MATT CARTER (L) AND ERIC RUSSELL (R) make up the highly rated Mistwood Golf Club Fitting Team-the outdoor season will be here soon. Get your clubs ready to go for outdoor play on this 30+ degree morning. Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600.

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

Not much snow left-time to visit the Schaumburg Golf Club. The outdoor course will be opening soon-stay tuned for an announcement on opening day. three simulators now open. Schaumburggolf.com (847)-885-9000

STILL PLENTY OF NEWS LEFT to hit down the fairway, so stay clicked in to Golfers on Golf.

THE Chicago District Golf Association (CDGA) has announced a new event for 2023.

The Inaugural Family Classic, build your team of related family, for a 1:30 shotgun tee time at the Prairie Landing Golf Club, in West Chicago.

The event is sponsored by Zero Friction Golf Products-of Oak Brook Terrace-to sign up visit CDGA.org.

  THE COTTAGES at Cabot Citrus Farms in Brooksville Florida now on sale starting at $1,995,000. Golf on the property expected to open in late 2023. Phase 1 with 36 cottages (nestled into the golf courses) to pick from-See CabotCitrusFarms.com.

LIV GOLF ORLANDO coming this week. Buy your tickets now.

ARE YOU READY TO LIV.

The LIV Golf Tour comes to Orlando Florida this week.

So get your tickets now. This will be the strongest field in golf this week.

Year 2 for the LIV Golf tour is underway and playing it’s second event of the year in the USA. Located at the Orange County Golf Club-site of demo day during the PGA Merchandise Show. LIVgolf.com for more details.

THE BB 41 by Bettinardi Golf

BB41

The BB 41 by Bettinardi is here.

It’s the third edition of the companies 25th anniversary series.

The limited edition has a special insert for a small amount of limited purchasers.

Bettinardi putters are made in the Chicago area suburb of Tinley Park, and played on tour by the reigning U.S. Open champion. So learn more about the putter line at Bettinardi.com.

The L’auberge casino hotel and golf-Lake Charles Louisiana.

THE L’Auberge Casino Resort and Golf has announced it will join with the Women’s All-Pro Tour (WAPT) in holding a tournament during the week of April 11-15.

The tournament will help raise funds for the Autism Services of Southwest Louisiana.

This is the second event of the year for the tour, and is part of the PXG race to Stage II. The field will be 108 professionals from around the world. Tournament purse is $55,000, with the winner taking home $10,000. Details at Dirercareinc.com or autismservicesswla.com.

THE PRESERVE at Oak Meadows is expected to be open next weekend (April 1st) weather permitting. Dupagegolf.com

THE ANNOUNCEMENT IS HERE

Opening day is almost here. So DuPage Golf wanted you to know it’s time to be ready for golf.

Monday March 27th-Maple Meadows is open.

Thursday March 30th-Green Meadows is open.

The Preserve at Oak Meadows-should open next weekend April 1st, weather permitting. So watch for details at DuPageGolf.com and enjoy food and beverage at the now award winning Greenway Tap in the Oak Meadows clubhouse. Check DuPagegolf.com for days and hours at the Greenway Tap.

THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS has announced that 5th year senior Matthis Besard was named the B1G Ten Golfers of the Week. Besard finished 9th at the NIT Tournament. Besard’s scores led the Illini to a 4th place finish in the extremely strong field in Tucson Arizona. The field included 9 of the nations Top 30 ranked programs.

The Oaks Grille opening soon at Blackberry Oaks, operated now by Blackberry Oaks.

NEW At Blackberry Oaks in Bristol IL.

Coming soon to Blackberry Oaks Golf Club-home of the Chad Johansen Golf Academy, is the new Oaks Grille. The name the Oaks Grille won out in close vote over the name-**Chads**.

Blackberry Oaks has announced the new manager will be Ryan Auberry. The club is now hiring all positions in the Grille and needs cart attendants. The Spring scramble is sold out, but spots remain open for the summer scramble. See BlackberryOaks.com

Welcome to Sea Pines Resort-Hilton Head Island South Carolina.

SEA PINES RESORT is offering a Spring Great Escape.

The Escape Vacation Package can be attractive to families with adults and children of all ages, and with variety of interests.

Golf is a strong activity at the resort and is home to the RBC Heritage, the only PGA Tour stop in the state of South Carolina. The package is not available during the RBC, which runs from April 10-16.

Two airports serviced by Delta-American and united make it easy to get to the resort. So for more details see Seapines.com/offers-and-packages/escape-vacation-packages and enter the promotion code ESCAPE or call (866)-561-8802 and mention the offer.

The Stewart Apex remote trolley.

STEWART TROLLEY has announced the latest addition to it’s line of products.

The NEW Apex Remote Trolley is a pioneer in the world of “follow technology”.

Stewart Golf is calling the new trolley the “ultimate remote machine”, because it gives golfers control over their trolley from up to 100 yards away.

The new Apex trolley comes with Active Terrain Control (ATC) so golfers remain in control in spite of how difficult the terrain can be. The SmartPower Lithium batter gives the trolley enough energy for 27 to 45 holes of golf.

“With the forward-thinking the technology applied to Apex, we believe we have a machine that not only looks fantastic, but performs at a level that sets it apart from anything else out there,” says Mark Stewart CEO of Stewart Golf. So for more details visit Stewartgolfusa.com The Black or Carbon editions retail at $1,899.

PXG announces the release of Gen6 clubs.

GEN6 is here.

PXG Golf has released the Gen6 clubs as of this past week.

PXG CEO Bob Parson’s says,” Our irons that people said could not get any better, are faster, longer and more accurate. They might be the best iron on the market. Our new driver we feel is the best driver on the market.”

Parson’s adds, “we have pushed the limits in technology, while creating these clubs.”

PXG Golf has two locations in the Chicago area, one in Northbrook, and one in the western suburbs of Oak Brook Terrace. A more in depth story will be featured here in the day ahead. So until then visit PXG.com which now has almost 40 touring professionals on it’s golf staff. PXG has announced the release of it’s 2023 Spring Apparel collection, see more at PXG.com/apparel.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein has announced Titleist fitting days with fitter Brad Nelson-starting April 13th. There is a $100 per hour fitting fee, that is applied to any purchase. But you must book an appointment in advance-NO Walk Ups. To schedule please call (847)-566-4653 (GOLF).

Con Struct Apparel-new and made from recycled products.

CON.STRUCT has launched.

First seen at the 2023 PGA Show in Orlando Florida.

Con.Struct has launched it’s 2023 line of men’s clothing. But the line is made from recycled products and renewable solar powered energy.

The line of Polo styled shirts-quarter styled zips and more has a UV 50 rating of protection. So Con.struct is the Golfers on Golf Best Men’s Apparel winner from the golf show. Conxstruct.com.

The New XXIO Prime line of clubs.

XXIO ANNOUNCES THE XXIO PRIME

The official launch date will be April 14th of 2023. But the Prime Line will offer improved power, control and speed performance. These features come in a lightweight design set of clubs.

In addition to Prime is the Prime Royal Edition in Men’s and Ladies editions.

The key additions to Prime are a Rebound frame, Weight Plus Technology, ActivWing, Super-TIX 51 AF Titanium Face, SP-1200 Shaft. Cost XXIO Prime Driver $899.99 Fairway Woods $599.99, Hybrids $419.99-Irons 7-PW $1,199.99, Single Iron $299.99. XXIO Prime package Set $4,499.99.

PRIME ROYAL EDITION Men’s and Ladies. Driver $1,199.99, Fairway Woods $799.99, Hybrids $499.99, Six Piece Irons 7-SW $2,099.99, Single Iron $349.99. Package set $5,299.99. XXIOusa.com. “These clubs are created for golfers who have lost some speed over time, but are still looking to add distance and maintain accuracy,” said Chuck Thiry, Vice President of XXIO.

Srixon/Cleveland launch partnership with Arccos

SRIXON/CLEVELAND to partner with ARCCOS GOLF.

Arccos is know for being a pioneer of automatic shot tracking, big data and artificial intelligence for golf.

Currently these is a special offer for Srixon/Cleveland player to receive a free set of Arccos Smart-Sensors, plus a 45-day free trial of the Arccos Caddie Platform.

“Capturing and analyzing on-course data has long been an essential tool for the world’s top players,” said Scott Carlyle, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing. “Through this partnership with Arccos, we are making the same opportunity to play smarter golf to our community of golfers.” To redeem the promotion visit Srixon’s website.

The Donald Ross course at the French Lick Resort.

FRENCH LICK RESORT continues to see growth in golf play.

So with golf rounds growing by over 22% since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, pre-bookings for 2023 have increased.

Pre-booking for golf at the resort, are up over 300% already.

“With growth and popularity of the game since the pandemic, we have seen a significant increase in demand for our golf courses, both in regular tee times and with golf packages,” said Dave Harner, French Lick’s Director of Golf. “Traditionally, golfers would wait to book packages in the spring or last minute in the summer thinking they might get a greater value. But since the pandemic-golfers have been booking in fall for the next year, to assure the best times possible.”

Harner said rounds are up 58% since 2020 on the Pete Dye Course. Even with price increases on French Lick Resort Golf, demand is still high. So for more information on the French Lick Resort or FLR-Golf, see Frenchlick.com. Nearby course Sultans Run golf club, has been named home of the 2024 Senior LPGA Championship. Which was previously held on the Pete Dye Course.

GOLFFOREVER has announced 2023 Ryder Cup Captain Zach Johnson as a new brand ambassador for the stretching and training aid. Because at age 46 Johnson continues to wanting to compete at a high level. Johnson joins fellow ambassadors Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth current product ambassadors. But for more information see GolfForever.com.

Callaway Golf’s full face-full toe grooved wedges. So learn more at Callawaygolf.com.

PLAY GOLF MYRTLE BEACH

So it’s time to mark your calendar.

Because the 40th Annual World Golf Amateur Handicap Championship will be played from August 28 through Sept. 1.

But entries are already being accepted. So don’t delay, over 3,200 players are expected this year. Entry fee is now $699.00, which includes at least four rounds of golf, night admission into the World’s Largest 19th hole and a gift bag. The tournament gets played on over 50 Myrtle Beach golf courses. Because golfers have 12 different age divisions to fit into, you won’t be playing against players half your age. There are divisions for both men and women.

So get signed up at MyrtleBeachWorldAmateur.com.

Jacob “Jake” Mendoza returns to Rich Harvest Farms as the clubs new Superintendent.

HE’S BACK!

Jacob “Jake” Mendoza is back at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. The announcement was made by RHF owner Jerry Rich.

Mendoza previously worked at RHF from 2005 to 2008, after wrapping up an internship at Winged Foot.

But then Mendoza left for Medinah Country Club, and was the lead superintendent on Course No.3 for the 2012 Ryder Cup.

After Medinah, Mendoza went to the Detroit Country Club, and prepped the course for the PGA Tour’s Rocket Mortgage Tournament. So now he gets the task of getting RHF ready for the 2023 LIV Golf Tournament in September.

THE INDOOR GOLF SHOP and the INHOME GOLF form an Exclusive North American partnership.

DALLAS TEXAS-The Indoor Golf Shop the largest U.S. distributor, manufacturer and online retailer of residential and commercial indoor golf simulator equipment, and InHome Golf, Canada’s leading custom golf simulator design and installation company, have created a partnership to build the best indoor golf experiences in North America.

So for more information on this partnership please visit Shopindoorgolf.com or Inhomegolf.com.

The U.S. Senior Open the Francis D. Ouimet trophy. June 29-July 2 at Sentry World.

THE USGA has announced the qualifying sites for this years U.S. Senior Open.

This years Senior Open will be held at SentryWorld in Stevens Point Wisconsin, from June 29-July 2.

Qualifiers are 18 holes and will be held at 33 locations. Defending champion Padraig Harrington will defend his title.

Expected to play are Wisconsin natives, 2019 champion Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly. The only qualifier held in Illinois, will be at the Flossmoor Golf Club on Tuesday May 23rd. So for more information please visit USGA.org.

Cantigny Golf Learning Center-Wheaton Illinois.

KEMPERSPORTS Management and Cantigny Golf have announced the addition of Trackman to it’s practice facility.

All 10 indoor climate controlled hitting bays, have 27 inch screens for golfers to view the data from from their shots.

“This is an investment in our future and our customers,” said head golf professional Matt Tullar. The practice facilities are open various hours from Tuesday through Sunday. But for further information please call Cantigny at (630)-260-8199, or visit Cantignygolf.com.

FINN SCOOTERS for when your round of golf has a need for speed.

TO YOU LIKE TO MOTOR when you play golf ?

Well now you can, just find a course that has Finn Scooters for you to rent for your day on the golf course. There are now over 160 courses in 40 states that allow golfers to use the Finn Scooter.

Because the Finn Scooters come complete with coolers, cargo baskets, golf bags, seat covers and more. So if you need your music-the Blue tooth speakers are an option. Their speed is the same as a golf cart-about 15 mph. So if you want one for personal use Finn Scooters sell for the price of $3,499. Learn more at FinnScooters.com.

The Sun Mountain Baron stand bag-$319.99.

NEW FROM SUN MOUNTAIN.

The Baron-stand alone golf bag.

This new bag comes with a velour-lined pocket for rangefinders.

There are full length dividers, and six pockets. They include a beverage pouch, apparel pocket, and velour lined pockets for valuables.

A plush-lined shoulder strap gives the golf comfort while carrying the bag around the golf course. But the chrome plate can be used to customize your name or initials. So learn more about “The Baron” at Sunmountain.com.

Cleveland Golf Releases the new full-face CBX Wedges.

THE NEW CLEVELAND CBX WEDGE

Cleveland Golf has released the new full-face CBX Wedges.

They are now available in pro shops and retail outlets.

The wedges are designed to be even more forgiving, with both a larger face, and added Hydra Zip, Zipcore and UltiZip technologies. Cleveland says it’s the perfect wedge for golfers wanting to get creative around the green. “With the biggest face ever on a CBX wedge, golfers can strike the ball anywhere on the face and get more forgiveness,” says Dustin Brekke, Director of Engineering at Cleveland Golf. So for more information see online us.dunlopsports.com Cost is $169.99 per wedge.

NOW RELEASED the Zip Core wedges in Tour Rack and Black Satin finishes. USDunlopsports,com/clevelandgolf.

THE BRAND NEW TITLEIST PRO V1   and the          TITLEIST PRO V1X

For 2023 Titleist has upgraded the famed Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls. But for Titleist to release a new version of the Pro-V golf ball, the company says it must be better than the previous version. So as in past upgrades-there are changes to the cover, the core and the dimple pattern. The new version of the Pro-V golf ball is now available at a cost of $54.99 per dozen. But for more information see Titleist.com.

The NEW PuttView glasses.

PUTTVIEW X has made it’s debut at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

This Augmented Reality system has raised the level of golf technology. The PuttView X can instantly read greens, calculate distance, break, slope and speed.

So once you put on the glasses, the green becomes a learning platform. PuttView is a training aid to help players practice their putting in ways like they never have before. Learn more about PuttView at Puttview.com This line will start shipping in June-Cost is $14,480. A $500 dollar deposit is required for pre-orders.

THE ILLINI Women’s Golf Team has a winner. But while the team finished in 11th place at the Clemson Invitational-Crystal Wang with a final round 3 under par 69. But Wang tied for first place with three other players, getting her first. Details at FightingIllini.com.

Duca Del Cosma SS23 line is now released.

UNTICKit and Fair Harbor.

UNTUCKit.com and Fairharbor.com

NEW performance polo’s, with a golf style. Great fit for both on and of the golf course.

So are you looking for a new style, something a little different but stylish.

Do visit the websites or Rory Spears on Facebook for photo’s.

G-TECH heated golf apparel. For when you really need to keep your hands warm.

G-TECH APPAREL

So if your on the golf course, and you need more than rubbing a bean-bag in your hands.

Look at G-Tech. Because it’s the warmth your hands and fingers need.

The new additions to the G-Tech line include heated hoodies and vests for men and women. These vests allow golfers to golf in comfort all year round.

The new G-Tech 3.0 series that made their debut at the PGA Show in Orlando, now include Waterproof Zippers to increase water resistance. 3M Poly fill insulation to increase heat retention. Upgraded rechargeable battery to increase battery life. Dual head wall charge for faster charging. Used by athletes or various sports including members of multiple professional golf tours. Gtechapparel.com Keep your hands warm this spring on the golf course.

THE WEEK AHEAD includes further wrap-ups on equipment by multiple companies. Statistics on the golf industry, awards for Players of the Year by the Illinois PGA Section.

Our look at LIV Golf as it starts it’s second season and it’s run of tournaments leading into it’s second Chicago event at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove-this September. So who has won the first tournaments this year, and a look at this weeks event in Orlando-at the Orange County Golf Club. The final tuned up for the 16 players from the LIV Tour headed to Augusta National Golf Club.

Thanks for reading the longest Sunday Morning Short Game-ever done by Golfers on Golf-RS.

THE COLD AND SNOW ARE BACK-38 degrees and snow on the ground. So it’s a great weekend for indoor golf. It’s time to visit the Schaumburg Golf Club and it’s three indoor simulators, downstairs from Chandlers Chophouse. Book a simulator and play the indoor version of the Schaumburg Golf Club. 401 North Roselle Road, call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000. MISTWOOD GOLF DOME open daily until 10 Pm, and home to McWethy’s Sports Bar, Top Tracer and more-Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600

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

The Chicago Foursome headed to Augusta National.

DRIVE-CHIP & PUTT

The finals at Augusta National for Drive-Chip & Putt are April 2nd.

This year Illinois has 4 finalists taking part in the competition.

Emory Munoz of Lockport in the Boys 7-9 age group.

Martha Kuwahara of Northbrook in the Girls age 14-15 group.

William Comiskey of Hinsdale in the Boys ages 10-11 group. Ben Patel of North Aurora in the Boys 12-13 age group.

Kuwahara will be competing for the last time, since she will be too old by the competition in 2024. Munoz and Comiskey play their golf at Cog Hill, Patel at Black Sheep Club. But Kuwahara plays at the Glen Club.

A majority of the clubs used by the four-players use some version of TaylorMade Clubs, mostly the Stealth line.

                      Emory Munoz                                            Martha Kuwahara

William Comiskey (L) and Ben Patel (R)

The four Illinois finalists met the media at the Medinah Country Club recently as they made final preparations to head to the Augusta National Golf Club.

Kuwahara competed at Augusta last year, and admits she didn’t do very well, because she was nervous and her hands were shaking.

This year she feels she will do better now that she knows what to expect. But for someone who owns a round of 66 at the Glen Club, she can play top level golf.

CLICK HERE to hear the four Illinois Drive Chip and Putt finalists, heading to Augusta National Golf Club. So its in order, Emory Munoz, Martha Kuwahara, William Comiskey and Ben Patel.

So watch the DCP finals from Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday April 2nd, on The Golf Channel.

THE COLD AND SNOW ARE BACK! Domes and Simulators are open. So with all the talk of courses opening. Winter just won’t leave. So take your golf season preparations indoors for a few more days. The Mistwood Golf Dome on RT. 53 in Bolingbrook is open daily to 10 Pm, (630)-739-7600. SCHAUMBURG Golf Club 410 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg has three simulators open daily. So call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000.

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

        JAMIE NIETO                         KEVIN WEEKS                     NICK PAPADAKES

THE 2023 PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW in Orlando Florida saw the announcements of national award winners from the PGA of America. 2023 became a special year for the Illinois PGA Section-as three IPGA professionals were honored with awards from the national office.

JAMIE NIETO-Head Golf Professional at the Preserve at Oak Meadows in Addison. Nieto won the Deacon Palmer Award for the second time. Because Nieto also won the award in 2020 at the local IPGA level. Now Nieto was honored again with the 2023 award at the national level.

The PGA of America has over 28,000 professionals across America. But only 13 of them won national awards this year.

So for Nieto who was lighting a firepit in his backyard on his 20th birthday, his ordeal began when a can of accelerant exploded. Nieto suffered 3rd degree burns to 65% of his body and spent 6 weeks in the ICU at Loyola University. Three of those weeks in an induced coma, while surgeons performed skin grafts to save his life.

Four years after working with doctors to rebuild his injured right hand so he could golf again, Nieto earned his PGA membership in 2012. Nieto’s motto in life is-Never Give Up. Nieto says winning this award at both levels has left him speechless. Nieto feels grateful that he can both inspire and work with fellow burn survivors.

NICK PAPADAKAS-Head Golf Professional at the Onwentsia Club in Lake Forest. 2023 winner of the Player Development Award. The award recognizes professionals who have helped younger members advance in their career. Papadakas has served on numerous committees for the Illinois PGA section, including being Past President of the section. But Papadakas awards list includes the Professional Development Award 5 times at the local level.

Papadakas said he is “Beyond excited to win this years award. Because education and mentoring have always been important to me. So I’m proud to share the stage this year at the national level with fellow IPGA professionals Kevin Weeks and Jamie Nieto.”

KEVIN WEEKS-Director of Instruction at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Palos Park. National Teach of the Year Award. Weeks has long been a member of the Golf Digests 50 Greatest Teachers list since 2012.

Weeks has been honored by other national publications, and has won the IPGA Teacher of the Year three times (2005-2007-2009). The other Illinois PGA teacher to win this award at the national level was former Cog Hill instructor Jim “Doc” Suttie. Weeks has especially been known for his work in the area of putting. So his putting work includes more than just teaching, because Weeks has created putting stroke-form equipment with lasers to measure putter face at impact.

“So to be honored this way is truly humbling. But I have had a lot of help getting here and my family has sacrificed so much. So I thank Cog Hill Golf and Country Club for allowing me to do what I do.”

Weeks has a list of students who include PGA Tour winners, and junior golf champions. His teams at Cog Hill have gone to the PGA Junior League championships six straight times. But Weeks is the only coach in the country to accomplish that feat.

Glen Oaks Country Club head golf professional Danny Mulhearn is the 2022 Illinois PGA Professional of the Year.

2022 IPGA AWARD WINNERS

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR-Danny Mulhearn-Glen Oak Country Club-Glen Ellyn.

But the other IPGA Special award winners are:

Joe Sheren-SMART Golf & Fitness-Teacher of the Year.

Kyle Donovan-Oak Park Country Club, Assistant Professional of the Year. Tim Krouse-Effingham Country Club, Youth Player Development Award. Ryan McGwyer Cog Hill Golf & Country Club-Player development Award. Terry Russell-Cantigny Golf, Bill Strausbaugh Award. T.J. Sullivan-GolfTec, Oak Brook- PGA Professional Development Award. Juan Espejo-Maryville Academy-Bill Heald Career Achievement Award.

MARK LABIAK-Ruth Lake Country Club-Merchandiser of the Year-Private Club. Frank Hohenadel-Mistwood Golf Club, Merchandiser of the Year-Public Course. Don Pieper-Merit Club, Distinguished Service Award. Dino Lucchesi-Grayslake Practice Center-Deacon Palmer Award. Robert Powers-PGA Life Member-Patriot Award Tony LaFrenere-Schaumburg Golf Club-PGA Executive of the Year.

But for more information on all Illinois PGA Awards-visit IPGA.com

THE DOME IS OPEN-THE SIMULATORS ARE OPEN. Because it’s still a bit chilly on the outside, and some rainy days are coming. The Mistwood Golf Dome on Rt. 53 inn Bolingbrook is open daily until 10 pm. Mistwoodgolfdome.com. The Schaumburg Golf’s three simulators are open daily. Book a tee time at Schuamburggolf.com. The start of outdoor season is right around the corner. Many courses are opening April 1st-No Joke.

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

Does your course need help for the season ahead.

***EDITORS NOTE*** As someone who has checked out the golf course hiring process the last couple of years, there are some aspects of the “we need help” process that need to go.

Golfers on Golf has received plenty of emails from clubs that are hiring for the season ahead. But it’s amazing how some courses have so many open positions.

Year-after-year, after year, after year.

GRANTED THERE will always be some openings, when it comes to part-time seasonal jobs. Because this happens in all industries.

From the golf world it’s not uncommon to see need for bartenders, cart attendants, rangers, starters, bag stand, pro shop and course maintenance. But for some reasons, finding good help can be hard to do. Wonder Why ! Lets look at the reasons.

THE HIRING PROCESS: Do you tell perspective employees they can ONLY apply online at your website. MISTAKE. Do not take for-granted everyone has computer, and trying to do applications on a cell phone is impossible. If you can’t provide a simple paper application that can be filled out in person, close your doors and close the facility. Websites are not always the best way to get anything done.

Golf courses do hire a fair share of seniors, some of them are old school. They don’t use or have computers-don’t discriminate against them. Some of them could turn out to be your best workers, if given a chance. There is no reason to put people through a 45 minute online application process, unless the job is for the General Manager or Director of Golf/head golf professional, or Food and Beverage manager.

1 TO 3 pages is enough to gather the information you need. There is no need to ask about someone’s last six employers, why they left and can you contact their current or previous supervisor. Here’s a Hint-the people who leave those area’s blank-are the smart employees you should hire. No reason for background checks going back 20 years, your wasting your time and money.

DO NOT send a perspective employee 15-20-pages they need to download and print out on their home printer, before filling out. IT IS NOT their responsibility to provide the copy paper and ink for your mountain high pile of needless information pages.

ONCE A PERSPECTIVE EMPLOYEE has done the work online or paper application. DO NOT then do a follow up phone interview, to see if someone qualifies for a in-person interview. One interview should be enough, for a PT-seasonal job.

APPAREL FOR EMPLOYEES: do you provide enough FREE shirts-short and long sleeve- a warm enough jacket, and a hat. One shirt when somebody works 3-4 days a week is not enough. You can’t expect employees to wash the one staff shirt they have everyday they work.

FOOD AND BEVERAGE: A great discount is needed for employees while they work, or immediately before or after a shift. One Director of Golf told Golfers on Golf, we want our employees eating here. NOT standing in the pro-shop or the starters stand or bag stand with wrappers from the Jersey Mikes or McDonalds down the street that customers see. We don’t want our staff telling guests who ask about the food in the clubhouse to say, we don’t know if it’s any good. We can’t afford to eat here.

DO NOT TAKE THE SIMPLE PROCESS of punching in every day, and turning it into a train wreck with a brutal time management system like Paycom. The list of issues with systems like this read like war and peace. Because your staff will waste countless hours cleaning up the mess systems like Paycom create, while trying to keep track of their hours. A simple time-clock and punch card still work great.

WHEN YOU SAY-we are building a team here. REALLY-explain how you mean that. Do you offer more than just free golf on Monday’s or after 3 Pm, when there is not an outing. Do you actually limit your employees to the amount of range balls they can hit every week, or are employees only allowed to hit off mats, and not the natural grass area’s. BECAUSE ALL OF THE ABOVE are mistakes. Show your workers you want them back next year-from Day 1.

DO YOU offer raises to returning employees, it’s the smart idea. Don’t lose good workers to the Taco Bell down the street that’s paying two dollars an hour more than you are.

Do you cut employees hours that have carried the load since opening day, when the college kids come home for the summer-or when high school lets out. Then expect those people to work more hours from late August through November, when the kids go back to school. SAME goes for when the seniors roll-in from Florida on May 1st and expect their job back, then bail for the south or southwest in the fall once there is 2-3 days of temps in the low 50’s.

SOME COURSES do a great job of letting employees bring guests for golf, either free or for a greatly reduced rate. Either way keep up the good work here.

YOUR PART-TIME HELP might work at a golf course because they love golf. Do you have an employee shopping rate. A sale where the staff can buy apparel, shoes, golf balls, bags and clubs for a great rate. If your own staff won’t buy from you, why should anybody else.

BAD WEATHER DAYS are great days to catch up on projects you might not normally have time to do. Nothing worse than having people show up to work, only to get sent home an hour later. Because rain is on the way, and the cell phone weather App crowd panics and cancels because they can’t handle the possibility of getting hit by a few drops. That might or might not happen during their round.

There is more I could add. But from here-try using some common sense. It can lead to great working environment all season long, and employees who want to come back next year.-RS.

THE SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB 401 North Roselle Road in Schaumburg, just minutes from Woodfield Mall. The simulators are open, the golf course outside will be opening before too long. Stay tuned for details on opening day. So book a tee time at Schaumburggolf.com or call the pro shop at (847)-885-9000 #ChandlersChophouse

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

Welcome to the Bonita Bay Club, one of Florida’s largest golf clubs.

TOP PRIVATE CLUBS these days keep getting better. They make improvements for the enjoyment of their members and guests.

THE BONITA BAY CLUB in Bonita Springs Florida and it’s second campus in Naples, are one such facility.

The clubs west campus in Bonita Springs, home to three Arthur Hills championship golf courses. Took a solid punch from Hurricane Ian last fall but things are quickly getting back to normal.

Tom Marzoff Senior Design Associate take a group of recent guests through the changes and upgrades to the Cypress Course.

The process to do so, has been well done, which is what happens when a club pulls together to make things right. Bonita Bay is one of those clubs. Spend any amount of time on either of the clubs campus locations, and it’s easy to see why operations have returned to top manner so quickly.

But it wasn’t just club and it’s golf courses that had clean up to do. Their were members who had plenty of damage to their homes, or cars that ended up under water in their garages.

The par 5-4th hole on the clubs renovated Cypress Course.

One of the club five courses the Cypress course was just reopening from renovation, when Ian arrived.

But with some recently added 450 drainage catch basins, the course didn’t take long to dry out. Tom Fazio’s senior design associate Tom Marzoff’s work was tested, and stood up to the best punch Ian could throw. The Cypress course along with the other Fazio designed Sabal course, are in Naples. The 36-hole campus sits more inland off the gulf waters.

Marzoff’s work was about getting the golf course up to speed, making it play faster and firmer with fairways raised 18 inches.

The par-3 5th hole on the Cypress course.

The bunker liners were redone and USGA Bermuda greens were built. With run off collection areas around the greens.

Green complexes, look more like Augusta National than South Florida. The bunkers have some Augusta feel in them as well.

But there won’t be any confusion about the look, because the Cypress Course is surrounded by Palm trees and not Pine trees.

The par-4 9th hole on the Cypress Course.

Around the greens-the complexes are referred to as a “low-mow” collection area’s.

As a result the mowing patterns are different than many other Florida courses.

But make no mistake about it, once the golfer gets out on the golf course the feeling and style resembles that other famous golf course.

Green complexes around the golf course-give the players options to create shots. As seen here on the par-3 11th hole.

Marzoff then built seven sets of tee boxes, so the Cypress Course is playable for all skill levels.

The back yardage is 7,437 yards, with the front tees set at 4,583 yards. Par is 72.

Some Florida golf courses can have to much water, or too much sand.

But on the Cypress Course the mix is perfect, golfers won’t feel overwhelmed by too much water or sand. The Cypress Course is simply a straight forward design, that leaves the golf course right in front of the golfer. What you see is what you get, golfers can’t ask for more than that.

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Tom Fazio design Senior Design Associate Tom Marzoff.

The par-3 8th hole on the Original Marsh design, has both a water carry and sand traps to avoid.

Bonita Bay’s east campus is home to three Arthur Hills golf courses. The Marsh, Creekside and Bay Island.

But in late January the club was using a combined layout of multiple courses, to complete an 18 hole course. The current course open on the East campus, is the original Marsh layout.

By mid-February to early March, two of the courses were to be back and fully operational, but some areas affected by salt water are still being restored.

EJ McDonnell is the Bonita Bay Clubs Director of Golf, he has worked at the club for over 20 years.

EJ McDonnell, Bonita Bays Director of Golf says the club is in the middle of a 5-year plan to upgrade the clubs five golf courses. Those upgrades to the clubs practice facilities, including the short game areas and putting greens.

McDonnell says, “The clubs board of directors is forward thinking, and always is looking to improve the club. Bonita Bay is such an exciting place, even after all the years I have been here. I still look forward to coming to work at the club every day.”

McDonnell says the days of the membership mostly leaving in the summer are over, more and more members now stay year round. McDonnell and staff make sure the pro shop is full in summer. There are more members that are becoming year round. The club now has over 2,000 members and there is a waiting list to join, but with five golf courses there are no issues getting out to play golf (when all five courses are up and operational).

CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Bonita Bay Director of Golf EJ McDonnell.

While golf is the mainstay at the Bonita Bay Club, there are plenty of other options and activities for the members to take part in. There are numerous food and beverage options, from lite snacks up to fine dining. The Sunday brunch is among the best you will find at any club. It includes plenty of options and a full Omelet station.

So for more information please visit Bonitabayclub.net.

  MISTWOOD FITTING DEPARTMENT-(L) Matt Carter-(R) Eric Russell-Middle Matt Carter works a Callaway Paradym fitting. Spring golf is coming soon, get your clubs repaired, regripped, or get fitted for new sticks. Now is the time to get ready for the season ahead. Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600 or soon it’s Mistwoodgc.com.

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

Tee it up on No.8-the newly rebranded Course No.8 tees.

PINEHURST GIVES CENTENNIAL 8- A TUNE UP.

The famed Pinehurst Resort-The Home of American Golf, has tuned up it’s No.8 golf course. Centennial has never looked so good.

The course that opened in 1996, had not been touched in 25 years and was due for some work.

But everything that’s been done, or is getting done to the facility, is not just getting done on the golf course.

Because most recently a recent zoning approval, gives the Pinehurst Resort a chance to build some cottages on the golf course.

Pinehurst President Tom Pashley has spoke about creating rooms that have views of golf, when one looks out the window. Because that’s something the resort has not had in the past. That will change.

  PINEHURST NO. 8 the old entrance (L). PINEHURST NO.8 a new rebranded look (R).

What changed in a hurry was the golf course. No.8 was closed down in spring of 2022, around Memorial Day. The goal was to have No.8 back up and running by Labor Day weekend. Which was about 100 days. Credit Pinehurst for getting it done.

The new grass and reseeded range, starts the golfer in the right direction, before they hit the first tee box.

While the restoration work wasn’t a major overhaul, the course needed enough upgrades to get it playing faster and firmer.

Which is just the way design architect Tom Fazio wanted it to play.

So improvements include, new TifEagle greens. Brand new sand in the bunkers. Better drainage and irrigation in the re-grassed fairways. Tree removal or trimming was done, to open up and restore views around the golf course, that existed in the early days of the courses original opening.

The branded look, includes a new No.8 logo. With the new No.8 on the entrance sign and the pin flags. There is no doubt which Pinehurst course you are playing.

The Par 3-8th hole (L) has some carry over a ravine of wetlands. (R) The Par-3 15th green front, with the par-4 16th hole in the background.

BUT ALL THE WORK was not done on the golf course. Because Course No.8 golfers will enjoy the list of improvements to the clubhouse.

The dining area is being recreated-the new bar looking out on the 18th hole (L), with the newly redone locker room (R). The clubhouse pro shop has been restocked with new merchandise, carrying the rebranded No.8 logo.

There are no dates on when the cottages will get built and opened for over night stays. But the clubhouse work will be finished shortly and will be fully reopened this spring.

Course No.8 has five sets of tees, with back tees playing at 7,099 yards. The front tees top out at 5,153 yards.

But for more information on rates, and making a tee time at Pinehurst No.8, please visit Pinehurst.com.

  THE COLD IS STILL HERE. But not for much longer. So be ready for outdoor golf season. Because you can tune up inside at the Schaumburg Golf Club, on all three simulators. Chandlers Chophouse is open-so is the pro shop. Call (847)-885-9000.

TTHE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect at LinkedIn and Facebook. Swinging in the Mistwood Golf Dome in Bolingbrook. Mistwoodgolfdome.com (630)-739-7600.

SO AFTER A CRAZY WEEKEND OF HOOPS!

I bring you March Sadness. Because with golf courses on the verge of opening, there was a setback this weekend.

Because I didn’t expect on Saturday morning to wake up to a temperature of 12. But then the wind chill was even worse, below zero at O’Hare Field.

So then the door buzzer rings on Saturday morning, you open the door and a dusting of snow is coming down. I’m just glad it really didn’t stick. Because the almost 5 inches of snow I got just over a week ago, is finally gone.

Sunday morning the temperature was 22 when I got up, not much better. Then the high temperature yesterday, was only 37. So what do you do. Stay inside and watch NCAA hoops and the Valspar Championship.

THERE WAS GOOD NEWS for Arlington Heights PGA Tour player Doug Ghim, he made a cut at Valspar, along with Wheaton’s Kevin Streelman. Both made just over $50,000 for their efforts on the golf course. But the news was not as good for Northbrook’s Nick Hardy who missed another cut, by only 1 shot. Luke Donald the Northwestern alum missed by a lot more. All of our locals have missed two many cuts this year. Here is hoping that changes.

VALSPAR IS SUCH a good tournament to watch, the people there do a wonderful job wrapping up the Florida Swing. The Copperhead course is not a birdie-fest. Sam Burns who was trying for the three-peat in the win column-had a great final round of 5 under 66. Burns however only finished in 6th place.

OUR LEN ZIEHM has a great story coming up in the Daily Herald this week, on how two-time Illinois Open champion David Cook, is the caddie for Valspar runner-up Adam Schenk. Schenk’s 40 foot par saver to earn a spot in the playoff yesterday hit the hole but didn’t fall in the cup.

AS WE MOVE towards golf season, the battle between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is still simmering. Last Friday there were reports-again-that Greg Norman was on his way out the door at LIV Golf. But by Saturday those phony reports were again proven false.

SO WHO-keeps starting these false rumors about Norman. But better yet-who is dumb enough to keep falling for the bad gossip, and even dumber to keep writing that stuff. What is interesting is how much online social media comments, are giving LIV their props for the coverage. Plus they ask the fans what they would like to see more of during the broadcast.

ANYTHING WOULD BE BETTER than listening to Dan Hicks on NBC keep trying to mention Tiger Woods during every broadcast, even when Woods isn’t playing. Does NBC pay Hicks by the amount of times he says Woods name.

A FEW interesting things got posted online over the weekend. SO IS IT TRUE that during the rain delay at The Players Championship, NBC showed the 2019 Rory McIlroy win. Because the 2022 edition had LIV players finishing 1-2-3. Did LIV golfer Pat Perez with borrowed clubs, really beat Woods by 9 shots at the 1993 USGA Junior. IF SO why don’t we ever see footage of that.

WORD IS that the PGA Tour has 27 corporate partners that do over 40 Billion-that’s Billion dollars a year, of business with Saudi Arabia. Nobody at the tour office seems all to concerned about that.

NEXT ON THE TEE is the Match Play Championship this week in Austin Texas. But enjoy it if you like match play. Because sadly, it’s the final year for the event.

WORD IS THE 2024 Senior LPGA Championship is headed for Sultans Run Golf Couse in Indiana, 35 minutes from the French Lick Resort. I have played Sultans Run and it’s a good golf course, done by Pete Dye disciple Tim Liddy.

UPCOMING THIS WEEK- I will wrap up the stories from the winter golf trip. Which includes the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando Florida. At weeks end I will give out my picks and awards for best products at the show. From the property visit side, our features on both the work done on Pinehurst No.8. Then on the amazing job done at the Bonita Bay Club’s Cypress golf course-by Tom Marzoff from Tom Fazio Golf design.

The Gog Blog returns on Tuesday. RS

THE SNOW AND COLD ARE STILL HERE-so it’s time for you to get to Schaumburg Golf Club at 401 North Roselle Rd. Three simulator bays are open daily, and the pro shop is filling up with summer needs. 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 Twitter @GogBlogGuy, or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.

In the Mistwood Golf Dome with the new Callaway Paradym Driver.

THE SUNDAY MORNING SHORT GAME has some catching up to do, this news column will be on of our longest ever. RS

IN THE MISTWOOD GOLF DOME starting on Thursday with the start of March Madness, Sauce madness returns.

The dome is located on Rt. 53 in Bolingbrook, (630)-739-7600. So bring your clubs and bring your appetite.

MISTWOOD GOLF CLUB on Renwick Road in Romeoville is announcing that registration is open for the April 8th-Pick Your Pin Scramble. (815)-254-3333 or visit Mistwoodgc.com.

OUR GOLFERS ON GOLF PARTNER LEN ZIEHM has written recent stories about what’s happening with the Mission Inn. Located in Howey-In-The-Hills Florida, the resort has undergone an ownership change. Ziehm breaks down some planned improvements. While other columns by Len include the Ryder Cup Captains, and PGA Champions Tour player Bernhard Langer. Because Recently Langer tied Hale Irwin’s record for most wins on the 50 & over tour. See Lenziehmongolf.com.

BY DAY or NIGHT-The lights are on at the Cog Hill practice Center in Palos Park.

COG HILL HAS plenty going on.

Callaway Fitting day on Wednesday March 22nd, Mizuno Fitting Day on Friday March 24th.

So there are golf ball deals in the pro shop on major brands. Because if you buy three dozen, you can get a 4th dozen for Free. But available on certain dates only.

SO HAVE YOU booked where you Easter brunch is going to be. Because if not it’s not too late to enjoy Easter dining at Cog Hill on Sunday April 9th from 10 Am to 3 pm. So for details on all these Cog Hill events, including golf scrambles and more. See Coghillgolf.com or (866)-264-4455.

PINE MEADOW GOLF CLUB in Mundelein (Part of Jemsek Golf) has opened for the season. Golf events and scrambles/fitting days are coming up.But for more information see Pinemeadowgc.com or call the pro shop at (847)-566-4653 (golf).

CRYSTAL WANG has been named B1G Ten Women’s Golfer of the Week, by the conference. Wang a graduate student at U of I, had a fifth place finish at the Briar’s Creek Invitational.

THE ILLINI MEN finished 4th at the NIT Tournament at the Omni Tucson golf course. Matthis Besard and Jackson Buchanan led the way for Illinois. The Illini moved up from fourth place to first place, briefly in the final round. But over-par scores on the final two holes dropped the Illini back to fourth place. Coach Mike Small said,” I like the way we played most of the day, but we didn’t finish the tournament the way we would like to.”

LAST MONTH the Illini men’s team rallied from 10 shots behind in the final round, to win the Southern Highlands Collegiate in Las Vegas. Senior Adrien Dumont de Chassart lead the comeback with a 5 under par 67. Tommy Kuhl’s final round 6 under par 65, helped Illinois pull away to win the Hal Williams Collegiate in Mobile Alabama.

ILLINI Senior Tommy Kuhl has been named to the Fred Haskins Award Watch list, that includes 15 of the top NCAA golfers in the country.

GOLF360TV is back-coming in June. ING award winners Dave Lockhart (L) and Patrick Mannelly are back for another season.

GOLF360TV is back.

Golf 360 TV has announced that they are returning for another season, on NBC Sports Chicago.

Dates and times are TBA.

Along with Dave (Links Lager) Lockhart, and former Chicago Bear Patrick Mannelly, will co-host and social media influencer Katie Kearney.

The first show in June, will include a feature on the Klein creek Golf Club in Winfield.

So for more information on Golf360TV visit Linksvideo.net/golf360tv.

THE GREENWAY TAP at the Preserve of Oak Meadows was recently honored with a “Diners Choice” award for Top-10 restaurants in the Chicago area. But the golf course is not yet open for the 2023 golf season but will be soon. Visit Dupagegolf.com for information on opening day for all the DuPage Golf courses. #MapleMeadows #Greenmeadows

Welcome to True Blue Golf Club-Top 100 resort course. Pawleys Island SC. Home of the 2023 Girls Short Par 4 Championship Sept. 16-17. High school teams from North and South Carolina will compete.

Golfers are now racing toward one of the new hot destinations in Florida.

Daytona Beach Florida, near the famed Daytona Motor Speedway.

The new Max Beach Resort is open and offering Luxury accommodations with rooms of up to 1,000 square feet.

So do you choices on where to play golf. Because of you do, there are over 20 courses in the area to pick from. But there is even more to do, once your off the golf course for the day. So for more information, visit Daytonabeachgolf.com or Maxbeach.com.

PLAYGOLFMYRTLEBEACH.COM has announced a record breaking year for golf in 2022, in the Myrtle Beach South Carolina area. Close to 2.5 million rounds of golf were played at the Myrtle Beach golf courses. Visit Myrtle Beach on your next golf trip.

CJ checks the Sam Putt Lab in advance of a putter fitting at the Club Champion Willowbrook Store.

WILLOWBROOK BASED

Club Champion Golf the largest golf fitting chain in America, with 18 new stores opened in 2022.

Three new openings have begun in Destin and Fort Myers Florida. The third opening is in Westlake Ohio.

Reached several new milestones in 2022.

Club Champion completed over 94,000 fittings.

The lines of clubs that Club Champion can now fit golfers into, has increased again in 2022. So currently right now through the end of the month, you can get a free fitting with an equipment purchase of $499 or more (full bag fittings are excluded in this offer). For more information see Clubchampiongolf.com. (offer for returning Club Champion customers only).

POWER TEE has announced that long time legendary instructor Rick Smith has signed with the company as a brand ambassador. Smith is currently operating two teaching facilities. The Rick Smith Performance Center at Trump Doral in Miami Florida, and the Rick Smith Golf Academy at Oakland University in Rochester Michigan. For more details see Powertee.com.

IPGA Birdies for Charity.

THE ILLINOIS PGA SECTION membership set a record amount raised in the 2022 Birdies for Charity event, on the Tuesday after Labor Day. The total of $608,000 was 208,000 more than the previous record set in 2019. 48 IPGA Section Professional took part in the event-that returned to the River Forest Country Club in Elmhurst, after a 1 year absence from River Forest. Because the club was having upgrades done to the golf course. So for more information on BFC see IPGA.com.

Boyne Resorts Senior Vice President of Golf Operations, Bernie Friedrich.

BOYNE GOLF RESORT’S Bernie Friedrich named 2023 PGA of America Golf Executive of the Year.

The honor recognizes outstanding services in an executive management position. Those services include leadership, vision, courage, moral character and a substantial record of service to the association and game of golf.

Friedrich has been a PGA member for almost 40 years, he has worked for Boyne since 1976.

Friedrich has been honored by the PGA of America over 10 times and in 2019 was inducted into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame. But for more information visit Boynegolf.com.

A new Top Golf in Memphis Tennessee is under construction.

DALLAS BASED TOP GOLF has announced more new locations are getting built in southern states.

In addition to the previous announced location in Memphis Tennessee, Top Golf has announced two more locations.

The first location is in Mobile Alabama, with the second location in Lafayette Louisiana. So for more information on all three new Top Golf locations, see Topgolf.com.

TITLEIST GOLF has released a 4-part documentary mini-series called We-Go-Farther, which covers the increase in speed by Titleist Drivers and the TSR series of clubs. So to view this 4-part series, see the Titleist YouTube channel or visit Titleist.com-We-Go-Farther.

The Chicago District Golf Association CDGA.org

The CDGA has announced registration is underway for 2023 championships.

2023 marks the 110th year for Chicago District Golf Association competitions to be held.

The 92nd Illinois State Amateur will be played from July 18-20 at the Bloomington Country Club.

From June 26-29 the 102nd CDGA Amateur will be played at the Lake Shore Country Club in Glencoe.

Social competitions are now also open for registration, visit CDGA.org for information on all CDGA competitions.

SuperStroke putter Grips with technology advancements.

Wixom Michigan based SuperStroke has released a new Multi-Zone Texturing and Reimagined Spyne line of grips.

This is SuperStrokes first new hero line in three years.

But the new Zernergy line replaces the mega-popular Traxion line that has seen numerous wins on multiple professional tours, including majors championships since it’s original launch.

The new line has a soft but tacky outer layer for a better grip, with a firm rubber inner core for crucial stability. SuperStroke grips are now available to retailers. So you can learn more at SuperStrokeUSA.com.

The Gog Blog Speaks Out returns tomorrow. RS

ReseacHERS FIGHT CANCER Golf Classic-Monday August 21-On Medinah’s Course #1. Sign-up today to golf or sponsor, Researchersgolfclassic.org. THE Mistwood Golf Dome is open until 10 Pm today and everyday. So did you wake up to a 13 degree temperature, with a morning of a snow dusting. SO it’s time to take your clubs and your appetite to the dome. See Mistwoodgolfdome.com Rt. 53 Bolingbrook (630)-739-7600.

THE SITE OF THE OLD PIT COURSE is a busy place these days. Located 4 miles from the main clubhouse at the Pinehurst Resort, The Pit property is buzzing again after being closed for over a decade. But with Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw having a full schedule, architect Tom Doak (R) got the call to build the tenth course at Pinehurst.

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

Angela Moser is Tom Doak’s lead associate on the Pinehurst #10 project.

THE OLD PIT COURSE IS BUZZING.

Who would have thought that. After years of the golf course being closed. Fairways, greens and bunkers now grown over.

IT’s BEEN a decade since the Pinehurst Resort brought in golf architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, to walk the land and give the resort a new routing for the property.

SINCE the presentation of the routing, the Pit golf course has just sat there, waiting for something to happen. For years Coore and Crenshaw have been tugging at the sleeve of Pinehurst owner Bob Dedman Jr. and Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley, to get the project rolling.

But with the Covid-19 pandemic growing the demand for golf, Pinehurst finally decided it was ready to build the 10th course. So last year Pinehurst reached out Coore and Crenshaw and said “let’s go”. But the problem was that Coore and Crenshaw weren’t ready to go. Because like many top golf architecture firms these days, they are busy. Really busy.

The tree removal phase is well underway on the land of the former Pit Course, in addition to adjoining land now owned by the Pinehurst Resort.

So with a reputation of playing well in the sand, top course designer Tom Doak got the call from Pinehurst.

Much to the relief of Pinehurst, Doak had a window to do the project. But Doak made it clear, he needed the permits and all in place to start by early 2023.

So when everything was in place, work got started.

Doak sent his top associate designer for the project Angela Moser out on site with a crew to get the clearing started. Doak himself arrived right after the Super Bowl wrapped up. So now, it’s full speed ahead.

Bulldozer’s and other heavy equipment are hard at work, clearing and shaping the ground of the new course routing.

Pinehurst gave Doak the option to take any land he needed at the site, even if it crossed paths with what Coore and Crenshaw had previously staked out. But for the most part, Doak liked land not already chosen by Coore and Crenshaw. So for now, it appears there will be little, or no cross-over between the two routings.

PARTS OF the former Pit Course now still remain, but are being cleared away for the new routing by Doak.

But there is good news for fans of Coore and Crenshaw courses. The Doak course will not be the only course on this site. Because once Coore and Crenshaw have time on their schedule, the next 18 holes gets built (time table-TBD). Along with villas for overnight stays, and likely another large putting green and possible par-3 course.

So Pinehurst will now create another separate area for golf and more, a short distance from where the main resort stands. Which could fully remain open for play and stay. Even during times the resort is hosting a major USGA championship, like a U.S. Open.

The Old Pit Course clubhouse still stands-for now (L). (R) From the site of a proposed tee box, the elevation change back to a previous hole stands out. The tenth course has places where elevation change can be as much as 65 feet, according to Doak.

When golfers who played the original golf course return to the site, they will likely enjoy what has evolved from a course once called “The Pit”. The site of the tenth course has unlimited potential. So it will be interesting to see what becomes of it. Pinehurst is hoping the Doak Course will be open and ready for play by the time the 2024 U.S. Open comes to town. Doak and his team feel they can make the deadline, Pinehurst expects that they will.

Follow the progress of the building of the “Tenth Course at Pinehurst” both here, and at Pinehurst.com. Pinehurst will host the U.S. Open in June of 2024.

FITTING TIME- or maybe just club repair as outdoor golf season is almost here. See Matt Carter and Eric Russell at the Mistwood Golf Dome. IT’s time to get a grip or 14 on your clubs, don’t let your clubs fly away. 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 @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn and Facebook.

GOLFHOUSE PINEHURST BY THE USGA is under construction at the entrance to the main clubhouse at the Pinehurst Resort and Country Club, Pinehurst North Carolina.

SO DURING A WEEK where the USGA speaks about rolling back the golf ball, they continue to roll forward with the building of their latest buildings in the Pinehurst area.

What many people don’t know, is that the United States Golf Association (USGA) which has offices in the downtown Pinehurst area, is adding even more out at the Pinehurst Resort.

Many visitors to Pinehurst walk right past the current USGA offices, and never notice them. But even better is that people eat lunch downstairs from the USGA, and still don’t notice them. OKAY-Need a hint! they are upstairs from the Pinehurst Deli, in the middle of downtown. Do read the tenant list the next time you stop for lunch in the deli, it’s on the wall by the stairs that head up to the second floor.

Workers continue to build the new USGA Golf House at Pinehurst-The home of American Golf.

The two buildings will house the USGA-museum, looking at a history of golf. But there will be a testing center will be on site. So if your looking forward to watching the engineers test golf balls to stay within limits. If needed to cut back the flight of the ball (should this rule pass and change). So see the approval of RFB’s (restricted flight balls) you could be able to do so.

Because it will take time to finish the project, then transfer parts of the USGA operation from New Jersey. Golf House Pinehurst will not open until 2024. Between the two buildings, there will be a walkway bridge over an open area for guests on the ground level.

Workers work on the new USGA campus at Pinehurst.

WITH PINEHURST now being an anchor location for a variety of USGA Championships going forward for almost 50 years. One can bet there will be a fair amount of history from those championships on display in the USGA-Pinehurst museum.

ON A SEPERATE NOTE-the World Golf Hall of Fame is returning to Pinehurst and will be part of the new USGA Golf House Campus. The WGHOF was formerly in Pinehurst, behind the 4th green of the Pinehurst No.2 golf course. That building was torn down after the hall of fame was moved to Jacksonville Florida. But it’s now returning to Pinehurst after 25 years.

For more information on what part of the USGA golf operation will move to the Pinehurst campus. Plus details on important dates going forward towards the grand opening, and drawings with planed views. Please visit USGA.org.