Where are you playing tomorrow - Chicago (Round 3)

[Holy Moses]

Had some vacation time this week and am filling it with golf since I can't go to Florida as planned.

 

Went back to Prairie View for the second time. The Top Tracer range is a nice addition, especially at a place way out in the country. Unfortunately, the day I played you could only use the outdoor mats or Top Tracer and I couldn't warm up on grass tees. Prairie View still has a great practice area, especially the short game spot. If this course was closer, I'd play it all the time.The par 5s are tough. They take an accurate drive with correct placement and a great second shot is necessary to be rewarded with a birdie. I hit some mammoth drives in the warm conditions. I hit probably my longest drive to 15 yards of the green on the last hole. I shot 72 with a 34 on the back.

 

I've always wanted to play The Glen Club. $165 for a weekday rate - and that's without a cart. Nice golf carts, decent range (where was the short game practice area?), but the course didn't wow me. A number of wide fairways, big greens, and landing areas that are blind. The course was in excellent condition and the greens were as firm as any I've been on this year. Many of the pins were stuck in corners that made them difficult to reach. I shot 76, but I didn't have any really good birdie chances. The course isn't easy and putting your drives in the right position is paramount. 

 

Andy Johnson from The Fried Egg got me interested in Ravisloe, so I decided to play it. The place is old (built in 1901) and it has an old feel (and smell!). I thoroughly enjoyed it. The bunkers and rolling hills near the greens are something you don't quite see in modern golf course design. I think it's the first Ross course I've played. Small greens, steep bunkers, but the greens weren't terribly sloped and I putted pretty well (24 putts). The group in front of me had a player that was playing for the first time. He didn't have his own clubs, he didn't know how to tee the ball up at first, but they played a scramble with him and they kept up. All in all, a fine day. I shot 71 with a 33 on the back. I really liked the course, but for $85 I expected a little better conditioning (the greens were in good shape though). They didn't seem to use a crabgrass preventer on the tees or runoffs by the greens for some reason. 

[@_the_crook]

3 hours ago, chisag said:

... I am cleaning out the basement and have some carts I need to get rid of because I know there has been a shortage. The push carts are in great shape and both have rubber inflatable tires and roll great, much better than current plastic wheeled carts imo. So if anyone is interested here is what I have:

Clic Gear push Cart  $60
Sun Mountain push cart.  $60
or $100 for both. 

I also have a Remote Controlled MotoCaddy S7 that is several years old but has a newer battery and was only used for 1 season before switching to a MGi Navigator. Charger included. Best sale price I could find is $1489 so I am selling mine for $499. 
https://www.sunrisegolfcarts.com/remote-control-golf-carts-lithium-motocaddy-p/mtc-s7-li.htm 

Since I won't be shipping any of these, I thought I would offer them here first for local pick up. 


PM'd you

 

 

 

 

 

[Eagleman]

So some of you may remember back in January I asked which membership would be better, cog hill or Mistwood. For those that don’t remember I was a member at Mistwood for a couple years prior and was wanting to try something new. Both memberships are the same price with similar perks. Well I decided to join cog hill this spring. Now that I’ve been a member there for most of the year I think I know enough to give an honest review in case anyone else Is ever in my same position.

 

Cog Hill has Dubsdread and it is an extremely difficult course. One of my favorite memories is going to an Advil Western Open with my grandfather. I remember watching Phil tee off on 5 and Tiger tee’d off on 9, the tee boxes back up to one another. It’s always in very good shape, but the pace of play is god awful. Well over 5 hours is normal. We have a permanent tee time on the weekend and they have actually forgot to put us on the tee sheet and the starter had to slide us in between groups. I’ve asked for pricing on a couple different clubs and have not received any response to my emails. I’ve brought it up in person and they said they would get back to me, but they haven’t. I would think Cog Hill would have better customer service then they do.

 

Mistwood on the other hand, their customer service is amazing! I’ve been there a couple times this year and the bag handlers at the front still remember my name and are very helpful, same with their pros and instructors. Chris Ioriatti and Eric Russel always respond to emails with any information and prices I ask for. The course is in very good shape as well, and I do believe, in my opinion, Mistwood has a better practice area. The only thing they’re lacking is top tracer on their range but they may change in the next year or so.  So next year, I am most definitely returning to Mistwood. I will still play Dubsdread once a year for the memories, and to be humbled lol I hope this helps anyone and sorry for the long read.

[stasek]

Ruffled Feathers this morning....  I’m such a mental midget when it comes to putting.  We played the sporty gold tees (~6000 yards).  After a customary 3-jack on 1st hole,  snap hooked the tee shot on the par 5 3rd into the aqua , only to get up and down for par.    Okie, no sweat....    Drove the 12th green with a 4wood, and had 120 approach on 13th “par 5”.  5 birdies later, carded a 73, which included a stupid double from the middle of the fairway on 16.  Any recommendation on putting coach?  I’m literally sweating every single  2-3 footer.   What a stupid game we chose to play....     

[geochitown]

todd sones...you can do a lesson package 5 pack, which drops the hourly rate down.

 

at white deer run in vernon hills

 

I'm doing that now, and Todd does first and last lesson, and one of his instructors, Chris Bautista, does the middle 3.

 

I'm doing full swing and putting work, and i'm 3 lessons in and am very impressed with Todd, and especially Chris as a younger instructor.

Edited August 24, 2020 by geochitown

[geochitown]

On 8/22/2020 at 5:53 PM, Eagleman said:

So some of you may remember back in January I asked which membership would be better, cog hill or Mistwood. For those that don’t remember I was a member at Mistwood for a couple years prior and was wanting to try something new. Both memberships are the same price with similar perks. Well I decided to join cog hill this spring. Now that I’ve been a member there for most of the year I think I know enough to give an honest review in case anyone else Is ever in my same position.

 

Cog Hill has Dubsdread and it is an extremely difficult course. One of my favorite memories is going to an Advil Western Open with my grandfather. I remember watching Phil tee off on 5 and Tiger tee’d off on 9, the tee boxes back up to one another. It’s always in very good shape, but the pace of play is god awful. Well over 5 hours is normal. We have a permanent tee time on the weekend and they have actually forgot to put us on the tee sheet and the starter had to slide us in between groups. I’ve asked for pricing on a couple different clubs and have not received any response to my emails. I’ve brought it up in person and they said they would get back to me, but they haven’t. I would think Cog Hill would have better customer service then they do.

 

Mistwood on the other hand, their customer service is amazing! I’ve been there a couple times this year and the bag handlers at the front still remember my name and are very helpful, same with their pros and instructors. Chris Ioriatti and Eric Russel always respond to emails with any information and prices I ask for. The course is in very good shape as well, and I do believe, in my opinion, Mistwood has a better practice area. The only thing they’re lacking is top tracer on their range but they may change in the next year or so.  So next year, I am most definitely returning to Mistwood. I will still play Dubsdread once a year for the memories, and to be humbled lol I hope this helps anyone and sorry for the long read.

 

Thanks for the info!!!

 

I don't think it was the Advil Western Open, LOL!

 

Good ol' Cialis...

[DavePelz4]

1 minute ago, geochitown said:

 

Thanks for the info!!!

 

I don't think it was the Advil Western Open, LOL!

 

Good ol' Cialis...

 

He's right, back in 2000 and 2001, it was the Advil Western Open. 

[geochitown]

THanks for the correction, I don't not know that.  I was out of the country those years.

[taylorx300]

Finally get to play Merit Club today and of course it’s going to be in the 90’s (hot) and we have to carry and walk. It could be worse, I could be at work.

[geochitown]

I'll be at home working about 2 miles east of you as the crow files...

enjoy and hydrate

 

FYI, the rain gauge at 120 and the Des Plaines RIver showed 1" of rain last night.

Fell in 45 minutes

Edited August 24, 2020 by geochitown

[VNutz]

34 minutes ago, DavePelz4 said:

 

He's right, back in 2000 and 2001, it was the Advil Western Open. 

Motorola, Advil, Cialis, even Golf Digest for a year or so. A shame they couldn't lock down a major sponsor to keep what was one of the nation's longest running tourneys here.

[DavePelz4]

Played Blackstone on Saturday for probably the 10th time this year. Course is almost always in good shape and Saturday was no exception. Apparently COVID-19 is gone from the Marengo area as our guys were the only ones wearing masks while inside the clubhouse. Had a guy literally ask why I was wearing a mask and I told him it was to protect him and he laughed and said he didn't have COVID.  I asked him if he knew whether I did and he said I didn't.

 

So apparently none of us need to be safe/tested as that guy can look at you and tell you.  Maybe they can send him to Lake Forest which should mitigate the false positive tests coming form the labs in NJ.

[TheBear95]

17 minutes ago, DavePelz4 said:

Played Blackstone on Saturday for probably the 10th time this year. Course is almost always in good shape and Saturday was no exception. Apparently COVID-19 is gone from the Marengo area as our guys were the only ones wearing masks while inside the clubhouse. Had a guy literally ask why I was wearing a mask and I told him it was to protect him and he laughed and said he didn't have COVID.  I asked him if he knew whether I did and he said I didn't.

 

So apparently none of us need to be safe/tested as that guy can look at you and tell you.  Maybe they can send him to Lake Forest which should mitigate the false positive tests coming form the labs in NJ.

 

Not surprising at all. That's Marengo. And, I'll leave my comments at that.

[ME27]

Sanctuary yesterday, breezy day but that seems to be the norm there. Carded a 76 with 4 birdies but should have been much better as i missed two birdie putts inside 6 feet and doubled two of the easier holes on the course. Course was in pretty good shape although the par 3 tee boxes were pretty rough. 

[mci711]

1 hour ago, TheBear95 said:

 

Not surprising at all. That's Marengo. And, I'll leave my comments at that.

 

Not wearing a mask is bad/stupid enough. But I couldn't imagine ever caring about someone else doing something that may protect themselves and others. I had older man just outside of Deer Run call me a p***y at a gas station because I had my mask on. It took everything in me not to beat the hell out of him, if I didn't have a nice new white Peter Millar shirt on I may have ?. Instead I just laughed it off. 

[@_the_crook]

3 hours ago, VNutz said:

Motorola, Advil, Cialis, even Golf Digest for a year or so. A shame they couldn't lock down a major sponsor to keep what was one of the nation's longest running tourneys here.

 

Don't forget General Electric. I've got a water bottle with their logo stamped on it. 

I remember we stopped on the way back to play nine at Oakbrook.

One of the guys in the carpool sneaked into my souvenir bag and a few items went missing. Didn't find out until I unloaded at the house.

Howard - I will hunt you down - LOL.

 

[TheBear95]

13 minutes ago, mci711 said:

 

Not wearing a mask is bad/stupid enough. But I couldn't imagine ever caring about someone else doing something that may protect themselves and others. I had older man just outside of Deer Run call me a p***y at a gas station because I had my mask on. It took everything in me not to beat the hell out of him, if I didn't have a nice new white Peter Millar shirt on I may have ?. Instead I just laughed it off. 

 

You can't fix stupid.

 

[Argonne69]

 

Muggy day at Indian Boundary. Yeah, I know. With an ailing right foot I figured short and flat would be the best bet, as I wasn't sure I could get through the round after a weekend of icing the foot. The conditions were actually quite decent. The greens looked very good, with few ball marks, but were rolling 9 at best. Rough was cut to a nice length. We breezed through the opening nine in 1:50, but it ground to a halt with a backup on the 10th, and it was slow going after that. Finished in 4:25. 'No surprise.

 

Very good round, but it is a pitch and putt. Wound up with four birdies and three bogies. My foot is quite sore, and in need of some ice.

 

Going to make the drive up to Foss Park tomorrow for my first visit.

 

 

[TheBear95]

12 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

 

Muggy day at Indian Boundary. Yeah, I know. With an ailing right foot I figured short and flat would be the best bet, as I wasn't sure I could get through the round after a weekend of icing the foot. The conditions were actually quite decent. The greens looked very good, with few ball marks, but were rolling 9 at best. Rough was cut to a nice length. We breezed through the opening nine in 1:50, but it ground to a halt with a backup on the 10th, and it was slow going after that. Finished in 4:25. 'No surprise.

 

Very good round, but it is a pitch and putt. Wound up with four birdies and three bogies. My foot is quite sore, and in need of some ice.

 

Going to make the drive up to Foss Park tomorrow for my first visit.

 

 

 

Foss Park is pancake flat, so that should help your foot. Greens are usually pretty decent. Layout is pretty ho-hum, but there's a couple of nicer tree-lined holes in the middle of each 9 (#4 & #5, #13 &#14). Otherwise, it is open off the tee.

[geochitown]

Been a busy July/August.

I've been able to practice and take some lessons so that's good.

I haven't played a round since July 3.

 

Thought I'd take it easy, but it turns out it will be Dub's!!!!

First time there since 2010.

 

Should be fast and firm...

 

I'll have to hold on for the wild ride

[mci711]

Tee box on #5 at 7 Bridges. Dog leg right. I've mentioned this before, but this is the farthest right the box has ever been. To me this is an unacceptable tee box location and an almost unplayable set up. Agree/disagree?

 

Edited August 24, 2020 by mci711

[Shriner]

1 hour ago, mci711 said:

Tee box on #5 at 7 Bridges. Dog leg right. I've mentioned this before, but this is the farthest right the box has ever been. To me this is an unacceptable tee box location and an almost unplayable set up. Agree/disagree?

 

No, you are right.  Unacceptable, I agree.  The pro's would be livid to play a hole like that. That is awful and one of the reasons why I haven't l played there in fifteen years.

[taylorx300]

The Merit Club was special. Great conditions and variety of hole layout. But if you pick the wrong line, you will be in trouble or water.

If you get a chance to play here, don’t pass it up.

[Dashfast]

Playing Butler on Friday... any advice/info/fun anecdotes?

 

Preserve today was in pretty good shape - no complaints. Managed to do two things for the first time: parred 9 and found myself with a tap-in eagle (on 15 - almost missed the putt!).

[Argonne69]

10 minutes ago, taylorx300 said:

The Merit Club was special. Great conditions and variety of hole layout. But if you pick the wrong line, you will be in trouble or water.

If you get a chance to play here, don’t pass it up.

 

I walked the course in '16 when the LPGA was there for the International Crown. 'Definitely seemed like an excellent course. 

[Shriner]

10 hours ago, Dashfast said:

Playing Butler on Friday... any advice/info/fun anecdotes?

 

Preserve today was in pretty good shape - no complaints. Managed to do two things for the first time: parred 9 and found myself with a tap-in eagle (on 15 - almost missed the putt!).

Wow!  Congrats and enjoy the round, sure it will be memorable.

[AUTIGER07]

15 hours ago, mci711 said:

Tee box on #5 at 7 Bridges. Dog leg right. I've mentioned this before, but this is the farthest right the box has ever been. To me this is an unacceptable tee box location and an almost unplayable set up. Agree/disagree?

 

 

As someone who plays a 10-15 yard draw with the driver, I'm really not sure what my strategy would be here. Short of having a ladder and a chainsaw in the bag, I might just take the 4 iron out and try to play down the cart path.

 

That's pretty poor.

[AUTIGER07]

21 hours ago, DavePelz4 said:

Played Blackstone on Saturday for probably the 10th time this year. Course is almost always in good shape and Saturday was no exception. Apparently COVID-19 is gone from the Marengo area as our guys were the only ones wearing masks while inside the clubhouse. Had a guy literally ask why I was wearing a mask and I told him it was to protect him and he laughed and said he didn't have COVID.  I asked him if he knew whether I did and he said I didn't.

 

So apparently none of us need to be safe/tested as that guy can look at you and tell you.  Maybe they can send him to Lake Forest which should mitigate the false positive tests coming form the labs in NJ.

I've been seeing a ton of this lately. Last time I was out at HoE I didn't see a single person wearing one inside the pro shop or downstairs inline to get food from the window. Same thing at Bowe's with the halfway house. I get not wanting to wear one, I certainly don't the moment I don't have to, but in those types of circumstances it's still the right move to make.

[DeeBee30]

Fortunate enough to be playing Edgewood Valley for the first time on Thursday. Any relatively recent insight into course conditions RE the firmness of fairways and greens? Specifically, are the fairways pretty soft like most others around here, or should there be some runout? Also, I expect the greens to be quick, but any insight into how receptive they are? 

 

I ask because I just played Bloomingdale - yeah, I know...different universes - and was getting an unusual 30+ yards of roll with driver, while many short approaches were releasing 5+ yards on the greens.

 

Also, any other EV tips beyond the usual stay-below-the-hole at courses like that?

[Argonne69]

 

Enjoyable first visit to Foss Park this morning. I got really lucky with the weather. There was a large cell moving southeast just north of the course that soaked Waukegan. The rumble of thunder was present for most of the round. Did get a few sprinkles on the 15th and 16th hole, but light enough to keep the umbrella in the bag. 

 

I thought it was a decent layout. Nothing really stood out, but there weren't many bad holes either. The tree-lined holes along the western side of the course were very nice, and required precise shots to have a shot at the greens. The par 3s could use a little spice. Conditions were very good. Teeboxes and fairways looked fine. They were on the soft side, which was fine by me as it helped cushion the pain in my heel. The greens were quite large, and looked very nice. There must have been some rain in the early morning, as they were quite damp, and rolling 8 to 9. The bunkers were also wet, and a few had small areas of standing water. Pace was excellent. I went off as a single behind what appeared to be a number of twosomes. I waited on just two holes, and after that the groups ahead were moving at a good clip. I finished the round in 2:50 without having to wait on another shot.

 

The foot is really giving starting to affect my swing. 'Can't seem to push off and get the weight shifted. 'Only managed four fairways today, and nine greens. A handful of drives were just awful. Did manage three birdies, though, along with five bogies. Highlight of the day was a near hole in one on the short par 3 11th. I hit the ugliest, thinnest nine iron in recent memory. The ball maybe got 6 feet above the ground, landed 10 yds short of the green, and started tracking towards the front left pin. It couldn't have missed it by more than a few inches, and I was left with an 18 inch tap in.

 

Can't say I'd play the course again. It was a very good value at $20 to walk, but nothing really stands out. 

 

Looking north from in front of the 11th green. Ominous.

 

 

 

Edited August 25, 2020 by Argonne69