Where are you playing tomorrow - Chicago (Round 3)

[mci711]

14 minutes ago, MountainKing said:

 

I've made a few exceptions, but under 60 is generally unplayable for me.  I don't enjoy wearing layers of clothing to be outside and don't enjoy being cold.  My last round at Orchard was pretty miserable for me to get through and I only stayed out because I was playing good.

 

When your clothes/layers/accessories inhibit your natural swing it doesn't make sense to me to play. I'll play with a polo and 1 over layer. Anything more feels unnatural to my swing and becomes just hitting a ball with no actual ability to hit the ball how I want to. I did find a nice pair of actual golf winter gloves via Arg's travel thread that I will try out. 

 

I also have cold urticaria. I'd walk from the train to my office in downtown chicago in the winter and my entire body would be covered in hives and my hands/face swell up. Basically impossible to play with swollen hands lol.

[MountainKing]

3 hours ago, mci711 said:

 

When your clothes/layers/accessories inhibit your natural swing it doesn't make sense to me to play. I'll play with a polo and 1 over layer. Anything more feels unnatural to my swing and becomes just hitting a ball with no actual ability to hit the ball how I want to. I did find a nice pair of actual golf winter gloves via Arg's travel thread that I will try out. 

 

I also have cold urticaria. I'd walk from the train to my office in downtown chicago in the winter and my entire body would be covered in hives and my hands/face swell up. Basically impossible to play with swollen hands lol.

 

I'm 100% with you.  I'm okay with a warmer compression layer with a polo or 1/4 zip, not both.  Two layers is it for me, if I have to wear more to stay comfortable it's too cold for me.  I'm probably the same way with the rain, if I need an umbrella and rain gear I'm not interested. Both probably limit the amount of rounds I get to play in a year, but I'm okay with that.  I think back to my last round, I put up a decent number but I didn't really have fun doing it. 

[@_the_crook]

3 hours ago, VNutz said:

40 isn't unplayable if you're walking, but 40 and anything more than a brisk wind can be rough.

 

there is a huge difference when you're walking the course in cold weather opposed to standing still.

you need insulation and windcutting outer layer.

 

I'm at the DMV wednesday . it's 28* with at least a three club wind . line is a block long.

most people are in the kind of clothes I'd wear when it's 50-60 degrees and they're shaking. 

takes an hour until we made it inside.  I'm chatting with the fellow in front of me. Him- jeans, spring type jacket - no hat or gloves.

guy eyes my attire - full kit of winter weight golf gear and I'm holding hand warmers. he nods and says "pro move". 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[dhartmann34]

It's not the temp....but the wind decides if I'm playing or not. Plenty of rounds out there in the 30's.... but that wind must be looooooooow. 

 

I haven't played in a month after having surgery... but hopefully getting to swing again soon because I need that stress relief. 

 

Decided to bite the bullet and went on a golf spending spree during my off-time.... Thankfully backed by my wife. I'll have new irons, driver and 3 wood (True Spec fitting fun).... and I've purchased all the pieces to have a retractable motor driven simulator in my garage....Hopefully together and ready to go by Christmas. 

 

Happy December!

 

 

Edited December 2, 2022 by dhartmann34

[St Jimmy]

Below 35 degrees needs single digit winds.

 

 

I find myself passing on cold weather golf at the end of the season, but a lack of snow will have me out there as early as February.  

It's funny how much warmer 30 degrees is in February and March than it is in November and December.  

January's 20+ days of below zero puts it in perspective. 

 

[ldchristopher]

Highland Woods this morning with Bear. There was a 1 hour frost delay, which was weird because there was no visible frost and it was way too cold last night for there to be frost anyway but…whatever. Shop jockeys gonna shop jockey. We were still the first ones out and played in 2:45. The course was pretty frozen at first but the permafrost wasn’t too deep so it softened as the round went on. Holding greens was an adventure and the fact that I hit 12 is a minor miracle. Then again, it’s Winter so just off but still putting counts as a green in reg. With the firm course I just hit 3 wood off the tee on all but 3 holes. No birds but a few good looks. 75. 

[Quem24]

Took a work trip down through Missouri, saw 50 degrees or so Friday so I lugged my clubs along. Stopped and played the U if I orange course on the way back. 
 

Got pretty much what I was expecting, maybe a tad more. Outdated 1970s clubhouse was…charming?  Rented a pull cart and the late 70s gentlemen was very happy to report it was $5 instead of $10 for winter golf. 
 

$23 (including the pull cart), $1 for tees, and a $3 Mich Ultra on the turn. Yeah, I’ll play some free golf. 20 or so other brave souls, from singles to fivesomes, withstood a 3 club wind and temps steadily dropping to the point I was quite ready to depart by hole 13. Cold and wind for 1-2 rounds a year is fun, this had to be the 8th round this year like this though. 
 

Im sorry, was I complaining about golf in December in Illinois?  Let’s get back on track. Conditions were quite good, punched greens had healed and no tee box issues at all.  There were no tee stakes in the ground but who cares. Layout is acceptable for what it is, some silliness with the raised greens ala Kankakee Elks. 
 

Cool enough experience, Ill head back there in the coming years if I’m in the area and have time for a round. 

Edited December 5, 2022 by Quem24

[TheBear95]

Question for the group...

 

With winter here, I'm looking for a recommendation or two on a simulator to check-out in the northern 'burbs. I will admit, I'm completely lost on the options out there at the minute. My past winter routine is either hitting balls at the Des Plaines outdoor range with the heat lamps or going to a golf dome. Both options seem very 1990s given the number of places that now have sims. 

 

What I'm looking for is a place to rent for an hour at a time to hit balls. I don't need food and beverage and all that jazz. It would be nice to hit my own ball, but that's not a deal breaker. Also, I'm viewing this more as practice and not entertainment, so I don't care about what courses the sim has. And, while this fits what I'm looking for, I would prefer to avoid the PGA Tour Superstore. 

 

Seems like a simulator at a golf course might be the best fit, but open to any suggestions. Appreciate any recommendations.

[dhartmann34]

5 minutes ago, TheBear95 said:

Question for the group...

 

With winter here, I'm looking for a recommendation or two on a simulator to check-out in the northern 'burbs. I will admit, I'm completely lost on the options out there at the minute. My past winter routine is either hitting balls at the Des Plaines outdoor range with the heat lamps or going to a golf dome. Both options seem very 1990s given the number of places that now have sims. 

 

What I'm looking for is a place to rent for an hour at a time to hit balls. I don't need food and beverage and all that jazz. It would be nice to hit my own ball, but that's not a deal breaker. Also, I'm viewing this more as practice and not entertainment, so I don't care about what courses the sim has. And, while this fits what I'm looking for, I would prefer to avoid the PGA Tour Superstore. 

 

Seems like a simulator at a golf course might be the best fit, but open to any suggestions. Appreciate any recommendations.

Not sure where exactly you're at, but Renwood in round lake has two Uneekor simulators you can rent. They have courses and range capabilities. We usually play every Friday. It was $20/hr last year. I haven't been up there yet this year with having surgery.... But I'm assuming it's  along the same lines. 

 

They're also opening a 6 bay heated outdoor facility. Not sure if it's open yet or not, but I'm guessing it's close. 

[TheBear95]

6 minutes ago, dhartmann34 said:

Not sure where exactly you're at, but Renwood in round lake has two Uneekor simulators you can rent. They have courses and range capabilities. We usually play every Friday. It was $20/hr last year. I haven't been up there yet this year with having surgery.... But I'm assuming it's  along the same lines. 

 

They're also opening a 6 bay heated outdoor facility. Not sure if it's open yet or not, but I'm guessing it's close. 

 

Thanks. I'm in Grayslake, less than 10 mins from Renwood.

[dhartmann34]

2 minutes ago, TheBear95 said:

 

Thanks. I'm in Grayslake, less than 10 mins from Renwood.

Perfect then! 🙂 Only downside is you can't use your own ball on the uneekor sim, unless you mark black market dots on your ball. Not a big deal.... But something to note. 

[St Jimmy]

4 hours ago, TheBear95 said:

Question for the group...

 

With winter here, I'm looking for a recommendation or two on a simulator to check-out in the northern 'burbs. I will admit, I'm completely lost on the options out there at the minute. My past winter routine is either hitting balls at the Des Plaines outdoor range with the heat lamps or going to a golf dome. Both options seem very 1990s given the number of places that now have sims. 

 

What I'm looking for is a place to rent for an hour at a time to hit balls. I don't need food and beverage and all that jazz. It would be nice to hit my own ball, but that's not a deal breaker. Also, I'm viewing this more as practice and not entertainment, so I don't care about what courses the sim has. And, while this fits what I'm looking for, I would prefer to avoid the PGA Tour Superstore. 

 

Seems like a simulator at a golf course might be the best fit, but open to any suggestions. Appreciate any recommendations.

 

Terra Cotta.  It's my go to winter place.  

They have sims and track man training rooms you can rent by the hour.  Cheaper if you buy a ten pack.  

 

They open at 7am so don't be stealing my tee times.  

[dhartmann34]

18 minutes ago, St Jimmy said:

 

Terra Cotta.  It's my go to winter place.  

They have sims and track man training rooms you can rent by the hour.  Cheaper if you buy a ten pack.  

 

They open at 7am so don't be stealing my tee times.  

That's about right across the street from my house. Nice facility. But not all that friendly the 3-4 times I stopped in this summer. 

[Jc0]

Is St. Andrews worth a 45 minute drive? Going to have some time to play Wednesday and the weather looks decent enough. I'm 5 minutes from Indian boundary which isn't too bad but would like a longer course. 

[St Jimmy]

1 hour ago, dhartmann34 said:

That's about right across the street from my house. Nice facility. But not all that friendly the 3-4 times I stopped in this summer. 

 

I'm there very early Sunday our late Saturday night and there's usually a kid behind the counter.  

If there was any attitude, I didn't notice.  I've only been there during the winter though.  

 

[ldchristopher]

3 hours ago, Jc0 said:

Is St. Andrews worth a 45 minute drive? Going to have some time to play Wednesday and the weather looks decent enough. I'm 5 minutes from Indian boundary which isn't too bad but would like a longer course. 

Andrews is very strange. The conditions improve as the weather worsens. Overall, it’s okay. It’s got length but not a lot of teeth. Don’t see the name and think it’s a high end links course. It’s just a ho hum parkland layout but it’s open year round so it gets plenty of play in the cold months. 

[TheBear95]

11 hours ago, Jc0 said:

Is St. Andrews worth a 45 minute drive? Going to have some time to play Wednesday and the weather looks decent enough. I'm 5 minutes from Indian boundary which isn't too bad but would like a longer course. 

 

At this time of year, yes. Not much open. I played Andrews three weeks ago. It was in great shape for any month, but especially November.

[DavePelz4]

11 hours ago, ldchristopher said:

Andrews is very strange. The conditions improve as the weather worsens. Overall, it’s okay. It’s got length but not a lot of teeth. Don’t see the name and think it’s a high end links course. It’s just a ho hum parkland layout but it’s open year round so it gets plenty of play in the cold months. 

 

Very under rated comment on the conditions at SA and how they improve as the season progresses. Spot on as usual LD and long as they take care of the leaves, which are done for the year, definitely would do it.  SA is always our season opener for our comp and it's one of a very few that we'll play this late in the year. 

 

Make the drive Sir, it's golf in December.

[Jc0]

1 hour ago, DavePelz4 said:

 

Very under rated comment on the conditions at SA and how they improve as the season progresses. Spot on as usual LD and long as they take care of the leaves, which are done for the year, definitely would do it.  SA is always our season opener for our comp and it's one of a very few that we'll play this late in the year. 

 

Make the drive Sir, it's golf in December.

 

More trying to figure out if it's worth the drive vs Indian boundary. It looks like cog 2 is open for about the same price and driving distance for me is the same so probably going to head out there. Haven't played it before. 

[taylorx300]

Bear95

as far as indoor practice goes, went to a true training facility today and it has everything you need. 7 Trackman lanes, Well putt on most of the floor, a full putting green with undulation and a separate short game area with real sand. $40.00 per hour to use.

The Golf Practice in Highland Park.

Also in the building is True Spec who recently moved in with 2 fitting bays.

 

I have no affiliation with the place. Was there today as part of the Callaway staff fitting event.

 

I have used Terra Cotta a lot since I live in McHenry and they are expanding for 2 more simulators. Their teaching bays are Quad equipped. The sims used to be Trugolf, not sure if they still are but those suck for any real type of practice.
 

[TBone0576]

Brighton Dale Links would be a bit of a drive for you but they have a number of bays set up in the clubhouse.  Used to be they would set them up at Pets but moved it out there this year.  Based on the pricing from last year it looks like 40 an hour during the week and 45 on the weekend.   You can use it like a driving range or play multiple courses.    I don't see a way to sign up on their website so would need to call.  Info still up on the Pets website.   Looks like they are open Mon- Saturday 10-6 and closed Sunday for some reason.  Again I'd definitely give a call out there to make sure this info is valid. 

[ldchristopher]

Deer Creek today. Bear made the trek from Grayslake since the northern burbs got some snow. Just light rain in the South suburbs. I’ve gotta ask, “Where were all the golfers?” 40°, overcast skies, very little wind, soft but playable (read as: not spongy) course. CPO must’ve scared people off. Carts on a course that’s a 5.6 mile walk that’s pancake flat. Sigh. Anyway, standard Winter round. Good ball striking and I didn’t need more than 3 wood, which was good because driver wasn’t cooperating. One birdie on 2 and a few bogies for a 74. Putted and chipped pretty well, hit 11 greens. Good possible last round of the season. 

Edited December 10, 2022 by ldchristopher

[Phreddy]

Set me straight.....

 

I've been playing in Arizona with a group of transplants.  All good guys.  Some midwest natives and then Montana, Colorado and the Pacific Northwest. Yesterday I'm standing on a par 3 tee, its downhill, back pin and 186 yards.  I smoked a 6 iron all over the flag.  It hits 2-3' in front of the pin, rolls out and disappears.  Everybody is yelling "Footjoys!  Footjoys!"  What?  "It's a Chicago tradition.  If you get a hole in one you have to buy golf shoes for everyone in your group."  Fortunately it disappeared because it rolled past the pin and off the back of the green.  Got my par.  Kept my wallet.  So tell me, is the golf shoe thing really a well known Chicago standard or are they sticking it to the Cheesehead in the group?

 

Phred

[chisag]

13 minutes ago, Phreddy said:

Set me straight.....

 

I've been playing in Arizona with a group of transplants.  All good guys.  Some midwest natives and then Montana, Colorado and the Pacific Northwest. Yesterday I'm standing on a par 3 tee, its downhill, back pin and 186 yards.  I smoked a 6 iron all over the flag.  It hits 2-3' in front of the pin, rolls out and disappears.  Everybody is yelling "Footjoys!  Footjoys!"  What?  "It's a Chicago tradition.  If you get a hole in one you have to buy golf shoes for everyone in your group."  Fortunately it disappeared because it rolled past the pin and off the back of the green.  Got my par.  Kept my wallet.  So tell me, is the golf shoe thing really a well known Chicago standard or are they sticking it to the Cheesehead in the group?

 

Phred

 

 

... We have put up with Favre then Rodgers that both owned the Bears, so a few pairs of shoes is just a little deserved pay back. (But I lived in Chicago for 42 years and never heard of this "tradition") 

[ldchristopher]

1 hour ago, Phreddy said:

Set me straight.....

 

I've been playing in Arizona with a group of transplants.  All good guys.  Some midwest natives and then Montana, Colorado and the Pacific Northwest. Yesterday I'm standing on a par 3 tee, its downhill, back pin and 186 yards.  I smoked a 6 iron all over the flag.  It hits 2-3' in front of the pin, rolls out and disappears.  Everybody is yelling "Footjoys!  Footjoys!"  What?  "It's a Chicago tradition.  If you get a hole in one you have to buy golf shoes for everyone in your group."  Fortunately it disappeared because it rolled past the pin and off the back of the green.  Got my par.  Kept my wallet.  So tell me, is the golf shoe thing really a well known Chicago standard or are they sticking it to the Cheesehead in the group?

 

Phred

Yeah. That’s not a thing. An ace just means you cover the bar tab post round. 

[St Jimmy]

17 minutes ago, ldchristopher said:

Yeah. That’s not a thing. An ace just means you cover the bar tab post round. 

Bar tab?

It's only a round where I come from.

[taylorx300]

It is a tradition at the Chicago area country clubs on the men’s side of the locker room. Play at my BIL club (Evanston) and seen it happen. Heard the same tradition at other north shore clubs.

Bar tab for public tracks. Had my one and only ace on Columbus Day a decade ago and the tab was about $240.00. 

[mci711]

2 hours ago, ldchristopher said:

Yeah. That’s not a thing. An ace just means you cover the bar tab post round. 

 

I think it is a club thing, not necessarily regional. I know a few stories about shoes from people at different clubs. 

 

Naperville has a cool tradition. Every jr member pays a dollar per yard to the person who made the hole in one. I had a buddy make a hole in one a couple of years ago on a 200+ yard hole that ended up making him $10,000+.

Edited December 11, 2022 by mci711

[ldchristopher]

Okay, the whole “Footjoy hole-in-one thing” makes sense for country clubs, but no way I’d be buying new shoes for some randos just because I made an ace while on vacation. Members have to spend a certain amount of money at country clubs. Buying people shoes just ends up covering a small piece of those payments anyway. I’ve had two aces in my life. Both times I ended up buying Bear a couple beers. 

Edited December 11, 2022 by ldchristopher

[DavePelz4]

On 12/10/2022 at 4:42 PM, Phreddy said:

Set me straight.....

 

I've been playing in Arizona with a group of transplants.  All good guys.  Some midwest natives and then Montana, Colorado and the Pacific Northwest. Yesterday I'm standing on a par 3 tee, its downhill, back pin and 186 yards.  I smoked a 6 iron all over the flag.  It hits 2-3' in front of the pin, rolls out and disappears.  Everybody is yelling "Footjoys!  Footjoys!"  What?  "It's a Chicago tradition.  If you get a hole in one you have to buy golf shoes for everyone in your group."  Fortunately it disappeared because it rolled past the pin and off the back of the green.  Got my par.  Kept my wallet.  So tell me, is the golf shoe thing really a well known Chicago standard or are they sticking it to the Cheesehead in the group?

 

Phred

 

Actually, Elgin CC does exactly this.  You can also buy insurance to protect yourself from the cost of outfitting everyone in your group.