Friday, March 29, 2013
Eagle Golf extends two-for-one offer for women at 26 courses
(DALLAS) - Eagle Golf, a management company operating 26 public golf facilities, has extended its program allowing two women to play for the price of one through June 30, 2013, announced Joe Munsch, CEO of Eagle Golf. The program was originally slated to run through March 30.
"We've had a good response at our courses since starting this in February. However, due to inclement weather, we've not been able to see the full impact of this program," he said. "We recognize the importance of the role of women in growing the game of golf and really believe this is a great way to get more women out onto the course."
The Eagle Golf promotion provides an opportunity for female golfers to bring a friend or try the game for the first time at a discounted rate, an opportunity they may not receive at other courses in their area. Participating facilities include:
* Clear Creek Golf Course (Houston, Texas)
* Canyon Springs Golf Course (San Antonio)
* Courses at Forest Park (St. Louis, Mo.)
* Cowboys Golf Club (Grapevine, Texas)
* Fresh Meadow Golf Club (Hillside, Ill.)
* Golf Club at Cinco Ranch (Katy, Texas)
* The Golf Club at Fossil Creek (Ft. Worth, Texas)
* Highlands Golf & Tennis Club (St. Louis)
* Indian Creek Golf - Creeks Course (Carrollton, Texas)
* Indian Creek Golf - Lakes Course (Carrollton)
* Iron Horse Golf Course (N. Richland Hills, Texas)
* Lake Park Golf Course (Lewisville, Texas)
* Lake Park Executive Course (Lewisville, Texas)
* Links at Lands End (Yantis, Texas)
* Los Robles Golf Course (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
* Mansfield National Golf Club (Mansfield, Texas)
* Meadowbrook - Clubs at Kilgore (Kilgore, Texas)
* Meadowbrook Creek Course (Lubbock, Texas)
* Meadowbrook Canyon Course (Lubbock, Texas)
* Mill Creek Golf Club (Geneva, Ill.)
* Park Hill Golf Course (Denver, Colo.)
* Plantation Golf Course (Frisco, Texas)
* Riverside Golf Club (Grand Prairie, Texas)
* Terevista Golf Club (Round Rock, Texas)
* WestRidge Golf Course (McKinney, Texas)
* Whitetail Ridge Golf Course (Yorkville, Ill.)
Eagle Golf has also worked with the five private clubs it manages to create unique golf programs tailored to the female membership. Promotions include free guest days, instructional opportunities and social events.
More information can be found at www.eaglegolf.com.
KemperSports Announces New Leadership Team at Harbor Shores
Ross Smith Leads Harbor Shores Staff as New General Manager
(NORTHBROOK, Ill.) – KemperSports, the most trusted name in golf, announced the appointment of three leadership positions at Harbor Shores, a public Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course in Southwest Michigan and host of the 2014 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid. Ross Smith has been appointed as the new general manager and director of golf, Brianne Schmidke has been named the new director of sales and communications and Lisa Morris has accepted the new food and beverage manager position.
“Ross Smith has been a big part of the Harbor Shores community since the beginning and he will do well in his new role,” said Steve Skinner, chief executive officer of KemperSports. “The addition of Brianne and Lisa to an already great staff prepares us for the upcoming golf season as we look to capitalize on the momentum and excitement from last year’s Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid.”
Smith previously served as director of golf and will continue this role while taking on the additional responsibilities of the general manager position.
“We’ve come a long way since the humble beginnings of breaking ground on the golf course and clubhouse,” said Ross Smith, KemperSports general manager of Harbor Shores. “I’m looking forward to our second year as a fully operational facility and I’ve never seen a staff more eager to make this a banner year. We hope to kick off the year soon and open the course to golfers in the next few weeks.”
Smith has more than 30 years’ experience in the golf industry, including previous positions as the director of golf for Sagamore Golf Club in Noblesville, Ind., another Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course, and head golf professional for South Bend Country Club in South Bend, Ind. Earlier in his career, Smith also held golf professional positions at Maysville Country Club in Maysville, Ky., and Lexington Country Club in Lexington, Ky.
KemperSports and Harbor Shores also welcome Brianne Schmidke as director of sales and communications and Lisa Morris as food and beverage manager for the club. Both hail from the Benton Harbor, Mich., community and have returned home to the Southwest Michigan area to further their careers.
Schmidke has a strong background in sales and marketing in the hospitality industry. Her previous experience managing events for the Whirlpool Corporation, including the 2012 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, makes her a great fit for Harbor Shores.
Morris brings more than 15 years’ experience in the hospitality industry to the Harbor Shores team, previously serving in a senior leadership role with American Golf. During this time, Morris excelled in both golf and food and beverage roles working at a variety of golf courses managed by American Golf.
“Lisa brings unrivaled food and hospitality experience to the restaurant at Harbor Shores and Brianne is always committed to putting the customer first,” added Skinner. “Both have a unique perspective and understanding of the marketplace to promote the Harbor Shores community and lifestyle.”
As the Harbor Shores team prepares to re-open the golf course this spring, the restaurant, The Grille at Harbor Shores, is open to the public for lunch and dinner. Throughout March, the restaurant serves lunch from Monday–Saturday and dinner from Thursday–Saturday. The restaurant will be open daily in April with the commencement of the golf season. For more information or to book a tee time or reservation, please visit www.harborshoreslife.com.
KemperSports assisted in the design and development of Harbor Shores, along with Nicklaus Design, and manages golf course operations on behalf of Harbor Shores, a non-profit entity.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Traveling Golfer Show, Antigua Announce Start of Official Website Contest
(PHILADELPHIA, Pa.) - The Traveling Golfer show will team up with Antigua, the official apparel sponsor, to start a website contest in conjunction with each of the four major golf championships.
The official contest description and rules will be posted on www.travelinggolfervideo.com . Contest participants will have the opportunity to take part in any or all of the four separate contests. They will be instructed, via the website, to choose a winner for the upcoming major championship. Participants will be directed to e-mail their selection to an address that will be disclosed on the website. Participants only can enter one tournament at a time.
The four championships are The Masters in April, U.S. Open Championship in June, The Open Championship in July and the PGA Championship in August. The first contest will be in conjunction with the Masters Tournament and will run from March 27 - April 11. The winner will be drawn from all who correctly choose the Masters Champion.
Winners will receive a complete golf outfit from Antigua including a golf shirt, outerwear, and slacks. Visit www.travelinggolfervideo.com for the contest description and find out where to submit your answers.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Folds of Honor Seeking Educational Scholarship Applications
Golf Community’s Impact Through Annual Patriot Golf Day Has Helped in Awarding More Than 3,800 Scholarships
(OWASSO, Okla.) – Patriot Golf Day, the primary fundraiser for Folds of Honor, raised a record $4.3 million in 2012, bringing the six-year total to more than $17 million raised for educational scholarships for the families of service members wounded or killed while serving their country. Folds of Honor is currently seeking educational scholarship applicants now through April 30.
Folds of Honor scholarships can be used immediately or can be held with the Foundation on behalf of young children until their time of enrollment. For more information on eligibility and to apply, visit www.foldsofhonor.org/scholarships.
The scholarships can be used to subsidize the costs of tuition, school books, fees, room and board, special tools and equipment necessary for coursework, school-approved tutoring, and any other expense that the school in which the student is enrolled may deem appropriate and unmet.
Through these scholarships, Folds of Honor is able to present an ongoing tribute to our brave service members by ensuring that the families of fallen and wounded warriors have hope for the right educational start to life and best future possible.
“We’re proud to provide scholarships to military families and encourage anyone who is eligible to apply,” said Major Dan Rooney, Folds of Honor founder. “With these scholarships, we hope to provide the spouses and dependents of our wounded or fallen heroes with the support they need to realize their dreams.”
Since its inception, Folds of Honor has awarded more than 3,800 educational scholarships. More information can be found at www.foldsofhonor.org.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Amateur Teams from Mexico, United States prepare for third Uniting Nations Cup
Rubber match of Ryder Cup style event be decided in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico
“We love being part of this tradition in such a beautiful setting, a Jack Nicklaus championship golf course on the Sea of Cortez,” said Jesus Torres, director of Vidanta Golf. “It’s a unique competition with a format that allows challenges for every player on every shot. Of course, the most important ingredient of this event is the camaraderie that is built up over the week between the competitors.”
The goal of the Uniting Nations Cup (Copa Uniendo Naciones) is to highlight the alliance between the United States and Mexico beyond their commercial and cultural ties, while attempting to one day rival the international acclaim of events such as the Ryder Cup or the Walker Cup, an amateur contest between the U.S. and Great Britain/Ireland. The UNC also aims to promote the expansion of the little-known Mexican port destination of Puerto Peñasco.
The world-class Nicklaus Design course at Mayan Palace Puerto Peñasco is in “spectacular shape,” according to Calvin Nielsen, manager of golf at Peninsula de Cortez. The Peninsula’s 7,100-yard, par 72 layout is one of the most challenging and breathtaking in Mexico and is perennially rated among the country’s elite courses. In typical Nicklaus fashion, golfers will see the good in seven seaside holes, the bad in sloped greens, uneven fairways and thick rough and the ugly in blind shots, pot bunkers and stiff breezes.
Tournament Director Vito Berlingeri said he sees a bright future for the event, which is slated to be held in Puerto Peñasco through 2016. “No one else is doing anything like it,” he said. “When it comes to golf, there are no borders and no language barriers between Mexico and the United States.”
For the second consecutive year, the UNC is being managed by the Arizona Golf Assn. Rules officials Ed Gowan and Lorraine Thies are also provided by the AGA. Sponsors include Antigua, Bacardi, Corona, Coca Cola, Cemex, Vina Chocalan and Zagas.
For more information, visit www.unitingnationscup.com.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Bobby Jones Partners with Putting Guru Marius Filmalter
Marius to Showcase New Bobby Jones Look On and Off the Course in 2013
(New York, NY) — Bobby Jones — a division of the W Diamond Group — has partnered with world-renowned putting instructor Marius Filmalter. As part of the deal, Marius - a GOLF Magazine 2009 Innovator of the Year recipient, will showcase the latest in fashions from Bobby Jones during his teaching sessions, photo shoots and all other promotional and instruction-based activities in which he engages throughout the season.
“I am honored to be associated with the Bobby Jones brand,” said Filmalter. “I will wear the brand and clothing with the dignity and respect that Bobby Jones displayed as a player, competitor and ambassador to the game of golf. May his legacy live on.”
“It is hard to have a conversation with today’s TOUR players about putting without Marius’ name coming up,” said Andy Bell, President of Bobby Jones. “His love of the game and the passion with which he goes about his craft is on par with that of Mr. Jones, himself. So, we’re confident that partnering with Marius is a great way to ensure that the tradition of excellence our namesake established carries on.”
For nearly two decades, Bobby Jones has provided luxury men’s and women’s sportswear, including polo shirts, button downs, shorts, slacks and sweaters/knits to demanding consumers looking to exude a classy, cool confidence on and off the course. The Bobby Jones brand can be found at the finest golf clubs, resorts and haberdasheries in the world.
For more information on the Bobby Jones brand, visit www.bobbyjones.com. For more information on Marius Filmalter’s putting instruction methods and research, visit www.mariusgolf.com.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Seaside Mainstay: Arthur Hills Course at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Among Best You Can Play in South Carolina
The Arthur Hills Course at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island remains one of the state’s most popular public-access golf courses
(HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C.) — “We are tied to the ocean,” President John F. Kennedy once said. “And when we go back to the sea ... we are going back from whence we came.”
Apparently, President Kennedy had it right — particularly when it comes to golf in South Carolina. Of the 30 golf courses selected in the 2013 South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel’s biennial voting on the “Best You Can Play” in South Carolina, a whopping 26 are located along the Atlantic seaboard.
It was another president, Bill Clinton, who annually began visiting Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island during the late 1990s. President Clinton’s favorite of the resort’s three outstanding golf courses — the Arthur Hills Course — is once again a mainstay among the South Carolina Top 30 “Best You Can Play.”
The Arthur Hills Course at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, where collegiate stars like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson honed their talents, takes full advantage of the natural beauty of this South Carolina sea island. Named the 2009 Course of the Year by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association, this spectacular layout represents a careful blend of beauty and challenge. Stands of palmetto trees line the graceful fairways.
Built on a series of rolling dunes, the Arthur Hills Course presents many opportunities for off-balance lies, while ocean breezes add to the challenge. Ten holes on the water further encourage precision play.
Fodor’s Golf Digest ranks the Arthur Hills layout at 4.5 stars. Additionally, Arthur Hills was named a selected course by Golf Digest in its ranking of Hilton Head as No. 9 on the list of America’s Best Buddies Trip Destinations for 2013. The course plays 6,651 yards from the back tees.
“We are thrilled that the experts have once again recognized the Arthur Hills Course as one of the most popular layouts in South Carolina,” said Brad Marra, Assistant Vice President of Resort Operations. “We offer three golf courses that provide our guests a wide variety of looks and challenges, and we are proud of them all. It is pleasing to know that the game’s connoisseurs agree.”
The South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel announced its 2013 “Best You Can Play” at its annual spring meeting Saturday night at the Callawassie Island Club in Okatie, S.C. The panel consists of approximately 125 members representing all facets of the game and all levels of playing abilities.
Ratings are conducted by a closed vote with results tabulated once voting has closed. The group’s objective is to promote excellence in the state’s golf course design and operation through competitive ranking, education and public advocacy.
The “Best 50” courses, public or private, are chosen in even-numbered years and the “Best You Can Play” is announced in odd-numbered years. Criteria used in judging include, routing, variety, strategy, equity, memorability, aesthetics and the golfer’s experience.
Other than the No. 1 course — in 2013 it was the Kiawah Island Ocean Course, host site of the 2012 PGA Championship — the list of 30 is alphabetical with no numerical ranking.
“There are so many outstanding courses that you’re really splitting hairs in the voting,” Michael Whitaker, the panel’s executive director, said in discussing the rankings. “When you think about the number of really good golf courses in this state and reduce that number to 30, it’s a daunting task.
“Some of the older courses have stood the test of time, some have improved with some relative small tweaks and others that have undergone renovation or restoration to their original design features have increased in quality.”
Regional honors went to The Ocean Course (Lowcountry area), Caledonia Golf & Fish Club at Pawleys Island (Grand Strand), Mount Vintage Plantation and Golf Club at North Augusta (Midlands) and the Walker Course at Clemson University (Upstate).
Information on previous rankings can be found on the organization’s website www.SCGolfPanel.org.
For more information about the three world-class golf courses at Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, call 877-567-6513 or visit www.PalmettoDunes.org.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Boxgroove Adds Clio Country Club
"Boxgroove members will be welcomed warmly at Clio Country Club," said McRedmond Morelli, founder and CEO of Boxgroove, "and are sure to enjoy their rounds of golf at this very fine course."
"Clio Country Club is extremely excited to enter into a partnership with Boxgroove," said Jeff Nordstrom, PGA, general manager and head golf professional at Clio Country Club. "This will be a great added benefit for our current membership, as well as a platform for introducing potential members to our wonderful golf course.
"We are truly looking forward to this successful alliance."
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
HIRZL Appoints Vice Presidents
(Granbury, TX) – HIRZL, the leading specialist for high-performance sports gloves, announced the appointment of Steve Gray as Vice President of Sales and Elizabeth Burch as Vice President of Operations. Both Gray and Burch will report to Bagher Pirouz, Co-Founder of HIRZL AG and President of HIRZL North America.
“I am pleased to announce the appointments of Steve Gray and Elizabeth Burch as vice presidents for sales and operations, respectively,” said Pirouz. “Both Steve and Liz have been instrumental to the success and growth of the HIRZL brand in North America and their diverse and in-depth industry experience will help HIRZL expand our reach to golfers everywhere. Steve and Liz have demonstrated the ability to quickly implement impactful sales, marketing and operational programs and have shown true professionalism as we begin to embark on our exciting new programs for 2013 and beyond.”
“We have exhibited tremendous growth over the past couple of years and I look forward to working with Bagher to further expand the HIRZL brand,” said Gray. “HIRZL gloves offer the most exciting glove technology on the market today and deliver the best grip traction in golf.”
“HIRZL offers the highest quality glove for golfers of all abilities,” added Burch. “We envision significant opportunity for growth for our superior line of performance gloves and we are committed to providing consumers and retailers alike with the outstanding level of customer service that they are accustomed to.”
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
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Sedona Golf Resort Launches Two New Websites for Juniper Bar & Grille, Wedding Operation
Located in the heart of one of the most captivating regions of the Southwest, the thrilling Gary Panks-designed Sedona Golf Resort, is widely considered among the world's most unforgettable golf experiences. Winding around the famed red rocks of Sedona, each hole provides a unique adventure.
Sedona Golf Resort boasts dramatic elevation changes that range from 3,960 feet to as much as 4,260 feet, offering players elevated tees, raised greens and challenging approach shots. As the course winds around Sedona's crimson cliffs, each hole presents a unique challenge, governed by its own set of circumstances.
Sedona Golf Resort receives a continuous four-star rating from Golf Digest and is truly the must play in "Red Rock Country." For more information on Sedona Golf Resort, call 877.733.6630 or visit www.sedonagolfresort.com.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
in fiamme Sponsors Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser
(Phoenix) - in fiamme (www.infiamme.net), the world's finest Italian golf apparel, in keeping with its charitable-outreach philosophy, served as a sapphire sponsor for the 2013 An Elegant Night in Black & White fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Weld County (Colorado). The black-tie affair, which was held March 16 in Greeley, Colo., raised over $240,000 (gross) for the youth of Weld County. The event included a silent auction, live auction, dinner and dancing.
Funds raised from this event will go directly to support the club's operations and programming, including year-round programs for youth ages six-18, operating out of four clubhouses in the city of Greeley and the rural towns of Milliken and Galeton. Club staff members implement programs focusing on three priority outcomes for youth: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Loudmouth Golf Launches 2013 Spring Collection
Loudmouth Golf unveils eight new patterns to their Limited-Edition Spring line
(Foster City, Calif.) - Loudmouth Golf, the leader in bold and bright coloured sports and lifestyle apparel, is pleased to announce that their new sizzling Spring collection is now available. Their latest line consists of eight new limited-edition patterns. As part of the Loudmouth strategy, current and new patterns will be retired to make room for our freshest designs. This means every new print is a limited edition, so hurry!
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| Pink Flamingos |
“Bubblegum”
“Cupcakes”
“Drop Cloth”
“Pebble Beach”
“Pink Flamingos”
“Powder Blue”
“Shagadelic Pink”
“Shamrocks”
“Each collection I create has something for everyone. Well maybe not everyone,“ says Loudmouth Golf founder and designer, Woody! “Whether you’re into argyle, tropical prints, or variegated patterns, we’ve delivered another array of unique designs to add to your wardrobe,” adds Woody.
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| Dropcloth |
For more information on the new collection visit: www.LoudmouthGolf.com.
To view American Golfer's review of Loudmouth Golf pants, click HERE.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Haggin Oaks Hosts Golf & Guitars Music Festival & Children's Charity Golf Tournament
Two dozen of country music's brightest and biggest stars will combine music and fun on the links to raise well over $100k for children in the greater Sacramento region
The Haggin Oaks Golf Complex is thrilled to be partnering with KNCI 105.1 FM and hosting the 6th Annual Golf & Guitars Music Festival and Children's Charity Concert May 20 and May 21.
And for the first time ever, they're featuring different performers on each night of the concert series. The hottest acts in country music and the up-and-coming artists you'll soon see topping the charts are all donating their time to help raise funds for two local children's charities during the 2013 Golf and Guitars KNCI Music Festival.
* The Website: www.golfandguitars.com
* The Course: The Alister MacKenzie GC at Haggin Oaks
* The Dates: May 20 and 21 (tournament on day two)
* Ticket Prices
-One Night Ticket: $22
-Ticket to Both Nights: $35 (Save $9!)
-VIP Ticket: $150 - VIP Tickets include designated concert seating, a Golf and Guitars hat, buffet dinner and a non-alcoholic drink ticket for both nights
-Golf Tournament Spots: $350
The Beneficiaries:
The Morton Golf Foundation
The mission of the Morton Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity, is to provide golf programs that provide exercise in a healthy outdoor environment, to create a recreational environment that builds lasting personal development and that seamlessly introduces life's core values of the great game of golf to the youth, disabled and underserved communities in the Sacramento region.
Jenna and Patrick's Hope Foundation
This foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization is in existence to help us find a cure for cystinosis. The foundation provides fundraising and marketing resources to strengthen nonprofit organizations and benefit local children and youth programs. Cystinosis is a rare metabolic disease that affects approximately 500 people in the United States (mostly children),and about 2,000 people worldwide. This disease causes the amino acid "cystine" to accumulate in the cells of the body. Over time, the cystine damages various organs including the kidneys, liver, muscles, white blood cells, eyes, and central nervous system. Other complications include muscle wasting, growth loss, difficulty swallowing, and developmental delays.
The Players:
* Montgomery Gentry - This duo is headlining Tuesday night's Golf and Guitar's KNCI Music Festival. This duo has had a notable career, complete with fourteen Top 10 singles, including five No. 1s, "Something To Be Proud Of," "If You Ever Stop Loving Me," Lucky Man," "Back When I Knew It All" and "Roll With Me". Their newest collection, Rebels on the Run promises to bring "Montgomery Gentry fans back to the beginning, but with a fresh attitude."
* Joe Nichols - Four Grammy nominations, a CMA Album of the Year nomination and a stream of chart topping hits, including "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off", "Gimmie That Girl" and "Brokenheartsville" will make Joe a welcome addition to the 2013 Golf and Guitars KNCI Music Festival!
* Jack Ingram - Jack has been a longtime host of Golf and Guitars and we are thrilled he is back for another year! In 2008, Jack Ingram won the 2008 Academy of Country Music award for "Best New Male Vocalist" and we can look forward to hearing new music from his latest album Big Dreams and High Hopes.
* Joey + Rory - Joey and Rory first made a splash when they signed up for CMT's 2008 Can You Duet and placed third in the competition. Many may know them best from their hit single "Cheater Cheater" but they are finding new fans each week on their new weekly variety show, The Joey+Rory Show on RFD-TV which is filmed entirely on their quaint farm and family-owned cafe Marcy Jo's Mealhouse.
* Thomas Rhett - His first single, "Something To Do With My Hands" will quickly reveal why every record company that Thomas auditioned for wanted to sign him. There is an urban streak and a mixture of country and rock in his music- a combination that is definitely driving the direction of country music today.
* Chris Cagle - Chris has two gold albums, two No. 1 albums and 12 charted songs, including "I Breathe In, I Breathe Out". In 2012, Chris released his latest album, Back in the Saddle.
* Joanna Smith - Joanna is comfortable performing on stage. That has always been her dream! You can look forward to hearing her perform her sultry ballad,"We Can't Be Friends" on our stage Monday night!Greg Bates - A relative newcomer to Nashville, Greg made his Grand Ole Opry debut in April 2012. His first single, "Did It for the Girl" was released in 2012 and the second single, "Fill in the Blank" is brand new to country radio!
* Brett Eldredge - Brett is another favorite and repeat performer at Golf and Guitars. His 2010 debut, "Raymond" was inspired by Brett's own grandmother and I still remember him performing it in concert at our show. His current single "Don't Ya" shows off Brett's incredibly sexy baritone - he'll be a fun one to watch!
* Jerrod Niemann - You know Jerrod from his No. 1 hit "Lover, Lover" and his Top 5 single, "What Do You Want". At Golf and Guitars, you can also look forward to hearing new music from his latest album, Free The Music, which defines how Jerrod feels about country today.
* Maggie Rose - Maggie may be a new introduction to our line-up, but I know we'll remember her name after we hear her sing! Her album, Cut to Impress, will be released on March 26th and the title of the album comes from a lyric in the second verse of her song, "Mostly Bad."
* Jason Michael Carroll - Jason has been a fabulous supporter of Golf and Guitars in the past and we are thrilled to welcome him back again in 2013! His unmistakable deep voice and undeniable talents can be found on his hits "I Can Sleep When I'm Dead", "Livin' Our Love Song" and "Alyssa Lies".
* Kristen Kelly - Kristen's first single "Ex-Old Man" was released in 2012 and her new single, "He Loves to Make Me Cry" just came out in February. Kristen's biggest influence is Merle Haggard. We look forward to welcoming her to Sacramento in May!
* Dustin Lynch - If you were at last year's Golf and Guitars, then you remember "Cowboys and Angels" being performed and the performance was outstanding! This year, let's rock out to his newest single, "She Cranks My Tractor".
* Chuck Wicks - I think Chuck could run Golf and Guitars for us - he has been a staunch supporter of our event for many years and he always proves to be a crowd favorite among the ladies. He has a fabulous sense of humor and I really think we should give him a Flip camera and turn him loose in the crowd - I'm sure he'd capture some great interviews for us again! Perhaps best known for his hit songs, "Stealing Cinderella" and "All I Ever Wanted", Chuck has announced that he will be releasing a new EP Rough on April 2nd.
* Canaan Smith - If you were a Golf and Guitars VIP ticket holder in 2012, then Canaan's name might sound familiar because he performed during our Pairings Party last year. Otherwise, you may have caught him on tour with Love and Theft. Canaan's lastest single, "We Got Us" was released last year and he was a contestant during the 15th season of The Amazing Race. Cool trivia fact!
* Love & Theft - Love and Theft has had a number of hit singles, including "Runaway", "Dancing in Circles" and the No. 1 hit "Angel Eyes". This year, they have also been nominated for the ACM vocal Duo of the Year - let's cheer them on!
* And the pre-show entertainer on day one, Heidi Feek, has songwriting and performing royalty in her blood. She is the daughter of Rory Feek and Joey Martin of Joey + Rory and her beautiful voice and fantastic songwriting skills will be on display starting at 5 p.m. on May 20.
* Pre-show entertainers on day two, Summerlin Road, will be another great highlight of the night. Johnny Bulford is the pen behind Lee Brice's "A Woman Like You" and his duo partner Chris Roberts was formerly with One Flew South. Together, they make up the duo Summerlin Road with Warner-Chappel Publishing.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
'Jack’s Majors' Fine Art Collection Pays Tribute to Nicklaus’ Unprecedented 18 Major Titles
World-Renowned Golf Artist Walt Spitzmiller Unveils Paintings to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Nicklaus’ First Masters Win
(Bonita Springs, FL) — Golf and sporting artist Walt Spitzmiller spent eight years painting what he believes is golf’s greatest achievement of the modern era: Jack Nicklaus’ 18 major championship titles. In a collection of 18 paintings simply entitled Jack’s Majors, Spitzmiller brilliantly captures a moment from each of Nicklaus’ record-setting major victories in an artistic tribute to the legendary champion who competed over six decades and registered 120 professional tournament wins plus the Grand Slam.
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| 1972 Masters |
“I’ve been a great admirer of Jack Nicklaus and it has been a labor of love to paint each of his landmark major championship victories,” said Spitzmiller. “I am delighted to offer the 18 paintings as a tribute to the world’s greatest golfer and his unique and enduring achievements. I am especially grateful that Jack is so pleased with the art and that he agreed to sign each of the 100 limited edition Portfolios.”
For more information about the limited edition Jack’s Majors Portfolio signed by Jack Nicklaus and Walt Spitzmiller, as well as the 18 paintings in the collection, visit www.jacksmajors.com.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
PlayKleen Debuts FlexTEK, AquaStran Technologies for High-Performance Golf Towels
Kelli Kuehne, LPGA Champion and one of the most decorated golfers in USGA history, is a managing partner of PlayKleen towels and brings her unsurpassed experience and insight to the PlayKleen brand.
“The PlayKleen towel is without a doubt the best performing golf towel on the market today,” said Kuehne. “We are committed to bringing golfers of all levels the best products on and in their bags and are convinced that once a golfer gets a chance to test our product they will quickly realize the benefits of the PlayKleen towel.”
PlayKleen Towels is also acquiring the reputation as the premier high performance golf towel for the world’s most skilled and demanding golfers.
“PlayKleen is the best towel I have ever used, golfers of all abilities should use this towel,” said Pat Perez, PGA Tour winner. “The PlayKleen staff was professional and quickly and efficiently tended to all of my custom needs.”
PlayKleen towels offer endless customization and color options and is ideal for corporate and club outings, tournaments and charities.
“PlayKleen Towels were the perfect tee prize for our annual fundraiser. Everyone loved them and are now representing our First Tee brand on their bags. When we teach the youth respect, one of the first nine core values, we show the kids how to respect he equipment by wiping their clubs with a PlayKleen towel. We look forward to working with PlayKleen in the future for our events and to support our mission to instill golf’s inherent values into the youth we serve.” -Matt Enloe, Executive and Founder, The First Tee of South Pugent Sound.
For more information, visit www.playkleen.com.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Ship Sticks Partners with Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
Ship Sticks to Offer Golf Bag Shipping Service for Guests of Premier Scottsdale Resort
(WEST PALM BEACH) – Ship Sticks, a fast-growing golf bag shipping company, announced a partnership with Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, a premier resort and private golf club in Scottsdale, Ariz., to provide golf bag shipping services to its resort guests.
Through its proprietary technology, Ship Sticks’ customized, easy-to-use, micro-site will enable guests of Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch to arrange golf club shipments to and from the facility. Ship Sticks works with the resort staff to seamlessly integrate the technology into their system, and then tracks all shipments for resort guests. This method ensures that both the staff and the golfer are notified throughout the shipping process and know when to expect delivery.
For more information about Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, visit scottsdale.hyatt.com. For more information about Ship Sticks, or to plan a shipment, visit www.shipsticks.com.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Kaua‘i Golf Destination Courses Earn Golfweek Honors
Acclaimed Clubs Offer New Playing Specials
(KAUA‘I, Hawaii) – The Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau announced that four Garden Isle courses have been named to Golfweek’s 2013 list of “America’s Best Courses You Can Play” by state.
Kaua‘i Lagoons Golf Club, featuring the longest continuous stretch of ocean holes in Hawaii, ranked No. 8 while Poipu Bay Golf Course, adjacent to the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa, rated No. 9.
“Kaua‘i is a leading golf destination and these accolades affirm that we have some of the best courses in the state and the country,” said Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau. “Furthermore, these award-winners combine with Puakea Golf Course to offer stay-and-play packages as well as our island’s many other activities and attractions.”
For more information about golf on Kaua‘i “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KauaiGolf, visit www.gohawaii.com/kauai/experiences/golf or call 800.262.1400.
Kaua‘i Courses Offer Specials for Juniors
Several Kaua‘i courses feature substantial savings for juniors this spring and summer:
* Kaua‘i Lagoons Golf Club: Kids (ages 6-17) play free anytime on the Waikahe Nine when accompanied by a paying adult. There is a one junior per paying adult restriction. For more information call 800.634.6400 or visit www.KauaiLagoonsGolf.com
* Makai Golf Club at Princeville: When accompanied by a paying adult, junior golfers (ages 6-15) play for free and ages 16-17 pay 50% off the adult rate. Juniors also receive complimentary Callaway junior-sized rental clubs as well as free instruction when taking a lesson with a paying adult. For more information call 808.826.1912 or visit www.MakaiGolf.com.
* Poipu Bay Golf Course: Junior golfers (ages 17 and under) pay 50% off the adult rate and play free after 4 p.m. when walking with an accompanying adult. The fee for a walking adult is $10. For more information call 800.858.6300 or visit www.PoipuBayGolf.com
* Puakea Golf Course: From June 1 to Aug. 31, junior golfers (ages 7 to 17) play free with a paying adult. There is also a special rate of $25 for rental clubs. For more information call 808.245.8756 or visit www.PuakeaGolf.com.
Alaska Airlines Providing Daily Service from San Diego
Beginning in June, travel to Kaua‘i from San Diego will become more convenient as Alaska Airlines will begin offering daily flights.
Flights will depart from San Diego at 9:55 a.m. PST daily and from Kaua‘i at 11:05 a.m. HST starting June 7 until August when frequency will shift to four days a week.
For more information on travel to Kaua‘i, visit www.gohawaii.com/kauai/.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Golf Pain Away Hires Gary Sheppard as Chief Operating Officer
(Nicholasville, KY) – Pain Away, a leader in natural formulation topical pain relief products including Golf Pain Away and the Outback Series brands, appointed Gary Sheppard Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Sheppard will be responsible for global product development, sales, marketing and operations.
“Pain Away offers natural product lines that eliminate the aches and pains associated with minor sports strain experienced by golfers and sports enthusiasts,” stated Gary Sheppard. “This topical analgesic formulation is a all natural, over-the-counter alternative to traditional pain remedies. I look forward to working with Jeremy and the Pain Away team to grow the brand into the industry leader we know it can be and educating people about the benefits of Golf Pain Away and the Outback Series products.”
Nick Price, World Golf Hall of Famer and 2013 President’s Cup Captain, serves as Golf Pain Away’s worldwide ambassador. “I haven’t enjoyed playing golf as much as I have enjoyed now playing pain free with Golf Pain Away. After using Golf Pain Away, I will never play golf without it again,” stated Price.
Sheppard comes to Pain Away after serving as President of HIRZL North America since 2009 where he oversaw significant growth and development of the product line throughout North America. A well-known veteran of the golf and sports industry, Sheppard has a distinguished track record in growing global brands with a specific expertise in sales, marketing, merchandising and new product introduction.
More information on can be found at www.golfpainaway.com or by calling 800-215-8739.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
XGOLF Simulator Selected by Seadrill for Use on Drillships
XGOLF Now in Play on Land and Sea
(LOS ANGELES) – XGOLF Simulator (www.xgolfsimulator.com), a world-renowned technologically-advanced golf simulator, club-fitting and instructional system, has been selected by Seadrill Limited, a leading offshore deepwater drilling company, for use on eight drillships being supplied to Seadrill by shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries. The ships will be positioned in various locations worldwide, including the United States, Norway, West Africa and elsewhere. XGOLF already has been installed on several of the drillships, with additional installations being scheduled.
Among the many reasons XGOLF was selected to supply golf simulators to the drillships was the special anti-vibration brackets XGOLF developed for the application. XGOLF was the only company to pass the vibration testing fully.
In addition to drillships, a variety of other oceangoing craft can be fitted with XGOLF simulators, tailored to individualized requirements, including yachts, cruise ships and even aircraft carriers. Every XGOLF installation, whether on land or sea, can be customized according to the entity’s specific needs.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
It’s Major Time: Nike Golf Adds Color to its Iconic TW ‘13 Limited Edition Footwear
The Nike TW ’13 Limited Edition shoe (MAP $179.99) is crafted of waterproof multi-stretch synthetic leather in white, a NIKE FREE Inspired outsole popped in green, a touch of yellow on the top eye-stay and a hint of red in the TW logo on the tongue.
“The NIKE FREE Inspired TW ‘13 has done exceptionally well at retail with consumers raving about the performance of the shoe. Since its debut, we haven’t been able to keep the TW’13 in stock. We decided to release a limited edition version to celebrate the first major of the season.” said Lee Walker, Nike Golf’s Footwear Product Director.
The inspiration behind the Nike TW ‘13 footwear began with Tiger Woods himself. He asked for a shoe that gave him the same 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.
The NIKE FREE Inspired 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 delivers flexibility that allows the athlete to keep contact with the ground longer, unleashing the full power of their swing.
The Nike TW ’13 also features the 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.
Limited quantities of this footwear will be available March 28 in retailers across the country as well as through www.nike.com.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design Redesigns Columbia Country Club
“While I enjoyed working on the Columbia Country Club golf course, I will always cherish the relationships I made with so many members and the club’s current board and staff,” said Straka. “I am a Midwesterner through and through, and these were ‘my people,’ so to speak.
“They are kindhearted, well-meaning folks who value family and friends. I truly hope the ‘new’ golf course will enhance their lives for many years to come.”
A number of challenging factors required consideration as Straka drew up plans for the redesign. The course is landlocked by surrounding development roads, freeways and an abandoned Missouri Department of Transportation site. It also is bisected by a small river, which courses through a deep ravine. As the golf course originally was built in the 1920s, the property on which it is situated is quite small. Over the past few years, a resurgence in commercial development along the course’s southeastern boundary began. Municipal decisions, such as a new freeway exit, a new bridge spanning the river and a new access road, directly impacted the golf course, taking out a portion of three holes. Consequently, all of the back nine holes had to be redesigned and some holes completely relocated in order to keep the overall yardage. The rebuilt holes feature significantly-improved drainage, irrigation, turf-growing conditions, aesthetics and playability.
The new golf holes are a bit wider and more playable than the old holes, yet shots into the greens can be demanding. The par-71 course now ranges from 4,702 yards from the forward tees to 6,527 yards from the back tees. State-of-the art construction led to more disease- and drought-tolerant greens, which now drain well and can withstand the transition zone’s heat and summer stresses while still providing excellent playing conditions. Stunning vistas of Hinkson Creek were opened up by removing invasive vegetation. Stilling pools were created throughout the streams to control sedimentation, and hundreds of native riparian plants were installed along the streams.
The overall result of the redesign work is a spectacular renovation showcasing the environmental attributes of Columbia Country Club, including Hinkson Creek and several of its tributaries.
“Members often wonder what they are getting for their money when their golf course closes for construction,” said Kathryn Comfort, senior vice president of private club operations at Eagle Golf. “Jason’s creative design and sensitivity to the concerns of our longstanding membership, together with the positive attitude of our staff, has kept the members upbeat and made them wonderful ambassadors for their club.
“During construction and the subsequent closure of the course, the membership has grown by a net 51 new members. That says a lot about our staff and how the members are feeling about Jason’s new design.”
For more information, see www.frystraka.com.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
CHAMP Spikes Trusted by Winners of Arnold Palmer Invitational, Maybank Malaysian Open
(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 renowned ProStinger spikes were used by the winners of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, according to Darrell Survey, and Maybank Malaysian Open.
“The fact that the current and former highest ranked players in the world rely on our spikes each week speaks volumes about the quality of the brand,” says Harris MacNeill, President and CEO of CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide. “Golfers of all skill levels will benefit from the increased traction, stability and comfort CHAMP products provide.”
The #1 Brand on Tour, CHAMP spikes have been used by 30 of the last 40 major winners and are available in a variety of options, including the popular ScorpionSTINGER and Zarma.
Beyond the cleat category, the company offers a wide range of products, including the Zarma FLYtee. Drawing from MacNeill Engineering’s unrivalled 80-plus year heritage, the FLYtee line has quickly become one of the most-used tees by leading professionals worldwide. Made with extremely durable 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
Southwest Airlines and Adams Golf Hit the Links with New Partnership
(DALLAS) — As the “Official Airline of Golf Lovers,” Southwest Airlines teed off a series of initiatives building on its commitment to those who love the game of golf. In addition to a new and exciting partnership with Adams Golf, maker of the #1 Hybrids on the PGA Tour, Southwest, the airline where golf bags fly free, launched www.southwest.com/golf, making it the only airline with a dedicated golf landing page, featuring great fares to popular golf destinations, golf vacation packages, the ability to book tee times at more than 5,000 courses nationwide, and the opportunity to purchase golf merchandise and unique golf experiences using Rapid Rewards points.
In celebration of Southwest as the “Official Airline of Golf Lovers” and the launch of www.southwest.com/golf the airline is offering a golf-themed fare sale. The sale, today through Thursday, March 29, offers special fares between select business and golf destinations. See www.southwest.com/golf for details and rules.
“Southwest connects its Customers to the things that are most important to them in their lives and for many of them, one of those things is the love of the great game of golf,” said Dave Ridley, Southwest Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Business Development. “We are an airline that never stops looking for a better way; that passion for constant improvement is shared by golfers at all levels.”
Southwest’s partnership with Adams Golf centers on its sponsorship of Adams PGA Tour staff players who will carry co-branded bags for the rest of the 2013 season. The bags are designed in the signature blue and red colors of the Southwest aircraft livery. In celebration of this partnership, Adams launched the Easy Million Rapid Rewards Promotion. The campaign offers new and current Rapid Rewards Members the chance to win One Million Rapid Rewards points, while also increasing yardage with the latest and greatest Adams equipment.
“Just as Southwest has opened the skies and made air travel accessible to more Customers; Adams has made the game of golf more accessible through their innovative equipment.” said Ridley. “Both companies are about growing their respective markets through easy-to-use products and services, creating a natural tie between the two brands.”
"Adams’ philosophy on creating easy-to-hit golf clubs that promote a fun and friendly experience ties right in with Southwest’s mantra, which has led to a top ten ranking on Fortune’s Most Admired Companies list,” said Scott Blevins, Adams Golf Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Through Easy Million, our new award-winning SUPER product line will deliver One Million yards of distance gains this year, with Southwest commemorating the milestone by rewarding one lucky winner one million Rapid Rewards Points."
Southwest and Adams Golf debuted their partnership yesterday on the Golf Channel during Morning Drive.
* Subject to 50 lb. weight limit and two free checked baggage allowance.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Titleist Players Post Four-Win Week
Wins on European, LPGA, Champions and Web.com Tours Advance 2013 Victory Total to 31
(Fairhaven, MA) - It takes commitment and consistency to put yourself in position to win. It also takes choosing the best golf ball for your game. There was more proof of this across the worldwide professional tours this week.
At the Maybank Malaysian Open, Titleist Brand Ambassador Kiradech Aphibarnrat relied on the New 2013 Pro V1x to capture his first career European Tour title. On the LPGA Tour, it was an all-New 2013 Pro V1 sudden death playoff with Beatriz Recari edging I.K. Kim for the win. Michael Allen and Edward Loar took top honors on the Champions and Web.com Tours, respectively, trusting the Pro V1x for their success.
Four more wins this week increases the 2013 Titleist golf ball victory total across the worldwide professional tours to 31, more than four times the nearest competitor with 7.
Below are the Titleist on Tour highlights for the week ending March 24/25, 2013.
EUROPEAN: Titleist Brand Ambassador Kiradech Aphibarnrat (New 2013 Pro V1x golf ball, 913D3 driver, CB irons, Vokey Design SM4 wedges) captured the Maybank Malaysian Open to earn his first career European Tour title. The 23-year old Thai closed with a 2-under par 70 en route to a 13-under 203 victory total, one shot clear of the runner-up. The event was shortened to 54 holes due to inclement weather throughout the week, including a two hour storm delay on Sunday. Fellow Titleist Brand Ambassador Anders Hansen (Pro V1, 910D3 driver, 913Fd fairway metal, 913Hd hybrid, CB irons, Vokey Design Spin Milled wedges) finished solo third after tying for the best round of the day with a 6-under 66.
Aphibarnrat's victory is the seventh for Titleist golf ball loyalists on the 2013 PGA European Tour, more than three times the nearest competitor, and more than all other golf balls combined.
EUROPEAN TOUR EQUIPMENT COUNTS: Titleist was the most relied upon golf ball in the field of 156 with 94 (60%) players, more than four times the nearest competitor with 22. Titleist also topped the field in the utility club (39/25%), iron (39/25%) and wedge (130/35%) categories.
LPGA: While the winner may have been in doubt when Beatriz Recari and I.K. Kim advanced to a sudden death playoff at the Kia Classic, the winning golf ball was not, it would be a New 2013 Pro V1, the golf ball choice of both participants. Recari topped Kim for the victory when she putted from off the green for birdie on the second extra hole. Both players ended regulation at 9-under-par 279. The win was the second of Recari's LPGA Tour career.
Fellow New 2013 Pro V1 golf ball loyalists Cristie Kerr and Mo Martin were among three players who tied for third place, one shot out of the playoff. In fact, 10 of the 12 players who finished among the top 10 and ties relied upon Titleist golf balls for their success.
#1 BALL ON THE LPGA TOUR: Titleist golf ball loyalists have now won four of the first five events on the 2013 LPGA Tour. Titleist accounted for a tournament-leading 94 golf ball players (65%) in the field of 144, more than eight times the nearest competitor with 11.
CHAMPIONS: Michael Allen (Pro V1x) rallied to win the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic for his fourth career Champions Tour title. Allen fired a final round 5-under 67 to vault over a leaderboard loaded with fellow Titleist golf ball loyalists. In fact, all 11 of the players who finished among the top 10 and ties relied upon Titleist golf balls for their success.
Allen, who started the day two shots behind the leaders, made five birdies on the front nine to charge into the lead. He closed with a 5-under par 67 en route to an 11-under 205 victory total, one shot clear of overnight co-leader Bernhard Langer (Pro V1). Russ Cochran (Pro V1), Gene Sauers (Pro V1x) and Titleist Brand Ambassador Tom Pernice, Jr. (Pro V1x, 910D3 driver, 910F fairway metal, 910H hybrids, AP2 irons, Vokey Design wedges, Scotty Cameron putter) tied for third place, another two shots back.
Titleist was the top choice in golf balls in the field of 81 with 60 (74%) players, 12 times the nearest competitor with 5. Titleist also topped the iron (21), wedge (63) and putter (19) categories.
WEB.COM: Pro V1x golf ball loyalist Edward Loar captured the Chitimacha Louisiana Open for his second career Web.com Tour title, closing with a 2-under par 69 en route to a 17-under 267 victory total. Loar, who won the Panama Claro Championship last year, finished two shots clear of Titleist Brand Ambassador Morgan Hoffmann (New 2013 Pro V1x, 913D3 driver, 913Fd fairway metal, 712U 2-iron, MB irons, Vokey Design SM4 wedges, Scotty Cameron Newport Tour putter). Hoffman fired a tournament-best 9-under par 62 on Saturday and closed with a 69 on Sunday. Brett Wetterich (Pro V1x, 913D3 driver, 910F fairway metals, CB/MB irons, Scotty Cameron putter) finished solo third another shot back following a closing 6-under 65, as the top three finishers relied upon Titleist golf balls for their success.
Titleist was the top choice in golf balls in the field of 144 with 105 (73%) players, more than eight times the nearest competitor with 13, as well as in the iron (45), wedge (145) and putter (59) categories.
PGA TOUR: At the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Titleist golf ball loyalists Rickie Fowler (New 2013 Pro V1x, Vokey Design Spin Milled wedges) and Mark Wilson (New 2013 Pro V1x) tied for 3rd place, while Ken Duke (New 2013 Pro V1), Henrik Stenson (New 2013 Pro V1x) and Titleist Brand Ambassadors Bill Haas (New 2013 Pro V1x, 913D2 driver, 913Fd fairway metal, 913Hd hybrid, CB irons, Vokey Design Spin Milled wedges, Scotty Cameron Tour Rat putter) and Jimmy Walker (New 2013 Pro V1, 913D2 driver, 913Fd fairway metals, MB irons, Vokey Design SM4 wedges, Scotty Cameron Tour Rat putter), tied for 8th.
PERFORMANCE STATS FROM THE API: Jimmy Walker, with his New Pro V1 golf ball and Titleist 913D2 (8.5) driver combination, topped the field in Driving Distance with a 305.0 yard average … In fact, four players with Titleist ball/driver combinations finished among the top 10 in the Driving Distance, including Graham DeLaet (3rd/302.1), Brad Fritsch (8th/296.3) and Erik Compton (T10/292.5) … Fritsch also tied for 8th in Driving Accuracy (73.21%) with fellow Titleist Brand Ambassador Zach Johnson, and T2 in Total Driving (16), two spots ahead of DeLaet (21) … Fritsch relies upon the combination of the Pro V1 golf ball and 913D2 (9.5) driver for his success, while DeLaet trusts the New 2013 Pro V1x and 913D3 (7.5) … Titleist Brand Ambassador Ben Kohles (New 2013 Pro V1x, 913D3 driver/8.5, 913H hybrid/17, CB irons, Vokey Design SM4 sand/54 and lob/60 wedges, Scotty Cameron GoLo putter) has proven to be among the most accurate players on tour, ranking 3rd (78.57) in Driving Accuracy for the week and 5th (70.68) for the year. He also topped the field in Greens in Regulation with a 76.39% average … Following Kohles in the GIR category were Haas (4th/73.61%), DeLaet (T7/70.83%), and Compton (T10/69.44%) … DeLaet (5th/71.70%) and Haas (6th/76.58%) rank among the Top 10 in GIR for the season … Kohles posted a T14 finish overall at the API, while Compton placed T16.
Titleist was the most relied upon golf ball in the select field of 132 with 79 (60%) players, nearly five times the nearest competitor with 16. Titleist also was the overwhelming top choice in the wedge category with 132 (43%) Vokey Design models in play, more than double the nearest competitor with 67. In addition, 59 players (41%) relied upon a Scotty Cameron putter for their success on the greens at Bay Hill.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Nike Athlete Tiger Woods is Number One in the World Again
Woods captures his 8th Arnold Palmer Invitational win, 77th career victory and secures number one in the Official World Golf Rankings
(BEAVERTON, Ore.) - Nike Athlete Tiger Woods played Bay Hill like he usually does, and his putting with his Nike Method putter said it all. He defended his title at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and tied Sam Snead’s PGA Tour record by winning the same tournament eight times. With this win, Woods reclaims the title of world number one in the Official World Golf Ranking.
When asked if he thinks he can become as good as he once was, Woods replied, “I don’t want to become as good as I once was. I want to become better.”
En route to capturing his 77th career PGA Tour victory, his 60th win with Nike equipment in the bag, Tiger took full advantage of his 14-club Nike arsenal, including his Nike Method 001 putter. Woods led the field in strokes gained-putting and dropped clutch putts including 17 birdies and three eagles with technology that has been instrumental in his last seven global wins. The Nike Method franchise features Nike’s polymetal groove technology, generating a faster forward roll at impact for increased accuracy and less skid.
Woods hit exceptional shots with his Nike VR_S Covert 5-wood, which he added to the bag at this year’s WGC Cadillac Championship. When asked about his second shot on number six on Saturday, Woods replied, “That was nice; I had to take something off this 5-wood and throw it up in the air and bank it up against the wind and I just absolutely flushed it.” The VR_S Covert features high speed cavity back technology, moving weight to the perimeter to increase forgiveness and add even more distance to off-center shots.
In addition to featuring Nike Golf apparel from the TW Collection, Woods also wore the Nike TW ’13 footwear.
Another Nike Athlete who had a solid performance at the Arnold Palmer Invitational was the young Danishman, Thorbjorn Olesen. Olesen tied Woods for the low round on Saturday posting a 66. He relied on the VR_S Covert family of clubs this week, including the VR_S Covert Tour driver, VR_S Covert 3-wood and VR_S Covert hybrid. Olesen finished seventh which is his best finish on the PGA Tour in his career.
Woods’ Nike Golf Arsenal
* Driver: Nike VR Tour 8.5-degree (Graphite Design DI 6X)
* Fairway Wood: Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree and Nike VR_S Covert 5-wood/19-degree
* Irons: Nike VR Pro Blades (3-PW)
* Wedges: Nike VR Pro 56-degree and 60-degree
* Putter: Nike Method 001
* Ball: Nike ONE Tour D
* Footwear: Nike TW’13
* Apparel: Nike Golf Tiger Woods Collection
Nike Golf’s 2013 PGA Tour Victories
* Tiger Woods – Arnold Palmer Invitational
* Tiger Woods - WGC Cadillac Championship
* Scott Brown - Puerto Rico Open
* Tiger Woods - Farmers Insurance Open
* Russell Henley - Sony Open
Nike Golf’s 2013 International Victories
* Scott Jamieson – The Nelson Mandela Championship (European Tour)
* Charl Schwartzel – Alfred Dunhill Championship (European Tour)
Nike Golf’s 2013 Ladies International Victories
* Suzann Pettersen - Mission Hills World Ladies’ Golf Championship
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Monday, March 25, 2013
Traveling Golfer Announces Antigua as Official Apparel Sponsor
(PHILADELPHIA, Pa.) - Antigua will be the official apparel sponsor of the new Traveling Golfer show that debuted last month.
The company's merchandise, attractive and upscale, and the company's understanding of, and commitment to, the special needs of the golf market have earned Antigua an outstanding reputation worldwide.
The Traveling Golfer show is a golf and lifestyle show hosted by Tony Leodora and airing on a network of websites including www.travelinggolfervideo.com. The idea behind the show comes from never-ending demands to learn more about interesting golf courses and golf resorts across the country and around the world.
"This show really has me on the go and I need clothing that is both stylish and easy to maintain," said Leodora. "In recent years Antigua has proven to consistently produce apparel that fits both of those needs."
Antigua will provide the latest and trendiest golf apparel for Leodora as he travels each month to different destinations to shoot the Traveling Golfer show. Viewers will now have the chance to not only tune in each month to see a new golf course or resort but a new and complete Antigua outfit as well.
"All of us at Antigua are proud to work with Tony and his unique approach to reporting about great golf destinations," said Ron McPherson, President and CEO.
Nationally known for the finest knit shirts in the industry Antigua has continued to react to the changing marketplace by expanding its outerwear lines for men and women and by developing market specific seasonal apparel collections twice per year. For more information about Antigua apparel and golf apparel visit www.antigua.com.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com
Golf Datatech Reports Sun Mountain as Best Selling Golf Bag
(Missoula, Montana) – The recently released Golf Datatech 2012 retail market share report shows Sun Mountain is the best selling golf bag. This marks the third consecutive year that Sun Mountain has been the best selling golf bag in the industry. The report includes sales in carry bags and cart bags, at on-course and off-course golf specialty shops. To learn more about the Sun Mountain line of lightweight carry bags, push cart bags and riding cart bags, visit www.sunmountain.com or call 800-227-9224.
Kowachek continued, “Good news within the numbers includes the balance we have achieved between sales at on- and off-course golf specialty stores and between cart bags and carry bags. We are not overly reliant on any one channel of distribution or any one type of golf bag, which is a very strong position for us.”
The Golf Datatech retail golf market share program provides timely and accurate data on market share, unit sales, dollar sales, inventories and distribution. The research includes results for the categories of golf balls, golf clubs (woods, irons, putters and wedges), golf bags, golf shoes and golf gloves.
For 30 years Sun Mountain has been a pioneer in the golf industry, revolutionizing golf bags, golf outerwear and golf carts. Sun Mountain's many innovations, including the first lightweight golf bag and modern stand bag, have made it the top golf bag company in North America. Within golf outerwear, Sun Mountain redefined golf-specific performance first with the windshirt, then fleece, and again with its four-way stretch, waterproof, and breathable rainwear. The Sun Mountain Speed Cart golf push cart transformed walking carts and created an entirely new category of golf products. Sun Mountain's "Ahead of Time Design" motto drives the company to continually design and refine golf equipment.
For the Sun Mountain retailer nearest you call 800-227-9224 or visit www.sunmountain.com.
Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com