Champ Spikes Used by Winner and Five Top-10 Finishers at Zurich Classic

(MARLBOROUGH, MA) – CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide – The World Leader in Sport Cleat Technology and maker of innovative CHAMP spikes, high-performance golf tees and accessories – confirms the winner of the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans and five top-10 finishers relied on its renowned spikes, according to Darrell Survey.

En route to securing his first PGA Tour title, the champion trusted the unique blend of metal and plastic traction technology in the acclaimed ProStinger model at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, LA. The victory continues the trend of the world’s top players selecting CHAMP spikes, which have been used by 28 of the last 34 major winners.

“Our superior designs provide the ideal platform for a proper golf swing, a fact verified each week by the number of Tour players across the globe that exclusively use CHAMP,” says Harris MacNeill, President and CEO of CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide. “Golfers of all skill levels have discovered the increased traction, stability and comfort of our spikes helps them to perform better in all conditions.”

The #1 Brand on Tour, CHAMP also offers a wide range of products beyond the cleat category. These include the recently launched the MyHite Zarma FLYtee. Drawing from MacNeill Engineering’s unrivalled 80-year heritage, the FLYtee line has quickly become one of the most-used tees by leading professionals worldwide. Made with durable, environmentally-friendly materials, its six-pronged head and shallow cup reduces friction, increases distance and improves accuracy.

With more than 100 active distributors, CHAMP is the world’s largest manufacturer of replaceable spikes. The company produces more than 140 million spikes annually and is the dominant global brand in football, soccer, golf, baseball, cricket, rugby and other sports.

For more information: www.champspikes.com, 1-800-OK-CHAMP.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Hundred Hole Hike Launches Global Charitable Network of Passionate Walking Golfers

Initiative Provides Centralized Website for Fundraising by Players and Host Clubs

(Chicago, Illinois) – One Divot – a charity founded by 2011 Walking Golfer of the Year Jim Colton – announces the launch of Hundred Hole Hike (HHH), a giving platform hosted at www.hundredholehike.com that supports fundraising efforts of “golf marathoners” who will play and walk at least 100 holes in one day to benefit philanthropic causes.

A society of dedicated men and women seeking to use their passion for the game as a vehicle to better the lives of others, HHH allows for each hiker to choose their own causes to support. Among the roster of industry leaders to register are Rob Rigg of TRUE linkswear and John Ashworth of LINKSOUL. Also participating are renowned venues such as Ballyneal Golf & Hunt Club, The Kingsley Club and Hidden Creek Golf Club.

“This all began last year as something very personal to me – raising funds for the care of Ben Cox, a caddie and friend seriously injured in a skiing accident,” says Colton. “With the support of walking golfers worldwide, Hundred Hole Hike is now positioned to positively impact countless lives.”

A Ballyneal member, Colton’s original goal was to walk 108 holes and raise $5,000 to benefit Cox. On June 23, 2011, he walked 155 holes and raised more than $110,000. Soon after, he set about forming One Divot and creating a method for like-minded golfers to raise awareness and money for the charities about which they care most deeply.

More than just a robust and centralized venue for pledge collection, www.hundredholehike.com is designed to be a daily web destination for avid walking golfers. It will include personalized blogs where HHH participants share updates on training, engage in friendly competition with other hikers and post items pertinent to those who embrace the game’s traditions and philanthropic heritage.

“I’m super excited about making my own Hundred Hole Hike,” says Ashworth. “It’s a cool and innovative way to support the broader community through golf, and also to challenge your own body and mind while having some fun, too.”

For additional information visit www.hundredholehike.com/how-it-works or follow @100HoleHike on Twitter.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

in fiamme – Fine Italian Golf Apparel – Now Offers Online-shopping Option

(Phoenix) – in fiamme (www.infiamme.net), the world’s finest Italian golf apparel, has added an online-shopping option to its website.

Now golfers and others who appreciate in fiamme’s custom-made hand-sewn men’s golf shirts with exceptional fabrication, craftsmanship, coloration and designs, yet who may not live in close proximity to a shop that currently features in fiamme apparel, have the opportunity to order items directly from the company.

“More and more golf shops, resorts and fine clothiers now include in fiamme in their fine-clothing selections,” said Art Kimbrough, vice president of business development for in fiamme. “We wanted to provide access to our luxurious apparel to those who may not yet be able to find it in a shop nearby.”

The new online-shopping option offers in fiamme apparel in a variety of styles, colors and designs, available for purchase either of individual pieces or larger orders.

For more information, see www.infiamme.net.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Stallion Mountain Golf Club Selected to Host AJGA’s Annual Las Vegas Event

Matt Snodgrass Las Vegas Junior named in honor of late Matt Snodgrass

(LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Stallion Mountain Golf Club in Las Vegas was selected to host the American Junior Golf Association’s Las Vegas event, the Matt Snodgrass Las Vegas Junior. This event, which boasts some of the top juniors in the country, will return to the Las Vegas area for the 23rd time in the Association’s 34-year history. The Matt Snodgrass Las Vegas Junior, will play host to 78 junior golfers, ages 12-18, for a 54-hole stoke play event, June 11-14.

This year’s event has been named in honor of Matt Snodgrass, a young Las Vegas golfer who was diagnosed with a malignant, recurrent brain tumor at the age of nine. Snodgrass endured a 13-year battle with the disease before passing in July 2011. Snodgrass had a passion for the game of golf, playing on a regular basis to stay in good health and be mentally motivated to keep fighting.

“Part of the AJGA’s mindset at each tournament is to give back to local organizations,” said Sean Riley, AJGA West Regional Director. “We are excited to be supporting the Matt Snodgrass Foundation through our fundraising efforts and are honored to have the storied Las Vegas-area tournament named in honor of such an inspirational individual.”

In 2008, the Matt Snodgrass Foundation was created by Matt and family members to provide emotional support and professional counseling to childhood cancer survivors during their transition to adulthood as well as the newly diagnosed ages 18-30. The Foundation also provides scholarship dollars to young adults whose lives have been affected by cancer to assist with school-related costs.

Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament
In conjunction with the tournament, the AJGA will host a Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament, benefitting the Matt Snodgrass Foundation June 11 at 8 a.m.

An excellent opportunity to entertain clients, reward employees or enjoy a tournament round with friends, the Junior-Am allows amateurs to play alongside the future stars of the game. Tiger Woods, Charles Howell III, Lucas Glover, Paula Creamer and Morgan Pressel are just a few of the thousands of talented players who participated in AJGA Junior-Ams when they were teenagers. To participate, please contact Sean Riley at sriley@ajga.org.

Tournament rounds will follow with tee times running from 6:30 – 8:30 a.m. off the Nos. 1 and 10 tees, June 12-14 at Stallion Mountain Golf Club.

For more information on Stallion Mountain Golf Club call (702) 547-6250, visit www.stallionmountaingolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Golfers Relive 2012 Valero Texas Open and 'Play Where The Pros Play' at TPC San Antonio

(SAN ANTONIO, Texas) – With the sports world still buzzing after the tense back-nine finish and former British Open Champion Ben Curtis’ first win in six years, avid golfers play where the pros play at TPC San Antonio just days after the excitement of the 2012 Valero Texas Open. On April 19-22, TPC San Antonio played host to one of golf’s oldest tournaments, and guests of the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa recreate the tense back-nine finish and Curtis’ 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th to clinch his win. Starting at $191*/night, linksmen play unlimited golf on the TPC San Antonio AT&T Oaks Course, open only to members and resort guests, and relax in sophisticated cowboy-chic accommodations.

Since the tournament’s inception 90 years ago, PGA TOUR professionals have produced memorable moments at the Valero Texas Open – from Arnold Palmer’s three-year championship reign and wins by legends like Sam Snead and Ben Hogan to Adam Scott’s achievement in 2010 as the first champion at TPC San Antonio. With footprints still visible from the 2012 tournament, golfers relive historic highs and this year’s excitement as they play where the pros play.

Designed by Greg Norman with perspective from Sergio Garcia, the spotlight shined on TPC San Antonio’s AT&T Oaks Course during the 2012 Valero Texas Open. Following the highest environmental standards to protect one of the most productive rock aquifers in the world, the challenging par-72, 7,435-yard course highlights rolling Texas hill country terrain, framing mature live oaks and indigenous flora and fauna. Named among Golfweek’s “Best Courses You Can Play,” TPC San Antonio guests experience the TOUR Academy practice facility and the club’s elaborate Hacienda-Style clubhouse featuring upscale dining and hospitality amenities. With five sets of tees for every skill level, this is a must play for avid golfers and novices alike.

Ranked on the Travel + Leisure 2012 World’s Best Hotel list, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa offers a la carte or packaged getaway options. Representing one of the highest discounts provided by the resort, the Stay and Play promotion starts at $191/night and allows endless golf by day and nature-inspired accommodations by night.

To play where the pros play at TPC San Antonio, visit www.tpc.com/playafterpros.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Alberta Canadian Rockies Courses Open 2012 Golf Season in Early May

(ALBERTA, CANADA) - Bolstered by international recognition in Golfweek and Golf Digest magazines as the one of the highest-ranking collection of public golf courses in the country, Alberta Canadian Rockies golf courses will open the 2012 season on May 4.

The seven courses in Banff, Jasper, Canmore and Kananaskis Country, branded under the destination name Canadian Rockies Golf (www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca), will open their golf courses for spring mountain play over the next several weeks. Opening dates are as follows.

* Canmore Golf & Curling Club (Canmore): Open May 4
* The Fairmont Banff Springs (Banff): Open May 4
* The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Jasper): Open May 4
* Stewart Creek Golf Club (Canmore): Open May 9
* Kananaskis Country Golf Course (Kananaskis): Open May 11 (both Mt. Kidd and Mt. Lorette)
* Silvertip Resort (Canmore): Open May 17

Golfweek magazine named five of the courses in its Best Canadian Courses list, released in mid-April. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and The Fairmont Banff Springs were listed second and fourth, respectively, to its Best Canadian Classic Courses list; Kananaskis Country's Mount Kidd and Mount Lorette as well as Canmore's Stewart Creek were listed to the Top Modern Courses in Canada list.

"Canmore Golf & Curling Club and Silvertip Resort offer exceptional playing experiences as well, and are among the favorites to play in Alberta," said Canadian Rockies Golf Spokesman Gord Schultz. "We hope these accolades will entice people to visit and judge for themselves the quality of our golf courses."

Golf Digest also named The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge to its "100 Best Outside the U.S." international golf rankings in its April edition. Both The Fairmont Banff Springs and The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge were also named to Conde Nast Traveler's "Top 121 Golf Resorts in the World" list, released this month.

Value-priced golf packages that combine play on any of the seven courses, accommodations and adventure are now available at www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca, starting at $174 CAD per person, per night.

Popular golf vacation experiences, released just in time for Father's Day, include Pins and Fins (combining golf and fly fishing, starting at $979 per golfer), The Canadian Rockies Invitational (5 nights/4 rounds starting at $909) and the Iron Man Golf Vacation (8 rounds/5 nights, starting at $1,439).

Special pricing is now available for stays through May 31. The website also includes a package builder to customize your trip.

Canadian Rockies Golf courses are easily accessible via Calgary International Airport, with service by most major air carriers.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Callaway Announces Tour Authentic Razr Fit Driver

Latest Version of Adjustable Driver Features Additional Hosel and OptiFit Weight Options

(CARLSBAD, Calif.) - Callaway Golf Company announced the May 4 availability of the Tour Authentic RAZR Fit Driver. This latest version of the award-winning RAZR Fit features an even greater level of adjustability in the hosel and additional movable weight offerings to dial in the center of gravity and ball flight characteristics, all with a sleek black PVD finish and striking green accents on the sole of the club head.

"The standard offering of our RAZR Fit driver brings straightforward adjustability to golfers who want to see noticeable changes in their ball flight by making simple changes to their driver set-up," said Alan Hocknell, Senior Vice President, Research & Development, Callaway Golf. "Now, with the release of this Tour Authentic version of the RAZR Fit, golfers who are looking for more detailed ball flight optimization can make smaller, incremental changes to their driver configuration and will have access to the same detailed adjustability options that tour professionals work with."

The RAZR Fit driver, which was named Editor's Choice on the Golf Digest Hot List and launched at retail with great success on February 17, features a straightforward adjustable "cog" that allows golfers to alter the face angle to three address positions: Open, Square and Closed. The new Tour Authentic version of the RAZR Fit driver takes that adjustability to another level, with an OptiFit Tour Hosel that features three sub-positions within the Square, Open, and Closed settings, totaling nine unique face angles to choose from. The OptiFit Tour Hosel is the same one used in the drivers of tour professionals like Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and many others.

While the standard RAZR Fit driver comes with 12-gram and 2-gram OptiFit weights that can be moved from the heel and toe positions to promote a neutral or draw weighting, the Tour Authentic RAZR Fit driver offers a greater variety of OptiFit Tour Weights (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 grams), allowing golfers to shift the club head's center of gravity to more finely tune ball flight and trajectory. A further benefit of the OptiFit Tour Weights is the ability to additionally optimize the total weight and swing weight of the driver. Separate kits containing 4, 6, 8 and 10 gram weights are now available for purchase separately for golfers that already own the standard RAZR Fit driver, but would like more moveable weight options.

"By adding a second cog to the hosel and additional OptiFit Tour Weights, the Tour Authentic RAZR Fit driver will allow golfers the opportunity to dial in their desired ball flight and trajectory to the most precise level," Hocknell said. "With this enhanced versatility, the Tour Authentic RAZR Fit delivers on our goal of offering meaningful adjustability to better players in an easy-to-understand design."

The club head of the Tour Authentic RAZR Fit driver features a black Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Finish with green accents that match the Golf Pride New Decade grip and premium, magnetized head cover. The club comes with a Project X Black shaft-a Tour-level offering that delivers explosive power and optimized trajectory for maximum carry and roll.

The crown of the RAZR Fit and Tour Authentic RAZR Fit drivers is comprised of Forged Composite, an advanced carbon composite material that Callaway developed over several years in partnership with Automobili Lamborghini. Lighter, stronger, more precise than titanium (the material used in more than 90% of the current drivers in the market), Forged Composite allows Callaway engineers to save crucial weight and precisely control the thickness of the crown. These benefits give the drivers a lower center of gravity, lowering backspin to optimize distance.

Callaway's RAZR Fit and Tour Authentic RAZR Fit drivers also incorporate a proprietary innovation in aerodynamic shaping called Streamlined Surface Technology that addresses the complex variations in aerodynamic flow during a driver's entire downswing-from transition through impact. More than four years in the making, Streamlined Surface Technology has reduced RAZR Fit's energy loss due to drag by 14% (relative to its predecessor, the RAZR Hawk Driver), despite the addition of an adjustable hosel. This contributes to increased ball speed at impact, a critical element of driving distance. This aerodynamics technology is accompanied by the debut of the Company's new Speed FrameÄ Face Technology, which combines hyperbolic shaping of the clubface with precision thickness control to achieve a larger sweet spot. This new technology optimizes stress distribution and increases ball speeds across the face. Callaway engineers were also able to save weight by implementing this new face technology.

The Tour Authentic RAZR Fit driver will be available for all golfers for the new product introduction retail price of $499 (US).

For information regarding the RAZR Fit line of woods and other products, visit www.callawaygolf.com.

EWGA Honors ‘Women Who Lead’ Volunteers

Honorees Enhanced Experiences for Members, All Aspiring or Current Business and Professionals

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA) – EWGA today announces its annual “Women Who Lead” awardees, specifically recognizing excellence in volunteer leadership throughout the organization, which is the largest women-focused amateur golf association in the U.S.

These women are being honored for making a difference in their Chapters – of which there are 125 throughout the United States, Canada and Italy – by achieving results through outstanding performance.

* Deborah Allen, Hampton Roads, VA Chapter
* Elizabeth Armstrong, Greater Richmond, VA Chapter
* Aura Arriaga, Omaha, NE Chapter
* Pam Banister, Atlanta, GA Chapter
* Sherry Bruck, Westchester, NY Chapter
* Dawn Filippine, Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Chapter
* Alice Hoctor, Cincinnati, OH Chapter
* Kris Leone, Palm Beach County, FL Chapter
* Kim Thomas, Washington DC Metro Chapter
* Nancy Williams, Central Indiana Chapter

The winners were selected from a distinguished group of nominees and received their commemorative awards at the EWGA annual national conference last week in Las Vegas.

“Given the wealth of talent each individual possesses, as well as their achievements, leadership skills and passion to support the EWGA, the selection process was indeed a challenging one,” said EWGA CEO Pam Swensen. “We are grateful to these outstanding people, who enrich the experiences of sister members and who make EWGA the unparalleled professional and personal networking organization for women.”

EWGA provides affordable, organized golf, free networking, business and success insights from accomplished executives, travel and equipment discounts, and a variety of local and national benefits.

Based on a 2011 survey conducted by the PGA of America, EWGA members represent some of the most passionate golfers in the game, logging more than 35 rounds annually on average and spending over $4,500 individually towards rounds, equipment, travel and other golf-related items. The majority are in their prime earning years, with 27% in management or senior management positions within small and large international corporations.  Many were beginner golfers when they first joined, hoping to advance their careers and their game,

For more information about EWGA and membership, visit www.ewga.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Sunice Delivers Science and Style for Spring/Summer 2012 Outerwear Collection

(Montreal, Quebec) - Sunice, Canada's No. 1 outerwear brand, is unveiled its 2012 Outerwear collection.

The Sunice Golf 2012 men's color palette uses updated blues and orange to brighten up collections of basic black, charcoal, and navy. Product embossing details allow for a new take on traditional colors like grey and add visual interest to exciting new colors like regatta. A classic American combination of red, white, and blue is evident throughout the collection and gives a nod to Sunice's involvement as Official supplier of outerwear for the 2011 / 2013 Solheim Cup USA Team. The ladies collection highlights the ever-popular pure white and adds to the golf fashion rainbow, a rich purple named diva and a new take on pink with petunia. The addition of abstract prints helps to make the ladies outerwear unlike any other outerwear brand in the market.

Sunice offers six different categories in their Spring 2012 line including Sunice Outerwear collections Hurricane, Tornado, Typhoon, Pro Sport and Sport, as well as technical apparel line, Sunice Silver. Each outerwear category provides different levels of protection from an array of weather conditions. A multitude of technical applications and the science of developing performance apparel gives Sunice the cutting edge necessary in providing the ultimate Freedom to play, no matter the weather.

Hurricane Collection
Featuring GORE-TEX Paclite and GORE-TEX Performance Shells, and backed by the Gore-Tex "Guaranteed to keep you dry" promise, the Hurricane Collection is the Sunice GORE category.

The ever-popular Ultimate Jacket is back in its fourth version (V4), with a complete re-design. The Sunice science is evident in the V4 jacket's added features, including the X-Static stretch lining, Pro-Trim waist cinching system, in-pocket ball cleaner, and full stretch back panel. The Sunice style is represented in detailing such as laser cut designs on the sleeves, laser cut and welded pocket frames, and the Sunice patented V collar design.

Tornado Collection
Breathable, ultra lightweight and ultra quiet products backed by a four-year waterproof guarantee are what define the Tornado Collection.

Sunice FlexVent for 2012 introduces new colors of Regatta and Blaze, along with a Charcoal Windowpane print brightened with Regatta Blue and White. Versatile, full stretch, highly breathable, and waterproof, this proprietary fabric technology is perfect for playing golf in heavy rain or varying temperatures with its performance features and extreme comfort. Our FlexVent fabric is one of the most waterproof stretch fabrics on the market. With its uniquely soft hand feel and super quiet laminate, we believe this is the future in waterproofs.

Typhoon Collection 
The Typhoon category - now a full-stretch, waterproof category with a three-year waterproof guarantee - encompasses all that a well designed, lightweight rainsuit should be. Introduced in 2011, Zephal is a quieter-performing lightweight fabric that now has the added benefit of Full Stretch. An assortment of styles provides a great value proposition for a very technical suit, and incorporates many of the golf-enhancing features that Sunice is famous for.

ProSport and Sport Layers Collection
Taking what we do best and applying it outside of the raingear spectrum has resulted in a Sunice ProSport and Sport Layering Collection. These categories feature WindStopper by Gore as its high-end performance gear, resulting in lightweight and fashion driven layering pieces. Adding properly designed layers into a golf wardrobe can enhance a golfer's overall physical performance and ultimately improve their golf game. Sunice Performance Layers are designed to create an apparel layering system that allows golfers to play at their very best in all weather conditions. For cool mornings or damp dawns early in the season, when an extra layer is needed without the extra bulk or weight, the Otaki SuperLite FX Pullover is back and remains the ultimate choice. An invisible chest pocket zipper, moisture wicking properties, and bright new color combinations are just a few of the details that make this piece stand out from the rest.

For those weather conditions that are a little more demanding, your ultimate choice should be a WindStopper garment. The most breathable, 100% windproof, highly water repellent styles available from Sunice include the new Shellbrook as a lightweight pullover; while the Tamworth, York, and Bantry all provide new design options in our infamous WindStopper lined sweaters.

Silver Collection
The Men's Sunice Silver Spring 2012 Collection offers a wide selection of core basics including a short and long sleeve polo option, lightweight layering, and bottoms in a variety of plaids and solids. Bottoms featuring shorts and pants have added X-Static to the waistband for comfort, and are available in Black, Midnight, Charcoal, and Platinum. Full stretch fabric, UV protection finishes, and stain release are a few of the characteristics that make this bottom a very desirable option. Deconstructed argyles, asymmetrical blockings, updated herringbone, and an assortment of stripes are but a few of the design details found throughout the collection.

The Women's Sunice Silver Collection has basics to merchandise back into the fashion collections and bottoms in solids and plaids. The Cosmo Collection is made up of classic Black and White; Blossom Collection merchandises the Sunice Silver version of pink with a rich Petunia and White; and finally, Purple Sky leaves one dreaming of luxurious Purple Diva and fresh white. Sunice Silver for women provides clean lines and fashion detailing to a technical shirt collection.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Boxgroove Welcomes Blackthorn Club

(BELLEVUE, Wash.) — Boxgroove (www.boxgroove.com), an inventive, reliable online network offering golfers the opportunity to play private golf courses of their choosing, has welcomed Blackthorn Club in Jonesborough, Tenn., into the selection of private courses Boxgroove members can play.

"Boxgroove members will encounter a magnificent golf course and private-club experience at Blackthorn Club," said McRedmond Morelli, founder and CEO of Boxgroove. "Beautiful scenery and outstanding service will entice golfers to return again and again to this fine club."

Blackthorn Club is a golf, tennis, dining and social sanctuary nestled in the foothills of northeast Tennessee. A golf course designed by Arthur Hills, twice named Golf Digest "Architect of the Year," is only the beginning of what makes Blackthorn Club a first-class club. Blackthorn Club is committed to providing world-class recreation and entertainment along with the finest club service. With some of the most extraordinary scenic views the Mountain Empire has to offer, Blackthorn Club provides an incomparable club experience. Blackthorn Club is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.

"Many Blackthorn Club members travel extensively and vacation in all parts of the U.S.," said Roger Cox, general manager of Blackthorn Club. "The Boxgroove connection allows us to provide our members access to fine private courses throughout the country.

"Boxgroove members who travel to the Mountain Empire area for business or pleasure will be able to find Blackthorn Club easily without a great deal of research. Being a Boxgroove-member course will provide Blackthorn Club exposure to potential members, including both local and non-resident golfers, looking for a challenging private course in the mountains of East Tennessee where they can play championship tournament conditions every day."

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains participate in Welcome to Golf Month

(POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pa.) - The 30+ golf courses in the four-county region of the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania have released both learning opportunities, to celebrate Welcome to Golf month, and special rates through April and May. See www.poconosgolf.com for more information.

May is Welcome to Golf Month
Play Golf America has dedicated May to those who want to get in the game. Below are a series of ways area golfers can learn to play in the Pocono Mountains:
• Split Rock will host ladies golf clinics on May 11 and May 18 for those that want to get in the game. See their new website at www.golfsplitrock.com for more information.
• Mount Airy Golf Club has scheduled a short-game clinic on Saturday, May 5 at 9:30 am. Cost is $20 and includes a $10 slot voucher. Call 570-243-5240 for reservations.
• Skytop Lodge is now accepting reservations for its Ladies Golf For Fun Schools, starting May 5. The three-hour sessions will be held on Wednesdays and Saturdays through the season for $95, and include complimentary golf after 3 p.m. Call 570-595-8910 for more information.
• Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort will host a Get Golf Ready program starting Thursday nights in May. The five one-hour lessons cost $99 and are open to all. Call the Shawnee pro shop for more information at (570) 424-4000 for more information
The collection of courses has also released May golf specials for moms and regional golfers:
• Take Mom to Mount Airy Golf Club: Mom pays $20 cart fee only on Mother's Day. Mount Airy has a series of May specials as well, including Ladies Day Mondays for $35, Slot and Golf Tuesdays for $40 (includes a $40 slot voucher) and more.
• Mother's Day and Play Golf Free at Shawnee - Ends April 26: There are a few days left on the season opener promotion: overnight rates with one round of golf start at $69. Moms can play free on Mother's Day with a paying adult.
• Fernwood Spring Golf Fling: Enjoy 2 rounds of golf, and villa accommodations, starting at $96 per person per night, through June 17.
• Skytop's Mulligan Package: Enjoy unlimited golf for two people, plus room and three meals per night's stay, starting at $340 per night.
• Hideaway Hills April Special: Play Hideaway Hills for $30 weekdays and $35 weekends through April 28. In May, play for $46 midweek and $59 on weekends.
• Golf Split Rock by May 10: Enjoy early season rates starting at $139 for a round of golf, room, breakfast and dinner.
• Woodloch Wants You to Stay and Play: enjoy a round of golf, overnight accommodations, dinner, 10% discount in the pro shop, plus access to all Woodloch amenities and entertainment, starting at $203 per night.
• The 2012 Golf A Round Card is now being sold at www.poconosgolf.com, offering two $25 rounds at eight Pocono Mountain courses for only $40.

For more information on Pocono Mountains courses, stay and play packages and experiences, see www.poconosgolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Villas Of Grand Cypress Suggests an Attractive Swap - Trade Your Work Day for a Golf Getaway

(ORLANDO, Fla.) - Let's see, you can dutifully trudge off to work or ... you can escape for a relaxing golf getaway at Villas of Grand Cypress, Orlando's premier golf resort. Tough call, right?

Short of calling in "sick" for you, Grand Cypress will take care of the rest to "cure your ills." With 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed golf, the Stay & Play Golf Getaway is the perfect trade off for a day of work. Here are the details:

• Luxurious accommodations in a Club Suite or a one- to four-bedroom Villa
• Unlimited daily golf on the Nicklaus signature-designed courses and use of driving range
• Complimentary club rentals and club storage
• Daily breakfast

The package is available through Sept. 30 and must be booked no later than May 31. Rates start at $129, and are based on availability and do not include taxes or resort fees.

Grand Cypress Golf Resort is also home to one of the Top 25 Golf Schools in America, the Grand Cypress Academy of Golf. Programs serve every skill level, from beginner to tour pro, and are designed to produce results while not neglecting the need for fun.

The resort's accommodations are ideally positioned along the fairways and waterways of its golf courses, with private terraces, high-speed Internet access (to keep in touch with what's happening at work) and flat-screen televisions.

Located in the Lake Buena Vista area of Orlando, Villas of Grand Cypress is just minutes from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. The resort can be conveniently accessed by car via Interstate 4.

To Trade Your Work Day for a Golf Getaway! and book a Stay & Play package, visit www.grandcypress.com and click on "Packages & Special Offers" or call (800) 835-7377.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Inside, Outside, and On the Ropes: Life Lessons from Q-School and The Majors

With about 12 million Americans out of work and another 2.5 million working less than they want, it's surprising that we could be facing a labor shortage in the near future. In just six years, there could be more jobs than people to fill them, according to recent research funded by MetLife Foundation and Civic Ventures.

In addition, as many as 8 million people in this country have finished one career and started a second, says Keith Gockenbach, a chemical engineer who retired to pursue dual second careers as a professional golfer and author.

In his book, Inside, Outside, and On the Ropes: Life Lessons from Q-School and The Majors (www.insidetheropesgolf.com), Gockenbach writes about the lessons he learned while trying to make the PGA's Champions Tour. They're lessons that also apply to job hunters and those seeking a new, perhaps more gratifying career.

"I was able to pursue my dream but the odds were long. Looking back, I saw much of what I learned could easily apply to other professions. I learned these things on a golf course but they can work anywhere," Gockenbach says. "Don't sell yourself short in golf or in life."

One he found most personally useful emerged as he battled the frustration and disappointment that come with weekly battles just to make the next tournament.

"You have to fight your way back the same way you'd eat an elephant," he writes. "A little at a time. Patiently. Calmly. Pace yourself. One shot at a time."

Some others:
• Know the rules. Breaking a rule, even inadvertently, can cost you the game -- or the job. And in real life, as in golf, ignorance is no defense. Don't break the basic, common-sense rules associated with integrity - for instance, don't lie on your resume. And do take time to learn the rules and expectations relevant to the job you want and the field you want to work in.
• You can only take what the course gives you. You can't live your life looking backward. If you make a misstep during an interview, don't agitate about it all night. Get up the next morning and do something positive for someone.
• Don't scrimp on the important stuff. Buying a high-quality suit and new shoes before an important interview or presentation might cost $1,500, but it could earn you a better job or promotion. Invest your money where it pays off.

Gockenbach's book chronicles his quest to play in professional golf's Champion's Tour for players 50 and older. It's the story of a day-to-day struggle for someone reviving the dream of his adolescence fairly late in life.

His efforts crystallized in his final lesson: "Chasing a dream is a job, not a hobby."

"It's the extra two or three hours every day that the professionals put into practice (both physical and mental) that make a difference, even when they're playing in a tournament," he writes.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Hawaii's Waikoloa Beach Resort earns honors from Golf Magazine

(WAIKOLOA, Hawaii) - Waikoloa Beach Resort - a 1,350-acre resort located under the sunny skies of the Kohala Coast on Hawaii, the Big Island - has been ranked one of the Golf Magazine "Greatest North American Golf Resorts" for 2012-2013. Reflecting the combined opinions of more than 7,000 avid golfers, Waikoloa Beach Resort was among six resorts in Hawaii to earn a silver medal in the biennial Premier Resorts awards.

Golf Magazine has been ranking the game's best resorts in North America for 24 years, and the award continues to be deemed a prestigious and highly-coveted honor. Thousands of golfers cast their votes for their favorite resorts at the magazine's website, based on four criteria: golf, lodging, food and drink and service. Waikoloa Beach Resort has consistently won a Premier Resort award for the past several years.

Waikoloa Beach Resort is home to two of the most stunning and picturesque courses in Hawaii. The golf experience at Waikoloa Beach Resort fires up the competitor in every golfer with bold greens set among rugged lava fields, overlooking the vast Pacific ocean and sparkling under the brilliant year-round sunshine on the Kohala Coast. The two breathtaking courses include the Robert Trent Jones, Jr. oceanfront Beach Course and the Scottish links-style Kings' Course, designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish.

Winding its way through ancient lava fields set among swaying coconut trees and gentle ocean breeze along the breathtaking Kohala Coast, Waikoloa's Beach Course is resort golf at its finest. The famous five par hole 7 is one of the most spectacular and photographed hole in Hawaii, placed directly oceanfront with crashing waves pounding against the edge of the greens. The classic Robert Trent Jones Jr. design is a par-70 course with 6,566 total yards and a slope of 134.

Designed by former British Open champion Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, the Kings' Course offers golfers the best of two worlds with island paradise views of towering volcanoes, palm trees and tropical foliage, on a course that more closely resembles a layout found along the coast of Scotland. This par-72, 7,074-yard links-style course snakes over and around an ancient lava flow and is best known for its undulating fairways, multiple tee placements, Scottish style pot bunkers and complex greens. To complete the Scottish links experience, there are even double greens at holes three and six.

In years prior, Waikoloa Beach Resort has also been honored with a number of other golf awards including the "Golden Tee Award" for golf excellence by Meetings and Conventions Magazine; "Top 100 Resort Courses" and "Top 15 Courses in Hawaii" by Golfweek; and one of the "Top Golf Resorts in the World" by Conde Nast Traveler.

For more information about Waikoloa Beach Resort, visit www.waikoloabeachresort.com or waikoloabeachgolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Middle Atlantic PGA Brings Golf to the University of Maryland for Maryland Day

(Stafford, VA) - In support of the PGA of America's Golf 2.0 initiative, the Middle Atlantic PGA (MAPGA) is taking golf on campus at the University of Maryland on April 28, 2012. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the MAPGA will be a part of UMD's annual "Maryland Day" of festivities which attracts more than 60,000 attendees.

For a PDF of the Maryland Day events and a campus map, follow this link: http://marylandday.umd.edu/media/MDDay12program.pdf 

The MAPGA will have an inflatable golf tent set up on Hornbake Plaza where students, parents and family members alike can experience golf without actually being on a golf course. To enhance the experience, PGA Golf Professionals will also be on hand to promote the "fun factor" of golf and provide basic instruction.

For a video on a similar event (April 20, 2012) at Virginia Tech, follow this link:
http://youtu.be/WqMG3bbdvvU 

"The time is now for the golf industry to think alternatively about bringing golf to the masses," says MAPGA Executive Director Jon Guhl. "Our relationship with Jeff Maynor, Head PGA Professional at the UMD Golf Course, has opened the door for us to take advantage of this great opportunity and reach a whole new group of potential golfers."

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Tin Cup Introduces United States Military Academy Golf Ball Marking Stencil

Officially licensed design features signature "A" logo of West Point

(FALLS CHURCH, VA) - Tin Cup Products - maker of patented, Made in the USA golf ball marking stencils - announces it has added a new design to its military collection honoring the exceptional history and traditions of the United States Military Academy.

Constructed from 100 percent stainless steel, the "U.S. Military Academy (Army)" model ($19.95) highlights the signature "A" logo of West Point, which has been a bastion of excellence since 1802. The stencil allows players to personalize their golf balls in seconds by placing the Tin Cup over a ball and tracing the template using an ultra fine point permanent Sharpie.

"We deeply value our relationship with the United States Armed Forces community, which has shown tremendous interest in our patriotic and military themed styles," says Cabell Fooshe, Vice President of Tin Cup. "Historically and to this day, the population of active duty and retired soldiers includes some of the world's most passionate golfers."

In addition to U.S. Military Academy (Army), Tin Cup's military and patriotic collections include designs representing the United States Marine Corps and United States Naval Academy, as well as Support the Troops, Liberty and Stars and Stripes.

Since being named "Best New Product" at the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show, the company has grown rapidly. Its collection now features more than 90 designs, including officially-licensed collegiate logos.

Complementing popular styles like Luck of the Irish, Five O'Clock Somewhere and Jolly Roger, Tin Cup introduces new stencils each month. It also offers an affordable customization program that's trusted by well-known corporations, charities, media outlets, celebrities and many others.

For more information: www.tin-cup.com, 888.984.6287.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

HIRZL to Participate at America's Largest Demo Day

23,000 golfers expected at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex April 27-29

(Granbury, TX) – After setting an all time record for glove sales at the 2011 Haggin Oaks Golf Expo, HIRZL is pleased to announce that it will be returning for the 2012 Expo, April 27-29 at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento, California.

In addition to exhibiting at the Expo, HIRZL will be featured at the Game Improvement Stage, daily at 11 am, with RE/MAX World Long Drive Champion Pat Dempsey as he hosts “Secrets of the RE/MAX Long Drive Champions,” sponsored by UST. HIRZL is the official and exclusive glove sponsor of the RE/MAX Long Drive Championships.

According to Mike Pompei, buyer for Haggin Oaks, in 2011, HIRZL out-sold the nearest glove manufacturer by a factor of three times and set the all-time record in the event’s 36 year history for most sales of any glove manufacturer.

“We have been carrying the HIRZL glove since the spring of 2010 and we have seen a steady increase in sales every month,” stated Pompei. “To see HIRZL out-sell every other brand we carry during our Golf Expo was true testament to how well these gloves perform and how well they are being received by our customers.”

“We were extremely pleased to see our HIRZL gloves do so well with the Haggin Oaks customers and we look forward to an even better Expo in 2012,” said Gary Sheppard, President and CEO of HIRZL North America. “We are introducing to Haggin Oaks, for the first time, our SOFFFT Flex glove, and we anticipate significant interest and excitement for trying out all of our products in our HIRZL tent and outdoor hitting bay from the 23,000+ expected golfers attending the Expo.”

“Thanks to our unique technology and innovative design, HIRZL golf gloves provide an optimal grip in all weather conditions, creating greater swing control. Ideally suited for all playing levels and ages, HIRZL gloves can enhance the golf experience,” added Sheppard.

Golfers are also invited to visit twitter.com/hirzlusa for live updates from the 37th Annual Haggin Oaks Golf Expo.

For more information, visit HIRZL at www.hirzl.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

ECCO Continues Hybrid Innovation with Launch of Golf Street Junior Line

Brand’s First Children’s Golf Shoe Collection Provides All-Day Fun and Function

(Londonderry, New Hampshire) – Danish brand ECCO – maker of the world’s most comfortable, stylish and technically-advanced footwear – announces the introduction of Golf Street Junior, a collection of hybrid golf sneakers for boys and girls.

Directly inspired by Golf Street Premier – the shoe that started the hybrid revolution – Golf Street Junior is available in a wide variety of fun colors. Each pair showcases premium leather uppers crafted from subtle, distressed leathers. Kid-friendly features include:
* Shock-Absorbing Outsole – Constructed from ultra-durable TPU shown to last five-times longer than rubber, boasts ribbed traction elements for superb grip on or off the golf course
* Breathable Lining – Textile and microfiber combination promotes air circulation for enhanced comfort
* Climate Control – A three-component removable insole features the ECCO Comfort Fiber System to ensure a cool, fresh inner climate

“We’re constantly striving to push the boundaries of shoemaking innovation, whether its serving the needs of Tour players, or the boys and girls who will grow up to be stars,” says Michael Waack, Head of Global Golf at ECCO. “This is a great, all-day shoe that functions perfectly on or off the golf course and kids really love to wear.”

Ideal for being worn straight from summer golf camps to hanging out with friends, Golf Street Junior retails for $100 at www.eccousa.com. It is offered in black, sepia, white, silver and white base colors with corresponding lime green, fanta orange, royal blue, purple and candy outsoles, respectively.

ECCO golf shoes are worn in competition by scores of international Tour stars, including Fred Couples, Graeme McDowell, Thomas Bjorn, Stuart Appleby, Thorbjørn Olesen, Thongchai Jaidee, Andreas Hartø, Belen Mozo, Gerina Piller and many others.

For more information: visit www.eccousa.com, 800.886.3226.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Tatum Ranch Golf Club Unveils Summer Memberships

Creates Opportunity to “Test Drive” a Tatum Ranch Membership for $1000

(Cave Creek, Ariz.) – Tatum Ranch Golf Club recently unveiled a new and innovative summer membership that allows golfers to test drive a membership throughout the summer months. Located in Cave Creek, on the edge of Scottsdale, Tatum Ranch Golf Club boasts an 18 hole Robert Cupp-design Championship golf course, clubhouse, swimming pool, practice facility, fitness center and locker rooms. Summer memberships are limited but offer the members an opportunity to experience all of the Tatum Ranch Golf Club’s amenities from the months of May through September 2012.

Only a limited number of Summer Memberships are being offered at $1000 and include benefits such as:
* Access to the Robert Cupp-designed 18-hole championship golf course 5/1-9/30/12
* Seven-day advance access (Tee Times available any day after 9:00am - cart fee applies)
* Access to the driving range and practice facilities 5/1-9/30/12
* Full access to the swimming pool, fitness center, clubhouse amenities and social events
* Preferred rates at OB Sports managed golf courses - (for rates and details, check out www.obsports.com/travel)

“Tatum Ranch truly offers one of the most vibrant, active memberships in the region, stated Steve Leonard, General Manager of Tatum Ranch Golf Club. “We have an active golf membership, and a relaxed, fun social environment that creates a great club environment for members of all ages,” added Leonard.

“We are excited that we can offer these limited summer memberships to give area golfers to give them a taste of what being a member at Tatum Ranch is all about. After they do, we are confident they’ll want to join as a full member and make Tatum Ranch their home club,“ added, Leonard.

Summer members that enjoy the experience are offered an opportunity to upgrade to full membership. At which time, Tatum Ranch will apply the $1000 payment towards the initiation fee of any applicable full golf membership categories.

Summer Memberships at Tatum Ranch Golf Club are limited so call 480.585.2399, email ehaboush@tatumranchgc.com or visit www.tatumranchgc.com/summer for details.

Located in Cave Creek, on the edge of Scottsdale, Arizona, Tatum Ranch Golf Club is home to an active golf community with tournaments, leagues, clinics and lessons for all ages and abilities. The centerpiece of Tatum Ranch includes an 18-hole championship course is graced by the natural beauty of the surrounding high Sonoran Desert. Designed by renowned course architect Robert Cupp, the 6,856-yard, par 72 layout challenges players with a unique desert landscape and a variety of shot making opportunities.

Other member amenities include fitness center, locker rooms and swimming pool. The aforementioned pool areas is being completely enhanced by new shade structures, pool furniture and patio furniture accents which will add to the club’s appeal.

The club offers a variety of affordable memberships to meet your needs including Full-Golf, Seasonal-Golf, Junior, Sport, and Fitness memberships. For more information on Tatum Ranch Golf Club, please call (480) 585-2399 or visit www.tatumranchgc.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Ben Curtis Captures Valero Texas Open Trusting Titleist Equipment from Tee through Green

Becomes first Player to Win on PGA TOUR Playing New Titleist AP1 Irons

(Fairhaven, MA) – To achieve success at the game's highest level, you have to believe in yourself and your golf equipment.  Relying upon the Pro V1x golf ball and a complete bag of Titleist golf clubs for every shot, Titleist Brand Ambassador Ben Curtis demonstrated confidence, control and determination to capture the Valero Texas Open for his fourth career PGA Tour title. Three additional wins for Titleist golf ball loyalists this week include Lee Westwood’s victory at the Indonesian Masters, providing continued proof that when it comes to superior performance when it matters most, more of the world’s best trust Titleist.

WHAT'S IN BEN'S BAG?:  Pro V1x golf ball, 910D3 (8.5) driver, 910Fd (13.5) fairway metal, 910H (18.0, 20.0) hybrids, AP1 (4-PW) irons, Vokey Design approach (52) and Vokey TVD sand (58) wedges, Scotty Cameron Studio Select Newport 2 putter.

JUST THE STATS: Trusting Titleist equipment from tee-through-green, Curtis was statistically No. 1 in Greens in Regulation (68.1%), No. 2 in Driving Accuracy (73.2%), and No. 3 in Strokes-Gained Putting (2.061).  He also finished among the top 20 in Putts Per GIR (1.694/15th) and Putts Per Round (27.3/T19th).

FOUR THE WIN:  Curtis captured the Valero Texas Open by holding off two players, including a surging John Huh (Pro V1) for a two-stroke victory.  Curtis made a clutch save on the 17th, converting a 20-foot putt for par.  He then birdied the par-5 18th for a closing round of even par 72, and a 9-under 279 victory total.  The win is the fourth of Curtis’ PGA TOUR career, and first since 2006 (his previous victories came at the 2003 Open Championship, 2006 Booz Allen Classic and the 2006 84 LUMBER Classic).

Defending champion, Titleist Brand Ambassador Brendan Steele (Pro V1x, 910D3 driver, 909H hybrid, MB irons, Vokey Design SM4 approach wedge, Vokey TVD sand and lob wedges) closed with a bogey-free 5-under 67 to tie for 4th with Bob Estes (Pro V1), Brian Gay (Pro V1x) and Charlie Wi (Pro V1).

NINE OF 10:  Of the top 10- finishers at the event, nine trusted Titleist golf balls for their success.
NO. 1 FOR AP1:  The win marks the first PGA TOUR victory for a player using Titleist's new AP1 irons.  The AP1 is a complement to Titleist’s popular AP2, the choice among many players on the PGA TOUR.  The AP1 is designed to provide increased forgiveness, yet playable enough to win a PGA TOUR event.  To learn more about the new Titleist AP1, please visit:  http://www.titleist.com/golf-clubs/irons/AP1.aspx

WINNING:  Four more official wins across the worldwide professional tours by Titleist golf ball loyalists brings the year-to-date victory total to 48, eight times more than the nearest competitor with 6.  Ben Curtis’ victory advances Titleist’s win total to 12 on the PGA TOUR, compared to 2 for the nearest competitor.  In addition to golf balls, Titleist is tops in players and wins on the PGA TOUR in the iron (575 players/6 wins), wedge (1,924/7) and putter (861/5) categories.

CHAMPIONS TOUR:  The two-man team of Michael Allen (Pro V1x) and David Frost (Pro V1) captured the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf, posting a 29-under 187 total, one shot better than four teams.  Their team performance included three nearly flawless rounds of 62-63-62 in the better-ball format.

ASIAN TOUR:  Pro V1x loyalist Lee Westwood successfully defended his title at the CIMB NIAGA Indonesian Masters.  Westwood finished at 16-under 272 after playing 32 holes on Sunday in the weather -delayed event.  Thaworn Wiratchant (Pro V1x) shot a final round 67 to take solo 2nd place, while Titleist Brand Ambassador Gaganjeet Bhullar of India (Pro V1x, 910 D2 driver, AP2 irons, Vokey Design pitching, sand and lob wedges, Scotty Cameron Studio Select Newport putter) and fellow countryman Shiv Kapur (Pro V1x) tied for 3rd at 12-under 276, as Titleist golf ball loyalists secured the top four spots in the event.

Of the 13 players who finished among the top-10 and ties at the Indonesian Masters, 8 trusted a Titleist golf ball for their success.

JAPAN TOUR:  Hiroyuki Fujita (Pro V1, 909H hybrid, Vokey Design wedges, Scotty Cameron putter) came from behind to win the Tsuruya Open by four shots following a final round 4-under par 67 en route to a 15-under 269 victory total.  The win was the 12th of Fujita's 18-year JGTO career, including his second Tsuruya Open title in three years.  Kyoung-Hoon Lee, a 20-year old from Korea (Pro V1x) who was medalist at the 2011 Q-School Final, finished solo 2nd.  Fellow "young gun", 18-year old full product line Titleist Brand Ambassador, Masahiro Kawamura, tied for 3rd, another shot back.

SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR:  It was a 1-2 finish for Titleist Pro V1x players at the Golden Pilsner Zimbabwe Open, where Chris Swanepoel defeated Titleist Brand Ambassador Trevor Fisher, Jr. (Pro V1x) in a sudden death playoff.   Swanepoel, who started the final round five strokes off the lead, fired a 10 birdie, 8-under-par round of 64, good for a 15-under 273 victory total.  Fisher fired a final round 3-under 69 to match Swanepoel and force the extra holes.  On the second playoff hole, Swanepoel claimed the title with a tap-in for par. The win marks the third victory on the Sunshine Tour for Swanepoel and his first in playoff fashion.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

St. Kitts Marriott Resort Debuts Sun, Sea & Golf Package

Hotel Guests will Enjoy Complimentary Rounds of Golf at Royal St. Kitts Golf Club from Sept. 1 though Oct. 31

(BASSETERRE, St. Kitts) - The St. Kitts Marriott Resort today debuted the Sun, Sea & Golf package, a “sweet” deal for golfers headed to Sugar City this fall.  In addition to enjoying luxury guest rooms trimmed with West Indian accents and cutting edge comforts, guests at the hotel from September 1 – October 31, 2012, will receive complimentary green fees at Royal St. Kitts Golf Club.

Boasting pristine white sandy beaches surrounded by beautiful blue waters, lush tropical rain forests and a variety of historical and cultural attractions, the island of St. Kitts truly has something for everyone.  The St. Kitts Marriott Resort, located on the Windward side of the island, features 393 luxury guest rooms and is highlighted by The Royal St. Kitts Golf Club, one of the most scenic and well conditioned courses in the Caribbean.  The front nine offers a glimpse of the Caribbean Sea on holes 3 and 4, as well as views of sister island Nevis and colorful island homes which are set into the mountainside, while the back nine features stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Guests will also enjoy gaming and excitement at The Royal Beach Casino, located onsite, and the largest Vegas-style casino in the Caribbean; revitalizing and luxurious spa treatments at the Emerald Mist Spa; exquisite dining options at eight restaurants and two lounges; and an outstanding Kids Club program – making it the ideal destination for families, couples and corporate travelers alike.

The Sun, Sea & Golf package includes overnight accommodations at St. Kitts Marriott Resort, complimentary green fees at Royal St. Kitts Golf Club and breakfast daily.  Rates start at $159 per room, per night, based on double occupancy.  Tax and service fees not included.  Offer valid for stays from September 1 – October 31, 2012.  Course closed September 3.  Cart fees and club rental not included. For more information or to book, visit www.stkittsmarriott.com or call 1.800.228.9290 and reference promo code H47.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Fayetteville's Finest: Three Courses Named Among North Carolina’s Best

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) — A trio of Fayetteville’s best golf courses — Anderson Creek Golf Club, Gates Four Country Club and King’s Grant Golf Club — have been included in the North Carolina Golf Panel’s annual rankings published in the April issue of Business North Carolina Magazine.

The Davis Love III-designed Anderson Creek, which was previously named North Carolina’s Best New Course in 2001, remained a fixture in the Top 100 checking in at No. 91 and was also deemed the Sandhills’ fifth-best hidden gem.

Gates Four, a recently renovated Willard Byrd favorite near the heart of Fayetteville, stood No. 11 among all courses in the Eastern Region, while King’s Grant was touted as the No. 4 hidden gem in the area.

The list of the Top 100 courses is determined by a scoring system that asks 150 panelists to consider the course’s conditioning, routing, design, strategy, memorability, fairness, variety and aesthetics.

Since the panel was formed in 1995, its members can only vote for courses that they have played — a daunting task for a state sporting more than 550 golf courses.

“This recognition further affirms Fayetteville as a popular golf destination,” said John Meroski, CEO of the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Meroski suggested that Fayetteville is a perfect stopping-off point for people traveling to Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head. They can both stay in Fayetteville and save themselves a considerable amount of gas money — and they can enjoy the well-conditioned and challenging Fayetteville golf courses as an ideal warm-up before their final destination.

“Fayetteville is a closer trip, our courses aren’t as crowded and they are a lot more affordable,” said Meroski. “If golfers want to break up that long trip in Fayetteville there are great hotels and plenty of golf to do so, plus history, heroes and a hometown feeling.”

Learn more at www.GolfOnTheReady.com or 800-805-5031.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Product Review: Cleveland Golf Black Driver

Ask a typical golfer about Cleveland Golf and you’re likely to hear their thoughts on wedges. Cleveland has long been making some of the best wedges in the game and should be proud of the reputation it has garnered. But what about drivers?

While Cleveland offers several models, American Golfer recently tested its Black driver. For whom is this driver designed? Well, anyone, but it is specifically engineered to help golfers with lower swing speeds.

The Black driver weighs only 265 grams, which makes it the lightest driver on the market, according to Cleveland. This helps players generate measurable increases in swing speed and distance with the same swing effort.

Technically speaking, the Speed Crown Design is an innovative, teardrop-inspired crown profile that maximizes distance through aerodynamics by reducing drag at all angles of airflow during the swing. MaxCOR2 Variable Face Thickness Technology reduces face weight and increases trampoline effect on off-center hits, meaning higher ball speed and more distance on off-center hits. Plus, a high-density weight screw at the rear of the sole plate positions the center of gravity lower and deeper to promote a high, draw-biased trajectory with optimal launch conditions for effortless distance.

Translation: The ball jumps off the CG Black’s club face, soars high and long ... all with minimal exertion.

Also help decrease overall club weight for faster swing speed are a Miyazaki C. Kua 39 Limited Edition graphite shaft and a Golf Pride Ultralite grip. Every little bit helps when you’re weighing in grams!

The specifications are laid out above and you can find that information online or at any shop that sells the Black driver. This, however, is a review.

How did the Cleveland Golf Black driver perform in live action? In a word: great!

In the hands of a 9 handicap golfer with average club speed, the Black driver not only provided distance, but a surprising amount of accuracy. Considering the model tested had a loft of only 9 degrees, we expected the former, but not the latter.

On a course, our writer can expect a well-struck ball to roll out to about 270 yards. Slightly more when “opening up” the swing. This is where a diet-pill commercial would enter its statement “results not typical” or “results may vary.” With average effort, one tee shot travelled 327 yards, while another came in at 297. Most were in the expected 270-yard range.

Wesley Snipes once quipped in the 1990s movie Passenger 57, “Always bet on black.” If the wager was based on adding distance without increasing effort, I wouldn’t bet against it.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Chick Evans Scholarship awarded to golf caddies for college

(GOLF, Ill.) - The Evans Scholars Foundation has awarded 230 full housing and tuition college scholarships to deserving caddies across the United States beginning this fall.

Evans Scholars are golf caddies who are selected based on four criteria: a strong caddie record, excellent academics, financial need and outstanding character.

Most scholarship recipients are attending one of the 14 universities where the Foundation owns and operates a Scholarship House. The Evans Scholarship is valued at more than $70,000 over four years. View a full list of all the recipients online at www.wgaesf.org.

Recipients were chosen after individual candidate interviews at selection meetings held throughout the country by the Western Golf Association. The Evans Scholarship Program has been administered by the WGA, headquartered in Golf, Ill., since 1930. It is among the nation's largest privately funded scholarship programs.

"These young men and women have excelled in academics and in service to their schools and communities," said John Kaczkowski, president and CEO of the WGA/ESF. "We welcome them to the Evans Scholars family and look forward to their continued success as college students."

"The Evans Scholarship is truly a life-changing opportunity for the deserving young men and women who will now be able to realize their dream of earning a college education," said Jim Bunch, Chairman of the Western Golf Association and Evans Scholars Foundation.

Currently, 825 caddies are enrolled in college as Evans Scholars. More than 9,400 caddies have graduated since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles "Chick" Evans Jr.
Scholarship funds come mostly from contributions by 45,000 golfers across the country, who are members of the WGA Evans Scholars Par Club. Evans Scholars Alumni donate more than $4 million annually, and all proceeds from the BMW Championship, the third of four PGA TOUR Playoff events in the PGA TOUR's FedExCup competition, are donated to Evans Scholars.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Naples, Florida's Tuscany Reserve Golf Club is now Talis Park Golf Club

(NAPLES, Fla.) - Kitson & Partners, a private real estate and development company, has teed up a new name and a bold new vision for the prestigious Tuscany Reserve Golf Club and community, which it purchased last February. Tuscany Reserve Golf Club is now Talis Park Golf Club.

Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the top 20 golf courses in Florida, the newly-renamed, 18-hole golf course is one of only two in the world designed by golf legends Greg Norman and Pete Dye and is rated one of the best in Naples. Talis Park Golf Club is also universally praised as being among the nation's premier golf experiences due to its meticulously-tended Sea Dwarf Paspalum fairways and greens. In fact, Dye - regarded by many as the most influential and creative golf course designer in the sport's history - said he had "never, ever seen a golf course like it in such good shape and condition anywhere in the world."

The Norman & Dye golf course, which measures over 7,000 yards in length, meanders along terraced hillsides with watercourses slowly spilling over aging stone walls into narrow finger-lakes and channels and has been maintained to perfection since its opening in 2005. It is the centerpiece of Talis Park, a visually stunning golf community now being reinvigorated and repositioned by one of Florida's premier real estate developers, who plans to introduce a smarter version of luxury for the upscale and highly-competitive Naples market.

"There is no question we have one of the best golf courses in Florida," said Syd Kitson, CEO of Kitson & Partners, the Palm Beach-based real estate developer. "We are committed to preserving and enhancing the premier golfing experience at Talis Park."

Kitson & Partner's vision for the "new" Talis Park will be a fresh, smart interpretation of the elegant Naples lifestyle that is more relaxed and in step with changing attitudes and an active way of life.
"The Naples luxury market is evolving, and today its socially connected and health-conscious residents are centered on so much more than 18 holes of golf," Kitson added.

Reflective of this new approach is The Vyne House. Envisioned as a community gathering place, The Vyne House is a charming, multi-purpose village center with a lively interplay of indoor and outdoor spaces, housing the golf club and resort-style pool, a boutique spa, fitness center, and cafe. A separate facility will be dedicated to tennis and bocce, and an adjacent Great Lawn will offer the perfect setting for events, from wine festivals to concerts and movie screenings.

While the Vyne House is under construction, Talis Park's Golf Studio will continue to serve as the interim clubhouse. Resident and nonresident golf course memberships are available for $65,000 with annual dues of $7,000 in 2012.

Complementing the stature and beauty of Naples' premier golf and residential community are three new home collections, which will be unveiled later this spring. Masterfully-constructed by premier builders, the homes will offer a diverse architectural palette that is reflective of its surroundings and will feature free-flowing indoor/outdoor living spaces with beautiful golf course and water views. Prices will range from $700,000 to $2 million plus.

Talis Park, located at 16990 Livingston Road, is destined to fulfill its vast potential to become one of Florida's premier luxury golf and residential destinations. For more information, or to join our registry to follow the progress of Talis Park and receive advance notice of upcoming events/ offerings, call (239) 261-6798 or visit www.talispark.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

The Concession Golf Club To Host IMG Junior Golf Tour Championship May 11-13

(SARASOTA, Fla.) - The Concession Golf Club will host the season-ending IMG Junior Golf Tour Championship May 11-13. A field comprised of 84 boys and girls from ages 11-18 will take to the award-winning course to compete for the IMG Tour's most coveted title.

The Concession, designed by Jack Nicklaus in association with Tony Jacklin, was named 'Best New Private Course of 2006' by Golf Digest. It has a slope rating of 155 from the championship tees, the highest rating by the United States Golf Association. The Concession also has one of the highest course ratings at 77.6.

The 18-hole par-72 golf course is set on 520 acres of ruggedly pristine land dotted with massive oaks and majestic pines unique to Florida. It totals 7,474 yards and runs three miles from tip to tip providing players with an uninterrupted golf experience abundant with wildlife and natural vegetation.

Complementing The Concession's championship layout is one of the world's largest private practice areas recognized by Golf Digest as one of the "75 Best Practice Areas in the United States." It includes a dual-ended driving range, two putting greens, and a short game area that allows one to practice any shot they might need, including pitch shots up to 80 yards.

"We are extremely delighted to host the IMG Junior Golf Tour's season-ending championship," said Bruce Cassidy Jr., General Manager of The Concession Golf Club. "The Concession golf course offers these young players a challenging test of golf to wrap up their season."

Official practice rounds for one of junior golf's most prestigious championships begin May 11, with the tournament running May 12-13. A season-ending awards banquet will also be held at The Concession and will be included in the tournament entry fee. All juniors may apply for the event - entry is granted via entry criteria posted on the tournament website (based largely on season points standings).

The Concession is hosting a number of other prestigious events this year, including the Callaway Collegiate Match Play Championship, Big Ten Match Play Championship and the AJGA Rolex Girls Junior Championship.

Registration and event information can be found on the IMG Junior Golf Tour website: www.imgjuniorgolftour.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Sun Valley Resort to Open Nine Holes on Trail Creek Golf Course This Weekend

(SUN VALLEY, ID) - Sun Valley Resort plans to open the front nine holes of its Trail Creek golf course, weather permitting, April 21.

Trail Creek’s back nine holes and sister course White Clouds’ nine holes will open soon thereafter.  Elkhorn Golf Club, Sun Valley’s newly-acquired 18-hole course, is scheduled to open in early or mid-May.

The driving ranges and practice facilities at the courses opened this past weekend for the entire golf season.  Hours of operation from April 14 to April 21 are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mild weather this spring season allowed for one of the earliest openings in recent memory.

“We’re thrilled Mother Nature is affording golfers a head start to the golf season,” says Rick Hickman, Director of Golf Operations at Sun Valley.  “The courses’ conditions are pristine and golfers’ adrenalines are high as they shoot for their personal best scores.”

Part of the excitement is that of the iconic Sun Valley Resort grew to 45 holes last summer with the acquisition of Elkhorn that is within walking distance of Trail Creek and White Clouds.

This spring, traveling golfers in record numbers are booking Sun Valley’s unlimited golf package.  It includes sun-up to sun-down rounds on all three courses, preferred tee times, free play on the resort’s renowned 18-hole Sawtooth Putting Course, complimentary transfers to and from the courses and nightly accommodations.

Other golf packages start at $119, including lodging.  Season golf passes are available as are privileges for meetings and convention groups.

Sun Valley courses are lauded as “must plays” on Conde Nast Traveler’s esteemed “Top Golf Resorts” list with exceedingly high ratings from magazine readers for course design, speed of play, accommodations, service, food and dining, and other facilities.

About Sun Valley Golf Courses

* Trail Creek is one of Golf Digest’s “Top 75 Resort Courses” in North America.  Consistently delivering enjoyable and challenging rounds for golfers of all abilities, the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed traditional alpine layout features a full complement of stream carries and ominous bunkers well positioned to catch errant shots.  Crystal blue skies and majestic views of the surrounding mountains throughout the 18-hole, 6,968-yard, par-72 course also keep golfers returning.

* White Clouds opened in 2008 to rave reviews.  In contrast to Trail Creek, the nine-hole, 3,605-yard, par-36 course of alpine-links style tests golfers’ mettles with sand trap shots, side-hill lies, risk-reward decision-making and blind shots – not to mention the 637-yard, par-5 No. 5 hole.  Adding to the drama, White Clouds is perched at 6,000 feet for stunning, 360-degree views of Pioneer, Boulder and Smokey mountains.  Ernest Hemingway’s house can be seen along golfers’ journeys.

The course also overlooks the 58,000-square-foot Sun Valley Club that is open to the public with a restaurant, bar, wrap-around terraces, pro shop, locker rooms, club storage, club rental and indoor golf simulators.  A new 25-acre, state-of-the-art practice facility, the wildly popular 18-hole Sawtooth Putting Course and PGA instruction augment golfers’ memorable experiences.

* Elkhorn was created in 1974 by the famous father-son design team of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Robert Trent Jones, Jr.  After an extensive renovation in 2004, the club re-opened as private.  Upon Sun Valley’s acquisition last July, members as well as resort and select other guests enjoy the large, undulating greens, a front nine renowned for its hills and a back nine for water hazards on eight holes.  Despite its 7,214 yards from the championship tees and more than 100 sand traps and bunkers, the par 72 Elkhorn provides the perfect blend of bark and benevolence for experienced and novice golfers, respectively.  An upscale, 16,000-square-foot clubhouse boasts a restaurant and bar with patio seating and large TVs for game-day cheer as well as relaxation.

For more information about Sun Valley Resort: www.sunvalley.com, 800.786.8259.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Chambers Bay Goes Gas-Free for a Day to Celebrate Earth Day

(UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash.) - It takes a lot of equipment and fuel to mow and maintain a 250-acre golf course like Chambers Bay. But on Earth Day (April 22), not an ounce of gas will be used to maintain the course.

Chambers Bay Superintendent David Wienecke has arranged for Jacobsen, an equipment manufacturer, and RMT Equipment, a golf supply company, to provide electric mowers, greens rollers, bunker rakes and utility vehicles for the day.

Wienecke has invited golf course superintendents from throughout the region to test the equipment on the course, which is preparing to host the 2015 U.S. Open.

"It's been a dream of mine to build awareness in the golf community that we can be stewards of the environment while providing conditions worthy of a U.S. Open," Wienecke said. "Chambers Bay already uses much less water and fertilizer than most golf courses, and we're proud of our success as a reclaimed gravel mine. Jacobsen and RMT will show that the technology exists for the industry to take conservation efforts to the next level."

More information about the partners is available at www.chambersbaygolf.com, www.jacobsen.com and www.rmtequipment.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com