Troon Announces Updated Dress Guidelines at Daily-Fee Properties

New Guidelines Create More Welcoming Environment

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) - In an effort to grow the game of golf by creating more welcoming and accepting environments for players, Troon is pleased to announce new dress guidelines accepted at its daily-fee golf properties.

While some courses might contain minor variances to the guidelines, the overall spirit of a more relaxed dress code now exists at Troon daily-fee facilities to make the game more conducive to today's modern social environment. Recognizing the constant evolution of golf in the way of both attire and culture, these changes are aimed at keeping the game relevant and appealing.

"While history and tradition have always added to golf's appeal, the game has always embraced the evolution of golf attire in the name of both fashion and performance," stated Ryan Walls, Senior Vice President, Operations, Troon. "It is important that our facilities adapt with golfers' preferences by updating dress guidelines to ensure they always feel excepted and comfortable every time they visit."

Examples of Troon's new attire guidelines on the course include:

Attire - Socially accepted golf shirts are appreciated, but your comfort is most important. The nicer you look, the better you will play, so goes the rumor. Shorts can be just about any style, but please do try to present them at a length that everyone wants to look at. While gym shorts look best at the gym, we welcome you if that makes you comfortable to play golf.

Footwear - Footwear is encouraged on the course for reasons of safety and should be of a type and style that will not damage the putting greens. On that note, no high heels, boots or the like please.

For occasions inside the clubhouse, Troon's guidelines include:

Attire - Clubhouse attire should be comfortable and follow event specific requirements. Denim (gasp!) is welcomed in the clubhouse at appropriate times.

Footwear - Footwear is always required in the clubhouse. The club would prefer to see something other than sneakers during dinner hours and special events.

Visit www.TroonGolf.com for additional news and information.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

OB Sports Announces 'Toys Fore Golf'

Participating clubs include Angel Park, The Legacy, Stallion Mountain, Painted Desert and Las Vegas G.C.

(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) - OB Sports Golf Management's Las Vegas golf facilities announced a new program - Toys Fore Golf - that encourages local Las Vegas-area golfers to donate unwrapped toys in exchange for preferred green fees. Toys will be donated to HELP of Southern Nevada a local community resource that provides a number of programs ranging from Family Services, Homeless Services to Emergency Resource Services.

Five local golf facilities are participating in the program. Angel Park Golf Club and The Legacy Golf Club are offering 18 holes of golf for $40 valid Monday - Thursday and $45 valid Friday - Sunday. Stallion Mountain Golf Club is offering a 4 players for $100 bounce-back gift certificate valid for green fees upon the golfer's next visit to the club. Las Vegas Golf Club is offering a $35 rate that includes golf cart or a $25 rate for those who'd rather walk. And Painted Desert Golf Club is offering a $49 rate before 11am and $29 after 11am.

Additional toy donations gathered at Painted Desert Golf Club will be donated to local Toy For Tots efforts.

"The Toy's Fore Golf program allows golfers to save a few bucks doing what they love to do, while giving back to those who need a boost during the holiday season," said Greg Brockelman, Director of Golf at Angel Park Golf Club. "The game of golf in general has a long tradition of giving. This is just a humble example of one way we're trying to uphold the spirit of that tradition."

The special offer is valid through 12/20/12 for Nevada residents. Golfers may make reservations or learn more online at each club's webpage dedicated to Toys Fore Golf. Angel Park www.AngelPark.com/Toy 254.4653; The Legacy www.TheLegacyGC.com/Toy 897-2187; Stallion Mountain www.StallionMountainGolf.com/Toy 547.6601; Painted Desert www.PaintedDesertGC.Com/Toy, 645-2570; Las Vegas G.C.: www.LasVegasGC.com/Toy, 646-3003.

Annually serving over 100,000 unduplicated people in the fiscal year, HELP of Southern Nevada makes sure everything they do falls within their mission with a focus on their four cornerstones: Housing, Emergency Services, Life Skills and Prevention. For more information on HELP of Southern Nevada, visit www.helpsonv.org

For more information about OB Sports Golf Management, visit www.obsports.com, call (480) 948-1300, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/obsportsgolf, become a Fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/obsports or check out the OB Sports You Tube Channel at www.youtube.com/obsportsgolf.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

KemperSports Names Nate Mather as GM of The Club at Fairvue Plantation

(NORTHBROOK, Ill.) – KemperSports, the most trusted name in golf course management, has announced the hiring of Nate Mather as general manager of The Club at Fairvue Plantation in Gallatin, Tenn. Mather has more than 25 years’ experience in the management of high end country clubs most recently serving as general manager of Glen Flora Country Club in Waukegan, Ill.

During his tenure at Glen Flora, Mather was responsible for increasing membership by nearly 30 percent at the 100-year-old private equity club. Prior to his experience at Glen Flora, Mather served as the general manager of Richland Country Club in Nashville, Tenn.

“Nate has broad experience managing private clubs and delivering great member and guest experience,” said Steve Skinner, chief executive officer for KemperSports. “We are excited that he has joined the strong management team in place at Fairvue Plantation.”

“The Club at Fairvue Plantation is a leading private club in Nashville with a world-class golf course,” said Nate Mather, general manager at The Club at Fairvue Plantation. “I am proud to be leading the staff at Fairvue to provide a first-rate guest experience for our members and guests.”

Designed in 2004 by Bergin Golf Design, the 18-hole, par-72 golf course at The Club at Fairvue Plantation is complemented by a well-appointed 30,000 square-foot clubhouse that includes upscale dining, men’s and women’s locker rooms and a family-friendly Junior Olympic swimming pool.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

AHEAD Announces Partnership with Annika Sorenstam

(NEW BEDFORD, Mass.) – AHEAD, the innovative headwear and apparel company owned by Sweden’s New Wave Group AB, announced this week it has forged a partnership with LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam.

The partnership calls for Annika to exclusively wear AHEAD headwear during public, golf-related appearances.  An impressive list of active professional golfers currently wear AHEAD gear on the course, including Luke Donald, Retief Goosen, Jim Furyk, Sean O’Hair and Brittany Lincicome.

Under terms of the partnership with Annika, AHEAD also will become the exclusive headwear and accessories partner of the ANNIKA Academy, a state-of-the-art, boutique golf school where the LPGA Hall of Famer shares her passion for golf and fitness.  In addition, AHEAD and the ANNIKA Foundation, her non-profit organization that teaches youths the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, will coordinate their efforts on behalf of the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA).  AHEAD has been a longtime sponsor of the AJGA as the official headwear provider, while the ANNIKA Foundation stages award-winning junior tournaments throughout the world.

AHEAD is a leading supplier of headwear to the USGA, PGA of America, Ryder Cup and numerous PGA Tour events in addition to more than 5,000 green grass and resort shops throughout the world.  Included in New Wave Group AB’s corporate portfolio is Cutter & Buck, the Seattle-based sportswear and outerwear apparel company that features the ANNIKA Collection, named and designed for Sorenstam.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Annika over the years and to now partner with her on behalf of AHEAD is exciting,” said Anne Broholm, who was named chief executive officer of AHEAD earlier this year after serving as global sales manager for Cutter & Buck.  “Annika’s accomplishments since capping off a remarkable professional golf career have been as impressive as the legacy she leaves behind in the game of golf.   We are thrilled that she will be representing AHEAD by exclusively wearing our headwear products.”

During her tenure on the LPGA, Sorenstam amassed 72 wins, the third most all-time by a member of the Tour. Of those 72 victories, 10 were LPGA major championships. An eight-time LPGA Tour Player of the Year, she made eight appearances in the Solheim Cup on the European squad.

Since stepping away from competitive golf in 2008, Annika has turned her attention to raising her two young children and building her ANNIKA-branded businesses, including the ANNIKA Foundation, ANNIKA Academy and ANNIKA Course Design.

“I am very happy to partner with AHEAD,” says Annika. “They are a first-class brand and I look forward to working with them on various initiatives with my Academy and Foundation.”

AHEAD is best known for its premier headwear collections that feature original approaches to logo embroidery options.  Founded in 1995, AHEAD has been able to capitalize on the golf industry’s desire for high-quality graphics on headwear and an array of garments.

For additional information about AHEAD, visit www.aheadweb.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

World Class Golf Winter Rates Provide Unbelievable Stay & Play Packages

Now through March 9, 2013 is the time to visit Central Mississippi’s Dancing Rabbit Golf Club

(Choctaw, Mississippi) - The Dancing Rabbit Golf Club has become a fixture in Mississippi golf and right now, for $215.00, taxes included, two people receive one-night accommodation, breakfast and one round of golf each. With packages like this one and several others being offered, you will be dancing too.

The club features two, 18-hole world class golf courses, The Azaleas and The Oaks, both of which were designed in tandem by famed golf architectural guru Tom Fazio and former US Open winner Jerry Pate.

“Dancing Rabbit is unique, but it is very similar to Augusta National,” said Mark Powell, Director of The Dancing Rabbit Golf Club. “Both courses are very highly ranked. The readers of Mississippi Magazine have voted for The Dancing Rabbit for six of the last seven years as the best golf course in Mississippi.”

Opening in 1997, The Azaleas course offers golfers the opportunity to play on beautifully manicured Mississippi Choice Bermuda tees, Tifway II Bermuda fairways and Bentgrass greens. The Azaleas has received numerous awards of recognition including Golf Magazine's Top 100 You Can Play list, a spot in Golf & Travel's Top 100 Modern Courses and was listed in Golf Digest's Top 10 New Upscale Public Golf Courses ranking.

The Oaks course opened in 1999 and will charm and test both scratch and beginner golfers. With Tifway II Bermuda tees and fast, Zoysia fairways, the combination gives players a truly special golfing experience. The Oaks Course has won several awards including Golf Digest magazine's Top 10 Rated Golf Courses in Mississippi.

The Dancing Rabbit Golf Club is owned and managed by the Mississippi band of Choctaw Indians and is part of the Pearl River Resort which encompasses The Dancing Rabbit Inn, The Silver Star Hotel and Casino, The Golden Moon Hotel and Casino and the Geyser Falls Water Park. Guests can look forward to exceptional golf as well as great entertainment and fun attractions.

For more information about any of the packages please visit: www.dancingrabbitgolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

HIRZL Continues Domination of RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship

Captures Three World Titles in 2012

(Granbury, TX) - With over 80% of the field using its Trust Control, TRUST Feel and SOFFFT Flex golf glove, HIRZL dominated the 2012 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods. Players wearing HIRZL gloves won three World Titles and had two second place finishes, establishing HIRZL as the winningest glove at the Championship by outperforming all other glove manufacturers combined.

“As the world’s longest drivers competed head to head at this years finals, the one common denominator for success was HIRZL gloves,” said Gary Sheppard, President of HIRZL North America. “When you combine this year’s 3 World Titles with last year’s 5 World Titles, HIRZL has clearly demonstrated that it is the glove of choice for the world’s best golfers seeking the ultimate in a performance golf glove.”

Highlights of this year’s RE/MAX World Long Drive finals include:
* First Place: Sandra Carlborg - Ladies World Long Drive Champion (Defending Champion) - wearing a HIRZL TRUST Control glove. Heather LeMaster, wearing a HIRZL TRUST Control, finished third.
* First Place: David Brinker - Legend's Division World Champion - wearing a HIRZL TRUST Control.
* First Place: Jack Crutchfield - Grand Champion's Division World Champion - wearing a HIRZL TRUST Control.
* Runner-Up: Mike Barbarossa - Super Senior Division- wearing a HIRZL TRUST Control.
* Runner-Up: Tim Burke - Open Division - wearing a HIRZL TRUST Feel

“HIRZL has reaffirmed its position as the leading performance golf glove and the ultimate in grip and durability,” said Art Sellinger, chief executive officer of Long Drivers of America, owners of the Championship. “With so much riding on every single drive, a grip-enhancing golf glove is now one of the most trusted and valuable pieces of equipment used to help achieve longer and straighter drives and that is why the world’s longest drivers use HIRZL gloves.”

HIRZL is a global pioneer in high performance sports gloves where innovation and precision engineering is at the heart of the HIRZL philosophy and is supported by a focus on design excellence and top quality production.

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

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Nike Golf Changes the Game with High Speed Cavity Back Fairway Woods, Hybrids

Nike VR_S Covert is the world’s first dual-axis adjustable woods and hybrids

(BEAVERTON, Ore.) – With eye catching aesthetics and state-of-the-art technology, Nike Golf takes innovation to a new level with the world’s first High Speed Cavity Back fairway woods and hybrids that conform to USGA and R&A Rules.

The Nike VR_S Covert fairway woods and hybrids exude innovation with an iconic look and high performance technologies. Like the Nike VR_S Covert Drivers, the VR_S Covert fairway woods and hybrids include three proprietary technology platforms: High Speed Cavity Back; FlexLoft adjustability (in Tour models only); and NexCOR face - all combining to create unparalleled distance, control and forgiveness.

The High Speed Cavity Back in the VR_S Covert is a technology used in irons, and now brought to drivers, fairways and hybrids for the first time by Nike Golf.  The result is greater distance and control. The Cavity Back is visible from the sole view of the club, but is covered by the crown to be more pleasing at address – hence the name Covert. By incorporating this new hidden geometry into fairway woods and hybrids, Nike Golf engineers have been able to move the weight of the club to the corners, raising Moment of Intertia (MOI) to increase forgiveness and add even more distance to off-center shots.

Nike Golf’s FlexLoft is a simple pull, turn, and push/tighten mechanism that allows for an intuitive adjustment system. The patented Dual Axis adjustment allows golfers to choose their loft and face angle independently of each other by de-coupling loft from face angle. This all leads to an optimal ball flight for more distance as well as enhanced workability.

With FlexLoft adjustability in the VR_S Covert Tour fairway woods and hybrids, athletes are able to fine-tune their Nike arsenal to meet the challenges of the golf course. Distance gaps between irons and woods are resolved through simple loft and face adjustments, giving athletes more range and versatility in their bag.

“Providing athletes with the tools to succeed is our ultimate goal,” said Nike Golf Director of Club Product Creation, Tom Stites. “With the combination of High Speed Cavity Back, FlexLoft, and NexCOR technology, we are able to maximize distance, control, and consistency for every club in the bag. Athletes now have the performance they demand, as well as adaptability for any condition.”

The NexCOR face technology featured in the VR_S Covert fairway woods and hybrids is designed to deliver faster ball speed and longer shots from a wider area of the face. NexCOR creates more speed at impact by employing variable face thickness that increases the ball speed off the clubface, especially on the bottom half where players are most likely to make contact.

The VR_S Covert fairway woods and hybrids will be available in golf stores throughout North America and Europe on February 8, 2013, and in the rest of the world starting on February 15, 2013.  Both will be offered in two models, the VR_S Covert Tour and VR_S Covert.  The VR_S Covert Tour fairway woods and hybrids feature the FlexLoft adjustability technology. The VR_S Covert woods and hybrids offer a fixed head in 3 and 5 woods, as well as 2, 3, 4, and 5 hybrids. Both models will come with proprietary Kuro Kage shafts that are produced with higher carbon fiber density for superior strength.

Key Technologies:
* High Speed Cavity Back – Industry First, More Head Stability at Impact Means More Energy back to the Golf Ball = and More Distance
* FlexLoft Adjustability System (in Tour models) – Any Loft. Any Face Angle. One Club for All.
* NexCOR – The New Face of Speed

Nike VR_S Covert Tour Fairway Woods
* Availability: February 8, 2013
* Specifications: 3W: 13°-17° (RH/LH), 5W: 17°-21° (RH/LH)
* Kuro Kage Silver 70 Shaft Flex: X, S, R
* Street Price: $249.99

Nike VR_S Covert Fairway Woods
* Availability: February 8, 2013
* Specifications: 3W: 15°, 5W: 19°
* Kuro Kage Black 60 Shaft Flex: X, S, R, A
* Street Price:  $199.99

Nike VR_S Covert Tour Hybrids
* Availability: February 8, 2013
* Specifications: 3H: 17°-21° (RH/LH), 5H: 21°-25° (RH/LH)
* Kuro Kage Silver 80 Shaft Flex: S, R
* Street Price: $229.99

Nike VR_S Covert Hybrids
* Availability: February 8, 2012
* Specifications: 2H: 17° (RH/LH), 3H: 20° (RH/LH), 4H: 23° (RH/LH), 5H: 26° (RH/LH)
* Kuro Kage Black 70 Shaft Flex: S, R, A
* Street Price: $179.99

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Mike Bender Golf Academy Opens New World Headquarters at Magnolia Plantation

One of the World’s Top Golf Training Facilities Will Host its Grand Opening Dec. 1

(Lake Mary, Fla.) – Mike Bender, ranked as one of the Top Five Best Teachers in America by Golf Digest, announces the grand opening of the Mike Bender Golf Academy’s new world headquarters at Magnolia Plantation Golf Club in Lake Mary, Fla. on Saturday, December 1st from 10am to 4pm.

The new academy facilities include a one-of-a-kind 5,000 square-foot building with an all-weather teaching and club-fitting bay, a state-of-the-art putting studio, a fully-equipped fitness room staffed by an on-site trainer, club repair facilities, private video rooms where teachers and students can review swing video from their lessons, a player lounge with kitchen facilities, bathrooms with full shower facilities and academy offices.

Additional practice facilities include a 150-foot long putting green designed by Mike Bender, a chipping green with two sand bunkers and undulating fairway, Bender’s world-famous Wedge Range for pitching practice, two TrackMan shot-analyzer computers, a SAM PuttLab, the world’s largest MEGSA Perfect Practice Equipment training facility, uneven lies practice station, mirrors, practice walls, plane board, stretch cage and, of course, a full-size grass practice tee.

The grand opening will be a special celebration for Lake Mary and the Orlando golf community of which Bender has been a part of for more than 25 years since his days competing on the PGA Tour. The grand opening will include free clinics including an appearance by special guest two-time U.S. Open Champion Lee Janzen, nearly $5,000 in prize drawings including a grand prize of a set of Nike golf clubs, free food and beverages, tours of the new facilities, contests and special one-day only discounts.

"To be able to build one of the best golf training facilities right here where our academy has been embraced by the community over the past 20-plus years is a dream come true for me," said Bender. "This facility has been carefully designed to help every level of golfer maximize their improvement in every facet of the game. I couldn’t be more pleased with what we’ve been able to create.”

In particular, the new facilities have been designed to provide the best training environment possible for the Mike Bender Elite Golf Academy, a new boarding program run in conjunction with Lake Mary Preparatory School. This program includes 20 hours a week of training during the school year personally supervised by Mike Bender who is with the program participants nearly every day. The program is limited to two-dozen competitive high school-aged golfers from around the world.

As Bender has achieved worldwide recognition as a teacher who gets students to make significant improvement in their games, golf’s top players have sought out his advice. Zach Johnson, 2007 Masters Champion and six-time winner on the PGA Tour, has trained with Mike since Johnson was launching his professional career on the mini-tours more than a decade ago. LPGA four-time tournament winner Seon Hwa Lee also has worked with Mike for many years along with Chella Choi. More recently, PGA Tour veterans, including Jonathan Byrd and two-time U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen, have put their faith in Mike. All told, Bender has helped more than two dozen PGA, Champions and LPGA Tour professionals with their games.

Now the techniques and equipment he has used with the best players in the world is available to the public who, for the first time, may become members of the Mike Bender Golf Academy.

For more information on the Mike Bender Golf Academy’s instruction programs and academy memberships visit www.mikebender.com or call 407-321-0444.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

AHEAD Launches Corporate Division

(New Bedford, MA) – AHEAD, the highly regarded headwear, accessories and apparel manufacturer, is launching a new corporate division this month under the direction of Jeff Waller, senior director of global business development and a 20-plus year headwear industry veteran.

Known for its quality products and superior ornamentation, AHEAD’s corporate offerings will consist of headwear and accessories featured on a dedicated web site (www.Aheadcorporate.com).  The corporate division will maintain its own inventory and customer service team.

“We are excited to bring the AHEAD brand of headwear to the corporate marketplace,” said Anne Broholm, CEO of AHEAD.  “This market presents an opportunity to expand the reach of the already well-known AHEAD brand of headwear.  I’m confident that Jeff’s long-term knowledge of the industry will position AHEAD to be competitive and desirable to a broad cross section of new corporate clients.”

Additionally, Waller will tap the resources of sister company Cutter & Buck, whose full sales team will represent the AHEAD brand starting in first quarter 2013.

“The ability to align with such an experienced sales force who is well known in the corporate marketplace will help ensure that the AHEAD launch is a successful one,” Waller commented. “Corporate clients who are accustomed to enjoying AHEAD headwear at fine resorts, pro shops, and major golf events nationwide will now be able to tap into the unique AHEAD combination of great product and creativity for their corporate needs.”

AHEAD was acquired by Sweden based New Wave Group AB (NEWAb.ST), the parent company of Cutter & Buck, in the summer of 2011.

AHEAD is best known for its premier headwear collections that feature original approaches to logo embroidery options.  The company has been able to capitalize on the golf industry’s desire for high-quality graphics on headwear and an array of garments.  AHEAD operates four distinct business units: Men’s Apparel, AHEAD Headgear, the “Heavy Metal” line of golf accessories and the “Kate Lord Collection” of women’s hats, apparel and accessories.

For additional information access the web site at www.Aheadweb.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Nike Golf Adds Speed and Distance with VR_S Covert Irons

A High Speed Cavity Back iron for maximum distance, control, and forgiveness

(BEAVERTON, Ore.) – Building off successful innovation from the original VR_S franchise, Nike Golf creates a High Speed Cavity Back iron designed to maximize distance, control, and forgiveness.

The Nike VR_S Covert irons combine a sleek look with high performance technologies. Proprietary technology platforms include a High Speed Cavity Back and a NexCOR face.

The High Speed Cavity Back in the VR_S Covert irons allows athletes more distance and control with every shot. By incorporating this new hidden technology into its fastest lineup yet, Nike Golf engineers have been able to move the weight of the club to the corners, raising Moment of Inertia (MOI) to increase forgiveness and add even more distance to off-center shots.

The cavity back technology is hidden “covertly” giving the iron a sleeker look at address with the performance advantages of a highly forgiving distance iron.  The VR_S Covert irons are Nike’s most versatile irons to date and will appeal to a very wide range of players.

A new variable added to the VR_S Covert irons to maximum distance is the incredibly thin 1.6mm sole thickness designed to heat up the face.

“Distance, control, and consistency are the keys to successful golf shots,” said Nike Golf Director of Club Creation, Tom Stites. “We combined a High Speed Cavity Back, NexCOR technology, and a dual bevel sole to maximize distance for every club in the bag. Golfers will notice positive improvements not only on crisp shots, but on off-center shots as well.”

The NexCOR face is designed to deliver faster ball speed and longer shots from a wider area of the face. NexCOR creates more speed at impact by employing variable face thickness that focuses on increasing the sweet spot not only in the center of the face, but also to the lower portion and towards the toe where most golfers are likely to make impact.

For the VR_S Covert irons, engineers have created a dual bevel sole, which allows the club to sit low to the golf ball and prevent digging. The sole makes a clean cut through the grass making interaction with the turf less disturbing to the golf shot.

The Nike VR_S Covert irons are part of the VR_S Covert family that includes the iconic Nike Cavity Back drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids -all available in golf stores throughout North America and Europe on February 8, 2013 and in the rest of the world starting on February 15, 2013.

Key Technologies:
* High Speed Cavity Back
* NexCOR – The New Face of Speed

Nike VR_S Covert Irons
* Availability: February 8, 2013

Specifications:
* 4-AW, True Temper Dynalite 90: S/R (RH/LH);
* 4-AW, Nike Kuro Kage Black 70: S, R, A (RH/LH)
* Street Price: $699.99 Steel/$799.99 Graphite

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Billy Casper Golf Launches BCGreen Environmental Program

(VIENNA, VA) - Billy Casper Golf (BCG) - owner and operator of more than 140 golf courses, country clubs and resorts - has launched BCGreen to reduce the carbon footprint at all its properties across America.

Further bolstering the company's industry-leading environmental standing, BCGreen builds on participation in Audubon International's Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses in four key areas: gasoline and diesel consumption, electricity and water reduction, heating and cooling efficiencies, and recycling.

Each BCG course is performing an audit to determine its carbon footprint. Upon establishing a baseline, agronomy teams will further reduce carbon impact on the environment by installing low-flow faucets, compact fluorescent light bulbs, programmable thermostats, dimmers, timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting, and creating on-site compost piles.

To oversee BCGreen, Mark Murphy - Superintendent at BCG-managed General's Ridge Golf Course (Manassas Park, VA) - has been named Director of Environmental Programs. Murphy directed Audubon certification at multiple BCG-managed courses in Northern Virginia and introduced additional agronomic initiatives benefitting the ecosystem.

"Billy Casper Golf's commitment to leading-edge environmental stewardship is unmatched in the industry," says Bryan Bielecki, Vice President of Agronomy of BCG. "We are dedicated to understanding our impact and creating ecologically-friendly sanctuaries within our communities."

In 2009, BCG began registering courses in the Audubon International program and has 100 percent of courses enrolled. In attaining certification, BCG courses successfully maintain sound environmental practices in six disciplines: environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, and water quality management.

BCG has long been lauded by golfers and industry pundits for conditioning courses to high standards with many winning best-in-kind honors from Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine and Golfweek. An industry leader in maintenance best practices combined with business prudency, several BCG superintendents have joined the company from PGA Tour and "major" tournament venues, and other top-ranked courses nationwide.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Kaua‘i Golf Courses to be Showcased on NBC Sports this Weekend

Golf Analyst Mark Rolfing Hosts ‘Global Golf Adventure – Kaua‘i’ on Saturday, Dec. 1

(KAUA‘I, Hawaii) – The five member courses of the golf destination cooperative "Kaua'i: Discover Golf's Ultimate Island Green” will be featured on NBC Sports when “Global Golf Adventure – Kaua‘i” airs on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 2:30 p.m. ET, prior to the network’s live third-round coverage of the World Challenge.

The show is hosted by veteran NBC Sports and Golf Channel analyst Mark Rolfing, who visited Kaua‘i to explore the island’s highly acclaimed collection of courses, including The Prince Course at Princeville Golf Club, Puakea Golf Course, Makai Golf Club at Princeville, Poipu Bay Golf Course and Kaua'i Lagoons Golf Club.

For each episode of “Global Golf Adventure,” Rolfing travels the globe in search of “exciting and unique” golf and travel destinations.

“2012 has been an incredible year in golf, so I decided we should cap off the year in style on ‘Global Golf Adventure’ with a trip to one of the most spectacular spots on earth, the island of Kaua‘i,” said Rolfing. “There is no place like Kaua‘i. It is a land of breathtaking contrasts, big and bold, yet at the same time, small and charming.”

All of the courses highlighted in the show have received numerous national and regional “Best-Of” honors and recently completed major renovation and enhancement projects. Earlier this year, GOLF Magazine’s “Best-in-State” Ratings had four Kaua‘i courses ranked in the top eight of Hawaii, including The Prince Course at Princeville Golf Club, which was No. 1 in the state and No. 16 on the magazines’ list of the “Top-100 Courses You Can Play” in America.

Many special stay-and-play packages are available at these courses and their affiliated resorts. For information about golf on the Garden Isle visit www.kauaidiscovery.com/activities/golfing/, or call 800-262-1400.

You can also follow Kauai Golf on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KauaiGolf, or “Like” on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Kauai-Golf/204271937068.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Stuff Stockings with CHAMP Accessories

While wrapping up the latest driver and placing it under the Christmas tree may draw shrieks of excitement, don’t forget about stuffing the stocking with the hottest golf accessories.

Gone are the days when a bag of wooden pegs deserved a place in the golf bag. Today, it’s all about performance, and nothing performs better than the CHAMP Zarma FLYtee. Made with a durable plastic design and a six-prong head, these beauties will increase your distance and accuracy off the tee.

How? Good question. The shallow cup and prongs provide less friction, leading to greater distance. They’re biodegradable, too, so don’t worry about damaging Mother Earth.

A quick lesson in cause and effect. Because the golfer on your list will be hitting it longer and straighter off the tee, they’ll enjoy shorter approach shots from the fairways. That results in more ball marks on the greens. pair the Zarma FLYtees with the CHAMP Flix Lite.

This automatic-opening divot repair tool is the company’s lightest and most ergonomic tool, and is designed for the golfer that needs a rugged repair tool that, when slipped in to the pocket, is hardly noticeable. The Flix Lite comes supplied with a Flix branded magnetically attached ball marker, too, so no more shuffling for nickels or dimes on the first tee.

Check out www.champspikes.com for all the company offers, including a wide variety of spikes.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Product Review: G-Mac by Kartel

Thanks to Graeme McDowell and Kartel, you don’t have to be a US Open champion to dress like one. If you have a golfer on your holiday list this season, the G-Mac collection is for you.

As you may imagine from what we know of McDowell, the G-Mac collection is a stylish, performance-focused clothing line with an air of understated sophistication. Check out the selection HERE.

American Golfer had to see if form met function in this stylish assortment. Immediately upon donning the Portrush polo shirt, we knew superior craftsmanship went into the creation. The button-down, two-piece collar with four-button plackette and chest pocket screamed individuality. From a technical standpoint, its UV cut offers up to Factor 30 from the sun's harmful rays, while Kartel promises quick-drying action and the prevention of unpleasant odors because of Absorbtec and antimicrobial functionality.

The MGWool sweater was an ideal partner to the polo. Its pure mercerised wool provides a softer feel and natural shine. No need to worry about the wool being uncomfortable against the skin, taking away from your golf game. This is a light and luxurious, non-itch and extremely breathable fabric.

Scotland may be the birthplace of golf, but Dublin, Ireland can now be considered the home of “modern vintage” with Kartel’s G-Mac collection.

For a complete look at all G-Mac has to offer, visit www.gmacbykartel.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Opinion: Banning Anchored Putters

Three Reasons Why Banning Anchored Putters Will Create More Problems Than It Will Solve

By Jim Grundberg - Co-Owner/CEO - SeeMore Putter Company

(Franklin, TN) - The CEO of the SeeMore Putter Company recently posted an opinion on the SeeMore blog page regarding his take on the long/anchored putter debate. Here are his thoughts. He welcomes your input!

1. The first important reason that banning anchored putters will create more problems than it will solve is that it wasn't a hot issue until the USGA and R&A got involved.
a. Most golfers are relatively indifferent to this issue. Even on tour. They see long and belly putters as just another option for putting. No big deal.
b. Many golfers have used belly or long putters for quite some time, for a variety of reasons. Some for physical reasons. It allows them to practice longer.
c. Some long putter users have put in thousands of hours on the greens and courses over the years. It is simply how they putt. It's never been an issue.
d. There is a small group of people on the other side (some in very prominent positions) that seem to think that using a long putter looks funny, or is not pure golf, or should have never been allowed, or is somehow making the game too easy. If that were true, then wouldn't everyone be using them?
e. The debate ultimately comes down to a few people who now want to turn the clock back and believe that the anchored putter is "against" the original spirit of the game vs. those who will need to re-learn in some instances the most important part of the game. They have been in the game for generations. It is too late to turn back now.
f. If anchored putters are banned, the winners really don't gain much, but the losers stand to have victories and reputations tarnished, enjoyment lost, and faith in the game and its ruling bodies gone forever. And even worse, many will have their learning curves set back years (see Carl Pettersson, and the many PGA teaching pros and USGA club level golfers with the same situation). Of course it will be easy for the majority of golfers and PGA members to say they favor a ban, because a ban does not directly affect them (they do not use long putters.) But would these golfers want to give up their fat putter grips, or their graphite shafts, or their custom fit oversize drivers of all shapes and sizes, if others voted them out?

2. Second is that the very act of banning anchored putting will cast a dark shadow on one of the greatest 2 year stretches in the history of the PGA Tour.
a. Keegan Bradley, Bill Haas, Matt Kuchar, Webb Simpson, and Ernie Els all happened to win great victories using anchored putters in the past 2 years. This may be nothing more than coincidence. It may be another 25 years until a Major is won again with an anchored putter. I don't think anyone believes that they made the big putts at the end and won these events because they had long putters. Yet banishment puts an asterisk on their accomplishments.
b. Other players on tours of all levels have earned PGA Tour cards, won club championships, and simply enjoyed the game more, while using a long putter. These are good people and respectful golfers. Now they will be forced to defend their accomplishments.
c. Even if the R&A and/or USGA had some sort of evidence that the long putter has made putting somehow "easier" by a few percent for some golfers, why is that an issue? Putting greens themselves are faster and more undulated than ever before, and far more difficult than in the old days. New balls, better shafts, oversize grips, larger heads - all of these constantly improving innovations have all made the game somewhat easier (more enjoyable), in trying to keep up with golf courses that are far more difficult.
d. Even for those who believe (and I know many who agree with this) that the tour should have its own tighter control on equipment, in essence a bifurcation of the rules, in my opinion the long putter is not the place to start. It does not impact the competitive balance of the game. And it should stay in the game at all levels.

3. The third reason is that a lot of other people, who haven't necessarily won Majors with a long putter, still get hurt by this decision if it goes against the long putter. And who really wins?
a. A small company like SeeMore, doing 15% of business in long putters the last few years prior to the USGA bringing the market to a halt, stands to lose all of that revenue, which impacts our ability to hire more American workers.
b. SeeMore has earned an outstanding reputation for great customer service by trying to understand and then meet consumers unmet needs. We only do putters. And when thousands of golfers tell us that they want a better long putter, a better belly putter, and a better standard length putter, and a better way to be fit for these putters, and a better way to learn putting (through our SPi-SeeMore Putter Institute) we have invested in every way possible. Now we will be punished as well.
c. Lastly a ban on anchored putters now makes a lot of other people look bad. For example many teaching club golf professionals and club fitters as well as representatives of the world's finest golf retailers have actively promoted and fit their customers into long putters over the last few years. It just looks bad to the golfing public. And that's not fair either.

So where does this leave us? Are we gaining or losing in this pending decision? You know my thoughts now. How do you feel? I hope I have helped to at least introduce some new ideas to the discussion. That is my view!

Jim Grundberg
Co-Owner, SeeMore Putter Co.
615-394-6473 cell
615-435-8015 office
Jim@SeeMore.com

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Geoff Mangum's PuttingZone Announces New Green Reading eBook

Geoff Mangum of the PuttingZone Community of 152 Certified Coaches in 20 Countries announces the release of a FREE 45-page eBook for reading breaking putts, entitled "Slopes and Break."

Geoff Mangum

This new eBook details how to use one simple putt on the practice green before a round in order to test and learn the "ball park" standard breaks on typical slopes, in terms of inches of break per foot. The method uses real physics and greens science combined with the personal putting pace used by any specific golfer to teach the golfer how his or her individual putting pace results in breaks given the slope and the green speed that day.

For example, if a golfer using his personal putting pace aims a 10-foot putt from a sidehill position straight at the center of the hole, and that start line results in the ball curving below the hole and crossing the fall line and then stopping not far past the fall line, the exact distance the ball crosses below the center of the hole might be 10 inches when the slope is 2% grade and the green speed is Stimp 10'. This test, then, teaches that all putts across 2% slopes that day will break 10"/10' or 1 inch per foot of break. A 5-footer is aimed 5" up the fall line from the center of the hole, an 8-footer is played 8" out, and a 15-footer is played 15" out. And 3% slopes are played 1.5 inches per foot; 4% slopes are played 2" per foot.

The eBook is available free by email request to geoff@puttingzone.com.

Geoff Mangum said, "This method for learning break overcomes the flaws in green reading systems used by others who simply take a physics formula, assume some supposed "optimal" putting pace in general for all golfers, and then calculate breaks that don't fit any specific golfer's personal putting pace, and give breaks that are wrong for that golfer. These calculated breaks also require golfers to use electronic gadgets on the course before playing the real round to measure green speeds, fall lines, and slopes in order to look up the breaks in calculation tables or charts, but never teach the golfer how to have skill to perceive these parameters independently as golfers are required to do when they play real golf. The PuttingZone teaches perception processes for putting reading and aiming, and the eBook covers these perceptual skills and methods."

For your free copy, email geoff@puttingzone.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

CHAMP Spikes Dominate DP World Tour 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 its dominance at the European Tour’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship, where the brand’s renowned spikes were used by the winner and nine top-10 finishers.

Relying on the ProStinger model’s unique blend of metal and plastic traction technology, the winner claimed The Race to Dubai and his sixth title of the year with this dramatic performance at Jumeirah Golf Estates in the United Arab Emirates. Continuing the trend of the world’s top players selecting CHAMP, nearly 70 percent of the elite field used the brand’s popular spikes.

“Our devotion to quality and improved performance is validated by the legions of top competitors on all major Tours worldwide who trust our cleats,” says Harris MacNeill, President and CEO of CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide. “Golfers of all skill levels benefit from the increased traction, stability and comfort CHAMP products provide.”

The #1 Brand on Tour, CHAMP spikes were used by three of the four major champions in 2012 and have been trusted by the winner at 30 of the past 40 majors.

Beyond the cleat category, the company offers a wide range of products, including 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 extremely durable materials that last more than five times longer than traditional wood, 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

The Witch Named Winner of 'Best Value' Golf Course in Myrtle Beach Area

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - Mystical Golf - owner and operator of three acclaimed golf courses - announces its Witch Course was named the "Best Value" of the 100-plus layouts in the entire Myrtle Beach / Grand Strand area.

The Sun News - the daily newspaper of record for the area - polled local residents and visitors about their favorite area establishments for the annual "Best of the Beach" rankings. Categories included golf facilities, restaurants, business entities and attractions.

"The Witch is a special place to tee it up and we're thrilled to be honored with the first place award in The Sun News poll, especially given the large number of courses in the area," says Claude Pardue, President and CEO. "Our reputation as the best golf value on The Grand Strand is as important to us as providing great course maintenance and unrivaled customer service."

No stranger to regional and national acclaim, The Witch has also been named "Best Value" in Myrtle Beach by GOLF Magazine and awarded 4-1/2 stars by Golf Digest. Noted as the epitome of fun, strategic golf, the par-71, 6,769-yard Dan Maples design resides on 500 acres of tranquil cypress groves and teeming wetlands.

The Mystical Golf trio of layouts also includes Man-O-War - revered for its back-to-back island greens and water features touching every hole. With a commanding 141 slope rating, the par-72, 6,967-yard layout is offset by straight-forward shots and excellent, bent-grass greens.

Reminiscent of classic, wind-swept links courses in Scotland and Ireland, The Wizard completes the trifecta and presents deep bunkers, mound-framed fairways and dramatic elevation changes. Trademark stone bridges and an Old-World, castle-style clubhouse add character to the par-72, 6,721-yard shot-maker's course.

For Mystical Golf package information: www.mysticalgolf.com, 843.282.2977.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Golf Road Warriors Storm Scottsdale, Again

Intrepid Journalists Stage Return Engagement, Vow to Leave No Golf Balls Behind

(Portland, Ore.) – Golf Media Network and The A Position.com concludes its Golf Road Warriors program for 2012 with a return visit to Scottsdale—described as “the world’s finest golf destination,” and site of a December 2011 visit.  Golf Road Warriors is an interactive multi-platform golf adventure in which four journalists and a videographer create and broadcast daily original content via a collection of websites and social media that is further disseminated by sponsor partners.  The content includes short travelogues, videos, and reviews of courses, restaurants, and other attractions, as well as the observations of a team of seasoned golf journalists.

Writers participating in this edition of Golf Road Warriors include Las Vegas radio and television personality Dennis Silvers; California writer Jay Stuller; Jeff Wallach, Founder and Executive Editor of The A Position; and Tom Harack, one of the most widely-traveled golf writers on the planet.  The writers will play golf courses including Talking Stick, The Phoenician, Kierland Golf Club, SunRidge Canyon, and The Raven Phoenix Golf Club; get fit for new sticks at Cool Clubs; hope for improvement at a Jim McLean golf clinic; and take on hiking and culinary challenges. Their exploits will be captured on film by award-winning videographer and producer Jamie McWilliams.

Sponsors for the trip include the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, the official destination marketing partner for the city; The Antigua Group, a leader of genuine golf, sport and lifestyle apparel, which will provide daily ‘uniforms’ for the writers; Hemispheres Magazine, the award-winning in-flight publication of United Airlines; and the Salute Military Golf Association, providing rehabilitative golf experiences for wounded veterans.  Several wounded veterans will join the writers for golf en route.

Check out other examples of the expansion of new media at Golf Road Warriors.com and TheAposition.com. Look for the next installment of Golf Road Warriors — an island escape to Maui — early next year.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Casa de Campo Offers Golfers the Ultimate Fantasy

Home of Teeth of the Dog, plus 45 more holes of outstanding Pete Dye designs, asks, 'How much golf can you play in four days?'

(La Romana, Dominican Republic) - Casa de Campo is dishing up the ultimate golfer’s smorgasbord, the game’s equivalent of the “all you can eat buffet,” including one of the top golf courses in the world.
“The Golf Fantasy Trip” is just that, every player’s dream come true, highlighted by limitless golf.  Stay at the resort—the Caribbean’s finest—for four nights and get everything for one price. That includes as much golf as a person can play on 63 holes designed by legendary architect Pete Dye, highlighted by the infamous “Teeth of the Dog.”

Along with “The Dog”—the number-one course in the Caribbean according to Golf Digest — are three breathtaking nines at Dye Fore, spread along cliffs high above the Chavon River, and The Links, featuring spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. Golfers partaking in the “Fantasy” play them all, as often as they would like, thanks to unlimited greens fees.

Other elements of this Golf Fantasy include:
- Four nights’ accommodations in a newly renovated elite-class room at the resort
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
- Unlimited drinks in all resort bars and restaurants, including Oasis bars and beverage carts on the golf courses
- A one-hour lesson with Eric Lillibridge, director of the on-site Jim McLean Golf School
- One round with a Casa de Campo PGA Professional
- Two sports massages at the Casa de Campo Spa
- Welcome champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries
- Complimentary use of a golf cart on property throughout the stay
- Pete Dye-autographed copy of the beautiful coffee-table book, “Pete Dye Golf Courses”
- VIP treatment through arrivals at La Romana airport, plus airport transfers, taxes, and service charges

Cost for the “Golf Fantasy,” available from Jan. 3 through March 14, 2013, is $2,799 per golfer, based on double occupancy, or $3,695 single occupancy. Accompanying non-golfers are $2,110.

This is one fantasy that easily can become a reality. For more information, call the golf reservations office at (809) 523-8215 or visit www.casadecampo.com.do.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

The New Version 2.6 of Swinguru Pro Now Available

Swinguru Pro version 2.6, the latest update to the world's first markerless 3D swing analysis software, is now available.

This version brings several new features to the software including:
• Side by side feature: you are now able to compare 2 different swings from your library, or with the Greg Havret reference swing.
• Remote Control: support for a remote control to easily use the major features of Swinguru Pro during self-use or lessons.
• Virtual balance plate update: enhanced balance plate with real position of the feet at address & a new presentation of the center of gravity path.
• Video export: automated mode to export videos for use with other video analysis software, such as V1 Pro.
• Full compatibility with Windows 8.
• Improved preferences panel.
• Ability to remove gesture control option.
• Bug fixes.

If you would like to see a preview of these new features you can check out the version 2.6 video on the Swinguru's website: www.swinguru.com

Swinguru Pro now has an automated video export to run in parallel with other video analysis software, bringing 3D data and views to your video swing analysis. For example, this video shows you how you can use Swinguru Pro alongside V1 Pro:

The new version is available for all existing customers on the Swinguru website. New users should contact Quentin (quentin@swinguru.com) to follow a demo webinar with information about the new version and to receive a customized quote.

Swinguru Pro is the world's first markerless 3D golf training system. It combines full body 3D visualisation with simple intuitive and interactive feedback for golf swing analysis. For more information's and videos, visit www.swinguru.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

KemperSports Names Jim Fitzsimmons as General Manager of The Governors Club

(NORTHBROOK, Ill.) – KemperSports, the most trusted name in golf course management, recently announced the appointment of Jim Fitzsimmons to general manager of The Governors Club in Brentwood, Tenn., a suburb of Nashville.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the golf and country club industry, Fitzsimmons returns to the KemperSports team after 10 successful years as the general manager of Valencia Country Club in Valencia, Calif., a club previously managed by KemperSports. During his tenure at Valencia Country Club, Fitzsimmons was instrumental to the financial success and continued property improvements of the club. From 2002 to 2012, Fitzsimmons supervised a $2.5 million clubhouse and amenity reconstruction project at Valencia to improve the overall food and beverage experience, increased membership sales and developed a number of new social events for the membership.

“Jim is an experienced club manager with a passion for member service and keen attention to detail,” said Steve Skinner, chief executive officer for KemperSports. “We have big plans for the Governors Club and we will look to Jim to lead the capital improvement process while improving member and guest service.”

Prior to Valencia Country Club, Fitzsimmons was involved with some of the country’s finest clubs, including Langdon Farms Golf Club in Aurora, Ore., Sweetwater Country Club in Sugarland, Texas, and Bentwater Yacht & Country Club in Montgomery, Texas.

“The Governors Club is a well-respected private club in a great Nashville community and I look forward to working with the membership as we improve the club,” said Jim Fitzsimmons, KemperSports general manager of The Governors Club.

The Governors Club is a premier private golf club community and features more than 430 custom estate residences and world-class amenities, including an Arnold Palmer Signature Design Golf Course. The aesthetically inspiring 18-hole layout, spread across 200 acres of the development, showcases scenic stone and rockwork along with waterfalls and dramatic elevation changes.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Complete Your Holiday Gift Guide at Golfsmith

The holiday season is upon us and American Golfer has been busy testing some of the latest equipment and apparel on the market. If you’ve got a golfer on your list, you’ve undoubtedly been scouring the Internet for information on what’s hot.

You know what you want? But where do you get it? How about some one-stop shopping - in the store or online - in honor of Cyber Monday? May we suggest Golfsmith?

Golfsmith International, the largest golf retailer in the world with more than 150 stores throughout North America and a robust online store www.golfsmith.com, will sell millions of golf balls, along with tons of golf tees and tens of thousands of golf shirts just in the month leading up to the December holidays. Impressive.

You now know “The Where,” but your still not sure about “The What?” That’s where American Golfer comes into play. We tested the Cleveland 588 RTX CB Black Pearl Wedge from Golfsmith ... and love it.

A stellar combination of performance and forgiveness is what makes this club stand out within its category. The Rotex face is directionally milled, which adds roughness and imparts maximum spin on open-face wedge shots. Friction at impact helps generate even more spin on chips and pitches, from any lie.

For example, in our test, we had a leading wedge and the 588 RTX CB. While the competitor performed very well on most shots, we still dealt with the ball “sliding” up the face from time to time, resulting in coming up woefully short of our target. The friction provided by Cleveland’s offering prevented this from happening.

The 588 RTX CB Black Pearl Wedge, which retails for $119.99, also outperformed its challenger out of the rough and sand. Check HERE for more information or to order one for yourself.

Need another option? The “old reliable” golf ball has taken your choice to another (colorful) level. According to Golfsmith, yellow golf balls will be a popular item because yellow is the most visible color in the spectrum. Tests show improved visibility of yellow golf balls since they’re twice as easy to see as standard white golf balls. Yellow allows golfers to visualize tee shots better and see the entire ball flight. One in ten golf balls sold this year will be yellow with major manufacturers Titleist, Bridgestone, Srixon and Nike going yellow.

American Golfer tested the Srixon Q Star Tour Yellow ($24.99), directly from the Golfsmith shelves. First, visibility is certainly not an issue. Be it a bright, cloudless sky in the morning or a gray, overcast afternoon, this ball pops.

STAR stands for Spin, Trajectory, Acceleration and Responsiveness. While designed for mid-to-high swing speeds, we didn’t experience a lack of quality when taking something off of our swings - when either clubbing down or playing half shots.

Like a majority of balls, Srixon claims to provide both distance and feel, and we can’t dispute either. Take a look at all the balls Golfsmith sells HERE.

You’ve now got the latest, greatest wedge and your choice of yellow balls. How about dressing in style?

According to Golfsmith, bright and bold patterns and colorful options abound. Bright, strong statements with a heavy dose of neon are gracing golf courses from leading apparel outfitters like Nike, Oakley, Lacoste, Puma Travis Mathew and adidas. Here are some examples.

Finding just the right holiday gift for a golfer is a daunting task, especially if the shopper does not play golf. For some, selecting a golf-related gift is more challenging than sinking a hole in one. Golfsmith has helped take the guesswork out of shopping for the golfer on anyone’s shopping list.

Whether looking for clubs, balls, apparel or just about anything a golfer needs, Golfsmith has you covered this holiday season. Log onto www.golfsmith.com or visit a store near you. Happy Holidays!

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

McIlroy Trusts Titleist from Tee-to-Green in Dubai Win

Luke Donald and Louis Oosthuizen Post Top Five Finishes Playing New Pro V1x Prototype Golf Balls

(Fairhaven, MA) – Titleist Brand Ambassador Rory McIlroy capped a memorable 2012 campaign with a two shot victory at the European Tour’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship.  It was a dramatic finish for the world's top ranked player who closed with five consecutive birdies for a final round six under par 66 and a 23-under 265 victory total.  McIlroy, who had already secured the season-long Race to Dubai title, and World No. 2 Luke Donald, who won the Dunlop Phoenix in Japan last week playing the new Titleist Pro V1x prototype golf ball for the first time in competition, were tied for the lead entering the final round.  Donald tied for third place after closing with a one under 71, posting his second consecutive top three finish with the new golf ball.  Louis Oosthuizen, playing the new Titleist Pro V1x prototype golf ball this week for the first time, finished solo fifth, another shot back.
 
Donald and Oosthuizen’s top five finishes continue to validate the performance of the new Pro V1 and Pro V1x prototype golf balls since seeding began with tour players at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in October.  Titleist Brand Ambassador Adam Scott joined Donald in the winners’ circle last week when he played the new Pro V1 prototype golf ball in his victory at the Australian Masters.

The victory was the fifth of the year for McIlroy and the 10th of his professional career.  Among his victories this season was his second major in as many years - the PGA Championship – which he won by eight shots.  He also won the money title on both the U.S. PGA and European Tours, a feat achieved by Donald last year.  McIlroy is the first player since Pro V1x loyalist Lee Westwood in 2009 to win The Race to Dubai and the DP World Tour Championship in the same year.

Quoting McIlroy: "I could not have wished for any better.  To back up 2011 with another major and to be part of an unbelievable story at the Ryder Cup has made it an incredible year.  It’s an unbelievable feeling.  I said I wanted to win both trophies this week and that is exactly what I’ve managed to do.  I knew I needed to do something special over the closing few holes. I really couldn’t have wished for a better ending.”

What's in Rory’s Bag?:  Titleist Pro V1x golf ball, Titleist 913D3 driver (8.5), Titleist 913 Fd fairway metals (13.5, 18), Titleist MB irons (3-9), Vokey Design SM4 pitching (46), gap (54) and lob (60) wedges, Scotty Cameron GSS putter.

McIlroy's win marked the 23rd on the 2012 European Tour by a player trusting a Titleist golf ball for his success.  That is nearly three times the nearest competitor with eight.  A total of 3,334 players teed up a Titleist on the European Tour this year, nearly five times the nearest competitor with 696.

At the DP World Tour Championship, Titleist was the most played golf ball with 30 players in the field of 56, more than three times the nearest competitor with nine.

WINNING THE WORLD OVER:  McIlroy’s victory, in combination with golf ball wins on the Australasian and South African Tours this week, advanced Titleist’s year-to-date win total to 183, more than seven times the nearest competitor with 24.  Over 21,000 players have teed up a Titleist across the major worldwide professional tours this year, more than six times the nearest competitor.

SOUTH AFRICA:  Titleist Pro V1x golf ball loyalist Jake Roos captured the inaugural Cape Town Open with a birdie on the second hole of a four man sudden death playoff that included Titleist Brand Ambassador Tyrone van Aswegen.  All four players completed regulation play with a 9-under par, 279 total.

The win is the fifth of Roos' career, all of which have been secured in playoff fashion.  Titleist Brand Ambassador Colin Nel (Pro V1x, 913D3 driver, 913F fairway metal, CB irons, Vokey Design wedges) and golf ball loyalist Keenan Davidse (Pro V1x) tied for fifth place, two shots out of the playoff.

Titleist was the most played golf ball at the event with 114 players (73%) in the field of 156, more than three times the nearest competitor with 36.

AUSTRALASIAN:  For the first time since 1956, an amateur (Pro V1x, 913D2 driver, 910F fairway metal, 910H hybrid, AP2 irons, Vokey Design wedges, Scotty Cameron GoLo putter) captured the New Zealand Open in Christchurch.  A Golf Australia national team member, the winner posted a 7-under par total to finish one shot clear of Titleist Brand Ambassadors Peter Wilson (Pro V1, 913D3 driver, 913F fairway metal, 913H hybrid, AP2 irons, Vokey Design wedges, Scotty Cameron putter) and Jason Norris (Pro V1x, 913D3 driver, 913H hybrid, MB irons, Vokey Design wedges, Scotty Cameron Newport 2 putter).

Titleist was the most played ball at the New Zealand Open with 105 players (74%) in the field of 141, more than four times the nearest competitor with 25.  The top three finishers and 12 of the 15 players that placed among the top 10 and ties relied upon a Titleist golf ball for their success.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

2012 Frys.com Open Awards $1,000,000 to Charity

(SAN MARTIN, Calif.) – Frys.com Open Tournament Chairperson and Fry’s Electronics Executive Vice President, Kathy Kolder announced that the 2012 Frys.com Open, an official event on the PGA TOUR, awarded $1,000,000 from tournament proceeds to a number of designated charities. The tournament has awarded more than $5 million to charity since the tournament's inception in 2006.

“The 2012 Frys.com Open was a success and we’re pleased knowing tournament proceeds will benefit the lives of others,” Kolder said. “My heartfelt thanks goes out to our Silicon Valley community and the over 1,100 dedicated volunteers for their unwavering support.”

          
The Frys.com Open’s primary beneficiary is The American Institute of Mathematics (AIM), a Palo Alto, CA based organization whose goal is to expand the knowledge of mathematics worldwide through workshops, collaborative research, and the preservation of historic mathematics documents. Other key beneficiaries include The First Tee of Silicon Valley, Northern California Golf Association Foundation, American Heart Association, Special Olympics, Bonnie J. Adarrio Lung Cancer Foundation and multiple additional community charities.

PGA TOUR rookie, Jonas Blixt, of Sweden made par on the 72nd hole to secure his first TOUR title and the $900,000 winner's check, with a one-shot victory over Tim Petrovic and Jason Kokrak.  

Information is available on www.frysopengolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Sporting Legends Pay Tribute to Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am 2012

Yao Ming, Michael Phelps, Ronaldo participated in Hainan's most celebrated golf tournament

(HAIKOU, China) - The 2012 Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am, held on the Blackstone Course at Mission Hills Haikou, has proved to be Asia's biggest entertainment and sports event of the year with participating celebrities ranging from the world of film, music, entertainment and sport.

Among them was the legendary American swimmer Michael Phelps: "Being able to play some of the coolest, most challenging golf courses that I've ever played is what I love to do now. There are a lot of great people here and I've always had a great experience at Mission Hills," said the 22-time Olympic medal winner.

Former NBA superstar Yao Ming also "played" with the other famous figures. He commented: "It is not like playing basketball when everybody fights for one ball; golf is just about playing your own ball. I am just a beginner to golf and I need to practice more on this game." Charles Barkley may have finally found a new playing partner.

Football great, Ronaldo added: "It is an honour and pleasure to be here and I'm very excited to play golf at Mission Hills. In fact, after my retiring from football, I start to play golf to do the exercise. I like to play golf like I used to play football and also I hope to lose some weight through this game."

Dr. Ken Chu, Chairman and CEO of Mission Hills Group said, "The objective of the World Celebrity Pro-Am has always been to take golf to a new level, not just in China but across the region. We're delighted to have so many international sport legends on board."

"We've always emphasize that Mission Hills is about more than just golf. What we're doing is creating general entertainment for people, so whether you're into film, celebrities, golf or just sport in general, there's going to be something for you," added Chu.

Lining up alongside Phelps, Yao and Ronaldo from the world of sport were seven time world snooker champion Stephen Hendry, former Wimbledon tennis champion Pat Cash, and four golf major winners in Darren Clarke, Michael Campbell, Ian Woosnam and Tony Jacklin, as well as four-time PGA Tour winner and current PLAYERS Champion Matt Kuchar.

Already internationally acclaimed for staging championship golf events, the World Celebrity Pro-Am put Mission Hills on the world map for overall entertainment. The tournament was first staged in 2010 and has already become one of the region's leading lifestyle and entertainment events.

For more information about Mission Hills, please visit www.missionhillswcpa.com or e-mail info@missionhillschina.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Asian Fit Slips - New For 2013 By Tifosi Optics

(WATKINSVILLE, Ga.) - New for 2013, Tifosi Optics introduces the Slip with Asian Fit, sport optics that combine high performance technology, great looks and now a larger range of fit options. The Asian Fit Slips, like all Slip models, feature an open shield lens design for a sporty look and lightweight comfort for all day use in any activity.

The Asian Fit Slip models have been designed to accommodate Asian Fit specifications. Lens shapes, frame angles, and nosepieces have been modified for better fit, function, and comfort. More specifically:
• Abbreviated lens curvature keeps frame clear of cheeks and temples
• Narrowed nose pad fits frames higher on the face
• Decreased lens angle at lower edge for better overall fit, clearing cheekbones

The Asian Fit Slip is available in Matte Black frame colors with interchangeable lens options for Bike & Run, or All Sport - Bike, Run, Outdoor, and Golf. It is also offered in a Pearl White frame color with interchangeable lenses in Smoke, AC Red, and Clear for cycling, running, and outdoor.

All Slip models feature adjustable temples for a custom fit. In addition, the nose pad and temples are made of hydrophilic rubber that grips through sweat. Ventilated lenses increase airflow and reduce fogging. The frame is molded from Grilamid TR-90, a flexible and virtually indestructible material characterized by an extremely high alternative bending strength, low density and high resistance to chemical and UV damage. All Tifosi eyewear offers 100% protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays. The Asian Fit Slip retails for the same price as the regular interchangeable Slip models at $59.95.

Tifosi products are available at over 5,000 retail locations in 38 countries, as well as online at dozens of e-tailers. Visit www.tifosioptics.com for complete details. Tifosi Optics, Inc. was founded in 2003 and has become a leading manufacturer of technologically advanced, value-oriented sports eyewear. www.tifosioptics.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

St Andrews, Scotland to host 10th KPMG Golf Business Forum, June 3-5, 2013

(Budapest, Hungary) - KPMG has announced the 2013 Golf Business Forum will take place at the Home of Golf, St Andrews, Scotland, June 3-5, 2013.

Fairmont St Andrews will host the special 10th anniversary edition of the annual conference, which has become the most important golf industry event in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, bringing together up to 300 leading players from the golf, real estate, finance and tourism sectors from more than 40 countries.

The event, which is being supported by VisitScotland, Scottish Development International and Fife Council, with the assistance of Golf Tourism Scotland, attracts some of the biggest names in golf, and has previously welcomed golfing icons Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Greg Norman, Sir Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Annika Sorenstam.

Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice, said: “As the Golf Business Forum is celebrating its 10th anniversary, it is appropriate that we should meet at the Home of Golf, St Andrews.

“Over the past decade, we have welcomed many of the most powerful people in golf and business, and significant ideas and introductions have been made – it was here that the European Tour’s Race to Dubai was conceived and first discussed. The calibre of the delegates remains extremely high and, for many, networking is what the Golf Business Forum is all about.

“The event remains focused on the development of golf venues and facilities internationally, and Scotland has been immensely influential in the export of golf as a sport and business for more than a century. The next two years are an especially important time for Scotland, as it looks forward to hosting The Ryder Cup in 2014, and a number of new golf courses, resorts and golf-related real estate projects continue to be developed.”

Andrea Sartori added: “We are working hard to make this the best Golf Business Forum yet and we look forward to welcoming an international audience of influential investors, developers, golf industry professionals and decision makers for three days of networking, market insights and business.”

The Fairmont St Andrews, venue of the Golf Business Forum, was named European Golf Resort of the Year 2012 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), and the 2011 Golf Resort of the Year by Golf Tourism Scotland.

Set on a 520-acre coastal estate with views over St Andrews and the North Sea, the resort and spa features luxury accommodation and conferencing facilities, plus two championship golf courses, The Torrance and The Kittocks.

VisitScotland Chairman, Mike Cantlay, said: “This is great news for the visitor economy and a fantastic opportunity to invite some of the world’s biggest investors in the game of golf to Scotland. As the Home of Golf, Scotland is well used to hosting the world’s biggest events and in terms of golf and business combined, they don’t come bigger than the KPMG Golf Business Forum.

“As Scotland prepares to welcome the world, the next few years are a busy and exciting time for the sport and it is entirely fitting that the 10th anniversary of the Golf Business Forum will be held in St Andrews, where both the game and the business of golf began.

“The addition of the Golf Business Forum to a calendar that includes major events such as The Ryder Cup and Open Championships signals Scotland’s intent that it is open for business and ready to invest in the future of the game. As we do with every other major event in Scotland, VisitScotland will work hard with our partners to ensure the Golf Business Forum is an outstanding success.”

For more information about the Golf Business Forum visit: www.golfbusinessforum.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Ryo Ishikawa Earns First Win Since 2010

Ryo Ishikawa, who is contracted with Dunlop Sports, earned his first victory since winning the same event in 2010, the “Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters.” The event was held at Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course, in Shizuoka Prefecture, from November 8th to 11th.

Starting as the leader in the final round, Ishikawa had seven birdies and three bogeys, scoring 68. Finishing at 15 under, he has won his first event since 2010.

With this win, he has become the youngest player to win ten events on JGTO, at 21years, 1month and 24days.

In His Bag
Ball: NEW SRIXON Z-STAR
 
Ishikawa’s Profile
Birthday: September 17th, 1991
Born: Saitama, Japan

Wins
2012 Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters
2010 Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters
         Fujisankei Classic
         Chunichi Crowns
2009 Coca Cola Tokai Classic
         Fujisankei Classic
         Sun Chlorella Classic
         Mizuno Open Yomiuri Classic
2008 MyNavi ABC Championship
2007 Musingwear Open KSB Cup (as amateur)

The winning ball is “NEW SRIXON Z-STAR” which was just announced. This ball already counts 12 wins this season.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com