Southern Illinois' golf trail, watch the hole for better putting, and appreciating traditional hickory putters

Hear this latest episode of TravelGolf.com This Week.

Many states have a golf trail, but how about one where the crowds are low and the greens fees are too? That’s exactly what you’ll get at the southern Illinois golf trail. In this week’s podcast, host Dave Berner talks to TravelGolf.com’s Kiel Christianson about the trail.

“You’re right on the edge of the Shawnee Natural Forest preserve, and there are some really eye-catching elevation changes,” Christianson says. “The second green of Stone Creek looks out over the Shawnee National Forest. It’s the best view you’ll ever have on a golf course that costs $35 with cart.”

Ever tried putting without looking at the ball? Golf blogger Ron Montesano says he has started putting with his eyes on the cup, not the ball.

“A lot of pros have mentioned this before, and I figured I’d give it a try,” he says. “I can count on my thumbs the number of putts inside four feet I’ve missed in the last three weeks. I am absolutely enamored of this approach.”

In this week’s What Do You Like segment, TravelGolf.com blogger T.R. Massey sings the praises of his old hickory shaft putter.

“It was given to me by my uncle, who got it from my great uncle,” Massey says. “It’s very heavy. The head of it is steel, and the weight of it is very interesting. Once you learn to compensate by giving it a little forward press, you can get the ball rolling on the line pretty well.”

This podcast is supported by Scotland Golf Tours and Golf Canada’s West.