THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road will open for outdoor season this Friday March 21st-but if the snow lingers, three simulators are open indoors which include the Schaumburg Golf Club. The pro shop is now quickly filling up for the summer season ahead. Including the new SGC Clock hats-really cool. So book an indoor or outdoor tee time at Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000 #Chandlers

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

  HERITAGE OAKS Golf Club 3535 Dundee Road in Northbrook has opened it’s driving range and will open for golf, weather permitting this Friday March 21st. But a reminder the Acorn Grill is open and Taco Tuesdays are back for 2025. Saturday and Sunday in the morning from 9-12 is Brunch Time-Kids under 12 eat FREE. HeritageOaksGC.com

  THE TRACKMAN RANGE at Heritage Oaks-with new for 2025 mats, Titleist range balls coming soon, and new Trackman stands for your phone. The ball servant ball dispenser machine is new. So try one of the top ranges in the North Shore. HeritageOaksgc.com (847)-291-2351.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow-RS

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB has you covered this week, while the snow keeps coming. So play the Schaumburg Golf Club indoors then shop the quickly filling pro shop, and enjoy great burgers from Chandlers Chophouse. Book your simulator on line at Schaumburggolf.com or call (847)-885-9000. #lessons #Clubfittings are available.

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

RORY SPEARS, hitting a few at the club fitting tent in the Heritage Oaks pro shop in Northbrook, (847)-291-2351

IT’S NOT OVER…

The Players Championship is tied and going to a playoff.

Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun are both at 12 under par, and will play a three hole playoff to determine the winner. The holes that will be used are 16-17-18.

(Update-Rory McIlroy has won).

So for McIlroy it could be his second win at the tournament, that is NOT the fifth major. During a week where he DID NOT steal Luke Potter’s phone from the University of Texas Golf team, who yelled at McIlroy from the gallery during the pro-am. Potter’s coach had him write several letters of apology, and the discipline might not be over.

FOR ALL OF YOU DAYS UNTIL THE MASTERS COUNTERS-it is NOW okay to start posting your days until the Masters count. Because there was no reason to be doing this back in January, but now you have the green light.

The Shack Golf Club in Glenview, hit them where it’s warm without snow this week at The Shack. (847)-904-2905 or TheShackGolfclub.com #sevensimulators

THE FIFTH MAJOR and no there isn’t one, so stop talking all this crap about trying to turn the Players into a major. But as for the season’s first major, The Masters is now less than a month away. What the Master does is signal the real start of spring and golf season here in the Windy City area. What the Masters has become, is the second chance pool, for everyone who bombed out in March Madness.

BUT WHEN YOU COMPARE the majors, is the Masters all that great? There will be all these folks on X or Facebook running polls before long asking people, what’s the best major, or how do you rank them. Many folks will say the tradition unlike any other, The Masters. While the Masters does have some neat concepts to it. The truth of the matter is that, it’s the smallest field of any major. The weakest field of any major, that only a hand full of players have a realistic chance of winning. Plus some of those players are on the LIV Tour, that should give ulcers to the few remaining people who still hate LIV Golf. Closer to green jacket week, I will break down the four majors and which one is the best.

SPEAKING OF WHICH-Phil Mickelson has now shot several strait rounds in the 60’s. So is “Lefty” peaking at the right time. My answer to the guy running the poll question on LinkedIn, who will finish higher at the Masters, Tiger or Phil. I’ll take Phil thank you very much.

PHIL SAYS…that LIV Golfer Joaquin Niemann is the best player in the world-right now. So he might just be. This week he won his second straight tournament, and sixth tourney worldwide in 15 months. Lookout Scottie, who wasn’t sharp this week. So is he saving himself for the Masters, time will tell.

SPEAKING OF TIGER-he got hurt working out. So if you can’t make it through a work out without tearing your Achilles, maybe your body is telling you something. Woods is now 49 and 9+ months away from the Champions Tour, if he plays. Some suggest he is done on tour, others think he will be back in June for the U.S. Open at Oakmont. I’m not betting on the later. 50-50 on the TCL next year.

SNOW or NO SNOW-start posting your golf scores and get that handicap down. Because as of today, the CDGA says you can post those Chicago area rounds from outdoor play.

THE HOT EQUIPMENT COMPANIES right now are Callaway Golf. Callaway just signed a deal with Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team in the LIV Golf league. They are the first major equipment company to sign a deal  with a team or player in LIV Golf. LAB Golf putters, that seem to be hot on every tour worldwide. LAB putters were in the hands of a few of the top finishers at the Players championship.

THE GOG BLOG returns this week. RS

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME will soon transition to the Mistwood Golf Club. So until the course dries up-hit the dome to get warmed up for the outdoor season ahead. But now you can get four dozen golf balls for the price of three. So visit Mistwoodgc.com for details or Mistwoodgolfdome.com you can call the dome (630)-739-7600 #lessontime

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

Lloyd Cohn in the Copper Tech booth at the PGA Show.

LIKE FATHER-LIKE DAUGHTER

Some years ago Lloyd Cohn launched the Copper Tech golf glove company.

From there Cohn never looked back as the success of Copper tech gloves continued to grow.

But now Cohn is looking forward to the future. Because not only is Copper Tech looking at expanding it’s product line, the next generation of Cohn’s is now involved in the Copper Tech company and promoting the product line.

ENTER LAUREN COHN who is now out of college and following in her father’s footsteps by joining Copper Tech. Lauren is not new to Copper Tech, after initially not being interested in golf, Lauren has gotten a grip on the game, and Copper Tech Golf Gloves.

BE READY FOR OUTDOOR GOLF SEASON-hit the simulators in the clubhouse of the Schaumburg Golf Club, also home to Chandlers chophouse-Yum!. 401 North Roselle Road, (847)-885-9000.

Copper Tech was the first company to put copper in golf gloves, and the impact was noticed immediately by golfers. Because for some golfers wearing a Copper Tech glove, is the only way they can work through the discomfort in their hands and play golf.

Copper Tech has recently improved what types of copper they use in their gloves, watch for more in April. Lauren Cohn says the days of copper being used across ones entire body, are not too far off.

Copper Tech gloves come in different sizes and colors. So there are plenty of choices for men, women and juniors.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Lauren Cohn on Copper Tech golf gloves.

So for more information on Copper Tech products, see CopperTechGloves.com or call (772)-214-8316.

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road has simulators open every day. So is the pro shop that is filling up with summer golf supplies. Chandlers Chophouse is open for great burgers. So visit SchaumburgGolf.com or (847)-885-9000.

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

Tyler Wollberg is the new general manager and head professional at Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein.

MEET TYLER WOLLBERG.

Wollberg is the new head professional and general manager at Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein, the 1927 William Flynn design.

Wollberg comes aboard to the Jemsek Golf managed property, but it’s not a new experience for him. Because coming to work at Pine Meadow is like having a home game for the Mundelein native.

Wollberg fist hit the Pine around the year 2000, he took golf lessons there from Earl Puckett, the Pine Meadow pro back in the day.

The par-3 12th hole at Pine Meadow Golf Club.

So for Wollberg, Pine Meadow was his home course, long before it was his place of employment. So working at Pine Meadow is like coming home again for Wollberg.

Wollberg attended Carthage college in Kenosha Wisconsin, before becoming the golf coach at nearby University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Wollberg then headed east, and worked in upstate New York at St. Lawrence University. But when it came time to move back home to Illinois with his wife and two children, the timing could not have been better.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Tyler Wollberg the new GM/Head professional at Pine Meadow.

The Shack Golf Club in Glenview has seven simulators open every day, along with a putting green. So get ready for the outdoor season ahead, by tuning up at The Shack. So book a tee time at The Shack Golf Club.com or call (847)-904-2905. #Lessons #Clubfittings

Because Wollberg learned that 20 year Pine meadow GM/Head Professional Dennis Johnsen would be retiring at the end of 2024.

So after multiple interviews with the Jemsek family, Wollberg was selected to be the new general manager and head golf professional at Pine Meadow.

The first changes to the Pine that Wollberg was on board for, didn’t happen on the golf course. But actually inside the clubhouse.

Because he inside of the clubhouse got both a well needed coat of paint, and then some brand new carpeting. As a result the Pine Meadow pro shop has both a new look and new smell to it, as golf season approaches. But as regular golfers to Pine meadow are aware, if there is no snow on the ground, and temperatures are not extremely cold. The Pine is open for golf. Wollberg is looking forward to working with fellow Carthage College alum superintendent Scott Denil. Wollberg says Denil has the greens rolling great at a speed for 10 for March. So come play Pine Meadow this golf season by calling (847)-566-4653 (Golf) or visit Pinemeadowgc.com.

   THE SHACK GOLF CLUB 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview-with seven simulators and a putting green. So be ready for the summer season-warm up at The Shack. You can reserve your tee time at The ShackGolfClub.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 X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn/Instagram/Facebook

THE GOG CAST-2025 Edition 1

Kemper Lakes Golf Club GM John Hosteland.

When Golfers on Golf visited Kemper Lakes late last fall, club general manager John Hosteland was not available.

So while the story on the new look and championship ready Kemper Lakes Golf Club was posted in 2024. The segment with Hosteland has now been completed in 2025, and is part of the new Gog-Cast series for 2025.

KEMPER LAKES in 2025 will host both the Chicago District Golf Associations (CDGA) Mid-Amateur in May, and the Illinois Open Championship managed by the Illinois PGA Section.

CLICK HERE to hear the full Gogcast with Kemper Lakes GM John Hosteland, on the new look Kemper Lakes Golf Club.

(Updating) CLICK HERE to hear Kemper Lakes Golf Club GM John Hosteland speak to the new announcement of presenting sponsor for the 2025 Illinois Open, Troon Golf. Troon Golf also manages Kemper Lakes GC. Gogcast-2025 1A.

THE GOG BLOG returns tomorrow. RS

    THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road and just minutes from Woodfield Mall, is open daily with three simulators. So book a simulator time where you can play Top 100 courses, or the indoor version of the Schaumburg Golf Club. The pro shop is filling quickly with merchandise for the summer season ahead. Plus Chandlers Chophouse in the clubhouse is open. So get summer ready at Schaumburggolf.com.

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

Rory Spears at Heritage Oaks GC-coming again soon in 2025.

IT’S OPEN SEASON…

SO IF YOUR NOT OPEN-GET ROLLING.

Because at least the range should be open this week, especially if you have mats.

So the list of courses that will be open this week, is growing quickly. Because the list has grown to include Maple Meadows Golf Club of the DuPage Golf Network in Wood Dale. See DuPagegolf.com for details on all three DPG golf courses.

THEY ARE OPEN…Chad Johansen’s Blackberry Oaks in Bristol. All three Jemsek Golf facilities, Cog Hill, St. Andrews and Pine Meadow. Bittersweet in Gurnee. The East Course at White Pines GC in Bensenville. Willow Hill in Northbrook. Naperbrook GC opens Wednesday, Springbrook on Friday in Naperville.

THE SHACK GOLF CLUB 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview has seven simulators and a putting green. Where you can check out the Bettinardi putters, while enjoying the pizza flatbreads. #Lessons #Clubfittings TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905. Arnie is back at the bar.

SO ARE THESE COURSES-Arboretum in Buffalo Grove. Tamarack in Naperville. Deerfield Golf Club has the range open (mats only). White Tail Ridge GC-Yorkville. Blackstone Golf Club in Marengo. Glenwoodie GC in Glenwood. Lincoln Oaks in Crete. Klein Creek in Winfield. Carriage Greens in Darien.

THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP is this week as week 3 of 4 tee’s off on the Florida Swing. Scottie Scheffler goes for the three peat. But can he do it. I think so, because his game started to round into form at the API.

But Rory, Ludvig and a couple of others will be lurking. One player has a WD, Tiger Woods is out. It was the last year of his exemption into the field. Maybe have we seen him for the last time at The Players. So sit back and enjoy the tournament this week, and listen to Dan Hicks cry about TW’s no-show.

IT’s NOT TOO LATE-to put your shoes on and head to the Mistwood Golf Dome for some Toptracer Golf, or award winning chicken wings in McWethy’s Sportsbar. So book a hitting bay at Mistwoodgolfdome.com Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. (630)-739-7600.

IT WAS ANOTHER BIG WEEK on all the tours for LAB Golf Putters, check out all the top finishes for players using LAB Putters at Labgolf.com. I do like my DF3 and it’s good.

CALLAWAY GOLF HAS STEPPED UP and is the first major equipment company to sign a deal with a LIV Golf team. Callaway that has had Jon Rahm on staff for a few years, now has a deal with Rahm’s Legion XIII Team. So now I wonder which company will be next to follow suit. Great move by Callaway Golf and CEO Chip Brewer.

SPEAKING OF CALLAWAY GOLF, there will be a fitting day for Callaway on Saturday March 22nd, from 9 Am until 2 Pm. So get signed up at CogHillgollf.com

PGA TOUR players has begun testing the new rolled-back golf ball. The results are not sitting well so far. Adam Schupak of Golfweek broke the story, and spoke with 2023 British Open Champion Brian Harmon who said, “bad idea-I can’t get on board with this.” Schupak spoke with other players too, dial up golfweek.com for more feedback on the testing of the proposed golf ball.

GOLF WRIGLEY FIELD-golf in the ball park is back at Wrigley Field through Upper Deck on April 11th and 12th. But Cubs season ticket holders get first crack of the club access to tee times. So register March 25th at Upperdeckgolfing.com/WrigleyField. It is fun to hit golf balls in Wrigley Field, I have done it from the right field bleachers to a pin in the left field corner, and almost holed out. Go try it, if you can get a tee time.

I WAS SURPISED by the new GOLF VX golf facility on the North Side of Arlington Hts., in the plaza on the South East side of Palatine and Rand Roads (Rt. 12). So the simulator facility is really well done with 12 bays. One is a private area, for a single player or a group. The full sized bar with robotic like drink shakers is something new. There is also a full kitchen and menu. So golfersongolf.com will have more coming up on the new Golf VX, that has now been open almost one month. It also gets crowded very quickly.

THE GOG BLOG returns this week. RS

  THE TRANSITION IS COMING as outdoor golf season is not far away. So enjoy this weekend in the Mistwood Golf Dome, and enjoy some Toptracer golf. But another option is the award winning chicken wings in McWethy’s Sports Bar in the dome. 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 @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram

Tyler Wollberg is the new head golf professional at Pine Meadow.

ARE YOU READY…

Because outdoor golf season is coming soon.

So for many golf courses, that season is starting tomorrow or on Monday.

But as in years past-Jemsek Golf is leading the way into outdoor play.

Pine Meadow Golf Club in Mundelein is now taking tee times for tomorrow (Sunday) to play “The Pine.”

So for those who have enjoyed the Pine in the past, the clubhouse, has been painted indoors and the new carpeting is looking great. But better yet-hit the range, the mat area is now open. So book a tee time at (847)-566-4653 (GOLF).

Welcome to Cog Hill Golf and Country Club.

COG HILL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

IS OPEN…

But then again-they always are. Because Courses 1 & 3 stay open year round, in addition the driving range with lights and heaters, and partially covered with walls ad a roof, is open as well.

So if your down in the Southwest Burbs, see Coghillgolf.com or book a tee time at (630)-264-4455.

    PINE MEADOW in Mundelein and St. Andrews Golf & Country Club on Rt. 59 in West Chicago. Just north of North Avenue is open for golf and heated practice area’s. Call (630)-231-3100.

  THE SHACK GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut Ave in Glenview, is open daily with seven simulators and a putting green. So book your simulator time at TheShackGolfClub.com or call the Shack at (847)-904-2905. While your there, enjoy a beverage or flat breads.

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

  GOLF VX has now opened in Arlington Hts. at 644 East Rand Road- (847)-749-1054 visit their website at PlayGolfVX.com.

Golf VX has just opened in Arlington Hts. and the new golf facility has 12 simulators, and a putting green. There is a full size bar and menu, and membership options. Members can play in special events, leagues or tournaments. But there is more, like FREE coffee every day until noon for members. Rates do vary for peak and non-peak hours.

GOLFERS ON GOLF will have more on the new Golf VX studio later next week. So stay tuned.

  THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road, has three simulators open daily. But even better is the opportunity to play the SGC indoors on the clubs simulators. Schaumburg’s pro shop is filling up with summer supplies, and right above the simulators is Chandlers Chophouse. Home to the best burgers in Schaumburg. So book a hitting bay, a golf lesson or club fitting at Schaumburggolf.com (847)-885-9000.

    THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB at 401 North Roselle Road has three simulators open daily. Where you can play the indoor version of the Schaumburg Golf Club. The pro shop is filling up with summer supplies and Chandlers Chophouse is open and serving the best burgers in town. So book a bay SchaumburgGolf.com (847)-885-9000.

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

John Moran, left, speaks alongside Rand Jerris after they both received the Herbert Warren Wind Award during the 2025 Annual Meeting Dinner at The Carolina Hotel in the Village of Pinehurst, NC on Saturday, March 1, 2025. (Copyright USGA/Jason E. Miczek)

THE WINNER IS “The Prairie Raynor” by Chicago Golf Club historian John Moran, and Rand Jerris who spent over three decades at the USGA, overseeing the USGA Golf Museum and Library. Jerris now has his own consulting firm, Purple Valley Strategies.

Both Moran and Jerris were honored this past weekend at the annual United States Golf Association (USGA) meetings in Pinehurst North Carolina. Where both authors were honored by receiving the Herbert Warren Wind Award for their work in golf literature.

THE BOOK (published in 2024) is the vision released through the authors that incorporates historical photo’s and original sketches.

The cover of The Prairie Raynor book, by John Moran and Rand Jerris.

Readers can enjoy the story of Seth Raynor’s transformation of the Chicago Golf Club, into a historical design that has withstood the test of time.

Chicago Golf Club located today in Wheaton Illinois, went from being one of the five original founding USGA clubs. To being a venue that has hosted eight USGA national championships (with two more championships scheduled, the 2033 U.S. Women’s Open and the 2036 Walker Cup).

“The book reminds us of what it takes to stand the test of time,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “Chicago Golf Club is not just an iconic championship venue, but a beloved course that the greats in course architecture and agronomy have given to America. The incredible care that John and Rand put forth in creating this book reminds us why the story is important and why it’s deserving of recognition.”

Portrait of John Moran and Rand Jerris Ph.D., recipients of the Herbert Warren Wind Award, during the 2025 Annual Meeting at The Carolina Hotel in Village of Pinehurst, NC on Saturday, March 1, 2025. (Copyright USGA/Jaydon Brunson)

So the Prairie Raynor takes the reader through how Chicago Golf Club founder, Charles Blair Macdonald suggested the club hire Raynor to develop a new design, because of what had become an aging design and routing.

Because of the development of the rubber-core golf ball. The sport of golf and how it was played had changed in a just a few years.

But when Raynor arrived in Wheaton, his lack of knowledge in American prairie land became quickly apparent. So as a result, Raynor spent two full days sitting in the clubs clocktower. Where he would admire the expansive prairie land of the clubs current location.

The time turned out to be well spent, because his inspiration still stands over 100 years later. So does the clubs clocktower, now a monument to Raynor’s evolution in course design.

So as the book project started, Moran sought after Jerris to assist in an editorial role. But that quickly changed, and before long the two men were working as co-authors. Jerris brought the book an explanation on how Raynor’s work, is still of great influence in today’s designs.

THE SHACK GOLF CLUB located at 1717 Chestnut avenue in Glenview, is open daily with seven simulators and a putting green. So book your tee time today at TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905. #Lessons #Clubfittings.

MORAN HAS BEEN part of the Chicago Golf Club for five decades. But began his time at the club as a caddie in 1977.

But in 1986 he became a member of the club, and currently serves on the clubs board of directors.

“Chicago Golf Club has been an important home for my family and myself. The opportunity to tell the story of the course with Rand Jerris has been a pleasure and a privilege,” said Moran. “My hope is that the book helps our club and others like it. So they can recognize and perpetuate the strong level of stewardship that has gone into the creation and decades of subsequent care. Which has made our golden-age course beautiful and still relevant.”

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Chicago Golf Club member/club historian John Moran. As Moran takes you through the creation of book and history of the Chicago Golf Club.

“John and I challenged each other to find innovative ways to describe a golf course,” said Jerris. ‘Seth Raynor’s creative genius and the club’s exemplary stewardship of his masterpiece provided ample inspiration to do so. It is our hope that the book will spark meaningful conversations between golfers, golf architects, golf course superintendents, green committee chairs and historians about the meaning, value and stewardship of great golf architecture.”

CLICK HERE to hear the interview with Dr. Rand Jerris. Jerris reviews Chicago Golf Club history and the creation of The Prairie Raynor.

The book is available for purchase at Grant Books Ltd’s website or USGA Publications.

  SHOW PATRON FAVORITE the long putt was very busy once more. Instructor Hank Haney was a big draw on the main stage-Saturday afternoon. Golf Season is here.

The Gog Blog by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on X @GogBlogGuy with a DF3 Lab Golf Putter on The Evans at Canal Shores. 6th tee-the putting hole.

NOW IT FEELS LIKE GOLF SEASON.

Because for me the golf show season is now over. So now all that is left is for the temperatures to warm up, and golf courses to open.

But let’s hope that no more snow arrives, and things can start to green up over the next 27 days.

So are you ready for golf season? Have you taken a lesson, have your purchased new clubs. Maybe you at least some new golf balls to start the 2025 golf season with. If not many clubs are now doing the buy three dozen, get a fourth dozen balls for free. So check with your local club for golf ball specials.

SO WRAPPING UP THE CHICAGO SHOW-News, notes and more.

THE ILLINOIS PGA has announced that the Illinois Open at Kemper Lakes in early August, will have a presenting sponsor-Troon Golf. Illinois PGA officials do expect the purse and winners share (providing they are a professional) to increase.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Illinois PGA Executive Director Carrie Williams, on the Illinois Open, and everything IPGA for 2025.

James Nelson (L) Ambassador of Illinois PGA Section-PGA Hope. With Carrie Williams IPGA (R).

So in addition to the Illinois Open news, is the IPGA Championship series.

Six events at six great clubs, where the professionals can play with the amateurs who have a handicap of 10 or less.

So visit IPGA.com for details. The IPGA Section Championship now a 36-hole event, has allowed more premium Chicago area clubs to offer to be a host facility. This year the Illinois Section will be played at the famed Donald Ross designed Beverly Country Club in late August.

SPEAKING on behalf of the IPGA membership was section Vice President and Director of Golf at Mistwood golf club Andy Mickelson.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with IPGA VP Andy Mickelson.

Instructor Hank Haney was a hit on the main stage on Saturday afternoon.

GOLF INSTRUCTOR HANK HANEY was the star of the main stage.

Haney a long time swing coach to star players on the PGA Tour, answered questions from the audience, after sharing several of his thoughts and approaches to the game of golf.

Recently Haney (69) relocated back to the Chicago Northern Suburbs, to help his son get more involved in youth hockey.

During an interview with Golfers on Golf, Haney spoke about his plan to build several teaching studio’s around the Chicago area. The first one is nearing completion in the North Shore. Haney is still scouting locations around Chicago to build another four or five locations.

FOR THOSE OF YOU looking for a new putter this year. Make sure you listen to Haney’s comments on LAB Golf putters, he is a big fan.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with golf instructor Hank Haney.

NEW GM at the White Pines Golf Club in Bensenville Andrew Godfrey-congrats Andrew. White Pines will be redoing it’s cart paths all 36 holes in May.

FROM BOYNE GOLF in Michigan-the new par-3 course Doon Brae and Back Yaird putting green designed by Ray Hearn-will open on June 6th. Boynegolf.com.

Next stop for the PGA Tour-Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill. Photo by Larry Spalla.

The PGA Tour after a week in Palm Beach Gardens will move a little more north to Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill. It should be an exciting week at Arnie’s Place.

MY GOLF SPY has put out some early in 2025 awards, and given the new Callaway Elyte XXX driver the best new driver award.

But MGS also awarded the new Tour Edge 525 series driver as the best new-accurate driver. Kudo’s to everyone at Batavia based Tour Edge Golf.

Word is that Tour Edge Golf could have an additional product announcement coming out later this month. So stay tuned for more.

I do have a few samples of the new Zero Friction TruRoll golf balls that I’m looking to try out when the courses open. They do look like a good ball, hopefully they are just that.

FINALLY WRAPPING UP FROM THE CHICAGO GOLF SHOW. Great show this year, very well attended. So maybe the warm weather on Friday or cold weather on the weekend played a role. It really showed that a top rated instructor attracts people to the main stage, if Haney isn’t available for an encore-maybe David Ledbetter or Jim McLean in 2026.

GOT THE GOLF BUG NOW-get in the simulators at The Shack Golf Club in Glenview (847)-904-2905, OR get over to the Schaumburg Golf Club on Roselle Road (847)-885-9000. Great food and beverages at both locations.

THE GOG BLOG returns all week. RS