Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Enhancements just added to Global Golf Guide & Logbook

(Zurich, Switzerland) - Artigo Solutions - creator of the Expert Golf "Global Golf Guide & Logbook" app on the iTunes App Store - has added new features to the app that lets golfers document the rounds they've played and helps them choose courses for future rounds.

"Golfers spoke and we listened," says award-winning author Yves C. Ton-That, who developed the app. "We strive to perpetually enhance the app based on feedback through users. Our developers are always working on improving the end product for golfers."

This new update adds a significant new function: Scorecards can be added to an entry as a photo. The color scheme has also been freshened, in that personal ratings can be better differentiated from the average ratings from all users. And there will also be various optimizations to make the app work even more efficiently.

The "Golf Guide" portion of the app contains every golf course in the world and gives users all the information they need, such as contact data, route planner, ratings and more. They can therefore plan their rounds and make tee time bookings quickly and easily. The guide is based on a specially developed database that's maintained and expanded on a daily basis.

With the Logbook portion of the app, users can enter their rounds in their personal logbook. They can add a wide variety of additional information to the entries, such as playing partners, event, results, rating, photos, scorecard and more. Which and how much information is stored is decided by each individual user who can then display their golfing history chronologically or on a map, and sort entries by rating, frequency, countries, playing partners, etc. They can also share rounds they've played with friends via email, Twitter or Facebook.

All rounds are stored in a well-organized structure in one place, and can be accessed at any time. That way, all of the great moments you've enjoyed on-course are never forgotten and all of this is free of charge.

"Golf Guide & Logbook" is available for download from the iTunes App Store free of charge.

Amazing Story Of McCullough's Emerald Golf Links Featured On July Traveling Golfer Show

(PHILADELPHIA, Pa.) - It is a story of amazing reclamation. It is testimony that the world of golf is eco-sensitive. It is a shining example of business and government working hand-in-hand.

McCullough's Emerald Golf Links in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, was once a landfill that was an eyesore in a municipality eager for growth. Thanks to the work of Mayor Sonny McCullough, the town government and architect Stephen Kay, it now stands as one of the most interesting, exciting and affordable golf courses at the Jersey Shore.

And it is the subject of the July episode of the award-winning Traveling Golfer television show.

Opened in 2002, the course stands as a tribute to the Irish/Scottish links style of golf. Wind-blown, devoid of trees, usually featuring firm conditions, the course invites golfers to play the ball along the ground - as is the style of the game "across the Pond."

"It's very exciting for us to show McCullough's Emerald Golf Links to the world," says general manager Tom Sullivan. "The course has matured well over the years and recent changes have brought about the best conditions ever. We believe in our mission statement at McCullough's, and now we hope the rest of the country will do the same."

Sullivan and Kay, an accomplished architect who now makes South Jersey his home, tell the amazing story of taking a blighted property and transforming it into a beautiful golf course.

"I have been playing McCullough's every year since it opened - once, twice a year," says Traveling Golfer host Tony Leodora. "I've seen it mature and I've seen it become a favorite of the people who visit the Greater Atlantic City area. The best way to describe the course is that it is an enjoyable and different golf experience."

The episode from McCullough's Emerald Golf Links begins airing July 1 and runs throughout the month on The Traveling Golfer Network of websites ... including The Golf Director Network (see full list of sites on travelinggolfervideo.com). It also will air on Monday, July 13 as part of the Press Box television show in Myrtle Beach, 5 to 7 p.m. on HTC Ch. 4. As of April, the Traveling Golfer began airing in its entirety as a scheduled weekly feature show on Comcast SportsNet and The Comcast Network throughout the Philadelphia, Mid-Atlantic, North Jersey and Pittsburgh markets.

Responding to golfers' never-ending demands to learn more about interesting golf courses and golf resorts across the country and around the world, well-traveled host Tony Leodora created the Traveling Golfer so he could take viewers on video golf trips to some of the most exciting golf locations. The show won a first place award for golf television broadcasts in the prestigious International Network of Golf Media Awards, presented at the PGA Merchandise Show in January.

The Traveling Golfer appears as a series of monthly shows hosted by Leodora, who has 15 years of experience in televised golf shows. The featured destination stays on the website for one month, before being replaced by a new show. The old shows are archived for continued viewing on the home website, travelinggolfervideo.com. Past episodes can also be found on Xfinity On-Demand from Comcast.

Summer Rewind with Michelle Wie

For golf athletes, summer is a three-month promised land, a time to attack the pin, to get up early and stay out late, to work out the offseason rust and to perfect their game

(RELEASE) - Michelle Wie is no stranger to hitting the course early.

The 2014 U.S. Open winner started playing golf when she was just four years old. By the age of 10, she’d qualified for a USGA amateur championship — the youngest player to ever do so. Wie turned professional before her 16th birthday.

Without the consistently working on her game day-in and day-out all summer long, none of that would have happened for Wie.

In order to become a professional golfer as a teenager, Wie had to work harder, smarter and longer than others her age. Each summer she sacrificed relaxation time to refine her routines on the course.

The summer months were the time when Wie would get lost in her persistent pursuit to get better. With no school, she could spend all day at the course whether at home in Hawaii or on the road competing.

An only child, Wie used golf in the summer as a chance to spend time with her mom and dad. But outings with her family weren’t always just picnics. She challenged her parents and made it a goal to top them both. Wie still recalls the first time she beat her father in a round of golf.

The summer season is the time for playing from sun up to sundown only to countdown the hours until the next tee time. Wie learned a long time ago that summer is anything but endless. However, there’s magic in those three summer months. Keep your clubs shined and your spikes handy, you can catch up on rest come September.

Don’t sleep on summer.

Arccos Golf Signs Jamie Sadlowski as Brand Ambassador

Two-Time World Long Drive Champion Endorses Game’s Only GPS + Live Shot Tracking + Tour Analytics System

(STAMFORD, CT) – Arccos Golf – maker of the game’s only GPS + Live Shot Tracking + Tour Analytics platform – announces the signing of two-time World Long Drive Champion Jamie Sadlowski, who in his role as a brand ambassador will showcase the company’s proprietary system during all golf activities and display its logo on his headwear.

Among the sport’s most popular athletes, Sadlowski has entertained millions worldwide with his showmanship, unique skills and prodigious tee shots. He was notably featured in a recent Dude Perfect video that became an Internet sensation. The 26-year-old Canadian, who also competes on the Web.com Tour and PGA Tour Canada, will share all of his shots, rounds and stats via the innovative Arccos Social function in the free iPhone app, participate in product development and be featured in Arccos marketing initiatives.

“There’s no better way than Arccos for me to gain insights into every aspect of my game,” says Sadlowski. “It’s helped me truly understand my strengths and weaknesses from tee the green, which is allowing me to take my overall game to an entirely new level.”

Requiring no alterations to pre-shot routines, additional devices, tapping or other hindrances to enjoyment and improvement, the Arccos system features a set of 14 virtually weightless sensors. Easily attached to the end of a club grip, each sensor is paired just once via Bluetooth to the iPhone app.

Along with GPS for more than 20,000 courses worldwide, Arccos captures critical data for your game, instantly delivering information on distances hit, club averages, driving accuracy, greens in regulation, sand saves, putts and more. This helps golfers identify patterns and refine tactics before, during and after each round.

“Jamie boasts a combination of raw power and exceptional charisma that no one else on the planet can match,” says Arccos CEO Sal Syed. “Through our in-app social feed all Arccos users can follow all of Jamie’s shots and see the amazing stats he generates every time he tees it up.”

Widely heralded as one of the game’s most innovative and beneficial technologies, Arccos is also endorsed by 2014 FedExCup Champion Billy Horschel and is among the first golf-specific apps offered for Apple Watch.

Earlier this month, Arccos launched Advanced GPS capabilities, providing users with precise yardages to any location on a hole while simultaneously showing the distance from that spot to the green. Also part of this new touchscreen functionality is an automatic zoom capability that gives players a more detailed view of the hole as they get closer to the green.

Essential to the Arccos system, the Tour Analytics platform helps golfers identify patterns and refine tactics before, during and after each round. This was developed in conjunction with golf’s most renowned statistician, Peter Sanders. Drawing from his work with PGA Tour star Zach Johnson and many others, it automatically breaks down a players’ handicap into five key components – driving, approach, chipping, sand game and putting – helping golfers:
· Gain insight into what every shot means
· Understand exactly how each part of their game contributes to scoring
· Explore comparative data in each of the five components from golfers with the same handicap
· Evaluate patterns across their entire golf history, supporting refinement of on-course tactics

Now available at Apple Stores, select golf retailers and pro shops nationwide, and www.arccosgolf.com, Arccos is trusted by top instructors who rely on the system to help their students recognize and correct faults, such as club distance gaps, noticeable shot dispersion patterns and other problem areas.

Led by a team of Ivy League engineers, rocket scientists, PhD’s and designers, Arccos Golf is named after a function of advanced mathematics.

For more information or to view a demo video: arccosgolf.com.

Antigua Named Product Partner for American Century Championship

(PEORIA, ARIZ.) - The Antigua Group, one of the nation's leading designers and marketers of lifestyle and golf apparel under the distinguished Antigua brand, has been named a product partner of the 2015 American Century Championship. The American Century Championship will be held July 14 -19 at the beautiful Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in South Tahoe, Nevada and televised nationally on NBC Sports.

"All of us at Antigua are very proud to have been named a product partner with the American Century Championship", said Ron McPherson, president and CEO of the Antigua Group. "This great event fits our profile as a brand extremely well because the participants come from all sports just as Antigua is involved in all sports and their talents in golf are shown on a national basis."

Find Antigua on the web at: www.Antigua.com and ShopAntigua.com. Like Antigua on Facebook at: facebook.com/Antigua. Follow Antigua on Twitter at: twitter.com/AntiguaWear. See Antigua YouTube videos at: youtube.com/AntiguaWear.

Bubba Stays Cool in Kentwool Socks During Pressure-Packed Playoff Win

Bubba Watson walks 20 holes on Sunday to hoist Travelers trophy in the 'World’s Best Golf Sock'

(GREENVILLE, S.C.) — Longtime KENTWOOL team member, Bubba Watson, managed to stay cool in his KENTWOOL Natural Tour Profile socks while winning the Travelers Championship in dramatic fashion with a birdie on the second extra hole on Sunday. The victory was Watson’s second playoff win at TPC River Highlands while sporting the “World’s Best Golf Sock.”

Damp conditions and 20 holes of pressure-packed golf were no match for the moisture-wicking performance attributes of KENTWOOL’s Merino Wool Tour Profile sock on the feet of the always-cool Watson. After splitting the fairway with his tee shot on his third trip down eighteen, Watson stuck his approach shot within 10-feet and marched to the green in cool, comfortable style to sink his birdie putt and secure his eighth career win and second Travelers title.

“We’re proud to have walked every step with Bubba as he showed his grit, yet again, en route to another exciting playoff victory,” said Dan Murphy, president at KENTWOOL. “Bubba is tough to beat, especially in a playoff. It’s fun to know that his feet are dry while there is sweat on his brow during the heat of battle.”

Since 2008, KENTWOOL has been manufacturing the “World’s Best Golf Sock.” Drawing on over 150 years of mastery in wool manufacturing, KENTWOOL has leveraged the attributes of the natural “smart” fiber for unmatched comfort and performance in the sock category. For more information on the KENTWOOL brand, visit www.kentwool.com.

Monday, June 29, 2015

Swing Into Summer Savings: Announcing New Charleston Area Stay-and-Play Golf Packages

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) – Pairing championship course play with premier downtown accommodations and entertainment, the Charleston area is offering golfers incredible savings on summer stay and play packages. Home to over 19 championship courses designed by world-class architects and endless downtown offerings for off-course enjoyment, the Charleston area is an ideal destination for families, friends, couples and corporate groups to head for a summer retreat. Please see below for a collection of summer stay and play golf packages available this season, which start at $114 per person, per night:

· Brews & Birdies – Perfect for bachelor parties and guys group getaways, the Brews & Birdies package is available now through Sept. 10 and includes accommodations for three nights at the Holiday Inn Charleston Riverview Hotel, three rounds of golf at a choice of eight courses (Coosaw Creek Country Club, Dunes West Golf Club, Legend Oaks Golf & Tennis Club, Pine Forest Country Club, RiverTowne Country Club, The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation, The Links at Stono Ferry and Wild Dunes Harbor Course) and a 3½ hour tour of local craft breweries. The Brews & Birdies package begins at $154 per person, per night and is based on double occupancy.

· Historic District & Resort Sampler – Available now through Nov. 26, this package includes accommodations for four nights at the Holiday Inn Charleston Historic Downtown and four rounds of golf at a choice of five courses (Kiawah Island Cougar Point, Kiawah Island Osprey Point, Seabrook Island Crooked Oaks, Seabrook Island Ocean Winds and Wild Dunes Harbor Course). The Historic District & Resort Sampler package begins at $290 per person, per weeknight and is based on double occupancy.

· Lowcountry Links Layouts – Available now through Aug. 31, this package includes accommodations for three nights at the Courtyard by Marriott Charleston Waterfront and three rounds of golf at Patriots Point Links, The Links at Stono Ferry and Wild Dunes Links Course. The Lowcountry Links Layouts package begins at $170 per person, per weeknight and is based on double occupancy.

· Golf & Haunted Jail Tour – Available now through Sept. 10, this package includes accommodations for three nights at the King Charles Inn, three rounds of golf at Charleston National Country Club, Shadowmoss Plantation Golf Club and The Links at Stono Ferry and a walking tour of Charleston’s haunted Old City Jail. The Golf & Haunted Jail Tour package begins at $182 per person, per weeknight and is based on double occupancy.

· Wild Dunes Resort Condos – Available now through Dec. 31, this package includes accommodations for two nights at Wild Dunes Resort and two rounds of golf at the Harbor Course. The Wild Dunes Resort Condos package begins at $175 per person, per night and is based on quad occupancy.

· Tee Times Trio – Available now through Aug. 31, this package includes accommodations for three nights at the Comfort Suites Mt. Pleasant and three rounds of golf at Coosaw Creek Country Club, Dunes West Golf Club and Shadowmoss Plantation Golf Club. The Tee Times Trio package begins at $114 per person, per night and is based on double occupancy.

· Summer in the South – Available now through Sept. 10, this package includes accommodations for three nights at the Wyndham Garden Mount Pleasant and three rounds of golf at Charleston National Country Club, Pine Forest Country Club and The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation. The Summer in the South package begins at $140 per person, per weeknight and is based on double occupancy.

For reservations or more information on the Charleston area’s summer stay and play packages, visit www.charlestongolfguide.com or call 800-774-4444.

TaylorMade Golf Company Introduces Daddy Long Legs+ Counterbalance Putter

In Partnership with SuperStroke, Next-Generation Counterbalance Putter is Company’s Most Stable Offering to Date

(Carlsbad, Calif.) – Two years ago, TaylorMade Golf Company changed the golf industry by releasing the then-most advanced putters the company had ever created – the Daddy Long Legs and Spider Blade counterbalanced putters. In 2014, engineers upped the ante with the release of the Spider Mallet counterbalance and ultra-stable Ghost Spider Si. Today, TaylorMade has changed the game in putter technology and performance with the announcement of the release of the new Daddy Long Legs+ Putter; the most technologically-advanced and stable putter the company has ever created.

The DLL+ putter features the new SuperStroke XL 2.0 grip with 125 gram counter weight and a True Temper lightweight steel shaft for extreme counterbalancing to maximize stability during the stroke. The DLL+ puts 200% more weight above the hands to raises the balance point 2” to allow greater control of the heavier head. Combine this new balance point with the 8856 MOI of the DLL+ head creates the most stable overall putter TaylorMade has ever created.

Crafted incorporating feedback from TaylorMade Tour Professionals, the new design of the DDL+ features updated styling with a sleek matte black finish with premium accents including a new non-glare tour satin grey finish and contrasting alignment lines for enhanced alignment and confidence at address. The complex construction of the Daddy Long Legs+ features 17 individual pieces, meticulously engineered to create the highest-performing, most stable face-balanced putter in the TaylorMade lineup.

Another feature found on the Daddy Long Legs+ putter is TaylorMade’s new deep-milled 6061 13-gram aluminum insert, inspired by Tour player feedback and engineered to deliver a crisp, clean feel off the putter face and a smooth, accurate roll. The rough surface of the insert also softens the sound at impact, delivering more auditory feedback preferred by better players.

“With Daddy Long Legs+, the stability and performance of our counterbalance putters have been taken to the next level,” said Clay Long, Senior Director of Product Creation, Putters. “We’ve taken one of our most popular putters of all time and added performance features to deliver a remarkably stable putting stroke, which golfers of all abilities can benefit from.”

Pricing, Options and Availability
Available domestically July 15, the Daddy Long Legs Plus is priced at $249, and is offered in a single bend 34.5”, 36” or 38” shaft with SuperStroke XL 2.0 grip.

For more information, visit taylormadegolf.com.

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Cheyenne Woods 'What's in a Name?' for The Players’ Tribune

Cheyenne Woods sat down to talk with the The Players’ Tribune, where she shared her thoughts on being Tiger’s niece in a piece titled, “What’s in a Name?” Woods discusses what it is like to have Tiger as an uncle and the often unfair expectations she faces in the sport of golf.

Here are a few quotes from the piece:

On being asked questions about Tiger …
“The first question I’ll get asked is, ‘So, how’s Tiger doing?’ or ‘When’s the last time you talked to Tiger?’ And all I can do is laugh and provide some generic answer that they’d like to hear. At this point it’s all become fairly routine for me.”

On having Tiger Woods as an uncle …
“I love my uncle, and I treasure the advice he gives me when we speak every few months, but I am not Tiger Woods.”

On being Cheyenne Woods and not just Tiger’s niece…
“Of course, I realize that regardless of what I accomplish in my career, there are probably going to be plenty of people who always consider me ‘Tiger’s niece.’ I’m very proud to be related to my uncle, but it’s not what defines me as a golfer or a person. Yes, my last name is Woods — but you can call me Cheyenne.”

Click HERE to read the entire article.

Friday, June 26, 2015

U of M Extends Anniversary Celebration Offer to Golfers

(Ann Arbor, MI) - Golf fans visiting Ann Arbor this summer or Wolverine football fans taking in games at the Big House this fall, can check off another achievement from their bucket list, thanks to an offer from the University of Michigan.

“The university is extending an invitation to unaffiliated guests to play golf on the school’s two premier courses, designed by legendary Hall of Fame architects, Dr. Alister MacKenzie and Pete Dye,” said Corbin Todd, director of University of Michigan golf courses.

“Players can choose either course or experience both as part of a special package set up for unaffiliated guests,” Todd said. “The package includes green fees, riding cart, welcome gift, and a concession stand voucher.”

The limited number of packages available each month offers a discount for playing both courses on back-to-back days.  

The special offer this season comes as the university celebrates the 50th anniversary the Radrick Farms Golf Course designed by Dye in collaboration with his wife, Alice.

The Blue course, designed by MacKenzie near the Big House stadium opened for play in 1931.

Radrick Farms was one of the first 18-hole courses Dye created in his long career, and the one that he credits for launching him to the status he enjoys today as the most influential golf architect of modern times. In the 50 years since Radrick Farms opened, Dye who is now an active 89 years old, designed some 150 courses in this country and 27 others around the globe.

The Blue course is one of less than 20 MacKenzie designs in this country. MacKenzie was an iconic British 19th century architect who abandoned a career as a surgeon to design golf courses. With the legendary Bobby Jones, MacKenzie designed and built Augusta National, the home of the Master’s tournament. He also created Crystal Downs Country Club on Lake Michigan in Frankfort, recognized among the top golf courses in America.

“Not only are we are celebrating our 50th anniversary of Radrick Farms we are also saluting the tremendous generosity of the Matthaei family and their legacy of stewardship and service,” Todd said. “We are celebrating the beautiful property and world-class architecture from Pete and Alice Dye that has provided many valuable experiences to our community over the past 50 years.”

Frederick C. Matthaei was a former regent at the university who donated the land and funds to build the Radrick Farms golf course. He died in 1973.

Dye, an Indiana native, said he was recruited by former U-M president, Dr. Harlan Hatcher to build the golf course. Hatcher played and was impressed by the first course Dye designed, a nine-hole layout, Eldorado, near Indianapolis.

Todd said a committee comprised of veteran members at Radrick Farms is planning a season-long celebration to fete the course’s 50th anniversary.

A fall weekend celebration with the Dyes around a football Saturday is also in the works.

Alice Dye said she and her husband are planning to attend that weekend fete. Radrick Farms and Ann Arbor has a special place in their lives, she said.

“It all started for us with Radrick Farms and we haven’t stopped since,” she said.

Golf Membership Consultants Selects Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group

Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group will Provide Public Relations, Marketing and Business Strategy Support

(RESTON, VA) – Golf Membership Consultants has selected Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group to manage a public relations program and consult on marketing and business strategies to expand GMC’s market presence.

Based in Naples, FL with offices statewide, GMC facilitates the process of determining suitable golf and country club membership options in Florida for golfers, spouses and significant others planning for retirement or relocating for other reasons.  Its properties division finds primary and secondary residences in gated golf and non-golf communities.  Plans are for the company to extend its services to additional warm-weather markets.

Created two years ago by PGA Professionals and real estate experts with vast experience and market relationships, GMC guides discerning golfers, club members and home buyers to choose wisely during these very personal and important undertakings.  Clients receive in-depth analysis and insights befitting their unique lifestyle and financial desires.

“Roughly 100,000 Americans moved to Florida each of the past three years,” says Jason Becker, president of GMC and a member of the PGA.  “Buffalo will help expand our market reach while telling the story of GMC holistically saving clients time, money and unhappiness from hasty decisions made on limited or bad information.”

“There are 1,200 golf clubs and thousands of residential options in Florida,” says Rich Katz, managing director of Buffalo.  “This could be daunting, but, by simplifying and narrowing what should be one of life’s most exciting transitions, GMC eases fear, misdirection and overall stress associated with relocation.”

Headquartered in Reston, VA, Buffalo has offices in New York, Boston, Denver, Minneapolis, Raleigh and Richmond.  The firm’s public relations, strategy development, integrated marketing, social media and design work increases awareness, market share and profits for companies and organizations operating in more than 40 countries.  Clients include LPGA, Cordillera Ranch, Nicklaus Brands, Kauai Visitors Bureau, Keswick Hall, Telluride Ski and Golf Resort, World Golf Foundation, ECCO footwear, Ballybunion Golf Club (Ireland), PGA National Resort & Spa, Galvin Green and Sea Pines Resort.

More information: www.golfmemberpro.com, 855.MEET.GMC (855.633.8462), www.BuffaloBIG.com, 703.761.1444

Capital Canyon Club To Open Golf Course on July 1

Grand Opening for the Newly-Renovated Private Country Club Set for mid-August

(PRESCOTT, AZ) – After nearly three years of inactivity, one of Arizona’s premier golf courses is set to re-open. The Tom Weiskopf-designed layout at Capital Canyon Club recently underwent extensive renovations and completed a total restoration of the former dormant golf course.

The Par 71, 6600 yard design features magnificent scenery from virtually every hole on the golf course. With dramatic elevation changes throughout the landscape, Capital Canyon Club offers a challenging, yet rewarding 18 holes for golfers of every handicap. Re-shaped and sweeping fairways give way to undulating greens, some widened and even made narrower to improve playability. With the San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff providing an awe-inspiring backdrop to the golf course, members and guests of the exclusive private country club will be treated to a memorable round on the links in Arizona’s high country. Capital Canyon Club will open up play on July 1 while a celebration event is set for July 4. The Grand Opening is scheduled for August 15.

“We couldn’t be more excited to introduce a vastly-improved golf course to our members. Tom Weiskopf visited the Club last month and we have some exciting new changes being developed,” said Paul McLoughlin, Director of Golf Operations for the Capital Canyon Club. “It was truly a great experience to spend the day walking the course with Tom and discussing plans to further enhance an exceptional round of golf. The end result will be simply spectacular.”

Prior to his new position at the Capital Canyon Club, McLoughlin was Director of Golf Operations at the Lake Malaren Golf Resort in Shanghai, China where he was instrumental in the formation of the world-renowned Shanghai Masters with International Management Group in 2011. He also negotiated and planned a Final Series event with BMW that has since developed into the BMW Masters, one of golf’s top events.

“It has been a long time coming, but very soon members of the Capital Canyon Club will marvel in the splendor and beauty of what has been re-developed. From our grand and picturesque Clubhouse to our superbly-conditioned golf course to all of the other amenities which make our Club unique and special, we’re starting a brand new chapter which will surely be the forerunner of so many great things to come,” said Laura Scrivner, General Manager of the Capital Canyon Club, located just two miles from historic Courthouse Square in downtown Prescott.

The Clubhouse with turn-of-the-century charm and appeal features indoor/outdoor patio seating, stone fireplaces and a fully-equipped fitness center accentuated with saunas and steam rooms. With spacious windows providing ample natural light into the Clubhouse, breathtaking views of the countryside are evident from nearly every room. After the Grand Opening on August 15, the Capital Canyon Club will soon take full advantage of its enviable locale and offer weddings and other special events with the ultimate venue to celebrate those special occasions.

For more information on the Capital Canyon Club, visit www.capitalcanyonclub.com or call (928) 350-3150.

Forest Dunes to Open New Golf Villas this Summer

(Roscommon, MI) – Forest Dunes, the nationally acclaimed golf destination in northern Michigan, announces the development of the new Forest Dunes Golf Villas. Construction of the villas started this spring and will open for guests in July.

In an effort to surpass the leading golf destinations in the country, the new villas are designed to comfortably house a foursome or group of eight with four-bedroom and two-bedroom options that will be 2,100 and 1,150 square-feet, respectively.

The villas were designed with the same Adirondack architectural theme of the clubhouse and Lake AuSable Lodge using hardwoods, cedar shake siding, and stone on the exterior. Inside the villas consist of a main living area, kitchen, and various king and double-queen bed arrangements. Rooms also feature the finest in modern comfort, décor, and fixtures including flat screen televisions, wireless Internet as well as private patios.

“As we continue to evolve at Forest Dunes, and with the addition of our new Tom Doak reversible golf course, the demand for future lodging with high-end amenities is becoming more important as we appeal to more national golf enthusiasts,” Todd Campbell, general manager at Forest Dunes Golf Club, said. “Our new villas will add yet another luxurious golf product that will put Forest Dunes on a national competitive playing field with the top destinations in the country.”

Coming in 2016 is Forest Dunes new golf course designed by world-renowned architect Tom Doak. Doak and his Renaissance Golf Design team will design and build a reversible course – two distinct layouts using the same greens but playing clockwise one way and counter clockwise the other way.

The new villas enable Forest Dunes to increase the number of beds to 90 on property. Stay-and-play packages combining its world-class golf with the new villas, will start at $239 per night. Whether it's the new villas, the Lake AuSable Lodge, or the lake cottages, Forest Dunes offers a variety of high-end lodging options that competes with top destinations across the country.

The Forest Dunes course, which opened in 2002, was designed by former British Open winner Tom Weiskopf who feels it is in the top three among his designs in the United States. It is unlike any other course in northern Michigan. The front nine features parkland-style holes meandering through corridors of red and jack pines. The back nine is quite different, featuring even more open and exposed rugged native sand areas with scruffy underbrush bordering and crossing fairways and greens.

For more information about the new Forest Dunes Villas or to book your next golf package, visit www.forestdunesgolf.com or call (989) 275-0700.

Myrtle Beach Wins Triple Crown of Golf Travel in Golfers’ Choice Awards

Grand Strand Voted Favorite Destination, Favorite Destination for Value, and Favorite Destination for Buddy Trips by Golf.com Readers

(Myrtle Beach, S.C.) - Golf.com, the game’s most popular website, polled more than 6,000 players as part of its first ever Golfers’ Choice Awards, and they made a resounding statement: Myrtle Beach is golf’s best trip.

Myrtle Beach was voted Favorite Destination, Favorite Destination for Value and Favorite Destination for Buddy Trips.

It’s the triple crown of golf travel and one the Grand Strand takes great pride in, especially considering who voted on the awards.

“Being voted America’s best golf destination in terms of quality, value and experience by the people who matter most – golfers who spend their hard-earned money to play the game – is incredibly gratifying,” Bill Golden, Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday president, said. “The quality of golf, price point, the entire experience – everything we do here is designed to ensure players have a great trip and it’s rewarding to see those efforts validated.”

As part of the editorial accompanying the Golfers’ Choice awards, Joe Passov, Sports Illustrated Golf Group’s travel editor and one of the world’s leading authorities on all things golf travel, wrote:

“Two V’s drive Myrtle Beach’s immense popularity: Variety (of golf courses, accommodations, restaurants, shopping, beaches and entertainment venues) and value (there are exceptional options for every budget) … not only an abundance of golf (more than 100 courses) but also an abundance of terrific golf (Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, Barefoot Resort, TPC Myrtle Beach). It’s the rarest of golf destinations, one that is all things to all golfers.”

Golf.com announced the Golfers’ Choice Awards as part of the launch of Golf Gold, a new lifestyle focused section of the popular site.

Myrtle Beach is home to 13 courses that have been ranked among America’s top 100 public courses and more than 50 4-star layouts, providing tremendous quality to accompany the area’s legendary value.

The honors from Golf.com come just a year after Myrtle Beach was voted best Golf Destination by readers of 10Best and USA Today, easily outdistancing the competition in the month-long vote.

For more information on Myrtle Beach golf, visit www.MyrtleBeachGolfHoliday.com.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Imperial Headwear Launches New Consumer E-Commerce Website

(BOURBON, MO) -  Imperial Headwear goes live with its new consumer e-commerce website this week at imperialsports.com, where consumers can purchase the company's products directly.

"The new website is a completely new approach to our brand and business," says David Shaffer, Director of Marketing at Imperial Headwear. "We've not only made our best-selling styles available online to consumers, but we are also offering themed collections of our best-sellers with icon logos. Consumers can now log onto imperialsports.com, shop the site, and purchase a single Imperial cap."

The website prominently features the exciting new Imperial powered By Coolcore caps, as well as information and a video explaining the breakthrough cooling technology.

Icon Collections available to consumers on the new website include:
* Coolcore Collection: New line of caps with cooling technology.
* Imperial Collection: Imperial's best-selling styles from the golf line.
* Nautical Collection: East coast modern prep icons with a seaside flair.
* Tailgate Collection: Local pride for game day.
* Flag Collection: The most popular flags from around the world.
* Outdoor Collection: Hunting and outdoor icons for the true gentleman.
* Classic Icon Collection: Timeless icons for those that like to kick back and have a good time.

For further information, visit imperialsports.com or call (800) 950-1916.

Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Now Available in PGA TOUR Superstore

(FORT WORTH, TEXAS) – Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company announced that its precision FT. Worth 15 Irons and TK 15 Wedges are now available in PGA TOUR Superstore throughout North America and online at www.pgatoursuperstore.com.

“We are excited to have Ben Hogan Golf Equipment sold at PGA TOUR Superstore,” said Terry Koehler, President/CEO of the Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company.  “As one of the fastest growing golf retailers in North America, PGA TOUR Superstore is the ideal destination for golfers to be able to be properly fit and to purchase our innovative line of performance irons and wedges.”

“PGA TOUR Superstore is very selective in the equipment it carries, focusing on products that are tour-tested and that make golfers of all abilities better players,” added Koehler.   “We are confident that their customers will choose Ben Hogan irons and wedges once they see our performance superiority, exacting tolerances and experience our distinct feel and design for themselves.  We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring back to the golf industry one of the most iconic brands in golf.”

Participating PGA TOUR Superstores will have Ben Hogan Golf Equipment’s industry leading proprietary fitting systems and demo clubs to ensure proper fit and gap management throughout the bag. This system will create the exact set make-up that will deliver optimum yardage for golfers of all abilities. With loft options from 20 degrees to 63 degrees, only Ben Hogan Golf Equipment is uniquely positioned to offer each golfer a precisely calibrated set of irons and wedges that fits their strength profile and launch angle tendencies.  With their new Hogans, a golfer’s lofts are re-aligned to provide consistent gapping throughout their bag to give them the best opportunity to improve their game.

“Our goal at PGA TOUR Superstore is to provide all golfers with outstanding customer service, personalized club fitting and superior products,” stated Aaron Miller, merchant-golf clubs of PGA Tour Superstore.  “We are very selective about the products we choose to offer our golfers, and Ben Hogan Golf Equipment irons and wedges are by far the best we have seen.  Their attention to innovation, design, quality control and performance ensures us that Ben Hogan Golf Equipment will be the irons and wedges of choice for customers of PGA Tour Superstore.

For more information, visit www.benhogangolf.com.

Cure Putters Seeking Experienced Sales Reps for High MOI, Fully Adjustable Putter

(Flagler Beach, FL) - Cure Putters is expanding its markets in the United States and increasing their sales staff due to the overwhelmingly positive response they received at the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show and record setting sales in the months of April and May.

"The response to the extremely High MOI Technology of our RX Series putters at the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show was bigger and better than we could have ever imagined," said Jim McCarthy, CEO of Cure Putters. "The immediate improvement that golfers are experiencing when picking up one of our putters is unprecedented in the golf industry. This is the most significant advancement in equipment technology since the shift from persimmon to metal woods. The fact that you can instantly custom fit Cure Putters to any golfer with the correct shaft, lie and weight is a huge advantage for our retailers to increase sales and offer better service to their members and customers. Retailers throughout the country are seeing these results and we're growing our distribution to meet their demand."

"We already have some great sales reps we're working with right now," said Tommy Butcher, National Sales Manager for Cure Putters, "but are looking for more experienced reps to join our team in key areas of the country as we expand our markets."

Experienced golf sales reps with contacts at green grass pro shops and golf retailers should contact Tommy Butcher at tbutcher@cureputters.com.

Cure RX Series putters all feature an Extremely High MOI design, which is very stable and offers incredible forgiveness for much greater accuracy and distance control, even on extreme mishits. The adjustable weighting system allows a far greater range of weight than any other putter on the market, allowing the golfer to find the perfect weight to suit their stroke and tempo. The Triangulation Alignment, invented by Deane Beman, helps you line up your putt like an arrow for deadly accuracy. With a higher center of gravity and lower loft, Cure Putters deliver a superior roll - getting the ball rolling sooner, helping it stay on the intended line. Cure Putters' innovative design takes several problematic variables out of the equation and offers incredible forgiveness and control, resulting in a tighter shot dispersion. Golfers of every skill level will putt more consistently, build confidence and achieve better results with a Cure RX Series putter.

For more information on Cure Putters, visit cureputters.com.

Check out our review of the RX2 HERE.

The Phoenician Receives USTA Facility Award

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – The United States Tennis Association has announced that The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Ariz. is one of just 13 winners of its 34th annual USTA Facility Awards Program, which recognizes excellence in the construction and renovation of tennis facilities throughout the country. Representatives from The Phoenician will be honored at the USTA Semi-annual Meeting at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City on September 6.

The Phoenician has 11 courts, including two Rebound Ace, one Plexicushion, and one grass court. The facility continues to grow annually, and now has seven full-time professionals and support staff working as a team to support a variety of energetic programs for the resort and local tennis community. Some of the initiatives include: a year-round junior academy, 10-and-under tennis programs, league clinics, resort and local “live ball,” and private instruction. In addition, the facility hosts more than 20 adult USTA and regional league teams for match play and instructional programs, as well as playoff and championship events.

"We wish to thank the USTA for this great honor and for recognizing our tennis facility and programming,” stated Jason Purcell, Academy Director and Head Tennis Professional at The Phoenician.  “Our Troon team of world-class tennis professionals and support staff is passionately committed to creating an exceptional tennis experience for both resort guests and local patrons. We are excited about our continued growth and partnership with the USTA in support of The Phoenician's amazing facility as a regional, national, and global tennis and golf destination."

The Phoenician Tennis Academy has hosted more than 80 junior participants in its weekly performance and recreational programs, which run year-round. The staff also contributes many hours to support local charity events such as Tennis with a Cause, Battle of the Sexes, and breast cancer charity fundraisers.

“Great tennis facilities like The Phoenician’s help us to grow the game at the grass-roots level, and we are proud to recognize them for their ongoing impact on the sport of tennis,” said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “The Phoenician has embraced many of our tennis initiatives and kept the sport at the forefront of their community each year.”

To be considered for an award, facilities must be under the jurisdiction of a parks and recreation department, an educational institution, a non-profit corporation, or be a private or commercially owned and operated facility that offer both USTA and public programming designed to help grow tennis.

Facilities were judged upon the following criteria: overall layout and adaptation to site; excellence of court surface and lights; ease of maintenance; accommodations for players, spectators and press/officials; aesthetics; graphics (including the use of signs and landscaping); amenities such as casual seating for spectators, food services and social areas; and the facilities’ participation in USTA programs.

Nominated facilities were voted upon in the following categories: Public Courts that are either small tennis centers with 2-10 courts or large tennis centers with 11 or more courts; Educational Institutions; and Private Facilities that support the USTA and other “growth of the game” programs open to the public.

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization with more than 715,000 members, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, the highest-attended annual sporting event in the world, and launched the Emirates Airline US Open Series, linking eight summer tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns approximately 90 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S. and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA’s philanthropic entity, the USTA Foundation, provides grants and scholarships and helps under-resourced youth and individuals with disabilities, and supports wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans and their families.

For more information on the USTA, log on to usta.com, “like” the official Facebook page, facebook.com/usta, or follow @usta on Twitter. For more information, contact: Tom LaDue, Manager, Corporate Communications, USTA, (914) 697-2352 or ladue@usta.com or Steve Pratt, BZAPR on behalf of the USTA, (310) 408-4555 or stevep@bzapr.com.

For more information about The Phoenician, visit www.ThePhoenician.com.

RTJ II Proves that Brown is Beautiful And Sets Tone For Future of Golf Development

(Palo Alto, Calif.) - When the golf course architects at Robert Trent Jones II (RTJ II) designed Chambers Bay—site of the spellbinding 2015 U.S. Open Championship—they intentionally created a golf course with great setup flexibility that would require fewer resources to maintain.  While some golfers were surprised by the golden-brown hue of fairways and greens on television, Bruce Charlton, President and Chief Design Officer of the storied firm knew they’d accomplished something that would stand as a turning point in the industry: a golf course that could be set up to present a variety of challenges to a wide range of golfers while requiring less water and other resources than the lush, green, predictable courses long associated with the game.

“We were thrilled that folks got to view a major championship played on a natural golf course that was not artificially pumped up to look green,” Charlton says.  “Fescue grass— most often used on the best links courses in Britain and Ireland—isn’t meant to be green in the summer, and lends golf courses that firm, fast, fun condition only possible in maritime climates, such as at Chambers Bay along Puget Sound. It can be conditioned for very challenging championship play or maintained for the enjoyment of the everyday player.”

RTJ II has focused its most recent design efforts (including a major renovation of Pebble Beach’s Poppy Hills) on creating courses that require less water and maintenance and which have a smaller carbon footprint.  By doing so they continue a long-held tradition at the firm of designing layouts that fit naturally into their sites and are lighter on the land.  Charlton adds, “Now that our national championship has concluded, we look forward to having Chambers Bay return to our intended conditioning and design for every day public golfers who want to walk in the footsteps of the best players in the world or simply enjoy a great round on an accessible world-class venue.”

Chairman and Master Architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr. adds, “At Poppy Hills this coming week we’ll be showing members of the National Golf Course Owners Association why fun, flexible layouts that require less of precious commodities such as water represent the future of our great sport.  Times have changed and although golf has been played for 500 years, the game needs to change too as we move further into the 21st century.  We believe our work at Chambers Bay will help to herald this new era.”

Chambers Bay, located 35 minutes from Sea-Tac International Airport and an hour from downtown Seattle, is both a world-class public golf links and the key element of an environmentally responsible public works project.  Built on the former site of a sand and gravel mine, Chambers Bay anchors a 930-acre reclamation plan developed by Pierce County as an engine for economic development and funded by a local bond measure.

Poppy Hills, located in Pebble Beach on the Monterey Peninsula, underwent an extensive renovation in March of 2013 centered around water conservation, primarily through improvements in irrigation and drainage. RTJ II wanted to create a firm, fast and fun course that unfolds seamlessly through the stunning Del Monte Forest.

Visit www.rtj2.com to learn more about RTJ II’s tournament courses, sustainable designs, water conservation, and world-class public golf.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Celebrate the Longest Days of Summer with BOYNE Golf’s ‘Great Escape Golf Vacation’

Enjoy Five Days of Unlimited Golf, Well-Appointed Accommodations at Midwest’s Largest Collection of Courses

(PETOSKEY, Mich.) – BOYNE Golf – home to 11 premier golf courses spanning three resorts in the scenic northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula – announces the availability of its five-day, unlimited golf “Great Escape Golf Vacation.”

With nearly 16 hours of daylight available this time of year in northern Michigan, the Great Escape is an ideal way to celebrate the first days of summer. Accommodations are available at Boyne Highlands Resort, just named the U.S.’s “No. 1 Golf Resort for Value” by Golf.com readers.

Golf on its five courses, as well as sister courses at Boyne Mountain, Crooked Tree Golf Club, Bay Harbor Golf Club and Hidden River Golf & Casting Club, is available. The package starts at $880 / person and includes:
* Five nights’ lodging (Sunday check-in)
* Unlimited golf with cart on following courses: Boyne Mountain (The Monument, The Alpine), Boyne Highlands (The Moor, Donald Ross Memorial, Arthur Hills, The Heather), Crooked Tree Golf Club and Hidden River Golf & Casting Club
* Sunday welcome reception and gift, including choice of a round at Bay Harbor Golf Club, 50-minute spa service, two-day lesson with the BOYNE Golf Academy or $75 food and beverage gift card,
* Unlimited range balls, plus club storage and cleaning
* Scramble golf tournament with prizes
* Preferred pricing at Bay Harbor Golf Club courses (The Links, The Quarry and The Preserve nines)
* Breakfasts and dinners (salad, entrée and dessert) at any BOYNE-operated restaurant
* Country Club of Boyne and Bay Harbor Golf Club dining privileges
* Night at The Young Americans Dinner Theatre (July-August, based on availability; inquire at Sunday reception)
* $25 Odawa Casino gaming voucher and complimentary casino shuttle
* Access to swimming, hiking, biking, fitness centers, tennis, hot tubs, and more

“The sun rises before 6 a.m. and sets after 9:30 p.m. this time of year, making a 54- or even 72-hole golf marathon possible,” says Bernie Friedrich, Boyne Resorts’ senior vice president of golf and resort sales. “Come see why we’re renowned as the quintessential Great Lakes golf escape.”

With courses designed and inspired by renowned architects like Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Arthur Hills and Donald Ross, BOYNE Golf’s three flagship resorts offer experiences to suit players of all ages and abilities.

The Inn at Bay Harbor – A Renaissance Golf Resort
* Bay Harbor Golf Club
   - The Links (9) – Setting on windswept cliffs along coastline evokes game’s ancient roots
   - The Preserve (9) – Tree-lined holes dominate before dramatic lakefront finish
   - The Quarry (9) – Distinctively nestled in abandoned shale quarry
* Crooked Tree Golf Club (18) – Recently redesigned Nos. 16-18 enhance playability and charm

Boyne Highlands Resort
* Arthur Hills (18) – Tumbling terrain and wide fairways deliver enjoyment for all skill levels
* Donald Ross Memorial (18) – Replicates classic, challenging holes created by namesake
* The Heather (18) – Flawlessly-conditioned Robert Trent Jones design appeals to purists
* The Moor (18) – Demanding layout highlighted by a variety of dogleg holes
* Hidden River Golf & Casting Club (18) – Player-friendly, scenic layout located just off-site

Boyne Mountain
* The Alpine (18) – Fun and fair; annual host of Michigan PGA Tournament of Champions
* The Monument (18) – Panoramic vistas combine with hole-by-hole tribute to golf history

Beyond golf, BOYNE’s unique on-property amenities include award-winning spas, waterfront dining, sandy beaches, Avalanche Bay – Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark and adventure sport venues. They are supported by historic, lakeside resort towns Charlevoix, Harbor Springs and Petoskey all a short drive from Mackinac Island. Following in Hemingway’s footsteps, taking in the famous northern Michigan sunsets, enjoying the casino and exploring acclaimed microbreweries like Petoskey Brewing mean golf isn’t the only game in town.

More information: www.BOYNEGolf.com, info@BOYNE.com, 844.634.5315

Hilton Head Island Named ‘Top 10 Most Dreamed About U.S. Golf Destination’ by GOLF.com

(HILTON HEAD, S.C.) – Hilton Head Golf Island – a collection of premier resorts and courses in one of the world’s greatest golf destinations – has been named a “Top 10 Most Dreamed About U.S. Golf Destination” in GOLF.com’s inaugural “Golfers’ Choice Awards.”

GOLF.com collected data over a six-week span, during which nearly 6,000 respondents rated 24 categories in the golf-travel space. These included favorite destinations, resorts, hotels and more both in the U.S. and abroad. Participants were asked to rate only destinations and resorts they had visited in the past three years.

A wide array of value-laden summer golf packages is available on www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com. Among the premier on-island resorts offering getaway deals: Palmetto Dunes, the Sea Pines Resort and championship layouts from The Heritage Golf Collection.

Hilton Head Golf Island is easily accessible from numerous Southeast, Midwest and East Coast cities. Allegiant Air offers non-stop, one-way service from select Ohio cities (Akron, Cincinnati and Columbus) to Savannah / Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), and JetBlue Airways offers non-stop, one-way flights to Savannah from Boston (BOS) and New York City (JFK).

For additional information about rates, restrictions and other package inclusions, or to receive a quote: www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com, 800.523.3373.

Sunice selected as Outerwear Supplier for the International Team at The Presidents Cup 2015

(Montreal, Quebec) - Sunice announced its continuing partnership with the PGA TOUR, having been selected as outerwear supplier for the International Team at The Presidents Cup 2015.

The Presidents Cup will be held October 6-11, at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Songdo IBD, Incheon City, South Korea. Nick Price is the returning captain of the 12-member International Team, having also led the team in 2013. KJ Choi, who is from South Korea, will be the vice-captain, and Tony Johnston and Mark McNulty are reprising their 2013 roles as International Team captain's assistants.

"Before the 2013 tournament, I took a poll from the team members to see what kind of outerwear they wanted for The Presidents Cup, and the winner was Sunice" said Price.  "It turned out to be a great choice, as the weather was rough in Dublin, Ohio, so we used the Sunice gear often.  It was a true litmus test. For 2015, no poll was necessary, as the choice was obvious. We are back with Sunice"

The outerwear for The Presidents Cup 2015 International Team uniforms will be constructed of Gore Tex® fabrics enhanced with Paclite Technology. The players' uniform package includes: a full-zip rain jacket with stretch back panel inserts; short sleeve rain pullover; rain pants; and a 3M featherless down vest. The uniform colors chosen for the International Team were inspired by the South Korean flag.

"It's a great honor to be invited, once again, to outfit the best international players," said Conrad Tappert, president of Sunice. "Working with these demanding golfers makes us better. They notice every detail. We love the challenge"

Sunice will also be outfitting the President Cup International team caddies and entourage.

God Bless America … And Loudmouth Golf

Loudmouth just restocked their patriotic collection … Just in time for summer BBQs, beach parties and fireworks. Celebrate America in style. Loudmouth offers an array of patriotic apparel and accessories that will keep you LOUD and PROUD this 4th of July.

Check out the selection HERE.

God Bless America!!!

BIG MAX GOLF Introduces New Rental Cart Fleet to North American Market

Popular Push Cart Program Recently Implemented at St. Andrews and Gleneagles

(TACOMA, WA) – BIG MAX GOLF – Europe’s #1 golf trolley brand and a global pioneer of the three-wheeled push cart – announces the launch of Fleet 333 C, its flagship, high quality push cart rental model designed to meet the quality standards and demands of even the most high-end golf clubs.

The robust, stable and practical 3-wheel rental trolley features sand bottle holders, a comfortable handle, scorecard holder, an accessories bag and a deep storage compartment. Accessories such as an umbrella or GPS holder can easily be attached using the Quick Fix bases located near the handle. Two additional Quick Lok bases allow for the attachment of even more accessories such as a bottle holder or towel. Optional features include an accessories basket and bungee cords for added storage and stability.

“We guarantee humidity and rust resistance in all of our rental carts thanks to a specialized paint process, one of the many superior Big Max manufacturing elements incorporated into our products,” says Kelly Walker, CEO of BIG MAX GOLF. “With the new Fleet 333 C, we want to offer golf clubs a quality cart option for golfers who prefer to walk but sometimes opt to ride due to unreliable or poorly designed push carts.”

Other Big Max products available in the United States include a range of award-winning push carts such as the Blade, IQ+, Autofold+ and the Z360. The company’s Quick Lok and Quick Fix mechanisms offer golfers the option to easily customize their carts with various accessories, such as the Rain Safe rain cover as well as GPS, umbrella and range finder holders. BIG MAX products were selected as an ”Editor’s Pick” by Golf Digest at the 2015 PGA Show.

Currently available at popular golf retailers throughout North America and at www.bigmaxusa.com, BIG MAX GOLF products showcase smart, functional and durable designs for the walking golfer.

More information: info@bigmaxusa.com  www.BigMaxUSA.com or 888-510-0560.

TGA Premier Junior Golf Adds STEM Core Academics

TGA becomes the only national youth golf program to incorporate new education standards focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math

(Los Angeles, CA) – TGA Premier Junior Golf – the innovative youth sports franchise model leading the golf industry in creating and developing new players and ensuring the sports future –has expanded its proprietary curriculum to incorporate STEM core academics (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM jobs have been increasing since 2008 and are expected to increase by 17 percent through 2018.  Programs that feature STEM are highly sought after in school districts and schools nationwide, and TGA is the only youth golf organization to have STEM in its curriculum.

“TGA continues to ensure the future of golf by providing a top experience for participants in our golf in schools programs across the country,” TGA founder and CEO Joshua Jacobs said. “STEM is the hot topic in schools and amongst parents. Adding STEM to our curriculum will further differentiate golf on the menu of youth activities and encourage more parents to sign up.”

Early academic STEM exposure results in an increased interest in the sciences. TGA will help students gain a greater understanding of the technical elements of the game of golf through various lesson plans focusing on such things as Newton’s Laws and Simple Machines.

Students of all ages and grades – through TGA’s STEM curriculum – will be introduced to new vocabularies, technical elements and experiments that uncover the “why” or science behind the sport. STEM brings real world concepts into the lesson plans while asking students to look at problems in a different way.

For more information about TGA Premier Junior Golf, visit www.playtga.com or follow @TGAJuniorGolf on Twitter.

Galvin Green Introduces Spring/Summer 2015 Range of Ventil8 Polos, Shorts and Pants

Lightweight, Ultra-Breathable Fabric Offers Superior Moisture Transportation and UV Protection for Hot, Humid Conditions

(Växjö, Sweden) – Galvin Green – the world’s leading maker of functional golf clothing for serious players and the No. 1 global golf partner of GORE-TEX – announces the introduction of its Spring/Summer 2015 range of polos, shorts and pants crafted from Ventil8 fabrics.

Lightweight and ultra-breathable, Ventil8 garments keep men and women cooler and drier on hot, humid summer days. This is accomplished via a proprietary blend of premium materials that transport moisture away from the skin while incorporating exclusive anti-bacterial technology and UV protection (20+). Engineered directly into the fibers, these distinctive performance characteristics will never wash- or wear-out.

“As the signature Cool Layer selections in our Multi-Layer Concept, Ventil8 tops and bottoms help passionate golfers deal with and overcome excessive heat,” says Andrew Creed, President of Galvin Green USA. “Each piece helps you stay comfortable and play your best, even when your competitors are wilting.”

Highlight men’s items include the Maddox body mapping polo that transports moisture twice as quickly as a conventional technical golf shirt, as well as the Ned pants and Phil shorts which boast a remarkably comfortable fit and soft hand feel. The women’s offerings include the Millie short sleeved shirt, Nicole pants, Nadia capris and Petra shorts. Each item can be cleaned after use with a simple machine wash.

Supporting these latest introductions is Galvin Green’s ‘Dress for the Weather’ app that is free on the App Store or Google Play. Providing detailed five-day forecasts for thousands of courses in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Europe, it also recommends ideal layering solutions for expected levels of heat, precipitation and wind speed.

Based in Sweden, Galvin Green is a pure golf brand that developed the sport’s first apparel layering system – the Multi-Layer Concept – more than a decade ago. This distinctive approach uses leading-edge fabric technologies to ensure the dry comfort, thermal regulation and outer protection that helps players optimize performance.

For more information: GalvinGreen.com. Get social: www.facebook.com/GalvinGreen.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Top Players Choose Golf Pride Grips at 2015 U.S. Open


(SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.) - Power management company Eaton announced today that its Golf Pride Grips Division was the leading grip brand played by professionals and amateurs at the 2015 U.S. Open Championship. The overwhelming majority, 119 players, competing in the year’s second major trusted their games to Golf Pride grips.  Out of the top 10 finishers, 10 of 11 players had more confidence with Golf Pride grips in their hands.

Golf Pride’s popular Tour Velvet® family of grips were used by 76 players during this year’s U.S. Open.  All three Tour Velvet models – Tour Velvet, Tour Velvet Cord and Tour Velvet Super Tack™ – finished in the top 10.  The second most popular grips in play were Golf Pride’s MCC™ family with 25 players, including 3 in the top 10, relying on its hybrid grip technology.

“Including this year’s tournament, players choosing to use Golf Pride grips have won 9 out of the last 10 U.S. Opens,” said Brandon Sowell, global sales and marketing director for Golf Pride.  “We have a legacy of winning performance, and it’s also great to see one of our latest innovations, the Tour Velvet Super Tack, finish in the hands of a top performer, further validating our ongoing commitment to develop leading-edge technology.”

To view Golf Pride’s entire line of products played at Chambers Bay, visit www.golfpride.com.

Promontory Unveils New Nicklaus Course Clubhouse

Iconic Amenity Showcases Mountain Modern Architecture and The Peak Restaurant

(Park City, Utah) –  The acclaimed design team that brought Promontory its national award-winning Shed Clubhouse has created a distinctive new golf clubhouse with approximately 16,000 square feet that is a fitting complement to the top-rated Promontory Jack Nicklaus Painted Valley Signature Golf Course.

Years in the planning, Promontory’s stunning new Nicklaus Course Clubhouse blends breathtaking views and sophisticated comfort with championship golf, while offering a restaurant experience featuring the freshest cuisine, superb wine list and finely crafted cocktails.

Cutting edge architecture by John Sather of Swaback Partners in Scottsdale, Ariz. combines stone, glass and steel to fashion a quintessential icon for Promontory. Spacious dining decks overlooking the 18th green of the Nicklaus Course offer both sunny and shaded dining choices – all with panoramic vistas across golf course and lakes, toward Deer Valley’s Bald Mountain. Interiors by Vallone Design, also of Scottsdale, create a luxurious and modern atmosphere in rich, handsome textures and a palette of pewter, taupe and azure hues.

"Since the inception of Promontory, we have pondered the right architecture that would be ideal for the Nicklaus Painted Valley Course,” stated Francis Najafi, CEO of Pivotal Group and developer of Promontory. “A contemporary mountain feel emerged, with a bold design that would stand as a fitting tribute to the Wasatch Mountains,” he added.

The Peak, the new restaurant for the Nicklaus Course Clubhouse, is under the guidance of Chef Ben Cadiz, and will offer a menu of inspired cuisine with an Asian influence where seafood is the star.   Beef, chicken and chop selections will also be offered, with an Asian flair. Signature and classic cocktails from the 1930s, 40s and 50s will be featured, complemented by striking contemporary interiors.

“The Peak features expansive dining decks with panoramic views of the Nicklaus Course and nearby Deer Valley,” noted Rich Sonntag, Promontory Managing Director. “The sophisticated, yet relaxing interior decor will appeal perfectly to Promontory's discriminating membership."

For more information, visit www.PromontoryClub.com or call (888) 370-CLUB.

Golf Architect Tripp Davis Begins Project at Willow Brook Country Club in Tyler, Texas

(Norman, OK) — Willow Brook Country Club, the 1922 member-owned golf club in Tyler, Texas, has selected Tripp Davis and Associates to prepare a master plan for the course and practice facilities on what is the oldest golf course in this east Texas town.

"Our first project will be a four-hole short course with holes ranging from 60 to 140 yards,” said Tripp Davis.   “It's a great addition to the practice facilities and a place for kids to learn the game.  This is also giving us the opportunity to show Willow Brook the style of greens and bunkers we will bring to the course eventually.

“Willow Brook is routed over some of the most interesting terrain I have seen,” Davis continued.  “It is not quite as hilly as Pine Valley in the New Jersey Sand Barrens, but it is a similar landscape with the sandy soil and mix of pines and oaks.  In the 1950s, legendary golf course architect Ralph Plummer did a very good job routing the current course and our direction is to take the strategic character of the course to the next level with more interest in the greens and bunkers.”

Willow Brook has a rich history in hosting numerous tournaments including the 2006 and 1996 Women’s Texas Golf Association State Amateur Championship, the 2003 and 1993 Texas Golf Association Senior Amateur Championship, and the 1964 Texas State Amateur won by Marty Fleckman. The Eisenhower Classic was played here for 10 years from 1987 to 1997 with PGA TOUR players such as Payne Stewart, Ben Crenshaw and Greg Norman participating in the event.

For more information about Tripp Davis and Associates, visit www.tdagolf.net or call 405-447-5259.

Arccos Golf Introduces Advanced GPS Functionality and Enhanced Social Features

(STAMFORD, CT) – Arccos Golf – maker of the game’s only GPS + Live Shot Tracking + Tour Analytics platform – announces the premiere of Advanced GPS capabilities, providing users with precise yardages to any location on a hole while simultaneously showing the distance from that spot to the green.

Also part of this new touchscreen functionality for the award-winning Arccos system is an automatic zoom capability. It gives players a more detailed view of the hole as they get closer to the green. Combined, these two updates help players of all skill levels lower scores by excelling in course management.

“Our Advanced GPS works hand-in-hand with the shot tracking aspect of Arccos, allowing golfers to strategize about every aspect of how they will attack a hole,” says Arccos CEO Sal Syed. “This supports our mission of helping players unlock their Golf DNA by gaining maximum knowledge about their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the courses on which they are competing.”

Further distinguishing Arccos ($299.99) are its new suite of social features. These allow users to follow other players, see who is following them, and receive round updates – including holes, stats and bests – directly to their in-app social stream. Instructors and coaches can use this as a tool to “follow” players, instantly receiving their stats upon completion of a round, or gathering valuable information on overall performance via deep dives into statistics, past rounds, Tour Analytics and more.

Requiring no alterations to pre-shot routines, additional devices, tapping or other hindrances to enjoyment and improvement, the Arccos system features a set of 14 virtually weightless sensors. Easily attached to the end of a club grip, each sensor is paired just once via Bluetooth to the company’s free iPhone app.

Along with GPS for more than 20,000 courses worldwide, Arccos captures critical data for your game, instantly delivering information on distances hit, club averages, driving accuracy, greens in regulation, sand saves, putts and more. This helps golfers identify patterns and refine tactics before, during and after each round.

Widely heralded as one of the game’s most innovative and beneficial technologies, Arccos is endorsed by 2014 FedExCup Champion Billy Horschel and is among the first golf-specific apps offered for Apple Watch.

Essential to the Arccos system, the Tour Analytics platform helps golfers identify patterns and refine tactics before, during and after each round. This was developed in conjunction with golf’s most renowned statistician, Peter Sanders. Drawing from his work with PGA Tour star Zach Johnson and many others, it automatically breaks down a players’ handicap into five key components – driving, approach, chipping, sand game and putting – helping golfers:
· Gain insight into what every shot means
· Understand exactly how each part of their game contributes to scoring
· Explore comparative data in each of the five components from golfers with the same handicap
· Evaluate patterns across their entire golf history, supporting refinement of on-course tactics

Now available at Apple Stores, select golf retailers and pro shops nationwide, and www.arccosgolf.com, Arccos is trusted by top instructors who rely on the system to help their students recognize and correct faults, such as club distance gaps, noticeable shot dispersion patterns and other problem areas.

Led by a team of Ivy League engineers, rocket scientists, PhD’s and designers, Arccos Golf is named after a function of advanced mathematics.

For more information or to view a demo video: arccosgolf.com.