from body and repositions it for unprecedented gains in speed and MOI. The A.I. Designed Jailbreak Batwing Structure is pushed to the perimeter to stiffen the body, while allowing the face to flex for high ball speeds. Plus, every model has been uniquely designed with a specific player in mind to fully maximize their performance.

PARADYM FEATURES progressive shaping, and it’s most robust offering that fits a wide range of player types. While Paradym X will fit players looking for our most forgiving shape with a high launch and a slight-draw bias. Paradym Triple Diamond is for stronger players how want penetrating ball flight with a lower spin.

PARADYM HYBRID 2 Models to pick from.

CALLAWAY has not forgotten about the hybrid players.

Because with Paradym there are two models to pick from.

Paradym and Paradym X ($299 each)

So with Paradym Shift Construction, the Cutwave Sole design improves the club’s performance through the turf, making this our most versatile hybrid we have ever made. Plus now we have adapted our best speed technologies from fairway woods and implemented them into hybrids for maximum distance. So this includes our Tungsten Speed Cartridge, Jailbreak with Batwing Technology and an A. I. Designed 455 Face Cup.

Paradym is for golfers who want a mid-sized, wood-shaped hybrid that’s long with excellent versatility and control. But Paradym X is built for maximum forgiveness and excellent versatility.

The NEW Paradym Irons.

PARADYM IRONS

Come in two models: Paradym and Paradym X. ($200 per club or $1400/standard 7 piece set).

The Paradym Shift Construction gives you the best ball speed and feel. Our industry-leading A.I. face technology is applied to a high-strength Forged 455 face, creating our most powerful forged iron face ever.

Because each face is uniquely optimized for more speed, higher launch, and increased spin consistency. The all-new Hollow Body design features Speed Frame construction for added stiffness to the body and support for the high-strength Forged 455 Face Cup. So this unique construction is the catalyst that stabilizes a thinner face for incrediblly fast ball speeds.

A forged face and patented Urethane Microspheres deliver the ultra-soft feel and premium sound that discerning players demand. Because internal tungsten weights are placed precisely to enhance launch conditions and improve speed on mis-hits.

The Paradym iron is designed for golfers who want a players distance iron with a refined shape and premium forging. Paradym X is for players who are looking for an iron that’s incredibly long, but with premium forged feel.

There will be more details on Paradym in the days ahead. Callawaygolf.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME IS OPEN DAILY and ready for you to start working on your game for 2023. The Dome is Home to McWethy’s Sportsbar where you can see all the sports. Toptracer-lessons-club fittings 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.

Rory Spears with a Callaway Rogue ST. driver in the Mistwood Golf performance center.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023.

The new year is off and running quickly.

Srixon Golf is batting lead off with the first new club announcement-some new woods were announced today.

But word is that Callaway Golf might not be far behind. So stay tuned.

But there was great news coming from Pinehurst, that Pinehurst #10 will happen. However it’s not the old land of the Pit Course, that has Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw’s name on it. But other land 4 miles from the main clubhouse that has some sandy dunes and 75+ feet of elevation change to it.

Architect Tom Doak gets the call on this one, and will work at Pinehurst for the first time. I will be visiting Pinehurst on the way down to the PGA Show weather permitting, or on the way back if necessary in early February. I’m hoping to visit the site during my visit to Pinehurst.

KAPALUA and the Plantation Course starts the year on the PGA Tour this week. This is one of the elevated stops on the tour this year. Which means more money for the guys who have won a tournament and are in the field. Favorites this week are Justin Thomas, Tony Finau, and Patrick Cantlay.

IT WAS REALLY GOOD TO SEE the Masters Tournament decide to continue to let the LIV players in it’s 2023 field. So as a result 16 of them are in the field, including 5 past Masters champions. The Masters did not change it’s requirements to play this year, so player that were in are still in the field.

But the best Masters story of this year, is that Scott Stallings invite was mistakenly sent to another Scott Stallings. Who reached out to the real Scott Stallings and said I might have something your looking for. Stallings said he plays golf, but not at the level of the Stallings who plays on tour. So many folks are hoping that Scott Stallings the pro golfer will get some tickets for the Scott Stallings who got the invite by mistake.

LIV GOLF has announced 7 of it’s 14 stops for 2023, but the full official schedule is not yet released. So there are wonders of what’s going-on because the entire schedule was to come out by last November. The Chicago LIV Golf event is two weeks earlier on Labor Day weekend in 2023. LIV Golf events begin next month.

THE MILWAUKEE GOLF SHOW Feb. 17-19 will beat the Chicago Golf Show to the first tee by a week this year. Tickets available at RoyalGolfShows.com The Chicago Show in Rosemont is back this year, Feb. 24-26.

Willow Hill’s massive new golf dome should be ready for golf shortly.

The Gog Blog will return all week. RS

MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is open New Years Eve but closing early. So please visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com. But regular hours resume on Sunday January 1st, 2023. The dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook and is also home to McWethy’s Sports Bar.

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 is from L-R Ed Stevenson-Len Ziehm-Bill Berger-Rory Spears at WNDZ Am 750.

ON BEHALF OF GOLFERS ON GOLF

A thank you for all the support in 2022, and to a great 2023 on and off the golf course.

During the New Years weekend, the Mistwood Golf Dome is open, but closing early on the 31st.

But it’s back open on New Years Day Jan.1. 2023.

Golfers on Golf.com will continue to run as Chicago’s only year round golf news source.

So on behalf of Ed Stevenson, Bill Berger, Len Ziehm and Rory Spears. Have a Happy New Year and Chicago’s Favorite Foursome wishes you a great 2023.

The Gog Blog returns on Tuesday Jan. 3rd-2023.

The Chicago Golf Show is back. See you in February.

EAGLE RIDGE RESORT & SPA-63 holes of golf are closed. But one is now open, the simulator hole, located in the General Clubhouse. See the details at EagleRidge.com.

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.

Welcome to Sand Valley Resort in Nekoosa Wisconsin.

Well have you thought ahead to 2023, and where you want to play.

I’m sure you will hit your regular courses, and maybe go play an old favorite that you have not played in a few years.

But in my case, I do like to hit my share of new courses I have not played before, or courses I have not played since it has reopened from a restoration.

So here are some thoughts I have as 2023 approaches. Don’t be afraid to try a few new ones, you could end up with a new favorite you return to every year.

1.THE LIDO AT Sand Valley Resort. A few holes got opened this year for preview play. But the rest will open in 2023, this redo of the famous Long Island Course from nearly 100 years ago, should be something if Tom Doak and team nail it and I think they will.

2.THE CYPRESS COURSE at the Bonita Bay Club in Florida. Because I hear the Fazio renovation is outstanding, and I’ll see it after the PGA Show.

Welcome to Copperhead at the Innisbrook Resort in Florida.

3. Copperhead at Innisbrook Resort in Tarpon Springs Florida.

Earlier this year I was at the Innisbrook Resort and the temperatures dropped.

Badly.

So after a day of 48 degree weather on the North and South Courses, I really was not ready for 18 holes on the course that is home to the Valspar Championship on the PGA Tour.

Copperhead is one of the great PGA Tour courses anyone can play. So I am up for a rematch in 2023.

4. North Shore Country Club-the club in Glenview Illinois is one I have played a few times, but not since the Rick Jacobson renovation a few years back. The course will host the 2023 Western Amateur and I’m ready to see it one more time.

5. Stone Mountain Golf Club-near Atlanta GA. I visited the park as a kid, but back when there was no golf there. Now there is and it’s time to go back.

6.Boyne Golf in Michigan. It’s been over 4 years since I was there, and things have change a bit since I last played there. Architect Ray Hearn has been at work, and his projects are always great to check out.

7. Midlothian Country Club-speaking of Ray Hearn, his work at Midlothian has generated rave reviews, but I would to see for myself.

The Par-3 8th hole on the Oconee Course at Reynolds.

8.Reynolds-Lake Oconee the best golf resort property in the State of Georgia has six golf courses. I have played 4 of them, it’s time to finish the list.

Architect Bob Cupp designed the two courses I have not played. The Preserve Course and the Landing Course.

In 2022 I played the Great Waters Course by Jack Nicklaus-which was really good. But I can say the same about the Oconee Course by Rees Jones, now it’s time to see Cupp’s work as well.

9. Horse Shoe Bay Resort-near Austin Texas. I have played three of the resorts four courses. But the one I have not played a Jack Nicklaus signature design was only under construction when I was there. So it’s time to go back and see the finished product.

10. Pinehurst 8-Pinehurst NC. The course was closed last summer for some upgrades after 25 years. I can’t wait to see what they have done.

HM. Metedeconk National Golf Club. Yes Ray Hearn again, the Holland Michigan architect has been hard at work here, and his efforts have paid off with the club landing a new Korn Ferry Tour event.

HM ColdStream Country Club in Cincinnati Ohio, was recently renovated by Keith Foster. Because his projects are all really good-Can’t wait to play here.

So I’ll see you on the links and in the fairways everyone in 2023. RS

KEEP WARM THIS WINTER with a Mistwood Golf Dome stocking cap. The dome is open for practice, lessons, club fittings and Toptracer competitions, and is home to McWethy’s Sports Bar. So book your hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600. MGD is located on Rt. 53-Bolingbrook. Open daily until 10 Pm

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.

On the tee at the holes at Pine Valley Golf Club, in Pine Valley NJ.

The year 2022 came with some great golf course experiences. So as I settle into 2023, I’m hope next year goes as well as 2022 did.

The Top 10 are as follows.

No. 1 Pine Valley Golf Club. After playing here for the first time, it’s not hard to see why the club has been No.1 on Top 100 lists of various publications for years. Everything about Pine Valley on and off the golf course is nothing but first rate. I can only hope that golfers who love the game get a chance to play here some day.

Great Waters Golf Club at Reynolds Lake Oconee, Greensboro GA.

2. GREAT WATERS designed and now renovated by golfs all-time greatest golfer Jack Nicklaus.

One of Six courses at Reynolds Lake-Oconee it’s easy to say “Jack is back”.

His renovation is nothing short of outstanding. During an interview with me at the 2019 U.S. Senior Open Nicklaus said over 1,000 trees were removed to open up the sight lines. So that is exactly what happened. Nicklaus won his 19th major, with the redesign of Great Waters.

The 18th hole at Wilmington Country Club in Delaware, home to the 2022 BMW Championship.

3. Wilmington Country Club.

Wilmington Country Club might be Delaware’s finest club, but one thing it was for sure, was in the top 3 rounds for the year.

The club played home to the 2022 BMW Championship, and didn’t disappoint championship week.

My day on the course saw mostly overcast weather, a confused re-routing of the course that would be used tournament week. But clouds, rain and a zig-zag routing of holes couldn’t stop this day from being one of the best all year.

Southern Pines Golf Club is open once again.

No.4 Southern Pines Golf Club.

Then their were three. Ross Resorts in Southern Pines NC that previously had two Donald Ross courses, now has three.

In a great move by resort owner Kelly Miller, Ross resorts added the Southern Pines Golf Club to it’s roster at the resort.

But better yet, is that Miller turned architect Kyle Franz loose on a redo-that Ross himself would be proud of. I played the course on a 53 degree cloudy day-didn’t matter. Because this course is good, it’s great to play anytime you can.

Oconee Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee.

5. Oconee Course at Reynolds L-O.

The second round at Reynolds was almost as good as the first on Great Waters.

My entire outing cancelled that day. But I choose to go it alone, and in spite of getting soaked on a few holes. I am glad I did.

Rees Jones did an outstanding job here, but doesn’t get the credit because the course has not hosted an “Open” yet. But this course is a must if you visit Lake Oconee, rain or shine it’s an outstanding play created by the “Open Doctor”.

The par-3 Drumlin Course is a really fun part of Erin Hills.

6. Erin Hills-Erin Wisconsin.

ERIN HILLS just gets better every year, and this year as it tuned up to host the USGA Mid-Amateur in September.

The course is a long walk, but a good walk not spoiled.

In 2025 the course will host yet another USGA Championship, the U.S. Women’s Open.

Let’s just hope it turns out as good as the Men’s Open did in 2017.

Erin Hills continues to add cottages, and other things off the course that makes any trip there very enjoyable. The golf is really good as well.

The General at Eagle Ridge in Galena IL.

No.7 The General at Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena.

The General celebrated it’s 25th birthday this year, with an outing in the fall. So that was really a fun event.

But the look is new if you have not been there in a few years. So to start with the nine’s have been flipped. Which creates a more scenic and dramatic ending.

But some of the old tee boxes have been discovered and are being brought back into play. Some heavy tree area’s off the tee boxes are being cleaned out. #EagleRidgeGolfDontTakeUSforGranted The General is charging forward again.

Lawsonia-Links Course gets better and older every year.

No. 8 Lawsonia Links. Green Lake Wisconsin.

Lawsonia is one the best tracks in Wisconsin, even though it gets over shadowed by some other courses.

I was there for the (William) Langford Shield Outing in the fall and the course was in mint condition.

Lawsonia is one of the great old-time classic courses, but it’s one that the general public can play. Fun day-fun golf course. The Woodland Course next to it, looks good too #Hitlist2023.

The Pine Barrens Course at World-Woods in Brooksville Florida. WW is now Cabot Citrus Farms.

No. 9 Pine Barrens-Brooksville Florida.

Pine Barrens was still in great shape, even though it was closing for 18 months shortly after partner Len Ziehm and I pulled out of the front gates.

The Tom Fazio design is currently being redone by Karl Franz, and will reopen in December of 2023, as part of the new Cabot Citrus Farms.

Pine Barrens was created to be the public option of Pine Valley. Now having played both. Pine Barrens wasn’t far off. But it will be a real treat when the course reopens in 12 months to play it once more.

Austin Greaser wins the 2022 Western Amateur at Exmoor.

No.10

Exmoor Country Club Club in Highland Park.

The Western Golf Association (WGA) did an outstanding job in the selection of Exmoor for it’s 2022 Western Amateur.

I played the course at the media day with superintendent Tim Kelly, who had the course in outstanding condition. Exmoor was the best conditioned course I played this year. But it would be great to play courses in that great of shape all the time.

SO THAT’S THE TOP 10, and there were plenty of others that were really good too. But I will return with the hit list for 2023 tomorrow. RS