Sun Mountain Unveils Mantys

New Dynamic Motorized Cart for One

(Missoula, Montana) - Sun Mountain has teamed up with Leev Mobility to introduce the revolutionary Mantys; a dynamic, fun to ride, electric golf cart for one. Mantys is a four-wheeled, motorized cart upon which the rider stands rather than sits, and steers by shifting weight from one foot to the other. Mantys offers a unique riding experience while enabling the golfer to focus solely on his own ball. Mantys comes standard with turf-saver wheels, a universal bag mount, scorecard holder, ball & tee holder, and a drink holder and will be available in golf shops in 2010. For the retailer nearest you, call 800-227-9224 or visit www.sunmountain.com.

Mantys comes equipped with two 500 watt electric motors, powered by two 24 volt Lithium-ion batteries that will handle up to 36 holes on one charge. The cart folds and unfolds offering the most compact electric riding cart on the market. Unfolded the cart is 51" high X 28"wide X 55 tall" and folds down to only 16" tall. Weighing less than 45 lbs, Mantys is truly a portable, electric golf cart that can be transported from home to course in the trunk of most cars.

Adapted specifically to the demands of the golf course, Mantys can handle 20 degree climbs and leave no trace with turf-saver pneumatic tires. Other technical features include mechanic disk brakes and oil-clamped shock absorbers for a smooth ride. With a top speed of 12.5 mph, Mantys offers speeds similar to a traditional, motorized cart but offers the benefit of being able to take a more direct route to the ball and thus can speed up play.

Other Sun Mountain Carts include the three-wheeled, push cart Speed Cart that is credited with creating the push cart market, the four-wheeled Micro Cart and the new for 2010, self-propelled, Micro E Cart.

In addition to cart, for over 25 years Sun Mountain has been designing and manufacturing functional, high-quality, lightweight golf bags for the serious golfer. Sun Mountain is responsible for many industry firsts, including being the first to use backpacking technology to produce a lightweight nylon golf bag, and being the first to develop a stand bag with integral legs.

Sweetgrass Golf Club Unveils New Web Site

Top Ranked Course Adds User-Friendly Site to Growing Achievements

(HARRIS, MI) – The Island Resort & Casino – home to the highly acclaimed Sweetgrass Golf Club – today announces the launch of its easy-to-navigate Web site www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com. A course overview, rates and packages, media reviews, awards garnered, and an overview of the rich history of the course’s Native American heritage are detailed within.

“Sweetgrass Golf Club and Island Resort & Casino always seek to enhance our guests’ experiences,” said Island Resort & Casino General Manager Tom McChesney. “Our new golf Web site makes it simple for people to learn about our course and resort, and how to book a visit quickly and conveniently using the thorough information contained there.”

The popular “Perfect 4-Some” stay-and-play package is featured on the Web site. It includes three rounds of golf at championship courses TimberStone, Marquette Greywalls and Sweetgrass, as well as two nights at award-winning Island Resort & Casino (prices starting at $249).

Owned and operated by the Hannahville Band of the Potawatomi Nation, Sweetgrass pays tribute to its tribal legacy through subtle elements on each hole. From a liberal sprinkling of the namesake sweetgrass – an herb used in healing rituals – to intricate rockwork, specially crafted bunkers and historic bridges, the Paul Albanese design incorporates Native American lore and traditions, which tell compelling stories.

Recently honored by Golf Digest as one of “America’s Best New Courses,” Sweetgrass Golf Club also garnered “Best New,” “Best in State” and “Best Casino Course” accolades from Golfweek. The 18-hole, par-72 gem stretches to 7,300 yards from the tips and offers five sets of tees to accommodate all levels.

Situated in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula, Sweetgrass Golf Club and the Island Resort & Casino are easily accessible via Green Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport as well as a pair of regional airports in Escanaba and Marquette.

For more information on Sweetgrass Golf Club or the Island Resort & Casino, please visit www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com, www.islandresortandcasino.com or call 800-682-6040, ext. 2252.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Sundog Eyewear Introduces New Lens

Following the successful introduction of the Mela-Lens in 2009, Sundog Eyewear has expanded its line in the groundbreaking technology. For 2010, Sundog Eyewear introduces Mela-Lens Polarized, Mela-Lens Photochromic, and a new smoke-colored Mela-Lens for brighter light conditions.

“The Mela-Lens is one of the most important advancements in Sundog Eyewear lens technology in many years,” said John Whitney, Sundog Eyewear Director of Product Development. “Incorporating the Mela-Lens breakthrough technology into Polarized and Photochromic lens, and adding a smoke-colored Mela-Lens, is an equally important and major advancement.”

Popularized by LPGA Tour superstar Paula Creamer in her Paula Creamer Collection, and PGA Tour star Hunter Mahan in his H Series, the Mela-Lens (developed in conjunction with BNL Eurolens, member of the Essilor Group) has taken sunglass eyewear protection, comfort, and style to new levels.

Sundog Premium Mela-Lens Polarized, with melanin technology filtration of High Energy Visible Light, provides unsurpassed clarity with sharpened definition, reduction of glare and veiled glare from reflected and refracted light, with minimal color shift. Premium Mela-Lens Polarized offers industry-leading performance and superior technology for maximum protection, ultimate comfort, and styling.

The Sundog Eyewear 2010 Premium Mela-Lens Polarized is available in the new Draw and 8 Iron styles, and the Mike Weir Weir Golf Signature Series Grinder and Bomb models.

Sundog Eyewear Mela-Lens Photochromic sunglasses offer superior performance with embedded halide technology that reacts to ultraviolet light intensity, gradually darkening in high levels of UV light and fading in low UV light surroundings. Unlike other light transitive lenses, Sundog Mela-Lens Photochromic offers all the benefits associated with our regular Mela-Lens technology to maximize visual comfort for changing light conditions. For 2010 Mela-Lens Photochromic is available in the Draw and Bomb models.

The new smoke-colored Mela-Lens for brighter light conditions is available in all Mela-Lens models, except Mela-Lens Photochromic.

“Mela” is short for Melanin, a naturally-produced pigment that acts as asunscreen protecting the skin from ultraviolet light. In partnership with BNL Eurolens, a member of the Essilor Group, Sundog Eyewear has created the Sundog Mela-Lens lines utilizing synthetic melanin to produce state-of-the-art melanin lens technology.

Mela-Lens features BNL Eurolens Eternity Hard Coat for superiorabrasion resistance. Mela-Lens is rated more abrasion resistant than competitive lenses. A more abrasion resistant lens wears less and ultimately provides better vision.

Premium Mela-Lens Polarized and Mela-Lens Photochromic are just part of the exciting 2010 Sundog Eyewear line including the all-new Paula Creamer Collection, Hunter Mahan H Series, and Mike Weir’s own Weir Golf Signature Series. To view the complete 2010 Sundog Eyewear Golf Collection and Active Sport Eyewear Collection please visit: www.sundogeyewear.com/2010

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Merion Plans "Green" Operations Center

Merion Golf Club has construction under way to replace their existing maintenance facility with a new, sustainable Operations and Turf Maintenance Center. The 24,000 sq.ft Center will serve two golf courses including the historic East Course and will feature a 12,000 sq.ft. green roof, water recycling systems, and a waste oil fired boiler for heating.

The new center is planned for a small site north of the existing Clubhouse and will be a complex of single story buildings planned around a service courtyard. One building will house offices and support spaces for the Director of Golf Operations and his staff, a dormitory for Merion's world famous intern training program, meeting space, food service, and locker rooms for the grounds crews and a state of the art equipment maintenance shop. A second building will serve as storage for maintenance equipment and specialized storage, mixing, and equipment space for chemical and fertilizer handling.

The operations and maintenance shop building will parallel the 18th fairway of the East Course but will be virtually invisible under a "green roof" that will appear as an extension of the fescue grassed rough. Other "green" features include a closed system for recycling of water used for cleaning equipment and a closed mixing and recapture system protecting the Fertilizer and Chemical Building that ensures total capture and containment of any spill and zero discharge into the environment. The energy source for the radiantly heated Maintenance Shop is a duel fired boiler that will reuse waste oil from both the maintenance equipment as well as waste cooking oil from the Clubhouse kitchen. The air conditioning for the operations, office, crew and dormitory space will feature a high efficiency system with occupant sensitive controls. The complex could prove to be the most sustainable and green facility of its kind in the world.

The complex is being planned and designed by J. Robertson Cox, Architect for the Master's Studio of West Chester, Pennsylvania, in association with Blackney Hayes Architects of Philadelphia. Mr. Cox is also the designer of the recently completed Halfway House for Merion's East Course, site of this year's Walker Cup Matches and the United States Open in 2013. Merion has selected Ehret Construction Company of Wilmington, Delaware as general contractor for the project which began construction after the 2009 Walker Cup matches.

PGA TOUR Veteran Bestows High Marks on The Territory

Former Oklahoma Sooner, Current Golf Channel Personality Andrew Magee Enamored by SW Oklahoma Golf-Residential Community

(Southwest Oklahoma) – Andrew Magee, a four-time winner on the PGA TOUR and current Golf Channel personality, recently visited The Territory Golf and Country Club and left raving about the award-winning property.

Having played on the PGA TOUR for more than 20 years, where he compiled an impressive resume (he is the only PGA TOUR member to score an ace on a par-4 hole during a TOUR event), Magee has a unique perspective on world-class golf courses. He has played many of the world’s greatest courses, including during major championships.

“I was completely taken by surprise with the topography of the area,” said Magee. “I thought the abundant native plants added to the beauty and difficulty of the course… beautiful hues of green, yellow, orange, red and brown.”

A modified target-style layout, The Territory features an A1-A4 creeping bentgrass blend on the greens, while the tees, fairways and roughs are Tifsport Bermudagrass. Native vegetation frames the playing corridors.

“I always judge the greens if I like a course or not,” Magee added. “The conditions were superb and, most important, the undulations weren't impossible.”

Owned by Rick and Barbara Braught – like Magee, Sooner alumni – The Territory was created with family in mind. From the layout that boasts multiple tee boxes to accommodate any skill level, extensive training facility and three-hole short course, to a beautiful swimming pool and multi-sport court, the development offers something for every member of the family.

In just its first five years of play, the Randy Heckenkemper design has hosted the Oklahoma State Amateur twice, Oklahoma Senior State Amateur, an NCAA Div. II Super Regional and a stop on the Adams Pro Golf Tour Series.

As for accolades, The Territory was honored as a “Best New” course upon opening and has been named a “Best Residential Course” by Golfweek for three consecutive years. Golf Digest also placed the course in its Top 10 list of courses in the golf-rich Sooner State.

For more information on The Territory, call 580.475.0075 or visit www.territorygolf.com. To follow The Territory on Twitter, go to www.twitter.com/territorygolf, or become a fan of The Territory on Facebook by logging onto www.facebook.com/territorygolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Club West Golf Club Acquired By Ahwatukee Golf Properties

(Phoenix, Ariz.) - The Brian Whitcomb/Ken Kavanaugh designed Club West Golf Club was acquired by Ahwatukee Golf Properties. Club West is located in the Ahwatukee area of Phoenix and boasts a 7,142 layout that meanders through the foothills of the South Mountains and features dramatic vistas of the Sonoran desert. The addition of Club West now brings the Ahwatukee Golf Properties portfolio to four area courses including: Ahwatukee Country Club, Ahwatukee Lakes and The Duke Golf Club in Maricopa.

"We are extremely pleased to add Club West Golf Club to our portfolio of Ahwatukee Golf Properties," stated Terry Duggan, President of Ahwatukee Golf Properties. "With scenic views of the native sonoran desert and a truly fun-filled layout, Club West is a great addition to our golf offerings."

Ahwatukee Golf Properties plans on creating new playing opportunities at Club West, including the implementation of the new Ahwatukee Gold Card for frequent players at Club West. The Gold Card will offer 'cardholders' at Club West preferred green fees throughout the year as well as a ton of other money saving benefits such as preferred guest fees, preferred rates at the other Ahwatukee courses, two complimentary tournaments, golf shop savings, dining discounts and via a preferred marketing partnership with OB Sports, travel benefits to play OB Sports-managed facilities at preferred rates.

"Our team is excited to market our Gold Card to Club West golfers - providing frequent players of Club West with even more golfing values. Plus, Gold Cardholders at Club West will have the added value perk to tee it up at preferred rates at The Duke, Ahwatukee CC and Ahwatukee Lakes...and visa versa," added Duggan.

Club West Golf Club features an 18-hole Brian Whitcomb/Ken Kavanaugh design that boasts four sets of tees ranging from 4,985 yards in length to as much as 7,142 yards from the back tees. The course's elevation and beauty distinguishes itself from other Phoenix, golf courses. Elevation changes that is nowhere more evident than at Club West's signature par three, 17th hole that is highlighted by dramatic views and a tee to green elevation change of over 100 feet to a double green - offering two greens for golfers to choose from that range from 64 yards to a stout 215 yards. Club West also features a complete practice range, well appointed golf shop and full-service Lakeside Grille that highlights spectacular views from the elegant dining room and patio. The 120-seat dining room also is one of the area's popular banquet venue and is ideal for wedding receptions, special celebrations and corporate events.

For more information on Club West Golf Club, visit www.clubwestgolf.com or call 480-460-4400.

For more information on the other Ahwatukee Golf Properties contact: The Duke Golf Club, www.thedukegolf.com, 480-844-1100; Ahwatukee Country Club, www.ahwatukeegolf.com, 480-893-1161; Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club, www.ahwatukeegolf.com, 480-893-3004.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Sweetgrass Golf Club Named “Best Casino Course” by Golfweek

Heralded Amenity of the Island Resort & Casino Continues to Receive National Acclaim

(HARRIS, MI) – Sweetgrass Golf Club at the Island Resort & Casino was honored by Golfweek as a “Best Casino Course in America,” the latest honor from influential industry publications for the acclaimed Paul Albanese design.

Previously named to Golfweek’s “Best New” and “America’s Best Courses to Play State-by-State” lists, Sweetgrass garnered its most recent accolade by receiving high scores in the following categories: overall strength of routing, feature shaping, natural setting, greens, variety and memorability of holes, conditioning and maintenance, and landscape management. Golfweek raters look at these, in addition to other factors, in determining the annual “Best Casino Courses” list.

Opened in 2008 and owned by the Hannahville Band of the Potawatomi Nation, Sweetgrass – also named a “Best New” course by Golf Digest – is an 18-hole, par-72 gem that stretches to 7,300 yards from the tips, but offers five sets of tees to accommodate any level of play.

Paying homage to Native American lore with subtle design elements and boasting intricate rockwork, the course showcases a liberal sprinkling of the namesake sweetgrass and historic bridges – rescued from the region – which add to the design’s unique look and feel.

“Our list of accomplishments this year is truly eye-opening,” said Island Resort & Casino General Manager Tom McChesney. “We pride ourselves on offering world-class accommodations and entertainment options – such as our ever-expanding gaming floor – and now we are thrilled to boast a highly-acclaimed golf course, recognized by industry leaders.”

The Island Resort & Casino features more than 1,400 slot machines and 24/7 gaming with Craps, Blackjack, Roulette, Let-it-Ride Bonus, Spanish 21, Three and Four-Card Poker, weekly Poker and slot tournaments, and more. The Bingo Hall is open seven days a week and guests can earn points toward complimentary meals, lodging, show tickets, gas, retail items and merchandise.

Situated in an outdoorsman’s paradise, Sweetgrass Golf Club and the Island Resort & Casino are easily accessible via Green Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport as well as a pair of regional airports in Escanaba and Marquette.

For more information on Sweetgrass Golf Club or the Island Resort & Casino, please visit www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com, www.islandresortandcasino.com or call 800-682-6040, ext. 2252.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

STX Expands Its Interchangeable Profit Series With The Profit 6 Mallet Putter

(BALTIMORE, MD) - STX, world-renowned as an industry pioneer in putter innovation, and for its patented Soft Face Insert Technology, announced today that the company has expanded its ProFIT Series with the addition of the new ProFIT 6 Mallet Putter.

The ProFIT Series is a broad selection of STX Putters that feature its progressive interchangeable technology, a system that provides quick adjustments for feel and weighting through the changing of faces and weights. This ability to control the putter head and speed according to personal preferences and course conditions is a huge advantage. For example, in slow conditions the green insert should be used with the 14 gram weight and in fast conditions the black insert should be installed with a 5 gram weight for pinpoint accuracy.

The Profit 6 Putter is available in three face insert options; the black, red and green insert options. The black face insert is "the" softest insert. It delivers the highest friction and resilience rate plus increased dwell time. Those characteristics are chemically formulated to get the ball rolling sooner and keep your putts on line. For a medium resiliency rate, the red insert offers an intermediate amount of dwell time for true control. And, for golfers who prefer a firmer feel, the green insert provides a harder feel with less resilience.

STX and its soft face insert technology provide superior directional control, decreased ball skid, reduced ball deformation and compression.

Each putter in the recently released ProFIT Series has been designed to appeal stylistically to a particular golfer and all feature STX's interchangeable technology, the ultimate in customization and ultimate in performance. The ProFIT 4 & 5 Putters are classically designed for the more traditional golfer and the ProFIT 6 Putter is specifically developed for the forward-thinking golfer who demands the latest in innovation and appreciates contemporary lines.

The ProFIT 6 Putter is a striking modern mallet with angular lines and is milled from 17-4 stainless steel. It is uniquely contemporary with its distinctive hardware and dramatic PVD finish.

According to Director of Golf Steve Henneman, "This putter is the perfect blend of grace and grit. The design is somewhat sculpture like yet its finish and weights are bold and rugged."
This face balanced center shafted putter is designed with a 71 degree lie and 3 degree loft. The KBS shaft is offered in both 34" and 35" lengths. Currently, there is only a right handed model available. A custom Golf Pride black and white golf grip complements this angular mallet putter.

Suggested retail for the ProFIT 6 Putter is $199 which includes one insert / two weighting options and includes a custom STX collectable head cover. The ProFIT 6 will be shipping in March. Media samples will be available in February.

"The ProFIT 6 will be 'officially' introduced at the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando. If you are attending the show, come by the STX booth No. 1113," added Henneman.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Longaberger Golf Club Earns “Best-Of” Honor from Golf Odyssey

Elite, Unbiased Industry Newsletter Singles Out Central Ohio Course for Distinction

(NASHPORT, Ohio) – Longaberger Golf Club, the award-winning design by noted architect Arthur Hills, today announces that it has been cited for excellence by Golf Odyssey, an exclusive monthly newsletter for discerning golf-and-resort lifestyle/destination travelers.

Longaberger Golf Club was listed as one of the “Best U.S. Courses off the Beaten Path” in the newsletter’s annual “Platinum Places: The World’s Best Golf Destinations” of 2009/2010 feature. The year-end review categorizes the most intriguing destinations by their unique strengths to provide golfers with the perfect choice for their next getaway.

Golf Odyssey describes itself as being “dedicated to the timely publication of honest and unbiased evaluations of great golf destinations in the United States and abroad. Independence and confidentiality are the cornerstones of our editorial approach. We travel anonymously, pay our own expenses, and do not accept advertising from golf courses, resorts, hotels, or restaurants. Golf Odyssey serves its subscribers with practical information and discriminating advice.”

“This recognition comes at a time when many golfers are choosing to stay closer to home for their golf vacations, and we’re proud to be cited as a true gem among the wealth of activities and entertainment that Central Ohio has to offer,” said Joseph Livingood, senior vice president of Billy Casper Golf, which manages Longaberger Golf Club. “Golf Odyssey’s honest, unbiased opinion carries a great deal of weight with its readers. This ranking is a testament to the quality and amenities that make Longaberger Golf Club a unique golfing experience.”

Golf Odyssey recognized only four courses in each category – further adding to the merit of this recognition. Arcadia Bluffs (Michigan), Bully Pulpit (North Dakota) and Quarry Course at Giant’s Ridge Resort (Minnesota) joined Longaberger Golf Club, which is at the center of a vibrant, greater-Columbus area golf destination.

Longaberger was named a Top 10 public-access course in the country in the 2010 edition of the Golf World magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards and is regularly honored by Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine, and Golfweek as one of the nation’s finest courses. Longaberger’s layout unravels across rolling hills, with panoramic sightlines highlighting the immaculate playing conditions. The 7,243-yard design challenges the lowest handicapper, while five sets of tees shrink the gem to a manageable distance for all level of players.

The course, which celebrated its 10th season last summer, offers value-laden stay-and-play packages that make extended trips and weekend getaways extremely affordable. Golfers can stay at Longaberger’s hotel (The Place Off The Square) and play Longaberger Golf Club for reduced rates.

For more information about Longaberger Golf Club, please visit www.longabergergolfclub.com or call 740.763.1100.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Falcon's Fire Golf Club in Florida Completes Greens Renovation Project

(KISSIMMEE, Fla.) - Falcon's Fire Golf Club, a Rees Jones Signature Golf Course, located in Kissimmee, Fla., has announced the completion of significant renovations designed to restore the course to its rightful place as one of the finest 18-hole public facilities in Central Florida.

The recent enhancements to Falcon's Fire include new greens, which were resurfaced with TifEagle variety of turf - an ultradwarf Bermuda grass - providing golfers with faster, smoother putting conditions. Additional refinements to the course included the reshaping of bunkers and installing an improved greens irrigation and drainage system. In addition, the overseeding of the entire golf course has been completed and it is in pristine condition for the season.

In conjunction with the renovations, Marriott Golf, one of the country's premier golf management companies, has assumed management of Falcon's Fire Golf Club. In this capacity, Marriott Golf will oversee all aspects of the club operation, including golf course maintenance, instructional programs, food and beverage services and overall golf programming. To fall in line with Marriott's commitment to environmental stewardship, plans call for Falcon's Fire to pursue certification through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.

In related news, Steve Schaller has been named General Manager at Falcon's Fire. A Class "A" Member of The PGA of America, Schaller has been with the Marriott Golf team for 25 years and has served at some of the Company's premier facilities including The JW Marriott Desert Springs Golf Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, Calif., and Westfields Golf Club in Clifton, Va.

"Falcon's Fire has been a favorite of travelers and locals since it opened in 1993, and the recent facelift, highlighted by restoring the greens to original specifications, will allow Falcon's Fire to once again restore its rightful place as the best place to play in Central Florida," said Schaller.

Located just three miles east of the main gate of Walt Disney World, Falcon's Fire Golf Club offers both local residents and out of town visitors a challenging, yet playable layout with four sets of tees. Stretching nearly 7,000 yards from the tips, the par-72 course has received multiple awards, including a Four Star rating from Golf Digest, as well as the distinction as one of the top rated public facilities in Florida by multiple publications.

In addition to the award-winning golf course, Falcon's Fire Golf Club offers a fully stocked Golf Shop and a GPS navigation system in all carts. Moreover, the clubhouse includes the Falcon's Nest restaurant, offering a diverse menu for any occasion, and banquet facilities for up to 200 guests, overlooking the pristine golf course.

For more information or to book a tee time, please call the Golf Shop at 407-239-5445 or visit www.falconsfire.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com