Six Edwin Watts Golf Shops Recognized on Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Best Clubfitters List

(FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.) - Edwin Watts Golf Shops, one of the world’s largest specialty golf retailers, today announced that six Edwin Watts Golf Shops were honored among Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Best Clubfitters.

The following locations were recognized on this prestigious list:
* Birmingham, Ala., store on Highway 280 South
* Miami-Doral, Fla., store on N.W. 36th Street
* Orlando, Fla., store on Turkey Lake Road
* Atlanta, Ga., store on Piedmont Road NE
* Houston, Texas, store on Westheimer Road
* Sandy, Utah, store on S. State Street

In addition to the six locations that received the America’s 100 Best Clubfitters distinction, the clubfitting operation remains a priority at all 90+ Edwin Watts Golf Shops throughout the U.S. In fact, to further enhance the in-store club fitting experience, customers can now take advantage of the new ARC (Advanced Robot Certified) Club Matching System, powered by Robofit Technology. Expert clubfitters utilize the Company’s in-store launch monitors and swing analysis software, and this system enables golfers to quickly and easily choose clubs that best match their swing and will optimize their performance.

Created to complement the advanced clubfitting operation at Edwin Watts Golf, this proprietary new system incorporates scientifically proven robot testing of golf club performance, enabling the clubfitter to objectively “club match and performance fit” golfers with products that best perform to their unique swing characteristics. The ARC System, which establishes a benchmark for game improvement in golf, is being offered as a free service at more than 90 Edwin Watts Golf Shops located in the U.S., including the six locations on the America’s 100 Best Clubfitters list.

“The six shops recognized were very deserving of the distinction, and I’m confident that our new ARC System will further enhance the custom fitting operation, and more importantly the customer experience, at our portfolio of stores throughout the country,” said John Watson, CEO, Edwin Watts Golf Shops.

To be considered for Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Best Clubfitters, golf shops were judged on the following criteria: the location must be accessible to the public; the facility must fit clubs from top manufacturers; and the fitter must receive high recommendations from Golf Digest’s America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses ratings panelists and other industry sources.

For more information on Edwin Watts Golf and the Company’s ARC Club Matching System, visit www.edwinwattsgolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Spirits soar when golfers tackle Mountain Air Country Club

Located in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, course features two of the most memorable back-to-back golf holes anywhere

(BURNSVILLE, N.C.) — From the lush valleys and pine-covered slopes of the Blue Ridge to the snowcapped beauty of the Rockies, there is a magical quality to mountain golf. Thousands of feet above sea level the game simply takes on new perspective: Majestic scenery, crispness of the air and inherent challenge presented by jaw-dropping elevation change and endlessly rolling fairways. Even the most dedicated flatlander can't deny the pulse-quickening thrill watching golf shots tower against a mountain backdrop.

Golf soars to new heights at Mountain Air Country Club — a graceful and private aerie just 30 minutes north of Asheville that stands nearly a mile above sea level, and offers the most scenic long-range views and coolest summer temperatures in the western North Carolina mountains. Homes and activities atop their own quiet, pristine mountaintop boast 100-mile panoramic views.

The highest golf course east of the Mississippi River, Mountain Air is a dynamic layout that plunges an astounding 900 feet in just 11 holes. Carved out of the sheer outcroppings of granite and dense, verdant forest, Mountain Air’s design and construction is a testament to the skills architect Scott Pool acquired through a decade of tutelage under Pete Dye.

“Most courses have one ‘signature’ hole they proudly display on their scorecards,” said Mountain Air head golf professional Chris Parham. “Here, they can choose from 14 or 15 holes, each with its own character and panorama.”

Spanning a pair of mountaintops, Mountain Air’s terrain changes markedly from front to back nine and the golf course has a variety of personalities depending on the area of the mountain. Divided in half by the community’s private airstrip, the front half is vast and open. The opening quartet of holes is narrow and fairly short playing along the edge of a ridge.

The second half of the front side plays down into a valley and offers wide fairways and breathtaking views. The eighth green provides a view of the 6,683-foot peak of Mount Mitchell — the highest point in the eastern United States — and nearly every hole provides a spectacular look at the surrounding forest-covered hillsides.

Mountain Air’s back nine is more narrow, subject to greater changes in elevation — and opens with two of the most dramatic, back-to-back holes you will face anywhere. No. 10 at Mountain Air is the course’s famed, 235-yard, downhill par 3, an engineering marvel that drops 212 feet from tee to green and therefore actually plays much shorter than it looks. Hitting a 7-iron more than 200 yards and anxiously tracking the ball as it endlessly remains mid-air — its hang time could be measured by sundial — provides one of the round’s many fun shots.

Mountain Air’s par-5 11th hole is one of the most dramatic and naturally conceived golf holes in the country. From the back tee perched at the steep crest of the valley that spills and curls left through a remarkable 388 feet of elevation change, the drop adds 80 to 100 yards to a golfer’s tee shot that floats into a broad, natural landing area protected by a rock-lined creek and pond on the left and a large sand bunker on the right. Again, as at No. 10 the hang time can be thrilling and seemingly endless.

Risk and reward come into play at No. 11 if one chooses to cut the dogleg. The reward is an immense drive that will measure nearly 400 yards. The risk is successfully finding the landing area which narrows at one point to just 23 paces and is guarded by a spring-fed pond on the right. From there, the terrain continues to fall to the green that is built into the side of the mountain and heavily contoured from back to front. Whether golfers make three or eight at No. 11, they'll always want to go right back and tackle it again.

“We love the community and the golf course,” said Ray Caron of Naples, Fla., who with his wife, Denise, has been a Mountain Air golf member for nearly 15 years. “Mountain Air’s topography, of course, offers golfers a wide variety of shots, unlike anything you’d experience in Florida. Some of the views are so spectacular — it’s hard to decide whether to gaze at your ball in flight or off into the 100-mile horizon.”

Away from the course, Mountain Air members are able to tune their games at the Lost Chimneys Golf Learning Center. A two-tiered, driving range and short-game area including five indoor, heated hitting bays with computer-assisted swing analysis are located down the mountain in a valley that is so secluded that while practicing by oneself, the only thing disturbing the silence are a golfer’s own swing thoughts.

On and off the mountain, the community’s Outdoor Discovery Center staff keeps members busy shooting rapids, swinging on zip lines, fly fishing for trout, hiking and rock climbing, geocaching, scanning the night skies, skeet shooting and much more. Considering the appeal of a memorable golf course in a perfect mountain setting, amenities beyond compare and friendly, active people, little wonder Mountain Air has collected so many prestigious community development awards during its two-plus decades of excellence.

Learn more at www.MountainAirCountryClub.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Horschel Wins First Title with Titleist

(Fairhaven, MA) - There are many exciting ways to achieve victory, and this weekend five players trusted a Titleist golf ball for their winning success across the worldwide professional tours.  Included amongst the wins were pair of breakthrough championship performances, a team effort, and a playoff-ending eagle.

PGA: At the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Billy Horschel outlasted the weather and outperformed the field with a final round 8-under 64 for his first career PGA Tour victory.  Horschel maintained his composure through two final round weather delays and sealed the win with a 27-foot birdie putt on 18, edging playing partner and fellow Pro V1x golf ball loyalist D.A. Points, who also birdied the hole, by one shot.

Although it marked Horschel's first win, he had been knocking on the door with three top 10 finishes in his past three tournaments — tying for second to Points in Houston, tying for third in San Antonio and tying for ninth at the RBC Heritage a week ago.  He has made a PGA Tour-leading 23 straight cuts.

Notes:  Jason Dufner made a switch to a new 34-inch center-shafted Scotty Cameron by Titleist Futura X prototype putter prior to Saturday’s third round and promptly fired a 5-under 67, his best round of the week.  Dufner tested the putter early in the week and again in the rain-shortened pro-am.  The high-MOI prototype putter is the conventional-length version of the model Adam Scott used to win the Masters … The Futura X prototype putter is milled from aluminum and includes a balance bar and four tungsten weights that are positioned under four adjustable stainless steel weights in the far four corners of the putter giving it an extremely high resistance to twist at impact.  Cameron also took the putter one step further by adding more stability to the face with perimeter weighting.  The finish is called “Frozen Titanium” and helps knock down glare … With his T8 finish at the Zurich Classic, Titleist Brand Ambassador Jimmy Walker made it four top 10’s and six top 25’s this season in 11 events this season.  Walker has been even or under par for his last 15 tournaments and hasn’t missed a cut since July last year.

Titleist was the most relied upon golf ball in the field of 156 with 104 players (67%), more than six times the nearest competitor with 17.  Titleist also was the overwhelming top choice in the wedge (147/40%) and putter (56/36%) categories.

EUROPEAN: Titleist Brand Ambassador Brett Rumford posted a dramatic eagle on the first hole of a three-way sudden death playoff that included fellow Pro V1x loyalist Peter Whiteford, to win the Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea.  The win marked the fourth European Tour title for Rumford and his first in six years.  He closed with a 4-under 68 to finish regulation at 11-under par.  The threesome returned to the 18th hole, a par 5, and after Rumford saw his opponents fail to reach the green in two, he fired a brilliant approach to four feet, making the eagle putt for the win.

“It was an absolute roller coaster ride of emotions out there this afternoon," said Rumford following the win.  "Obviously my last five holes yesterday and front nine today got me in a great position to take this tournament.”

Rumford, who finished his third round with five consecutive birdies, took that run to seven when he converted a 20-foot putt on the first green and then fired his approach to five feet at the next.  After carding three consecutive pars, a bunker shot to three feet at the sixth sparked a run of four straight birdies.

Titleist Brand Ambassador Romain Wattel (Pro V1x, 913D3 driver, 913F fairway metal, 913H hybrid, MB irons, Vokey Design SM4 wedges, Scotty Cameron 009 prototype putter) finished fourth at 9-under par, with World No. 7 Louis Oosthuizen (Pro V1x) a shot further back.

What’s in the Bag:  Pro V1x golf ball, 913D2 (8.5) driver, 913Fd (15) fairway metal, 712U 2,3 and 4 utility irons, CB (5-9) irons, Vokey Design SM4 pitching (48) and sand (54) wedges, and Spin Milled lob (60) wedge.

Titleist was the most relied upon golf ball in the field of 156 with 94 players (60%), more than four times the nearest competitor with 22.  Titleist also was the overwhelming top choice in the utility club (76/36%), iron (50/32%) and wedge (170/46%) categories.

CHAMPIONS: The duo of Titleist Brand Ambassador Brad Faxon (Pro V1x, 913D2 driver, 913Fd fairway metal, 913H hybrids, CB irons, Vokey Design SM4 sand wedge, Spin Milled lob wedge, Scotty Cameron prototype putter) and Pro V1 loyalist Jeff Sluman captured the Liberty Mutual Insurance Legends of Golf, the Champions Tour’s annual two-man better ball competition, following a final-round 7-under 65 and 23-under total.

Titleist was the most relied upon golf ball in the field of 66 (33 teams) with 50 (76%) players, more than eight times the nearest competitor with 6.  Titleist also was the top choice in the irons (17/26%), wedge (50/36%) and putter (16/24%) categories.

LATINOAMERICA: Jose de Jesus Rodriguez entered the winner’s circle for the first time in his career when his Pro V1x golf ball dropped for a birdie on the second hole of a three-way, sudden death playoff at the Roberto De Vicenzo Invitational Copa NEC.

Rodriguez closed with a 4-under par 68 en route to a 17-under 271 total.  After all three playoff participants made par on the first extra hole, the 18th at Club de Golf Uruguay, and advanced to the short par-4 eighth, the second extra hole, Rodriguez drove the green and two-putted for birdie and his first career win on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica.

WORLDWIDE WINS: With three more official victories this week, players trusting a Titleist golf ball have won 46 tournaments across the worldwide professional tours in 2013, more than four times the nearest competitor with 11 and more than all other competitors combined.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

The Golf Mentor Introduces SnappyGolf for Beginners

SnappyGolf is a set of golf rules for beginners, designed to help them learn how to play golf confidently

(Sydney, Australia) - The Golf Mentor has recently introduced SnappyGolf, a set of golf rules, for beginners. Golf has many rules that are intended for skilled players and not for beginners. Thus, people who want to play golf feel awkward when they are just starting to play the sport. To solve this problem, The Golf Mentor provides beginners with a set of rules that are designed to help them learn how to play golf confidently. These set of golf rules are called SnappyGolf.

Often, golf rules are guided by an unfriendly obsession with strictness. SnappyGolf, on the other hand, is guided by the principle that beginners should enjoy their game. It modifies golf rules to give enjoyment to beginners. The rules are not applicable for playing in an official competition but is apt to be used in playing with friends at the golf course.

SnappyGolf Rules promotes enjoyment and courtesy, with rules applying to the practice swing, ready golf, maximum number of strokes, bunker play, hazards, out of bounds and lost balls. The rules stress that playing golf should be an enjoyable experience. Also, courtesy must be observed. SnappyGolf includes a rule that players must be courteous to their partners and must be considerate to other players by playing as quickly as they can.

In addition, as beginners find that a practice swing is quite often a waste of time, one practice swing is already enough. In case of bunker play, SnappyGolf gives players an option to get some practice in this difficult shot. For instance, beginners in golf can have two attempts, then drop out of the bunker if they are still in it, adding three more strokes to their score.

SnappyGolf is backed by The Golf Mentor. This new set of golf rules that are mainly designed to help beginners in golf become more familiar of the game. SnappyGolf is a great step forward in learning golf, so it is expected to catch the attention of beginner golf players.

For more information about SnappyGolf and the things it has in store, visit www.thegolfmentor.com/snappy_golf. There is also an amusing blog about SnappyGolf at www.thegolfmentor.com/articles.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

PING Introduces Nome TR Putter

Nome TR putter features precision-milled variable-depth grooves

(PHOENIX) – PING introduced the Nome TR putter with variable-depth grooves milled directly into the face, an industry-first innovation the company says produces unmatched distance control. The new model also offers a bold alignment feature that makes the mallet-style head easy to aim. It will be available at golf shops in mid-May.

The grooves, which first appeared in the face insert of the Scottsdale TR series, are deepest in the center and get shallower toward the perimeter to deliver consistent ball speeds, whether the ball is struck in the center of the face or toward the heel or toe. Distance control, PING says, has been virtually off the charts. Research with this technology shows a nearly 50% improvement in ball-speed consistency when measured across nine points on the face.

“Variable-depth grooves have caught on exceptionally well with the average golfer and with many PING tour pros, who have won four times in the past month with variable-depth-groove putters,” said John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO. “Just one example is Ángel Cabrera, who relied on variable-depth grooves to finish second at the Masters, and to win the following week in Argentina. In addition to precision-milled grooves, the Nome TR’s distinctive alignment bar with a contrasting sightline gives golfers added confidence to sink more putts. The combination of distance control, accuracy and extreme forgiveness will be exciting to golfers. Plus, they’re able to optimize the fit by choosing a standard or adjustable-length shaft.”

The 350-gram Nome TR has a non-glare matte-black body, white alignment bar and contrasting black sightline to make aiming easy. It is milled from high-grade aircraft aluminum. Its high MOI and extreme forgiveness come from the balance of a lightweight head and perimeter weighting in the form of tungsten-composite sole weights. As part of PING’s Fit for Stroke system, three different shaft bends are available to fit Straight, Slight Arc, or Strong Arc putting strokes.

Golfers can select a fixed-length shaft or, as an upgrade, a telescoping USGA/R&A-conforming shaft that adjusts from 31 inches to 38 inches, allowing golfers to modify their putter length prior to a round using a PING wrench. “Custom fitting is integral to everything we do at PING, and offering choices in shafts allows golfers to personalize the fit, and in putting, that’s especially important,” Solheim added. “When golfers are properly fit for the correct putter length, our studies show they’re much more accurate and consistent.”

U.S. MSRP is $305 with a fixed-length shaft, $340 with adjustable-length.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Annual Meeting of American Society of Golf Course Architects Brings Together Reynolds Plantation’s Legendary Designers

(Greensboro, Georgia) – Four of the legendary golf course architects whose imprint on Reynolds Plantation has been both historic and monumental were in attendance last week at the 67th annual American Society of Golf Course Architects conference, held at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation.

From left: Chris Cochran, Bob Cupp, Jim Engh,
Rees Jones and Tom Fazio.

Bob Cupp – who created the first golf course on Lake Oconee in 1986 (now called The Landing) as well as the Plantation Course (the first at Reynolds Plantation) – joined Tom Fazio (National Course) and Jim Engh (The Creek Club) as the ASGCA presented Rees Jones (designer of the Oconee Course) with its highest honor, the Donald Ross Award.

The event marked the first time these golf course architects have been together on the Lake Oconee property, with Jack Nicklaus (who designed the Great Waters Course) represented by Nicklaus Designs’ Chris Cochran, who was involved in the most recent renovation of Great Waters.

Reynolds Plantation—the lakefront golf resort community located between Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia—has long been known as the South’s most complete and exciting golf experience, featuring six outstanding courses (117 holes) and the ultimate in high-tech instruction and club fitting at The Kingdom at Reynolds Plantation.

“Golf is the cornerstone of the Reynolds Plantation lifestyle,” said Mark Lammi, Vice President of Golf Operations for Reynolds Plantation. “The golf courses that each of these architects gave us are world-class by themselves, but bring them together, as we are uniquely able to do, and our members and guests of Reynolds Plantation have a golf experience without comparison.”

For additional information about the South’s foremost lakefront golf resort community access the web site at www.reynoldsplantation.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Will Wilcox Wins 2013 South Georgia Classic

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA) – Cleveland Golf/Srixon congratulates staffer Will Wilcox for his victory at the Web.com Tour’s 2013 South Georgia Classic.  Wilcox, a 26-year old from Birmingham, AL, was able to control his nerves to shoot a 1-over 73, finishing four strokes ahead of his nearest competitor.  Wilcox’s win on Sunday was his first victory ever on the Web.com Tour.

"This is just surreal," Wilcox said. "I've been dreaming about this my whole life.  I’ve just made some big changes in my life. That’s what I needed to do – and [need to] continue with."

During his previous round on Saturday, Wilcox shot a course record 9-under par 63, five shots better than anyone else in the field.  Wilcox’s round included hole-outs from 135 and 193 yards away, on two of the most difficult holes.  

Wilcox earned $117,000 and moved from No. 55 to No. 3 on the Web.com Tour Money List for 2013, putting him in a great position to earn his PGA Tour card for 2014. Fellow Cleveland staffers Zack Sucher and Michael Putnam both finished in 2nd place at -11 (277).  All three players used Cleveland 588 Irons, Cleveland 588 RTX wedges, while playing Srixon Z-STAR balls.  

Wilcox played a Cleveland Classic XL Custom driver (10.5°), a Cleveland 588 MT (3) iron, Cleveland 588 Forged CB irons (4-PW), and Cleveland 588 Precision Forged wedges (52°/58°), while playing a new Srixon Z-STAR Tour Yellow ball with SpinSkin technology, which will be released this August.  Wilcox also wears a Cleveland hat, a Srixon glove and carries a Cleveland bag.

For more information on Cleveland Golf/Srixon, and Never Compromise or their staff players, visit www.clevelandgolf.com, www.srixon.com, and www.nevercompromise.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Inbee Park Wins Inaugural North Texas LPGA Shootout

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA) – Srixon congratulates staffer Inbee Park for her victory at the 2013 North Texas LPGA Shootout.  Park cemented her position as the World #1 by securing her third win of the 2013 season.  The victory also marks the sixth of her young LPGA career.  Unlike her win earlier this month at the Kraft Nabisco, Park had to come from behind to earn the victory.

“Today, coming into the final round, I was two shots back, and I didn't really think about winning so much,” Park said. She needed to make a birdie on the 18th hole to pull out a one-shot victory at Las Colinas Country Club in Irving, Texas; shooting a final round 4-under par 67.

Park, the 24-year old South Korean, has taken the LPGA by storm this season, winning three of the seven events she has played in and adding another Top 5 last week at the Lotte Championship. She currently ranks in the Top-5 in nine different categories on the LPGA Tour, including Scoring Average, Birdies, and Money Earned for 2013.

Park currently plays the new Z-STAR with SpinSkin technology, which will be released this August.  This victory marks the 27th Professional win worldwide with this model of the Z-STAR and the fourth in only two weeks.  Park also plays a XXIO 7 driver, XXIO Forged irons (5-PW) and Cleveland 588 wedges (47°, 51°, 56°).  Park wears a Srixon hat, glove and shoes, and carries a Srixon bag.

For more information on Cleveland Golf/Srixon, Never Compromise and Cleveland Classics apparel or their staff players, visit www.clevelandgolf.com, www.srixon.com, www.nevercompromise.com and www.clevelandclassicsapparel.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

CHAMP FLYtee, Spikes Used by Winner of Ballantine’s Championship

(MARLBOROUGH, MA) – CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide – The World Leader in Sport Cleat Technology and maker of innovative CHAMP spikes, high-performance golf tees and accessories – confirms the winner of the European Tour’s Ballantine’s Championship relied on its renowned Zarma FLYtee and ProStinger spikes.

Capturing his fourth European Tour title, the champion trusted the FLYtee’s unique six-pronged head and shallow cup to help increase distance and accuracy off the tee at Blackstone Golf Club in South Korea.
         
“Our spikes have long been recognized as the #1 Brand on Tour and now the FLYtee is rapidly gaining worldwide acceptance among the game’s top stars,” says Harris MacNeill, President and CEO of CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide. “Not just helping players of all skill levels maximize on-course performance, the FLYtee also features a unique construction that is far more durable than traditional wooden offerings.”

Joining the FLYtee family in 2012 was the MyHite model, which features a series of colored bands around the stem, allowing golfers to always place the ball at a consistent height. Drawing from MacNeill Engineering’s unrivalled 80-plus year heritage, the FLYTee lines have quickly become one of the most-used tees by both professionals and amateurs worldwide.

Beyond the performance advantages, these tees are five times more durable than wood and help facilities dramatically improve course operations, appearance and profitability by reducing tee consumption, decreasing tee litter and lowering purchasing expenses.

The #1 Brand on Tour, CHAMP spikes have been used by 31 of the last 41 major winners and are available in an assortment of models, including the ScorpionSTINGER and Zarma.

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

Get Mom a Special Edition Mother's Day Chromax Gift Pack

Now 15% off with free shipping on orders over $50

(BOULDER, Colo.) - Chromax Golf, manufacturers and innovators of the patent-pending High Visibility Technology metallic finish golf balls, is offering a Special Edition Mother's Day Gift Pack at a 15 percent discount.

The six-pack of M1x titanium golf balls is uniquely packaged in a beautifully decorated yellow flowered box with Happy Mother's Day on the front. Plus receive free shipping on any order over $50.

Chromax Golf's high-energy core and patented dimple design optimize trajectory, distance and help minimize wayward shots for the recreational golfer. The special edition pack of 75 compression balls comes with six easy-to-see colors (silver, gold, orange, blue, pink and green) providing golfers with both style and performance. Chromax golf balls are approved by the USGA & the R & A.

Order your Special Edition Mother's Day Gift Pack online at www.chromaxgolf.com.

Features/Benefits:
Inner Core
The 1.52-inch diameter high-energy large titanium core is made of a poly-butadiene rubber compound blend and molded to create superior feel, durability and elasticity.

Outer Cover
The translucent soft Durable Surlyn cover provides soft feel in and around the green. The ultra High Visibility Technology Metallic layer helps reflect sunlight providing excellent visibility in all lighting conditions allowing golfers to easily track the ball in flight and on the course. The illuminating color assists golfers in seeing the line and improves putting.

Dimple Design
The patented 432-dimple design optimizes trajectory, distance and spin while providing optimal control.

Compression:
75

Price and Availability:
Available now, discounted retail price of $16.96.

Colors:
Blue, green, orange, pink, gold and silver

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Bionic Gloves Launches 'Swing With The Stars' Sweepstakes

(Louisville, KY) - The most feature-rich glove on the market, Bionic Gloves, is partnering with Tee It Up Radio Network to be the official glove sponsor of the Eighth Annual Tee It Up Celebrity Golf Classic. And Bionic is sending one lucky golfer and guest to hit the fairways with the famous.

That's right, Bionic is offering golfers a chance to win a round of golf with a celebrity in its first-ever "Swing with the Stars" Sweepstakes. This year's Tee It Up Celebrity Golf Classic, benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project, will be October 7 at Mountain Gate Country Club in Los Angeles, Calif. The winner and guest of their choice will be flown to L.A. for the event.

"It's an honor to support the Wounded Warrior Project by partnering with Tee It Up Radio Network in one of the most popular nonprofessional golf events in the U.S.," said Cheryl Fink, Bionic's marketing director.

Past celebrity participants include Kevin Sorbo, Smokey Robinson, Angie Everhart, Joe Mantegna, Kristy Swanson, Cheech Marin, Carlos Mencia and Michael Rooker, to name a few. The "Swing With The Stars" Sweepstakes starts now and runs through June 16. There is no purchase necessary, but participants must be at least 21 years of age and able to produce proof of an official golf handicap. For official rules and prize details, visit www.bionicgloves.com.

In conjunction with the sweepstakes, Bionic is also offering $5 off StableGrip and PerformanceGrip Golf Gloves, modifying the price to $19.99 and $24.99, respectively. This promotion will run through June 16 at retail locations and online.

"We are temporarily lowering the price to not only reward our Bionic fans for being so loyal, but to also introduce our brand to new golfers," said Fink. "The combination of our patented pad technology in all of our gloves and their durability to last twice as long as the competition is what separates Bionic from other glove brands."

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

The First Tee helps students link golf skills with life lessons

Members of the Savannah First Tee chapter with representatives from Georgia Power and Savannah-Chatham Elementary Schools.

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) – The First Tee of Savannah, in partnership with Georgia Power, announced that elementary school students in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School District will now have access to The First Tee National School Program as part of physical education instruction.

Savannah-Chatham elementary schools will implement The First Tee National School Program in association with Georgia Power, the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, through an extension of the company’s longstanding relationship with the PGA TOUR. Southern Company is The First Tee’s Education Patron.

The character education lessons taught through The First Tee National School Program – honesty, judgment, respect, and responsibility – are consistent with the principles that employees of Southern Company and its subsidiaries aspire to. Southern Company’s customer-focused business model is guided by SouthernStyle – the company’s value proposition that includes Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance and Total Commitment.

P.E. teachers in these elementary schools will receive professional development training over the coming months to deliver The First Tee National School Program within their current physical education program. The noted program provides character education and health lessons along with basic golf instruction.

“Savannah Chatham County Public Schools is so pleased to be partnering with The First Tee of Savannah and Georgia Power for the benefit of all elementary and K-8 schools,” said Sharon Sand, chief academic officer for the school district. “The First Tee offers opportunities for our students to practice character education through the lessons learned. We look forward to expanding our partnership and engaging our students in the world of golf.”

The First Tee National School Program helps students develop an appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with golf. Students engage in safe, fun lesson activities that lead to motor skill development while gaining an introduction to a lifelong recreation and health-enhancing activity.

There are currently five elementary schools delivering the program in Savannah, and by the 2013-2014 school year, it will be extended to all 34. Nationwide, there are more than 2.6 million students at 5,300 schools in 800 school districts participating in The First Tee National School Program.

Georgia Power has long supported education initiatives leading to a better-trained, highly motivated workforce, which helps ensure a sound economic future for Georgia.

“We are proud to be associated with The First Tee organization and to help bring this very successful program to Savannah-area students,” said Georgia Power Coastal Region Vice President Cathy Hill.

Launched in 2004, the National School Program curriculum was developed by The First Tee along with leading experts in physical education and positive youth development.  It is aligned with and meets national standards developed by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).  Physical educators delivering the program are formally trained and certified by The First Tee and use safe, developmentally appropriate lesson plans and equipment in their classes.

The lesson plans include The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits, which were developed in partnership with the ANNIKA Foundation and Florida Hospital for Children.

According to a survey conducted earlier this year among 860 physical educators using The First Tee National School Program curriculum, 66 percent reported using The First Tee Nine Core Values—character education seamlessly delivered as part of the program—in other sports and activities they teach beyond golf.  A third-party case study conducted in one Midwestern school district in 2011 further validated the program when administrators and physical educators reported finding great value in the program. Click here for more results on the survey and case study.

For more information about The First Tee National School Program in Savannah, visit www.thefirstteesavannah.org.

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IJP Design Launches Second Limited Edition Putter Cover to Mark the Majors

As golf fans across the world make preparations for June’s 113th championship taking place at the internationally renowned course in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, IJP Design is launching its second in a series of four 2013 limited edition putter covers to mark each of the majors.

All pins on the historic course are topped with red wicker baskets instead of the usual flags and have been used since the course opened in 1910. The iconic red is featured on the putter cover design using rustic leatherette material to create a vintage look and feel. The liberty bell, an iconic symbol of American independence located in Pennsylvania, is printed in navy blue and the mix of red, blue and white represent the American and UK national colours.

The putter cover, along with the rest in the series, represents Ian Poulter’s iconic style with striking colours and eye-catching designs. Just 600 limited edition putter covers have been produced, 350 in blade and 250 in mallet and each one individually numbered on a limited edition tag.

The limited edition cover is made from PU/leatherette with soft fleecy lining and includes an IJP Design ball marker in gun metal and white enamel. It comes in its own protective, lined tote bag, which can be used for holding spare golf balls, tees and other accessories. Golfers wishing to pre-order a limited edition cover can do so from 13th May 2013 at $69.95 from the US online store at www.ijpusa.com for delivery in time for the tournament and within plenty of time for Father’s Day on Sunday 13th June.

Mark Truby, Managing Director at IJP Design said, “The first in the series of the 2013 series of limited edition covers was a huge success and we’re confident the second design will be well received too, giving golf fans the opportunity to commemorate these great tournaments. The red wicker baskets and liberty bell are iconic symbols captured in the design along with a bold palate and distinctive style synonymous with Ian.”

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The Georgia Club Earns Spot on Golfweek Magazine's 'Best Courses You Can Play' List

(Statham, Ga.) - The Chancellors Course at The Georgia Club has been recognized among the "Best Courses You Can Play" in Georgia, according to Golfweek Magazine's recently released annual rankings.

Designed by acclaimed golf course architect Denis Griffiths, the 27-hole Chancellors Course is the centerpiece of The Georgia Club, an award-winning 1,500-acre planned community located east of Atlanta and just minutes from the historic college town of Athens, home to the University of Georgia.

The original 18 holes at the Chancellors Course debuted in 2001, with Griffiths adding a third nine in 2006 to complete the planned 27-hole routing. The three nines at The Georgia Club are named Red, Silver and Black, a nod to the school colors at the University of Georgia.

"We are thrilled with the national-class recognition gained from Golfweek," says The Georgia Club General Manager Kevin Cartledge. "Their evaluation certainly echoes the view of our club members and daily golfers who enjoy the course's architectural pedigree and consummate conditioning."

The current Golfweek ranking has The Georgia Club sharing "Best" honors with such other elite Georgia courses as Sea Island Golf Club and Great Waters at Reynolds Plantation.

Golfweek annually releases a series of golf course rankings, including Best Classic Course, Best Modern Course and Best Resort Course. In compiling these lists, Golfweek has distinguished itself from other publications in terms of the depth of its rating criteria, the integrity of the process and the extent to which it has developed a community of raters through educational workshops and national meetings.

Golfweek's eclectic ranking panel consists of 675 voters from seven countries. They rely on 10 criteria to rate a golf course, including overall land plan, variety and memorability of golf holes, conditioning and ecology, and the "Walk in the park test," which rates the sense of the course as worthy of spending four hours on it.

The Georgia Club is managed by Atlanta-based Affiniti Golf Partners, one of the fastest growing golf management companies in the country.

For tee-time or club membership information at The Georgia Club call 770-725-8100 or visit online at www.thegeorgiaclub.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Hand Painted Pair of Kikkor Golf Shoes Leads to a Donation to Canucks for Kids Fund

(Vancouver, Canada) – The Limited Edition Kikkor Masterer pair of golf shoes, hand painted by Social Statement, recently auctioned for a final price of $1,025 to the winner, Ross Sheard. One-hundred percent of the proceeds were donated to Canucks for Kids Fund, Sheard’s charity of choice.

It is perhaps the most epic golf shoe Kikkor has ever made, maybe even the most epic golf shoe ever made. The Limited Edition Kikkor Masterer was hand painted by Social Statement, featuring two of golf’s most notable Masterers, Jack and Arnie, along with the unmistakable Masters Leaderboard, and unique Kikkor-Masterer branding. The was only one pair made, but most notable, 100% of the sale went to the charity of the buyer’s choice.

“We wanted to create something that was exceptionally unique to the Masters, rather than a simple pair of green and yellow shoes,” explains Kikkor Founder, James Lepp. “In my mind, there’s nothing much more unique than a hand-painted pair with 100% of the proceeds going to charity.”

The Kikkor Masterer shoes were auctioned off on eBay, ending on April 17th, with Ross Sheard winning the bid at $1,025. Sheard describes his rationale behind the bid, “I decided to bid on the shoe first and foremost because I knew the money was going to a good cause, whether I won it or not. Secondly, the shoes are the most unique golf thing I have ever seen, and instantly had visions of what they would look like in an encasing of some sort for years to come.”

When asked why he selected the Canucks for Kids Fund as the charity, Sheard responded, “The Canucks for Kids Fund represents everything you'd like in a charity. It dedicates itself to providing support for children's health and wellness, they help develop for grassroots hockey, and heavily promote and encourage education in our wonderful province of BC. As a former junior hockey player, I personally know how much it costs to support your love for the game, and anything to help the kids out is fantastic. Not to mention, I am a Canucks fan through and through.”

Shane, the artist behind the Kikkor Masterer and Social Statement, stated, “I am honored Kikkor Golf reached out to me on this project knowing the proceeds would benefit such a worthy cause. Art and charity work in harmony. They are both mediums that transcend language, ethnicity and culture. To know my talents can bring people together for a worthy cause is humbling.” Talks between Kikkor Golf and Shane have already begun regarding other one-of-a-kind shoes.

To conclude, Lepp from Kikkor Golf explains, “At the end of the day we couldn’t be more pleased with how things turned out. The Kikkor Masterer pair looks stunning, the winning bid exceeded our expectations, and the chosen charity of Canucks for Kids Fund is close to our hearts.”

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Bobby Jones Spring 2013 Collection to Debut on Tour this Week

Bowditch, Stadler and Koch to Sport New Bobby Jones Look at 2013 Zurich Classic and Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf Events

(New York, NY) — Bobby Jones — a division of the W Diamond Group — announced that PGA TOUR players Steven Bowditch and Kevin Stadler will join Champions Tour player Gary Koch in showcasing the brand’s 2013 Spring Collection in competition this week.

Bowditch and Stadler will make their debut in Bobby Jones’ finely crafted, stylish apparel at the 2013 Zurich Classic of New Orleans at the TPC Louisiana in Avondale, LA on April 25th.  Koch will put the new Bobby Jones collection into play for the first time at the 2013 Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf event at The Club in Savannah Harbor in Savannah, GA. Bowditch, Stadler and Koch will primarily wear Bobby Jones new XH20 Performance collection shirts - designed to keep golfers cooler and drier throughout the day due to its patented moisture management system. The performance technology transfers moisture away from the body by distributing it across the fabric and quickly evaporating. This technology also features an anti-static element and will not irritate the skin. The fabric offers a UV rating of 15 offering protection from the sun's damaging rays.

“We’re excited to expand our ambassador team and begin the process of building our presence on Tour starting this week,” said Andy Bell, President of Bobby Jones. “Integrity, respect and competitive spirit were all characteristic of Mr. Jones and this company, and we believe that each of these three players also demonstrate these values on and off the course.”

For more information on the Bobby Jones brand, visit www.bobbyjones.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Callaway Partners with LinkedIn for Social Networking Campaign for Golfers

Integrated media and technology program pulls from a golfer's LinkedIn network to create the ultimate foursome

(CARLSBAD, Calif.) - Callaway Golf Company launched a social media networking campaign in partnership with LinkedIn. The application, which lives on www.CallawayHitTheLinks.com, introduces a modern approach to the long-held tradition of networking on the golf course. Within the app, golfers designate an ultimate foursome using their LinkedIn network of professional contacts, and submit the group for a chance to win a golf "business" trip that includes a custom club fitting at Callaway's California headquarters and a round of golf.

"We are disrupting the traditional influence models in golf because golfers' expectations about how they experience brands has changed dramatically," said Harry Arnett, SVP, Callaway Golf. "This partnership and concept are exciting because no other company has used LinkedIn's API in this way before, and we're using it to connect passionate golfers. It furthers our commitment to being the most transparent, most connecting, most engaged brand in golf."

The experience begins with users logging into the application via LinkedIn Connect, which then generates a recommended foursome through an innovative use of LinkedIn's API (application programming interface). The three connection types created from the API within the foursome are:
• The Company Insider: Someone within the user's company. The API seeks out a golfer first, but if one isn't available, then the person with the most appropriate title is selected.
• The Business Contact: Someone in the user's network and industry that the user has the most connections in common with.
• The Golfer: To find the passionate golfer in the user's network, the API references attributes such as interests and group membership. The person with the highest number of connections in common will be selected.

Participants can also "mulligan" out the recommended connections and handpick their foursome by browsing their professional network. The first 1,000 participants will receive a dozen Callaway HEX Chrome+ balls, the Company's newly released, fastest Tour-level golf ball.

Terry Dry, President of Fanscape, Callaway Golf's social media agency, said "LinkedIn is the perfect partner to create this experience. In addition to having our target demo LinkedIn users are already talking about golf, they're creating golf groups and listing golf as an expertise to attract connections. In fact, Callaway is the most popular golf brand on the network and will be the first sporting goods brand to do anything of this scale on the platform. It's a natural extension that provides value to all partners."

For Callaway, the Hit the Links campaign follows an innovative "Tweet to Unleash" introduction of its RAZR Fit Xtreme driver earlier in the season. This Twitter-based product introduction used real-time social conversation to unlock product content, breaking ranks with traditional product announcements and marking a first for the golf industry. Additionally, the Company's "Holiday Hit the Pin" sweepstakes on Pinterest was the first time a golf manufacturer had meaningfully connected with golfers on that medium, in this case by encouraging them to create a board with their dream bag of Callaway clubs.

The Callaway campaign with LinkedIn, called "Hit the Links," runs until May 24 at www.callawayhitthelinks.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Saddle Creek Resort Announces Two-Day, One-Night Golf Stay-and-Play Package

Ideal for Northern California Golfers Seeking Convenient, Gold Rush Country Escape

(COPPEROPOLIS, Calif.) – Saddle Creek Resort – the Castle & Cooke golf community in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Calaveras County – announces a two-day, one-night golf stay-and-play package, an ideal opportunity for Northern California golfers to tee it up in scenic Gold Rush Country.

The package is available through November 30, 2013 to groups of eight or less. Rates – based on double occupancy – are $219 per person (Sunday through Thursday) and $309 per person (Friday and Saturday). Included are:
* Two rounds of golf on a course recently ranked by Golfweek among California’s Top 10
* Lodging in charming bungalows complete with fireplace and full kitchen
* Breakfast or lunch at the Lodge’s Copper Grille
* Golf cart at your door in the morning
* Unlimited use of Sports Club featuring Olympic-size swimming pool, Jacuzzi and gym

“Our beautiful resort and acclaimed golf course are only two hours from the Bay Area and one-and-a-half from Sacramento,” says Bob Higgins, General Manager. “With stunning views of the Sierra Nevada and a course that has hosted numerous regional championships, Saddle Creek is an ideal escape for golf aficionados seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.”

Saddle Creek jumped six spots in Golfweek’s 2013 “Best You Can Play” rankings and now sits in the top 10 with iconic layouts like Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Pasatiempo and Torrey Pines’ South Course.

For more information or to make reservations: 209.785.7415 or 866.785.7829, www.SaddleCreek.com, www.SaddleCreekGolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Marriott Golf Academy Debuts

Marriott Vacation Club Resorts in Orlando, Fla., and Palm Desert, Calif., Become Home to New Golf School

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – Marriott Vacation Club today introduced the new Marriott Golf Academy, with locations at Marriott’s Grande Vista resort in Orlando, Fla., and Marriott’s Shadow Ridge resort in Palm Desert, Calif. Formerly the Faldo Golf Institute, the new Marriott Golf Academy debuts May 1, with special introductory pricing and packages for 2- and 3-day golf schools and 3-hour sessions through September 30.

Marriott Golf Academy offers a wide range of expert instructional programming for golfers of all skills levels, from low-handicap elite golfers seeking a competitive advantage to newcomers seeking an introductory golf experience that is matched to their needs. Among the Academy’s premier golf school programs are 2- and 3-day golf schools, 3-hour full swing & short game sessions, private lessons, on-course instruction, corporate programs, junior programs and a selection of programs and services from the Club Fitter’s Workshop, an important complement to any golf instructional experience.

Located in highly desirable golf destinations, Marriott Golf Academy is based at two acclaimed Marriott Vacation Club resorts, offering spacious and luxurious one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas, fully equipped with all the comforts of home and complemented by an assortment of on-site amenities and activities for golf groups, couples or the entire family.

The Orlando based location, adjacent to Marriott’s Grande Vista resort, boasts a 35-acre instructional facility offering full swing and short game areas, a 9-hole golf course, Swing Analysis Studio, Club Fitter’s Workshop, and is adjacent to Marriott’s Grande Pines Golf Club, which provides the perfect 18-hole championship golf experience for students. The Marriott Golf Academy, located just minutes away from the family attractions exclusive to Orlando, serves as the ultimate family vacation destination.

Marriott’s Shadow Ridge resort is located in the scenic Coachella Valley, a popular international destination for golf aficionados set against the beautiful backdrop of the snow-capped Santa Rosa Mountains in Palm Desert, Calif. The golf resort, which boasts acclaimed luxury villa accommodations and unmatched amenities for the whole family, is complemented by a world-class practice facility, a state-of-the-art swing studio, Club Fitter’s Workshop and an 18-hole championship golf course. This beautiful and peaceful valley is often referred to as the “golf capital of the world” because of its ideal playing conditions and abundance of courses.

“The new Marriott Golf Academy offers a memorable golf instructional experience at two of the finest resort destinations in the world,” said Bill Nault, Vice President, Marriott Golf. “The certified golf instructors are truly experts at tailoring a program to ensure students are learning at a pace suitable to their game.”

The Club Fitter’s Workshop at each location is equipped with Trackman - the most advanced launch monitor, swing analysis technology and software program in the industry. Recognized among America’s 100 Best Club Fitters, the renowned Club Fitter’s Workshop offers golfers a dynamic club fitting experience to ensure students are properly fit with equipment that will help optimize their performance.

The Alumni Clubhouse, a popular web-based resource center, is available for all golf school attendees. The Alumni Clubhouse enables golfers to communicate with their school instructors, review lessons, view video-swing analysis and study archives of their game-improvement history. Moreover, golf school attendees can access a complete library of video drills designed to support each student’s game improvement plan, at their desired pace.

For information on Marriott Golf Academy and the introductory packages and pricing, visit www.marriottgolfacademy.com/introductory-pricing.html or call 855-MGACDMY (642-2369).

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

adidas Golf Announces Record-Breaking Footwear Sales for Start of 2013

Strong February Results Mark Highest Sales Period Globally for adidas Golf in Brand’s History

(CARLSBAD, CALIF.) – adidas Golf, an industry leader in innovative, technologically-advanced performance footwear, has announced record-breaking footwear sales for the first part of 2013 with February marking the highest sales period for the global golf brand since it was formed back in 1999.

Despite the beginning months of 2013 seeing a delay in golf course openings due to longer winter conditions around the world, the United States, United Kingdom and Japan all reported significant gains in both dollar and market share numbers.

“We’ve had some amazing success stories so far this year and we’re not even in the peak of our season yet,” says Ben Sharpe, Executive Vice President of adidas Golf. “Behind the launch of the incredibly-light adizero in January, we’ve been able create excitement in the marketplace before many golfers can get out and actually play due to weather. The positive results are proof of our constant innovation and we plan to keep this momentum going throughout the year.”  

Rising February sales in the U.S. landed adidas Golf footwear family firmly in the No. 2 position(1).  In the UK, adidas Golf secured a 25.6% footwear market share with the new adizero tour leading the field at nearly 13% alone(2). In Japan, adidas Golf leads with a 30% market share and adizero tour ranking third among all footwear models(3).

Early strong sales can be attributed to the new adizero line, which launched at the end of January. For February alone, the ultra-light family of adizero products, including the adizero tour and adizero sport for both men and women, represented 5.8% dollar share (Golf Datatech) in combined on/off retail sales.

1 Golf Datatech, dollar share, on/off course
2 Golf Datatech, dollar share, on/off course
3 GFK, dollar share, on/off course

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Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design to Have Two Course Openings in China

Phoenix Hill Golf Club

(DUBLIN, Ohio) – Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design (www.frystraka.com), a partnership with worldwide reach in award-winning golf-course design, announces two new projects in China, both scheduled to open May 1. One golf course is located in Shanghai, while the other is in Anji, about a two-hour drive southwest of Shanghai. Dana Fry, a Fry/Straka principal, oversaw both projects.

“This is an exciting time for the growth of golf in China, representative of the opportunity for more people around the globe to experience and enjoy the game,” said Fry. “We are pleased to be a part of golf’s worldwide expansion.”

Qizhong Garden Golf Club
Qizhong Garden Golf Club, an 18-hole private golf club in Shanghai, was a Fry/Straka design, co-designed with Mr. Jun Lu, of Condor Golf, who is a golf-course architect based in Beijing. Qizhong Golf Club, with its stand-alone golf course, will be an exclusive private club, located within the Shanghai city limits. While it was a naturally flat site, the concept was to create a “Calusa Pines-style” course. In excess of one million cubic meters of earth were moved, and over 6,000 trees were planted. The par-72 layout, measuring over 7,100 yards, features grade changes of over 40 feet.

“I am confident Qizhong Garden Golf Club is likely to take its place as the best course in the Shanghai area,” Fry said.

Phoenix Hill Golf Club
The first 18 holes of the 27-hole complex at Phoenix Hill Golf Club, in Anji, China, will open May 1, as will the golf clubhouse. Construction on the third nine holes will begin in August. The attached hotel, which will be a JW Marriott, will open later this year or in early 2014.

The first 18 holes of the par-72 Phoenix Hill GC layout will measure over 7,200 yards. The course is set in vast valleys, with villa sites set up high on ridges surrounding each hole. Many holes play through the valleys, where slopes rising above the fairways are lined in tea plants.

“This site, with all the naturally valleys, man-made streams, waterfalls, stone bridges and rock work throughout, as well as the spectacular mountain vistas in all directions, is one of the most dramatic I have ever seen,” said Fry. “This golf course, in my opinion, will be one of China’s top-rated courses.”

For more information, see www.frystraka.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Mississippi Golf: April News & Notes

Spring and Summer Savings Abound, PGA TOUR Event Teed Up, and National Acclaim Garnered for Magnolia State Courses

(JACKSON, Miss.) – Mississippi State Park golf courses are offering substantial savings this spring and summer with on-site lodging available for guests to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

Mallard Pointe Golf Course: Standard rates at Mallard Pointe in the Hills Region are $38 for 18 holes and a cart Monday-Thursday and $45 Friday-Sunday. In addition, seniors (55 and older), students, police, fire and military play Monday- Thursday for $32 (including cart) and $38 Friday-Sunday.  A twilight rate of $30 is available Monday-Thursday after 2 p.m. and $35 Friday-Sunday.  There is also a $20 walking rate seven days of the week. On-site lodging is available.  For tee times visit www.mallardpointegolfcourse.com or call 662.487.2400.

The Dogwoods Golf Course: The Dogwoods at Hugh White State Park in the Hills Region offers 18-hole green fees of just $49. Students play for $27 while seniors (60 and older) pay $39 (all prices include cart fees). Designed by Gary Roger Baird, meandering through forest and surrounded by Grenada Lake, The Dogwoods features a hilly layout and inviting greens. For tee times visit www.thedogwoodsgolf.com or call 662.226.4123.

Quail Hollow Golf Course: Located in the Capital/River Region, Quail Hollow at Percy Quin State Park has greens fees of $40 for 18 holes and a cart and seniors (55 and older) pay $30. Also, use the promotional code “web” and students play for $26, including a cart with valid ID. Designed by Arthur Hills, Quail Hollow is known for its views of the Southern Mississippi countryside and offers affordable Quail Hollow golf villas situated steps from the course and furnished with modern amenities. For tee times visit www.quailhollowgc.com or call 601.684.2903.

“Our state parks offer tremendous value for golf and a plethora of other outdoor activities,” said Mississippi Tourism Director Malcolm White.  “It’s a great time to travel to Mississippi and discover why it has become one of preeminent golf destinations in the country.”

For more information on these courses and other special stay-and-play package deals visit www.visitmississippi.org/golf.aspx  or call toll-free 1.866.801.8551.

New Title Sponsor for Mississippi PGA TOUR Event
 Sanderson Farms of Laurel, Miss., one of the nation’s leading food corporations, is now the title sponsor of the PGA TOUR’s stop at Annandale Golf Club in Madison.  Formerly the True South Classic and the Viking Classic, the event has been renamed the Sanderson Farms Championship.

The tournament, scheduled for July 15-21, is one of 45 PGA TOUR tournaments and is in its third year as part of the FedEx Cup.  Mississippi has hosted a PGA TOUR event annually for more than four decades and has raised $7.3 million for statewide charities. Past winners include defending champion Scott Stallings, along with Chris Kirk, Bill Haas and Luke Donald.

For ticket, volunteer and sponsorship information, visit www.sandersonfarmschampionship.com/.

Mississippi Courses Earn ‘Best-Of’ Honors from Golfweek
The Magnolia State’s golf courses continue to garner national accolades, the latest coming in Golfweek, which lists the following courses on its 2013 "Best Courses You Can Play" state rankings:
1. Fallen Oak in Saucier
2. The Preserve Golf Club in Vancleave
3. Grand Bear Golf Course in Saucier
4. Dancing Rabbit (Azaleas) in Philadelphia
5. Dancing Rabbit (Oaks) in Philadelphia
6. Shell Landing in Gautier
7. The Bridges Golf Club at Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis
8. Timberton Golf Club in Hattiesburg
9. The Oaks in Pass Christian
10. Windance Country Club in Gulfport

For more information on all of the more than 170 courses in the state of Mississippi, visit www.visitmississippi.org/golf or call toll-free 1.866.801.8551.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Hopkins Golf Becomes Title Sponsor of Peach State Pro Tour

(PEACHTREE CITY, Ga.) – The Peach State Pro Tour announces today that it has entered into an agreement with Hopkins Golf to become the new title sponsor of the Peach State Pro Tour.

"We are honored and thrilled to have Hopkins Golf as our new title sponsor” said Greg Hendrix, co-owner of the Peach State Pro Tour.  “Our relationship with Hopkins Golf Company will help expand our reach from a regional level to a national level. Greg Hopkins and his team have put together an outstanding business model and we are confident that they will soon become one of the premier golf club manufacturers in the business. We look forward to helping them build the Hopkins Golf brand and assist them with product sales as they ramp up their operations for the June 2013 launch.”

Hopkins Golf is founded by Greg Hopkins, former CEO of Cleveland Golf.  For more information, visit the Hopkins Golf website at www.hopkinsgolf.com  

Peach State Professional Golf Tour
The Peach State Pro Tour is in its fifth year of operations. The tour is headquartered in Peachtree City, Georgia and runs 25 events per year at some of the finest golf course venues in the southeastern United States. The Tour’s mission is to prepare the world’s best young professional golfers for a successful career in tournament golf. Several former Peach State Pro Tour members have progressed to the Web.com Tour, PGA Tour and Champions Golf Tour. For more information, visit www.pspgt.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Golf Pain Away to Exhibit at Haggin Oaks Golf Expo

Haggin Oaks Hosts America’s Largest Demo Day

(Nicholasville, KY) – Pain Away will be exhibiting for the first time at the Haggin Oaks Golf Expo, America’s largest demo day, April 26-28 at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento, Calif.

“We are excited to participate for the first time at the Haggin Oaks Golf Expo and to showcase our full line of pain relief products to the consumers, PGA professionals and media attending the expo,” said Gary Sheppard, Chief Operating Officer of Pain Away LLC. “We are anticipating significant interest and excitement for trying our full line of natural pain relief products, endorsed by Nick Price, World Golf Hall of Fame member and Captain of the 2013 President’s Cup.”

Golf Pain Away uses a unique blend of 100% natural ingredients from Australia where the formulation has been used by millions of people who suffer from muscular aches, pains and joint discomfort.

Golf Pain Away will be represented by Action Health, LLC, exclusive distributors of Pain Away LLC in California, Nevada and Hawaii.

“The Haggin Oaks Golf Expo will allow golfers and non-golfers to see and experience the benefits of Golf Pain Away,” added Marjorie Savage, President & CEO of Action Health.  “Pain Away offers natural product lines that eliminate the aches and pains associated with minor sports strain experienced by golfers and sports enthusiasts and we look forward to showcasing Golf Pain Away to the 23,000 plus that will be attending the Expo.”

More information on Pain Away can be found at www.golfpainaway.com or by calling 800-215-8739.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Pound Ridge Golf Club, Delamar Greenwich Harbor Offer Spring Golf Package

New York’s only Pete Dye-Design, Idyllic Waterfront Luxury Hotel Combine for Perfect Spring Getaway

(POUND RIDGE, N.Y.) – Pound Ridge Golf Club – the Pete Dye-designed daily fee course 40 miles north of New York City – is offering a spring golf package with The Delamar Greenwich Harbor starting at $515 per person.

Designed for discerning leisure and business travelers who “collect” the world’s most unique and compelling golf courses and boutique hotels, the weekend stay-and-play deal is perfect for an early season getaway.

“The combination of a luxury, waterfront hotel in maritime Greenwich and a ‘core’ golf experience amid the rolling hills and thick strands of hardwoods here in Westchester County makes for an original experience,” says Pound Ridge Golf Club general manager Todd Leavenworth. “Pound Ridge is the only Pete Dye design in the state, and golfers who appreciate his genius will want to check us off their must-play lists.”

The Delamar Greenwich Harbor features 82 deluxe rooms and suites with 500-feet of waterfront and private docks. Designed to evoke old world charm, it houses a full service spa by Elemis and an award-winning restaurant and bar, L'escale. Wrought iron balconies, marble bathrooms and working fireplaces grace the guest rooms of this Mediterranean-inspired “inn.”

The package includes a Friday or Saturday night stay at the hotel and one round of golf. Rates start at $515 (single-occupancy) and $710 (double-occupancy). Guests also receive a $20 food and beverage credit at Pound Ridge, 10% off golf merchandise, breakfast, a bottle of champagne, and a wine and cheese reception. For reservations: www.delamargreenwich.com, 866.335.2627.

Guests enjoy tee time booking via concierge or hotel staff and transportation options (from shuttles to rental cars and limousines).

For more information about Pound Ridge Golf Club: visit www.poundridgegolf.com, call 914.764.5771.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Island Resort Championship Begins 2013 Preparations with Volunteer Call

(HARRIS, Mich.) - Sweetgrass Golf Club and the Delta County Chamber of Commerce seek over 300 volunteers for the Island Resort Championship, as the LPGA Symetra Tour returns to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula June 28-30.

Golf enthusiasts can apply online at the Chamber website (www.deltami.org) through June 1.  Cart drivers, scoreboard assistants, marshals, ticket sales and hospitality greeter positions will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We’re excited to see so many volunteers returning to support this international event,” says Delta County Chamber Executive Director Vickie Micheau. “Each person enjoys special benefits, and the added pleasure of helping promote the careers of the LPGA’s next stars.”

A tournament staff shirt, meal ticket, four general admission passes and a round of golf at Sweetgrass Golf Club are offered to all volunteers in return for their time. Applicants can state their preference of assignment and shift availability for the week’s activities.

This is the third of a three-year Symetra Tour commitment to host the Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass Golf Club, in Harris. Defending champion Leah Wigger of Louisville, Ky. is expected to compete among the field of 144 professional women golfers vying for the $110,000 purse.

“From pro-am participants to corporate sponsors, volunteers to spectators, the Tour can clearly see the community’s love of this tournament,” says Susan Harris of the Island Resort & Casino.  “We look forward to an exciting weekend of professional golf.”

Ticket sales will commence in May. Corporate sponsorship opportunities have been filled.  

Sweetgrass Golf Club is expected to open May 10 for the 2013 golf season; the course will remain open for public play until one week before the event.

For more information:  www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com/symetra-tour-2013.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

G-Mac Wins 2013 RBC Heritage

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA) – Cleveland Golf/Srixon congratulates staffer Graeme McDowell for his victory at the 2013 RBC Heritage held at Harbour Town Golf Links.  Despite difficult conditions yesterday on Hilton Head Island, in South Carolina, McDowell held on to win the tournament in a one-hole playoff.  Battling swirling winds and a four-shot deficit to start Sunday’s round, McDowell rallied to take a one-shot lead into the 72nd hole.  McDowell’s only bogey of the day came on the final hole of regulation, forcing a sudden death playoff.  On the first hole of the playoff, he struck his approach to within 15 feet and two-putted for par and his second career victory on the PGA Tour.

“This game kicks more often than it gives you a pat on the back,” said McDowell.  "It’s hard to win. I guess the weather was what the doctor ordered. I needed that to get close to the leaders."

McDowell, from Northern Ireland, shot a final round 69, one of only three scores in the 60s among the 70 who teed off Sunday, to finish at nine-under par (275).  McDowell’s victory is largely due to his ability to scramble around the greens.  He finished No. 1 in scrambling for the event, making Par or better on 19 of 24 missed greens (79.17%), and maintained his position as the No.1 Scrambler on the PGA Tour in 2013.

In addition to his impressive scrambling statistics, McDowell also ranked inside the Top 10 this week Driving Accuracy (T5), Strokes Gained Putting (6th) and Greens in Regulation (T7).  This win also propelled McDowell back into the Top 10 of the Official World Golf Rankings (8th).

McDowell played a Cleveland Classic driver (9°- Miyazaki Kusala Indigo 56X), a Cleveland Launcher FL fairway wood (14°- Miyazaki Kusala Indigo 72X), a Cleveland 588 MT (3) iron, a Cleveland 588 TT (4) iron, Srixon Z-TX irons (5-9), Cleveland 588 Precision Forged wedges (48°/52°), and a Cleveland 588 RTX wedge (58°), while using a new Srixon Z-STAR XV prototype ball. McDowell also wears a Srixon hat, a Srixon glove and carries a Srixon bag.

For more information on Cleveland Golf/Srixon, and Never Compromise or their staff players, visit www.clevelandgolf.com, www.srixon.com, and www.nevercompromise.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

XGOLF Simulator Selected by Restore Construction for Use in Corporate Setting

(LOS ANGELES) – XGOLF (www.xgolfsimulator.com), a world-renowned technologically-advanced golf simulator, club-fitting and instructional system, has been selected by Restore Construction Co., Inc., in Chicago, for use by its employees, clients and visitors. The company is the most recent to discover the various benefits of XGOLF in a corporate setting, including serving as a way to welcome and entertain potential clients, encourage employee activity and support wellness initiatives.

“More and more corporate entities have ascertained the value of XGOLF for their employees,” said Joseph Huh, CEO of XGOLF. “Whether people are experienced golfers or are new to the game, they are happy to have XGOLF on site as a healthy diversion and source of social interaction at the office.”

In the corporate setting, XGOLF offers realistic simulated golf on nearly 100 golf courses, as well as a variety of game-improvement options and individualized practice modes. Competitive rounds and employee leagues also are popular on XGOLF.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

HIRZL to Participate at America's Largest Demo Day

23,000 Golfers Expected at Haggin Oaks Golf Expo April 26-28

(Granbury, TX) – After setting an all time record for glove sales at the 2011 and 2012 Haggin Oaks Golf Expo, HIRZL announced that it will be returning for the 2013 Expo, April 26-28 at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento, Calif.

According to Mike Pompei, buyer for Haggin Oaks, in 2012, HIRZL out-sold the nearest glove manufacturer by a factor of six times and set the all-time record in the event’s 37 year history for most sales of any glove manufacturer.

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

“We were extremely pleased to see our HIRZL gloves do so well with the Haggin Oaks customers and we look forward to an even better Expo in 2013,” said Steve Gray, Vice President of Sales for HIRZL North America.  “Record sales two years in a row indicates the tremendous consumer, green grass and PGA professional support HIRZL has generated.  It is further proof that HIRZL has become a global pioneer in high performance golf gloves where innovation and precision engineering is at the heart of our philosophy and is supported by a focus on design and top quality production.”

“Thanks to our unique technology and innovative design, HIRZL golf gloves provide an optimal grip in all weather conditions, creating greater swing control for golfers of all playing levels,” added Gray.

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

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Full Swing Golf Simulator's International League Builds Strong Global Competition

(SAN DIEGO, CA) - With springtime comes warm weather and many new golf leagues across the world. But golfers in plenty of cold-weather climates already have their mid-season swings going. That's because they've played all winter in Full Swing Golf's International League, on Full Swing Golf simulators.

The world's largest online international league this past 2012-13 winter season consisted of 274, two-player teams competing against each other at 24 participating locations worldwide. In fact, there were three times more golfers than last year! Players just visited their local facilities in the United States, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Norway, Singapore, Czech Republic, South Africa, Germany, Scotland, Switzerland, Spain and Sweden, to compete against one another.

Currently, each team contributes $40 towards prizes, and plays 16 virtual, weekly nine-hole rounds at the world's top courses. Players can always go online to reference live leaderboards by division, location and country. The season culminates with playoffs, highlighted by the final round. The most recent league paid out an approximate total prize pool of $10,960. Players play without a handicap for the first five rounds, which are not flighted. Then the handicaps get recalculated after each round, to keep the playing field even.

Details are available on the iLeague website at fullswinggolftour.com/ileague, as well as on the league's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IndoorGolfLeague.  

Make no mistake, indoor golf is becoming very popular - because of convenience, its ability to be played in cold weather and at night, quick rounds, and its general social nature. Full Swing Golf's players are loyal, addicted and content to keep playing. They simply keep coming back for more.

While 24 indoor centers worldwide have committed to hosting Full Swing Golf's International League, many others have expressed interest in signing up. That will help make indoor golf a year-round sport and attract sponsors to offer fabulous prizes. It's all about making the sport of indoor golf competitive and fun.

"This two-person team International League platform is just the start," says Chad Coleman, vice president of sales at Full Swing Golf. "From this league, we can create other tournaments, such as Ryder Cup and PGA-style competitions and contests that will keep our customers coming back all-year round. It's an exciting time to become a part of this growing online community."

For more information, visit Full Swing Golf www.fullswinggolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com