Father's Day is the Biggest Shopping Holiday for Golf Retailers

Nation's Most Expansive and Most Stocked Golf & Tennis Store Hand Picks Best Gifts and Expects Near 50% Sales Spike

(ATLANTA, GA) - The shopping season leading up to Father's Day is one of the busiest sales seasons for golf retailers as gift givers look to find that perfect gift for a golfing dad.  National retailer PGA TOUR Superstore, which offers more product choices under one roof than any other national golf retailer, has handpicked a few of their favorite gifts for Dad this season. The chain, with coast-to-coast interactive destinations, expects sales will surge 50% compared to non-holiday times.

"This is an exciting time for consumers because giving golf gifts to a golfing dad is a longstanding tradition,” said PGA TOUR Superstore President and CEO Dick Sullivan. “Dads are interested in the latest, most advanced technology from new drivers and colorful apparel to the amazing electronic gadgets that help them play better, look better and enjoy the game even more. Our associates’ expert advice can help shoppers as well as golfers of all levels find just the right gift Father's Day gift for any golfer," he added.

“Technology continues to change the way golf is played and Dad’s everywhere want to hit is long and straight off the tee,” added Sullivan. “With new drivers made from materials similar to airline jets (to build speed and aerodynamics) and some clubs designed from a dragonfly’s wings for lightness, we have some remarkably advanced technology this year.”

The PGA TOUR Superstore has handpicked golf gift ideas for Dad’s in 2016:
- Putter – Scotty Cameron Select – ($300-400) This putter allows golfers to put a truer roll on the ball and hopefully make more putts in their round. Cameron’s putters offer traditional models (in terms of looks) but they also have innovative technology with the high MOI (moment of inertia) keeping the putter head more stable and still through impact. They feature sleek, performance-oriented models with new technology, shapes and configurations. It blends precision craftsmanship with multi-material technology.

- Driver – TaylorMade M2 Driver ($399) – The M2 driver can be summed up simply – maximum
distance and maximum forgiveness. The redesigned “speed pocket” of the M2 helps optimize favorable launch conditions while the internal acoustic engineering delivers a “best in class sound,” at impact that is music to your ears and instills confidence the hit was solid. The M2 delivers loft adjustability which allows golfers to dial in their loft, lie, and face angle for maximum performance and multiple shaft offerings at no charge.

PING G Standard Driver ($399) provides increased aerodynamic efficiency leading to greater
distance. But what’s unique is the visual change at the top of the driver which added a crown design inspired by the wings of a dragonfly to reposition the center of gravity lower and further back in the driver which reduces spin and increases forgiveness.

- Bag – Nike Air Hybrid Carry II ($199) - The Nike Air Hybrid Carry II has become one of the more popular bags because of its pure comfort. Its lightweight and versatility allow you to carry your bag or put it on a cart. Golfers like to keep their clubs and gear organized and this bag answers the call with multiple features and 14 full length divider compartments.

- Shoes – FootJoy Freestyle ($159) -: The comfortable cushiony, top selling shoe offers superior
traction, complete support and a precision fit that has a relaxed built so it twists when you swing and helps you transfer weight to the other side. Multiple styles/colors.

- GPS or Tech device – Garmin Approach S20 ($199) - It’s more common for golfers to play with a GPS and this one knows where you are - and how far you are from the next pin. The watch's high-sensitivity GPS receiver gives you the distance data you need to fire away and helps with pace of play. A high-resolution display shows distances to the front, back and middle of the green, as well as hazards. You can measure yardage from anywhere on the course. There’s an extra-long battery life and a variety of downloadable metrics to improve your swing consistency. Approach S20 is compatible with your smart device and via Bluetooth® technology, you can read that email or text you've been waiting for - even in the middle of your round.

- Apparel - Under Armour Heather Playoff Polo $65 - This revolutionized sports jersey is constructed with maximum flexibility and a sense of style. It’s more than a shirt with a collar; performance is in its DNA with moisture wicking technology allowing you to swing the club freely without binding material.  Anti-odor technology prevents the growth of odor causing microbes while 30+ UPF protects your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

- Golf balls – Titleist Pro V1x ($48) - The most played name in golf has a new Titleist Pro V1x designed for all golfers seeking to shoot lower scores. It features a new patented cover formulation that delivers more short game spin and control with softer feel. Combined with its already extraordinary distance, long-lasting durability, unmatched consistency, high launch and very low long game spin, the new Titleist Pro V1x provides the best fit for all golfers. #1 Ball on Worldwide Tours

"The number one gift non-golfers give a golfing dad is still golf balls. We will sell hundreds of thousands of them in just a few weeks," Sullivan added.

PGA TOUR Superstore’s entire selection of hand-picked gift ideas can be found at www.pgatoursuperstore.com/DAD.

Rocco Mediate Wears Carnoustie Apparel as he Claims His First PGA TOUR Champions Major Title

(IRVINE, CA) - Golf apparel manufacturer Carnoustie Sportswear announced that PGA Tour Professional Rocco Mediate wearing Carnoustie sports apparel, was victorious on the Champions Tour over the Memorial Day weekend.

Mediate captured his first Champions Tour major victory at the Senior PGA Championship presented by Kitchenaid in Benton Harbor Michigan. Mediate shot a 66 on Sunday for a 265 total for the event that he led from wire to wire.

"We are very excited to have Rocco Mediate wearing Carnoustie apparel on the Champions Tour". Said Marshall Mancillas, president of Carnoustie. "We look forward to having him showcase Carnoustie on tour."

Carnoustie has built and fortified its reputation for producing beautiful, high-end cotton golf clothing for the past two decades, and began integrating the brand into the sportswear performance side of golf apparel a few seasons ago. Carnoustie Performance clothing is appropriate for the course, office or most any social occasion. Styles feature generous use of spandex for stretch and wearability, special finishing to ensure moisture wicking, UV protection, odor management and easy care.

Find Carnoustie Sportswear on the web at: www.carnoustiesportswearonline.com. Like Carnoustie Sportswear on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/CarnoustieSportswear. Follow Carnoustie Sportswear on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/CarnoustieSport. Follow Carnoustie Sportswear on Instagram at: @carnoustiesportswear

New Mexico Muni Breaks the Mold - Rockwind Community Links Featured in USGA Video

(Hobbs, NM) – Known throughout golf circles as “a model muni on the west Texas/eastern New Mexico border,” the year-old Rockwind Community Links in Hobbs was singled out by the United States Golf Association for breaking the mold and being more than just a golf course.  Click to view the USGA video: "A Model Muni: Rockwind Community Links"

The Andy Staples design, which opened in May 2015, was immediately recognized for the unique and trailblazing concept in uniting golf with the local community.  “In partnership with the City, our goal was to create a local destination for everyone in Hobbs, golfers and non-golfers alike,” said Staples.  “We felt it was important to engage the 90 percent of the city population that doesn’t play golf and thereby providing a blueprint for other cities to copy.”

Rockwind offers golfers a championship 18-hole course, a 9-hole, Par-3 short course, plus world-class practice facilities.  But equally as important, it also offers a 3 mile running trail, picnic areas, open space, an excellent restaurant and a clubhouse designed to host all types of social activities from weddings to performances by the local symphony.

“We were honored when we learned the USGA wanted to make a video about the uniqueness of our golf course concept and the long term investment we have made to our community,” said Hobbs City Manager, J.J. Murphy.  “It’s a major privilege for the USGA to acknowledge and highlight Rockwind Community Links as a model for how other communities could grow the game of golf.  We were happy to accommodate the USGA film crew and thank them for all their hard work in getting our message out.”

Rockwind Community Links has received some top industry honors including one of the Best New Courses of 2015 by Golf Digest, Best Courses You Can Play by Golfweek, and Top 5 New Golf Development in the World by Golf Inc. Magazine.  Fred Couples, who learned to play golf on a public course, stated during his visit to Rockwind Community Links - “you’re not going to see many public facilities like this in the country—it’s just phenomenal.”

For more information visit www.rockwindgolfcourse.com or call (575) 397-9297.

GOLFSmart Powered by Volvik Signs Long Drive Professional Maurice Allen

(JUPITER, Florida) – GOLFSmart Powered by Volvik (www.golfsmartdrink.com), a scientifically-based dietary supplement engineered expressly for the game of golf, has signed Maurice Allen, a professional long drive competitor, to its roster. He joins a number of other golf professionals, on several tours, who include the popular supplement in their routines for competitive events and other select golf rounds.

“GOLFSmart Powered by Volvik is gaining recognition as a highly-effective way for golfers to maintain productive energy balance during play,” said Brian Foy, vice-president of H4Distribution, which distributes the supplement throughout the U.S. “Both professionals and amateurs are realizing the benefits of this all-natural powdered drink supplement for golf.”

As a staff member, Allen is provided with GOLFSmart Powered by Volvik. GOLFSmart is designed specifically to be taken immediately before and during a round of golf or competition. The great-tasting drug-free formulation contains three highly-specialized proprietary blends to improve a player’s focus, energy and hydration.

Titleist was the No. 1 Ball at the 2016 NCAA Division 1 Women's Golf Championship

(RELEASE) - The top players in women’s collegiate golf squared off at Eugene County Club in Eugene, Oregon for this year's NCAA Division I Women's Championship. It was an exciting conclusion to the season, with both team and individual honors on the line. In the end, the University of Washington outlasted Stanford for the title.

This year an overwhelming 120 of the 132 players in the field trusted Titleist golf balls for their success. That's 10 times the nearest competitor with 12 and more than all competitors combined.

In addition, Titleist Vokey Design wedges were the top choice in the sand, lob and approach wedge (177) category and Titleist Scotty Cameron putters topped the putter (46) category.

Robert Garrigus Captures a T-4th Place Finish with a Cure CX Series Putter

(Jacksonville, FL) - Each week more and more Top Professionals from the PGA, LPGA and Champions Tour are choosing to put a Cure Putter into play. This past weekend, at the AT&T Byron Nelson in Irving, TX, Robert Garrigus used a Cure CX Series putter to capture his first Top 10 Finish on the PGA Tour in two years.

Garrigus, who recently put the CX Series putter into play, sank several long putts, including a 46 footer for birdie on the Par-4 3rd Hole during the final round. "I got used to the new putter in Charlotte and I'm rolling it really well," said Garrigus. I especially like the way the ball feels coming off the face. That putter was amazing on those lightning fast greens. I haven't started that many putts on line in a while. I played great and made a lot of putts this week and I am very happy I switched to the Cure putter".

Garrigus ranked T-2nd in birdies recorded with 22 at the AT&T Byron Nelson, including a run of 3 birdies in a row on 16, 17 and 18 to finish out the 2nd round. He finished at -13 under with a 1.671 Putts Per GIR average.

"Robert played some outstanding golf this past weekend at the Byron Nelson," said Jim McCarthy, CEO of Cure Putters. "We're very excited and proud to have a player of his caliber using our putter, and we'd like to congratulate him on his Top 5 Finish."

Cure Putters is a golf putter manufacturer based in Flagler Beach, Florida. Guided by the principle that "Form Follows Function", Cure Putters takes a no-nonsense, performance driven approach to putter design. Cure putters all feature an Extremely High MOI design, which is very stable and offers incredible forgiveness for much greater accuracy and distance control, even on extreme mishits. The adjustable weighting system allows a wide range of weight adjustability, allowing the golfer to find the perfect weight to suit their stroke and tempo. With a higher center of gravity, lower loft and deeper face that impacts the ball at the equator, Cure Putters deliver a superior roll - getting the ball rolling sooner, helping it stay on the intended line.  Cure Putters' innovative design takes several problematic variables out of the equation and offers incredible forgiveness and control, resulting in a tighter shot dispersion. Golfers of every skill level will putt more consistently, build confidence and achieve better results with a Cure RX Series putter.

All Cure Putters are CNC milled from a solid block of T-6160 Aircraft Grade Aluminum and 100% Made and Assembled in the USA.

For more information on Cure Putters visit www.cureputters.com.

Bobby Weed Golf Design Concludes Successful Management of Cannon Ridge Golf Club

(PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida) – Bobby Weed Golf Design (www.bobbyweed.com), an award-winning golf-course design firm, has concluded its successful management of Cannon Ridge Golf Club, in Fredericksburg, Va. While the public resort facility was closed temporarily, beginning at the end of 2012, and in anticipation of the course’s reopening, Bobby Weed Golf Design was called in to renovate and manage the par-71 18-hole golf course to an austere level, in a closed condition but in such a way that it could be reopened within 90 days should an operator be identified or a portion of the golf course repurposed. The design firm recently was informed that an agreement has been reached to reopen Cannon Ridge within 30 days.

“This is clearly a testament to the assistance and commitment of lending our services in any capacity to assist our client, in this case protecting the asset during a restructuring and closed period,” said Bobby Weed, president & CEO of Bobby Weed Golf Design.

When Cannon Ridge, designed for Silver Companies by Bobby Weed Golf Design with co-designer Deane Beman, opened in 2003, it was named one of the top three Best New Public Courses in the country by Golf Digest magazine. It also immediately was considered one of the finest courses in the Mid-Atlantic region. Part of the Celebrate Virginia North development, it features some war-era cannon embankments on the back nine and several historical placards placed around the course that relate stories of the Battle of Fredericksburg, in 1862, during the Civil War.

When the operator severed its management agreement, Silver Companies assumed management responsibility but did not reopen the course, hoping to develop portions of the property, pending permits. During the closure, Bobby Weed Golf Design’s course upgrades included converting the fairways and tee areas from L-93 bentgrass to Latitude bermudagrass, more compatible with the region’s variable weather conditions.

SCNS Sports Foods Becomes Gold Partner of The First Tee

(RELEASE) - SCNS Sports Foods is proud to become a Gold Partner to The First Tee, an organization that provides positive youth development through golf.

SCNS Sports Foods supports The First Tee via donating a portion of the proceeds on every bar sold of their gluten free Trail Mix bars. There are two varieties – Dark Chocolate Chip and Cranberry.

Each bar is a delicious combination of gluten free oats, and six different nuts and seeds. The primary sweetener of each bar is agave syrup, and the bars do not contain any artificial ingredients.

“Golfers need sustained energy in order to play their best. Our gluten free Trail Mix bars are designed to help golfers sustain energy while providing great taste,” said Bill Stewart, Chief Operating Officer of SCNS Sports Foods. “Our Trail Mix bars are also a great light meal or snack off the course as well” Stewart added.

“We are especially pleased to be able to contribute a portion of the proceeds on these bars to The First Tee across the country. Their youth development programs have positively impacted millions of young people over the years, and helped them learn highly valuable life lessons while learning the game of golf,” Stewart noted.

"The First Tee is reliant upon charitable contributions to carry out our mission and is grateful to receive support from donors like SCNS Sports Foods" said Jennifer Weiler, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer of The First Tee. "We're positively impacting the lives of young people thanks in great part to their contributions."

1st Tee and 10th Tee golf nutrition and energy bars are sold at more than 2,000 golf courses and golf retail outlets across the United States. For more information on 1st Tee and 10th Tee golf nutrition and energy bars, visit www.golfenergybar.com or call toll free 1-888-638-8686.

Golf Channel's Live Coverage of 2016 NCAA Men's Golf Championships Begins Tonight

Field of 30 Teams and Six Individuals to Compete for National Championship Honors

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – Coming on the heels of the dramatic finish at the NCAA Women’s Golf Championships that saw Washington win its first golf national title in school history, Golf Channel returns to Eugene Country Club to deliver comprehensive news and tournament coverage of the 2016 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championships, airing in primetime Monday, May 30-Wednesday, June 1.

Golf Channel’s live tournament coverage of the men’s championships begins on Monday, May 30 to crown the individual national champion, as well as tracking the teams attempting to qualify for the eight-team match play tournament. Golf Channel’s coverage also will include all three rounds of the team match-play tournament on Tuesday, May 31 and Wednesday, June 1. In addition, Golf Central will surround live tournament coverage with pre-and post-event news coverage produced on location, as well as daily news updates on Morning Drive and online via Golf Channel Digital. News and tournament coverage also will be live streamed on Golf Live Extra powered by PlayMaker Media.

Golf Channel NCAA Men’s Golf Championships Coverage (all times ET)
- May 30 - Individual National Championship - 7-10 p.m. (Live)
- May 31 - Quarterfinals, Team Match Play - 1:30-3:30 p.m. (Live)
- May 31 - Semifinals, Team Match Play - 6-10 p.m. (Live)
- June 1 - Team Match Play National Championship - 6-10 p.m. (Live)

NCAA Men’s Golf Championships Format: The championship format consists of 30 teams and six individuals (not on those teams competing) in 54 holes of stroke play, beginning Friday, May 27. Following Sunday’s third round, the top-15 teams along with nine individuals not on an advancing team will compete on Monday, May 30 to crown the individual national champion. The top eight teams from the 72-hole stroke play championship will advance to the team match play championship on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 31 and June 1.

Teams competing: Alabama, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, California, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Houston, Illinois, Kentucky, LSU, Louisville, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Purdue, San Diego State, South Carolina, South Florida, Southern California, Stanford, Texas, TCU, Vanderbilt, Virginia, UAB and Wake Forest.

Individuals competing: Cameron Champ (Texas A&M), Ryan Cole (James Madison), Tee-k Kelly (Ohio State), Matt Lutz (UC-Riverside), William Rainey (College of Charleston), Antoine Rozner (Missouri-Kansas City)

Semifinal Teams in Match Play to Receive Invitations to Compete in East Lake Cup: The East Lake Cup, taking place in late October at historic East Lake Golf Club and featuring the top-performing teams from the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships, will expand to a new three-day format for 2016. Invitations for the field will be extended to the semifinalists of the team match-play tournaments at both the 2016 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships. Modeled after the NCAA Golf Championships, the new format for the East Lake Cup will consist of an opening round of stroke play to crown an individual male and female champion and determine seeding for the following two days of match play competition. Golf Channel will air live coverage of the East Lake Cup Monday-Wednesday, Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

Cook and Oberholser Join NCAA Broadcast Team: Newcomers to Golf Channel’s NCAA on-air team include 11-time PGA TOUR-winner John Cook, a member of the 1979 NCAA Team National Champions at Ohio State University, who will serve as a course reporter, and Golf Channel analyst Arron Oberholser, who will serve as a news analyst.

Men’s Golf Championships On-Air Teams: Golf Channel’s on-air team for the NCAA Men’s Golf Championships will feature Hall-of-Famer Lanny Wadkins as lead analyst and Bob Papa as play-by-play host. Curt Byrum will serve as hole announcer, with Billy Ray Brown, Cook and Notah Begay reporting from the course. Golf Channel’s college insider Steve Burkowski will join the broadcast booth as co-analyst and hole announcer. Ryan Burr will host Golf Central, joined by Oberholser, former Florida men’s golf coach Buddy Alexander, Burkowski and Golf Channel Digital senior writer Ryan Lavner.

College Central – Golf Channel Digital Coverage: Golf Channel will provide comprehensive coverage via College Central, Golf Channel Digital’s home for college golf. Led by Jay Coffin, Lavner and Burkowski, College Central will be the source for all things college golf, including tournament results and scores, features and columns, video highlights and breaking news.

Haskins Award Winner to be Announced on Golf Central June 7: Golf Channel will announce the winner of one of the most prestigious awards in college golf –the Fred Haskins Award presented by Stifel – following the conclusion of the NCAA Men’s Golf Championships, on a live edition of Golf Central, Tuesday, June 7 at 6 p.m. ET. The show will include profiles on the top candidates for both awards and live interviews with the winner, who also will receive an exemption to compete in the 2016 Greenbrier Classic on the PGA TOUR. The Haskins Award honors the nation’s most outstanding male Division I collegiate golfer as selected by her peers, coaches and the golf media.

Loudmouth Golf Introduces The Woodworth Collection - Performance Golf Wear

(RELEASE) - Loudmouth Golf recently introduced The Woodworth Collection, a new line of performance golf wear in your favorite Loudmouth patterns. Featuring luxurious fabric, meticulous detail, and innovative sportswear technologies, this collection provides a modern fit that is comfortable and breathable for the stylish (bodacious) golfer.

"Newest line that I've been wearing -- great fit & feel! Luv 'em!!!!" - Two-Time Major Champion, John Daly

The Woodworth Collection features the patented TekFIT waistband. TekFIT offers 1-2" of invisible stretch by using a patented compaction and fusing technology, giving you a custom fit with continuous stretch and recovery. TekFIT waistband also features an anti-slip gripper to keep your top neatly tucked in for all 19 holes.

"Many of our customers love the feel of cotton. Others requested a modern, care-free poly. So we designed a bulletproof pant that will look just as good 25 years from now. Imagine the joy on your son's face when you pass down these beauties!" - Loudmouth Golf Founder & Designer, Woody!

Shop HERE.

Troon Selected to Manage The Reserve Club at Woodside

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) - Troon, the leader in golf course management, development, and marketing is proud to announce it has been selected to manage The Reserve Club at Woodside located in Aiken, South Carolina.

The Reserve Club at Woodside is a private country club nestled within Woodside Plantation, a Southern Living Inspired Community located in the Carolina foothills.  The Club offers a wide selection of active living, social and wellness related amenities. Members and guests have access to two championship golf courses – The Reserve and Hollow Creek. The Reserve course is an 18-hole Nicklaus Design which boasts 7,352 yards of rolling terrain, manicured fairways and picturesque vistas. Since its inception in 2002, this championship golf course has continually been named one of South Carolina’s top courses and recognized as one of “America’s Best Courses” by Golf Digest. The Hollow Creek course, designed by Masters and U.S. Open Champion Fuzzy Zoeller and architect Clyde Johnston, offers a challenging 10-hole championship layout with numerous elevation changes, forced carries, scenic views and the best three finishing holes in the area.

“The Reserve Club at Woodside is an exceptional private facility with an outstanding reputation and a highly active and engaged membership,” said Carl Bielstein, vice president, Troon. “We are honored to be working with this highly revered club and are confident that our management practices, member programming and dedication to service will elevate the members’ experience and take the club to a new level of excellence.”

In addition to golf, The Reserve Club offers its members and guests an array of recreational and social activities. Outdoor recreational amenities include six Har-Tru tennis courts; three Pickleball courts; croquet and bocce ball; resort pool and cabana; community parks and greenspace areas; state-of-the-art fitness facility; walking, hiking and biking trails and more. Members also may enjoy a calendar full of social activities and events ranging from the popular Friday Pub Club, Gardening Club, and Green Egg Club to bourbon tastings, Sunday brunch, Chef’s cook-off, movie night as well as live music and dancing.

At the center of the club is the 9,000 square-foot clubhouse where members may enjoy casual indoor and outdoor dining or live music in the piano bar, along with access to banquet rooms, meeting rooms, locker rooms and a fully-stocked golf shop. The club is currently undergoing a 17,000 square-foot expansion project which is scheduled to open this summer. This new addition will offer members a new Bistro, Chef’s viewing area, three ballrooms, sports bar, outdoor pavilion, library, card room, brides’ room, meeting space, activities room and more.

“The Reserve Club at Woodside is pleased to welcome Troon Privé as manager of our club,” said Rick Steele, developer/owner of The Reserve Club. “Their experience in both hospitality and golf management will ensure the highest quality experience for our members and guests. With the recent opening of our new resort-style pool facility, the clubhouse expansion and the completion of the Hollow Creek course, we look forward to an exciting combination of world-class management and world-class amenities at Woodside.”

For more information on The Reserve Club at Woodside and the various types of memberships available, contact General Manager Ross Desmond at (803)648-1601. Because of its close proximity to Augusta and the South Carolina/Georgia border, The Reserve Club also affords out-of-town guests an opportunity to experience golf during Masters’ Week. Visit The Reserve Club at Woodside’s website at www.thereserveclubatwoodside.com.

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

PGA Catalunya Resort Embarks on Three-Year Investment Program

Next development phase to include 5-star luxury hotel, recreational lake and vineyards

(Girona, Spain) - 2016 marks a year of extensive new development for PGA Catalunya Resort, near Barcelona, as the European Tour Destination embarks on a three-year, €53 million investment programme.

The launch of a €33million 5-star luxury hotel in June will be followed by an array of facilities including a deli, a pantry garden, a kids club and a junior club. The 36-hole resort will also have its own vineyards, build a new equestrian centre and offer football and rugby camps for visitors and owners.

The final element of the three-year plan is a flagship recreational lake, due for completion in 2018. The man-made lake will be a hub for water sports and will come complete with a beach and a lakeside club, adding more dining options to the Costa Brava resort.

The 149-room luxury hotel, designed by internationally-renowned interior designer Lazaro Rosa-Violán, will offer panoramic views over the golf courses, swimming pool or gardens, providing the perfect combination of space and comfort, luxury and striking urban-chic interior design. Dining options will include three restaurants and a bar.

The introduction of vineyards will provide vine adoption possibilities, as well as the chance for residents and guests to be involved in the planting and harvesting of the grape vines. From early 2017, existing residents will be able to plant the first vines in the grounds and can enjoy nurturing them to harvest. A unique pantry garden, to be launched in summer 2016, provides a charming new area for guests and residents to enjoy and help cultivate with a programme of weekly activities.

Enhancing the current food and beverage offering, a new deli will be stocked with local produce and wines for resort guests and residents.

For families, the new kids club, opening in summer 2016, will provide entertainment with sports and fun workshops exploring the landscape and other activities the resort has to offer. The three-year plan also includes a junior club which will offer a variety of activities specifically tailored for its 8 to 14 year old audience. Other new and enhanced sporting facilities will include an equestrian centre, as well as football and rugby camps, which will be operational late 2016 and early 2017.

David Plana, PGA Catalunya Resort’s CEO, said: “The resort has come a long way since The Stadium Course was first inaugurated in 1999 – and our current developments coupled with our three-year plan are testament to the great aspirations we have for our World Top 100 venue.

“Over the years, PGA Catalunya Resort has established itself as a leading venue within the European and global golfing world – and now the onus is on developing the rest of the venue to fully accommodate the requirements of our golf visitors, guests and property owners, be they sports enthusiasts, culture aficionados or foodies and their families."

For additional information about PGA Catalunya Resort and its new 5-star hotel, visit www.pgacatalunya.com.

Branson/Lakes Area Welcomes Dads with Golf, Special Playing Offers and Off-Course Choices

(BRANSON/LAKES, MISSOURI) – Known as “Golf’s Ozark Mountain Oasis,” the Branson/Lakes Area golf destination is a place where players – and Dads! – can enjoy first-class golf, an array of off-course activities and substantial value.

Pointe Royale Golf Village sells “A Day at The Pointe.” The special includes 36 holes and a choice of breakfast or lunch for $89. “The Pointe” also offers a “7-Day Pass.” For $250, it includes unlimited golf for seven consecutive days. A golfer who plays one round each day would average a greens fee of approximately $35. Visit www.pointeroyalegolf.net or call 417.334.4477.

Pre-pay for your round at Branson Hills Golf Club and lock in a rate of $89 plus tax. It includes one round, any day at any time, which means paying $10 less for the most-coveted tee times (mid-mornings on weekends). Considering Golfweek Magazine ranks Branson Hills the No. 1 course in Missouri, that’s a solid savings. Call Head Professional Dan Davis to purchase: (417) 337-2963 x 101.

For locals, the rate is even better – $69 from May through October. The local rate is valid for one local resident (with ID) and up to 3 guests.  This price is offered to those living in Taney, Stone, Christian & Green counties in Missouri, and Boone or Carroll counties in Arkansas. A driver’s license with current address is required at registration.

Consider either of those courses for Father’s Day rounds, or select from other great Branson golf options including LedgeStone, Thousand Hills, Top of the Rock and Buffalo Ridge Springs. Visit www.explorebranson/golf for more information.

Beside golf, there are other options and activities that Dad may appreciate. Chateau Grille's Champagne Sunday Brunch at Chateau on the Lake (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) is a great place to celebrate before teeing off. Call early to make your reservations (888-333-5253).

The Branson Landing is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and the party coincides with Father's Day weekend. Start celebrating Dad on Saturday night, June 18, with a free 8 p.m. concert featuring Prince Ivan, Trey O'Dell and a fireworks-filled finale provided by Gateway Fireworks Displays.

The celebration doesn't end then, though. Surprise Dad on Sunday, June 19, with a live performance by the Taneycomo Festival Jazz Orchestra, beginning at 7 p.m. See many more options for Dad at: http://www.explorebranson.com/blog/spend-fathers-day-branson#sthash.SmDukHgP.dpuf

The Branson/Lakes Area golf destination is home to several esteemed courses with two more currently under construction. Existing courses include the following:
· Pointe Royale Golf Village, www.pointeroyalegolf.net, 417.334.4477
· Thousand Hills Golf Resort, www.thousandhills.com, 800.487.0769, 417.334.4553
· LedgeStone Country Club at StoneBridge Village, www.ledgestonegolf.com, 417.335.8187
· Top of the Rock Golf Course, http://www.topoftherock.com/Page/Golf.aspx, 417.339.5343
· Branson Hills Golf Club, www.bransonhillsgolfclub.com, 417.337.2963
· Holiday Hills Resort and Golf Club, www.holidayhills.com, 417.334.4838
· Don Gardner Golf Course, http://www.bransonparksandrecreation.com, 417.337.8510
· Buffalo Ridge Springs Golf Course, http://www.topoftherock.com/buffalo-ridge-golf-course/,  417.339.5430

For more information about Branson/Lakes Area Golf, visit www.facebook.com/BransonGolf or www.explorebranson.com/golf.

Galvin Green Introduces Ventil8 Range for Spring/Summer 2016

Innovative Technical Blends Offer Unparalleled Breathability, Wicking and Comfort

(Växjö, Sweden) – Galvin Green – the world’s leading maker of functional golf clothing for serious players and the No. 1 global golf partner of GORE-TEX – announces the introduction of its Spring/Summer 2016 Ventil8 range of polos, trousers, shorts and skorts engineered for superior moisture management in excessive heat.

Designed by golfers for golfers, Ventil8 garments are crafted from textile fibers that draw moisture away from the body and disperse it over a large area to promote rapid evaporation. Working in concert with this innovative, ultralight material are ventilation panels for maximum air flow. Additional characteristics include a UV protection rating of 20+ and permanent antibacterial features for exceptional odor control.

“The research that goes into our Ventil8 line is what makes it a best-seller with our green grass partners and consumers,” says Andrew Creed, President of Galvin Green USA. “Even in the hottest conditions Ventil8 fibers create a cool and comfortable body climate.”

Part of the Cool Layer in the brand’s heralded Multi-Layer Concept, the Ventil8 collection is highlighted by polos featuring body-mapping technology. Produced in a variety of styles for men and women, the shirts transport moisture and excess heat away twice as quickly as a conventional polyester golf shirt. In addition, each Ventil8 item is easily cared for by regular machine washing.

Based in Sweden, Galvin Green is a pure golf brand that developed the sport’s first apparel layering system – the Multi-Layer Concept – more than a decade ago. This distinctive approach uses leading-edge fabric technologies to ensure the dry comfort, thermal regulation and outer protection that helps players optimize performance.

Galvin Green was recently selected as the Official Team Supplier of Outerwear to the 2016 and 2018 European Ryder Cup Teams. Through this partnership, the company will provide its premium waterproof garments to the captains, vice captains, team members and their caddies during the upcoming matches at Hazeltine National Golf Club (2016) and Le Golf National (2018).

Also distinguishing the brand is its ‘Dress for the Weather’ app. Free on the App Store or Google Play, the app provides detailed five-day forecasts for thousands of courses in the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Europe, and recommends ideal layering solutions for expected levels of heat, precipitation and wind speed.

For more information: GalvinGreen.com. Get social: www.facebook.com/GalvinGreen, @GalvinGreen.

Troon Golf Vacations Unveils New Hawaii and Puerto Rico Golf Packages

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon Golf Vacations recently unveiled two new golf vacation packages for the island destinations of Maui, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The new Maui Golf & Relaxation Package includes accommodations at the beachfront Napili Kai Beach Resort and golf on the award-winning Kapalua Bay and Plantation courses. While the Pleasures of Puerto Rico Package includes accommodations at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar and golf rounds on both courses at Rio Mar Country Club and one round at Bahia Beach Golf Club – named one of the “Top 50 Best Caribbean & Mexico Courses” by Golfweek Magazine.

Maui Golf & Relaxation Package (TVHI010):
The ideal relaxing golf vacation awaits guests at Napili Kai Beach Resort on Maui. The laid back atmosphere gives guests the freedom to do as little, or as much, as desired. Napili Kai offers countless amenities, including spacious rooms with private lanais. And the resort’s location adjacent to the Kapalua's Bay Course can't be beat. Napili Kai is the perfect destination for a Hawaiian golf getaway.
- 3 nights: Napili Kai Beach Resort
- 1 round: Kapalua - Bay Course
- 1 round: Kapalua - Plantation Course
- Bonus: Troon Rewards points are available for the golf portion of this vacation. Visit TroonRewards.com to join Troon Rewards today.

The Maui Golf & Relaxation Package is priced from $426 per person, per night*

The Pleasures of Puerto Rico Package (TVPR010):  
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort is a perfect destination for a Puerto Rico golf vacation package. Be rejuvenated by the serenity of the resort and its location on the beach, while also enjoying the golf, casino, restaurants, and activities it has to offer. Relaxing, modern guestrooms are spacious, and the Mandara Spa is outstanding. Pack your clubs for an amazing golf getaway in Puerto Rico at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort.
- 3 nights: Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa
- 1 round: Rio Mar Country Club - Ocean Course
- 1 round: Rio Mar Country Club - River Course
- 1 round: Bahia Beach Golf Club
- Bonus: Troon Rewards points are available for the golf portion of this vacation. Visit TroonRewards.com to join Troon Rewards today.

The Pleasures of Puerto Rico Packages is priced from $375 to $502 per person, per night*

“These incredible island destinations offer some of the best golf on the planet,” said Kris Strauss, vice president sales and marketing, Troon. “It doesn’t get much better than teeing it up at Kapalua, Rio Mar or Bahia Beach. The golf courses are remarkable and the accommodations at Napili Kai and the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar are impeccable.”

To view all Troon Golf Vacation packages, visit www.troongolfvacations.com or call 800-369-0679.

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

Marriott Golf Announces Hit the Green for HOPE in Support of PGA REACH, Military Veterans Nationwide

Nationwide Initiative Launches at 17 Premier Marriott Golf Facilities; All Proceeds to Support PGA HOPE--Helping Our Patriots Everywhere--Golf Program for Military Veterans with Disabilities

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators, has teamed up with PGA REACH - the charitable foundation of the PGA of America – to launch Hit the Green for HOPE, a Memorial Day Weekend campaign in support of PGA HOPE - golf programming for United States military Veterans with disabilities.

Golfers will have the opportunity to take part in the Hit the Green for HOPE promotion at 17 participating Marriott Golf properties nationwide. By donating $10, on a designated par-3 hole at each property, any golfer that hits the green on his/her tee shot receives a certificate valid for 30% off “their next purchase” in the golf shop. All participating golfers who do not hit the green will receive a certificate valid for 15% off “their next purchase” in the golf shop. The certificates are valid for merchandise only, and all certificates are valid through Dec. 31, 2016, at the golf shop of the participating property.  100% of proceeds from the campaign will be used to support and enhance PGA HOPE programming.

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship Military program of PGA REACH - the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The HOPE program introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities in order to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Led by PGA Professionals, PGA HOPE is a proven activity that has helped thousands of Veterans assimilate back into their communities through the social interaction the game of golf provides. All PGA HOPE programming is fully funded by PGA REACH and offered at NO COST for military Veterans.

“Military Veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedom, and it’s important that we all do our part, as many struggle with the transition back to civilian life,” said Bill Nault, Vice President, Marriott Golf. “PGA HOPE is a fantastic program that inspires wounded Veterans to learn and play golf as a therapeutic form of their rehabilitation, and it’s rewarding to see Marriott Golf take such an active role in supporting a program that is truly making a difference for thousands of Veterans.”

Participants of HOPE programs include military Veterans living with physical or cognitive challenges such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and amputees, among other challenges.  As golf has become a therapeutic part of the rehabilitation process for many Veterans with disabilities, it is only fitting that Veterans who have participated in HOPE programming will be on-site at several participating locations during the Memorial Day Weekend promotional period.

“We are very excited to align PGA REACH and our flagship military program PGA HOPE with Marriott Golf and its portfolio of resort and championship golf venues,” said Scott Kmiec, Senior Director of PGA REACH. “Through programming like PGA HOPE, and thanks to the corporate responsibility of organizations like Marriott Golf, the PGA of America will be in a position to make a more meaningful impact on the lives of America’s military Veterans.”

Participating courses in the Hit the Green for HOPE campaign represent some of the country’s premier championship venues, including: Wildfire Golf Club, Phoenix, Ariz.; Camelback Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Starr Pass Country Club, Tucson, Ariz.; Desert Springs Golf Resort, Palm Desert, Calif.; Shadow Ridge Golf Club, Palm Desert, Calif.; Grande Vista Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.; Hawk’s Landing Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.; Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grande Lakes, Orlando, Fla.; The Rookery & Hammock Bay, Marco Island, Fla.;  Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club,  St. Petersburg, Fla.; Ritz-Carlton Members Club, Sarasota, Fla.; Stone Mountain Golf Club, Stone Mountain, Ga.; Griffin Gate Golf Club, Lexington, Ky.; Toftrees Golf Club, State College, Pa.; Gaylord Springs Golf Club, Nashville, Tenn.; Cattails Golf Club, Kingsport, Tenn.; and Westfields Golf Club, Clifton, Va.

For more information on the Hit the Green for HOPE campaign and additional military programming at Marriott Golf facilities, visit www.MarriottGolf.com.  For more information on PGA HOPE, visit www.pgareach.com.

FlightScope Donates Launch Monitors to Fairways for Warriors Event

(RELEASE) - FlightScope, a world leader in the development of 3D Doppler tracking monitors and radars for golf, is always on the lookout for ways to help golfers improve their game, especially when it comes to wounded veterans and their families.

This past weekend, the company donated two FlightScope X2 launch monitors to the Fairways for Warriors event in Kissimmee, Florida. With the help of FlightScope, the Training and Life Center, the first indoor golf facility in the United States, is now able to have a world-class golf, 3D Doppler tracking radar. The 6,700 square ft. facility helps combat-wounded veterans and their families by providing physical and emotional growth through the game of golf during the rehabilitative process.

"Fairways for Warriors is very grateful to FlightScope for the generous donation of two FlightScope X2 launch monitors," said Tom Underdown, Fairways for Warriors president. "The help and attention we received from the sales and support team to install the units and get our facility going was outstanding. FlightScope has enabled our Training and Life Center to have a world-class golf 3D Doppler tracking radar, and with their support they are helping combat wounded veterans and their families by providing hope, healing and camaraderie from the trauma of war."

For more information on FlightScope, visit www.flightscope.com.

For more information on Fairways for Warriors, visit www.fairwaysforwarriors.org.

The Legends Championship Returns to French Lick Resort Aug. 19-21

Tickets available in early June with all proceeds benefitting Riley Hospital for Children

(FRENCH LICK, IN) – The Legends Tour will return to The Pete Dye Golf Course at French Lick Resort Properties this summer for the fourth annual Legends Championship presented by Old National Bank Aug. 19-21. Tickets will go on sale June 1 with all proceeds benefitting Riley Hospital for Children.

“We are honored to be able to continue supporting Riley Hospital for Children and help provide healing to the families who receive care during the more than 300,000 annual patient visits,” said Joe Vezzoso – Vice President of Resort Operations for French Lick Resort. “Through Resort Charity Events, French Lick Resort, and our many sponsors, The Legends Championship presented by Old National Bank has become a wonderful event to raise awareness and funding to help families and children in need across the state of Indiana.”

The Pete Dye Championship Course has played host not only to The Legends Tour, but also to the 2015 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid. This year’s Legends Tour event will bring a field of 50 Legends division players and eight Legends Honors division players (age 63 and over) to compete in the 36-hole championship.

“It's a beautiful piece of property," said Michelle McGann, a seven-time LPGA Tour winner, referring to the dramatic site the course is situated on – one of the highest points in the state – offering panoramic views in all directions that stretch for 30-40 miles.

Nancy Scranton, who has won five times on The Legends Tour, agrees.

"I love the par-4 eleventh hole at French Lick because you're way up high on the tee box,” said Scranton, who grew up in nearby Illinois. "I don't normally hit a very high ball, but it makes me feel really long on that hole and you can come close to driving the green.”

The Legends Championship will offer a tournament purse of $325,000, awarding $37,700 to the champion. The Legends Honors event will compete for a separate purse.

The tournament will open with its official pro-am on Friday, Aug. 19, followed by the first round of play on Saturday, Aug. 20, and the championship round on Sunday, Aug. 21.

"The French Lick Resort, its supporting sponsors and the organizing committee for The Legends Championship have been so hospitable and gracious,” said Legends Tour CEO Jane Blalock, who will compete in the Legends Honors division. “The Legends are deeply grateful and look forward to competing in this signature championship once again in August."

Tickets will be $15 for adults, with youth 17 and under admitted free. Tickets will be valid for both rounds of the championship and all proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Riley Hospital for Children.

To purchase tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.

The field to date for The Legends Championship presented by Old National Bank is as follows:
- Blalock, Jane (LHD)
- Caponi, Donna (LHD) (HOF)
- Crosby, Elaine
- Davies, Laura (HOF)
- Dibos, Alicia
- Dickinson, Judy (LHD)
- Doolan, Wendy
- Figg-Currier, Cindy
- Geddes, Jane
- Haynie, Sandra (LHD) (HOF)
- Jones, Rosie
- Kane, Lorie (2013 Champion)
- Lidback, Jenny
- Lovander, Marilyn
- McGann, Michelle
- Moxness, Barb
- Nause, Martha
- Palmer, Sandra (LHD)
- Rarick, Cindy
- Redman, Michele
- Rinker, Laurie (2014 Champion)
- Scranton, Nancy
- Tschetter, Kris
- West, Lori
- Young Robyn, Kathryn
* LHD, Legends Honors Division; HOF, LPGA/World Golf Hall of Fame

For more information on The Legends Tour, visit www.thelegendstour.com.

Pepsi Little People’s Names 'Spirit of Giving' Award Winner

(RELEASE) - Alex Heard of Boca Raton, FL, has been named the 2016 Pepsi Little People’s “Spirit of Giving” Award winner. At 11, Alex becomes the youngest recipient of the Award.

Since his earliest years, Alex has shown compassion towards others. His birthday is two weeks before Christmas, and just before his 7th birthday, Alex announced that he wanted to donate his birthday presents to less fortunate children.

Before that, Alex’s family, Rick and Diane Heard, had established a tradition of donating his lightly used toys and child goods to local charities. Alex looked forward to these visits every year. Since his 7th birthday, Alex hasn’t received any birthday gifts from classmates or friends, opting instead to donate them to local charities.

Alex attends Unity School of Delray Beach, which has a “Lessons in Living” program, teaching preschoolers through 8th graders the virtues and values of giving. The program includes an “Angel Tree” gifting program, soup kitchen visits, and other outreach activities supporting local charities and organizations.

Alex personally supports the Florence Fuller Early Childhood Development center in Boca Raton and the local Toys for Tots program.

Two years ago on his 9th birthday, Alex and his parents were in Miami for the Doral Junior tournament. They stopped at a local restaurant where they were raffling off a nice boy’s bike. Alex was enamored with it, as he was outgrowing his own bike.  As luck would have it, Alex won the bike – and immediately decided to donate the bike to a boy who didn’t have a bike. Evidently that was good karma, as he shot a five-under-par 30 in the first round, and followed it with a 33, winning the tournament. When they returned home, he took the bike to the Florence Fuller Center where the staff was overjoyed and appreciative of his generosity.

Alex has also supported the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation through annual fund-raising walks, and has raised hundreds of dollars, earning him the “Golden Award” for 2014.

Alex also volunteered with a free golf clinic for kids battling cancer in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He and his dad, a PGA golf professional, hosted a group of families and set up fun golf games and instructional stations for the kids, their siblings and parents. Alex took turns at each station, showing the kids the correct way to hold a club, swing and hit a ball.

Alex will be competing in the 10-11 division of the 2016 Pepsi Little People’s in Quincy, IL, and will receive his Award during the Family Celebration Picnic on June 22.

More information and entry forms are available at www.littlepeoplesgolf.com, or by contacting Nan Ryan, Tournament Director, at jrgolfer@littlepeoplesgolf.com or 217-257-5718.

Make Like the Pros: Golf in Minnesota

(RELEASE) - The legendary Ryder Cup match is back on U.S. soil this year – specifically, Minnesotan soil. In September, Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska will proudly host several top-ranked American and European men golfers, each country’s team vying for the highly coveted trophy.

Among them, will be golf legend – and Minnesota native – Tom Lehman. As this year’s American team Vice Captain, Lehman is eager to share why his home state is the perfect destination for a golf getaway: "It's the beautiful north woods and 10,000 lakes. It's campfires and northern lights. It's the very big Mall of America and countless cultural experiences that make Minnesota a must-visit destination."

Take it from Tom; golfers can satisfy their fix by choosing Minnesota for their next golf trip. As the locals know, it's a great place to play, with more than 500 course options.

Travel to any corner of the state – from the 5-star Classic at Madden’s in the state’s center, to the southwestern prairies of Morton’s Dacotah Ridge, and up to the Golf Trilogy of Giants Ridge’s Legend and The Quarry and The Wilderness at Fortune Bay in the northeast – you will find a test for your game and an experience for your senses.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul area boasts courses loaded with history: the before-mentioned Hazeltine National, home to the 2016 Ryder Cup; Interlachen Country Club, home to the third leg (the U.S. Open) in Bobby Jones’ 1930 Grand Slam; and the Minikahda Club, which hosted the 1916 U.S. Open.

Lesser known, yet no less unique and visually stimulating, are the bevy of award-winning public facilities. From east to west, north to south, you will find memorable golf experiences across the Twin Cities: Rush Creek in the northwest; StoneRidge just miles from the Wisconsin state line; Edinburgh USA to the north, which has hosted LPGA and USGA events in its history; and Legends Club to the south.

For more information on lodging opportunities during your golf getaway, visit exploreminnesota.com or follow along via social media, using #OnlyinMN.

Old Works Golf Course Celebrates 20th Annivesary

(Anaconda, Montana) – Old Works Golf Course in Anaconda, Mont., recently unveiled its 20th anniversary “Golden Bear” logo as the course will celebrate its platinum anniversary this summer. Additional festivities commemorating the club’s 20th anniversary will be announced at a later date.

“Old Works Golf Course is an amazing success story,” said Mark Savoy, general manager of Old Works. “This place has gone from a copper smelter in the late 1800s, to a Superfund site, to an award-winning Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. It has survived a recession, while disproving hundreds of naysayers and is now one of the premiere, daily-fee golf experiences in the Northwest.”

Reborn on the site of Anaconda’s century old copper smelter, Old Works is the first course ever built on a Federal EPA Superfund site. Jack Nicklaus incorporated historic relics into his design of Old Works. Granite slabs from the old mill line the banks of trout-filled Warm Springs Creek, protecting the 10th green. Massive stone furnaces border the third fairway, while the 150-foot flue provides a dramatic backdrop to the fourth green. All bunkers are filled with black slag sand – slag is a by-product of the copper smelting process – giving the course it’s unique and signature look.

Old Works is currently rated as the No. 2 golf course in Montana by Golfweek Magazine and is No. 94 on Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” list, making the course a must-play for golfers traveling near or through Montana. Moreover, Old Works is one of the most affordable Jack Nicklaus Signature designs in the world.

Managed by Troon and owned by Anaconda Deer Lodge County, Old Works is an 18-hole, par-72, public course spread across 220 acres. The club’s unique three-hole "Little Bear" course has two par 4s and a par 3 and is popular with families and with golfers short on time. Little Bear greens fees are just $5 per three-hole round. The Old Works practice facility includes a driving range with multiple target greens, chipping and putting greens and two practice bunkers.

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

Bidding on a Luxurious Lifestyle in NC Mountains

In the mountains of Western North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest, a pair of grand executive estates in exclusive, neighboring golf communities is about to be sold through online auctions

(CHARLOTTE, N.C.) — In Avery County, two online auctions will be conducted to sell a pair of premier mountain estates to the highest bidders.

One luxury home is set at 4,500 feet of elevation in the gated community, Elk River Club, on a more than five-acre piece of rolling, wooded property. https://www.interluxe.com/index.cfm?page=property_details&propertyid=12450
 
The other is a six-bedroom, six-bath estate in another exclusive gated community, Linville Ridge, which at an elevation of 4,900 feet makes it the highest residence overlooking the golf course. https://www.interluxe.com/index.cfm?page=property_details&propertyid=12451

Both estates are being sold in online auctions conducted by Interluxe, a Charlotte-based, luxury real estate online auction firm. The executives at Interluxe have been selling multi-million dollar properties with auction marketing since 1999.

The Elk River Club online auction launches June 13 at 9 a.m. and is scheduled to end the following day at 5 p.m. The listing agent is Derek Rowley of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

The Linville Ridge web hosted auction starts June 20 at 9 a.m. and is expected to end the next day at 5 p.m. The listing agent is Emily Bish of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty.

Previews of the two estates may be done in-person. The Elk River Club preview begins June 10 at 11 a.m. and goes through the weekend. The Linville Ridge preview begins June 11 at 11 a.m. — and also the following weekend.

This will be Rowley’s third online transaction with Interluxe and Emily Bish’s second real estate transaction with Interluxe, proving how much they believe in the auction model as a means of generating excitement to sell property.

Rowley said he strongly supports not only online auctions, but also the cohesiveness and joint effort of two different sellers in these luxurious gated communities in the North Carolina Mountains. “I love having the Interluxe tool to create interest and focus on a specific property,” Rowley said. “The auction process brings bids on a property that then tells a seller what their property is worth.”

Interluxe’s area of expertise is attracting buyers and creating urgency for a property to be sold in a time-sensitive capacity, understanding that the sellers are looking for the very best price that the market can bear. Interluxe works in cooperation with real estate agents, using an entirely online format to connect discriminating buyers and sellers

Bish said real estate agents see auctions as an effective means of casting a wider net to capture more qualified buyers. “These auctions empower me with another tool and another means of selling real estate,” said Bish. “Who wouldn’t want a property pretty much guaranteed to sell within 60 days? This is great use of my time and effort.”

The mountaintop estateat Elk River Club features four bedrooms, five full baths and one half bath, offering an abundance of living area highlighted by long-range, rolling mountain views from nearly every part of the home, as well as from the expansive decks on both the main level and lower level. The Elk River Club estate includes vaulted ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows in the great room, a gourmet chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry and granite countertops, a formal dining room perfect for large parties or intimate dinners, and much more.

In Linville Ridge, situated on 2.5 acres, the six-bedroom mansion featuring six full baths and five powder rooms has every amenity: chef’s kitchen, catering kitchen and additional kitchen in guest house; fitness room; Jacuzzi tubs; steam showers; rich surfaces of mahogany walls, backlit onyx, Brazilian cherry flooring and Mexican Saltillo tile; climate-controlled garage space for eight cars; elevator and dumbwaiter; and much more.

Scott Kirk, president of Interluxe, said online auctions are becoming extremely popular as an alternative method of moving property in a timely fashion, creating an urgency that benefits both sellers and buyers. “The bidders feel good about auctions because ultimately they get to pay a value that they see as appropriate, and it helps demonstrate what the market sees the property being worth,” he said.

Online auctions offer savvy buyers, sellers and agents an unparalleled opportunity for real estate success, and can be a rewarding way to search, compare, bid, and close on a luxury property. There is no negotiating, no counter-offers, and no long, interminable process. Prospective buyers can bid from work, home, or even their mobile devices. Every prospective bidder is required to fulfill the same pre-auction obligations and has access to the same pool of information. The closing date and contract terms are all known in advance for peace of mind and planning.

Auctions can bring a higher price, and an online auction can draw buyers from around the world with the right kind of marketing.

“Auctions are a novel approach to selling luxury real estate,” said Stacy Kirk, an Interluxe executive. “These auctions capture local attention and get people coming out with ferocity to find out what it’s all about. Lots of people will come out and check out the house and talk about it. Every buyer wants to get a good deal, and through many bids get to a fair purchase price.

“We feel that when a seller uses the auction model, they have a sincere interest and true willingness to accept the reality of the marketplace. It’s an opportunity for the seller to achieve maximum market value, through competition and bidding, and it’s an opportunity for a buyer to know that they are not overpaying or under bidding.”

For additional information about the upcoming online auctions, visit www.interluxe.com.

International Women’s Golf Day Welcomes New Golfers in Every Time Zone Around the Globe

On Tuesday June 7 more than 400 golf venues in 17 countries will host Women’s Golf Day Events

(New York, NY) — The inaugural International Women’s Golf Day (WGD), set for Tuesday, June 7, 2016,has exceeded its lofty goal with more than 400 golf facilities in more than 17 countries participating in this first-of-its-kind growth of the game initiative. WGD’s mission is to Engage, Empower and Support women and they will experience this first-hand on June 7.  

WGD will be celebrated between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., when women and girls will be introduced to the game in an inviting and fun environment. The event also encourages existing and former golf enthusiasts to attend with an opportunity to tee it up for nine holes. From 4-6 p.m. all participants will have the option of two hours of lessons or an on-course 9-hole experience. From 6-8 p.m. attendees will participate in a celebratory gathering where they’ll socialize, network, and receive information on ways to become more involved in golf (i.e. program’s lessons, leagues, clinics).

“Women play a critical role in the success of the golf industry,” says Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation. “Nearly 23 percent of all golfers in the U.S. are female and the creation of Women’s Golf Day is an opportunity to increase awareness, participation, and showcase golf as a fun activity for people of all ages.”

At its core, WGD has the united support of 17 veteran golf industry and business professionals, each volunteering their time and/or service to help execute this worldwide event. In addition to the collaborative efforts of the WGD team, the initiative has garnered the support of key golf management companies and retail outlets including: Arcis Golf, Club Corp, Golfsmith, and PGA Superstore.

“We are proud to participate in this important international event,” said Eric Affeldt, ClubCorp President and CEO. “Positively impacting the future of the game of golf for females of all ages continues to be a priority for ClubCorp and at our clubs. Women’s Golf Day is a wonderful opportunity for us to help grow the game.” Golf course owners and operators also see the value of Women’s Golf Day. “Golf courses and the sport are evolving in many wonderful ways, and Women's Golf Day shines a spotlight on the growing popularity of our sport to women and girls all over the globe,” said Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association. “The life lessons and connections made among women on our fields of play are incredibly valuable.  We are happy to support the endeavor to connect golf to more and more women.”

The WGD initiative is gaining attention from female leaders in sports, too. "There has never been a better time for women in sports and in business, and everyone knows golf is instrumental in many business relationships,” said Motivational Speaker Dr. Jen Welter, NFL’s First Female Coach. “International Women's Golf Day is a great way to get women in the game, on many levels. I am honored to take part in this historical evolution.”

According to event organizers, Women’s Golf Day has captured a positive momentum globally, and one that continues to grow. “It’s both amazing and gratifying to know that we’ll have participation in every time zone worldwide,” said Event Founder Elisa Gaudet. “Not only will we introduce new players to the game in an inviting and inclusive manner, participants will be able to share their experiences through social media and see how they’re actually part of a global community, doing the same thing, on the same day, around the world.”  

Those interested in attending a WGD event are encouraged to visit: http://womensgolfday.com/locations/. To register a facility (course, range, or retail outlet) click here: http://womensgolfday.com/event-registration/. Specific questions regarding registration can be directed to Hollie at info@womensgolfday.com.

For additional information access the web site at www.womensgolfday.com or find us on social media: FB- Women's Golf Day, Twitter- @womensgolfday, Instagram- Womensgolfday, YouTube- Womens Golf Day.

Sergio Garcia wins 2016 AT&T Byron Nelson

(RELEASE) - Sergio Garcia wins the 2016 AT&T Byron Nelson in Irving, TX, his second win at this tournament, the first being in 2004. Garcia wins playing a full TaylorMade bag including an M2 Driver, M1 fairway woods, PSi irons and wearing adidas Golf apparel and footwear, including the TOUR360 BOOST.

Things to know:
- This is Sergio’s second win with PSi Tour irons, first winning the 2015 Ho Tram Open in Vietnam
- With his win at AT&T Byron Nelson, Garcia gains 500 FedEx points jumping him up in rankings with a total of 1,081 points
- This is Sergio’s second win at AT&T Byron Nelson. He first won in 2004 following a playoff with Robert Damron and Dudley Hart.
- Garcia’s first pro start in the US was at the 1999 AT&T Byron Nelson where he finished T3
- Garcia has more than 300 starts on the PGA TOUR, with nine careers wins. He’s also won 18 times internationally, most recently at the 2015 Ho Tram Open in Vietnam

In Garcia’s bag:
- M2 9.5 Driver / Mitsubishi Kuro Kage S TiNi 80 X
- M1 FW 15.0* / Mitsubishi Kuro Kage S TiNi 80 X
- M1 FW 19.0* / Mitsubishi Kuro Kage S TiNi 80X
- PSi Tour Irons 3-PW / Nippon Tour 130 X
- Tour Preferred EF Wedges 52* and 58*
- Monte Carlo Proto putter
- Tour Preferred X Ball #49 (Year of his Mother Consuela's birth)

Sergio wears adidas Golf apparel and footwear, including:
- TOUR360 BOOST, in a new fall/winter color way, available June 1st
- Ultimate Pant featuring a stretch waistband with silicone gripper, moisture-wicking and water resistant stretch fabrication, and snag-free micromesh pockets
- Climacool polo
- Tour Delta Competition Hat

McIlroy Clinches Victory at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open

Four-time Major champion Rory McIlroy bested the inclement weather conditions and a fiercely competitive field to claim his first victory of the season

(RELEASE) - Cheered by passionate Irish fans at the famed K Club in County Kildare, McIlroy secured the win on the final three holes. Standing with a one-shot deficit on the par-five 16th hole, he fired an awe-inspiring shot with a Nike Vapor Speed fairway metal from 271 yards to the green, walking off with a two-putt birdie. A par four followed before a precise 253-yard approach to the par-five 18th nestled two feet from the cup. McIlroy holed out for eagle to win the tournament by three strokes.

“I don’t know if I can put it into words," McIlroy declares. "As you’ve seen over the years, I don’t really get emotional when I win but I was trying to hold back the tears there on the 18th green. I looked up, saw all my friends and family, and to win in front of them — I don’t get a chance to play in front of my home fans very often — so to play like that and to finish like that… I’ll never forget it.”

The Northern Irishman was outfitted head to toe in Nike Golf  apparel, footwear and equipment. His work off the tee with the Nike Vapor Fly Pro driver was impressive all week, averaging 293 yards in distance. He also finished top in greens in regulation.

McIlroy relied on the stability offered by the RZN Tour Platinum golf ball as he tackled the wind and the rain. Four key technologies — RZN 4.0, Speedlock X Core, Speedlock Mantle and Flight Suit Cover — combine to offer added yardage and a softer feel, versus the previous RZN Platinum ball.

The tournament was hosted by The Rory Foundation, a non-profit charitable trust that seeks to advance opportunity and lasting change for children suffering from ill health, who are unfairly disadvantaged or vulnerable to life’s circumstances. McIlroy will be donating his winner’s prize fund to the foundation.

“The ovation I got when the ball landed on the 16th green sent shivers down my spine. It’s just incredible to play in front of these crowds; they’re so knowledgeable about their golf and, come rain or shine, they come out in droves to support. For everyone who is watching at home and everyone who is here, thank you for supporting this event. It means an awful lot to the players, but it means an awful lot to everyone else and buying a ticket this week goes a long way to helping children who really need it,” McIlroy adds.

MCILROY'S NIKE GOLF EQUIPMENT
- Driver: Nike Vapor Fly Pro 9.5-degree
- Fairway Wood: Nike Vapor Speed 3-wood 15-degree, 5-wood 19-degree
- Irons: Nike VR Pro Blade (4-9)
- Wedges: Nike Engage 47-degree square sole, 52-degree, 56-degree, 59-degree dual sole
- Putter: Nike Method Origin B2-01
- Ball: Nike RZN Tour Platinum
- Apparel: Nike Performance
- Footwear: Nike Lunar Control 4

NIKE GOLF'S 2016 INTERNATIONAL VICTORIES
- Rory McIlroy - Dubai Duty Free Irish Open
- Hao-Tong Li - Volvo China Open
- Charl Schwartzel - Tshwane Open

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

Golf Channel's Live Coverage of 2016 NCAA Women's Golf Championships Begins May 23

Field of 24 Teams and 12 Individuals Headlined by Defending Champion Stanford University

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – Golf Channel will deliver comprehensive news and tournament coverage of the 2016 NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championships, airing in primetime Monday, May 23-Wednesday, May 25 from Eugene Country Club in Eugene, Oregon.

Golf Channel’s live tournament coverage of the women’s championships begins on Monday, May 23 to crown the individual national champion, as well as tracking the teams attempting to qualify for the eight-team match play tournament. Golf Channel’s coverage also will include all three rounds of the team match-play tournament on Tuesday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 25. In addition, Golf Central will surround live tournament coverage with pre-and post-event news coverage produced on location, as well as daily news updates on Morning Drive and online via Golf Channel Digital. News and tournament coverage also will be live streamed on Golf Live Extra.

Golf Channel NCAA Women’s Golf Championships Coverage (all times ET)
May 23 - Final Round, Individual National Championship - 7-10 p.m. (Live)
May 24 - Quarterfinals, Team Match Play - 1:30-3:30 p.m. (Live)
May 24 - Semifinals, Team Match Play - 6:30-10 p.m. (Live)
May 25 - Finals, Team Match Play - 6-10 p.m. (Live)

NCAA Women’s Golf Championships Format: The championship format consists of 24 teams and 12 individuals (not on those teams competing) in 54 holes of stroke play, beginning Friday, May 20. Following Sunday’s third round, the top-15 teams along with nine individuals not on an advancing team will compete on Monday, May 23 to crown the individual national champion. The top eight teams from the 72-hole stroke play championship will advance to the team match play championship on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 24 and 25.

Teams competing: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, BYU, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Furman, Georgia, Miami, Michigan, North Carolina, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Oregon, South Carolina, Stanford, Tennessee, Texas, UCLA, USC, Virginia and Washington.

Individuals competing: Elise Bradley (Louisiana State), Sarah Burnham (Michigan State), Olivia Cason (Louisville), Leonie Harm (Houston), August Kim (Purdue), Jennifer Kupcho (Wake Forest), Marianne Li (California-Berkley), Laura Lonardi (Baylor), Bianca Pagdanganan (Gonzaga), Lauren Stephenson (Clemson), Linnea Strom (Arizona State) Andrea Wong (California-Davis).

Marathon Classic Offers Two Exemptions From 2016 NCAA Women’s Golf Championships
The individual champion from the 2016 NCAA Women’s Golf Championships and a representative from the team national champions once again will receive exemptions to compete in the 2016 Marathon Classic presented by Owens Corning and O-I taking place in July.

Semifinal Teams in Match Play to Receive Invitations to Compete in East Lake Cup: The East Lake Cup, taking place in late October at historic East Lake Golf Club and featuring the top-performing teams from the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships, will expand to a new three-day format for 2016. Invitations for the field will be extended to the semifinalists of the team match-play tournaments at both the 2016 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships. Modeled after the NCAA Golf Championships, the new format for the East Lake Cup will consist of an opening round of stroke play to crown an individual male and female champion and determine seeding for the following two days of match play competition. Golf Channel will air live coverage of the East Lake Cup Monday-Wednesday, Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

Blumenherst and Castrale Join NCAA Broadcast Team: Newcomers to Golf Channel’s NCAA on-air team include Amanda Blumenherst – one of the most decorated women’s collegiate athletes in history from Duke University and 2008 U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion – who will join Golf Channel as a news analyst for the women’s golf championships. Golf Channel analyst Nicole Castrale also will join the live tournaments team as a course reporter for the women’s golf championships.

Women’s Golf Championships On-Air Teams: Golf Channel’s on-air team for the NCAA Women’s Golf Championships will feature major champion Karen Stupples as lead analyst and Bob Papa as play-by-play host. Curt Byrum will serve as hole announcer, with Billy Ray Brown, Castrale and Kay Cockerill reporting from the course. Golf Channel’s college insider Steve Burkowski will join the broadcast booth as co-analyst. Lisa Cornwell will host Golf Central, joined by Paige Mackenzie, Blumenherst, Burkowski and Golf Channel Digital senior writer Ryan Lavner.

College Central – Golf Channel Digital Coverage: Golf Channel will provide comprehensive coverage via College Central, Golf Channel Digital’s home for college golf. Led by Jay Coffin, Lavner and Burkowski, College Central will be the source for all things college golf, including tournament results and scores, features and columns, video highlights and breaking news.

ANNIKA Award Winner to be Announced on Golf Central Tuesday, June 7: Golf Channel will announce the winner of one of the most prestigious awards in college golf –the ANNIKA Award Presented by 3M – following the conclusion of the NCAA Women’s Golf Championships, on a live edition of Golf Central, Tuesday, June 7 at 6 p.m. ET. The show will include profiles on the top candidates for both awards and live interviews with the winner, who also will receive an exemption to compete in the 2016 Evian Championship in September, the final major on the LPGA Tour in 2016. The ANNIKA Award Presented by 3M honors the nation’s most outstanding female Division I collegiate golfer as selected by her peers, coaches and the golf media. The 2015 winner of the ANNIKA Award was Duke Freshman Leona Maguire, who tallied three wins and finished individual runner-up in the 2015 NCAA Women’s Golf Championships.