Follow Bubba to Bermuda - PGA of America Debuts Deluxe VIP PGA Grand Slam Experience

Golf Excursion to Bermuda offers Exclusive Access to the 30th PGA Grand Slam of Golf featuring the Year’s Major Champions

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) - It’s a golf getaway like no other, as it offers the chance to see golf’s four major winners (The Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship and PGA Championship) up close in a competition to determine the 2012 PGA Grand Slam of Golf Champion.

The PGA of America announced the Deluxe VIP PGA Grand Slam Experience package, a six-night excursion for golf travelers to the beautiful island of Bermuda to play multiple rounds of golf, while getting exclusive access to a season-ending showcase event that boasts the most difficult requirement in the game – a Major Championship victory.

The 30th PGA Grand Slam of Golf, which returns to the Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda, Oct. 22-24, has featured past champions such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. This year’s foursome is headlined by Masters Champion Bubba Watson, who will be joined by the winners of the U.S. Open Championship, June 14-17, at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, Calif.; the Open Championship, July 19-22, at Royal Lytham & St Annes in Lancashire, England; and the 94th PGA Championship, Aug. 9-12, at The Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, S.C.

As part of the excitement surrounding the PGA Grand Slam of Golf and the island of Bermuda, which boasts seven spectacular golf courses, The PGA of America has created a Deluxe VIP PGA Grand Slam Experience golf package. The package features six nights of luxury accommodations at The Fairmont Southampton; breakfast daily; three days admission to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf; daily transfers to/from the hotel to Port Royal and transportation to and from the Bermuda airport.

Highlighting this package is exclusive access to the PGA Welcome Reception on Sunday evening, Oct. 21, and an invitation to the exclusive Champions Celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 23, where guests will experience a fireside chat with the Major Champions and then enjoy a spectacular dinner. In addition, the Deluxe VIP PGA Grand Slam Experience package includes one round of golf at Fairmount Southampton Par 3 Golf Course and one round of golf at Port Royal Golf Course on Friday, Oct. 26, where the four Major Champions will battle it out earlier in the week.

The package prices, which include tax, range from $1,869 - $2,728 per person, based on double occupancy, length of stay and rounds of golf. Golfers interested in purchasing the getaway packages from The PGA of America can visit www.premiergolf.com or call 1-866-260-4409.

The PGA of America is also offering the PGA Grand Slam Experience package, which includes four nights of accommodations at the Fairmount Southampton; breakfast daily; transportation to and from the Bermuda airport to the Fairmont Southampton; daily general admission tickets to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf; and daily tournament transportation. The package prices, including tax, range from $742 - $1,177 per person, based on double occupancy and length of stay.

The PGA Grand Slam of Golf features a $1.35 million purse, with the winner receiving $600,000; second place $300,000; third place $250,000 and fourth place $200,000. TNT’s prime-time broadcast of the event is distributed to a worldwide audience of 500 million viewers in more than 100 countries.

Hosted by the Bermuda Department of Tourism, Port Royal Golf Course, and the Fairmont Southampton Hotel, the PGA Grand Slam of Golf was established in 1979 and has grown from an 18-hole, single-day charity event to a 36-hole annual showdown that matches professional golf’s best against each other.


Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Nike Golf Redefines Golf Footwear with the Release of the Nike FREE-Inspired TW ‘13 Shoes

(BEAVERTON, Ore.) – Nike Golf’s relentless pursuit of innovation continues to deliver technology that makes golfers better.  Proof positive is the creation of one of the most talked about golf shoes in the industry, the new Nike TW ‘13, inspired by Nike FREE technology.

Tiger Woods began the marketplace buzz when he debuted the prototypes on Tour last summer.  The distinctive shoes will now be available to consumers starting June 8.

The inspiration behind the Nike TW ‘13 footwear began with Woods himself.  He asked for a shoe that gave him the performance fit and feel as his Nike FREE shoes when he runs and trains. That question ignited collaboration between Woods, Nike Golf’s footwear creation team and Nike’s Innovation Kitchen, led by Tobie Hatfield.

“I train with Nike FREE technology all the time,” said Woods. “I love training in it, running in it, lifting in it. So I asked, why can’t I play golf in it?”

After Woods shared his insights, Nike’s footwear team immediately went to work.  The result is an iconic shoe with Nike’s natural motion engineered outsole, inspired by Nike FREE technology.

“Now my feet are stronger and I feel more athletic,” said Woods. “These shoes provide freedom of movement and allow me to release more power through my swing.”

To view the Nike FREE-Inspired TW ’13 commercial, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4wGVv-d0d8

The natural motion engineered outsole is designed to mimic and conform to the natural motion of the foot, coupled with the protection and traction of a lightweight performance golf shoe. This innovative outsole allows the athlete to keep contact with the ground longer, better harnessing the energy of the foot to the shoe and, therefore, the shoe to the ground.

“An athlete trains every other part of their body, except maybe their foot,” said Hatfield. “Natural motion technology helps increase the strength of the muscles and flexibility within the foot. It brings out the human potential for each athlete.”

The Nike TW ’13 also features the new Nike Dynamic Fit support system.  Targeted support delivers unprecedented strength-to-weight ratio and one-to-one fitted support. Flywire-infused nylon straps extend 360° from the footbed to the lacing system, securing the foot for an adaptive fit that provides golfers stability with mobility.

To ensure that the TW ’13 upper moves in concert with the Dynamic Fit system, designers turned to Nike’s Innovation Kitchen to source the multidirectional stretch synthetic available in Tiger’s signature colors of White or Black with Red accents.

Available: June 8, 2012
MSRP:  $220    MAP/Street:  $180
Colorways: White or Black with red accents

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Caddy For A Cure Announces Partnership with Emerick Construction Company

Highest ranked Oregon commercial contractor expands its live, work, play giving back program

(Coral Springs, FL) - Caddy For A Cure, Inc., the professional golf opportunity to go inside the ropes and caddy for a day with the world's best players, announced a new partnership with Emerick Construction Co. as a new sponsor for 2012.

Since 1943, Emerick Construction has been consistently delivering high quality, responsive and honest general contracting work from Portland, Oregon, Southern Washington and California. Through its years of experience, Emerick is able to specialize in the delivery of CM/GC Services, Occupied Facilities, Educational, Seismic Upgrades, Historic Renovations, Commercial Renovations, Office Buildings, Tenant Improvements, Hi-Tech Complexes and Civic/Cultural Facilities. Additionally, Emerick has a Specialized Projects Group to specifically address clients with unique needs. In 2011, Oregon Business Magazine ranked Emerick #8 in medium sized businesses Best Companies and highest ranked General Contractor in all business size categories.

Caddy For A Cure CEO and program founder Russ Holden said "Our first opportunity to learn about Emerick came through Vice President, Corey Lohman. Corey bid and won the opportunity to caddy at the 2011 LPGA Safeway Classic in Portland, not too far from the Emerick corporate headquarters in Happy Valley. Corey had the opportunity to spend the day inside the ropes with 2011 Kraft Nabisco champion, Stacy Lewis. The day was a great success for everyone, but especially for the people our program supports." Holden concluded, "Through this new partnership with Emerick as spearheaded by Corey, we look forward to increasing the charitable support from our program as we facilitate more amazing opportunities in the world of professional golf."

Emerick VP Corey Lohman commented, "When I heard about Caddy For A Cure I thought it sounded like a lot of fun and was a great way for contributing to worthy causes. It was a perfect opportunity for me to participate at the LPGA Safeway Classic in Portland, so I figured I'd give it a try. It was a blast from start to finish and a day I won't soon forget. Some time ago Emerick instituted a giving back program called Live, Work, Play as a means of supporting the communities in which we live, work and play. After seeing what Caddy For A Cure does and the many people the program helps, it made sense to partner with them to support the communities in which we 'play'. We're happy to be supporting them and providing the logoed golf shirts that are part of the Caddy For A Cure participant goody package. We're confident future program caddies will have as great of a time as I did."

Caddy For A Cure offers PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and LPGA Tour caddy opportunities through its www.caddyforacure.com. 100% of auction proceeds are donated to charity. Funds are directed to the PGA TOUR Birdies for the Brave military outreach, the PGA TOUR Professional Caddy Assistance Foundation, the LPGA Foundation USGA-Girls Golf program, in support of Fanconi anemia and each participating player's and host site's charity.

Please visit their generous sponsors Emerick Construction at www.emerick.com, Sharpie pens at www.sharpie.com, VedaloHD Sunglasses at www.vedalohd.com , The Otter company at www.theottercompany.com, Thorlos at www.thorlo.com and the JetBlue Challenge at www.jetbluechallenge.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Mitchell Golf's Putter Fitting Club Station Ideal for Belly Putters

(Dayton, OH) - With the growing demand for belly putters Mitchell Golf's Putter Fitting Club Station provides an exceptional fitting solution. It fits anywhere from 30 to 60 inches with the appropriate adaptor. It also measures for the correct lie angle and ideal loft adjustments for right or left-handed putters with its patented putter fitting gauge. Furthermore, the station can be adjusted for heel, mid-heel or center-shafted putters. A mirror is positioned at the bottom of the station so players can achieve the appropriate eye line at address.

The station is priced at $229.99 with an optional adaptor. Tom Mitchell, CEO of Mitchell Golf, had the following to say about the Putter Fitting Club Station:

"Our station is a perfect tool for PGA Members, Club Fitters, Retailers and the like. It offers enough features to make the customer feel comfortable about their putter selection without overwhelming them with data."

Mitchell Golf also offers its Putter Fitting Club which does all the aforementioned fitting without a mirror at the base. It is priced slightly lower at $189.99 with an optional adaptor as well. Both the Putter Fitting Club Station and Putter Fitting Club can be purchased online at www.mitchellgolf.com or by calling 800-437-1314.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Dancin’ Dogg Golf Introduces Golden Gate Club for OptiShot Infrared Simulator

Celebrated Bay Area Layout Now Part of Premium Course Library Ahead of U.S. Open Week

(TRAVERSE CITY, MI) – Dancin’ Dogg Golf – maker of the OptiShot Infrared Simulator, the ultimate in-home virtual golf system – has added Golden Gate Club, a true-to-life replication of one of the most prestigious and classic major championship venues, to its premium course portfolio.

A five-time host of the U.S. Open championship, Golden Gate Club is one of the nation’s most historic layouts. Recently ranked among America’s top-30 courses by Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine, its sloping, tree-lined fairways and small, well-bunkered greens have challenged the world’s top players since opening in 1918.

“Thanks to the hard work of our talented, in-house design team, we’re able to launch Golden Gate Club to coincide with the 2012 U.S. Open,” says Brandon Theophilus, CEO of Dancin’ Dogg Golf. “This allows OptiShot users to watch the championship during the day and play a precise replica of the course using their own clubs that evening, or anytime afterward.”

Like the company’s other premium layouts – including Atlanta Highlands, Capitol Club, Monterey Classic, Old Scot, Ponte Vedra, Royal St. Marks and Whispering Dunes – Golden Gate Club can be downloaded at www.dancindogg.com for a one-time fee of $49.95.

OptiShot (MSRP: $399.95) connects with Windows computers via a plug-and-play interface and requires only 8-½ feet of swing space. With their own clubs, up to four players per round can compete by hitting real balls, foam balls (provided) or no ball at all. Infrared sensors on a durable swing pad precisely record club-head speed, face angle, swing path, distance, tempo, face contact and ball flight. In addition to Core courses that come with the system, OptiShot users can practice and compete on the par-3 option or a realistic driving range.

Dancin’ Dogg Golf was recently ranked one of America’s fast-growing entrepreneurial companies by Inc. Magazine, placing No. 358 on the prestigious Inc. 500 list for 2011. This honor was based on the company’s 951.2% revenue growth from 2007 through 2010.

More information:  www.dancindogg.com, www.facebook.com/dancindogg, 866.941.3644.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

GolfLogix Congratulates Crowne Plaza Invitational Winner Zach Johnson

World’s No. 1 Golf GPS App Provides Tour-Quality Information, Patented Club Tracking

(SCOTTSDALE, AZ) – GolfLogix – the No. 1 app for golf and a world leader in GPS and club-tracking technology – congratulates PGA Tour staff player Zach Johnson on his victory at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, TX.

Wearing the GolfLogix logo on his left sleeve, Johnson recorded his eighth career PGA Tour victory and has placed first or second in three of his last four starts.  The former Masters champion currently ranks third on the 2012 FedEx Cup points list and sixth in the U.S. Ryder Cup team standings. Click here to view a mapped shot-by-shot view of Johnson’s final round.

“Knowing precisely where to hit the ball is critical in my success, especially given the smaller greens at Colonial,” says Johnson. “GolfLogix is the coolest app, as it provides the same Tour-quality information that my caddie and I review before every shot.”

Easily downloaded from www.GolfLogix.com or App Stores such as iTunes, Android Marketplace and BlackBerry App World, the free GolfLogix GPS app is compatible with more than 60 smartphone models. It provides accurate distances to the center of the green, high-quality imagery of each hole, scorekeeping and in-round pro-level stat tracking for nearly 30,000 courses worldwide. For less than $20, an upgraded annual Champion membership provides golfers with patented club tracking, aerial flyovers, digital yardage book notes and distances to any location on the hole – including pin position, hazards and landing zones.

“Zach knows every detail of his yardages, which guides him when to hit driver or a fairway wood and whether he should go for the green or lay up to his preferred approach location,” says Pete Charleston, President of GolfLogix. “GolfLogix is the only app that provides club tracking, along with an amazing array of features to deliver a wealth of information during the round and afterward with a mapped history of every shot.”

Starting in July 2012, the GolfLogix app will feature instructional videos and tips from the Golf Digest teaching vault. As the software continuously captures a player’s stats during the round, personalized feedback, instant advice, tips and drills will be sent to his or her smartphone for review and comparison against previous rounds.

All GolfLogix levels include access to the Member Clubhouse, the No. 1 online golf community where millions interact through social forums, offer challenges to fellow golfers and maintain an indexed handicap. Personal web pages for each user also store performance statistics, so every round can be analyzed by fairways hit, greens in regulation, putting, shot trends and more.

For more information: www.GolfLogix.com, 877.977.0162.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

aboutGolf Congratulates Luke Donald on BMW PGA Championship Win, World No. 1 Ranking

(MAUMEE, OHIO) - aboutGolf congratulates Luke Donald, aboutGolf PGA TOUR Simulator owner, on his recent win at the BMW PGA Championship and subsequent recapturing of the World No.1 ranking. Sunday's win marked Donald's second consecutive victory at the BMW PGA Championship.

"aboutGolf is honored to have Luke Donald as a loyal customer and we've eagerly watched him throughout the season," says Chuck Faust, President, aboutGolf.

Luke Donald purchased an aboutGolf PGA TOUR simulator, which was installed in his home in 2009.

Learn more at www.aboutgolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

SeeMore Salutes Red Hot Zach Johnson

Johnson Wins Colonial for Second Time in Three Years for Eighth PGA Tour Victory, Moving to Third in 2012 FedEx Cup Standings

(Franklin, TN) - SeeMore recognizes another great victory for the winner of this week's prestigious 2012 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, Zach Johnson, who has now won at this famous track twice in three years for his eighth PGA Tour Victory. The win moves Johnson even higher into the ranks of the all-time great players with his 8th career victory, including a Major Championship.

Johnson's eight career PGA Tour victories place him third on the all-time victory list among players currently under 40, and his career earnings of $24.8 million place him eighth on the all-time PGA Tour money list among players currently under the age of 40. Clearly Johnson has become one of the greatest winners of his generation.

Johnson is red hot right now, with a Victory (Colonial) and two second-place finishes (RBC Heritage, The Players) in his last foutr starts, and over $2.4 million in winnings in those four events.

Every one of Johnson's victories have taken place using his trusted SeeMore FGP blade style putter, with SeeMore's patented and proven RST (RifleScope Technology) alignment system. By "hiding the red dot" Johnson uses the same putting system that was originally introduced to him by SeeMore teaching ambassador Pat O'Brien and that is now being taught to golfers all over the world through the SeeMore Putter Institute (SPi).

Johnson led the field at Colonial in putting, taking only 101 putts over the course of four rounds. His putting average and strokes gained putting also put him at or near the top of the field and helped him to hold off the other hottest player on tour for the victory. Year to date Johnson is first overall in one-putt percentage on tour, first on tour in par 5 performance, first in scrambling from over 30 yards, third in Putting Average, and third in fewest putts per round.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Love, Couples Welcome Nick Price as Newest Member of Bridgestone Golf Captains' Club

Bridgestone Golf Tour Team Members Set To Captain Golf’s Marquee Team Events in 2012-13                                                                                    

(COVINGTON, GA) – Bridgestone Golf, the #1 ball-fitter in golf, is proud to congratulate Fred Couples and Nick Price on their official selections as 2013 Presidents Cup American and International team captains, respectively.  Captain Couples will attempt to lead his 3rd straight U.S. squad to victory in the prestigious event.  For 2013 International captain, Nick Price, the 2013 Presidents Cup will provide hisfirst opportunity to lead an international team.

The 2013 Presidents Cup will take place on the venerable Muirfiled Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, September 30th – October 6th of next year.  Couples and Price shared the distinction of two of the best players in the world during the nineties, with a combined career total of 33 PGA TOUR victories, including 4 major championships, between them.  With his selection, Price now has the distinction of being the captain with the most Presidents Cup experience, having played for the International team a total of five times (1994, 1996,1998, 2000 and 2003).  Couples played in four President Cups as a member of the United States team (1994, 1996, 1998 and 2005).  Couples compiled a 9-5-2 record in his Presidents Cup career, compared to Price’s 8-11-4.    Presently, Couples and Price both rely on the 2012 Bridgestone Tour B330 golf ball as they continue to add chapters to their storybook careers on the Champions Tour.

The announcement of Couples and Price as Presidents Cup captains in 2013 gives Bridgestone Golf the honor of claiming 3 out of 4 skippers in golf’s marquee team events over the next 18 months, with Davis Love III preparing to lead the U.S. team at this September’s 2012 Ryder Cup Matches at Medinah.  

“Team Bridgestone members are captaining golf’s biggest team events and winning some of the sport’s biggest individual championships, so we could not be more proud of our tour team than we are right now,” said Dan Murphy, Vice President of Marketing – Bridgestone Golf, Inc.  “Like the rest of the golf world, we look forward to seeing the creative ideas Davis, Fred and Nick have for inspiring their teams.”

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

PING Phoenix Junior Relocates to ASU Karsten

AJGA to hold 22nd annual event at home of the Sun Devils, June 4-7

(BRASELTON, Ga.) – In 2012, the PING Phoenix Junior finds a new home at OB Sports-managed ASU Karsten Golf Course, home course of Arizona State University. The 22nd anniversary of the 54-hole stroke play event will feature 78 juniors, ages 12-18, from 16 states and Mexico.

Last year’s Boys Division champion Taylor Zoller of North Charleston, S.C., captured a win at his first-ever AJGA tournament after posting a 9-under-par 207. Zoller’s victory earned him entry into five additional AJGA events, including the Rolex Tournament of Champions. He now plays golf for Kent State University.

Jenny Hahn of Henderson, Nev., kicked off her 2011 season with a victory in the Girls Division after defeating local Scottsdale native Lindsey Weaver in a one-hole sudden death playoff. Hahn went on to post four additional AJGA top-10 finishes and currently ranks No. 18 in the Polo Golf Rankings. Weaver, who won the 2012 Winn Grips Heather Farr Classic hosted by Longbow Golf Club, will return to the 2012 PING Phoenix Junior at ASU Karsten field for her last appearance before starting college at Notre Dame in the fall.

Schedule of Events
A practice round will be June 4, with a shotgun beginning at 7 a.m. Tournament play begins June 5, with first- and second-round tee times from 6:30 – 8:30 a.m. off the Nos. 1 and 10 tees. The final round will be played June 7, from 6:30 – 8:30 a.m. off the Nos. 1 and 10 tees, with an awards ceremony to follow. All are welcome to attend and admission is free.

Prior to the event, an 18-hole TaylorMade-adidas Golf Qualifier will be June 3, at ASU Karsten with a 7 a.m. shotgun start. TaylorMade-adidas Golf Qualifiers give juniors an opportunity to “play their way in” to coinciding AJGA Open tournaments or build status for entry into a future event. The TaylorMade-adidas Golf Qualifier Series offers opportunities for AJGA juniors at approximately 50 AJGA Open events.

For more information on PING, visit www.ping.com. For more information on the ASU Karsten Golf Course, visit www.asukarsten.com or call (480) 921-8070.

About the AJGA
The American Junior Golf Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf. The AJGA provides valuable exposure for college golf scholarships, and has an annual junior membership (boys and girls ages 12-18) of approximately 5,500 junior golfers from 49 states and more than 40 countries. To ensure scholarship opportunities for all junior golfers who have the skill, the AJGA created the Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) Grant program to provide financial assistance to young players in need.

AJGA alumni have risen to the top of amateur, collegiate and professional golf. Former AJGA juniors have compiled more than 500 victories on the PGA and LPGA Tours. AJGA alumni include Stewart Cink, Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mahan, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, Paula Creamer, Cristie Kerr, Inbee Park and Morgan Pressel.

For information on the PING Phoenix Junior, please contact Kristi Bradley (kbradley@ajga.org) in the AJGA Communications Department at 678-425-1786 or visit ajga.org.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Champ Spikes Used by Winners at Crowne Plaza Invitational, BMW PGA Championship

(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 winners of the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial and European Tour’s BMW PGA Championship relied on its renowned spikes.

Securing his eighth career PGA Tour title, the Crowne Plaza Invitational champion trusted the unique blend of metal and plastic traction technology in the acclaimed ProStinger model at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, TX. On the European Tour, the victor relied on the renowned ScorpionSTINGER to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking. He was among nine top-10 finishers at Wentworth Club in Surrey, England, who trusted the company’s industry leading spikes.
         
"When it comes to their equipment, Tour players are among the most discerning athletes in the world,” says Harris MacNeill, President and CEO of CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide. “It’s no surprise that CHAMP spikes are overwhelmingly preferred by the majority of professionals because they ensure maximum traction, stability and comfort.”

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

Callaway Golf's Razr Fit Driver Delivers Impressive Performance Gains

Real results project and pro tour stats demonstrate award-winning club's power

(CARLSBAD, Calif.) - Callaway Golf Company's RAZR Fit Driver arrived on the scene this year in thunderous fashion by capturing Golf Digest's 2012 Editor's Choice Award and then powering Phil Mickelson to victory over an elite field at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. Since then, the company's flagship product for 2012 has been proving to everyday golfers as well as those who compete against the world's best that Callaway's first fully adjustable driver was worth the wait.

Casting aside ballyhooed rhetoric and prodigious distance gain claims, Callaway took RAZR Fit straight to the people and kicked off the Real Results Project, an interactive venture housed at CallawayGolf.com/RealResults. This multimedia platform aggregates real performance data from ordinary golfers and tour professionals, along with genuine reaction videos from the participants. The Real Results Project encourages golfers to discover their potential by testing RAZR Fit against any club on the market at Callaway Demo Day events as well as Dick's Sporting Goods locations across the country that feature data capturing launch monitors.

The Real Results Project is part of Callaway's effort to prove that the RAZR Fit driver is longer and more accurate than any other driver in the market. With an adjustable hosel that allows for open, square and closed face settings-as well as movable weights in the sole that promote neutral or draw ball flight characteristics-the RAZR Fit has found a home in the bags of a number of top professionals, including Mickelson and Ernie Els.

As of May 23, more than 750 golfers have taken part in the Real Results Project. They've tested the RAZR Fit driver against more than 100 competitor driver models and collectively gained almost 6,000 yards in distance, representing an average of more than seven yards gained per golfer. Seventy-three percent of the golfers who have taken part in the Real Results Project saw a yardage gain in their average driving distance.

And it's not just amateur players who are experiencing better overall driving statistics with the RAZR Fit. Nearly every Callaway Staff Professional on the PGA Tour has seen significant improvement in his driving proficiency since switching to the RAZR Fit for the 2012 season. Longtime PGA Tour Professional Jim Furyk, who finished 18th in Driving Accuracy on the PGA Tour in 2011, switched to the RAZR Fit for the 2012 season and has risen to No. 3 in that category through the Byron Nelson Championship. Ernie Els has improved his ranking in Total Driving, going from 162nd in 2011 to tied for 33rd in 2012 with the RAZR Fit. Fellow South African Trevor Immelman put the RAZR Fit in his bag this year and has gone from a tie for 134th in Total Driving in 2011 to 27th in 2012. And finally, Colt Knost has jumped into ninth place in Driving Accuracy with the RAZR Fit in his bag this season after ranking 42nd in that category in 2011.

Mickelson (PGA Tour), Alvaro Quiros (European Tour) and Luke List (Nationwide Tour) have already won tournaments using a RAZR Fit driver. List's first professional victory was particularly impressive due to the fact that he averaged an unbelievable 329 yards off the tee over four rounds with the RAZR Fit and the new Callaway HEX Black Tour golf ball. Quiros' aforementioned European Tour victory also featured an average driving distance of greater than 300 yards for the tournament. The impressive results achieved over the last several months also stretch to the LPGA Tour as the RAZR Fit driver was in the hands of this year's first major, the Kraft Nabisco Championship.

The RAZR Fit driver is currently available for all golfers for $399. In addition, Callaway recently launched udesign by Callaway, an online customization tool that gives golfers the unprecedented ability to personalize their own version of the RAZR Fit driver. By visiting CallawayGolf.com/udesign, golfers can select their own color choices on the clubhead and grip, as well as a myriad of shaft model and other custom configurations. The udesign by Callaway personalization and customization features an additional fee of $50. Certain after-market shaft and grip choices may entail additional costs.

A Tour Authentic version of the RAZR Fit, featuring 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, is available for $499.

For specific information regarding the RAZR Fit Driver, visit www.callawaygolf.com/razrfitdriver.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Polara Golf to Sponsor Santa Barbara Police Foundation Team Challenge Cup

(Carlsbad, CA) - Polara Golf (www.polaragolf.com) announced they will be holding their popular Polara Straight Drive Challenge at the Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort Golf Course in Solvang, CA June 1 to benefit The Santa Barbara Police Foundation.

Polara Golf selects charity golf outings throughout the country to participate with and donates self-correcting golf balls to help golfers of all skill levels hit more fairways, speed up play and make the day a more enjoyable experience. In the Straight Drive Challenge, flags are placed out in the fairway at 160 yards, similar to field goal posts in football, and contestants are given the opportunity to win FREE sleeves of Polara golf balls for hitting their drives through the uprights.

"The reason we sponsor these charity golf tournaments and hold these Straight Drive Challenges is really very simple," said David Felker, PhD and Head of Technology for Polara Golf. "We want to remove some of the frustration from the game so everyone can have fun and focus on the real reason they are there....to raise money for a great cause."

Apparently the Santa Barbara Police Dept. is investigating the legality of the Polara Self-Correcting Golf Balls during this Team Challenge Cup and plan to announce their findings after the event!

About The Santa Barbara Police Foundation
The Foundation supports the Santa Barbara Police by raising community awareness and providing mechanisms to procure funding for three primary purposes. First, to provide funding for the Department so it can purchase necessary equipment beyond the Department's budgetary abilities and keep the Santa Barbara community safe. Secondly, to provide funding to assist a fallen officer lost in the line of duty or to a catastrophic illness. And third, to provide funding to assist officers' immediate family or a police department employee who suffers a catastrophic illness.

The Foundation is entirely funded by general contributions and support from its members. It is a qualified non-profit under 501C(3) so donations qualify as tax deductions.

"As a police officer and sergeant, I have served many people during personal tragedies, loss, death and grieving in the Santa Barbara community," said Michael McGrew, Sr., a Major Crime Sergeant with the Santa Barbara Police Department. "I never knew how much help or comfort I was able to provide to the victims I encountered, or to the families who were affected by the losses of a loved one, but I did my best. It wasn't until I became the person who needed help, that I truly realized the powerful impact that we have on people when we put our hearts out to each other in times of need, grieving, and loss. My son Michael Thomas McGrew was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) when he was twelve years old. Michael underwent extensive chemotherapy several times during a six year span and spent over 200 days a year in the hospital while he endured 14 major surgeries, the loss of his left leg and the removal of the major bones in his right leg. I became a board member of the Santa Barbara Police Foundation and became part of a group of caring and selfless people who have joined together in order to help police families that may encounter similar catastrophic situations as my family had. Little did I know that I would become one of the first recipients of the foundation's help when my son Michael died after his six year battle with cancer at the age of 18. The Santa Barbara Police Foundation quickly stepped in and assisted our family with the burial expenses for my son and allowed our family to move through the grieving process with less stress due to the financial help we received during that most difficult time. By contributing to the Santa Barbara Police Foundation, you will help the officers and police employees who are always the first to step up to help others, but usually will never ask for help for themselves."

For more information on the Santa Barbara Police Foundation Team Challenge Cup call Frank Banales (805) 963-8961 ext. 21 or e-mail fbanales@zonaseca.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Tournament Time for McConnell Golf

The Nationwide Tour’s Rex Hospital Open is the first of several important golf championships being contested this summer at McConnell Golf venues around the Tar Heel State

(RALEIGH, N.C.) — The Nationwide Tour’s Rex Hospital Open at TPC at Wakefield Plantation starting Thursday will serve as the opening tee shot to a summer of top-flight tournament action for McConnell Golf. Clubs from the select McConnell Golf stable will play host to the North Carolina Amateur, Cardinal Amateur and the Wyndham Championship among others.

The 2012 Rex Hospital Open will be contested May 31 to June 3 at TPC at Wakefield Plantation, which opened in July 2000 and began hosting the event a year later. Another McConnell Golf property, Raleigh Country Club, was the event site for three years starting in 1998, then called the Nike Tour.

Last June, Kyle Thompson rolled in a birdie putt on the final hole to win his second Rex Hospital Open in five years, and needed just four words that day to describe his feelings about TPC at Wakefield Plantation and its Hale Irwin design: “I love this place.”

Two months later, in August 2011, McConnell Golf took over ownership of Wakefield making it the company’s eighth premier golf club in the Carolinas. “We added another layer of sophistication to McConnell Golf that we didn’t have,” said McConnell Golf CEO and President John McConnell.

With the purchase of TPC at Wakefield Plantation, McConnell Golf gained not only another highly ranked golf course in its impressive collection, it also added another well-known golf course architect to its company of others including Donald Ross, Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer and Greg Norman.

In addition, Wakefield added the Nationwide Tour to McConnell Golf’s resume along with its PGA Tour presence. Once again this August, after warming up with the best golfers this side of the PGA Tour, McConnell Golf welcomes the world’s finest during the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C., from August 16-19.

Also this summer, for the seventh year in a row, The Rex Hospital Open began tournament week with The Rex Hospital Open Junior Invitational at TPC at Wakefield Plantation. A pair of McConnell Golf Junior Scholars – Carter Jenkins and Grayson Murray – won the past three tournaments and earned spots in the field. Murray made the 2010 tournament cut and also qualified for the 2012 event with rounds of 70 and 67.

Plus, the Tom Fazio-crafted Treyburn Country Club in Durham has already played host to the prestigious North Carolina High School Invitational in early April and this summer will welcome the 52nd North Carolina Amateur Championship on June 14-17.

Not to be outdone among the stable of McConnell Golf offerings this summer, The Cardinal Amateur in Greensboro (August 10-12) is one of the nation’s most coveted amateur events with a storied history of matching some of the world’s top players in a competitive but fun environment.

The 2011 tournament champion on Pete Dye’s masterful Cardinal Golf Club, Olafur Loftsson, played the Wyndham on a McConnell Golf sponsor’s exemption, grabbing national headlines as the first golfer from Iceland to compete in a PGA Tour event.

These are just a few of the numerous championship events contested over McConnell Golf properties. Old North State Club served as the host site for the ACC Women’s Golf Championship in the early 1990s. The league was so impressed it awarded Old North State the men’s golf championship in 1995 and has held it there ever since.

“We think we offer our membership some of the best golf anywhere,” said John McConnell “[Along with the Nationwide Tour at TPC Wakefield and the PGA Tour at Sedgefield] the game’s rising stars are playing in the ACC men’s championship at Old North State, ACC women’s championship at Sedgefield and the long-running Cardinal Amateur at Cardinal Golf and Country Club.”

McConnell Golf is an organization dedicated to delivering quality golf and amenities to its members, and having strategically located courses throughout the Carolinas is a big part of the overall plan that brings exceptional value to 3,000-plus members.

McConnell Golf’s high standards and a tradition of championship golf are among the reasons the company, since its founding in 2003, has spent millions of dollars above the club purchase price in capital investment improvements.

During this year’s Rex Hospital Open, TPC at Wakefield Plantation will proudly unveil a subtle yet substantive facelift courtesy of McConnell Golf. A light and warm feel provided by the interior renovation to the 32,000-square-foot clubhouse gives the entire building a brand-new look and feel.

In addition, upon completion of the Rex Hospital Open, Wakefield’s practice facility will also undergo a complete renovation of the chipping green, and the practice target and fairway area. There are plans to add a teaching center to the practice facility as well, which will include indoor hitting bays and video teaching technology that will bring a whole new dimension and an elevated experience at Wakefield Plantation.

Meanwhile, Sedgefield Country Club closed its golf course on May 14 in order to convert its green complexes to a more heat-resistant strain of Bermuda grass. McConnell Golf representatives indicate the facilities will be in pristine condition for the August 16-19 Wyndham Championship.

Treyburn Country Club also recently completed a nearly yearlong renovation just in time for the spring golf season. The first and most vital aspect of the project was to replace the decades-old, Penncross bent grass greens with a newer, more heat tolerant 96-2 bent grass — very similar to Crenshaw bent grass — which will provide a much better putting surface during the summer months. By reseeding the greens, renowned architect and renovation expert Spence and his team were able to rebuild each green to their original specs, while also providing better drainage to each complex.

Also, every bunker on the Treyburn golf course was upgraded with new drainage and the best white sand available, and several new bunkers were added. In some areas, the bunkers were re-designed or moved to increase their relevance and provide better visual shaping of the holes that is synonymous with Tom Fazio golf courses, while others were added for strategic purposes. In addition to the new putting surfaces, bunkers, and irrigation and drainage upgrades, Treyburn’s two-decade-old practice facility also received a face-lift.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Wishon Golf Unveils 775HS Hybrid Irons

A unique hybrid design with thin face, high COR performance and a unique soft stainless steel hosel for a wide range of lie and face angle fitting options

The Wishon Golf 775HS Hybrid Iron is a thin-faced hybrid with the feel of a classic hybrid and the distance of conventional fairway woods, that would be a great club to add to your set. The 775HS pushes the clubhead face COR near the USGA limit of .830. That means more distance and a hotter feel for you!

Features:
* Thin, High COR, High Strength HS350 Steel Alloy Face offers higher ball speed for more distance in a hybrid head design. Few companies can offer a high COR design in a hybrid.

* Unique 304 Stainless Steel Hosel allows for much greater ease in bending lie and face angle to broaden custom fitting options (±4°).

* Split Level, Narrowed Sole Width to reduce sole to turf contact for more solid shotmaking from fairway or rough conditions.

* 775HS Face Progression is in between that of an Iron and Fairway Wood to enable golfers to play the 775HS with the same ball position and swing motion as an iron of the same loft.

* Available in RH in #2, 3, 4, 5, 6, LH in #3.

For more information, visit: www.wishongolf.com

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Tifosi Introduces Frameless Eyewear - Podium

(Watkinsville, GA) - Introducing the Podium, a revolutionary frameless eyewear system by Tifosi Optics, Inc. The Podium, in stores June 2012, allows an unobstructed line of vision for the wearer, a great advantage for golf, triathlon, cycling, running, and other active sports.

The Podium features a one-piece decentered polycarbonate lens with an easily removable nosepiece and temples. The effortless lens-changing design eliminates stress on the eyewear components, avoiding damage to the lens, temples and nosepieces. The Podium is available with a set of 3 interchangeable full-shield lenses in GT, EC, and AC Red lenses. Additionally, the Metallic Red podium comes with a single Fototec shield lens, which automatically adjusts to changing light conditions. All Tifosi lenses offer 100% protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays.

Two sizes are available: the Podium, for medium to large face sizes, and the Podium S, for small to medium face sizes. Hydrophilic rubber nosepieces and temples prevent slipping, even in sweaty conditions. A selection of temple colors are available, and all come with a zippered case and cleaning bag. The Tifosi Podium retails for $69.95 - $79.95 and is backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.

For the retail launch, Tifosi is offering attractive sales promotions and free pop-up counter displays. Tifosi eyewear is sold at over 5,000 retail and e-tail locations in 38 countries. Contact Tifosi Marketing Director Erin Dahlquist for more information.

Video: CEO and co-founder Joe Earley introduces the new Podium. http://youtu.be/K1SQFbrL7TQ
Lens Changing Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S8AVZvz2vk&feature=youtu.be

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Dominant Among PGATour Pros Again: Darrell Survey Shows 91% of Players Use Bushnell

Bushnell continues to be rangefinder of choice for PGA Tour players and caddies

(Overland Park, KS) - Maintaining its dominance for more than a decade, Bushnell once again proves to be the distance measuring device of choice for PGA Tour players and their caddies. With 91% of the field at The Players Championship, May 10-12, reporting their trust in Bushnell laser rangefinders, Bushnell continues to be #1 on the PGA Tour, according to last week's Darrell Survey Report.

The Darrell Survey, regarded as the golf industry's authority on equipment usage for more than 75 years, conducts the study to determine the most widely used rangefinder on the PGA Tour. The Players Championship, frequently regarded as golf's "fifth major," boasted a world-class field which was surveyed to compile the results. With 29 of the top 30 current FedExCup points list and nine of the top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) entered into the field, there is no doubt that the world's elite professional golfers put their trust in Bushnell rangefinders.

"The results of the Darrell Survey continue to validate our claim and position Bushnell as the clear #1 laser rangefinder on TOUR," said Phil Gyori, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Bushnell. "The results of the survey do not come as a surprise as each year the best players in the world rely on our commitment to innovation and excellence to help them prepare to face world-class competition each week."

Bushnell recently introduced the Pro 1M Slope laser rangefinder, designed to cater to the overwhelming number of TOUR professionals and caddies who use Bushnell products. The Pro 1M Slope has been engineered with incredible ranging capabilities of up to 1 mile (550+ yards to a flag), new Vivid Display Technology for optimum digital readout information in all lighting conditions and unprecedented accuracy, and Slope Technology that provides golfers compensated distances based on the degree of slope. The Pro 1M is also available in a tournament legal, non-Slope version.

Bushnell, the #1 choice of professional golfers, offers a full range of rangefinders, which continue to change and improve the way golfers assess distances, ultimately improving performance.

For more information on the Bushnell family of rangefinders, visit the company's website at www.bushnellgolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

OB Sports Announces New Stay-and-PLay Golf Packages for Las Vegas-Area Clubs

Ranging from $150-$225 per night through Aug. 31

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – OB Sports Golf Vacations announced new stay-and-play packages for Las Vegas-area clubs including Aliante Golf Club, Angel Park Golf Club, The Legacy Golf Club and Stallion Mountain Golf Club. Packages can be  customized to include other course options such as Painted Desert Golf Club and Las Vegas Golf Club. Hotel partners for these current package offerings include Aliante Station Casino and Hotel, Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall and Tropicana Hotel & Casino. Packages may be booked online at www.obsportsgolfvacations.com. For more information or personalized reservation assistance, contact OB Sports golf package specialist, Bill Mesa, 866.561.4653, bmesa@obsports.com.

Legacy Golf Club

Tropicana Las Vegas Triple Play Golf Package (Weekday & Weekend)
* 2-Night Stay at The Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel & Casino on the Strip
* 3 Rounds of Golf at Angel Park, The Legacy and Stallion Mountain
* $175 per person per night, based on double occupancy, valid Sun-Thurs through 8/31/12
* $200 per person per night, based on double occupancy, valid Fri-Sun through 8/31/12

Aliante Stay & Play Package
* 2-Night Stay at Aliante Station Casino and Hotel
* 2 Rounds of Golf at Aliante Golf Club
* $175 per person per night, based on double occupancy, valid Mon-Thurs through 8/31/12

Stallion Mountain Double Down Package (Weekday & Weekend)
* 2-Night Stay at Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall
* 2 Rounds of Golf at Stallion Mountain Golf Club
* $150 per person per night, based on double occupancy, valid Sun-Thurs through 8/31/12
* $225 per person per night, based on double occupancy, valid Fri & Sat through 8/31/12

The Vegas 3-Way Golf Package
* 3-Night Stay at Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall
* 3 Rounds of Golf at Aliante, Angel Park’s Mountain Course and The Legacy
* $150 per person per night, based on double occupancy, valid Sun - Thurs through 8/31/12

Packages may be booked online at www.obsportsgolfvacations.com or by calling 866.561.4653

About Aliante Golf Club
Aliante Golf Club was selected as the “Best New Course in Las Vegas” shortly after opening in 2003 by VegasGolfer magazine. This premier par-72, 18-hole championship golf course was designed by renowned golf course architect Gary Panks. The inviting clubhouse includes a complete golf shop, grill with bar and an event pavilion with views of the golf course and surrounding mountains. The practice facility features an expansive driving range, putting green, chipping green and practice bunker. For more information on Aliante Golf Club call (702) 399-4888 or visit www.aliantegolf.com You can become a Fan of Aliante on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/aliantegolf or follow Aliante on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/aliantegolf.

About Angel Park Golf Club
Angel Park Golf Club is a 36-hole facility located in the Summerlin area of Las Vegas. Its Mountain Course and Palm Course were both designed by Arnold Palmer. The club also has a 12-hole Cloud Nine Short Course, the World’s Original natural grass putting course and an expansive practice tee – all of which are lighted for evening enjoyment. For more information about Angel Park Golf Club visit www.angelpark.com or call (702) 254-4653. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/angelparkgolf or follow Angel Park on Twitter at www.twitter.com/angelparkgolf.

About The Legacy Golf Club
The Legacy Golf Club, a true test of golf at 7,233 yards from the back tees, is conveniently located 10 minutes from McCarran International Airport. The 10th hole may be the most recognizable in Las Vegas with tee boxes in the shape of a spade, club, diamond and heart. The rest of the course is memorable as well, especially the “Devil’s triangle,” holes 11, 12 and 13 that are crisscrossed with desert canyons and lava outcroppings. In fact, the 13th hole recently received honorable mention as “The Best Par-4 in Las Vegas” by VegasGolfer magazine in its annual poll of readers and staffers. For tee times or more information about The Legacy Golf Club call 702.897.2187 or visit www.thelegacygc.com

About Stallion Mountain Golf Club
Just seven miles the Las Vegas Strip, Stallion Mountain Golf Club boasts a 7,351-yard layout designed former PGA Tour professional, Jim Colbert, and golf course architect Jeff Brauer. Stallion Mountain Golf Club has a decorated history in the Las Vegas golf market as a host venue for Golf Channel’s Big Break II and also past host of the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Classic and the PGA Tour’s Las Vegas event (at the time known as the Las Vegas Invitational). Stallion Mountain’s luxurious 38,000-square-foot clubhouse is one of Las Vegas’ premier special event venues offering numerous locations and facilities for weddings, banquets, meetings and other special gatherings. The club’s banquet facilities include a full-service restaurant and grill as well as flexible banquet facilities that overlook the golf course and surrounding mountains. Now under new ownership, Stallion Mountain Golf Club is professionally managed by Scottsdale-based OB Sports Golf Management. For more information on Stallion Mountain Golf Club call (702) 547-6250, visit www.stallionmountaingolf.com, like Stallion Mountain on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stallionmountain or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/smgclasvegas.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Canadian Rockies Golf Extends Partnership with Buffalo Communications

(ALBERTA, CANADA) – Canadian Rockies Golf (www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca) has extended its partnership with Buffalo Communications to provide golf marketing-communications consultation to its consortium of six golf properties in Western Alberta.

In addition to serving as the golf publicity and media-relations arm for the group of award-winning courses, Buffalo will continue supporting branding, e-marketing, social media and co-op promotion initiatives.  The Canadian Rockies Golf / Buffalo relationship began in January 2009 with consortium partners:
· Canmore Golf & Curling Club  (Canmore, Alberta)
· The Fairmont Banff Springs (Banff, Alberta)
· The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Jasper, Alberta)
· Kananaskis Country Golf Course (Mt.Kidd and Mt. Lorette courses, Kananaskis Country, Alberta)
· Silvertip Resort (Canmore, Alberta)
· Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club (Canmore, Alberta)

“As a highly valued strategic partner, Buffalo Communications helps hone key messages for Canadian Rockies Golf, consistently promoting them through media and other channels,” says Steven Young, Director of Golf at The Fairmont Banff Springs.  “The collaboration between the golf partners and the proven golf expertise of the Buffalo team continues to popularize Alberta as a prime golf destination.”

“This collection of courses has developed ‘bucket-list,’ high-quality golf experiences in Canada,” says Rich Katz, Managing Director of Buffalo. “Growth of rounds, room nights and incremental spend are commensurate with the increase in awareness.”

With arrival of warm weather, golf in the Canadian Rockies began in earnest two weeks ago.  Also spurring North Americans booking stay-and-play packages is Golfweek recently ranking The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and The Fairmont Banff Springs second and fourth, respectively, among “Best Canadian Classic Courses.”  The magazine honored Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club and Kananaskis Country’s Mount Kidd and Mount Lorette 18-hole layouts as “Top Modern Courses in Canada.”

Not to be outdone, National Geographic named Silvertip Resort one of the world’s most environmentally-friendly properties while editorial praise for Canmore Golf & Curling Club is constant.  Golf Digest, Conde Nast Traveler, SCORE Golf and other leading golf and travel media frequently report about the entire Canadian Rockies Golf collection’s delivering impressive golf experiences.

Value-price golf packages combining play on any of the courses, accommodations and adventure are available at www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca, with stay-and-play packages starting at $174 CAD, which is nearly on par with the American dollar, based on today’s exchange rate.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Hospital for Special Surgery, Official Hospital of The PGA of America, Launches Website Dedicated to Tracking Steps While Playing Golf

Exclusive Supporting Sponsor of the PGA’s “Let’s Move on Course!” Initiative Encourages Golfers to Lead Healthier Lifestyles

(NEW YORK) – Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), the Official Hospital of The PGA of America, announced the launch of an interactive Website dedicated to The PGA of America’s “Let’s Move on Course!” health and fitness initiative. Entering its second year as the exclusive supporting sponsor of the program, HSS has customized hss.edu/golf to encourage golfers and golf fans to walk the course by offering them an easy way to keep track of their steps and calculate how those steps contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Consumers visiting hss.edu/golf can create a personalized “walking” account to track their steps daily. By including height and weight to obtain accurate information regarding calories and BMI index, the site automatically keeps a running tally of total steps walked (converted to miles) and calories burned. Walkers can use a pedometer to track their steps, or if they don’t have one, they can enter the duration of their activity and the site will calculate steps for them.

“This website is an extension of our commitment to injury prevention and to promoting a healthy lifestyle,” said HSS CEO Lou Shapiro. “Golf and walking are a natural fit, and HSS is proud to partner again with The PGA of America on LMOC and engage golfers and golf fans all year long.”

Users can create groups to compete with fellow walkers, and the site features a leaderboard to display the top 10. The profile also tracks where an individual ranks if not in the top 10. Consumers also have the option to track rounds of golf throughout the year by recording course names and scores, watch instructional videos and find golf tips to stay healthy on the course. The site also has a Facebook feature to share individual activities with friends.

Let's Move on Course! reflects The PGA of America's continual support of First Lady Michelle Obama's 'Let's Move!' campaign and encourages golfers and golf fans to pick up a pedometer, walk the course and keep track of their steps as a way to enhance a healthy lifestyle at all PGA major championships. In 2011, HSS distributed 25,000 branded pedometers to fans at the PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club. In 2012, HSS will distribute 60,000 total pedometers for attendees at the Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup.

About Hospital for Special Surgery
Founded in 1863, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is a world leader in orthopedics, rheumatology and rehabilitation. HSS is nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics, No. 2 in rheumatology, No. 19 in neurology, and No. 16 in geriatrics by U.S. News & World Report (2011-12), and has received Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and has one of the lowest infection rates in the country. From 2007 to 2011, HSS has been a recipient of the HealthGrades Joint Replacement Excellence Award. HSS is a member of the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System and an affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College and as such all Hospital for Special Surgery medical staff are faculty of the Medical College. The hospital's research division is internationally recognized as a leader in the investigation of musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. Hospital for Special Surgery is located in New York City and online at www.hss.edu.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Hundred Hole Hike Partners with TRUE linkswear to Launch Limited-Edition Shoes

Proceeds to Benefit One Divot and the Evans Scholars Foundation

(Chicago, Illinois) – Hundred Hole Hike (HHH) – the global giving platform supporting charitable fundraising by “golf marathoners” who will play and walk at least 100 holes in one day – announces the launch of three limited-edition HHH shoes created by leading minimalist golf footwear manufacturer TRUE linkswear.

Crafted for the devoted walking golfer, the TRUE HHH Limited-Edition stealth (black/electric blue and white/electric blue; $199/pair) and phx (black/electric blue; $99/pair), are available exclusively at www.truelinkswear.com/shop.html. Half of each sale will be donated to charity, with 75 percent of those monies going to support One Divot and 25 percent to the Evans Scholars Foundation.

“Right of the gate, response to HHH has been off the charts as we’ve added some amazing venues and received tremendous support from all corners of the golf community,” says Jim Colton, 2011 Walking Golfer of the Year and founder of One Divot. “When taking on the challenge of playing 100 or more holes, having proper footwear is a must and TRUE makes the best shoes I’ve ever worn.”

A member of Ballyneal Golf & Hunt Club in Holyoke, CO, Colton established One Divot following the Ben Cox 155. That 2011 event saw him walk 155 holes in one day and raise more than $110,000 for Cox, a caddie paralyzed in a skiing accident. The organization aims to bring together passionate golfers seeking to use their love of the game to positively impact people's lives.

“We were so impressed by Jim's initiative and commitment to helping society that we wanted to be involved in a big way for 2012,” says Rob Rigg, president of TRUE linkswear. “What he’s doing – and what the Evans Scholars Foundation has been doing for decades – exemplifies the commitment that golfers have for our great game and bettering the lives of others.”

Funds raised by One Divot through direct donations and corporate sponsorship goes to support individuals in the golf "family" in dire need of medical or financial assistance, and to develop and fund "grow the game" initiatives, particularly amongst youths in traditionally underserved areas.

The goal of Hundred Hole Hike is to take the same energy that fueled the Ben Cox 155 to a grander scale. Instead of one golfer at one club for one cause, HHH includes men and women at clubs worldwide, all walking to raise money for a variety of worthwhile causes. Since its launch in April, over 50 golfers have signed up for the challenge.

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 includes 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.

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

About Hundred Hole Hike

Hundred Hole Hike (HHH) is a global network of golf marathons where participants plan to walk and play 100 or more holes in one day to raise money for various worthwhile charitable causes. It includes events at many courses ranked among the Top 100 by leading golf publications.

Managed by One Divot – a charity that aims to help change the world for the better one divot at a time – HHH is inspired by the success of the Ben Cox 155. Launched in 2011 at Ballyneal Golf & Hunt Club in Holyoke, CO, that event saw club member Jim Colton walk 155 holes in one day and raise more than $110,000 for Cox, a Ballyneal caddie paralyzed in a skiing accident.

The goal of the Hundred Hole Hike is to take the same passion and energy that fueled the Ben Cox 155 to a grander scale. Instead of one golfer at one club for one cause, the HHH includes golfers at clubs worldwide, all walking to raise money for a variety of worthwhile causes.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club Features aboutGolf Technology

(Surrey, England) - Through a partnership of The European Tour Performance Institute (ETPI) and aboutGolf, European Tour Professionals will have the opportunity to capitalize on aboutGolf's performance improvement technology at the 2012 BMW PGA Championship through May 27.

The professionals, as well as their coaching teams, are employing the 2012 season to undergo extensive analysis and screening with world-renowned biomechanist Jean-Jacques Rivet, ETPI head physiotherapist Rob Hillman and aboutGolf experts using the company's proprietary golf performance technology. The program began with a baseline assessment at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in February.

Utilizing European Tour's physiotherapy analysis, the ETPI screening protocol, and aboutGolf technology - including the newly released aG Mobile portable launch monitor, aG Balance Pro Tour portable weight analysis tool and aG Flix video swing analysis system - several players have gathered data to employ swing development programs which they can improve upon throughout the Tour in the Race to Dubai Physio Unit, as well as during personal time.

"Collaborating with ETPI to develop personalized improvement programs for professional golfers is an excellent opportunity for aboutGolf to demonstrate the proven science behind its technology," said Chuck Faust, President, aboutGolf. "Working with seasoned pros who have made a career of the sport allows us show that any golfer can benefit from our technology."

Using its specific ETPImeTM process, ETPI strives to guide both pupil and coach, at all levels to tailored solutions for game improvement. The information utilized in such training is amassed by ETPI and supported by the accuracy and reliability of aboutGolf's products - which allow more effective instruction and tracking of measurable results.

"We are very excited about putting the ETPImeTM process to the test with some of the best players in the World," said Fredrik Lindgren, head of ETPI. "We have over 20 years of experience in the area of golf specific conditioning and have spent the last 3 years developing the ETPImeTM process. With the very precise performance data we get from aboutGolf's mobile equipment we can now take this process out on to the driving range and make a real difference."

Following the Wentworth Club stop, participants will maintain a rigorous schedule throughout events at Terre Blanche in the South of France, ALSTOM Open de France at Le Golf National, Omega European Masters at Golf Club de Crans sur Sierre in Switzerland and Portugal Masters at Oceanico Victoria Golf Club, Algarve.

For more information, visit www.aboutgolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Bag Boy Launches New Website with Enhanced Product Videos, Easier Navigation System

(RICHMOND, Va.) – Bag Boy announced the redesign and launch of its website www.bagboy.com. The website has enhanced product images and videos, easy navigation with drop down menus and an innovation section highlighting Bag Boy’s 360 degree revolution.

A unique feature of the new website is the product section. In each category  ̶  golf bags, carts, travel covers and accessories  ̶   the website shows several images of the product that the user can zoom in and see larger, more specific product views and features. In addition to the product images, there is a video demonstration on how to use the product. The videos show the TriSwivel push cart and the  easy three-step fold system, T-2000 travel cover with the pivot grip that makes it effortless to maneuver clubs and the popular Revolver cart bag with its rotating top design that makes finding clubs simple.

The navigation system on the website has also been simplified. The drop down menus in each category makes getting the information that the user is looking for just one click away. The user will also be able to find retail locations, customer service information, register product, read or write product reviews and sign-up for promotions.

“The new site is very user friendly,” said Lizzie Leasure, Dynamic Brands Marketing Manager. “We reached out to customers to get feedback on what they liked on our site and what improvements they would like to see. The main focus of the design was to showcase the product features and the videos really highlighting the functionality and benefits of our products.”

Bag Boy also utilizes the website to show its product innovation and leadership technology in push cart, bag and travel cover categories. This year Bag Boy introduced three products that feature 360 degree technology with attributes that have distinct performance features and benefits to the consumer. The innovation section highlights these products and Bag Boy’s leadership role in the industry since 1946.

The new website is available to view at www.bagboy.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Arizona Resident Makes Two Holes in One in Same Round at Longbow Golf Club

(MESA, Ariz.) - On May 15th, 2012, Arizona golfer Wes Bolyard beat 67-million-to-one odds (according to About.com Golf) by making two holes-in-one in the same round. The unlikely feat occurred while playing at Longbow Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona. Bolyard aced the third hole (129 yards) and then did it again on the 11th (115 yards).

Wes Bolyard

“It was interesting because I used the same club, a Ping i15 Gap Wedge,” said Bolyard. “But the wind was different for each shot.”

On hole number three, Boylard used a Titleist Pro V1 golf ball, then on hole eleven his ace was made with a Srixon Z-Star Tour Yellow. He also plays with two gloves and was wearing Cutters C-Tack glove on his left hand and was wearing a Lynx golf glove on his right hand.

Before carding the two aces that day at Longbow, Bolyard already had five holes-in-one to his credit.

And Bolyard’s love for the game goes beyond simply playing the game. He has served for nine years as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Winn Grips Heather Farr Classic, hosted by Longbow, an American Junior Golf Association event. He has also volunteered for more than 15 years at several golf events in the greater Phoenix area.

Longbow Golf Club is a nationally recognized daily fee golf course located in Mesa, Arizona within Longbow Business Park. Often described as the “Essence of Arizona Golf,” Longbow Golf Club serves up a desert golf experience that is firmly tied to the traditions of the game.

Designed by Ken Kavanaugh, Longbow is consistently rated top notch by leading golf writers and publications, and was honored as one of the Top 100 Resort Courses in the Country, Golfweek magazine 2009; Top 20 Best Public Access Courses in Arizona, Golfweek magazine 2010; Top 25 Courses in Arizona, Golf Magazine 2010 and has received numerous other awards and top rankings. Longbow Golf Club is Another Daedalus Development.

To learn more about Longbow Golf Club or to book a tee time, call 480.807.5400 or visit www.longbowgolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Pound Ridge Named Golf Magazine's No. 1 'U.S. Open-Worthy Public Course'

New York's only Pete Dye-design tops list of elite layouts

(POUND RIDGE, N.Y.) - Pound Ridge Golf Club - the Pete Dye-design in Westchester County - has been named GOLF Magazine's No. 1 "U.S. Open-Worthy Public Course."

The magazine's June issue places Pound Ridge atop a list of world-renowned and storied layouts stating, "This brutal beauty from Pete and Perry Dye is loaded with wetlands, rock outcroppings, fescue-topped mounds and devilish greens."

Quintessential Dye, Pound Ridge exhibits all the qualities for which he's so renowned: dramatic, beautiful, rhythmic, challenging, deceptive and subtle. A strategic blend of challenging driving holes and intriguing risk/reward approach shots have earned Pound Ridge a spot alongside TPC Sawgrass, The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, Whistling Straits and Harbour Town in Dye's pantheon of work.

"This honor is a testament to Pete's vision and the exemplary work of our staff to create a truly world-class playing experience," says Ken Wang, Pound Ridge's owner.

The list was composed by GOLF Magazine architecture and course rankings editor Joe Passov. One of the foremost authorities on golf travel, Passov has played more than 1,200 courses in 46 states and 21 countries.

Since opening in 2008, Pound Ridge has earned world-class accolades from Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine, Golfweek, AskMen.com, Rolex and LINKS Magazine. It quickly emerged as a "destination golf course," sought out by serious golfers collecting the world's best golf experiences.

More information: www.PoundRidgeGolf.com, 914.764.5771.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

XGOLF Installed at Trails End Golf Center

(LOS ANGELES) – XGOLF (www.xgolfsimulator.com), a world-renowned advanced-technology golf simulator, club-fitting and instructional system, has been installed at Trails End Golf Center in Oregon City, Ore., a Golf Range Magazine Top-100 facility.

"Trails End Golf Center is an excellent teaching and learning facility," said Jay Russo, chief marketing officer and chief strategy officer of XGOLF. "XGOLF will enhance the offerings to Trails End visitors in the realms of instruction, club fitting and simulated golf of the finest quality.

"With ninety-three beautiful golf courses as well as realistic simulation power, variable lie emulation and auto tee system, XGOLF will attract customers all year long, no matter the weather outdoors. The XGOLF Simulator, enhanced by the specific XBALL and XBIRDIE components, will add a new revenue stream for Trails End Golf Center."

Trails End Golf Center features state-of-the-art hitting bays as well as customized lessons, club fitting and club repair. The BirdieFinish Golf Custom Club Shop offers some of the finest components for personalized fitting and game improvement. Instruction is targeted to all levels of golfers, from beginners to accomplished players.

"XGOLF is a comprehensive teaching tool," said Jari Hakonen, USGTF golf professional at Trails End Golf center, "and there is virtually nothing I can't do with it. First, its XBIRDIE plate gives me everything I need to teach golfers so that they see themselves and understand what needs to be improved.

"Secondly, I can teach golfers with the XPLATE either on the virtual driving range or on any of the ninety-three golf courses XGOLF Simulator offers. It doesn't get any better or realistic than that!

"And finally, due to the accuracy and consistency of the XGOLF Simulator, I can trust the numbers and the shots my students and I make. This brings my students and their friends back time and time again."

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Nike Golf Partners with the Gray Institute Helping Golfers to Better their Bodies to Better their Game

(BEAVERTON, Ore.) – Nike Golf is amplifying its commitment to help golfers better themselves to better their game with its major new initiative, Nike Golf 360 (NG 360).  NG 360 is a holistic approach to improving golfers' performance through physical evaluation and training, custom fitting of equipment and digital tracking applications.

Each of these three primary functions is fueled by the world's very best in expertise and innovation.  To that end, Nike Golf has entered into a partnership with the Gray Institute to bring superior knowledge and execution to the performance analysis and performance training component of the initiative.

The NG 360 Functional Performance System (FPS), Powered By Gray Institute, is the component of the NG 360 initiative that focuses on golfers and their bodies – all through the lens of Applied Functional Science.  With two years in development, Nike Golf and the Gray Institute have worked relentlessly to develop a specific athletic performance-based program for golf.

“We believe this partnership is game-changing to the sport of golf,” said Kel Devlin, Nike Golf’s Director of Global Athlete Development.  “The Gray Institute is the expert in the study of body movement in sport. This program will transform human potential because it will help golfers physically move better to play better.”

NG 360 FPS Powered by Gray Institute provides Nike Swoosh Staff members who are PGA Professionals, as well movement specialists, including physical therapists, trainers and chiropractors, with the tools to see the link between swing faults and body deficiencies.

“The body has to serve the swing,” said Gary Gray, co-director of the NG 360 Nike Golf Performance Center and CEO of the Gray Institute.  “The golf swing is a complex movement, requiring properly sequenced contributions from all parts of the body.  Deficiencies in flexibility, strength, or balance, anywhere in the body, will result in an ineffective and inefficient swing.  It is essential that these deficiencies be identified and resolved so that each golfer can maximize their full potential and enjoyment of the sport.”

Gray is no stranger to Nike.  He has worked with some of the best athletes in the world, including Nike athletes Michael Jordan, Bo Jackson, and Mario Lemieux.  Gray is an educator, innovator, and enabler.  He has trained more than 10,000 movement specialists during Chain Reaction seminars; and countless more through his Video Digest Series and online education modules. Gray has invented products that are used extensively in the movement industry; while enabling practitioners to enhance their skills by uniting the specialties of rehabilitation, injury prevention, and performance training through the transcendent principles of Applied Functional Science.

Nike Swoosh Staff members and movement specialists can become certified NG 360 Golf Performance Specialists (GPS) by completing the Nike Golf 360 Functional Performance System (FPS) educational program.  The FPS utilizes a hybrid model, combining online and seminar-based learning. For more information go to:  www.grayinstitute.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com