Encompass Championship at North Shore Country Club

By Len Ziehm Back in 2002 it was hard to imagine that the Senior PGA Tour wouldn't be coming back to Chicago the following year.  After all, the circuit for golf’s 50-and-over stars had been well-received for the 12 previous years and the players made it clear they liked coming here. Sponsorship didn't materialize, though, and the event known originally as the Ameritech Senior Open and then – in its last three stages – as the SBC Senior Open was gone forever. On a more upbeat note, however, the most exciting feature of this golf season is the circuit’s return -- for the June 17-23 Encompass Championship at North Shore Country Club in Glenview. Chicago’s devoted golf fans, though, shouldn't expect to see revival of the tournaments held here from 1991-2002. Lots of things have changed since then. (more…)

Give a Gift of a Getaway for Mother’s Day!

Serenity Springs Michigan City Serenity Springs is a unique getaway from the everyday. A couple’s escape nestled on 85 acres in Michigan City, Indiana – and minutes away from the shores of Lake Michigan -- which offers an intimate touch of class on a country setting where you can enjoy a getaway of pampering and unsurpassed service. Serenity Springs Michigan City RoomsEnjoy fishing on their private lake, walking the wooded trails or enjoying a romantic carriage ride.  Each cabin is furnished with a king-sized bed, gas fireplace and TV/DVD entertainment system.  Relax in your sunken whirlpool tub for two while anticipating a surprise delivery in the exclusive “butler door”.  Step out onto your back covered deck where you will find your gas grill, campfire, and gliding chairs.  While on your deck you can enjoy feeding the waterfowl and roasting  s’mores.  In-room fine dining and massage therapy are also available. (more…)

Encompass Championship News

North Shore Country Club Glenview, Illinois June 17 – 23, 2013 A legendary course. Legendary players. And you can be right in the middle of it all. The Champions Tour returns to Chicago from June 17th – 23rd as the Encompass Championship premiers at North Shore Country Club in Glenview.  The tournament features a special Pro-Am format where Champions Tour professionals partner with amateurs and celebrities on Friday and Saturday for an event-within-the-event competition. Players on the Champions Tour are among the most well-known and accessible in golf today. (more…)

The “Flossmoor Experience” Just Got Better in 2013

Flossmoor Country Club Now Offers 2 New Membership Programs for 2013! INDIVIDUAL GOLF MEMBERSHIP -- Starts April 1 POOL MEMBERSHIP -- Starts May 1 16th Hole Flossmoor Country ClubFlossmoor Country Club provides golfing enjoyment, competition and family entertainment in the south suburbs of Chicago. In 1899, Flossmoor Country Club was founded and is now one of the oldest existing clubs in the Midwest and home to a classic style, world-class golf course. With rich history and traditions, the "Flossmoor Experience" emanates through various member golf tournaments and social events culminating in the finest club experience Chicago has to offer. (more…)

Bolingbrook Golf Club Announces the Opening of the Cleveland Golf Tour Experience

Opening Day Event Scheduled for April 13 Bolingbrook Golf Club announced on April 8 its new partnership with Cleveland/Srixon Golf and the opening of a new club fitting and club building studio named The Cleveland Golf Tour Experience (TCGTE). An opening event for TCGTE will be held Saturday, April 13 from 12:00pm-2:00pm at the Bolingbrook Golf Club’s Driving Range & Golf Academy (1001 Kings Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60490). (more…)

2013 Encompass Championship Debuts in Chicago

Encompass Championship Champions Tour Golf returns with an exciting new format, attracting many of the world's most recognized names in professional golf! The Encompass Championship marks the return of Champions Tour Golf to the Chicago area on June 17-23, 2013. North Shore Country Club This tournament will introduce an exciting new format to Glenview’s North Shore Country Club and the Chicago area with five days of Pro-Am action along with three days of Champions Tour competition on June 17-23. (more…)

Golf Fashion Show – Thursday, April 11, 2013

Golf Fashion ShowHOSTED BY THE FIRST TEE GREATER CHICAGO “A tradition unlike any other”. Although we won’t be at Augusta, The First Tee of Greater Chicago is hosting a party unlike any other and you won’t want to miss it! The 2013 TFTGC Golf Fashion Show will be held at “Untitled Chicago”, a speakeasy themed club located in River North on Thursday evening, April 11. This exciting new special event features a premiere golf fashion show hosted by the PGA Tour Superstore that will showcase the 2013 season’s hottest new golf apparel and accessories for Men, Women and Children. (more…)

JONES TRAIL: Cambrian Ridge was a great place to start

By Len Ziehm GREENVILLE, Ala. – Some things are just meant to be. That seemed to be the case when a chance to play on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail finally materialized at the end of a 10-week road trip. This  travel-writing journey was to finish up with rounds at Sandestin, on the Florida Panhandle, and Preserve, a Jerry Pate creation in Biloxi, Miss.  Alabama had been on the route back to Chicago two previous times on similar trips, but not on this one. (more…)

On the road to the LPGA – 2013 Symetra Tour/Four Winds Invitational June 21-23, 2013

Silver Creek Event at Four WindsLast evening we attended the Sponsor Appreciation Reception and Dinner at the new Silver Creek Event Center in the Four Winds Hotel & Casino in conjunction with the Four Winds Invitational.  The Four Winds Invitational will be back again to the South Bend Community for the 2nd year.   The Four Winds Invitational tournament one of the stops on the 2013 Symetra Tour--Road to the LPGA will be held on June 21-23, 2013 at top-rated Blackthorn Golf Club.  Blackthorn is rated 4-1/2 stars by Golf Digest's "Places To Play" and is certainly a must play golf course this year. (more…)

It Ziehms To Me: A fitting honor for Chicago legend Bill Ogden

By Len Ziehm A golf professional’s job was much different when Bill Ogden ran the shop at North Shore Country Club. Ogden not only could compete at the highest level, but he also was a master at handling the detail work that was required on the job. The Chicago area never has had a club pro as widely successful as Ogden, and his myriad of accomplishments were recognized this week when he was named among eight inductees into the PGA Golf Professionals Hall of Fame.  He’ll be inducted posthumously at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, FL., on March 12. (more…)