THE SHACK GOLF CLUB OWNER NICK LARKIN (L) with All-World Caddie Greg Kunkel (R) are at the bar where Arnie hangs out all year round. The Shack is now complete with 7 simulator bays and a putting green. But the great food and beverage at the bar heighten The Shack experience to another level. So book your party today, or just come by and hit some balls on Trackman. Lessons and club fittings are available. The Shack also sells Bettinardi putters. Located at 1717 Chestnut Ave in Glenview. So call and book your simulator time today at (847)-904-2905 TheShackGolfClub.com.

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

SILLY SEASON IS HERE!

SO THAT also means it must be December, and Tiger Time now fills the void in the Silly Season.

Because when December comes around, there is plenty of Tiger talk. Did he play in the Hero (No). Will he play in the Zozo (No). Will he play in the Father-Son PNC (not likely).

But that is likely to be a good thing for the Father-Son, because for once people who follow the event can find out who the other teams are. Plus everyone might find out who actually won, which is not always easy to do. So in a couple of years when Tiger hits 50, there will be plenty of talk about him playing on the Champions Tour.

THE CHAMPIONS AM-FAM event run by Steve Stricker that is moving to the Stricker renovated TPC Wisconsin, is apparently becoming a 2-man team event. Which could be like the New Orleans event on the PGA Tour. So the question has been raised, What about a Sticker-Woods team in 2026 at the Am-Fam. Stay tuned.

The bar is open at McWethy’s Sports Bar in the golf dome in Bolingbrook Rt 53. (630)-739-7600 Mistwoodgolfdome.com book a Toptracer hitting bay today. Sign up for lessons and club fittings-tis the season.

WOODS held a presser at last weeks Hero Tournament-where Scottie Scheffler won again, over that massive field of 20 players. Woods suggested a $5 million dollar payout to all players on the USA Ryder Cup team. Say what? Of course Woods did suggest that all the money get donated to various charities, not a bad idea.

BUT WHILE THE PGA OF AMERICA makes a good buck on the Ryder Cup, giving $5 million to 12 players and probably the Captain, and maybe the assistants. Sounds like another reason for prices on Ryder Cup tickets and other items to just sky rocket more than they have for next year at Bethpage-Black (course) on Long Island. I would hope that when the Ryder Cup returns to the USA and Hazeltine CC in Minnesota in 2030, prices take a dip from what they are next year.

The new bar in the dome itself is open at the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. So book a Toptracer hitting bay at (630)-739-7600-Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

NEWS FROM UP NORTH AND DOWN SOUTH-that’s not so silly.

What a great job of reporting by Gary D’Amato of Wisconsin.Golf.

Because first up was D’Amato breaking the story of the latest project by Bob Lang, called Trinity Hills to be built up in Wisconsin.

Lang you might remember built Erin Hills before selling it to Andy Ziegler the current owner. Erin Hills will host the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open in June.

This time Lang will have Steve Stricker design the course with another architect on board. Original Erin Hills Director of Golf Kent Instefjord will return to Trinity Hills.

But then D’Amato caught up with Sand Valley’s Mike Keiser-son of yes Mike Keiser. Keiser told D’Amato that what was once 1,500 acres when his dad first bought the land, is now more like 15,000 acres. So that’s enough land to build 5 more 18 hole courses, and that’s what Keiser plans to do. I hope he does, and maybe picks a few new architects to add some variety to all the great work done by Kidd-Crenshaw and Coore, and Tom Doak.

The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook, (630)-739-7600. Mistwoodgolfdome.com, lessons, fittings, Toptracer, and Yummy Chicken Wings.

KEISER SAYS the family would like to end up with 100,000 acres of land in the area.

80,000 to be used for a Wisconsin state park, with the other 20,000 acres to be the Sand Valley Golf Resort.

So when the day comes that Sand Valley has built all of these other proposed courses. The only other property with as many golf holes will be Pinehurst, and maybe Reynolds Lake-Oconee by then. So you can read more on this, and everything Sand valley at Wisconsin.Golf.

The NEW Soleta Golf Club designed by Nick Price in Myakka City Florida (east of Sarasota). memberships and home now available.

TWO TIME WESTERN OPEN CHAMPION NICK PRICE-meets the media tomorrow at the new Soleta Golf Club (designed by Price) in Myakka City Florida. The new course is now open for play, and will have some public play until all the memberships and homes are sold in the surrounding  Soleta community.

Golfers on Golf will have our radio partner Len Ziehm at media day to get all the details. Then see what Ziehm has to say at LenZiehmongolf.com. Ziehm is now the new Executive Director of the Golf Travel Writers Association of America. Congrats Len.

DENNIS JOHNSEN has now officially retired from Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein after 20 years at the club, and 50 years in the golf business. Tyler Wollberg is the new head golf professional and he starts today at “The Pine”. It was great to see a group of over 100 people at Pine Meadow yesterday for Johnsen’s send off, including Frank and Katherine Jemsek.

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook is open for the winter golf season that has now arrived. So put on your golf shoes, and drive over to where you can get a club and putter fitting. Did you get a gift card for the holidays, why not use it to make an investment in your golf game. 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-X @GogBlogGuy or connect LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram

Shack owner Nick Larkin (L) with All-World Caddie master Greg Kunkel at the Arnold Palmer bar in The Shack Golf Club.

THE SHACK IS BACK AND READY!

The Shack Golf Club in Glenview, never left, but the expansion work is done.

Owner Nick Larkin is ready for the simulator season, and has 3 more simulator bays to offer, than he did through most of the last winter golf season.

But that’s not all. Because if your putting is keeping your scores or handicap higher than you want them. Then use The Shack’s new putting green and be ready to roll it better next year outside on the green.

Some of the new simulators at The Shack Golf Club.

Since Larkin had some extra space to work with, he extended one of the new simulators into one with theatre style seating.

So if you have a large group, or want Larkin to find you a golf movie to show. Reserve the bay with the extra seating and bring your group over for golf and more.

The simulator bays have Trackman so you can just hit balls, if you just want to swing. But if your looking for stats on how far your old clubs are still hitting the ball, or need numbers on what your getting from that new $500 driver. Then dial-in Trackman and find out. So if your looking for some off season golf, punch up one of the great courses from around the world, and test your game.

The new putting green at the Shack. Do you need a new putter. The Shack sells Bettinardi putters.

But if your looking to really tuned up your game, you can get a golf lesson in the simulator with a teaching professional.

Do you need new clubs? If it’s time to make the move and upgrade. Come to the Shack and get a club fitting done.

The Shack has agreements with both Titleist and TaylorMade so you can order new clubs.

So since odds are you might work up a thirst, or appetite while you are there. The bar has plenty of great options, and the menu is loaded with good food. The pizza breads are a Shack specialty.

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Shack owner Nick Larkin, and hear what else might be coming to The Shack.

A final thought, if you thinking to book a private or corporate party. Do reserve your date sooner than later. Some days of major sporting events fill-up quickly. You can learn more by visiting theShackgolfclub.com or by calling (847)-904-2905.

Because “The Shack” just made your Chicago golf season, year round.

  PUT ON YOUR SQAIRZ GOLF SHOES and go head to the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. So take on Toptracer and enjoy the best chicken wings in town. So book a hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600. THE SHACK GOLF CLUB in Glenview this season has a new putting green and more simulators to choose from. Golfersongolf.com will have more with owner Nick Larkin coming up this week. So enjoy the bar where Arnie comes to play and a great food menu. Because now is the time to visit TheShackGolf Club.com or call the Shack at (847)-904-2905.

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

Rory Spears tests putters at the Bettinardi Studio B facility on 22nd Street in Oak Brook.

THE EXTENDED COLD WEEK that we have had has pushed golf season into the domes and the simulators around the windy city.

But the good news is that there is plenty of options to hit the golf ball around.

While the simulators are great, my first choice depending on what I want to do, is hit the golf dome. Mistwood Golf Dome is my favorite, but Willow Hill in Northbrook is still growing with what is being offered there. Willow Hill is the largest golf dome in terms of length anywhere in the area.

Owner Kent Knebelkamp has big plans still unfolding at Willow Hill in Northbrook.

The Gog Blog hears Knebelkamp is not done in terms of how to make his dome even more golf friendly this coming winter season.

But more good news is that dome is now open for the winter, and the Holiday Light Show the circles around the dome is back up for another season. There is not a better decoration display anywhere in the North Shore.

SIMULATORS and there are plenty of places that now have them. So if your looking for a few destinations to go hit the simulators, are a few I places I have seen that area very good.

The Shack Golf Club in Glenview, owner Nick Larkin expanded the facility last year and it’s paid off. What was four simulators, is now seven. The toss in a new putting green and you can’t go wrong. The menu is pretty good, I’m a big fan of the pizza bread options.

Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle Road has three simulators, that are right down the stairs from Chandlers Chophouse. So order up one of their fine steaks or burgers while you golf. You can’t go wrong.

Mistwood Golf Dome now has some simulators in addition to the dome. But back over in Northbrook at Heritage Oaks GC are two simulators and they are located right next to the bar in the Acorn Grill. Heritage Oaks now has a club fitting simulator tent in the pro shop area, which is also available for golf lessons.

THE GOLF COMMISSIONERS are hot topics this week. So first on the tee is PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan. Because his salary and breakdown of it shows he was paid over $20 million dollars. Plenty of folks including tour players will tell you he is not worth it. But that remains to be scene.

OVER ON THE LPGA SIDE Commissioner Molly Marcoux Samaan has resigned after three years on the job. I am not alone in the golf media world, that wondered from the start if she was ever the right choice. One would think she found that the job was not what she thought it would be. Marcoux never looked comfortable in the role from Day 1.

So it will be interesting to see if the LPGA gets it right this time around.

BOB LANG IS MAKING A COMEBACK. So if you have ever enjoyed a round of golf or more at Erin Hills. Send a big thank you to founder Bob Lang, who went through plenty, of issues and money woes before selling the course to financial guy Andy Ziegler. But while Ziegler should get all the credit for taking Erin Hills from point A to point B to point C as in U.S. Open Championship (2017). It was Lang who got the ball rolling by finding the land, and getting the course built.

THE CREDIT on this story goes to Wisconsin.Golf and Gary D’Amato who broke the news. So check out the full story in Wisconsin.Golf.

While Lang has been out of Erin Hills for years, he has found new land for another golf course. Which he is calling Trinity Hills. Not super far from Erin Hills.

LANG HAS Already put his team in place for the project. Steve Stricker will be the course designer, working with an architect. Former Erin Hills Director of Golf Kent Instefjord, will hold the same title at Trinity Hills. No date set for construction to begin. Opening day for golf will be a few years off. The course will be private at some point, with limited public play.

GOLF CLUBS-new clubs are on their way. Because both Ping and Callaway Golf have new drivers on the way. Ping will launch the G440 Max, while Callaway counters with the Elyte driver in four different models including the Triple-Diamond, and Max-Fast driver.

TAYLORMADE GOLF has announced it has purchased Logan Olson Putters, which will now come under the TaylorMade umbrella.

The Gog Blog will return this week. RS

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM MISTWOOD GOLF-Both the Mistwood Golf Dome and McWethy’s Tavern at the Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville are closed today for Thanksgiving. But will reopen tomorrow starting at 7am for the Black Friday Sale at Mistwood Golf Club on Renwick Road in Romeoville.

So during Black Friday weekend we welcome everyone and all golfers to come and enjoy great food and beverage at both, McWethys Sports Bar at the dome located in Bolingbrook.  Or McWethy’s Tavern at Mistwood Golf Club. All the games NFL, NHL, NBA and NCAA will be on the big screens.

So don’t forget to try out Toptracer at the Mistwood Golf Dome. because you can test your numbers, and play top rated golf courses from around the country.

But now might be the time to schedule your club fitting if your upgrading what’s in the golf bag for 2025. So visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or MistwoodGC.com.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM ALL OF US AT GOLFERS ON GOLF.

Ed Stevenson, Len Ziehm, and Rory Spears.

Stay here with us all winter golf season for the latest golf news.

Written by Rory Spears.

Special thanks to our winter sponsors for supporting Golfersongolf.com during the colder months.

Stay tuned for plenty of golf news in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Plenty more coming with Black Friday weekend sales ahead.

Because many of them will run through Sunday December 1, or Monday December 2.

  MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB will host it’s annual Black Friday Sale starting at 7Am this Friday-Black Friday. Director of Golf Andy Mickelson and the Mistwood Team welcome you to the Mistwood Golf Pro Shop on Renwick Road in Romeoville. So remember the BF Sale-is NOT at the golf dome. See the details at MistwoodGC.com (815)-254-3333.

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

Rory Spears on the putting hole at The Evans Course at Canal Shores-Evanston Illinois. With a LAB DF3 putter. Photo by Susan Crampton.

SO AFTER PLENTY OF TIME RESEARCHING IDEA’S.

Here are some idea’s based on what I use on the golf course, or wear off the golf course.

My favorites include, starting with golf clubs.

Callaway Paradym Woods, Irons and Callaway Jaws wedges, with a wedge upgrade likely in the year ahead. But I was tested this year on the Callaway AI Smoke clubs. However my gain was only 1 yard, with both the woods and irons. So I stuck with my Paradym’s for another year.

I am looking forward to seeing what Callaway will produce for 2025.

PUTTERS-my putting experiment is not over, maybe because the three putters I have been using are all very good. Due to my summer health issue that keep me off the course for three months, I did not test the putters as much as I wanted to. But it’s becoming apparent that maybe the putter of the day depends on what course I am playing.

In the Bettinardi Oakbrook IL. putting studio. The best putting facility in the Chicago area.

NEED A GREAT GIFT for the golfer who needs help on the putting green.

Putting fitting at the Bettinardi Studio B on 22nd Street in Oakbrook. Because here you can learn more about putting, and your putting stroke than maybe anywhere else in the Windy City.

But even better news, is if you pick out a new putter, Bettinardi builds it for you right there. So depending on your order, most golfers go home that day with new putter in hand, or in the golf bag. But for you Bears fans-a special limited edition Bears logoed putter is out right now. But they will go quickly. My best putting round of 2024, was with my Bettinardi Inovai Rev. 6.0. 28 putts on the challenging greens at Heritage Oaks in Northbrook.

LAB GOLF PUTTERS, my DF3 is something special. So special that many of co-workers at Heritage Oaks have been borrowing it, and my DF3 has spent more time in other peoples golf bags than in mine. Because the new technology LAB brings to the table is catching on, it’s forcing other putter brands to adapt. See LABGolf.com and check out the LAB Golf experience. It’s different but might help your putting.

LAB Golf-The DF3 is worth checking out if your in the market for a new putter.

CALLAWAY-ODYSSEY AI Putters came out this past year-but now comes word a new Odyssey Square to Square is out (some suggest it’s a response to LAB’s growing popularity). So these new putters are worth a look before you buy. This year I acquired an AI Odyssey-One Milled Two-T, with the gold insert. Because if you like blade putters, or have been a Scotty Cameron Newport person like I was for years. You should be able settle into the AI very easily.

So if it’s time for a new putter, you can’t go wrong with any of the above selections. Because my handicap has dropped 2.2 since I made the decision to use the putters listed above.

Odyssey AI-putters with gold insert.

BUT I AM NOT A Hybrid or Rescue Club user, if you wish to go in that direction you are on your own. OR check out My Golf Spy-they are a pretty good place to review golf products.

GOLF BALLS-always a great idea for a golf gift. Because all golfers could use new golf balls from time to time. So quit using the golf balls you found on the golf course, or stole from the driving range. I’m playing the Callaway Chrome-Black Box Series, with plans to check out the Callaway Chrome Gold Box in 2025. But my Plan B is always the Titleist Pro-V1x edition, it plays better for me than the straight Pro-V1. Plan C is Bridgestone-they do make a good golf ball.

Callaway Chrome Tour-Triple Track, the Gold Box.

GOLF BAGS-and there are plenty of golfers who need a new golf bag. I have a Titleist bag, their styles and color schemes are well done. Callaway and Sun Mountain are other good choices. So is just getting a bag with the logo of someone’s favorite golf course on it-never a bad idea.

GOLF SHOES-I wear the Sqairz Speed 2. Sqairz is the best golf shoe I have ever worn in terms of traction-look and comfort. So checkout Sqairz.com, and add some distance to your shots on the course.

KEEPING THE HANDS WARM on the cool days outside. The G-Tech pouch is the best, and prices have come down over the last year. GetGtech.com your hands and fingers will thank you. So hit your next shot with warmer hands and avoid some of the stingers from the cold. I wish I had got mine years sooner.

        SQAIRZ SPEED II at the dome. G-Tech the handwarmer pouch for the rounds of golf on cold days.

YARDAGE LASER GUN-Bushnell, another product I should have acquired sooner than I did. Bushnell.com for when you need the exact yardage to the flag, and it’s not posted on the course. Great for when your golf cart doesn’t have GPS, and the course doesn’t have yardage markers on the sprinkler heads.

Golftini Owner and designer Susan Hess at the PGA Show. Golftini is now a Chicago based company.

APPAREL FOR WOMEN and now MEN. Chicago based Golftini is very stylish, and now that owner and designer Susan Hess has created Golftini for Men, she has all golfers covered. So guys when you need something for the lady-Golftini is a sure winner. The logo is really well done as well. Perfect for on and off the golf course, Golftini has a Black Friday Sale-see Golftiniwear.com.

MORE REALLY GOOD APPAREL, slacks I go with Dunning, FootJoy or Polo. Shirts that fit really good and look sharp, Greg Norman, Peter Millar and Adidas. Leaders in the socks category are Kentwool, FootJoy and Adidas. But for low cuts, get some Sqairz Socks with the shoes.

So that’s the recap of what I use after plenty of years of research. So what’s holding you back-start shopping. RS

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME SEASON IS HERE. So it’s time to take your golf game over to Bolingbrook from Romeoville for hitting the ball, and getting your latest club fitting done. Mistwood’s team of fitters including Matt Carter (above right) will get you set for when outdoor golf returns in 2025. 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-X or connect on LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram. Odyssey AI putter fitting in the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook.

SHOPPING SEASON CONTINUES!

Because it did begin last week at the Twin Orchard Country Club in Long Grove.

Twin Orchard CC Director of Merchandising Stacy Larson ran a tremendous show again this year.

So plenty of golfers made the trek to Long Grove and got some great deals.

I was one of them. Purchased a great pair of $120 slacks for $58, and a few pairs of socks, that normally would be $14 or $16 a pair, for $5-6 and 8 dollars. You can not beat prices like that. Opening night the line for the cash registers was almost all the way across the banquet room for 2+ hours after the doors opened. But in spite of the snow on Day 2, plenty of golfers were there to continue buying what was still for sale.

THIS WEEK is BLACK FRIDAY, which some clubs or companies will start tomorrow to get a jump on the competition. The Black Friday Golf Sale at the Mistwood Golf Club is one of the good ones. Reminder the sale is at the golf club’s pro shop on Renwick Road in Romeoville and not at the MGD in Bolingbrook.

COG HILL GOLF has announced that they now have a online golf shop on their website that is open for business. So visit CogHillgolf.com THE COG HILL HOLIDAY SALE-OPEN HOUSE is Saturday December 7th from 9A to 2P. Great deals and munchies/punch at the sale.

JEMSEK GOLF has announced that Tyler Wollberg is the new head golf professional at Pine Meadow GC in Mundelein. Wollberg a Mundelein native comes over from The Grove Country Club in Long Grove. Wollberg replaces 20 year Pine Meadow professional Dennis Johnsen who is retiring after 50 years in the golf business.

There is a retirement party of Johnsen on Sunday December 8 at “The Pine” from 1-4p. Wollberg will start on Monday the 9th and a “meet and greet” with Wollberg is scheduled for Sunday the 15th from 1-4P at “The Pine.”

RETIREMENT AT CANTIGNY GOLF-KemperSports Management will need to find a GM for both The Glen Club and Cantigny Golf. Terry Hanley tells Golfers on Golf he is retiring from the golf business at the end of December. But Hanley and his wife will be opening their own non-golf venture in 2025. So stay tuned.

SO IF YOUR QUESTION is what to buy for yourself or your favorite golfer for the holidays. I will have some thoughts right here tomorrow at GOG. But tomorrows ideas will be based on what I have and what I use. What’s in my bag and what I wear, after plenty of testing both on and off the course. What the fitters have told me, plays into my club selection. Putters is another story, my tryouts for the starting job are incomplete. So more details on that tomorrow.

IT’S REALLY SAD what some idiots did to 7th (I think) green at the recently renovated “Evans Course” at Canal Shores in Evanston/Wilmette. The green on the hole after the famed putting hole-designed by architect Todd Quitno, was driven on by a vehicle. With an intent to do damage, and plenty of damage was done. Really disgusting. RS

  THE TRANSITION IS ON-MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB to MISTWOOD GOLF DOME. So with the changing over to the winter golf season, the Mistwood Golf Dome is now in full swing. So get a club fitting or take on Toptracer. McWethy’s Sportsbar is now open and the perfect place to enjoy the award winning chicken wings. The Mistwood Golf Dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, call (630)-739-7600 and book a hitting bay today.

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

Golfers on Golf podcast with Rory Spears.

TIM CLARKE is back in town.

Clarke formerly the General Manager of Chicago based Wilson Golf, has spent the last couple of years in Miami as part of the Callaway apparel team.

But all of that is now behind Clarke.

Because Clarke is now the new President of Batavia based Tour Edge Golf.

Tour Edge Golf that has been building it’s reputation on the Champions Tour, with plenty of tour members using Tour Edge Clubs, is now looking to expand the brand in other directions in the golf industry.

NEW Tour Edge Golf President Tim Clarke holds the new 725 series driver and 15 degree metal wood.

Tour Edge has recently launched it’s new 725 series of clubs.

Golfers on Golf recently traveled to Tour Edge World Headquarters in Batavia, to sit down with Clarke during the first snow storm of the winter season and discuss what brought him back to Illinois from Florida.

Clarke talks the Champions Tour and Tour Edge staffer Bernhard Langer’s influence on the series of Wingman Wedges.

What else is up with Tour Edge-click on to our podcast. Talking With Tour Edge Tim.

Click here to hear the podcast interview with Tour Edge President Tim Clarke.

So thanks for listening and visit Touredge.com for all the latest news from Tour Edge and the new 725 series of clubs.

  MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB HAS MOVED TO THE DOME for the remainder of the 2024 golf season. The Mistwood Golf Dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, where you can enjoy Top Tracer golf, and some of the best wings in town. Mistwoodgolfdome.com

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X or connect on LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram. IN the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Testing the Odyssey AI putters. The new version Square to Square is coming soon.

SHOWTIME and Sadly it’s closing time too.

Because as of yesterday numerous outdoor golf courses, called it quits for the 2024 outdoor golf season.

But over at Heritage Oaks where I log sometime in various outdoor operations. The outdoor season that started on February 17th with the opening of the range, comes to an end this Wednesday.

But with the Wednesday forecast not looking so good, tomorrow might be the last real day to play at “The Oaks”.

The best deals of the year. Twin Orchard CC Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Better than Black Friday.

SHOWTIME…

SO IF YOUR a golfer that is looking at the rising costs of golf equipment, golf balls and golf apparel. The time is here to load up on the best deals of the year.

Because the year end golf sale at the Twin Orchard Country Club run by Stacy Larson is back for another year.

The Twin Orchard sale that starts on Thursday, is the place to load up for next year. So grab dozen’s of golf balls, a new golf bag, new pair of shoes, gloves or maybe an umbrella. Do you need a hat to keep the rays off your head, or a new range finder for that exact yardage.

How about some real golf apparel, shirts, slacks, shorts, socks, all weather suits, or a sweater. Because here is the time to get it-at a price you can deal with. So if you are traveling this winter and need a golf club travel bag for when your jumping on the plane. Get one this week at Twin Orchard. The T-O CC sale is the perfect place to get what you need, or to shop for your favorite golfer. So get it done before Black Friday even starts.

THERE ARE SOME REAL DEALS here that you won’t find anywhere else. Logo’s apparel from both public and private clubs are available. So stop by Twin Orchard CC in Long Grove, get there early before all the best deals are gone. I will see you there on Friday and Saturday.

Kemper Lakes GC will host the 2025 Illinois Open. IPGA.com

THE ILLINOIS PGA has announced most of it’s schedule for the 2025 golf season.

KEMPER LAKES GOLF CLUB will host the 2025 Illinois Open August 4-6. So a tight finish will take the leaders through the Gauntlet holes, 16-17 and 18.

This will make for plenty of drama on the final day.

Beverly Country Club will host the Illinois PGA section Championship later in August. The IPGA Match Play and the year end Players Championship have not yet been announced.

SO WHO IS THE NEW OWNER of the Ballybunion driving range and miniature golf in Long Grove. Because word on the street says the facility has been closed, and won’t reopen until likely in 2026. Apparently the plan is to keep the property a golf facility, but make it a new state-of-the art practice facility. So stay tuned for more details as I get them.

PAYTON’S HILL at NICKOL PARK in Arlington Heights. Work to redo the Payton hole that sits at the top of the course, could begin as early as tomorrow on the Par-3 course that makes up part of the Arlington Heights Park District. Architect Mike Benkusky who oversaw the Arlington Lakes renovation, will be back in-charge at Nickol Knoll Park.

$400,000 for American Players to play in the Ryder Cup. I understand why, since the Team USA guys have to play an event like this every year (aka Ryder Cup-Presidents Cup) the Euro’s don’t and the International Team doesn’t either. But that being said, I still wish Team USA was not looking at this as another money grab. $400K, so does this explain the ticket price increase?

THE GOG BLOG returns this week. RS.

  SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg currently has a 35% off men’s and women’s apparel sale going-on. But for those in need of golf balls, there is a special on current models of Pro-V1 and Pro-V1x golf balls. So visit the pro shop and see the pre-Black Friday deals. Schaumburggolf.com course closing Sunday.

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

JON RAHM holds the trophy after winning LIV Golf Chicago in 2024. LIV will return in 2025.

ONE MORE TIME!

LIV GOLF will return to the Bolingbrook Golf Club in 2025.

But the date will change and move to August 8-10. Jon Rahm is expected to return and defend the title he won this past September.

The Chicago 2024 LIV Golf event was the best attended LIV Golf tournament on American soil this calendar year.

Because for the three days-attendance averaged just over 15,000 per day. Rahm the captain of Legion XIII shot an 11 under par score of 199 to win by three strokes.

“We are excited to welcome the eyes of the world of golf and the LIV Golf tour back to the Bolingbrook Golf Club and the Village of Bolingbrook in the upcoming 2025 season,” said Village of Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta. “The 2024 LIV Golf Chicago event was a tremendous success, and we look forward to building on that momentum to bring another world-class event to our community.”

The 2024 Year End Golf Sale at Twin Orchard is coming up next week Nov. 21-23. #majordeals

The Crushers Team led by Captain Bryson DeChambeau won the team Championship at Bolingbrook. Bolingbrook GC and Arthur Hills design is open for public play. For amateurs the par is 72 and back tee yardage is 7,104 yards. But there are seven lakes that weave the golf course to increase the challenge of play.

Ticket and sponsorship information will be announced at a later date. But for more information on Bolingbrook Golf Club, visit bolingbrookgolfclub.com. The club is managed by Northbrook based KemperSports Management.

  MISTWOOD GOLF one of Chicago’s year-round golf options is getting ready to make the transition into the dome for the winter golf season. But in the meantime do take advantage of the remaining outdoor days at Mistwood Golf Club-(815)-254-3333 or visit Mistwoodgc.com The Makers Mark Barrel event is coming up soon-don’t miss out.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn/Facebook or Instagram. On Course #3 at Medinah Country Club.

YOU START TO WONDER IF!

A comeback is possible. But if you don’t doubt yourself and you believe in your doctors, you can return to doing the things you enjoy most in life.

Which in my case is playing golf. I moved up from miniature golf to the real thing at age 13. That was over 50 years ago, so time flies when your having fun.

But this summer golf and life came to crashing halt, when my right foot did swell up. I wasn’t sure why at first, but a visit to the Emergency Room cleared that up quick enough. My diabetic condition I didn’t know I had, had infected my foot from some bug bites and created a Diabetic Ulcer. Because the infection spread, the result became 18 days in the hospital and a surgery to have a toe removed. 70 days total after having plenty of hospital clinic visits after discharge

Fortunately I have spent time around people our service veterans who still play golf, minus a foot, a leg or an arm. They are an inspiration to me, as I write this on Veterans Day. Thank You for your Service is nice but doesn’t seem to be enough. Some of the vets I have met were not only brave on the battlefield, but in life or on the golf course as  well.

The Year End Sale at Twin Orchard CC is back. great deals to be found again this year, get your golf holiday shopping done early.

So when my foot surgeon Dr. Michael Ferrari told me I would be on the golf course this year after my June surgery. I took him at his word, which was good as gold. Because he told me I would be back on the course by September. But his work was so good, I made it back by August 30th. The week before I was back at Mistwood Golf Club hitting balls on the range, and on the Heritage Oaks GC range in Northbrook.

So after 15 rounds this fall. Sadly it’s become time shut down the 2024 golf season and let my feet rest up for a better 2025 golf season. There is an old saying that goes, you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. So getting back on the course this fall for 15 rounds was really well needed. I’m not sure when I was this happy to play golf to get back on a golf course, any golf course and hit the little round white ball.

What I suggest. Is if you still have time to get another round of golf in before the courses close in the next week or so. Do it, you will be glad you did.

COURSE CLOSURES-Preserve at Oak Meadows, already closed. Anetsberger GC in Northbrook is closed, Heritage Oaks GC in Northbrook closing Wednesday November 20th. Schaumburg Golf Club-closes this Sunday November 17th. Mistwood GC in Romeoville is closing this Sunday.

PERMANENT CLOSING-The Fresh Meadow GC in Hillside has been closed for good by the Chicago Catholic Archdiocese. The facility most recently operated by Arcis Golf, was closed on October 14th. The course, currently a par-70, 6,76 yard layout, first opened in April of 1924 as the Fair Lawn Golf Club a private club. But later in 1924 became a public venue. Joe Jemsek and Jemsek Golf bought in during the 1950’s, but later sold out their interest in the property.

While the golf course was a good place for beginners, juniors and seniors in recent years. The driving range with nearly 100 hitting bays was usually very crowded on most days. I took golf lessons there for the first time back in the 1990’s from professional the late Bob Held. The next hitting bay normally had Marty “Longball” Joyce teaching as well. But while the future plans for the property are still not announced, one thing is certain. Golf at Fresh Meadow after a 101 year run, is now over.

LIV GOLF-could it be returning to Bolingbrook GC in 2025. Stay tuned because an announcement could come as early as tomorrow. RS