THE ILLINOIS PGA IS GETTING READY FOR ANOTHER GOLF SEASON, COMPLETE
WITH THE 61ST ILLINOIS OPEN AND MORE.

The 61st Illinois Open headlines the 2010 golf season for the Illinois PGA section, a section
that consists of over 800 members and apprentices working at over 325 facilities.

Coming up in just a few days, one of the Illinois PGA sections fund raisers will tee off in Las
Vegas Nevada. The Pro-Am event that runs March 14-18, will let the players and participants
enjoy some of the finest golf around the gaming capital of the United States.

Tournament events for the members begin on April 12, with the spring Pro-Assistants
Championship at Edgewood Country Club.

One of the seasons final events is the Players Championship at Eagle Ridge Resort and
Spa in Galena, on October 4-5.

In addition to running tournaments in Illinois, the Illinois PGA section is involved with some
great golf causes. Including Patriot Golf day and the Illinois junior golf license plates program,
in conjunction with the Illinois Secretary of States Office.


                             MICHAEL MILLER ILLINOIS PGA
                     Photo Courtesy of Nick Novelli/ Illinois PGA     

Michael Miller is the Executive Director of the Illinois PGA. He recently spoke about Illinois PGA
programs and upcoming 2010 golf tournaments, like the Illinois Open at the Chicago Golf Show 

TO HEAR RORY'S INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL MILLER AT THE CHICAGO GOLF SHOW CLICK HERE:

Download | Duration: 00:03:22

The 61st Illinois Open will be played again this year at the Hawthorn Woods Country Club. The
defending champion is Rockford area native Brad Benjamin, who also won the USGA Public
Links Championship in 2009. As a result Benjamin will compete in this years Masters Tournament
at Augusta National Golf Club. Benjamin won last years championship in a three hole playoff
with University of Illinois golf coach Mike Small.


                  BRAD BENJAMIN HOLDS THE ILLINOIS OPEN TROPHY
                                Photo courtesy of Nick Novelli/ Illinois PGA

Last August Small went on to win the Illinois PGA Section Championship at Stonewall Orchard 
Golf Club. This August 30th through September 1st, Small is expected to defend that title at
the recently remodeled Olympia Fields Country Club South Course.


             ILLINOIS GOLF COACH MIKE SMALL THE ILLINOIS PGA WINNER
                                Photo courtesy of Nick Novelli/ Illinois PGA

Some of the other bigger tournaments on the schedule this summer include. The Illinois Match
Play Championship May 17-20 at Kemper Lakes Golf Club. The Illinois Senior Open Championship
at Pine Meadow on September 27-28. The Illinois Senior PGA Championship will be held at Biltmore
Country Club August 2-3.

FOR A FULL SCHEDULE OF ILLINOIS PGA EVENTS AND ILLINOIS PGA SECTION PROGRAMS
PLEASE VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AT http://www.illinoispga.com/

THE ILLINOIS PGA OFFICE IS LOCATED AT THE HOME OF THE ILLINOIS GOLF HALL OF FAME.
WHICH IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, AT THE TOM FAZIO DESIGNED GLEN CLUB IN GLENVIEW. 

WITH THE 2010 GOLF SEASON RIGHT ROUND THE CORNER, THE ILLINOIS
JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION HAS RELEASED IT'S SCHEDULE FOR THE
UPCOMING SEASON.

Executive Director of Illinois Junior Golf Association (IJGA) Carrie Williams
recently spoke at the annual media luncheon, prior to the start of the Chicago
Golf Show in Rosemont.

For kids ages 6-18, Illinois Junior Golf is a great way to not only get involved
in the sport of golf, but helpful at the competitive level for kids wanting to
compete on their schools golf teams or for college scholarships.


                  2009 IJGA  BOYS AND GIRLS PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Williams said a recent survey of their members shows that, Illinois junior
golfers will spend about 13-14 million dollars this year in Illinois. That money
is divided between lessons, green fees, accessories and equipment.

TO HEAR RORY'S INTERVIEW WITH CARRIE WILLIAMS CLICK HERE:

Download | Duration: 00:03:16

The 2010  IJGA playing member schedule lists 29 events in the regional
series. Starting on Tuesday June 8th and running through August 4th at
Fresh Meadow GC in Hillside.

The parent-junior series begins on Saturday May 1st, at Mistwood GC in
Romeoville. The Illinois State Junior Amateur Championship that is for
Boys only ages 12-18, starts with it's first qualifier on Monday June 7th at
Oak Brook GC. The championship itself will conclude between Tuesday
June 22nd and Thursday June 24th at Makray Memorial GC in Barrington.

Monday June 5th is the start of the Chick Evans Match Play Championship,
with the first qualifier on Monday July 5th at the Pheasant Run Resort in
St. Charles. The Championship itself will be conducted from Monday July
26th, through Friday July 30th at Steeple Chase GC in Mundelein.

Open series events begin play on Wednesday June 9th at Fox Bend in
Oswego, they will conclude on Thursday August 5th at Ravisloe CC in
Flossmoor.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ILLINOIS JUNIOR GOLF ASSOCIATION
AND ALL OF IT'S PLAYING  OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SUMMER OF 2010.

PLEASE CALL THE IJGA AT (630)-257-9806 OR VISIT THE IJGA WEBSITE AT
http://www.ijga.org/ 

COBRA GOLF EQUIPMENT HAS RELEASED A LIST OF UPCOMING DEMO DAYS AROUND
THE CHICAGO AREA.

MARCH 12TH The Golf Shack from 10 AM-4 PM
APRIL    16TH The Golf Galaxy Event in Orland Park, Vernon Hills, Skokie 4-8 PM
                          White Pines 5-8 PM
APRIL     17th  The Golf Shack 10 AM- 3 PM
                 24th Cog Hill 9 AM- 2 PM

MAY        5th    Oakbrook GC 3-7 PM
MAY        14th  Wedgewood GC 3-7 PM
MAY        20th  Pine Meadow  GC 5-8 PM
MAY        22nd Budget Golf 10 AM- 2 PM
MAY        23rd Mistwood GC Time TBA
MAY        27th Silver Lakes GC 4-8 PM
MAY        29th Wilmette GC 9 AM- 1 PM

JUNE    12th Deerfield GC 11 AM- 3 PM
JUNE    12th The Pro Circle Golf Shop 11 AM- 3PM
JUNE    12th Sportsman GC 9 AM- 1 PM
JUNE     19th-20th Pine Meadow GC TIME TBA

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.COBRAGOLF.COM TO CHECK TIMES, LOCATIONS
AND POSSIBLE SCHEDULE CHANGES.

                                    THE WEST BADEN HOTEL AT FRENCH LICK RESORT

WHEN ONE THINKS OF FRENCH LICK INDIANA THE FIRST NAME THAT COMES TO MIND,
IS THAT OF BASKETBALL STAR LARRY BIRD.

Well Bird is gone except for part ownership of a downtown bar called "Bricks 33", that is
within walking distance to the famed French Lick Resort and Casino. Yes casino and that
is just a small part, of what is now going on at the resort. In recent years the property has
undergone a 500 million dollar renovation, making the French Lick Resort one of the premier
resorts in America. 

French Lick is also becoming a golf destination, yes French Lick Indiana a golf destination.

Two historic golf courses now sit with a new golf course, that will make some history of it's
own in the short future. Indiana's very own Hall-of-Fame architect Pete Dye, is now the big
name in French Lick. Dye's newest creation, the Pete Dye Golf Course at French Lick complete
with "volcano bunkers" is already earning rave reviews. Golfweek Magazine's # 7 Best New
Courses list for 2009.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO RORY'S INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR OF GOLF DAVE HARNER

Download | Duration: 00:08:44

The hills behind the French Lick Resort are among the highest elevation points in Indiana,
they offer 40 mile views of the Hoosier National Forest. With the elevation changes in the
area, golfers will experience a lot of that factor during their round, as they navigate a hillside
the course the has been layed out on.

"There is nothing more dynamic than playing golf while observing spectacular views. Until
now my signature courses with spectacular views have involved water," Dye said. "This
new golf course will offer golfers panoramic views that extend over 40 miles in all directions."


             THE VIEW LOOKING OUT FROM THE TENTH GREEN AT THE PETE DYE COURSE

Dye goes as far to say that ."French Lick might be the best inland site that I have ever worked
on." That coming from a guy who has ten courses in Golfweek Magazine's 100 Greatest Modern
Courses list, along with two other gems in Indiana. Dye's home course Crooked Stick Golf
Club in Carmel and the Brickyard Crossing course that runs through the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway. 

It might also be one of the toughest. With the elevation level the course sits at, the wind will
always be a factor. Just as much as it is at two of Dye's other classic designs. The Ocean
Course at Kiawah Island in South Carolina, and Whistling Straits in Haven Wisconsin part
of the Kohler Resort.

Besides the wind, length can be factor if the golfer wants it to be. Are you ready for 8,102
yards of Pete Dye Golf. Both nines can play over 4,000 yards, with the par 3 16th able to
force golfers back to 301 yards. Yes you read correctly, 301 par three. Grip it and rip it

With three par fives that measure over 600 yards through the rolling hillside. One could
agrue that Dye created his best set of par fives, since his classic design at the Honors
Course in Ooltewah Tennessee.

After a 519 yard dogleg left "par four" right out of the blocks, the par four second hole that 
plays only 413 yards gives one a hawaiian feel. The hole is complete with volcano bunkers
just to the right of the fairway.  How did Dye come up with the idea for volcano bunkers, when
asked he simply sums it up by saying "well we had some extra dirt and had to put it somewhere."


          THE VOLCANO BUNKERS ON THE SECOND HOLE AT THE PETE DYE COURSE

Which is how Dye also explains the par three tee at over 300 (301) yards. "Well again we had
a little extra dirt, and we had the room to put a tee back about were it ended up. The original
plan had the tee back about 280-290. Since it was that far back already, we just decided to
move it back a few more yards and give everyone something to talk about." If anyone ever has
to play the hole from there, you can bet they will be doing more than talking about it.

In 2010 the course will host the PGA's National Club Professional Championship. Defending
champion University of Illinois golf coach Mike Small, and the field of club professionals that
will participate should have their hands full. The top 20 finishers will get spots to play in the 2010
PGA Championship at Whistling Straits, thus earning the players a double dose of Dye. 

The clubhouse at the Pete Dye course has the classic colonial look, made of red brick
with white pillars. The clubhouse was the govenor of Indiana's summer home going back
almost 80-90 years. It's complete now with four suites, for those who want to be "on the
course" when they go to bed or wake up in the morning. The resort does currently require
guests to be staying at the resort in order to play the new Pete Dye Course. So why not just 
stay in the clubhouse, it's high enough up anyway that a crow's nest just might be found nearby.


      THE NINTH HOLE AND CLUBHOUSE (MIDDLE),PROSHOP (RIGHT) AT THE PETE DYE COURSE

If you like something a little more classic, there are two real gems as part of the French Lick
Resort. First off the 1917 Donald Ross Course. If you like Ross courses you'll love this one.
If you have never played a Ross course, try it and you will be hooked on his designs for the
rest of your golfing career. The course was recently restored with the help of Michael Fay of the
Donald Ross Society, and architect Lee Schmidt. The five million dollar restoration brought the
course back into the original Ross design.

The course hosted the 1924 PGA Championship won by Walter Hagen, along with the 1959 and
1960 LPGA Championships. The restaurant in the clubhouse is called Hagen's, the food and
service are outstanding. The restoration brought the courses length to 7,030 yards par 70, and
35 original bunkers were put back in place. Add the native fescue grass that looks like it just
arrived from Pinehurst, and you have a course that gives the golfer, a walk through a historic
vintage Donald Ross golf course. Besides the famous golf professionals who have played the
Ross Course, celebrites such as Bob Hope and Bing Crosby have also enjoyed the courses charm.

The Valley Links Course, formerly known as the Bendelow Course is now just nine holes. If the
name (Tom) Bendelow sounds familiar, it should to Chicago area golfers. If you ever wondered
who designed the famous Medinah 3 layout, the credit goes to Bendelow. The course is a par 36
and a friendly walkable parkland style course, with scottish fescue grasses. The course is great
for senior and junior golfers and is one of two courses in Indiana, endorsed as a family course by
the US Kids Golf Foundation. The course sits alongside of the Valley Links Learning Center, the
golf academy for the resort.

Part of the renovations to the resort include the casino, that include some 1300 slot machinces
and over 40 table games. Other renovations include the main French Lick Hotel and the West Baden
Hotel. The West Baden Hotel which has a domed roof, it gives one the feeling of being at or staying
in the Astrodome. The two hotels give the resort almost 700 total rooms.

The resorts other attractions include the spa, the 1875 steakhouse the resorts main dining restaurant,
the Power Plant Bar and Grill. Right next door to the resort is the Indiana Railway Museum. Where one
can enjoy a ride on an old restored train, all the way from the from the locomotive to the caboose.

So if you are looking for the midwests newest golf destination, it's located in southern Indiana in the town 
that Larry Bird put on the map, but Donald Ross, Tom Bendelow and Pete Dye are now making famous.

For more information on the French Lick Resort, casino and spa and golf courses. Call 1-888-936-9360
or on line at www.frenchlick.com

Director of Golf for the Pete Dye Course Dave Harner, joined Golfers on Golf Live from the clubhouse
during the radio show on August 3rd of this year. You can listen to the interview by visiting our past
shows part of this website.

CANTIGNY WILL OFFER A LIFE/GOLF WORK SHOP FOR WOMEN COMING UP
MARCH 10TH STARTING AT 9 AM

THE WORKSHOP will run from 9 AM to Noon, cost is $95.00 and the class size
is limited.

The three featured speakers are Michael Riggs M.ED and Sports Psych, and
acclaimed life coach. Riggs is also the creator of the One Way Life System.

Paul Callaway PT-PHD and Founder of Callaway Golf Fitness, and Tina Favia
a Cantigny Golf Academy Instructor.

Some of the topics to be covered are, relationships, health, fitness, finance,
advancement in life, golf.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL CANTIGNY AT 630-260-8199.

THE MARCH GOG NEWS COLUMN IS HERE...

THE CHICAGO GOLF SHOW HELD THE LAST THREE DAYS IN ROSEMONT IS IN
THE BOOKS. HAVING ATTENDED ALL THREE DAYS I WOULD CALL THE SHOW
A SUCCESS.

FROM THE MOMENT..the doors opened at noon on Friday the crowd was pouring
in. The show stayed very busy on opening day until almost 6 PM, when things started
to quiet down. The morning rush was right back on Saturday when things stayed
crowded up until late afternoon. Sunday saw another great turnout with people
hanging around until mid-afternoon (leaving just in time to go see the USA-Canada
hockey game).

What I did see was the Chicagoland golf community tell the golf industry, it's ready
for winter to leave and the golf season to start. Between the enthusiasm of this past
weekend, and what I saw at the Schaumburg show the golfers are ready to tee it up.
Buy some new equipment, and travel to the countries best golf resorts and properties.

The next time somebody tells you golf is dead because of the economy or the Tiger
Woods fiasco, don't buy it. The industry like most others might be down, but it's far
from being out.

I think the free golf offered by Golfvisions at 10 area courses, and a free subscription
to either Golf Digest or Golf World didn't hurt. There were lines of people waiting to sign
up for all of the above. Credit goes to golf show owner Tom Corcoran and the Miles
family at Golfvisions and the Golf Digest folks for making these promotions happen.

Speaking of the economy, the show opened on Friday for the media types by attending
the media luncheon. One of the presentations was made by Illinois Junior Golf Executive
Director Carrie Williams,. The IJGA did a survey of it's members on what they expect to
spend on golf this year.

Between tournament fees, green fees, lessons, equipment etc., Illinois junior golfers
will invest between 13-14 million dollars this year in Illinois alone. Memo to folks in the
golf business here in the Land of Lincoln, open your doors to the kids. They are probably
spending their parents money now, but they will be spending their own someday when
they are your customers of the future.

MISSING FROM THE SHOW this year was Cog Hill Owner Frank Jemsek. According to
Franks son Joe, his dad had some knee surgery on Friday and doctors told Frank to stay
off his feet this weekend. Joe Jemsek is working these days a golf course architect, for
information on his firm see his website at www.jemsekgolfdesigns.com or contact him
at his office in Chicago at (773)-687-9860.  All of us here at GOG wish Frank a speedy
recovery.

FRANK JEMSEK ALSO TELLS GOG, that he is more optimistic about landing a future
US Open at Cog Hill, after returning from the annual USGA meetings in Pinehurst last
month. More on this story coming soon.

ALSO MISSING..was more of our local courses at both golf shows. It would be nice if
more of our local courses came out and supported the local shows. Granted everyone
is tightening the belt a bit, but this is a great way to stay in touch with your customers
and to reel in some new ones too.

IT WAS GOOD to see booths from the courses of Buffalo Grove Park District, Glenwoodie,
Broken Arrow, The Traditions at Chevy Chase, Cantigny, Indian Lakes Resort, White Pines
golf dome at the White Pines golf club, Silver Lake and Makray Memorial. But many others
were missing. A few more equipment companies would be wise to be on hand.

THE ILLINOIS PGA professionals were giving out free golf lessons at the indoor range and
on the puttng green. It was good to see many people taking advantage of this, taking lessons
from PGA professionals is still the best way to improve your game and get fitted for the
right equipment.

In attendance was David Mortell from Balmoral Woods G.C. down in Crete. The southwest
suburban course is NOT for sale, as widely rumored and previously reported on this site.
Sorry David I regret the error.

TWO OF THE hardest working folks in the golf resort business were on hand this weekend.
From Michigan Kevin O'brien the General Manager of St.Ives-Tullymore in Stanwood, who
brought his staff and many goods from their pro shops at great show discounts. Back on his 
Illinois home turf was Brendan Sweeney from The French Lick Resort, who seemed to be
everywhere promoting the midwest's hottest new golf destination in southern Indiana. Which
has just received Golf Magazine's Silver Medal Golf Resort Award. 

For golfers wanting to travel this summer around the midwest for great golf destinations,
both St. Ives-Tullymore and French Lick should be on everyones must stay and play list.

ONE THING that might make things easier for golfers wanting to hit certain travel destinations
would be if the golf shows went back to putting them together in isles by state or geographic
region.

THE BMW CHAMPIONSHIP was on hand along with the J.K. Wadley Trophy, which is awarded
to the tournaments winner. The BMW Championship will played September 6-12 this year at
Cog Hill in Lemont. Early during tournament week will be a Pro-Am at Cog Hill, that will include
members of the Blackhawks and Blackhawks Alumni being in the role of celebs. Stay tuned
for more details.

MAKRAY MEMORIAL Golf Club in Barrington has finally settled the lawsuit with a neighbor, that
forced the temporary altering of one of it's par 4 holes on the back nine. The hole will be re-done
and will set up as a challenging short par 4.

THE GOLF COURSE FORMERLY KNOWN AS The KINGS CHALLENGE (Arnold Palmer design)
in Glen Arbor MI. 20 minutes NW of Traverse City is now called the Manitou Passage Golf Club.
Some tee and tree movement allows golfers great views of the area called Manitou Passage.
The course now plays 6,734 from the tips. For more information on this course now open after
last years renovations call, (231)-228-6000 or visit the website at manitoupassagegolfclub.com.

THE INN AT BAY HARBOR, has received the prestigious resort Golf Medal Award from Golf
Magazine, the state of Michigan's first gold medal award in the 22 years they have awarded this
honor. Bay Harbor joins this years winners the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua in Maui Hawaii, The
Homestead Resort in Hot Springs Virginia, and the Four Seasons at Troon North in Scottsdale
Arizona. To stay at the Bay Harbor Inn, call (231)-439-4000 or visit the Bay Harbor website
at www.innatbayharbor.com.

THE SYDNEY MAROVITZ COURSE (Formerly known as Waveland) at Irving Park Rd. and
located on Lake Michigan, run for the Chicago Park District by the Vienna Virginia based Billy 
Casper Golf. Has been rated as the 18th Best 9-hole course in the USA by Golf World Magazine
which listed the Top 25 courses. There are 4,430 nine hole courses in America. The list was
headed up by the Dunes Club in New Buffalo MI., Marovitz plays to a distance of 3,240 yards.
Travis Kane the Regional Manager for the Chicago Park District Golf Courses said, "we are
honored to be named to this exclusive list."

DAVID IMPASTATO TAYLORVILLE ILLINOIS NATIVE,  and owner of the Piper Glen G.C. in 
Springfield Illinois is running an indoor facility in Springfield called the Studio 59 indoor practice
facility. The facility allows Impastato to do what he loves to do best all year round, and that is
teach golf.

SHEPHERD'S CROOK GOLF IN ZION, is now allowing members of it's players club to sign
up for the 2010 season. New members can sign up starting March 8th. For information call 
(847)-872-2080 or visit the website www.shepherdscrook.org.

STAY TUNED TO THE GOG BLOG FOR MORE NEWS AS THE 2010 GOLF SEASON IN
CHICAGO APPROACHES. 

THE CHICAGO GOLF SHOW SAW BIG CROWDS ON HAND FRIDAY AFTERNOON AS
THE 27 ANNUAL MEETING OPENED ON IT'S FIRST DAY.

The Donald Stephens Convention Center was buzzing with golf activity from the time
it's doors opened at noon Friday, until almost closing time.

The show continues today (Saturday)  and tomorrow (Sunday). The show will be open
until 6PM today and will run  9:30-4PM on  Sunday.

Atttendees will receive free golf courtesy of Golfvisions, which owns and or operates
10 courses around the Chicagoland area.

In addition, golfers attending the show will receive a free one year suscription to Golf Digest
Magazine (12 issues) or a six month suscription to Golf World (22 Issues).

Members of the Blackhawks alumni and Sportstalk radio personality Dan McNeil from WSCR,
will be on hand today and tomorrow on the main stage. To have their golf swings analized
by Illinois PGA Professionals.

Many area golf courses and national resorts are on hand to answer questions from golfers.

COME VISIT THE CHICAGO GOLFHOW THIS WEEKEND..............

IOWA'S BEST COURSE FOR YEARS HAS JUST GOT BETTER, WITH A FALL OF 2009
RENOVATION NOW BEHIND IT. THE HARVESTER IS READY TO ROLL.


                                         THE HARVESTERS PAR 4 16TH HOLE

"Compared to some of the most famous courses in the world, we recognize that The
Harvester is young," said owner Dickson Jensen. "But the course design, the surroundings,
the commitment to tradition and the game of golf. It lends to a maturity and a degree of
excellence beyond our years."

Which is why only after ten years Jensen brought back The Harvesters designer Keith Foster,
to give this award winning gem of a golf property new challenges for the golfer to face.

The Harvester is really a hidden golf treasure just 25 miles northeast of Des Moines. The
elevation changes and rolling farm country of the midwest provided a very natural layout
tucked in around the 80 acre Lake Harvester. It leaves the golfer with a challenging layout
along with scenic views, especially on a midwest summer day. The views from the clubs
western style clubhouse located on top of a hillside, help make the Harvester experience.

Foster gives the golfers a nice break with the opening hole called Windmill, a par 4 that
plays 425 yards from the tips. From there the test of golf starts to increase. If it's not the
terrain or the wind, or the natural prairie grasses,it's Fosters strategically located bunkers
or even Lake Harvester in waiting.


                                         THE HARVESTERS PAR 4 13TH HOLE

The par 5's show Fosters work at his best. In what might be the best set of four long holes
anywhere in public golf, the golfer has their hands full and birdies are not easy to come by.

Hole four the 575 yard "Cattle Run" is the first of the par 5 tests that are found at the Harvester.

"After a wide open tee shot, the golfer finds their second shot with some trouble left and native
prairie grass on the right," said Harvester Head Professional John Habermann. "The approach
shot must be played downhill to a green that runs away to the back."

TO HEAR RORY'S INTERVIEW WITH HEAD PROFESSIONAL JOHN HABERMANN CLICK HERE.

Download | Duration: 00:10:49

The 560 yard par 5 sixth hole called "Holy Cow", would leave even the late baseball broadcaster
Harry Carry, shouting his trademark phrase upon entering the tee box.

A downhill drive leaves ones golf ball rolling a long way here, which is "one of the neat features
of the course," says Foster. But a newly installed bunker will require the player, to think twice about
where they aim their tee shot. A pond fronts the green giving golfers a great risk reward decision
to make, about trying to get home in two shots or laying up.


                                  THE  HARVESTERS PAR 5 6TH HOLE "HOLY COW"

On the back nine the first par 5 is the 650 yard uphill 15th hole called "Big Hog". Habermann laughs
saying Foster didn't take it easy on the players here. If a player makes it to the three tiered green
with a deep bunker on the right side, with a putt for birdie or even a par, it's a relief.

What Habermann says, "might be the Harvesters signature hole" is the par 5 18th. A dog leg right
around Lake Harvester that previously had two water crossings, during last falls renovation the
second crossing was removed.


                           RENOVATIONS TO THE 18TH HOLE-FILLING IN THE WATER CROSSING

Sam Snead always said the best courses make the player hit every club in the bag, The Harvester
will make every golfer do just that.

The Harvester should be on every golfers must play list. If you have played the course before, it's time
to return and see the new vision that Jensen and Foster have created. The course now plays slightly
longer with a small increase in yardage from the back tee's to around 7,400 yards.


                                                THE HARVESTERS PAR 3 THIRD HOLE

With this phase of the Harvester complete, what's next for the Harvester community. When asked
about another 18 holes, the club says the property is there but another course could be some years
off. Right now it's all about making the original Harvester the best test of golf it can be.


 THE PAR 3 17TH HOLE GETS A NEW ROCK FRONT THAT FACES THE TEE AND LAKE HARVESTER

On site lodging is also available at The Harvester, guest homes and condo's can be rented to golfers
that want to stay a few days.

Green fee's are among the best you can find anywhere for an America's Greatest 100 Golf Course
(#73 Golfweek Magazine Modern Top 100). With rates that don't top $90 dollars, Golf Digest puts The
Harvester as the 11th best affordable golf value.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON IOWA'S BEST COURSE, CALL THE HARVESTER AT 1-877-963-GOLF
OR AT (641)-227-4653 (GOLF) OR VISIT THE CLUBS WEBSITE AT http://www.harvestergolf.com/

                                                     THE KNOLLWOOD C.C. CLUBHOUSE

THE HISTORIC AND CLASSIC LAKE FOREST COUNTRY CLUB KNOLLWOOD, is currently undergoing
a renovation by the king of classic course renovations and restorations, architect Keith Foster.

KNOLLWOOD a 1924 gem designed by the firm of H.S. Colt and C.S. Alison, has hosted the 1956 USGA
Amateur, the 1982 USGA Mid-AM, and the 1986 PGA Cup Championship won the by the United States
16-9 over the team from Great Britain.

The golf course will join the clubhouse which underwent renovations in the last few years. An early look
at the current renovations by GOG, shows a course about to become the buzz of Chicago's North Shore
golf community.

                                                  
                                                                  KNOLLWOOD 12TH HOLE

Foster along with the renovation crew he used at the famous Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth TX., is
racing the clock to finish the upgrades before old man winter sets into the Chicagoland area. Knollwood
is among the latest historic golf clubs to hire Foster, whose renovation work at the Detroit Country Club 
opened the eyes of many clubs, looking to bring their historic clubs into the modern golf era, while keeping
it's historic charms and traditions.

         KEITH FOSTER (Brown Jacket by Green) AND CREW DURING RENOVATIONS ON THE 9TH HOLE

Classic bunker design, restoring of original green sizes and patterns, movement of fairways to where
they had originally been, while adding very subtle undulations to both fairways and greens, are some
of the changes and upgrades that Foster brings to his classic course work. Foster is also credited for
making many of his courses excellent walking courses, which pleases many members and public
golfers who who love that aspect of golfs great traditions.


                                                                    KNOLLWOOD 13TH HOLE

While Knollwood C.C. is a private club, the general golfing public can see Foster's work just a little
further up the road in Lake County at Shepherd's Crook in Zion. Shepherd's Crook operated by the
Zion Park District is an original Foster design and has been open since 1999. "The Crook" as it's
known by some, is working with Foster to get him back on the property for a ten year tuneup. Earlier
this year Golfweek Magazine named Shepherd's Crook the 18th best municipal golf course in the
country. A return visit by Foster can only move Shepherd's Crook up that list.

In addition to his work at Knollwood, Foster has quietly in recent years elevated his reputation by
turning out classic renovation's at Omaha (NE) Country Club. Which shortly after re-opening landed
the 2013 US Sr. Open, the Louisville (KY) Country Club, Eastward Ho Country Club in Chattam (MA)
that now sits 87th on the Golfweek Magazine's America's Greatest 100 Classic Course list.

Another of Foster's original course designs the award winning Harvester Golf Club in Rhodes (IA),
(Golfweek Magazine America's Greatest 100 Modern courses # 73) is also undergoing a ten year tune
up. Foster says that a few new strategic bunkers will be in place, along with changes to the closing
holes, like the par 3 17th and the par 5 18th. New rock edges along the water area's on both holes,
should give the course a new look and feel.

 
A NEW ROCK WALL FRONTS THE PAR 3 17TH HOLE      A  SECOND WATER CROSSING ON 18 IS FILLED IN 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 TO HEAR Rory's interview with Keith Foster on his renovations at Knollwood C.C., The Harvester,
the building of Shepherd's Crook, and the classic 18th hole at Hurstbourne C.C., plus some of
Keith's other current and future projects. CLICK HERE.
                                                                                                                                       

Download | Duration: 00:37:04

GOG also visited another Foster public course near St. Louis the Gateway Golf links, in Madison IL.
Foster makes great use of the historic landmark the St. Louis Arch, in helping golfers line up a few
shots at GWGL.

GOG also saw three other private clubs with Foster's touch on them this year, the Mission Hills (1914)
Country Club in Kansas City (KS), Hurstbourne Country Club Louisville (KY) that has the best 18th
hole that's a Par 3 anywhere (With my apologies to Pasatiempo, Cascades, Great White at the
Greenbrier and Congressional) and the Hermitage Country Club in Manakin-Sabot (VA) the home
of Arnold Palmers last win on the Senior (Champions) Tour. All of which are great test's of golf.


                                                           HURSTBOURNE C.C. PAR 3 18TH HOLE

When Knollwood re-opens in 2010, one can bet that's it's members will be hearing from friends
about wanting to play Knollwood again. Maybe the USGA will come knocking too, when it looks
for a home for one of it's championships that needs a historic-classic club look and feel to it.

For more on Keith Fosters design work, visit his website at www.keithfosterdesign.com 

BY....RORY SPEARS

                          LAKE GALENA & EAGLE RIDGE INN AND NORTH COURSE

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED ON THE RIDGE IN GALENA ILLINOIS, AS THE 2010 GOLF
SEASON IS JUST RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER.

"We are still enjoying our winter activities here at Eagle Ridge," said Erin Strieck the
resorts Director of Golf. "But we are gearing up for yet another great golf season here."

Eagle Ridge is the home of 63 golf holes, on three 18 hole courses and one nine hole
course.

The featured layout is the award winning Roger Packard/Andy North designed course
called "The General" that opened in 1996. The General earned the name because of
the city of Galena having been the former home, of US Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant.
Grant's Galena home is open for tours and sits not far from the front gate of Eagle Ridge.

Golfers will have to be as bold as the legendary american general was during the civil war,
to score well on the demanding general course. Severe elevation changes and holes cut
out of the rocks, will challenge the best players. The General plays to a yardage of 6,820
and a par of 72 from the back tee's, the four star tee's which have a rating of 73.7 and a
slope of 141. Don't let 6,820 fool you, the course plays more like 7200+.


                                             
                                    THE GENERALS PAR 4 10TH HOLE

The natural terrain of the course of the course leaves the golfers in carts for their round,
however the days of the dreaded "cart path only" are now over. Except when current wet
weather forces them back on the paths. The courses signature hole is the par 4 14th hole,
which has an elevation drop of almost 200 feet from tee to green.

TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THE GENERAL AND EAGLE RIDGE, LISTEN TO RORY'S INTERVIEW
WITH DIRECTOR OF GOLF ERIN STRIECK BY CLICKING HERE.

Download | Duration: 00:09:09

The original 18 holes at Eagle Ridge is the North Course. Built in the late 1970's the North
Course is viewed by some as the most friendly of the resorts courses, because it is a little
more wide open than the resorts other courses. The North Course is a par 72 layout, that
plays 6,875 from the tips. To a slope and rating of 73.2/132.

One of the resorts prettiest holes resides on the north. The par 3 8th hole that plays 165 yards,
from and elevated tee and alongside of Lake Galena.

Located in the center of the resorts property is the South Course, that opened in 1984. The
South Course is not long playing only 6,762 from the back tee's. However the South Course
is narrow and requires one to hit the ball straight.
 

                                 
                                      THE PAR 4 9TH HOLE AT THE SOUTH COURSE

The back nine on the South Course is regarded as the toughest nine at the resort. With the
par 4 18th hole, requiring a downhill tee shot and a decision by the player to layup or try to
drive over a creek that divides the hole in half. With an approach shot that is uphill, and
somewhat blind into a long but narrow green.

Eagle Ridges other course is the 9-hole East Course. The course is only 2,648 yards from
the back tee's, but again like the other courses on property does have some elevation changes.
Many players enjoy the scenic par 3 second hole, that is only 150 yards but has big elevation
drop from tee to green. The course is perfect for seniors, juniors, and those tight on time.

A full size driving range complete with target greens and space for golf schools and private
lessons is located by the North Course. All of the courses pro shops are fully stocked with
with golf supplies and golf wear.

To start off the 2010 golf season Eagle Ridge has announced three new golf packages on
sale already.

They are the Double Bogey Package, that includes 3-days, 2-nights starting at $209.00. The
Eagle Package 2-nights, 1-day starting at $119.00. Or the World Class Golf Package which
is 3-days, 2-nights starting at $229.00.

Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa (yes a Spa for you achy golfers), has the Stonedrift Spa which
during golf season includes the increasingly popular golfers message. The Stonedrift Spa
welcomes both the women and the men, and is a great idea for couples.


                                     
                                THE STONE MASSAGE AT THE STONEDRIFT SPA
                              
Dinning at Eagle Ridge is available at the Woodlands Restaurant and Lounge, the Woodlands
is more of a fine dining experience with views of Lake Galena. Spikes Grill and Chop House
is located at the General Clubhouse at one of the highest elevation locations at the resort,
leaving one with tri-state views from both indoor and outdoor tables. All of the clubhouses
at the other courses have grills for eating both before and after golf.


                              THE GENERAL CLUBHOUSE AND SPIKES CHOPHOUSE
                             
Paisano's Pizza Galenas best pizza and Italian specialties, can be enjoyed at the Inn or
delivered to your room.

Lodging accommodations are at the Eagle Ridge Inn which has 80 rooms, or across the
resorts scenic property in homes or villa's.


                                     THE EAGLE RIDGE INN AND FRONT CIRCLE

The resort has plenty of other activities for kids and or adults who do not golf, a full health
club and pool are on property as well.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EAGLE RIDGE RESORT AND THE STONEDRIFT SPA PLEASE
CALL  RESERVATIONS AT (800)-892-2269, FOR BUSINESS AND GROUP EVENTS CALL
(800)-998-MEET (6338), OR THE RESORTS MAIN NUMBER (800)-777-5000. OR VISIT THE 
RESORTS WEBSITE AT http://www.eagleridge.com/  IF YOUR ATTENDING THE CHICAGO 
GOLF SHOW FEB 26-28, STOP BY THE EAGLE RIDGE BOOTH.