Herbie Johnson Golf Classic will take place at Balmoral Woods Golf Club, Lincoln Oaks Golf Course and the Lincolnshire Country Club in Crete, as well as Coyote Run Golf Course in Flossmoor and University Park Golf Club. All funds raised will go to the Herbert T. Johnson Foundation, whose mission is to keep the charitable spirit of Herbie Johnson alive by assisting people and families who are dealing with devastating personal tragedies.

Limited openings for golfers remain at $125 per person which includes lunch, which takes place before the 12:30 shotgun start. A post-event party will take place at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park. Entrance fee for the post-event party is $40, which includes food and an open bar until 11 PM.

Herbie Johnson was an avid golfer, participating many local Chicago golf outings and Chicago Fire Department golf events. A native South Sider, Captain Johnson grew up in a family of eight always knowing he wanted to be a firefighter. He was an alumnus of St. Rita High School.

For non-golfers, a Herbie Johnson Night at The Cell fundraiser will take place on July 19 when the White Sox face the Atlanta Braves. More information about the Herbie Johnson Golf Classic and the Herbie Johnson Night at The Cell event is available at the Herbie Johnson Foundation website.

Herbie Johnson Golf Classic

June 7, 2013
Balmoral Woods Golf Club
Lincoln Oaks Golf Course
Lincolnshire Country Club
Coyote Run Golf Course
University Park Golf Club

Title: Herbie Johnson Golf Classic
Location: Multiple Locations
Link out: Click here
Date: 2013-06-07

Share and Enjoy

The golf course developers definitely took great pains to environmentally integrate all the natural elements the native landscape has to offer, including Bowes Creek and the woodland and wetland areas. The course property also includes a lake, rolling farmland, stands of mature trees and scenic bluff slopes.

Along with the golf course, Bowes Creek Country Club features an expansive practice area including an elevated 30-station driving range with target greens at varying distances, putting and chipping greens, and a private lesson tee. Another highlight of the course is the large clubhouse and restaurant that is perched at a high point of the property, providing panoramic views of the golf course.

Instead of standard green fees, the club offers a “member for a day” fee as well as yearly memberships. As a “member for the day”, golfers have unlimited golf with a cart and full use of the facility. This is one golf facility where you’ll want to get to the course early to take advantage of the amenities before and after your round.

A highlight on the back nine is the par four 11th hole which features a dogleg right and plays 391 yards from the back tees. The tee box plays slightly lower than the fairway and a daunting hill protects out of bounds right, making the landing both difficult to gauge while intimidating to miss right.

Golfers who successfully navigate the tee shot can face a mid-iron into a green that is protected on the left side by two bunkers. The hole requires precision a little more than distance, because anything less than two well struck shots can lead to some difficult approach circumstances.

Despite the drive, Bowes Creek is a must for Chicago golfers. The beautifully maintained golf course, challenging layout and elite level clubhouse service makes this one of the top courses in the Chicagoland area.

Bowes Creek Country Club

1250 Bowes Creek Boulevard
Elgin, Il 60124
847-214-5880

Share and Enjoy

So far in my career, I’ve been able to teach students in both a year round and 6 month golfing climate and the one difference that I always hear is that the year round climate has an advantage because golfers can practice and improve all year round. My students in the cooler climates blame the winter months as their downfall for slow improvement and forgetting key swing concepts. While I agree that being able to play all year round can definitely be an advantage, those golfers coming off a winter layoff fail to take advantage of “forgetting” swing concepts because usually that means they forget bad ones as well. Taking advantage of this early in the season is critical to making improvements for the long term because correct swing concepts can be implemented in the “re-learning” process.

The first thing I advise all golfers who are coming off a long layoff from the winter is to take a lesson from a PGA Professional. This way they can practice some new key swing points on the range instead of reinforcing any bad habits that have been ingrained from the golf inactivity of the winter. Most of my students will tell me that a new position or move in the golf swing feels awkward which makes the adjustment period tough while learning the new skill. Fortunately, at this point in the season, our entire swing feels pretty awkward and rough, so learning the correct technique while trying to feel comfortable again over the golf ball is a way more effective strategy for starting the golf season.

The second thing that I will implore to my students is that when they go to hit balls, take the time to work on whatever it is they are going to be trying to improve. This is not the time to be hitting multiple golf balls in succession without any thought. It is more important at this stage in the season than any other time to hit each shot with a purpose and analyze the resulting shot. The most effective way of doing this is having a specific target to aim at. But it is not just enough to have a directional target, knowing the distance of the target and the conditions that are present also need to be accounted for.

If you are really serious about making this the year you finally reach your goal whether that is shooting under 90 consistently, breaking par for the first time, or anything in between, take advantage of this early season to not only shake off the old rust but install some new parts to your golf game.

Scott Hogan is a Class A Professional who teaches out of Royal Hawk Country Club in St. Charles, Illinois. He has had the privilege to work with some of the best instructors in the country, most recently Mike Malaska at Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club in Arizona. For more info check out www.scotthogangolf.com.

Share and Enjoy

Dino Kapadia, a current resident of Frankfort, IL, is a man in his early 70’s who loves golf but can’t play it because of a bad back. Dino first played golf about 15 years ago and in his first round, made a par on the very first hole he ever played. But in addition to this initial scoring success, the beauty, scenery, and landscaping of the courses he played were the factors that kept Kapadia’s love of golf alive. Then came the day, or swing, that nearly ended this love affair completely. “I hit the earth with my club and was laid up for three days with my bad back” Dino has stated; that was two years ago and he has not played golf since.

Dino is a retired mechanical engineer and he is an engineer who must have remembered those earlier, less complicated times and less complex gadgets because he has invented a “simple” device that lets him “shoot” a golf ball without further damaging his back and can do so without pain. Frankfort’s Kapadia has invented the “drutter,” a combination driver and putter that uses a slingshot mechanism at the top to send the ball flying down the fairway. It is basically a big slingshot attached to a pole.

By using the ‘drutter’ Kapadia is able to walk a golf course and play a version of golf and even keep score! By pulling the slingshot portion down at different angles, a player can make the ball go various distances. “At approximately 45 degrees, that’s when you’ll drive it the farthest. A steeper angle will make the ball go higher, like a wedge used to approach a green. Less angle makes the ball stay lower, like a 3- or 4-iron. A strong, athletic man can drive a golf ball about 150 yards with the ‘drutter’ angle of 45 degrees” he said. While distance with the ‘drutter’ has its limitations, accuracy using the ‘drutter’ is greatly improved, so just keep ‘drutting’ with the top of the unit until you reach the green. A regular putter head is attached to the base of the unit, so ‘drutting’ switches to putting.

Kapadia has a patent pending with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for his ‘drutter’ invention. Also, Dino has developed a set of rules for a version of golf, which he calls ‘walkolf’. Kapadia can be seen giving an occasional demonstration of the ‘drutter’ at the Frankfort Square Links golf driving range. More information can be found on the drutter Kickstarter page.

Share and Enjoy

However, the small, crowned greens could be considered Tuckaway’s best defense. Most of the holes required an elevated shot with a high degree of loft or spin to hold the small greens. This is not a course where golfers can make a living hitting punch and run shots.

In addition to the crowned greens, the Tuckaway terrain consists of numerous elevation changes that provide a need for distance and accuracy off the tee. Although the fairways provide ample room to flight your tee shots, the premium on this course is typically the second shot into these smallish greens. Consideration should be given on each tee as to which side of the fairway will provide the best opportunity to hold the green with an approach shot.

Although the elevation changes may add an additional strategical element of concern, they also provide a beautiful window into the gorgeous vistas of the rolling hills of Crete. Make no mistake, this is gorgeous country that should be enjoyed just as much as the golf itself.

One highlight of Tuckaway Golf Club is the 361-yard par four 10th hole that features an elevated tee shot into a sloped fairway that doglegs to the right. Choose your landing spot carefully as the second shot on this hole can be quite a challenge. Like many of the holes at Tuckaway, the 10th green is on a raised surface, requiring a soft approach shot. In addition, the green slopes significantly to the left, requiring all approaches to be wide right as the ball will funnel directly down the hill. Many balls hit the middle of the green and find their way down the hill on the left side, requiring a difficult, lofted shot towards the pin on the short side.

Tuckaway Golf Club in Crete is located approximately 40 miles south of Chicago, however, it’s definitely worth the trip. Its beautiful environent, challenging course and friendly staff will make you feel at home and happy to be in the country.

Tuckaway Golf Club

27641 S. Stoney Island Avenue
Crete, IL 60417
708.946.2259

Share and Enjoy

The Cougars shot a combined team score of 609 over the two-day event (301, 308) just five strokes behind conference champion, University of St. Francis. Brown finished second overall in the field of 54 golfers shooting an impressive two-day score of 148 (71, 77).

“Back only three shots entering the final round, the team was optimistic that they could make up ground in the final round and did so through the front nine, but late rallies by St. Francis and Holy Cross left us with a third-place finish,” said Saint Xavier University men’s golf coach Mike Mandakas. “The guys were disappointed with the result, but should be very proud in their accomplishments as a first-year program. We had more tournament wins and top-three finishes than any team in our conference, so that’s something to build off during the offseason and in preparing for next year.”

“I am very proud of the constant effort as all five of these young men worked very hard throughout the year and each one of them improved and have even greater days of golf ahead of them,” said Mandakas. “I couldn’t have asked for a better team to start this program with and I know there will be much more success as we build for the future.”

Mike Mandakas was named the golf coach at Saint Xavier in February of 2012 and tasked with building the University’s first golf program. Saint Xavier University was founded in 1846 but has never had a golf team. The school is the oldest chartered College in the city of Chicago. The original campus, which burnt down in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, was located on Wabash Avenue between Madison and Monroe in downtown Chicago. The school was then rebuilt at its current location on 103rd street on the southern boundary of Chicago.

Share and Enjoy

Over the past 14 years, this terrific event has featured many media and sports celebrities such as Jeremy Roenick, Denis Savard, Gabe Carimi, Daniel Carcillo, Nick Leddy, Brandon Bollig, Stan Bowman, Jim Hendry, Gar Foreman, Mark Giangreco, Joe Girardi, Neil Funk, Sarah Kustok, Ryan Baker, Bill Wennington, Chris Williams (Actor & Comedian) and Eric Ferguson & Kathy Hart of the The Mix 101.9FM.

Register early to reserve your spot now by visiting the Special Kids Network website. All foursomes and individuals receive golf, fore caddies, lunch, dinner, cocktails, on-course beverages, player gift bag, valet parking with bag drop off and access to putting green, driving range and locker room facility. Many contest prizes including longest drive and closest to the pin will be a part of the tournament.

Special Kids Network is an independent non-profit organization that was created to provide funding for programs that help children and young adults with special needs. The mission of the organization is to create community awareness and raise funds in support of organizations who believe that every child and young adult, regardless of the nature of their background or disability, should be able to enjoy life to its fullest and to participate in the mainstream of their community.

Special Kids Network 14th Annual Celebrity Golf Outing

Monday, July 22, 2013
Twin Orchard Country Club
22353 Old McHenry Road
Long Grove, IL 60047

Title: Special Kids Network 14th Annual Celebrity Golf Outing
Location: Long Grove
Link out: Click here
Description:

Date: 2013-07-22

Share and Enjoy

“All of the information you need to know about our courses is now available in one place,” said Naperville Park District’s Director of Golf Services Ed Provow. “You can register for tournaments, check the comprehensive event calendar, or take a virtual tour of each hole at Springbrook or Naperbrook,” he said. “There’s a new, virtual Golf Lesson Guide as well, and a blog written by our golf superintendent to give a behind-the-scenes look at the courses.”

Naperville Park District golf lessons have expanded to reach the youngest golfers, with SNAG (Starting New at Golf) summer camps available for children ages 3 to 7 years. With SNAG, young golfers use a larger, softer snagball that is safer and easier to hit. Week-long SNAG camps will meet this year at Springbrook in June and July.

For children ages 9-13, both Springbrook and Naperbrook Golf Courses will be hosting Junior PGA League travel teams for the first time. This program features a team vs. team scramble format in a structured league setting. The emphasis is on fun, recreation and sportsmanship and is open to golfers of any level to help advance their skills and achieve recognition. Registration is being accepted through April 30. Interested players and parents may call Naperbrook at 630-378-4215 or Springbrook at 630-848-5060 to register.

Founded in 1974, Springbrook Golf Course features a 18-hole championship golf course, a 28-stall natural turf driving range, two practice putting greens and a short game practice green with bunkers. The Naperville Park District’s other course, Naperbrook Golf Course, opened in 1991 and offers a links-style, par-72, 18-hole course, a 10-acre driving range, a separate lesson tee, and 2 practice putting greens. Golf lessons are taught by experienced golf professionals at both courses and each golf clubhouse features a pro shop, a food service area that serves a wide variety of snacks and beverages, and a relaxing outdoor patio. Both Springbrook and Naperbrook Golf Courses have been recognized by Golf Digest as among the “Top Places to Play.”

Naperbrook Golf Course

22204 W 111th St
Plainfield, IL
(630) 378-4215

Springbrook Golf Course

2220 West 83rd St
Naperville, IL
(630) 848-5060

Share and Enjoy

All fitting sessions will use the state-of-the-art TrackMan golf swing and ball flight analysis with the use of multiple shaft and club makeup options to ensure a perfect fit. In addition, all custom-fit equipment will be built onsite in Bolingbrook, the same day as the fitting session. “We have always been able to offer tour-quality golf instruction, but now we supplement our first-class instruction with tour-quality club fitting” said Bolingbrook Golf Club PGA Head Golf Professional, Eric Aldrich.

The Cleveland Golf Tour Experience will feature individual clubs or complete bag fits and also include gap fitting and loft & lie adjustments that will measure the precise carry distance for each club. All fitting packages will include a Cleveland Golf tour cap, a Cleveland Golf towel and a sleeve of custom fit Srixon golf balls. Fitting packages start at $100 for a basic one-component fit and up to $250 for a complete bag fit. Complete bag fits include driver, fairway metals/hybrids, irons and wedges.

Designed by the legendary golf course architect Arthur Hills, Bolingbrook Golf Club is owned by the Village of Bolingbrook and operated by KemperSports. In addition to the golf course, the club is known for its spectacular 76,000-square-foot clubhouse that features a state-of-the-art pro shop, casual and fine dining, corporate meeting spaces, banquet facilities, executive locker rooms, men’s and women’s lounges and a fitness facility. The Driving Range & Golf Academy at Bolingbrook Golf Club offers a massive bent grass tee that accommodates 70 hitting stations, target greens and short game area. The Driving Range & Golf Academy is also home to PGA Master Teaching Professional, Carl Rabito.

The Cleveland Golf Tour Experience

Bolingbrook Golf Club
2001 Rodeo Drive
Bolingbrook, IL
(630) 771-9400

Share and Enjoy

Swingbyte 2.0 sells for $149 and easily attaches to the shaft of a golf club. The device is about the size of a flash drive, weighs less than an ounce and connects via bluetooth to a smartphone or tablet. As the club contacts the ball, the wireless sensor transmits a 3-D digital version of the swing to the Swingbyte app.

The latest version of the Swingbyte added integrated video capability to its new mobile app. In addition to swing metrics such as club head speed, tempo, club face angles, club path, lie angle and attack angle, which were captured in the original app, video will give golfers a complete analysis of their swing. Recorded images of the golf swing can be viewed on smartphones and tablets during practice sessions and archived in the cloud for future reference.

“We are now able to see an accurate visual representation of what the body is doing in conjunction with full 3-D club data throughout the swing,” said Brian Payne, one of three Swingbyte founders who met while in graduate school at the University of Chicago. “Whether golfers are visual learners or data-based learners, they’ll have all the information they need to improve their games faster within one mobile app.”

Swingbyte 2.0 is a terrific golf improvement tool that enables simultaneous, side-by-side and synchronized coordination of video with Swingbyte metrics. It’s the perfect combination of technology and the art of the golf swing.

Swingbyte can be ordered through the Swingbyte website and purchased at more than 1,800 AT&T retail stores. Swingbyte’s price of $149 includes the Swingbyte unit, the free Swingbyte app and an online account that includes additional analytics, community rankings and personal trends.

Share and Enjoy