Golphin Available at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex

(JUPITER, Florida) – Golphin Ltd. (www.golphin.com), an award-winning Scottish-based company which designs and manufactures specialized golf equipment for children, announces that its GFK line of equipment now is available for purchase at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, in Sacramento, Calif. In the Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop, parents, instructors, program directors and junior golfers can see and experience the superior quality of Golphin’s popular line of clubs for boys and girls.

“We are pleased that Haggin Oaks, America’s most-awarded golf facility, is leading the way in California with Golphin clubs for kids,” said Calum McPherson, founder and managing director of Golphin.

Golphin equipment, introduced into North America earlier this year, is being discovered by countless families and teaching professionals coast to coast for its leading-edge design, which provides young players with immediate success and confidence. Golphin recently partnered with the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) to enhance the junior-golf instructional initiatives provided by LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (LPGA T&PC).

“The Haggin Oaks Golf Super Shop is excited to be the very first account in California to bring on the Golphin line of junior equipment,” said Ken Morton Jr., vice president of retail & marketing for Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. “From its oversize heads to its lightweight design, we feel that it is going to make for a wonderful set of clubs for kids to learn to love the game of golf through programs such as our Tots on the Tee program, various disabled youth programs, junior camps and our upcoming foster kid junior golf program, currently in the planning stages.”

The Powder Horn Golf Club Transitions to Private Club

(Sheridan, WY) —The Powder Horn Golf Club will become a private club on April 1. The change to private achieves a long-time goal of the club and is nearly 19 years in the making.

Powder Horn Golf Club memberships are still available at several levels and residency in The Powder Horn community is not required for club membership. The Premium Golf level, priced at $450 per month, includes exclusive and unlimited access to all of the club’s amenities, including: the 27-hole championship golf course, swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, fly fishing, scenic hiking trails, and clubhouse – featuring the Powder Horn Grill restaurant and Cowboy Bar – as well as fun social activities. In addition, the Premium Golf membership also includes the global benefits of the Troon Privé Privilege program, which provides access to a portfolio of world-class private clubs, and the Troon Advantage program, which delivers preferred rates at Troon-managed daily-fee and resort properties all over the world. Other membership categories currently available include Social Clubhouse, Social Recreational, Young Family Golf, and Individual Golf.

“The Powder Horn is one of the premier communities in the American West, with outstanding offerings and amenities,” says General Manager Robert Kearney. “Reaching this milestone at the Club is a testament to our friends and neighbors who call The Powder Horn home and make it such a warm, welcoming place. Our staff is excited to continue The Powder Horn’s long tradition of Western hospitality and personalized service to help our members enjoy everything the club and property have to offer.”

The Powder Horn’s facilities will continue to be available for special public events such as weddings, banquets, reunions, meetings, and golf tournaments.

The Powder Horn is featured on Where To Retire Magazine's "Best 50 Master Planned Communities" list and was named a “Best Development in the High Country” by Mountain Living magazine. The centerpiece of The Powder Horn Golf Club is its nationally recognized 27-hole championship golf course. Located in a stunning setting at the base of the Big Horn Mountains, the course has been named a top Wyoming golf course by Golfweek and Golf Digest.

For more information about membership at The Powder Horn Golf Club, contact Membership Director Nancy Glazer at (307) 673-4800, ext. 7.

For more information, visit www.thepowderhorn.com or call 307-673-4800.

For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.

Pound Ridge Golf Club Ranks in Golfweek’s Top 10 for Seventh Straight Year

Pete Dye’s Modern Marvel in Westchester County in Elite Company

(POUND RIDGE, N.Y.) – Pound Ridge Golf Club, Pete Dye’s only New York design, has done it again, ranking in the top 10 in “Golfweek’s Best: State-by-State Courses You Can Play” for the seventh straight year.

The Westchester County daily fee course, rated No. 8 on the magazine’s annual list, is once again in elite company alongside PGA TOUR venues and world famous courses including Bethpage Black, Turning Stone Resort and Leatherstocking at Cooperstown. Pound Ridge debuted at No. 11 in 2009, a year after opening, and has steadily evolved into a course appreciated by a wide swath of players.

“We are extremely honored by the Golfweek recognition and delighted with the way the course has matured and come into its own over the past decade,” says Ken Wang, owner of Pound Ridge. “Mr. Dye’s unwavering attention to shot values, proper tee box placement, and overall strategy, coupled with our staff’s commitment to conditioning and service has us well-positioned for the future.”

Golfweek's esteemed ranking panel consists of 675 voters from seven countries who 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 number of courses per state varies based on course supply, population and level of play; and the Golfweek rankings include daily-fee layouts and golf courses accessible via resorts.

Pound Ridge is quintessential Dye, exhibiting all the qualities for which the World Golf Hall-of-Famer is renowned: dramatic, beautiful, rhythmic, challenging, deceptive and subtle. Its strategic blend of challenging driving holes and intriguing risk/reward approach shots is set against a backdrop of rolling hills and thick strands of towering hardwood trees, dotted with dramatic boulders and rock outcroppings.

 For more information, tee times and rates: 914.764.5771, www.poundridgegolf.com.

Pound Ridge Golf Club, Delamar Greenwich Harbor Announce Spring Stay-and-Play Experience

(POUND RIDGE, N.Y.) – Pound Ridge Golf Club – New York’s only Pete Dye design – and the luxurious Delamar Greenwich Harbor invite golfers to cast off the winter and plan for the upcoming golf season with the re-release of their popular stay-and-play experience.

The package is offered seven days a week and includes one round of golf per person and one night’s accommodations. Weekday rates start at $455, weekends at $504 (single occupancy). Value-laden additions include:
- Golf shoe and club rental
- 10% off all golf shop merchandise at Pound Ridge Golf Club
- A bottle of champagne/wine delivered to the room
- 10% off a sports massage at the Spa at Delamar

“Traveling golfers in New York City region for business or leisure can take advantage of the Spring Stay-and-Play to pair world-class golf and accommodations,” says Todd Leavenworth, General Manager. “We have current generation rental clubs and golf shoes, appealing to those who do not want to lug extra gear through airports and in rental cars or taxis.”

Ranked in the top-10 in-state by GOLF Magazine and Golfweek and dubbed a “modern marvel” by Men’s Journal, Pound Ridge boasts a sporty 146 slope and 76.1 course rating from the back tees. However, Dye’s use of handicap differential in determining the placement of the five other sets of tees makes the golf course appealing for every type of player.

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 with services and treatments by the luxury brands Biologique Recherche and Valmont, 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.”

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

For reservations, visit www.delamargreenwich.com or call (866) 335.2627.  For more information about Pound Ridge Golf Club, visit www.poundridgegolf.com or call (914) 764.5771

Devereux Unveils Danny Lee's Style Script for the Year’s First Major

(SCOTTSDALE, AZ) – Devereux, an innovator in proper-fitting men’s golf and resort clothing, today unveiled the style script for PGA TOUR player Danny Lee, for the year’s First Major.  Lee will debut Devereux’s new Andrew Polo – designed for ultimate on-course performance and several other new items from the brand’s widely heralded 72 Collection.

Here are breakdowns of the specific looks Lee will showcase at Augusta:
Thursday, April 7th:
· Lee will pair Devereux’s Andrew Polo in steel with the new aqua colored Prescott Pant.  The Andrew Polo is a beautiful lightweight oxford pique that has a heather effect and consists of 53% Polyester and 47% Pima Cotton.  The Andrew is a uniquely crafted shirt that was designed with “Swing-Free Tailoring” for optimum on-course performance.  The distinctive seams on this shirt allow for a golfer to complete a full turn without motion being restricted by side seams.

Friday, April 8th:
· Lee will look for optimum moisture control by choosing the Reed Polo in aqua and pairing it with the Prescott Pant in steel.  The Reed is constructed of a 65% Pima/35% Poly blend offering incredible moisture wicking control.

Saturday, April 9th:
· Lee will opt for an athletic design on “moving day” trusting his comfort to the Cole Polo in aqua and Prescott Pant in aqua.  The Cole is a Lux-Tech Jersey style polo that features a distinctive abstract cut & sew pattern on the front.

Sunday, April 10th:
· Lee will close out the event turning heads in Devereux’s Andrew polo in aqua combined with the brand’s new Ford Five Pocket Tech Pant in white.  As Lee chases the Green Jacket he is sure to benefit from the “Swing-Free Tailoring” that is designed to perform with the athlete on the course to keep him comfortable and cool.

The 72 Collection is crafted for resort lovers and golf enthusiasts, and features Polo Shirts, Sweaters, Pants, Shorts, a Players Vest, a Blazer and headwear. For more information on Devereux’s entire selection of proper-fitting threads, visit www.dvrxgolf.com.

Border Crossings - Watch the Pros, Play Great Golf

Golf fans traveling to Augusta and Hilton Head Island during the next few weeks can hone their games on numerous outstanding links across South Carolina

(RELEASE) — For golf fans, the dawning of spring truly marks the beginning of the golf season as well. The ball gets rolling with the granddaddy of them all, the Masters at Augusta National; then continues southeast to the coast and Hilton Head Island, S.C., for the player- and fan-favorite alike, the RBC Heritage.

Savvy golfers interested in not only watching the professionals, but also playing outstanding courses will find themselves in one of the game’s most golf-rich states. From the Lowcountry to the Upstate, South Carolina offers numerous memorable golfing experiences.

Resort Report
Located 144 miles from Augusta on Hilton Head Island, Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort is where college stars such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson demonstrated their early prowess during the resort’s longtime intercollegiate golf tournament played over two of its three outstanding courses by a trio of legends in golf course architecture: the renowned Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront Course, the Arthur Hills Course and the Fazio course, designed by George Fazio and his nephew, famed architect Tom Fazio – all three of which have been named South Carolina’s “Golf Course of the Year.” For short-term and long-term accommodations, Palmetto Dunes offers the island’s premier selection of vacation rental properties from oceanfront hotel rooms to spacious villas overlooking the harbour, lagoon, fairways or beach. www.PalmettoDunes.com

Mountains to Midlands
A quartet of regions extending from the center of South Carolina to the extreme northwest tip offers up some of its finest golf where small towns, medium prices and big-name course architects harmoniously blend together. In fact, four members of the Mountains to Midlands (M2M) collaboration were recently ranked among the Top 15 Golf Courses in South Carolina by Golf Advisor. There are also local bands to be heard and sumptuous fare to be enjoyed. Along the way, you’ll learn plenty of rich Revolutionary War history and experience Civil War intrigue. Within any region of M2M at any time of the year, golfers can stay five nights and play five rounds of golf for less than $500. www.m2mgolfsc.com

America’s Value Golf Destination
For more than a half-century, traveling enthusiasts making their way through South Carolina along I-95 (and nearby I-26) have taken advantage of Santee’s excellent golf, superb fishing, affordable accommodations, and outstanding food and entertainment. Upscale premium green fees are nowhere to be found and dollars definitely do go further in Santee. For about $60 per day during the off-season guests can play golf with a cart, enjoy accommodations and a hearty breakfast. Santee offers — all in one I-95 exit — three lakeside golf courses with an additional 14 layouts within a half-hour drive.
santeetourism.com/golf_packages

Private Matters
One of the game’s most positive stories during the past decade has been the emergence of McConnell Golf, which now owns a dozen 18-hole, private golf courses plus one nine-hole course around the Carolinas and Tennessee. Musgrove Mill in Clinton S.C., serves as a tribute to pure golf and a great day-trip for any golfer wanting to tackle one of golf’s finest tests — a sanctuary for golfers to eat and rest their heads after their rounds.

Skillfully designed within the surrounding countryside by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, the highly decorated Musgrove Mill is indeed off the beaten path — a special getaway reminiscent of Pine Valley in Clementon, N.J. “The Mill” features cottages for overnight accommodations, a first-rate practice facility, full-service clubhouse with a private chef, and historic significance as a former Revolutionary War battle site. Boasting a small, select membership, no tee times, and a secluded, natural course layout, The Mill is the ideal destination for the accomplished golfer. www.McConnellGolf.com

Nicklaus’ 1986 Masters Victory Memorialized 30 Years Later in “Jack’s Majors” Fine Art Collection

Dramatic 1986 Masters Win Celebrated in Artistic Tribute

(Bonita Springs, FL) — Thirty years ago, Jack Nicklaus won the last of his record-setting 18 professional major championship titles at the 1986 Masters.  A storied career was punctuated by a riveting and memorable final round that’s been called one of the legendary performances in sport.  The 46-year-old Nicklaus fashioned a magical six-under-par 30 on the back nine to shoot 65 on his way to earning a record sixth Green Jacket.  To this day, Nicklaus remains the oldest winner of the Masters and he also owns or is tied for some 35 Masters records.

World-renowned golf artist Walt Spitzmiller captures on canvas Nicklaus’ dramatic birdie putt on the 16th hole in his extraordinary collection of 18 paintings simply entitled Jack’s Majors.  Each painting in the landmark series brings to life a special moment from the “Golden Bear’s” unmatched legacy.  Spitzmiller spent eight years painting what he believes is golf’s greatest achievement of the modern era:  Jack Nicklaus’ 18 major championship titles.

About the eloquent artistic tribute, Nicklaus said,  “I have always respected Walt’s work and how he interprets a scene and a moment in history.  Walt dedicated himself to the challenge of putting on canvas the story of my 18 majors.  It took me 25 years to win them, and it took Walt eight years to paint them.  I hope he can reflect on his body of work with pride, because he should.”

Collectors and fans of Nicklaus can purchase Jack’s Majors in an exquisite and limited edition Portfolio book.  Only 100 museum-quality volumes numbered and signed by Jack Nicklaus and the artist are available on a custom order basis. The oversize hand bound and luxuriously crafted Portfolio includes 18 giclee art prints (18” x 24”), along with accompanying text that recounts the highlights of each tournament victory.

For more information, visit www.waltspitzmiller.com.

Aveo Introduces Hero Polo for Big and Tall Golfers

(ROGERS, AR) - Aveo, the golf clothing manufacturer dedicated to big and tall men, has introduced the Hero Short-Sleeve Golf Polo.

The polo ($74.99) is the new definition of on-course style. It maintains the durability needed to handle everything a golfer can throw at it during a round. Yet it also feels great against the skin and features our Breathe-Rite mesh side panels that keep a golfer perfectly ventilated, cool and comfortable during the round. Our unique high-performance polyester blend is highly breathable, moisture-wicking, and provides the perfect amount of stretch needed to turn through a monster drive. The polo has a full chest design, three-button placket, and features our signature "Play Fearlessly" branding on the hemline. It's offered in red, white and blue options, in sizes of 1XLT, 2X, 2XLT, 3X, 3XLT and 4X.
 
"Aveo shirts are made with a proprietary polyester blend," says company co-founder Darius Hicks. "We want customers to feel comfortable and unique, while being confident that no one else offers what we do. Our shirts are infused with bamboo fiber that adds several benefits big and tall men will enjoy. First, bamboo adds a level of durability and strength that polyester simply cannot. It's also hypoallergenic and supremely soft to the touch. And it adds high levels of softness and moisture-wicking capabilities. The Aveo Hero Polo is incredibly light and easily allows guys to wear a t-shirt underneath. Its poly-bamboo composition equates to an extremely breathable shirt. Plus, our Breathe-Rite mesh panels tucked under the armpit and extended down the side provide all the fresh air a golfer will need -- not to mention, a slight color contrast that has a cool appearance. Aveo designs are built to match most big and tall specs, but provide amazing fabrics, performance extras, and a very slight taper that promotes a better fit than the typical boxy big and tall shirt. Plus, our tall versions add a few inches in length, allowing for a great fit in the taller man. Our 'Play Fearlessly' branding on the bottom hem of all shirts can be a great reminder while tucked in, or it makes a strong statement while untucked. So feel free to untuck and swing away."

Aveo golf clothing is currently available at Haggin Oaks, Golfdom stores and online at the websites of Dick's Sporting Goods, Golfsmith, TGW, Austad's, kingparsuperstore.com, rockbottomgolf.com. Carl's Golfland and Golf Town Canada, as well as at Aveogolf.com. To view the apparel and place an order on AveoGolf.com go to: http://www.aveogolf.com/#!shop/t2bi8.

Precision Pro Golf Offers $30 Mail-In Rebate on its Nexus Laser Rangefinder

(Cincinnati, OH) - The best deal on the golf industry's most advanced laser rangefinder under $200.00 just got better!

Precision Pro Golf announced that starting April 1 they will be offering a $30 Mail-In Rebate on their Nexus Laser Rangefinder.
 
The Nexus Rangefinder is designed to be easy-to-use with an ergonomic design, durable construction, 1-yard accuracy and at an MSRP of $199.00, and now a $30.00 Mail-In Rebate, is priced with all golfers in mind.
 
With a stylishly designed outer casing, soft-coat material and sleek design the rangefinder fits perfectly in your hand and is rugged enough for the everyday riggers on the golf course. The internal optics components are second to none featuring the Advanced Target Lock Function, Dynamic Scanning Technology (D.S.T), dual coated lenses, and 1-yard accuracy with 1/10th yard measurements (124.6 yards). With the Advanced Target Lock Function, the Nexus Laser Rangefinder scans both the background and flag (or target) to decipher the accurate distance. The Advanced Target Lock eliminates the background yardages and locks in on the flag to give you an accurate distance reading in less than 1.5 seconds.

About the $30 Mail-In Rebate
Nexus Rangefinder must be purchased from an authorized retailer between April 1 and May 31 to be eligible for mail-in rebate. Redemption form must be postmarked by June 15 to be eligible for mail-in rebate. Offer is not valid with any other promotions or discounts.
 
Redemption is only available in the United States. For more information and a Mail-In Rebate Redemption Form visit the Precision Pro website www.precisionprogolf.com.

Troon Selected To Manage Tumble Brook Country Club In Bloomfield, Conn.

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in golf course management, development, and marketing has been selected to manage Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield, Conn., located just outside of Hartford.

Since its founding in 1922, Tumble Brook Country Club has grown in three distinct phases. The first 9-holes, designed by legendary golf course architect Willie Park Jr., opened in 1924.  In 1949, 9 Orrin Smith-designed holes were added. And, in the fall of 1970 the third 9-holes, designed by George Fazio, opened for play. In 2005, work was completed on a 27-hole course renovation directed by Mark McCumber and Associates.

“Tumble Brook Country Club is one of Connecticut’s great private clubs,” said Jim McLaughlin, senior vice president, Troon Privé Operations. “Like many private clubs, the recession of 2008 hit Tumble Brook pretty hard. The members have done an outstanding job of resurrecting the club. We’re excited to now be managing Tumble Brook and look to build upon the club’s storied history.”

Members and their guests enjoy a wide range of recreational and social activities at the club’s well-equipped facilities. Family-friendly amenities include five Har-Tru tennis courts, two paddle tennis courts, a 25-yard heated pool, kiddie pool and play area. The golf practice facilities include a practice putting green, bunker area and a chipping green.

Tumble Brook’s 40,000 square-foot clubhouse features full service golf and tennis pro shops, casual indoor and outdoor dining options, private meeting and banquet rooms, a ballroom with seating for up to 300, men’s and women’s locker and card rooms.

“We are excited about our new relationship with Troon Privé as they are highly respected in the private club industry and will help us improve our overall club experience,” said Gary Greenberg, board president, Tumble Brook Country Club. “In addition, the global benefits of the Troon Privé Privilege program will provide our members with access to Troon’s portfolio of world-class private clubs.”

For more information on Tumble Brook Country Club, visit www.tumblebrookcc.com or call (860)242-4600.

For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.

PGA TOUR Superstore Opens First Store in Utah

Opening Includes $30,000 in giveaways and $15,000 Donation to First Tee Utah

(ATLANTA, GA) – PGA TOUR Superstore is ushering in a new experience for Salt Lake City area golfers with doors opening 9:00 am April 2 for the grand opening of its first interactive Sandy Utah retail store located at 10355 S State Street, east of I-15 off of State Street next to PetSmart and Nordstrom Rack (in a previous Staples location).

Known for its large-format interactive stores across the country, PGA TOUR Superstore’s new Sandy location (its 26th store in the U.S.) will be the largest golf retail store in the area and include a grand opening celebration with $30,000 in product giveaways to the first customers in line and a $15,000 donation to First Tee of Utah to provide area youth with the character-building experience of participating in sports.

The new 25,000 square foot PGA TOUR Superstore in Sandy will employ more than 25 associates, including PGA teaching professionals, and have multiple state-of-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, a large putting green and an in-house club-making and repair facility to provide a unique, interactive experience to golf enthusiasts of all levels.

“The Salt Lake area represents a premier market for our first store in Utah and we are excited to expand and bring the best experiential destination in golf retail to Sandy,” said PGA TOUR Superstore President and CEO Dick Sullivan. “Our professional expertise and interactive environment inspires all types of golfers – from beginners to scratch golfers – to play the game and find everything they need under one roof.”

The Sandy PGA TOUR Superstore grand opening event will take place April 2 with doors opening 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and include $30,000 in giveaways, putting contests and swing evaluations. In addition to the grand opening festivities, PGA TOUR Superstore is also teaming up with First Tee of Utah and will present a check for $15,000, March 31 (6 p.m.) at a Friends & Family event at the store, to help inspire the next generation of golfers to learn how to play golf.

PGA TOUR Superstore is owned and operated by Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc., whose controlling owner and chairman is Arthur M. Blank, retired co-founder of The Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC. PGA TOUR is a trademark of PGA TOUR, Inc. and used under license by Golf and Tennis Pro Shop, Inc.

For more information, visit www.pgatoursuperstore.com.

Tony Finau Rallies to Win His First PGA Tour Title

At the Puerto Rico Open, Finau clinched his first PGA Tour title after sinking a three-foot putt for birdie with his Nike Method Converge S2-12 putter

(RELEASE) - Nike athlete Tony Finau, who joined Nike this past January, claimed a monumental victory on Sunday with his new Nike equipment.

At the Puerto Rico Open, Finau clinched his first PGA Tour title on the third playoff hole after sinking a three-foot putt for birdie with his Nike Method Converge S2-12 putter. In the windy conditions at Coco Beach, the 26-year-old power hitter ranked fourth in driving distance averaging 302-yard drives with the combination of his Nike Vapor Fly driver and Nike RZN Tour Black ball. So far in 2016, Finau is averaging seven more yards in driving distance compared to his 2015 season and is currently ranked first on the PGA Tour.

"I haven’t driven the ball better in my career than I have this year," confirms Finau. “I like a firmer cover on my golf ball, so the RZN Tour Black turned out to be the perfect ball for me. It’s the best ball I’ve ever played.”

FINAU’S NIKE GOLF EQUIPMENT
- Driver: Nike Vapor Fly 10.5-degree (Graphite Design DI 8X)
- Fairway Woods: Nike Vapor Fly 15-degree
- Irons: Nike Vapor Fly Pro (3); Nike Vapor Pro (4-PW)
- Wedges: Nike Engage 50 (Square Sole), 56 (Square Sole) and 58-degree (Dual Sole)
- Putter: Nike Method Converge S2-12
- Ball: Nike RZN Tour Black
- Footwear: Nike Lunar Control 4; Nike Chukkas

NIKE GOLF’S 2016 PGA TOUR VICTORIES
- Tony Finau – Puerto Rico Open
- Charl Schwartzel – Valspar Championship

NIKE GOLF’S 2016 INTERNATIONAL VICTORIES
- Charl Schwartzel – Tshwane Open

Are You Missing the Most Important Stretch in Golf?

The MISIG (the Most Important Stretch in Golf) is designed around one of the most important fundamentals in the golf swing – the takeaway

(DES PLAINES, Ill.) - The MISIG, the Most Important Stretch in Golf, is a complete golf performance program that includes a stretching program, swing training program and exercise program. It is designed around one of the most important fundamentals in the golf swing – the takeaway.

The MISIG is an incredible stretching device that builds muscle memory and develops a proper takeaway. By keeping the elbow locked through extension and wrists hinging properly, golfers can develop an increased range of motion, more degrees in the back swing and faster club head speed for a more powerful swing. A stronger swing leads to more consistency, distance, and playing better golf.

The MISIG was launched at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show January 26-29 in Orlando, Fla., and was featured on Golf Channel’s Morning Drive by Lauren Thompson as her favorite “new product” of the show. Since that time, the company has been ramping up production to keep up with the demand for the MISIG.  Earlier this month the MISIG sold out at golf consumer shows in Chicago and Milwaukee and is being released to the general public worldwide this week.

The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), the world’s leading educational organization pertaining to the human body’s physical performance in golf since 2003, has provided substantial documentation on the importance of stretching in golf including many video segments that are available on YouTube.  More recently, PGA Tour and Champions Tour member and 21-time European Tour Champion, Miguel Angel Jimenez, aka “the Mechanic,” has made stretching in golf “cool” with his infamous array of gyrations and contortions that are part of his pre-round stretching routine often seen on the driving range.

“There are numerous benefits from stretching and using the Most Important Stretch in Golf,” said inventor and owner, Bernie Fay. “Improving your range of motion is critical to developing a better golf swing. MISIG is a great tool for instructors and rehabilitation specialists as well.”

Stretch. Swing. Exercise. Repeat. Simply make the MISIG a part of your daily training or warm-up routine by sliding the handle five to six times up the bar per set. Golfers will quickly develop stronger golf muscles and avoid injuries due to increased flexibility, loosened tendons and muscles, and improved extension. Along with physical improvements, players will gain a better understanding of the mechanics of the swing.
 
The MISIG assists with feeling the proper transition at the top of the swing allowing for more consistency and improved shot making.

The MISIG is available now and can be purchased online at www.feelthestretch.com.  It comes with three different length bands for customized training – yellow, blue and red with retail price of $79.99.  Special pricing offered for PGA Professionals.

For retail information, call Bernie Fay 847-691-2747, and to see a product demo visit www.feelthestretch.com.

Jason Day Offers Candid, Emotional Interivew on the Next Feherty, Monday, March 28 at 9 p.m. ET

Australian Native Discusses His Troubled Childhood; How He Almost Quit Golf; His Rise to the Top; and the Importance He Places on Family

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – Poised to become one of the most emotion-evoking episodes in the six season history of the series, current No. 2 player in the world and native Australian Jason Day will join David Feherty for a new episode of Feherty that will premiere on Monday, March 28 at 9 p.m. ET on Golf Channel. Shot in Palm Springs, Calif., the 28-year-old major champion opens up about the unique path he has taken to the top of the game (ascending to the No. 1 player in the world last fall), touching upon:
- His troubling childhood, and learning to cope with his “abusive drunk” father – Alvin – who first introduced the younger Day to golf at age 3, and who later would motivate him on the golf course through fear of physical and verbal abuse.
- Turning to anger and alcohol at age 11, and soon after, at the wishes of his father following his death, enrolling in a prestigious golf academy where he would meet Colin Swatton. In addition to his current role as Day’s caddie, Swatton became a true father figure and a trusted confidant to Day.
- What led to his decision to almost quit golf prior to his first Masters appearance in 2010
- The priority he places on family, as a husband to his wife Ellie and a father to his children Dash and Lucy.

Record viewership for Season Six of Feherty
Season six of Feherty got off to a hot start with the two-part season premiere featuring World No. 1 Jordan Spieth. The premiere of Part I drew 325,000 avg. viewers per minute on a Live+Same Day basis, and the Part II premiere saw 351,000 avg. viewers, becoming the second and third most-watched Feherty premieres in the history of the series (2011-’16, trailing only the series premiere with guest Lee Trevino coming off U.S. Open week in 2011 – 368,000 avg. viewers).

Upcoming Guests on Feherty
Other guests scheduled to join Feherty in 2016 include Pro Football Hall of Famers, running back Emmitt Smith and wide receiver Cris Carter; Emmy-winning NBC Sports personality Bob Costas; long-time golf analyst Peter Oosterhuis, who in 2015 announced his ongoing battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s; six-time Solheim Cup participant and women’s major champion golfer Paula Creamer; legendary play-by-play voice and “Mr. Baseball,” Bob Uecker; and former NBA all-star and head coach Doug Collins.

Myrtle Beach World Amateur Handicap Championship Begins to Accept Entries March 29

Players that Register Within First Two Weeks Will Be Eligible to Win $10,000 in Random Drawing Prizes

(Myrtle Beach, S.C.) – Spring is the best time of year for golfers. Weather across the nation rapidly improves, Grand Strand golf courses are in full bloom, and the Myrtle Beach World Amateur Handicap Championship begins accepting entries.

The 33rd annual tournament, which will be played August 27 – September 2 and is again expected to attracted 3,400 golfers from more than 30 countries, will open for entries on March 29.

The early entry cost is $525 and anyone that registers by April 12 will be eligible to win more than $10,000 in random drawing prizes. To register for the event, go to www.MyrtleBeachWorldAm.com.

The World Am, a 72-hole net stroke play tournament, will be played on more than 60 of Myrtle Beach’s best golf courses. The entry fee includes four rounds of golf, a gift bag, and nightly entry into the World’s Largest 19th Hole, which will again feature free food and drinks, live entertainment, a golf expo and more.

The World Am is the game’s most unique and inclusive tournament. Golfers are flighted based on gender, age and handicap, and at the conclusion of four rounds, all flight winners and ties advance to the 18-hole championship playoff where a World Champion is crowned.

Players with handicaps as low as three and as high as 34 have won the event. The game’s most aggressive handicap monitoring system is at the heart of the World Am’s success, ensuring players are competing on a level playing field.

The tournament features five competitive divisions, ranging from men and women 49 years of age and under to the super seniors, who are 70+ years old.

Learning How to Use the GoPro Hero 4

When practicing putting collides with learning how to use my GoPro Hero 4 ... .

In use:
Monsta Golf balls
Cleveland TFi 2135 putter

Get Your Summer Junior Golf Program on Track with Little Golf T.R.A.I.N.

(JUPITER, FL) – All across the country and around the world, Little Golf T.R.A.I.N. is signing up PGA and LPGA Teaching Professionals and pre-school educators as Certified Conductors (instructors) to introduce children ages 2-5 to the game of golf. It's a great way to begin a grow-the-game program at your facility or enhance your existing junior golf program.

Now is the time for you or one of your assistants to become a Certified Conductor, so you’ll be ready to launch your junior camp or program this summer. For details on how to become a Certified Conductor (instructor) and gain access to 24 manuals and three types of kits to run a program, as well as Little Golf T.R.A.I.N. merchandise, click on www.littlegolfTRAIN.com.

PGA Professionals can earn three Education Credits when they complete the Little Golf T.R.A.I.N. online certification program, and LPGA Professionals can earn 4 CU Credits when they become Certified Conductors.

Founder Patricia Donnelly, PhD, and Co-Founder Nicole Weller, PGA/LPGA, envision Little Golf T.R.A.I.N. as an age-appropriate, developmentally correct way to introduce very young children, ages 2-5, to golf before they become committed to other sports such as soccer, tennis and swimming. They are targeting PGA and LPGA Teaching Professionals as well as pre-school educators. To schedule one-on-one interviews with Dr. Donnelly and Ms. Weller, contact info@littlegolftrain.com.

“Parents and coaches want our youngest golfers to truly enjoy the game and learn the correct fundamentals while having fun,” says Dr. Donnelly, a world-renowned educational sport psychotherapist. “We have studied what is fun for a child aged 2-5 and have made it an integral part of the program. That’s why we developed the T.R.A.I.N. approach, based on teaching through play.” Says Weller, Head Teaching Professional at The Landings Club, in Savannah, GA.: “Our program is rooted in early-childhood, age-appropriate techniques and is designed to foster joy in learning about the game. Our goal is to certify golf professionals and pre-school educators around the world so they can introduce children to golf in an age-appropriate way and at the same time grow their own business.”

Getting to Know: John Sanford, Golf Course Architect

American Golfer: When did you start playing golf?
John Sanford: When I was 12 my father retired from baseball and went full time into the golf business, I started playing with my buddies when we weren't playing baseball. I continued playing other sports until I was 15 when I started to focus on golf.

John Sanford

AG: How did you become a golf course designer?
JS: During the off season my dad was working for a land development company in West Palm Beach, they were building a golf course and the architect, Bill Mitchell, was our neighbor. Even though I wasn't playing golf yet I was fascinated by Mr. Mitchell's plans and watched the course get built. It seemed pretty cool that you could make a living by designing and building golf courses.

AG: Why did you choose a career in golf course design?
JS: Once I started playing golf regularly I fell in love with the game and realized the designer can create a composition on each hole and evoke emotion in the golfer. This was very intriguing and led me into landscape architecture at LSU. A few years out of college I was working for an LA firm. We were doing a master plan for a resort in the Dominican Republic. I proposed a golf course for the project and ended up designing the entire course, the rest is history.

AG: In your opinion, have any design trends hurt the game?
JS: The excesses of the 80s and 90s hurt the game. Longer, more difficult courses made golf too expensive and not so much fun for most players. Simple bunkers are as effective as complex ones and less expensive to maintain. Most golfers play from 6,400 yards or less. Many great old course are built on 100 acres or less. In most cases there is no need for a 7,000-yard course on 180 acres.

AG: How can we grow the game of golf?
JS: Golf has to be fun again. Equipment regulations should be bifurcated so Joe Q. Golfer can hit his tee shots another 20 yards and recover from bunkers. He still has to get it in the hole but he'll have more fun doing it.

AG: Do you have a specific design philosophy?
JS: As landscape architects we learn to analyze the property and work closely with natural features. Then it's all about strategy, creating different shot options for all levels of golfers, using angles and risk/reward opportunities is what the game is all about.

AG: Of all the holes you’ve designed, do you have a favorite (why)?
JS: It's hard to boil it down to one favorite hole. I love drivable par 4s ... they offer the ultimate in risk/reward. No. 9 at Granite Links, No. 9 at Juliette Falls and No. 7 at Ferry Point come to mind.

AG: What’s your “dream foursome” (living or dead, golfer or non-golfer)?
JS: Certainly my Dad, Mr. Nicklaus and Mr. Hogan. I have tremendous respect for Mr. Nicklaus for a number of reasons and would love to watch Hogan swing the club for 18 holes.

AG: Is there a “bucket list” location in/on which to design?
JS: I've often said I would work in the coastal dunes of Ireland for nothing. I love the country, the people and the landscape. Ok, well, maybe for travel expenses!

AG: What is the future of golf course design?
JS: Repurposing courses to provide a better business model and ancillary land uses will continue for a while. New courses - whether domestic or international - will need to fit the market place better than in the past. This could mean designing and building courses on less land or a simplified version of golf to introduce new golfers in developing countries.

Learn more about Sanford Golf Design at www.sanfordgolfdesign.com.

CHAMP Celebrates 85th Anniversary with Company Rebrand

The #1 Brand on Tour Has Been an Industry Innovator for Nearly Nine Decades

(MARLBOROUGH, MA) – CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide – The World Leader in Sport Cleat Technology and maker of innovative CHAMP spikes – is celebrating the family-owned company’s 85th anniversary with a complete rebranding that includes a new logo, packaging and social media handles.

Founded in 1931 by Harold MacNeill, the brand has been operated by the MacNeill family for nearly nine decades. In the 1940s, they introduced the SURE-LOCK golf spike, which quickly became the choice of the world’s best players, including the legendary Byron Nelson. The Hall of Famer suggested the company adopt his nickname, “CHAMP,” for marketing purposes. For 2016, a refreshed logo and updated packaging colors/designs will complement a new social media presence, as the brand will now utilize the handle @champgolf1931 across all channels to reflect its heritage.

Over the past 85 years, the company has been responsible for a number of innovations in golf traction, including in 1988 when they launched the first “soft spike,” ushering in a paradigm shift that was focused on green-friendly designs and player comfort. Beyond golf, the company has a strong presence in a variety of other sports and industrial activities, including football, soccer, baseball, logging and more.

“My father and grandfather started the company from our basement when America was in the midst of the great depression and worked tirelessly to engineer a variety of parts and products,” says Harris MacNeill, President and CEO. “Once we got into golf, the trajectory of the company skyrocketed and from those humble beginnings we’re now designing equipment that the best players in the world rely on each week.”

Under the guidance of Harris MacNeill, the third generation of the family to helm the company, CHAMP has continued to dominate the spikes category, while also successfully expanding into tees, grips and a variety of other accessories. He has been pivotal in not only diversifying the company’s offerings, but leading a global expansion that has seen the CHAMP brand reach all corners of the world.

CHAMP’s other signature products include the Zarma FLYtee series and innovative C Grips line. CHAMP’s FLYtee line was developed to increase distance, accuracy and durability and as a result has become one of the top selling performance tees on the market. Designed with a strong emphasis on technical innovation and game-improving performance, the C Grips collection has gained a loyal following among players who recognize its superior feel, durability and performance characteristics.

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

Cure Putters Staff Professional Austen Truslow Captures a T-6th Place Finish at The Ocala Open

(Jacksonville, FL) - Cure Putters Staff Professional Austen Truslow captured a T-6th place finish at the Florida Professional Golf Tour's Ocala Open held at Candler Hills Golf Course this past weekend. The New Smyrna Beach, FL native shot rounds of 67, 67 and 68 to finish 11 under for the tournament and collect a paycheck for $2,500.00.

Truslow, a 20-year-old college student, was tied for 1st Place after 36 holes of the tournament with one round left to play. He was even par for the day before he got a hot hand with birdies on 11, 13, 15 and 17 in the second round.

"I just stayed patient and present and stuck to my routine," Truslow said. "I didn't make a bogey, so it was just kind of a steady round ... then putts started dropping on 11."

His final birdie of the second round on the Par-3 17th Hole came on a putt pushing 40 feet. The putt broke big from right to left to go in and ultimately put Truslow atop the leaderboard. He fired a 68 on Friday and finished T-6th for the tournament.

Jim Barfield, VP of Tour Operations for Cure Putters, recognized the potential Truslow had when he first met him eight years ago as a junior amateur player. "Austen is extremely talented and has an incredible work ethic. There was no doubt in my mind that he would make it on the Tour someday. I've seen him dominate at every level he's played at and now he's living his dream and playing as a professional. I got a chance to work with him about 2 months ago and fitted him for an RX3 putter. The results were amazing. He gained 2.6 strokes per round with the RX3 putter in his hands. He played in a Web.com Tour event recently and didn't 3 putt in 72 holes of the tournament. This T-6th Place Finish at the Ocala Open is evidence that he's on his way and I expect you'll hear a lot more from him as the season unfolds."

Austen Truslow carries a Cure Putters Staff Bag and wears the Cure Putters logo on his hat in Florida Professional Golf Tour events and is currently playing in Web.com tournament qualifiers as well.

For more information on Cure Putters visit cureputters.com.

Golphin Partners with LPGA

(JUPITER, Florida) – Golphin (www.golphin.com), an award-winning Scottish-based company which designs and manufactures specialized golf equipment for children, has partnered with the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). The new partnership will enhance the junior-golf instructional initiatives provided by LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (LPGA T&PC) and will offer Golphin a unique opportunity to support junior golf in concert with the LPGA.

“As we continue to expand our commitment to children’s golf in the U.S. and worldwide, we are pleased to announce our partnership with the LPGA and its outstanding instructional programs,” said Calum McPherson, founder and managing director of Golphin.

Golphin will display its specialized lines of junior-golf equipment at the LPGA Regional Pro-Am, Stroke Play and Conference to be held in Las Vegas Oct. 28-31. Golphin clubs will be utilized during LPGA Tour Junior Clinics, beginning at the Kia Classic, in Carlsbad, Calif., on Saturday, March 26, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Golphin clubs have been provided to select LPGA T&CP members who specialize in teaching children, with excellent results.

“We are excited to utilize the Golphin line of golf clubs for juniors three to twelve years old,” said LPGA Chief Teaching Officer Nancy Henderson. “The Golphin products will assist us as we encourage young juniors at LPGA tour clinics and at several LPGA T&CP events this year to learn the sport.

“When teaching young juniors, it is critical for them to see immediate success when they first attempt to learn to play. This positive response ultimately will affect the chances of them returning to learn more and engaging with the sport for life.”

For more information, see www.golphin.com.

Lamkin Unveils Special Edition Grips to Celebrate Season’s First Major Championship

Fan Favorite Green and Yellow Colors Offered in Three Popular Models

(SAN DIEGO, CA) – Lamkin Corporation – the original manufacturer of premium golf grips – announces the company will offer three Special Edition grips (from $4.99) for a limited time through www.LamkinGrips.com to mark the season’s first Major Championship.

These Special Edition grips feature a vivid green and yellow colorway with a white Lamkin logo. Models include the popular Wrap-Tech and UTx, as well as the new SINK putter grip. For top performance from tee to green, the Wrap-Tech combines a double-helix pattern with a patented ACE compound that delivers superior shock absorption, comfort and control, while UTx features Tri-Layer Technology for excellent traction, torsion control and grip stability. On the green, SINK grips promote proper wrist alignment with curved-handle profiles in square and rounded shapes that steady the hands for a smooth putting stroke.

“The release of our Special Edition grips has become a celebrated Lamkin tradition that we know our customers look forward to each year,” said Bob Lamkin, President and CEO of Lamkin. “We could think of no better way to celebrate an iconic tournament and the arrival of spring than by offering grips that make you want to get out there and play like the pros.”

Lamkin continues to be an industry leader among grip manufacturers by offering the widest assortment of performance-enhancing golf grips. The company’s famed products are preferred by PGA Tour superstars Justin Rose, Keegan Bradley, Brandt Snedeker, Miguel Angel Jimenez and the legendary Arnold Palmer among others.

Lamkin grips are unrivaled in quality thanks to world-class engineering, premium materials and handcrafted, repeatable production techniques. The company’s popular lines include the Wrap-Tech, UTx Wrap, Crossline, SINK and i-Line grips.

More information: www.LamkinGrips.com or 800-642-7755. Get social: @LamkinGrips.

Kapalua Golf and Kapalua Golf Academy Announce New 2016 Golf Packages

(Maui, Hawaii) – Kapalua Golf, located on Maui, recently unveiled three new golf packages for its two award-winning courses – The Plantation Course and the Bay Course – and at the state-of-the-art Kapalua Golf Academy. Golfweek magazine just named the Coore/Crenshaw-designed Plantation Course the No. 1 Course "You Can Play" in Hawaii for the 10th consecutive year, while the Arnold Palmer/Francis Duane-designed Bay Course at Kapalua placed No. 11.

New Kapalua Golf packages offered now through December 19, 2016, include:
Weekend Warrior
The Weekend Warrior package includes the following:
- Unlimited golf any two days Friday through Sunday
- Unlimited usage of the Kapalua Golf Academy practice facility
- Unlimited usage of the 3-hole Walking Course (located at Kapalua Golf Academy)
- Unlimited court usage at the Kapalua Tennis Garden
- $395+ tax per person - Kapalua Resort Guest
- $445+ tax per person - Standard Guest

Replay Rounds booked same day on space available basis. Prices are per person and for green fee/shared cart. Rental clubs are available for $45+ tax per day. Golf balls sold separately. Each package includes automatic enrollment in Troon Rewards and Troon Rewards points for the golf and merchandise elements of your package.

Three Day Unlimited Player's Choice
The Three Day Unlimited Player’s Choice package includes the following:
- Three days of unlimited golf within a seven day period
- Unlimited usage of the Kapalua Golf Academy practice facility
- Unlimited usage of the 3-hole Walking Course (located at Kapalua Golf Academy)
- Unlimited court usage at the Kapalua Tennis Garden
- $595+ tax per person - Kapalua Resort Guest
- $665+ tax per person - Standard Guest

Replay Rounds booked same day on space available basis. Prices are per person and for green fee/shared cart. Rental clubs $45+ tax per day. Golf balls sold separately. Each package includes automatic enrollment in Troon Rewards and Troon Rewards points for the golf and merchandise elements of your package.

Half Day Golf School Special 
Unparalleled in the state of Hawaii, the Kapalua Golf Academy offers a wide spectrum of instruction including personalized sessions, corporate clinics, half or multi-day golf schools and daily clinics.
The Half Day Golf School package includes the following:
- 3 hours of instruction
- Lunch at The Plantation House Restaurant or Pineapple Grill
- Afternoon round of golf on the Bay Course or Plantation Course
- Complimentary rental clubs
- $375+ tax per person - Kapalua Resort Guest
- $405+ tax per person - Standard Guest
- *Instruction, lunch and golf must be used same day.

For more information or reservations, call 877.KAPALUA (527.2582), email kapalua@troon.com or visit http://www.golfatkapalua.com/2016-Golf-Packages-and-Specials.html.

For additional information about Kapalua Golf and Troon, visit www.GolfAtKapalua.com or www.Troon.com.

Enemies of the Course Celebrates Golf's Unsung Heroes

The latest Nike Golf Club Collection features lifestyle-inspired golf apparel to be worn both on and off the course

(RELEASE) - Before the sun rises, before any clubs are removed from their covers, before practice swings are taken and tees are placed in the ground, greenskeepers tirelessly labor to prepare the course for play. When a sprinkler line breaks or a clump of weeds threatens to invade the fairway, they quietly work to ensure the next tee time is uninterrupted.

The latest in the Nike Golf Club Collection, the Enemies of the Course pack pays homage to these unsung heroes of the game via a custom print created in collaboration with artist Michelle Morin. Combining the motif with street-style influences, the collection introduces a range of course-ready looks.

Depicted in the print are more than 15 varieties of plants and animals — the various enemies that greenskeepers combat on a daily basis as they keep the courses in the best condition possible to allow golfers to focus on their game. Enemies included in the print are snakes, geese, deer, dandelions, one-leaf clovers and an alligator.

“Once I nailed down which plants and animals I wanted to include, I was able to play around with the color and pattern,” Morin explains. “I altered the scale of some of the plants to give the finished piece a more imaginary narrative. My goal was to create a pattern that allowed the viewer to get lost in the detail and that brings your eye in and out of the composition, so with every glance you see something new.”

Also featured in the collection are lifestyle-inspired silhouettes, such as the raglan polo, fleece cardigan, coach’s jacket and selvedge pant, designed for off-course style with on-course functionality. A bucket hat and an AW84 are available in both black and the iconic Enemies of the Course print.

The Enemies of the Course pack is available now at nike.com and select retailers.

New PING G Series #1 Seller in All Four Categories

(PHOENIX) – In less than a month on the market, PING G drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons were the #1 sellers (units and dollars) in their respective categories for February in the on- and off-course retail channels combined, according to Golf Datatech, which tracks golf equipment sell-thru data for the United States.

“We’re very appreciative that golfers continue to put their confidence in our latest technology,” said PING Chairman & CEO John A. Solheim about the new G Series, which arrived in golf shops on February 11. “The new G lineup offers golfers the performance they need to lower their scores and enjoy the game more. To be the top seller in all four categories is very rewarding and another testament to our engineering and manufacturing teams that ensure our products deliver the innovation and quality that PING was founded on more than 55 years ago.”

Tour acceptance for the G driver and fairway woods has been swift, with the majority of PING staff players around the world switching to the new clubs immediately, including Bubba Watson and Louis Oosthuizen. Both PING professionals have already won with a G driver and fairway wood in their bags.

Solheim also praised the role of PING’s extensive network of authorized custom-fitting specialists, who help golfers get PING products that are best suited to their games.

“As the club-fitting leader, we rely on the expertise of more than 3000 dedicated PING fitters around the country to communicate and demonstrate the benefits of custom fitting,” he added. “They embrace our belief that custom fitting makes a huge difference in helping golfers play better and get the most out of their ability. The early success of the new G products is evidence that golfers are being properly fit, comparing their results and seeing measurable improvements in their games.”

Antigua Team on Tour Players Enjoyed Successful Week on Champions, LPGA Tours

(PEORIA, AZ) - The Antigua Group, one of the nation's leading designers and marketers of lifestyle apparel under the genuine Antigua brand, congratulates its Tour Staff players on a strong week on the Champions and LPGA Tours.

Tour results over the weekend include first and second place finishes on the Champions Tour. Woody Austin was victorious at the Tucson Conquistadores Classic in Tucson, Arizona. Jim Carter finished one shot back to capture 2nd place.    

On the LPGA Tour  Stacy Lewis finished 4th at the JTBC Founders Cup event in Phoenix, Arizona. Kim Kaufman and Brittany Lange tied for 9th and  Gerina Piller placed 12th.

"We have a great group of Ambassadors on all tours and this week the Ladies and the Champions played exceptionally well," said Ron  McPherson, President and CEO, The Antigua Group.

Find Antigua on the web at: www.Antigua.com and ShopAntigua.com. Like Antigua on Facebook at: facebook.com/Antigua. Follow Antigua on Twitter at: twitter.com/AntiguaWear. See Antigua YouTube videos at: youtube.com/AntiguaWear.

DeVries Designs Inc., Infinite Variety Golf Design Form Trans-Atlantic Partnership

Leading course designers to collaborate on projects throughout North America, UK, and Europe

(Traverse City, MI) – Two leading international golf course design companies are forming a trans-Atlantic partnership to provide clients with unparalleled expertise and experience in golf course architecture.

Mike DeVries, principal partner in DeVries Designs, based in Traverse City, Michigan, and Frank Pont, principal in Infinite Variety Golf Design, based in The Netherlands, will share their passion for golf architecture to create new golf course design projects and restore classic courses throughout the UK, Europe, and North America.

This collaborative partnership offers an innovative way to create new opportunities, specifically in new designs. With DeVries’ success on high profile projects like Cape Wickham Links, recently named No. 24 in the World by Golf Digest, together with Pont’s experience with award-winning courses and his strong network in Europe and the UK, the team is ready to coordinate resources, expertise, and personnel to create outstanding new golf developments for clients.

Pont’s experience in restoring classic designs positions him as the leading expert on the design work of Colt, Alison, Fowler, and Simpson, while DeVries brings his expert knowledge of MacKenzie, Ross, Tillinghast, Raynor, and other classic designers. Together, the partnership will combine their strengths to provide options for clubs across North America and the UK seeking to restore or renovate their historic golf courses.

“I am really excited about the opportunity of working in Europe and with Frank, who is a very forward-thinking practitioner of our craft and respects the character and history of classic golf courses,” said DeVries. “Frank’s understanding of the European golf environment, combined with my knowledge of American architecture, broadens our abilities and makes us a formidable duo to build new, as well as properly restore and renovate classic courses.”

With more than 35 years in the golf business, including growing up and working on the renowned MacKenzie design Crystal Downs in northern Michigan, DeVries has developed an impressive hands-on approach to creating minimalist designs, including shaping his own greens and bunkers, working with owners and construction teams to develop economically feasible golf courses, and paying attention to the details with a “less is more” attitude of designing courses that fully integrate with the landscape.

His award-winning projects include the aforementioned Cape Wickham, as well as the Kingsley Club (#21) and Greywalls (#77) on Golfweek’s Top 100 Modern Courses in the USA.  Meadow Club (Alister MacKenzie), Siwanoy Country Club (Donald Ross), and Sunningdale Country Club (Raynor, Travis, Tillinghast) are examples of his classic course restorations.

Following a successful career in consulting and investment banking, Pont has spent the last 15 years becoming one of Europe’s leading course designers and experts on restorations. In addition to his work on Colt, Alison, Simpson, Arana and Pennink designs, he has also created several highly acclaimed new course designs in his home country of the Netherlands, including De Swinkelsche, which is ranked in the top 10.

He is currently working with 15 classic golf clubs listed on Golf World’s English and European Top 100. The clubs where he has been working on extensive restorations, such as De Pan (#26 to #3), Hardelot (#98 to #27), Royal Hague (#19 to #6), and Eindhoven (#81 to #33), have all made spectacular improvements in the course rankings in recent years.  No other architectural firm in Europe has delivered similar results in such a consistent manner.

“Our partnership is great news, first and foremost for our clients who will benefit from even better and more complete services, but as importantly for ourselves in that Mike and I will be able to have even more fun working together on great projects,” said Pont. “It will follow the example of Colt and Alison who had a similar trans-Atlantic partnership during the Golden Age of golf. I am convinced our partnership will be a game changer in the global arena of golf course architecture that others will find hard to emulate.”

DeVries and Pont are dedicated to the quality and purity of classic golf design, while serving the needs of their clients and advising them as to the most effective and efficient ways of doing things. The synergies of this trans-Atlantic partnership will lead to a new paradigm of economic excellence in golf course design and construction.

For more information about this partnership or each of the respective companies, contact:
DeVries Designs, Inc., www.devriesdesigns.com  tel: (231) 933-9169, mike@devriesdesigns.com
Infinite Variety Golf Design, www.infinitevarietygolf.com, tel +31-641058300, fp@frankpont.com

Golfweek Names New Associate Publisher

(ORLANDO, Fla.) — Golfweek has promoted Henry Robinson, current east coast advertising director, to the position of associate publisher effective immediately. As associate publisher, Robinson will oversee national advertising sales and focus on creating a consultative sales organization designed to provide targeted marketing programs and dynamic advertising solutions for a wide array of clients.

Robinson has been with Turnstile Media Group – Golfweek's parent company – for a total of 16 years and has held various positions, including Golfweek's director of special products and publisher of the former Golf & Travel magazine.

"Since becoming publisher last October, I've found Henry's dedication and assistance invaluable," said Golfweek Group Publisher Alex Miceli. "His thorough knowledge of the brand and extensive experience in media sales will undoubtedly allow him to excel in this new role, and I'm looking forward to working closely with him as we take Golfweek to the next level."

Four Seasons Resort Lāna’i Manele Golf Course Eases Golfers into the Game 'Hawaii Style'

New players and old hands can improve their games—and have more fun under the tropical sun

 
(LANA‘I, HAWAI‘I) – Golfers visiting the award-winning Four Seasons Resorts Lāna’i in Hawai’i will find a wide array of offerings that hit the game’s sweet spots—technology, equipment, and entertainment.

Golfers of all ages, both new to the sport or well experienced, will find a choice of ways to enjoy the breathtaking Manele Golf Course, including instruction and amenities that bring a new spirit to the old game. This Jack Nicklaus Signature Design – the number 2-ranked resort layout in the Hawaiian Islands – boasts a magnificent routing that plays along lava outcroppings and rugged oceanside cliffs.

Looking to learn or get better? The resort’s staff of PGA-certified instructors knows how to put the “fun” into the fundamentals with a selection of traditional lessons and specialty programs. The practice range becomes party central with big helpings of cool towels, iced water, and fresh fruit to keep students laughing while they’re learning.

While many guests come to Lāna’i to “unplug,” they’ll find the latest technology at the golf course ready to help them improve and shine a new light on their swings and equipment. With the help of industry-leading Trackman swing analyzers, golfers can fix their form and fine-tune their clubs during the week:
- Trackman Tuesdays: Learn how to get more out of your clubhead speed, ball speed and spin, launch angle, and the other factors key to hitting longer, straighter shots.
- Club Fitting Wednesdays: Get a better understanding of how a properly fit set of clubs can affect your results, then get measured for the right length, lie angle, and shaft for your game.
- Wedge Fitting Thursdays: Good golfers know the importance of the short game, and this clinic explains which wedges best handle all those critical shots around the green.

In need of more specialized instruction? Sign up for a 30- or 60-minute lesson on the expansive driving range. For course management and strategy, two-hour playing lessons on the beautiful Manele Golf Course are available.

For something a little more casual but no less comprehensive, the half-day “Golf 101” program is the perfect way to introduce newbies to the game, with a primer on golf etiquette, some swing time on the range, real play on the course, and lunch at VIEWS restaurant, all for $200 per person or $350 for two.

The resort also has ways to emphasize golf’s social side while going easy on the education:
- Rock ‘n Range: A little music, a well-stocked bar and pupu station, and the chance to beat some balls on the practice range with the help of the club’s easy-going PGA pros. Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.
- Managers Scramble: Play nine holes with one of the resort managers. Even with complimentary rental clubs, you can probably win. Tuesdays, 3 p.m.
- Ocean Nine Tour: See just how beautiful the back nine of the Manele Golf Course is without hitting a shot. Wednesdays and Fridays, 5 p.m., advance sign-up required.
- Sunset Nine: Play a quick nine and enjoy a savory cocktail while you play or afterward watching the sun go down from VIEWS restaurant. Everyday after 3 p.m., $175 a person.
- Juniors Play Free: We want to help grow the game so kids 17 and under get a complimentary green fee after 12 noon when they play with a paid adult. The rental clubs are free, too.

Play a little golf, play a lot, don’t play at all. There’s much more to do at Four Seasons Resort Lāna’i, which features 217 guestrooms, a choice of dining venues—including ONE FORTY, NOBU LANA’I, Malibu Farm, and VIEWS at Manele Golf Course—spa and wellness offerings, luxury retail boutiques, botanical gardens, and an expansive pool experience. And just minutes away, guests can enjoy upcountry horseback rides and UTV tours, hiking, biking, snorkeling, sailing, native Hawaiian cultural experiences, and much, much more.

For more information, or to make a reservation, contact Four Seasons at 1-800-321-4666, visit your travel professional, fourseasons.com/lanai, or join our online communities at Facebook @FourSeasonsResortsLanai, Twitter @fslanai and instagram @fslanai. To contact the Manele Golf Course Pro Shop, call 808-565-4000.

Thirty-One High School Golf Teams to Compete in 18th Annual Palmetto High School Golf Championship

Teams From 7 States, Including Texas and California, are Traveling to Myrtle Beach to Participate

(Myrtle Beach, S.C.) - Thirty-one teams from seven states are poised to begin play in the 18th annual Palmetto High School Golf Championship, which will be played March 24-26 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The 54-hole, college style event begins on Thursday with a qualifying round at True Blue Golf Club. Based on qualifying scores, teams will then be flighted for 36 holes of stroke play competition.

“The Palmetto High School Golf Championship is a wonderful event, “ Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday’s tournament director, Jeff Monday, said. “The tournament attracts some of the nation’s best young players, and just as importantly, it will introduce the next generation of golfers to Myrtle Beach and two of America’s premier courses.”

The Friday and Saturday rounds will be played at True Blue and its sister course, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, both of which are ranked among America’s top 100 public courses.

Caledonia is ranked 24th on Golf Magazine’s list of the Top 100 You Can Play, a ranking of America’s best public courses, and True Blue is 77th on the prestigious list. Both layouts are Mike Strantz designs that offer distinct, yet equally dramatic and memorable experiences.

Caledonia, which is equal parts art and architecture, plays through a stunning piece of lowcountry land that was once home to a thriving rice plantation. A round at True Blue, while completely different from a design perspective, is no less captivating. Strantz used waste bunkers, which frame many of the course’s fairways, to craft a layout that is among the area’s most visually stunning.

Defending champion Durham Academy is returning to defend its title against teams from South Carolina, California, Louisiana, North Carolina, Maryland and Texas.

Current PGA Tour players Rickie Fowler, the 2006 champion, and Harris English are among the Palmetto’s distinguished alums.

Introducing BirdieBall’s Stimp Controlled, Dual Grain, Deep Hole, Indoor Putting Greens

(RELEASE) - Birdie Ball, the company famous for its Napkin Ring shaped golf ball, has introduced a revolutionary heavy cross section, putting surface with enough thickness to allow for drop-in-the-hole cups and extraction flags. Surface is comprised of mown nubs of a very “grass-like” fiber which is oriented at an angle creating an “into the grain” and a “down the grain feature.”

The patented BirdieBall putting green (U.S. Patent 8,969,663) is constructed of an aerated polymer foam.  BirdieBall putting greens are a minimum of ½” thick.  The surface is processed and mown to replicate the look, texture, flatness and grain of a real putting surface.

Natural putting greens are rolled to make the spongy sub-base flat.  This sub-base supports the weight of the golf ball during its roll on the natural putting green.  Similarly, the spongy sub-base of the BirdieBall putting green supports the weight of the ball during the roll of the ball. This perfectly flat surface eliminates any wobble of the golf ball as it is slowing near the hole.

Synthetic turf greens do not have this feature, golf balls roll on the top of the synthetic grass, tracking down the pattern of the weave as they slow toward the hole.  As a result there is an unmistakable wobble as a golf ball slows on a conventional woven synthetic turf putting surface and falls into the pattern.

With a natural putting green the grain is oriented in the direction of the setting sun, the blade actually leans that direction. As a result, the speed of a golf ball rolled with the same energy travels less distance into the leaning blade and more distance with the leaning blade. Further, when mown, this blade of grass is changed to a “nub” of grass. This nub varies in height from .200” (on a high traffic municipal course) down to .100” (on a U.S. Open course). The height, density and grain determine the speed of a green both in nature and on the BirdeBall putting surface.

BirdieBall, putting greens are available in speeds from 8 to 14 on the stimpmeter. The grain feature allows for a putting green with two speeds, one down grain and one into the grain. Typically the speed is one foot slower into the grain than down grain. Standard speeds are 9-10, 10-11 and 11-13.

The thickness of the putting surface allows for the ball to fall into the cup which installs from the bottom of the green and is held in place by a thin flange. The thickness of the green can be enhanced by adding a second layer of under lament below the putting surface. Heavy rubber trim along with a clear stopping bumper is supplied for the ends of the putting greens and is easily snapped on to prevent golf balls from rolling off of the surface.

The greens are designed to roll up easily and store away. For more permanent installations, a heavy rubber trim can be added as edging on the green.

All BirdieBall putting greens include, extraction flags, cups, heavy bumpers or end trim, hole reduction insert, hole deepening shim and snake shim.

Standard widths are 2, 3, 4 and 8 feet and any length up to 30 feet can be shipped.

Greens can have a custom image or logo printed on the surface also up to 30-feet long.

For more information, visit www.birdieball.com.

Devant Sport Towels Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Week 3 of 40 Days of Devant

Recognizes Seven Golf Professionals

(Richmond, VA) – Devant Sport Towels is celebrating 40 years in business with “40 Days of Devant” campaign including daily social media postings recognizing 40 PGA Professionals, featured towels, giveaways and golf facts. Devant is known as the leading manufacturer of high quality custom towels servicing the most renowned tournaments, country clubs, resorts and corporations.

PGA Professionals recognized in week three include:
- Patrick Roper, PGA Head Golf Professional at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, TX
- Ron Beck, PGA Director of Golf at Fox Hopyard in East Haddam, CT
- Sara Muldoon, PGA Head Professional and Director of Golf at Hershey Country Club in Hershey, PA
- Susan Ogata, Merchandising Manager at Ko Olina Golf Club in Kapolei, HI
- Mike Antonio, PGA Director of Golf at Happy Hollow Club in Omaha, NE
- Ron Philo, Jr., PGA Professional at Stowe Mountain Resort in Stowe, VT
- Jim Higgins, Regional Golf Operations Manager Navy Region Southwest in San Diego, CA

As part of the PGA of America’s Centennial celebration, a grassroots year-long commemorative program, designed to pay tribute and showcase the extraordinary impact of PGA Professionals, is the “#ThxPGAPro” campaign. Devant is featuring and thanking one PGA Professional a day for 40 days.

Along with the #ThxPGAPro campaign, Devant is featuring a weekly towel collection; this week it’s the Microfiber collection of towels, including the Ultimate Microfiber Image Dye™, Ultimate Microfiber embroidered and the tri-fold MicroScrubber towels. “Microfiber towels are lightweight and absorb seven times their weight in water. The microfiber material offers superior cleaning strength and the strands trap more dirt and dust than a standard cotton towel,” said Jason Bonenberger, Brand Manager at Devant Sport Towels.

Check Devant’s Facebook and Twitter page daily for recognition of PGA Professionals, fun golf facts from 40 years ago and featured towels at www.facebook.com/devantsporttowels  and https://twitter.com/DevantSportTowe with the hashtags #ThxPGApro #40daysofDevant #Devant40Anniversary. For liking and following Devant’s social media pages, weekly prizes and giveaways are available to fans and followers.

For information on Devant visit www.devantsporttowels.com.

Air Force One Introduces Game Improvement Irons

(PALM DESERT, CA) - Air Force One has unveiled its AFX Game Improvement iron set.

The new set follows similar modifications to that of the popular AFX Pro Series irons. Thinning the top line and sole give it the forgiveness of its predecessor, with workability that also appeals to better players.

The AFX Game Improvement iron set consists of three different clubheads within the set. The two longest clubs, the 3-4 Nitrogen Charged hybrids, feature 17-4 stainless steel heads that are internally pressurized with Nitrogen. They also sport FFT Face Flex Technology that helps power the ball by flexing inward at impact before springing forward to catapult the ball at a high velocity.

The 5-7-irons feature Nitrogen Charged, 431 Stainless Steel clubheads that are hollow inside -- delivering more forgiving power and a solid feel. The clubface is oversized, and the heads have a progressive offset that helps golfers get the ball airborne easier.

The 8-iron through pitching wedge are cavity-back, 431 Stainless Steel clubheads with a deep undercut cavity that helps ease the ball into the air for consistent distances. As with the mid-irons, each clubface at this end of the set is oversized, and the heads also boast a progressive offset that helps golfers get the ball airborne easier. In fact, they're designed for optimum trajectory.

"One advantage we have with this set compared to the competition is our Nitrogen Charged Technology," says AFO President Ross Kvinge. "This lets us create the ultimate performance game-improvement iron. We progress from the hard-to-hit long irons utilizing hybrid technology, then utilize a hollow pressurized cavity for the mid-irons. And for the accuracy of the short irons, we offer them in a cavity back. This is a combination that most golfers will enjoy and benefit from."

Nitrogen Charged Technology uses nitrogen gas inside a hollow-back iron supported by 50 pounds of pressure. This allows Air Force One to create a super-thin face with no internal bracing - creating an enormous sweet spot with no hot or dead spots. It creates incredible consistent ball flight and distance from club to club.