Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort Achieves Prominent Audubon Certification

Four-Diamond Western Maryland Resort is Home to State’s Only Jack Nicklaus Signature Course

(CUMBERLAND, Maryland) – Working with Audubon International, Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort – home to the state’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course – has been designated a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” as part of the conservation group’s program to protect the environment and preserve the natural heritage of golf.

In attaining certification, Rocky Gap successfully maintains sound environmental management practices in six key areas: environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction, water conservation, and water quality management. Audubon International requires courses to be re-certified every two years to ensure the stringent certification standards are being upheld.

“Rocky Gap achieving this prestigious designation is testament to the dedicated work of the course’s agronomic team and on-site managers,” says Tim Grambley, General Manager of Rocky Gap, a AAA Four-Diamond resort. “Rocky Gap guests are realizing healthier playing experiences.”

“Participating in the Audubon program allowed us to reduce the ecological impact the golf course has on our surroundings,” says Abby Burk, Environmental Landscape Manager at Rocky Gap. “Audubon International provided us with resources to even more organically manage the course and tailor a plan that fit our setting, goals, staff, budget and time.”

Following the Audubon International-approved steps for an environmentally-friendly golf course reduces waste and promotes efficient operations. An effective program results in a reduction of maintenance costs, including insurance premiums, energy, water, pesticides, fertilizer, equipment wear and labor.

For more information on the resort, visit www.rockygapresort.com or call 800-724-0828.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Orange County National Announces PGA Merchandise Show Golf Specials

(Winter Garden, Fla.) - Orange County National is once again an integral part of the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show. The host site of PGA Demo Day, Jan. 28, Orange County National is offering a number of golf specials for show attendees throughout the week.

One of the premier golf facilities in central Florida, Orange County National has two championship layouts, Panther Lake and Crooked Cat, and was recently named by Golf World's "Readers Choice Awards" as the No. 1 public facility in Florida and No. 8 in the country.

Golf Specials for Jan. 26 - Feb. 1
* Monday, Jan. 26: $65-$75 on select times
* Tuesday, Jan. 27: $65-$75 on select times
* Thursday, Jan.29: $70 -$80 on select times
* Saturday, Jan. 31: $99 - Golf Extravaganza - buffet lunch and golf, 1:15 p.m. shotgun start
* Sunday, Feb. 1: $59-$79 on select times.

PGA Show golf specials include green fee and cart. To book a tee times during the PGA Show week call the golf shop at 407.656.2626.

Orange County National will also be hosting Golfweek's Golfest, the largest consumer demo day, Jan. 24 and 25. The event runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and tickets can be bought at the gate for $10. For additional information, visit www.golfest.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Bayonet Black Horse Announces New "Stay and Play" Packages

'Best 36-Holes' on Monterey Peninsula Partners with Premier Area Resorts, Hotels

(SEASIDE, Calif.) - Bayonet Black Horse, fresh off a multi-year, multi-million dollar renovation by Bates Golf Design, announces new "stay and play" packages with several premier area resorts and hotels.

Bayonet Black Horse has partnered with Sanctuary Beach Resort, Casa Munras Hotel and Embassy Suites -- Seaside to offer packages at a variety of price points. These flexible, consumer-friendly deals rival any in the region and make a trip to the Monterey Peninsula a realistic option for a wide range of golfers.

Through May 1, Sanctuary Beach Resort in Marina is offering a package for Dune View rooms at $189 / night (Sunday through Thursday) and $259 / night (Friday and Saturday); and Ocean View rooms at $219 / night (Sunday through Thursday) and $299 (Friday and Saturday). Price includes one 18-hole greens fee, cart and range balls, but does not include tax. Limited availability and certain black-out dates apply.

Monterey's Casa Munras Hotel is featuring a weekday rate of $189 and weekend rate of $239 (single / double occupancy) for accommodations and golf at Bayonet Black Horse (including one 18-hole greens fee, cart and range balls) through May 6, except for black-out dates of February 11-15, April 16-19 and April 23-26.

The Embassy Suites -- Seaside package runs until June 25 and costs $255 on weekdays and $305 on weekends (single / double occupancy). This pricing includes one 18-hole greens fee, cart and range balls at Bayonet Black Horse, plus cooked to order breakfast and buffet at the hotel, two-hour manager reception and USA Today delivered to the room. Black-out dates are February 12-15, April 16-19 and May 14-17.

"Our partnerships with Sanctuary Beach Resort, Casa Munras and Embassy Suites are important to our strategy of enticing out-of-town golfers to experience the fantastic views, ideal playing conditions and enjoyable challenge afforded by both our courses," says Dick Fitzgerald, director for Seaside Resort Development, the entity spearheading the renovation of the golf courses and additional property enhancement. "We offer a varied selection of accommodation options so visitors can make a trip to Bayonet Black Horse as luxurious or value-oriented as they see fit."

All 36 holes at Bayonet Black Horse re-opened in December after the $13 million renovation by award-winning golf course architect Gene Bates. Among the many changes to both layouts are dramatic alterations to view sheds and hole routings to reveal breathtaking ocean vistas and improve playing options; and replacing invasive kikuyu and poa annua grasses on the tees, fairways and greens with the preferred Jacklin T1 Bentgrass, a rarity for the region that will ensure the best lies and smoothest putting surfaces on the Peninsula.

Please visit the websites or call the partner hotels and ask about the "Bayonet Package": Sanctuary Beach Resort, www.thesanctuarybeachresort.com, 877.944.3863; Casa Munras Hotel, www.hotelcasamunras.com, 800.222.2446; and Embassy Suites - Seaside, (www.embassymonterey.com/home.aspx, 831.393.1115.

For additional information about Bayonet Black Horse, visit www.bayonetblackhorse.com or call 831.899.7271 (PAR 1).

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau Celebrates 75 Years of Great Golf

Four-county Northeastern Pennsylvania Golf Destination Features Classic Designs, Modern Gems by Industry’s Legendary Architects

(POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pennsylvania) – Imagine walking the same fairways on which Paul Runyan outdueled the great Sam Snead to claim the 1938 PGA Championship; or experiencing the same resorts legendary Hollywood stars such as Jackie Gleason or Lucille Ball chose as their special getaways. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, which celebrates 75 years of promoting the many activities in the four-county region throughout the 2009 season, has overseen these memories and countless others.

While golf was in full swing by the early 1900s, the PMVB has been instrumental in spreading the word about the many glorious courses that took this destination through the Golden Age of the game into the boom years and where we stand today. While golf’s greatest names have been forever etched in the colorful history of the Pocono Mountains, it’s the unmatched, natural splendor that separates this destination from any other.

Combined with the close proximity of New York City, Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore, the mountain getaway has only grown in popularity over recent seasons. Golfers are choosing to stay closer to home rather than fight the rising travel costs and overcrowded fairways at other destinations. Instead of checking extra luggage, boarding planes and waiting in lines, smart golfers are making the short, scenic drive and teeing off on one of the Pocono Mountains many courses.

The Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf’s Great Destination Secret, offer myriad golf courses, crafted by legendary designers and some of today’s top course architects. A.W. Tillinghast’s first-ever design – at the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort – still shines and Donald Ross’s Pocono Manor has been testing golfers since 1912. Art Wall Jr. represented Pocono Manor as its touring professional when he won the Masters and was named PGA Player of the Year in 1959. Dating back much further, the historic John Stroud House, built in the late 1790s, has been beautifully restored and serves as the clubhouse at the Glen Brook Golf Club.

The Skytop Lodge meshes the best of classic and modern with its Golden Era golf course (built in 1925) and magnificent Lodge sharing the grounds with the recently added Inn – nestled against the award-winning golf course and featuring a casually refined atmosphere, two-story atrium and a 135-seat restaurant and a cocktail lounge.

“The demands and desires of vacationers and visitors have changed over the years and our many golf courses and resorts have evolved to meet and exceed any expectations,” says Carl Wilgus, President and CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “The Pocono Mountains continue to welcome countless guests as people look to reconnect and relax in the authentic beauty of Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

Golf may be the focal point of today’s Pocono Mountains – with myriad courses, stately lodges and historic venues – but love remains the calling card. Romantic rendezvous are a given in this destination, after all, and it was on the shores of the Delaware River that Arnold Palmer met his beautiful bride Winnie.

From classic designs that feature tight fairways and postage stamp-sized greens to expansive resort courses with in-demand amenities; championship courses that challenge the best golfer to options that are both economical and less imposing for the beginner, the Pocono Mountains have something to satisfy every golfer’s want and need. A venerable destination like this could choose to rest on its collective laurels, but the Pocono Mountains continue to evolve as new courses are being built and gaming has been introduced.

A complete list of Pocono Mountains golf courses and links to individual Web sites can be found at www.poconosgolf.com. The four-season destination also provides the ideal backdrop for corporate outings and meetings. If it’s an overnight stay, a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, people are increasingly discovering the convenience and proximity of the Pocono Mountains properties and value-laden packages.

For more information on the area, visit www.800poconos.com or call 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667).

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Glove It Launches 2009 Accessory Collection

New Collections Include A Mix Of Bright Prints and Classic Designs

(Tempe, Ariz.) - Glove It, the leading manufacturer of women's fashion golf accessories, will debut its 2009 accessory collection at the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 29-31. The five new collections offer women a mixture of vibrant colors in fun prints to more traditional colors in classic prints. Each collection features 10 accessory pieces that are essential for the active women's lifestyle.

"Our new 2009 collection has something for everyone," said Karen Lovcik, CEO of Glove It. "Along with the staples of our line; golf glove with pouch, visor, accessory and tote bags, we have added this year a interchangeable belt line with a stylish club and a golf ball buckle. The feedback from our retailers has been very positive on the entire 2009 collection."

Accessory Collection:
* The five collections feature two prints with an accent solid color.

Prints:
* Ginger Blossom Tile - a lively floral pattern using different shades of pink, blues, yellow and accented with chocolate.
* Stained Glass - a mixture of asymmetrical squares and circles with bold and bright pinks, blues, greens and yellows accented with chocolate.
* Peapod - a fresh teardrop print combined with a stripe print using vibrant turquoise and lime green.
* Navy Hibiscus/ Stripe - A classic floral print using navy, red and white.
* Silver Scroll - a contemporary floral print complemented with traditional stripes in black and white.

Glove It Accessory Collection:
The complete line of coordinating accessories is available in each collection.
* Glove with Matching Valuable Pouch - combination Cabretta leather palm and poly/spandex back makes this one of the best performing and fitting gloves for women on the market. It comes with a matching pattern valuables pouch, great for storing jewelry while on the links. Suggested retail $19.95.
* Visor- an oversize bill and headache-free coil back makes this a favorite headwear piece among women. Suggested retail - $14.95
* Cap - Solid color crown combined with coordinating print on the bill, makes this a very attractive low profile cap for the active women. Suggested retail - $14.95
* Accessory Bag - the wristlet zip accessory bag made of woven microfiber is great for cosmetics, jewelry or can be used as a small purse. Dimensions: 3 ½" x 7" Suggested retail - $16.95
* Tote Bag - the ultimate bag for active women, whether heading to the course, courts or beach this roomy bag is very versatile. Made of woven microfiber this tote has a 12 inch shoulder strap and multiple pockets to keep you organized on the run. Dimensions: 17 ½ x 13"x5 ½". Suggested retail is $48.95.
* Water Bottle Cover - form fitting neoprene water bottle cover keeps a drink cold during the entire round. A clip is attached to the water bottle cover to hang on the golf bag for easy access. Suggested retail is $9.95.
* Belt Combination - new this year, each belt combination pack comes with three interchangeable microfiber belts, two in the collection's prints and one solid grosgrain ribbon. The one size fits most also has a chic golf ball and club belt buckle. Suggested retail for the three belts is $24.95.
* Club Covers - add some style to your long game with a set of four pattern headcovers labeled 1,3,5,X to complement the golf bag. Suggested retail - $69.95
* Shoe Bag - a roomy zipper shoe bag with a two-tone print design features a soft handle, making it easy to carry to and from the locker room. Suggested retail - $38.95.
* Towel -Solid tri-fold cotton towel with accent print. Dimensions: 15"x24" Suggested retail - $18.95.
* Racquet Cover -the active woman can take her impeccable style from the golf course to the tennis court with this full length zipper racquet cover that holds two racquets. Suggested retail $49.95.

The Glove It 2009 Accessory Collection will be available at golf shops and golf specialty stores February 15, 2009. The entire line of new 2009 Glove It collection comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.

For more information on Glove It call 866-968-2021 or log onto www.gloveit.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Orange County National Offers Super Bowl Weekend Extravaganza

(WINTER GARDEN, Fla.) - Orange County National is kicking off Super Bowl weekend with a Tailgate and Golf Extravaganza Jan. 31. Golf and food are packaged for an afternoon on its two championship golf courses, Panther Lake and Crooked Cat. Orange County National was recently ranked No. 8 in the country and No. 1 in Florida in Golf World's "Readers Choice Awards" of the nation's top public facilities.

The tailgate party kicks off at 11 a.m. with a spread of pre-game favorites - chili, beer boiled shrimp, Jamaican jerk chicken, beer brats, wings, steak tips and much more along with a selection of beverages. Golfers will tee off at 1:15 p.m.

The Super Bowl Tailgate and Golf Extravaganza package price is $150 per person. This all-inclusive package includes, pre-round food and beverage, on course beverage cart, greens fee, pre-round range balls and a golfers gift.

To sign up for the event, contact the golf shop at 407.656.2626 or online at www.ocngolf.com.

Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge is a 36-hole Phil Ritson, Dave Harman and Isao Aoki designed golf resort located in the greater Orlando area. In addition to two championship golf courses and a 9-hole short course, there is a 42-acre world-class practice facility, 22,000 square foot clubhouse with a restaurant, lounge, meeting rooms, and an award winning golf shop and on-site lodging.

For information on Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, call 888.727.3672 or visit www.ocngolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com