This is getting to be old hat. The University of Illinois men and Northwestern women are heading back to next month’s NCAA tournaments as Big Ten champions. Coach Mike Small’s Illini and Emily Fletcher’s Wildcats defended their titles last weekend on Indiana courses. Illinois ruled for the seventh time in eight seasons and NU, which…
Author: lenz
Mistwood pros celebrate clubhouse opening with another victory
How much better can things get at Mistwood? This was a big week at the Romeoville course, if for no other reason than owner Jim McWethy is hosting a week of special events to celebrate the grand opening of his spectacular new clubhouse. Opening of the 27,000 square foot clubhouse, which includes McWethy Tavern and…
Here’s what’s new from some of our favorite travel destinations
Our latest, extended travels to golf destinations are over now, and they were unprecedented. We were basically on the road for six months – from Oct. 1 to April 10 – and made visits to destinations in Nebraska, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California. Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia and Indiana. We…
International Crown needed Webb to play at Merit Club
The UL International Crown, the biggest event on the Chicago golf calendar this season, lucked out when it reached its first qualifying deadline last week in the midst of Masters hoopla world-wide. In announcing the eight countries to qualify for the July 19-24 global team event at the Merit Club it was significant that Australia…
Wintergreen can accommodate golfers and skiers at the same time
WINTERGREEN, Virginia – Let there be no mistake about it. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wintergreen Resort is a destination for skiers – but it’s also quite a bit more than that. Wintergreen also has 45 holes of golf available and, while it’s not unusual for resorts to have both ski slopes and golf…
This Masters will be good — but won’t match the epic of 30 years ago
This week marks the 80th playing of the Masters tournament and the 30th anniversary of Jack Nicklaus’ last championship. His win in 1986 was also the first Masters that I covered from Augusta National, and I doubt there’ll ever be another one like it. Nicklaus, who has accurately called the Masters “the championship of nothing,’’…
Golf on North Carolina’s Outer Banks is more than an afterthought
OUTER BANKS, North Carolina – The Outer Banks of North Carolina had been a mystery to us, and apparently we weren’t alone. A golf buddy of mine who lives in North Carolina, who had been there and liked it, told me that “most people in North Carolina don’t know about it.’’ A much bigger portion…
A busy year already, but Streelman can finally focus on the Masters
Next week’s Masters tournament may be the first highlight event of the year for most golfers, but not for Kevin Streelman. The only Chicago area player to qualify for the Masters has had an eventful year already. Most of it has been good – but not all. Streelman returns to the PGA Tour for this…
The `other’ Pinehurst offers pretty nifty golf, too
PINEHURST, North Carolina – Make no mistake. Pinehurst is at the very top of the world’s golf resorts. That hasn’t changed. The nine courses there — coupled with the other amenities provided at its Carolina Hotel, Holly Inn, Manor Inn and related condos — make Pinehurst a very special destination. The term Pinehurst, though, doesn’t…
Getting around on a GolfBoard is different — but well worth a try
SOUTHERN PINES, North Carolina – The GolfBoard wasn’t exactly a smash hit when it made its debut at the PGA Merchandise Show in 2014. Still, those who tried this means of golf course transportation that falls somewhere between a skateboard and cart generally gave it favorable reviews. During our ongoing roving nationwide tour of golf…