THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME is located on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook and is the home of Toptracer golf, including the annual ICE BOWL Tournament. So whether it’s lessons, club fittings or chicken wings in McWethy’s Sports Bar, it’s time to enjoy the winter golf season in the dome. So visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call (630)-739-7600 #MGD

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

The Kemper Lakes Clubhouse-has plenty of changes both inside and outside.

IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN to Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer lately, a return visit might leave you pleasantly surprised by the improvements.

Because Kemper Lakes is no longer your fathers Kemper Lakes, and the golf course is plenty different than the one where the late Payne Stewart won the 1989 PGA Championship.

It’s not the course that Hale Irwin shot 63 on to win the Ameritech Senior Open, or the course that Sung Hyun Park survived a three-way playoff to win the 2018 KPMG Championship.

Kemper Lakes is so much different that 1989 head golf professional Emil Esposito might not recognize the club, neither might Kemper’s 2018 head golf professional Jim Billiter.

What Kemper Lakes has become is a beast, that can test the games best players and the longest hitters.

The Gauntlet holes 16-17-18 are no longer the only challenge at Kemper Lakes.

The Chicago area now has an old venue (founded 1979), that has raised it’s game to be a modern day championship golf venue.

So if certain golf bodies such as the USGA and PGA of America were smart, they would revisit Kemper Lakes and view it as a future site.

What the PGA Tour could do, is send a few of it’s staff members up to see Kemper Lakes. Since they are in town prepping Medinah Country Club for the 2026 Presidents Cup. They would be surprised with what they would find.

Kemper Lakes was recently named as host site for the 2025 Illinois Open, the first week of August ( 4-5-6).

The reality of what lies ahead hits the golfer right on the new first tee box at Kemper Lakes.

Recently retired golf architect Rick Jacobson in one of his final projects, put the bite back in the golf course.

Jacobson’s added improvements at Kemper Lakes, could be considered some of his best work in the home stretch of his career.

The courses original designers the late Dick Nugent and Ken Killian, should both be looking down with a smile and a grin.

The par-4 second hole’s new tee box, sits back left of the old tee. It forces the drive to be out to the right, where two new fairway bunkers are waiting.

Jacobson didn’t just add length to Kemper Lakes (240 yards), but added some new bunker locations while reshaping others.

Several of the holes had pretty safe landing area’s, but not anymore.

Because now there are plenty of new fairway bunkers to be found. Located in the area’s where tee shots will be landing.

Even though there is a new bunker on the first hole, it’s tucked into an area short and left of the green. New fairway bunkers in the landing zones, can be found on holes 2,4,5,7,8,10,14,15. Many of the fairway bunkers that remain from the prior design have been reshaped, with bunker faces lowered, and grass “tongues” added to break up the overall size.

Grass bridges are now in between what was formerly large bunkers, to improve green access and improve pace-of-play. Kemper Lakes largest bunker than ran down the left side of the 14th fairway has been replaced. The new left side bunker is now “bunkers” and they make up a nest of smaller traps.

Owner Nick Larkin (L) and legendary caddie master Greg Kunkel (R) invite golfers to visit “The Shack Golf Club” at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview. 7 simulators and a new putting green. See TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905, and you can join Arnie at the bar.

The new tee boxes add anywhere from 20-40 yards per hole. They are located on holes 1,2,5,6,9,10,13,14,15 and 17.

During the renovation process some thought was given to adding a new back tee on the par-5 7th hole. That tee would have been placed on the other side of the water back inline with the sixth green.

It would have made the 557-yard par 5 hole play closer to 650 yards. So maybe that idea will be saved for when the next renovation comes along.

There was not a new tee box built on the par-4 16th hole, since at 465 yards the hole plays long enough as it is. Legend has it that Cog Hill owner the late Joe Jemsek called the 16th hole, the toughest par-4 in the Chicago area. The 16th hole is the first of the three Gauntlet holes-good luck.

But with plenty of sand and water already in place. The only change over the last three holes is the new back tee on the par-3 17th hole. The club’s “signature hole” made golfers uneasy as they tried to hit the island green from just over 200 yards. So now they can try it from 223 yards.

The back tee view on the 621 yard par-5 16th hole, which is the golfers tune up for the Gauntlet holes.

Brad Slocum is the Illinois PGA Assistant Executive Director and Manager of Tournament Operations. Slocum now has plenty of options for course set up Open week.

Slocum if he so decides, could make the 2025 Illinois Open (Aug. 4-6) one of the toughest and most challenging Illinois Opens in recent history.

Since Slocum still has seven months to finalize his masterplan on course setup, nothing is now finalized. But since the players will start on both tee’s 1 and 10, Slocum could make both par-4’s play long and tough. Slocum now has 7,417+ yards to work with.

The par-3 13th hole from the new back left tee box, that makes the hole play over 200 yards over bunkers.

The par-5 fourth hole plays only 508 yards, which sounds like a birdie hole. But it’s likely the hole will be set up as a par-4. That will force longer drives away from the right side water. So players will play towards the new fairway bunkers left of the fairway.

But now with two different tee’s on the par-3 13th hole. Slocum could have the field playing it’s drives into the green from different directions. the right side tee box can now push the yardage to 250 yards. But while the left side tee box is shorter at just over 200 yards, the tee shot to a back or back left pin will need to be a nice draw over bunkers. The par-3 17th hole the island green could play as short as 142 yards, or 223 yards, if the wind blows strong, shots from either length will test the players nerve.

The new clubhouse patio is complete with outdoor dining and a view of the 18th green, and rebuilt practice green behind the 18th green.

KEMPER LAKES has made numerous improvements on and off the golf course. Both inside and outside of the clubhouse.

The main dining room has been moved to an area that includes a new bar, and all-glass wine storage area.

Outside the new patio area has both under-roof dining, and a not-covered area complete with couches and firepits.

The old practice green that sat behind the 18th hole green, has been restored. It suffered damage from hospitality tents during the KPMG. Now the newly improved green can have putting play under the lights, with an audience from the patio.

The new main dining room and bar complete with golf course views.

The former main dining area, still has a bar. But it has been fashioned into a full comfort area, with couches and large chairs. This area is for those who wish to relax and talk without the noise of the main dining room.

The banquet room that holds events for up to 250 people, is used for golf simulators in the off-season.

Kemper Lakes has plenty of acres to work with for championship professional golf. Because the course can accommodate 50,000 patrons per day. The par-3 13th could be set-up stadium style, like the famed 16th hole in Phoenix. Right next to the golf course, is over 5,000 paved parking spots surrounding the office complex.

So when will top level professional golf return to Kemper Lakes, that’s still something that remains to be seen.

Kemper Lakes General Manager John Hosteland will join Golfers on Golf in early January. He will discuss the recent facility wide improvements. Including membership opportunities, and the potential return of championship golf to Kemper Lakes.

But for more information on Kemper Lakes, please visit Kemperlakesgolf.com.

  NICK LARKIN (L) AND ALL-WORLD CADDIE MASTER GREG KUNKEL welcome you to start your winter golf season at The Shack Golf Club 1717 Chestnut Ave-in Glenview Seven simulators and a putting green are open for play. Then enjoy great food and beverages at the bar where Arnie hangs out. TheShackGolfclub.com (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 at LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram.

Welcome to the Bonita Bay Club.

THE BONITA BAY CLUB has announced that work at it’s Naples Florida Campus is now complete.

Because the prestigious Florida club has finished the $50 million dollar masterplan, to complete work on its Sabal Golf Course.

But part of the project on the Naples campus was the rebuilding of the clubhouse, that serves both the Sabal Course and the recently renovated Cypress Course that reopened for play in 2022.

Architect Tom Marzolf part of the Tom Fazio design team, led the redesign of both the Cypress Course and the Sabal Course.

Since 2022 the Bonita Bay Club’s masterplan has included, two golf course renovations and a renovation of the 14 acre practice facility.

This work includes two new golf performance centers, and the rebuilding of the Naples Campus Clubhouse.

The recent $16.5 million dollar renovation of the Sabal course, done over 16 months, included multiple improvements to all course features from drainage to greens.

Golf on the Naples campus of the Bonita Bay Club.

Sabal is a member-friendly course with five par-5’s, and 5-par-3’s. Which changes the playing experience from the Cypress Course, winner of the Renovation of the Year in 2023 by Golf Inc. in the Private Club Category.

The newly rebuilt clubhouse was a $12 million dollar project, by D. Garrett Construction and the AM Design Group.

So inside the clubhouse is a decor comprised of natural woods and stone accents. But the dining area’s now allow for both inside and outside enjoyment. The bar  is four-sided, with eight big-screen televisions.

The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook is open daily. Club fittings, lessons, Toptracer and McWethy’s Sportsbar. Call (630)-739-7600 or visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

“The recent renovations of the golf courses and the Naples Clubhouse put an exclamation mark on the investments the club has made to enhance the Naples campus, “said Fred Fung, Bonita Bay Club’s CEO and General Manager. ” So it is all about maximizing our members experiences and enjoyment levels. We are confident these dramatic upgrades have accomplished these goals.”

Bonita Bay Club members have access to five golf courses. Because there are three Arthur Hills-designed courses in the Bonita Bay community. Which is located between Fort Meyers and Naples.

So for more information please visit Bonitabayclub.net.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME-RT. 53 IN BOLINGBROOK is your home to winter golf in the dome. Mistwood has Toptracer golf which allows you to test your swing, learn your yardage numbers, and gather the data you need. But if you need more, how about a club fitting. So you can have the right clubs in your golf bag when outdoor golf returns in 2025. McWethy’s Sports Bar is home to great food and a large choice of beverages. So book a hitting bay now at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome-(630)-739-7600.

By Rory Spears, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy  Facebook/LinkedIn/Instagram.

THE WORK HAS STARTED in Arlington Heights.

Nickol Knoll Park on the North Side of Arlington Heights, is home to Payton’s Hill and the Nickol Knoll par-3 golf course. A few years ago the Arlington Heights Park District renovated it’s main 18-hole golf course, Arlington Lakes GC under the eye of architect Mike Benkusky.

So after that successful project brought even more golfers out to Arlington Lakes, Benkusky is back at Nickol Knoll.

But long before Nickol Knoll was a park, it was a landfill used for training by Chicago Bear great, the late Walter Payton. Because early in Payton’s career, Payton was an Arlington Heights resident.

The par-3 third hole at the top of Payton’s Hill, is thought of as the courses “signature hole”.

Payton would park his car on the side street next to the hill, and start running the hill up and down.

Sometimes other athletes would try to run the hill on their own, or with Payton. But they often had little success before tiring out.

What Payton could accomplish on that hill, his hill, others simply could not. Today Nickol Knoll Park remembers Payton both in the golf course clubhouse, on the golf course, and with a monument on the property.

  A NEW TEE BOX will go into place on the third hole (L). The plaque honoring Payton sits near the top of the hill.

Benkusky’s masterplan presented to the Arlington Heights Park District, would add improvements and tributes to Payton, who made the hill and the park famous.

  THE TEE SHOT from the tips on the third hole (L). The Bears logo now is on all the new Yamaha golf carts at Nickol Knoll.

Recently the Bears and the local Arlington Heights school districts reached a tax deal on the land of the former Arlington Park. Land now owned by the Bears which required a tax agreement, before any Bears stadium could be built.

The Payton Place apartments sit adjacent to that land. So as the work begins on the golf course known as Payton’s Hill. The footprint of the Bears in Arlington Heights is continuing to grow.

    NICKOL KNOLL PARK is located on the Northside of Arlington Heights, between Dundee Road and Lake Cook Road. Wilke road to the west and Arlington Hts. road to the east. Architect Mike Benkusky (R in photo) recently served as the national president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).

Renovation work will continue in 2025.  So for more information on Nickol Knoll Park and the Arlington Heights Park District golf facilities and programs, visit AHPD.org.

  TIME TO PUT YOUR SHOES ON and head over to the Mistwood Golf Dome located on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook. Because the Mistwood Golf Dome is your one stop shop. Go hit some range balls, getting your distance numbers on Toptracer, or playing top rated golf courses from around the world. The fitting team of Eric Russell, Scott Hogan and Matt Carter is ready to put you into a new club or clubs for the 2025 golf season.

BUT IF YOUR IN NEED OF LESSONS. There are plenty of great teachers on the Mistwood Staff that will help you get it figured out. So you can take a better game to the course. So while you are there, enjoy great food from Chef Danny and the award winning chicken wings. Mistwood Golf is one of the Chicago area’s full year-round golf programs. So book a hitting bay today at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600.

THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter-X @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn-Facebook or Instagram. At the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook IL.

HOW MUCH MONEY $$$$$$

Do Team USA Ryder Cup players need?

Because most of them are sitting pretty well in the bank. But now they get an additional $500K for playing in the Ryder Cup next year at Bethpage.

So let me break this down. $300K is supposed to go to charity of the players choosing. $200k the players can keep, or give to charity. But the question will be, what charity. Because in the past some players have just donated the money to their own foundation. So will players keep the money they are allowed to keep, or donate it.

IT IS THOUGHT that some players on TEAM USA will donate their share to various charities. But the bigger question that is being raised is, why do they need to be paid at all. Team Europe’s players will not be paid. This is at their request.

BUT IN ALL FAIRNESS to TEAM USA, they have to play every year, USA players never get a year off like Team Europe players do, or the International Team does. Because having both a Ryder Cup and a Presidents Cup every other year, forces Team USA to have 12 players ready every year. So maybe their needs to be an event where Team Europe and the International Team play each other. This way Team USA gets a year off. A great idea-but one that will never happen.

Shack owner Nick Larkin invites golfers to golf all year round at The Shack Golf Club, 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview. Seven simulators and a putting green. So come hit it and join Arnie at bar. TheShackGolfClub.com or call (847)-904-2905.

NEW CLUBS…

IS IT TIME FOR SOME…or at least one new club.

SO YOU have time off around the holidays. Go get fitted for some new clubs.

But while you can get better deals if you buy new sticks at the time of a fitting. You don’t really have to buy that day. But it’s not such a bad idea to get an idea of what you need, to make your game better.

So if your tired of losing all the bets, tired of always having to buy lunch or the beer after a round. Never winning a skin-pot during an outing, seeing your handicap score go up. Maybe it’s time you update your clubs. But if your going to upgrade only one club, and not an entire set. I recommend the following. Go buy a driver first. Second go buy a putter. Finally and maybe the cheapest way out, is to buy a wedge. A new wedge can get you closer to the pin, or help you get out of the rough or a bunker.

NEW CLUBS PART TWO. It’s no longer the era of all the equipment companies releasing the new clubs at the PGA Show in late January. Because if you look around online, you can now see some of what’s new for 2025.

Golfers on Golf-Editor and DOC Rory Spears (L)-with LAB GOLF CEO Sam Hahn (R) at Rich Harvest Farms.

SO FAR a few things are standing out. The new Ping, Tour Edge and Callaway drivers look pretty good. But the world of putters is changing really quickly.

LETS CALL IT THE LAB GOLF REVOLUTION OF PUTTING. Because there was a time when LAB Golf putters were referred to as, those funny looking putters. But nobody is laughing anymore, as the LAB Golf army of golfers is growing every day. LAB Golf putters are showing up on every golf tour. No longer just mini-tours where players need something to get them to the next level.

LAB GOLF is not just about a style or design. It’s about the science of putting the proper roll and speed on a putt. It’s about putting the control of a putt back in the hands of the golfer. Which is something every golfer can use. So if your in the market for a new putter. Check out LAB Golf putters at Labgolf.com before you buy anything.

WEDGES. Buying one or two wedges is never a bad idea. Because getting out of the rough, or a bunker is key to keeping your score in check. Having the proper wedge, that gives you some spin from the fairway or chipping areas is key.

BEFORE YEAR’S END… I will post my favorite clubs, golf balls and other golf equipment brands. Then I will have some year end results or rankings on courses and Best of 2024. But then some hopes for 2025 on the golf course.

      Len Ziehm speaks with two-time Western Open Champion and three-time major champion Nick Price about his newly opened Soleta Golf Club design, complete with a David Ledbetter Academy in Myakka City Florida. Memberships and homes now available. Soletagolf.com.

But you can read Len Ziehm’s review of Soleta Golf at Lenziehmongolf.com. Golfers on Golf will visit Soleta next month around the PGA Show.

The Gog Blog returns this week. RS

  THE SHACK GOLF CLUB 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview is ready for another winter golf season. The Shack now has 7 simulators and a putting green. Owner Nick Larkin (above left) is often joined at the bar by all-world caddie Greg Kunkel and Arnie. So book your simulator or special event at TheShackGolfClub.com or (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 LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram

Welcome to Pinehurst 8. Now home to rooms with a view of the golf course.

ROOMS WITH A GOLF COURSE VIEW.

Historic Pinehurst has some amazing hotels. They are historic landmarks, the Carolina Hotel, The Holly Inn, The Manor Inn and the Magnolia Inn. But what they didn’t have was views of any of the golf courses at Pinehurst.

But that issue has been addressed and will be changing in 2025.

Welcome to the cottages at Pinehurst 8-now under construction. The first few cottages will open on May 1st.

Because the new cottages at Pinehurst No. 8, will have views of the golf course.

Come the fall season of 2025, the cottages will add 52 rooms to the resort.

“Through the generations, Pinehurst has always been about offering the best in golf,” said Tom Pashley, president of Pinehurst Resort. “Over the last few years, we’ve strived to enhance all aspects of the resort, with an emphasis on improving our accommodations, dining options and the overall guest experience. The cottages at No.8 are another reflection of Pinehurst listening to what our guests want and expect when they come to visit us, and we are excited to share this unique setting as a bold new way to enjoy the Cradle of American Golf.”

Aerial view of the new cottage site-under construction at Pinehurst No.8. Photo’s courtesy of Pinehurst resort.

Pinehurst No.8 just received a restoration two years ago. Now what was once home to Annie Oakley’s Pinehurst Gun Club, will be home to guests of the Pinehurst Resort.

While Pinehurst 8 was closed for the summer of 2022, the interior of the clubhouse was renovated.

The area within course No.8 where the cottage will be, sits near the Signature Sanctuary as designed by the Audubon Society. These cottages Pinehurst calls an enclave exclusively tucked away from the bustle of the downtown Pinehurst Village.

The interior look of the new Pinehurst No.8 cottages, that include two levels and up to four bedrooms on each floor.

The two-level cottages with have 2 to 4 bedrooms per floor, and a recreation room, that includes a pool table and common sitting area.

A fireplace is included along with spacious decks and porches, that will have views of the Pinehurst No.8 golf course.

Located in between the cottages will be numerous sitting area’s complete with firepits. A pavilion and large putting green that can be lit at night, will be constructed. Course No.8 cottage guests will have access to the Course No.8 clubhouse and restaurant that will be expanding its services.

Warm up this winter for your trip to Pinehurst at the Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt.53 in Bolingbrook. So enjoy Toptracer golf and McWethy’s Sports Bar by calling (630)-739-7600 or visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

“The cottages will be an immersive, highly personalized and private golf experience for our guests,” says Eric Kuester, vice president of sales and marketing at Pinehurst Resort. “This will be a next-level offering that can be customized to golf groups, especially an experience that’s really never been done here before to this degree.”

The cottages may be the first new construction of Pinehurst Resort accommodations since the Carolina Villa’s were constructed in the 1980’s. But they are the most recent improvements in a long list of both on course and off course work that has been done over the last 15 years.

Pinehurst room renovations recently started 5 years ago in the Manor Inn in 2019, followed by the Magnolia in 2021, and then a three year-three phase renovation in the Carolina Hotel completed shortly before this last June’s 2024 U.S. Open played on Pinehurst No.2.

But it’s the Holly that will see newest improvements through out the inn in 2025.

Pashley says that Pinehurst,” learned a lot from the Manor Inn room renovations that has allowed us to improve our room product. So we feel like there has never been a better time to play or stay at Pinehurst.”

So to book your trip to Pinehurst, The Cradle of American Golf. See Pinehurst.com.

   MCWETHY’S TAVERN at Mistwood Golf Club is open year round, the Mistwood Golf Course is closed. But you can still enjoy fine dining and beverages at the bar in the tavern. Located on Renwick road in Romeoville (815)-254-7001. But the Mistwood Golf Dome is back in the full winter season golf mode. So book a hitting bay on line and come enjoy some Toptracer golf, club fittings, MistwoodGolfDome.com (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

CY6-01 by Peak Vision Eyewear $149.99

PEAKVISION for when you need your eyewear to be at its best.

Peakvision eyewear is made by golfers in Myrtle Beach South Carolina, for golfers.

But Peakvision is perfect for people that don’t golf. Because of it’s stylish nature, Peakvision works just as well off the golf course as it does on it.

So just how good is Peakvision eyewear. It’s so good that one golfer recently noticed that he was playing great golf, during a round wearing Peakvision eyewear. But in the past he struggled with his game when wearing sunglasses while playing golf. So on the 15th tee box he realized he had played the last 14 holes wearing Peakvision sunglasses.

The SL9 glasses by Peakvision $149.99

Plus the results on the score card weren’t so bad either.

So if some stylish brands have become to over priced for your budget. Peakvision fits right down the middle, with most of its line of eyewear being in the $100 range. Not the $200 or up range by some companies.

Peakvision is stylish eyewear, it works not just on the golf course, but off the course as well.

So if your one of those golfers, worried that taking your sunglasses to the golf course will dame them, or you might just forget them in the golf cart. Peakvision is not over-priced, or built like the $25 pairs you find in pro shops.

GX5 glasses by Peakvision $129.99 the newer GX6 line (not pictured here) retails at $159.99.

So if you need to cut down on the glare from the sun, whether you are on the golf course or the Pickleball Court. Peakvision is for you.

Do you need a little more style when you are not competing, on the course or on the court. Then Peakvision is still for you.

If your not in the mood for $250 or $300 dollar sunglasses, then Peakvision is for you.

Peakvision is perfect for driving, on the boat or just laying around on the patio, the beach or enjoying the outdoor beer garden.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Nick Feaser-Vice President of Peakvision Eyewear.

You can order Peakvision eyewear online at PeakVision.com or call (888)-673-8134. So follow the golf ball better on bright sunny days with Peakvision eyewear.

  THE SHACK GOLF CLUB starts this years winter golf season with 7 simulators, and a putting green. But while you are at the Shack, why not join Arnie at the bar. So book your bay and bring a group by calling (847)-904-2905 or visit 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 LinkedIn/Facebook/Instagram

    THE SIMULATORS ARE OPEN-every day until 9 Pm. Open all winter long starting at 11 Am, is the Acorn Grill. Coming starting on January 11th, the Saturday and Sunday family brunch. Kids under 12 are free.

The Mistwood Golf Dome Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook. Toptracer golf and McWethys Bar. (630)-739-7600 and visit Mistwoodgolfdome.com.

So enjoy food and beverage from the Acorn Grill while you golf in the simulators.

But if your in need for holidays gifts, or want to give your favorite golfer the FREE gift of golf for 2025. Why not order a Heritage Oaks gift card. They can be purchased for amounts starting at $25 or higher in the pro shop.

So do you need a fitting, tomorrow (Friday the 13th) Titleist Golf comes to Heritage Oaks. But call the pro shop at (847)-291-2351 for hours and availability. The 2025 outdoor golf season will be here before you know it. Fittings are done all winter in the fitting tent in the pro shop. Heritageoaksgc.com.

Heritage Oaks Golf Club is part of the Northbrook Park District.

  THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook has plenty to offer during the Chicago winter golf season. So come enjoy Toptracer golf, get a club fitting, attend one of the upcoming demo days, take a golf lesson, play in one of the Toptracer golf events, or enjoy great food in McWethy’s Sports Bar. So book a bay today online or on the phone at Mistwoodgolfdome.com or call the dome at (630)-739-7600 #Mistwoodgolf

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

Tyler Wollberg the new GM and head golf professional at Pine Meadow GC in Mundelein.

THIS SUNDAY FROM 1-4 at THE PINE

Jemsek Golf invites you to come and meet Tyler Wollberg the new General Manager and Head Golf Professional at Pine Meadow GC in Mundelein.

Wollberg the Mundelein native and high school graduate comes backs to his home town.

Retiring GM and head Golf Professional Dennis Johnsen says,” I could not be more pleased with the selection of Tyler. Because I believe he is the perfect fit for the Pine Meadow community.”

Wollberg comes over to Pine Meadow from The Grove Country Club in nearby Long Grove. But prior to that Wollberg a PGA member since 2014, attended Carthage College in Kenosha Wisconsin where he was a three-time NCAA Division III All-American.

The Shack Indoor Golf Club at 1717 Chestnut Ave. in Glenview. 7 simulators bays, and a putting green. The Shackgolfclub.com or call (847)-804-2905

Wollberg later coached college golf in Kenosha at UW-Parkside for the Rangers.

Wollberg is a TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) Level 3 Instructor, Wollberg is a Level 2 Junior US Kids Certified Coach.

The meet and greet is this Sunday from 1-4 Pm. But for more information you can call Pine Meadow at (847)-566-4653 (Golf).

Pine Meadow Golf Club has one of the most popular grills in the Chicago area, and one of the largest practice ranges, that includes natural grass hitting space. Pinemeadowgc.com.

   THE SHACK GOLF CLUB at 1717 Chestnut in Glenview is open for the winter golf season with new simulators and a putting green. So now there is more room to get in a practice session with Trackman or test your game on a top rated golf course. The food and beverage menu is great to enjoy while getting your golf, and you will find Arnie at the bar. So book a bay today at (847)-904-2905 or visit TheShackGolfClub.com.

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

Bettinardi Studio “B” is open in Oakbrook on 22nd street, next to Michael Jordan’s restaurant.

IS IT TIME FOR A SERIOUS PUTTER FITTING.

Studio B the “northern home” of Bettinardi Golf is ready to take you to a level your putting game has not experienced before.

This morning the Hive is active again, with the “Bettipalooza” drop of goodies.

So just in time for the holidays, you can find putters, wedges, putter covers all types, and golf bags.

Welcome to Studio B at Bettinardi Golf

What type of putter are you looking for, are you a Bears fan. Because if so, right now for a limited time, there are some custom putters with Bears logo’s on them.

So if your looking for a special golf gift this holiday season, why not get your golfer a putter fitting at Studio B.

Studio B is easy to get to, and with it’s Oakbrook location, its centralized from about any where in the Chicago area. But if your favorite golfer actually buys a putter on the day of a fitting. Chances are they will walk out the door and be taking their new putter back to their clubhouse with them.

                      TAKE YOUR PICK of putters at Bettipalooza. Stop by Studio B in Oakbrook and get a putting fitting. Because you can make 2025 the year you start making more putts, and lowering your score and handicap.

But while you are at Studio B, check out what else Bettinardi Golf has to offer. So do remember-The Hive is active today. Don’t miss out. Bettinardigolf.com.

  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