THE NORTH SHORE’S BEST WINTER GOLF-IN THE SIMULATOR at The Shack. OR in the dome at Willow Hill. The Shack at 1717 Chestnut Avenue in Glenview, is now expanding. Four simulators will soon be seven-plus a new putting green will be added. But while the beverages in the bar are cold-or at times warm this time of year, the food is still great. TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905. THE WILLOW HILL GOLF DOME is the largest dome in town. So come see your golf ball fly another 50+ yards longer than other indoor options. 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook. Golf hours have now returned to 8a to 3p, for more information see WillowHillDome.com 160 yards of flight.

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

Scotty Cameron Phantom Putters new for 2024.

THE PHANTOM PUTTER is here.

So this past week at the Sentry Tournament in Maui, and this coming week on Oahu at the Sony Open.

The Titleist Staff players on the PGA Tour are enjoying the latest from Scotty Cameron.

Because the mallet style Phantom Putter has arrived, or at least some of them have. But while four Phantom’s are here, Tour Reps Drew Page and Brad Cloke will bring out six more models in the weeks ahead.

Cameron Young brought his Phantom 5 with a proto-type knuckle neck to Kapalua, after testing it at home the previous week.

“That Phantom shape, for one, helps my alignment,” Young said at the Plantation Course at Kapalua. “And then also just the forgiveness of a mallet is important. I feel like anything that you can do to make off-center hits just a little better is always is always a good thing.”

Scotty Cameron 2024 Phantom Proto Types.

PGA TOUR PLAYER MAX HOMA has used a Phantom mallet for all five of his last PGA Tour wins.

“I was struggling with face control with my putter. So I tried a few mallets, and ended up going with one of the Phantoms,” said Homa. In 2021 one week after switching to a Phantom X 11.5 tour prototype. But since then Homa’s last four wins have been with the Phantom X 5.5.

Homa added that he did not have to do as much work with his hands to release the putter. The weight of the head made me feel I could control my putts in the 15-25 foot range. Which is where I had been struggling. So the speed control with the Phantom has been the benefactor in the tournaments I have won, holing a few more 10-20 footers.”

Scotty Cameron and Titleist did not announce a release date or dates for the other six models. So for more information see Titleist.com or Scottycameron.com.

  WHAT’S NEW IN THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-Scott Hogan (M) is the new member of the club fitting team (L). Then in the dome is the new in the golf shell bar. So it is time to start the club fitting process-take some lessons, play Toptracer golf. But when your appetite is ready-it’s McWethy’s Sports Bar. Mistwoodgolfdome.com Rt. 53 Bolingbrook.

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

The new Callaway Golf Chrome Tour Ball.

CALLAWAY GOLF HAS ANNOUNED the improvements to the Chrome Line of golf balls.

Available for sale on Feb. 2, in pro shops and retail stores.

Chrome Tour, Chrome Tour X, Chrome Soft will be priced at $54.99.

So what’s improved. The NEW Hyper Fast Soft Core, mantle designs, new Tour Seamless Aero package, and cover formulation.

But the process is complete because of the Callaway R&D team has spent countless hours working with some of the best Tour players in the game, taking the detailed feedback into the engineering process and the performance characteristics of these new golf balls.

The new simulators are part of the Mistwood Golf Dome.

CHROME TOUR is built for better players, who require the best in both distance and feel.

But it’s a ball that produces outstanding performance, with amazing speed, consistent flight, with high levels of spin and greenside control.

Because the core is engineered for balance of long distance flight and a soft feel. But Chrome Tour players well in any conditions, and allows players to go after shots because of the added spin.

Callaway Chrome-Triple Track

CHROME TOUR X

IS FOR the best players who want speed and control from their Tour ball.

TOUR X provides golfers with top distance, workability, and spin so one receives the best performance from tee-to-green.

The core provides maximum ball speed and distance, especially from hits of the driver. But better players can use TOUR X to hit better irons and wedges, from the spin and workability TOUR X provides.

Callaway Chrome Soft Yellow Golf Balls.

CHROME SOFT

Chrome Soft now provides a more outstanding performance with faster ball speeds.

Callaway calls it the seamless Tour Aero for an optimized ball flight, increased control around the green, and a soft feel.

This ball is built for aspiring players that are wanting a Tour quality golf ball. Golfers can start purchasing the full line of Callaway Chrome golf balls on February 2nd, in pro shops or retail outlets. but for more information please visit Callawaygolf.com.

  THE SHACK is expanding later this month. The indoor wall is being blown-out and 4 new simulators are coming in. But there will also be a new putting green. Add new theatre style seating, comfortable for larger groups. NFL playoffs, Masters week are filling up quickly. So Visit TheShackgolfclub.com or call The Shack at (847)-904-2905.

  THE WILLOW HILL GOLF DOME 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook. Golf hours in Chicago’s largest dome are 8A to 3P. So you can learn more at WillowHilldome.com.

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

Tot Hill Farms-by Mike Strantz. The vision is back at Tot Hill Farms.

I SPOKE EARLIER THIS YEAR that in the last couple years, I finally got exposed to work by architect Mike Strantz.

Sadly, Strantz passed away from cancer at age 50, in 2005. His career cut short, after only 7 original designs and two major renovations.

What I have learned from seeing three of his courses, is that they are all good. So next week as the 2024 winter trip begins, I will see the fourth edition of Mike Strantz.

But since Strantz never designed any projects up north, many Midwest golfers are not familiar with his work. Which is something I am slowly doing, is trying to see what Strantz did before his passing. Tot Hill Farm sits in Asheboro North Carolina, about 50 minutes northwest of the famed Pinehurst resort. Another Strantz design Tobacco Road, is about 25 minutes northeast of Pinehurst. So I predict U.S. Open week this June, that plenty of golfers looking to get a round in, may venture out of Pinehurst to see a Strantz design. If you are in the Pinehurst area, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to go play Tot Hill Farm or Tobacco Road. RS.

Mike Strantz was known as a designer ahead of his time, those words are very accurate.

Mike Strantz was part of Tom Fazio’s design team, when Fazio had all the big golf design projects.

But in time Strantz, realized his time was now, so he went out on his own. When you look up Strantz designed courses, you find them in North and South Carolina, and Virginia.

However if Strantz was still designing courses years after he passed away, it seems like he would have been a fit to work with Chicagoan Mike Keiser. It seems likely that Strantz could have fit in at places like Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, or Streamsong.

Unfortunately we will never know.

So while Tot Hill Farm was opened in the 1990’s, and is not an old course per-say, but 25 years takes it’s toll on any golf course. So last summer the restoration work started at Tot Hill Farms. The new clubhouse is a barn that dates back plenty of years-over a hundred says Tot Hill Farms GM Greg Wood.

Photo Courtesy of Tot Hill Farms.

So the clubhouse was not the only part of the restoration project.

Green sizes were restored, to the tune of over a 1/2 acre of space.

There was native grasses that had to be trimmed back. But with any form of restoration these days, there are trees that have to go.

So in this case the number was over 1200 trees that came down. Sight lines were restored, two non-original bunkers were removed. With two more bunkers being added. The bunkers were redone for better drainage and a new strain of grass was installed in the greens.

The 18th hole at Tot Hill Farms. Photo’s for this story were provided by Tot Hill Farms, and pictures were taken by Ryan Barnett and Jeff Marsh.

Cart path work was done out on the golf course, and around the clubhouse area.

So what has emerged is the restored vision of what Mike Strantz created back in the 1990’s.

The terrain of Tot Hill Farm is not very farm like.

In the Midwest farm land is usually flat with no character. But this is not the case at Tot Hill Farm. Because elevation change runs over 250 feet. Rolling hills that have been compared to ski slopes-comprise the fairways of Tot Hill Farms.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Tot Hill Farm Gm Greg Wood.

THERE IS A SAYING when it comes to Mike Strantz designs. “Expect the Unexpected.”

So in a year with plenty of new courses coming online-and others coming back form renovation. Go and see a course that did it’s work last year, Tot Hill Farm in Asheboro North Carolina. Tothillfarm.com or call (336)-857-4455. A course that would be part of a Mike Strantz Trail-if there was one, maybe there will be one someday.

   THE SHACK AT 1717 CHESTNUT AVENUE IN GLENVIEW is open daily. But now will be expanding from 4 to 7 simulators, and the addition of a new putting green. Some theatre like seating will be added, with additional features for special group events. So do book now as some dates around top level sporting events are filling up quickly. The food and beverage options get high ratings from the patrons who have come and visited The Shack. So learn more at ShackIndoorGolfclub.com or call today (847)-904-2905.

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

  THE 2024 WORK BEGINS in the Willow Hill Golf Dome in Northbrook (L) or in the putting Lab of Studio “B” Bettinardi Golf in Oak Brook. The winter trip starts next week.

IT’S COMING AND IT STARTS NEXT WEEK. The winter golf trip, and it launches my golf season for the year ahead. Because the winter trip allows me to do much, on my way down to and back from the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando Florida.

the Willow Hill Golf Dome-1350 Willow Road in Northbrook. Willowhilldome.com Golf hours have returned to 8a to 3 pm. 160 yards long-see your ball fly.

SO THIS YEAR I will see several new courses along the way, and there is excitement in golf because of the amount of new courses that are opening in the year ahead.

THE PGA TOUR IS UNDERWAY and all it took was 29 under par to win. 29 under-geez, is this what it will take most weeks to win. So yes these guys are good, but seriously it’s like the tour is playing muni’s from under 7,000 yards. But now it’s off to Sony on Oahu in Honolulu, the greens are smaller, and the fairways are tighter. So let’s see what happens.

Architect the late Mike Strantz.

ARCHITECT MIKE STRANTZ

Here was a golf architect that many golfers who have seen his work, call him, ahead of his time.

Because now that I know a little more about Strantz, I agree with those who feel that way.

Strantz a Tom Fazio disciple, went off on his own and created some interesting golf courses. But not everyone really liked what he designed at first.

Tobacco Road just Northeast of Pinehurst North Carolina, was known as a love-it or hate-it golf course. I was told I would like it, so I went and played it. I did like it. But then last year I played two more Strantz designs. This time in South Carolina. But while the weather was very rainy, both True Blue and the Caledonia Golf and Fish Club were very good golf courses.

So just over a month ago, I learned about another Strantz golf course, Tot Hill Farm about 50 minutes northwest of Pinehurst. Last year a several month renovation was done, recapturing the Strantz vision. Early reviews are outstanding, so good that the marketing department for THF challenged golfers to come play it on Twitter (X).

So after seeing some photos, and seeing it is on my path to Pinehurst. Challenge accepted. What until next week. So as the year moves forward and the winter trip moves along. I am going to try to learn more and write more about Strantz, who sadly died from cancer in 2005 before he designed his tenth golf course.

Welcome to Tot Hill Farm-North Carolina. 50 minutes NW of Pinehurst.

THERE IS NO OFFICIAL Mike Strantz Golf Trail, running through the Carolina’s, but maybe there should be. I am not sure how many Chicago area golfers know about Strantz. But if they did, Chicago golfers heading to the major golf destinations in the Carolina’s, would try to play Strantz’s golf designs. Records say Strantz did seven new courses and two major renovations, before he passed away.

IMO-STRANTZ would have fit in well with someone like Chicagoan Mike Keiser. The two Mikes likely would have worked well and created well together. MORE on Mike Strantz as 2024 moves along.

THE CHICAGO AREA HAS A NEW GOLF DOME that has now been open 45 days. The owners of White Tail Ridge Golf Course in Yorkville, have built an indoor golf dome on the Aurora/Bristol/Oswego border. So in between the snowflakes this week, I’m planning to learn more from Director of Golf Alex Balog.

CALLAWAY GOLF is first out of the blocks with a major equipment launch, the Paradym Ai-Smoke. I plan to hit them this week. See my story from yesterday on the Driver, fairway woods, hybrids and irons. I will have more on the new Callaway Chrome Soft line of golf balls coming up later this week.

BECAUSE THERE SEEMS TO BE plenty of snow coming this week. The outdoor courses that have been open will have to close. So hit the domes, hit the simulators, plan your golf trips to warm weather states. IT IS that time of year. The Gog Blog returns all week long. RS

 THE DOME BAR IS OPEN (L) at the Mistwood Golf Dome a bar is now in the shell. So you can grab a drink-down by your mat. CLUB FITTING-team has gotten bigger as Scott Hogan (M) joins Eric Russell (L) and Matt Carter (R). Callaway Paradym Smoke has arrived, get fitted for the newest driver on the market. Lessons and Toptracer golf are waiting for you at Mistwoodgolfdome.com Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook 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-LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram

Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke-Driver-NEW from Callaway Golf.

WELCOME TO 2024…

IT IS A NEW YEAR and a new season on the golf course.

So are you ready for a fresh start with what’s in your golf bag. Because if your ready for something new, Callaway Golf is first out of the blocks with something new for you.

But be ready, because it’s Smoking Hot. Pre-Sale is coming this week, starting on the 12th. Then coming to retail outlets on January 26th.

CALLAWAY PARADYM was hot. But Paradym Ai Smoke burns even hotter. SO IF your ready to dial it in, you do have options, FOUR options to be exact. MAX-MAX D- TRIPLE DIAMOND and MAX FAST. All four drivers allow players to correct different issues they face when hitting the big stick.

What Callaway is calling a quantum leap forward in it’s Ai journey, is the most sophisticated face they have ever created. Because with a mix of feedback from player data, and machine learning, Callaway Golf has raised it’s game, and yours.

THE NEW Ai SMOKE DRIVER features a forgiving shape with an adjustable perimeter weighting, which delivers up to 19 yards of shot shape correction.

SMART AI FACE TECHNOLOGY, creates micro deflections that activate upon impact helping for maximum impact and spin on off-center shots. Because of a newly added titanium support structure, the carbon chassis is now 15% lighter. Which allows for mass to be redistributed into the head to improve launch conditions, and add forgiveness. PRICING $599.99

Callaway Ai Smoke-Fairway Woods.

PARADYM Ai SMOKE FAIRWAY WOODS, feature Callaway’s Ai Smart Face. All the faces are created to optimize launch and spin. This creates sweet spots across the face. The Callaway design team focused on improving performance-low where  many misses with fairway woods take place.

The Carbon Chassis has been refined to increase launch, spin and increased forgiveness. Because the Tungsten speed Cartridge pushes the center of gravity (CG) low and forward to improve launch and distance.

LIKE THE DRIVER there are four models available. MAX-MAX D-Triple Diamond-MAX Fast. PRICING $349.99.

The Paradym Ai-Smoke Hybrid

PARADYM Ai SMOKE HYRBIDS are using the Smart Face to promote maximum distance and tight dispersion into the green. So the sole camber allows for more turf interaction, and clean contact.

Three models are available-Ai Smoke-Ai Smoke HL-Max Fast. PRICING $279.99.

PARADYM Ai SMOKE IRONS: Callaway calls the new irons a revolution in iron performance for the Ai Smart Face. Because these irons promote more distance and tighter dispersion into the green. But now with longer blade lengths, that have a thinner top line, and optimized sole. So this creates a more forgiving, but streamlined look at address. The soles leading edge will cut through the turf with better efficiency.

The Ai-Smoke Irons.

THERE ARE THREE MODELS OF Ai Smoke Irons-Ai Smoke-Ai smoke HL and HI Max Fast. Pricing $999.99 for the standard 7-piece set.

SO STAY CLICKED IN for the details on the new Callaway Chrome Golf Ball coming up this week.

CHROME TOUR, Chrome Tour X and the Chrome Soft Golf Balls.

So for more details on the new line of Callaway Golf drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, Irons and putters, see more at Callawaygolf.com.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-open daily until 10 pm. BRAND NEW THIS YEAR-is the in the dome bar-and new simulators. Mistwoodgolfdome.com Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Now is the time for lessons, club fittings and Toptracer tournaments. (630)-739-7600.

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

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB is planning on being open today for outside golf. But with walking only. (847)-566-4653.

***THIS NEWS CAME OUT before the current weather forecast is predicting snow of up to 1 inch in the Pine Meadow area of Mundelein.

NO CARTS-walking only. But in the pro shop. The Titleist Vokey Wedge sale will be going on with SM 9 wedges. Because the SM 10’s will be coming soon.

THE ESKIMO OPEN tee’s off on Sunday morning at Cog Hill-Coghillgolf.com.

FOR THOSE WANTING TO HIT THE BALL THIS WEEKEND INSIDE-Here are two options.

  THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB-1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview (847)-904-2905

COMING LATER THIS MONTH-the four new simulators, and new putting green. So book your hitting bay now. Plan special events-but choice dates are filling up quickly. See the Shackindoorgolfclub.com.

THE WILLOW HILL DOME and WILLOW HILL LIGHT SHOW both up and running today. But it’s the last day for the winter & holiday light show. PLUS it’s the last day for the 8a to 8pm golf hours in the golf dome. Starting Monday golf hours return to 8a to 3 pm.

Willow Hill Golf Dome is located at 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook. Come see the light show on it’s final day of 2024 until November. WillowHillLights.com and for golf see WillowHilldome.com.

    THE SHACK at 1717 Chestnut Avenue in Glenview is expanding later this month. The new part of the clubhouse includes four new simulators with expanded comfortable seating. But there is also a new putting green being added. So book your hitting bays and plan your special group events now. NFL Playoffs or Superbowl Sunday or Masters Week. Learn more at The ShackGolfClub.com or call The Shack at (847)-904-2905.

THE ESKIMO OPEN is this Sunday Jan. 7th at Cog Hill-Sign up today before sign ups close. Visit CogHillgolf.com. or call (866)-COG-HILL.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf.

THE NEW VOKEY SM 10 Wedges-now in use on the PGA Tour.

VOKEY SM 10 Wedges are in the golf bags of PGA Tour Players this week at Kapalua Maui-for the Sentry Golf Championship.

Titleist Vokey claims that Vokey Wedges have been the top choice of players on the PGA Tour since 2004.

So in 2023-50% of the wedges in play were Vokey Design, with seven of the world’s top 10 players by years end, having at least one Vokey wedge in their bag. Which includes both open champions Wyndham Clark and Brian Harman.

“I have always said since the day I arrived at Titleist. That I have the best R&D facility in the world-the professional golf tours,” said Vokey.

The Vokey SM 10 evolves from the process of development between tour players and Vokey PGA Tour representative Aaron Dill.

Willow Hill Lights and the Willow Hill Golf Dome expanded golf hours 8-8p through tomorrow Jan. 6th. WillowHilllights.com WillowHilldome.com

“Both Bob and Aaron have been incredible,” said PGA Tour player and major champion Jordan Spieth. “They have been so much fun to work with. Great guys-and guys who know so much about what they’re doing and they’re so passionate about what they are doing. They stay out of the way and just kind of watch. So if you want to bring them in,, they already know what your going to ask and they know what the response is. Here and there they ask for feedback, just to find out what kind of improvements they can make.”

NEXT WEEK DILL will be back at the grinding wheel in his trailer at the American Express tournament, as the Vokey SM10 Wedges rollout continues. But for more information visit Titleist.com or Vokey.com.

THE WILLOW HILL GOLF DOME at 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook is open for golf this week from 8a to 8p. The Willow Hill Light Show runs through this Saturday night. So come out and enjoy the golf and the lights all week. Learn more at WillowHillDome.com.

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

The 18th green at Talamore, complete with new sod-wall bunkers.

TALAMORE STILL GETTING BETTER

So if you have been to the Southern Pines-Pinehurst area, you probably know many of the golf courses in the area.

But if you have not played Talamore Golf Club, or haven’t been there in recent years. You are missing out.

The Rees Jones design was always a good golf course. But ownership investments several years ago, has brought constant improvements to the property.

At Talamore the work has been both inside (the clubhouse) and outside on the golf course, but most recently in the practice areas.

The newly updated range, adds a roof, Toptracer golf, and places to eat, drink and more. The new putting green offers a place to putt, and have fun contests.

SO BEFORE the practice area’s Talamore starting knocking off a to-do list around the golf course.

Because groups of trees were taken out, areas that repeatedly held water, had better drainage installed. Broken cart path’s were fixed or repaired.

There was bunker changes added, especially on the par 3-s saw the Scottish styled pot bunkers.

But then you toss in little touches, like yardage markers painted, new pin flags, and new washrooms. Gone were the porta-pottys.

The new patio and new furniture around the upper deck of the clubhouse. Over looks the 18th green.

So while the golf course has gotten better, and the practice area’s have been improved.

The Clubhouse and the half-way house have also been upgraded.

When golfers make the turn, they no-longer have to go all the way back to the clubhouse for beverages and snacks. The new halfway house sits not far from the tenth thee.

But for before or after the round, the clubhouse grill and bar have been redone. The upper level deck was rebuilt and new furniture has been added So the new view of the 18th hole is outstanding.

The living room in a Talamore villa.

Talamore is a Rees Jones design, that’s a solid straight forward golf course, through the sandhills and the pine trees of central North Carolina.

Elevation change figures into play, and the course will test players of all skill levels.

But one other great feature of Talamore, is that if your looking for a place to stay, it has great villas. Talamore’s sister-club Mid South designed by Arnold Palmer is just down the street, it too has outstanding villas. The villas at both courses are great for couples or groups.

THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB 1717 Chestnut Ave in Glenview is expanding this month. FOUR NEW simulators and a NEW PUTTING GREEN, will also the Shack to host more golfers than ever before. Stay tuned for details on reopening day. Keep it right here or visit TheShackGolfClub.com great dates for special group events like SuperBowl Sunday-playoff weekends and the Masters are filling quickly so don’t wait.

Talamore and Mid-South are located between the courses of Ross Resort and the Pinehurst Resort. So for more information please visit Talamoregolfresort.com.

  JIM MCWETHY in McWethy’s Tavern-sign up today for the September 14th’s McWethy Cup at Mistwood, raising money for America’s veterans. Congratulations to Mistwood teaching professional Nicole Jeray (R) for a great run at the U.S. Senior Women’s Open in Oregon. Mistwood Golf Club is located on Renwick Road Romeoville (815)-254-3333.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook and is home to Toptracer Golf and McWethy’s Sports Bar. Book a hitting bay, a club fitting or a lesson at MistwoodGolfdome.com or by calling (630)-739-7600.

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

Mistwood Club Fitter Matt Carter shows off the Odyssey putter line.

PUTTING-the key to lower scores in 2024.

THIS YEAR GOLFERS ON GOLF will look at putters in depth, as the year progresses. New models, new styles, new grips, new strokes, the teachers and the fitters.

Matt Carter one of two club fitters at Mistwood along with Eric Russell, will tell you there are more reasons than ever, to get fit for your putter. So what will you have as your gamer in the bag this spring, or will that putter change by summer.

The new Odyssey Ai-one putters with inserts. Some of this new line is available already. Part two comes out in February.

Carter explains, there is more of a need to get fit for putters than ever before.

Because simply, there are so many more options on the type of putters now available.

The old saying of “different strokes for different folks” is so true here.

Because at one time, the blade was the style. Maybe a silver blade, or a golf blade. So back in the day Scotty Cameron would design blades like the Newport or another California town. But before long Cameron was building the “Kombi” which was a chip off of some big block of metal.

So with putting these days, there is a science to it. Because when Carter takes you into a SAM Putt Lab, you start to break down your putting stroke, and the putter you have. Which leaves the question, should you be putting with something else. More often these days, there is a better option.

The days of picking a putter off the rack, seeing how it feels and rolling a couple putts really is over. Were you a golfer that rolled one putt with a new putter, made the putt and  said I’ll take it. If so, well a new day is here.

Rory Spears putts in the Mistwood Golf SAM Putt lab.

What’s new is that there is Toe-Hang to figure in, loft of putter. Yes loft is not just a factor on your driver or your wedges.

So are you a flat zero- two degrees or four.

What about the grip, the days of just having a thin skin grip to pick from are also over. Super-Stroke makes a great variety of grips, pistol and so-forth that players have been using to win tournaments with all year long.

So how much do you know about swing-path. Inside out adding a push-cutting across bringing a pull stroke to the point of contact. Stance is important as well, is the ball too far back in the stance, too far forward. Because your favorite tour pro putts a certain way, does not mean you should too. Long neck “stick” putters can be great, but they are not for everyone.

MISWTOOD GOLF CLUB FITTER MATT CARTER speaks to putter fitting-Click here to hear the full interview.

Currently the Mistwood Pro Golf staffers are doing fittings in the Mistwood Golf Dome until April. So for more information on putter fittings see Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME ON RT. 53 IN BOLINGBROOK open daily to 10Pm. So now is the time to get a lesson, a club fitting or play golf on Toptracer. If you have cash or a gift card, maybe it’s time to invest in clubs, or at least a club. Mistwood Golf club fitter Matt Carter joins us tomorrow to talk putter fitting, and why it’s not just about feel anymore. Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome and get a hitting bay (630)-739-7600

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

The Mistwood Golf Dome, your home for winter golf, in the shell or in the simulator. 2024 is here, start your golf season today.

2024 IS HERE…the clock is ticking.

No it’s not too early to start getting your game ready for the season.

So BTW the first golf outing of the year is coming up this weekend at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club. The Eskimo Open might even get played without snow and igloo’s.

THE ICE BOWL is on tap in the Mistwood Golf Dome, this weekend. So it’s already GAME ON!

So I’m already prepping to leave for the 2024 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando Florida, the biggest golf show in the country. Golfers on Golf will be visiting properties new and old. But then checking out golf products, new and improved. Details and information on destinations for those of you heading South or West in the next three months.

LAST YEAR my handicap started at 12, it ended up at 13. So not again this year, it starts moving in the right direction-right away. Maybe even before the snow we will get melts away.

THE SHACK INDOOR GOLF CLUB is getting bigger. The new golf shack will have 7 simulators (4-new ones) and a new putting green, by later this month. Owner Nick Larkin is renovating the Glenview Shack (1717 Chestnut Avenue), but looking for more locations. So learn more at TheShackGolfClub.com #BookyourspecialeventToday.

2024 WILL BE AN INTERESTING ONE FOR CHICAGO AREA GOLF. The indoor season opens with two more golf domes, the Willow Hill Dome in Northbrook. But now a new dome has opened in Oswego and it’s operated by the people who own White Tail Ridge Golf. The Willow Hill Dome at over 150 yards long, is the largest indoor dome in Chicago history.

THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME has a new bar-in the dome and comfortable simulator bays in the former OTB area. McWethy’s Sports Bar is still serving up the best food and beverage at any dome around town. SIMULATOR GOLF is expanding it seems all over town. But as mentioned above, I can’t wait to see The Shack when things finish coming together later this month. So stay clicked in.

TOURNAMENTS IN TOWN… are lacking this year. So no PGA Tour, unless you drive out to the John Deere Classic in the Quad Cities. No Western Amateur, but it’s at a great course Moraine Country Club in Dayton. Well worth the drive if you enjoy amateur golf. The WWGA plays here and so will the CDGA and the IPGA. The Korn Ferry will return to the Glen Club.

RICH HARVEST FARMS is still awaiting word from the LIV-Golf tour if LIV is returning in September.

WILLOW HILL LIGHTS the final week of the Light Show on Willow Hill. 1350 Willow Road in Northbrook. The Willow Hill Golf Dome has extended hours through Saturday. Willhilldome.com. 8am to 8pm.

WE ARE OPEN-WE ARE NOT plenty of Chicago Clubs are opening up from, or shutting because of a Renovation. The list as I have it now is, and plans are subject to change when it comes to course work.

Winnetka Park District-reopening in August. Canal Shores-reopening in August. Cog Hill Course #4 reopening in June. Medinah #3 reopening late June-early July. Cantigny Golf shuts down Hillside 9 in early June. Orchard Valley GC work beings in the fall. Mistwood is reworking it’s bunkers, but no shutdown is expected. Evanston Golf Club will be closed this year. Architect Ray Hearn tells Golfers on Golf his firm will announce a new Chicago area project in the upcoming weeks. Several clubs have announced projects for 2025, and more on those in the months ahead.

Hitting balls in the Willow Hill Dome-1350 Willow Road in Northbrook.

THE CHICAGO GOLF SHOW is back in Rosemont at the end of February, details unfolding on the list of booths and special guest appearances.

PUTTING-PUTTING-PUTTING tis the season. I will provide as much coverage as possible about putting this year. New putters, prices, where to get them. Putter fitting, yes it’s important, and fitting is not just about your driver or irons.

THE U.S. OPEN returns to Pinehurst #2 on the 25th anniversary of Payne Stewarts amazing win, his last major championship victory.

THERE ARE COURSES opening around the Midwest this summer. At Sand Valley, in the Detroit Suburbs, at Boyne Resorts in Northern Michigan.

SO GET YOUR CLUBS READY-courses opening for outdoor play are 90 days out, they will open before the Masters tee’s off. The clock is ticking. So get moving-welcome to golf in 2024. RS