Can’t Wear Sunglasses For Golf? Scheyden Eyewear May Have the Answer

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA) – Scheyden Eyewear, known as the finest eyewear in General Aviation, carries its quality, comfort, and function into the golf industry with its latest product release. The ‘Confidence In Action,’ or the “CIA,” golf-specific sunglasses are expected to officially launch in late July.

Scheyden, a supplier to the United States Air Force Thunderbird Team, focuses on activities that require the highest quality in terms of comfort, function, and lens clarity. A complete round of golf can be very similar to a pilot flying a 4 or 5-hour mission. Fatigue is always a factor during a long day of intense focus and concentration. Scheyden has brought to the forefront a “golf-specific” frame and lens combination with a level of quality that has not yet been seen in the industry.

Jeff Herold, pilot, golfer and CEO of West Coast Trends, Inc. explains, “Our goal here at Scheyden Eyewear is not to simply impress those who regularly wear sunglasses on the golf course, but furthermore, to impress those that have never been able to wear sunglasses during a round of golf. If you take note of the PGA Tour, more than half of the players never wear sunglasses, primarily because they believe it somehow hinders their game. If we can bring to market a product that will not only protect a player’s eyes, but actually enhance their ability to see and play with confidence, then we have hit a grand slam home run.”

The golf-specific ‘CIA’ is handmade in Japan and features a feather-light, incredibly strong, titanium frame with a high definition, dye infused, LT33 polyamide lens. The lens is a decentered eight base, 33% Light Transmission wrap. This lens that actually appears to brighten and sharpen your vision on the golf course yet still provides 100% UVA and UVB 400nm protection. The LT33 lenses are top drill mounted eliminating 60% of the lower frame and allowing for an unobstructed view while addressing the ball. The frame also includes adjustable, oversized, soft, tacky, silicone nose pads that will keep the frames comfortably in place during the most powerful of golf swings.

Herold adds, “When blending dyes to colorize the tint on any lens one must consider the reaction that the ‘visible light spectrum’ has on the human brain. After several attempts in blending the dyes, we feel we have found the perfect sweet spot within the visible light spectrum that will create the perfect contrast and color for the game of golf. This sweet spot will allow the player to put the Scheyden CIA’s on and keep them on during the entire round, including while performing shots in the shade of a tree.” A “sensitive eyes” slightly darker lens within the same light spectrum is on the horizon.”

For more information regarding Scheyden Precision Eyewear or to purchase products, visit www.scheyden.com or call (714) 843-1975.

Edgewood Country Club (NJ) to Host Inaugural 'Golf Kitchen | Edgewood' Fine Dining Soirée

Event features Guest Chefs from some of the most prestigious Golf and Country Clubs in the North East and Florida

(EDGEWOOD, New Jersey) – Edgewood Country Club and Golf Kitchen Magazine announced ticket sales for the Inaugural Golf Kitchen | Edgewood Fine Dining Soirée and Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards Premiere which will take place October 4. This rare event will feature a collaboration of specialty guest executive chefs from some of the most prestigious golf and country clubs in the North-East and Florida.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Golf Kitchen Magazine’s Diana DeLucia in creating the inaugural Golf Kitchen | Edgewood Fine Dining Soirée and Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards,” said Frank Benzakour, COO and General Manager at Edgewood Country Club. “This extravagant event is in a class of its own showcasing some of the very best cuisines the Golf Club industry offers.”

Edgewood's own Executive Chef Anthony Villanueva is the event’s lead chef and host. He will be joined by culinary teams from the well-accredited Sebonack Golf Club, GlenArbor Golf Club, Westchester Country Club and Addison Reserve Country Club. Guests will have the opportunity to interact live with Executive Chefs during the Opening Party, the fine dining sit-down dinner which has been collaborated by the participating Executive Chefs, and during the closing dessert party.

Additionally, the event and will include the first ever Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Award presentations, and a silent and live auction sponsored by Grand Stand Sports to benefit charity, recipient charity soon to be announced.

“It has long been my dream to create and launch the Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards,” said Diana DeLucia, Editor in Chief of Golf Kitchen Magazine. “Edgewood is the perfect location and Golf Kitchen and Edgewood look forward to inviting members and guests to be a part of this momentous premiere as well as sharing the experience of this incredible collaboration of industry chefs.”

For event information visit GolfKitchenEdgewood or call 201-666-1200
*Edgewood members receive a 25% discount

Area Hotels
- Marriott Courtyard Montvale, 100 Chestnut Ridge Road, Montvale, New Jersey, 201-391-7700
- Marriott Park Ridge, 300 Brae Boulevard, Park Ridge, New Jersey, 201-307-0800
- Woodcliff Lake Hilton, 200 Tice Boulevard, Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, 201-391-3600
- Pearl River Hilton, 500 Veteran Memorial Drive, Pearl River, New York, 845-735-9000

Family Golf Week, 21st Annual Father-Son Team Classic Deliver Memorable Event

700 Players from 42 States, Canada, Ireland and England Play in Golf’s Largest Family Event

(Myrtle Beach, S.C.) – Family Golf Week, highlighted by the 21st annual Father-Son Team Classic, delivered another memorable week in Myrtle Beach, S.C., as 700 players from 42 states, Ireland, England and Canada participated in the event.

Family Golf Week featured two tournaments, the ever-popular Father-Son and the new Parent-Child Team Classic, which introduced mothers, daughters and grandparents to the festivities. The 2-person team events were played on seven of Myrtle Beach’s most popular courses, and a different format of play was used each day.

In addition to golf, participants enjoyed nightly catered events and received a gift bag valued at more than $500. The event’s title sponsors Cleveland Golf, Srixon and XXIO were instrumental in helping deliver a memorable tournament experience.  

In 2019, Family Golf Week will be held July 17-20 in Myrtle Beach.

“My favorite part is just being able to play with [my dad] now that I’ve gone to college and I’m kind of moving on with my life,” said Atlanta native Justin Connelly, who finished third in the Johnson Flight with his father, Jay. “Always being able to come back and share this experience with him is unbelievable.”

The field was placed into 21 flights based on each team’s combined handicap. Raleigh residents David and Noah Butler emerged from a field of 130 teams competing in the National Division to claim the mantle of National Champions. The Butlers shot a gross score of 132 (the event was shortened to two rounds due to rain) to emerge victorious.

“Family Golf Week is a celebration of the game and the bonds it creates, and that was on full display,” said Mike Buccerone, president of East Coast Golf Events. “We had a great time meeting people and hearing stories about what golf means to their family. This is a one-of-kind event, and we are already looking forward to 2019.”

The host courses for Family Golf Week included Rivers Edge and the Love Course at Barefoot Resort, layouts that have been ranked among America’s top 100 public courses. Also hosting were Crow Creek, home of Myrtle Beach’s newest bentgrass greens, Arcadian Shores, Heathland at Legends Resort, Wild Wing Avocet and Wachesaw Plantation East.

Entry fee was $995 per team and included golf, daily lunch, and pre- and post-event functions. The gift bag included an Ahead logo’d shirt, Ahead logo’d hat, a dozen Srixon balls, Signs by the Sea Custom bag tag, 1 pair of 2UNDR athletic briefs and a $150 gift card per participant to be used for golf fees (practice rounds), food & beverage, merchandise and Logan's Roadhouse.

Both Family Golf Week events required participants to have a USGA approved handicap and featured a different format of play each day, starting with better ball, followed by a modified alternate shot and a Texas scramble.

East Coast Golf Events, LLC, a valued National Partner of East Coast Golf Management, has partnered with Southern Dunes, the tournament’s long-time proprietor, to take over the Father-Son and Parent-Child team classics. East Coast, which provides management and marketing support to 25 courses, is one of the region’s most innovative and resourceful companies, maximizing growth for its partner courses.

East Coast is working with the Golf Tourism Solution’s Tournament Division, which manages eight events, including the Myrtle Beach World Amateur Handicap Championship, to handle tournament operations.

For more information, go to www.familygolfweek.com.

Augusta's First Tee Youth Benefit from Local Partnership

Club Car Presents Check to Next Generation of Golfers

(Augusta, GA) - The First Tee of Augusta and a group of young golfers recently gathered for golf lessons and also met with Club Car representatives for a check presentation to benefit the First Tee’s Ace Scholarship program. The scholarships are available for youth who participate in a certification program which focuses on personal planning and reinforces skills such as goal setting, interpersonal communication and resilience.

Club Car and The First Tee of Augusta have had a longstanding partnership since the program’s inception in 2001. Club Car’s ($2,000) check donation will be allocated for two First Tee participants who will be awarded with the First Tee’s Ace Scholarship, available for those youth who participate in a certification program which focuses on personal planning and will reinforce skills such as self-management, goal setting, self-coaching, interpersonal communication, and resilience that were applied in earlier levels of the program.

USGA Announces Jennifer Kupcho as First Member of 2018 USA Women's World Amateur Team

Kupcho receives first automatic selection as No. 1 player in latest World Amateur Golf Ranking

(LIBERTY CORNER, N.J.) – Jennifer Kupcho, the 2018 NCAA Division I women’s golf individual champion at Wake Forest University and a member of the victorious USA Curtis Cup Team in June, has been selected by the USGA to represent the USA in the 2018 Women’s World Amateur Team Championship at Carton House near Dublin, Ireland, next month. She is an automatic selection because of her position in the latest World Amateur Golf Ranking™.

Kupcho, 21, of Westminster, Colo., will be one of three competitors for the USA in the 28th Women’s World Amateur Team Championship, playing for the Espirito Santo Trophy (Aug. 29-Sept. 1). The Republic of Korea won the 2016 championship, with the USA finishing sixth at Riviera Maya, Mexico.

“Jennifer is a terrific young woman and golf talent who represented the United States at this year’s Curtis Cup Match,” said Stasia Collins, USA team captain. “We couldn’t be prouder to have her as our ambassador in Ireland.”

Earlier this summer, the USGA announced a series of revisions to the association’s selection process for international teams that provide for some automatic selections, as well as creating more transparency into how the remaining selections are made.

The revised guidelines impact the selection of the association’s most prestigious international teams: the USA men’s and women’s teams for the World Amateur Team Championships, starting in 2018, as well as the USA teams for the Walker Cup Match (men) and Curtis Cup Match (women), starting in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

The selection process will now work as follows:
2018 Women’s World Amateur Team:
- The best-ranked USA female player in WAGR will be automatically named to the team, as of the July 25 WAGR update
- The U.S. Women’s Amateur champion will be automatically named to the team
- The women’s Mark H. McCormack Medal winner (WAGR world No. 1) will be automatically named to the team (named immediately after the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship)
- Any other remaining selections will be decided by the USGA’s International Team Selection (ITS) Committee
- All selections assume the player is a U.S. citizen and remains an amateur through the Team Championships

To learn more, visit usga.org.

Casa de Campo Resort’s Villa Accommodations Ideal for Fall Golf Group Getaways

Play Caribbean’s No. 1 Course, Enjoy Three- to 11-Bedroom Options and Oceanfront Views

(LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic) – Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences, including the iconic Teeth of the Dog course – offers an array of exceptional fully-appointed villas ideal for golf group fall getaways at the world-class destination.

Starting at $249 (per person, per night, double occupancy), the villa options range from three to 11 bedrooms.  Stays are highlighted by the opportunity to enjoy unlimited play on the resort’s Pete Dye-designed Teeth of the Dog course, widely recognized as the No. 1 course in the Caribbean, as well as the resort’s two additional Pete Dye gems: Dye Fore (27 holes) and The Links (18).

Villa guests enjoy stylish living areas, a private pool as well as myriad creature comforts. From secluded Garden Villas showcasing the area’s abundant flora to the tranquil splendor of the Caribbean coast in an Oceanfront Villa, each style offers contemporary designs. Daily breakfast, private maid service and full-access to a wide range of on-site activities are additional highlights.

Villa stays also include use of four-passenger golf carts for easy travel throughout the 7,500-acre resort, complimentary Wi-Fi and unlimited use of the resort’s fitness center.

“Our villas are perfect to enjoy one of the world’s best golf destinations in grand style,” says Andres Pichardo Rosenberg, President of Casa de Campo. “With our three Pete-Dye designed courses, new state-of-the-art Golf Learning Center and vast array of amenities, few resorts anywhere can match the experience we offer our guests.”

Since opening in 1974, Teeth of the Dog has been a “bucket list” layout for those seeking to play one of the top 50 golf courses in the world. Dye’s design hallmarks are all present: railroad ties, vast waste areas, peninsula greens and tees, hand-sculpted putting surfaces and a unique assortment of pot bunkers. “The Heaven 7” oceanfront holes are astoundingly beautiful, causing Dye to famously quip: “I created 11 holes and God created seven.”

The resort recently opened its new world-class Golf Learning Center. Highlighted by Trackman and BODITRAK technology, it features two indoor hitting bays for rapid game improvement, year-round training, individual and group golf lessons and schools, and expert club-fitting and repair.

Residing on 21 acres of “pure grass,” the PGA Tour-quality facility also showcases practice greens for honing putting, chipping and pitching games as well as unlimited use of the pristine outdoor range for full shots. On-course instruction is also available.

Contacting Casa de Campo Resort & Villa
For more information on Casa de Campo Resort & Villas please call 800.877.3643, email golf@ccampo.com.do or visit: www.casadecampo.com.do/, facebook.com/casadecamporesort  instagram.com/casadecampodr, twitter.com/casadecampo.

PGA Value Guide Launches National Trade-In Event to Honor 100th PGA Championship

(RALEIGH, NC) – The PGA Value Guide – the national standard for golf club values – has launched a national trade-in event in honor of the upcoming 100th PGA Championship wherein golfers receive an extra 20 percent when they trade-in previously played clubs at valueguide.pga.com from July 10 – August 31.

Those who select a PGA credit certificate as payment for their trade, in lieu of cash, will receive additional value that can be used towards equipment purchases at participating PGA-staffed retail locations, including GlobalGolf.com.

“The PGA Value Guide has long been the trusted resource for golfers looking to ensure they receive fair value for their used equipment,” says Doug Smith, PGA Value Guide VP – Business Development. “With this promotion, we are able to help consumers receive additional value for their current clubs traded in toward the purchase of golf equipment best suited for their game.”

Millions of golfers turn to the PGA Value Guide during their search for new and pre-owned golf clubs to ensure they receive the highest overall trade-in value. Users are also able to research current trade-in promotions, pricing on pre-owned equipment, product specifications and reviews, as well as participating retailers staffed by PGA members. PGA Interactive and PGA.com are managed by Turner Sports in partnership with the PGA of America.

Higher introductory price points and longer product lifecycles have resulted in unprecedented trade-in values on golf clubs.

PGA Professionals who use the PGA Value Guide can receive national trade-in promotions, periodic trade-in bonuses and free exposure for their facilities to millions of purchase-minded golfers.

More information: globalvaluecommerce.com, 866.843.0262

Product Review: BGT Stability Shaft

The BGT Stability Shaft features four-part construction

A funny thing happened while I was testing the new Stability Shaft from Breakthrough Golf Technology … my putting improved. Was it the recipe or the chef? I don’t know, I try not to ask many questions once putts start to drop.

There are currently 25 putters in my golf room. The oldest one is probably 30 years old, while the newest arrived this season. With the exception of length, all the shafts are the same. That’s three decades of zero innovation. Until now.

Look at your putter. I’m guessing it has a single, steel, tapered shaft … just like every putter I own. Upon first glance, you’ll immediately see the difference in the BGT Stability Shaft, which boasts a multi-material design. According to the company, there are four parts of the Stability Shaft that help improve putting:
- Eight layers of high modulus carbon fiber specifically layered, wrapped and widened, with a no‑taper design to greatly reduce torque;
- Through finite element analysis a light‑weight, 22‑gram aluminum insert was developed and precisely located to reinforce flexural rigidity;

BGT stands out in a crowd

- A 7075 aluminum connector helps to reinforce. This versatility allows attachment to any tip diameter of any putter, regardless of the bend profile; and
- The stainless steel tips have extremely consistent wall thicknesses and are coated with a smoke PVD finish to add further protection from corrosion and rusting.

This technology helps square the face at impact and delivers a lower launch, which improves distance control and provides a more predictable roll.

Putting can be an extremely infuriating part of a very frustrating game. You have to read the green accurately, start the ball on the right line and give it the correct amount of speed. The Stability Shaft can help with two of those three needs.

Look, I’m just a guy with a golf blog. I’m not a robot in a lab. That said, I took 100 putts each with my gamer (standard shaft) and a putter with the Stability Shaft and played to four different holes. When the smoke settled, I had made the same amount of putts with each putter. The difference was with my misses. More of my BGT putts stopped within 18 inches of the hole, while more of my gamer putts missed by 3+ feet.

The Stability Shaft costs $199.99 and you choose between grips - Superstroke Slim 3.0 or Mid-Slim 2.0 for $24.99 or Tour Tradition for $14.99. The installation is free.

How to get a Stability Shaft Installed
- Visit a Club Champion (more than 30 locations around the country) to be fit;
- Visit a True Spec Golf location;
- Send your putter into BGT and they will re-shaft for you (https://breakthroughgolftech.com/product/stability-shaft-with-free-install/); or
- Contact BGT via phone (888-211-6770) or e-mail (info@bgolftech.com).

For more information, visit breakthroughgolftech.com.

Take Driving Accuracy to the Next Level with FLIGHTPATH Performance Golf Tees

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – You’re aiming down the fairway off the first tee box, excited to be playing one of the dream golf courses on your bucket list and boom, you hit your ball wide right and deep into the long stuff. Not exactly the start you wanted. Now there is a golf tee that can help more golfers find the fairway.

FLIGHTPATH is a performance golf tee that combines the direction of ball flight with a directional arrow that is built right into the structural design. No longer will golfers be subject to golf tees that have no knowledge of their pre- determined path of flight. FLIGHTPATH’s patent-pending tee design reduces frictional resistance in two primary directions - laterally and centrally - enabling golfers to hit longer and straighter tee shots.

“FLIGHTPATH is one of the only golf tees ever to prove its performance through robotics testing,” said Daniel Whalen, President of IGP Enterprises, manufacturers of FLIGHTPATH. “FLIGHTPATH has been proven to reduce ball spin, increase directional control and increase distance compared with conventional golf tees in the market.”

Simply set the arrow of your FLIGHTPATH golf tee in the direction you are aiming in and swing on to the path of least frictional resistance. Maximum frictional resistance reduction is achieved with your FLIGHTPATH golf tee in the ground at 90 degrees, but can be tilted back slightly for added stability should you desire it.

Maurice Allen, the 2017 World Long Drive Tour Champion and former Guinness World Record holder, is proudly endorsing and playing FLIGHTPATH golf tees on the 2018 World Long Drive Tour. Allen is currently ranked #3 on the World Long Drive Tour. With drives over 400 yards, competitors like Allen know the importance of accuracy and being able to take dead aim, while crushing their drives and landing them inside the marked grid.

Allen recently won the Pacific Rim Long Drive Competition held at the Rarotonga Golf Club in Nikao, Cook Islands. Players hit eight balls within three minutes. Only drives within a marked grid of 400 meters long by 45 meters wide were counted as successful attempts. Allen recorded the longest distance by over 60 meters in the tournament while using FLIGHTPATH golf tees. Allen will be crushing drives off his pink FLIGHTPATH golf tees at the 2018 Volvik World Drive Championship August 30- September 5, WinStar World Casino & Resort in Thackerville, Okla.

Take your driving accuracy to the next level with FLIGHTPATH performance golf tees. FLIGHTPATH conforms to the Rules of Golf. To order visit www.flightpathgolftees.com or contact Daniel Whalen at 305-439- 1137 or dwhalen@igpenterprise.com.

Pinehurst Resort to Debut Gil Hanse Reimagination of No. 4 on Sept. 20

(PINEHURST, N.C.) – Pinehurst Resort & Country Club will unveil a completely reimagined No. 4 course on Sept. 20, the work of renowned golf course architect Gil Hanse.

Visually stunning from tee to green, exposed sand areas, vast cross bunkers and native wire grass meld with the site’s rolling topography and natural ridge lines to create dramatic vistas and strategic options on every hole. Hanse’s design of No. 4 is a brand new and bold expression of pure, timeless Carolinas Sandhills golf.

“We’ve returned the original landscape to the course, and from there, we then created the features, slopes and green locations,” says Hanse, architect of the 2016 Olympic Course in Rio de Janeiro. “We believe golfers are going to appreciate how No. 4 fits into the Pinehurst lineup and elevates the entire golf experience.”

The par-5 9th hole is a shining example of how No. 4 has been reinvented through Hanse’s vision and touch.  More than 25 pot bunkers are replaced with sprawling, sandy native areas, and a massive crossbunker spans the width of the fairway, connecting with nearby holes and tying together the natural landforms. Green complexes throughout the course have been lowered to fit the landscape, and are complemented by Hanse’s unique bunker designs.

“Among Pinehurst’s nine golf courses, No. 4 has always held a special place in the resort’s history,” says Bob Dedman, Jr., in speaking for the Dedman family, the owners of the resort. “We entrusted Gil and his team to interpret and execute the vision of making No. 4 more natural and authentic to the Sandhills of North Carolina. Gil, Jim and the team have been great to work with and have far exceeded our expectations.”

The USGA has already named No. 4, along with No. 2, as co-hosts for the 2019 U.S. Amateur Championship. It marks the third time the prestigious event will be played at Pinehurst and the first since 2008. Stroke play will be contested on both courses with the match play championship held on No. 2. Hanse says this is exactly the type of symbiotic relationship that should exist between the two courses.

“No. 4 is a companion in the landscape, but it is not a tribute to No. 2 in the features,” Hanse says. “The greens are different, the approaches are different and we wanted to take advantage of the landforms, which are much more dramatic than those on No. 2.”

Completion of No. 4 is bittersweet for Hanse, who spent parts of the past two years onsite with partner Jim Wagner and his construction crew, “The Cavemen,” working both on No. 4 and Pinehurst’s short course, The Cradle. He describes living in the Dornoch Cottage – Donald Ross’s home in Pinehurst - as “one of the most meaningful things that has ever happened to me.”

The reimagination of No. 4 is the latest in a series of bold moves for one of the world’s most iconic golf destinations. The restoration of No. 2, acquisition of No. 9, the opening of The Cradle and an expansion of the 18-hole putting course Thistle Dhu are complete, as are restorative enhancements to Pinehurst No. 3. The Pinehurst Brewing Company will open this fall, located in the village’s historic steam plant.

“There’s never been a more exciting time to visit Pinehurst,” says Tom Pashley, President of Pinehurst Resort. “All of the recent changes and enhancements have resulted in a new energy level and fun factor that’s contagious. I can’t wait for visitors to see the stunning transformation with the new Pinehurst No. 4.”

To book tee times and golf packages: www.pinehurstresort.com, 855.235.8507.

Play Smarter with GolfLogix

(SCOTTSDALE, AZ) - With the addition of its breakthrough Putt Breaks feature, GolfLogix is now the most complete game improvement app around. It provides amateur golfers with intelligent 3D green maps, accurate GPS distances, in-round pro-level stat and club tracking, and more! From tee to green, GolfLogix provides golfers with the information they need to reduce strokes and Play Smarter.

"This is one of the most innovative products the industry has ever seen," says Kellie Stenzel, GOLF Magazine Top 100 teacher and PGA master professional/LPGA member*. "GolfLogix helps me navigate and manage courses so much easier than by just looking with the naked eye. If I need GolfLogix as a professional, amateur golfers will benefit from using this game-changing app."

Offering over 35,000 interactive 3D course maps, virtually every golf course in the world is mapped to give users the exact distance to any point on the fairway or green, as well as every hazard and layup spot. With the information for thousands of courses right in their pocket, GolfLogix users can play every course like it's their home course.

The app also allows its users to analyze stats and scores for every round with pro-level stat and patented club tracking, in addition to the all-new Putt Breaks feature. Combining innovative 3D mapping technology with the information from yardage books used by the pros, Putt Breaks gives users a whole new level of insight into the contours of the green. With intelligent one-touch putt reading, users can now analyze greens before hitting their approach shot and read putts in a matter of seconds.

Experience A New Way to Play with GolfLogix. Download the App and Get a FREE 30-Day Trial of Putt Breaks!

More information: www.GolfLogix.com

Oglebay Celebrates 90th Anniversary

(WHEELING, W.Va.) – Oglebay – West Virginia’s most popular golf destination set in Oglebay Park amid the scenic Appalachian foothills – invites the public to celebrate the resort’s momentous 90th birthday this weekend (July 27 – 29).

In 1900, Cleveland industrialist Earl Oglebay purchased a stately mansion and surrounding 750 acres in West Virginia to serve as his country home. Upon his death, the philanthropist willed his spectacular country estate to the City of Wheeling for as long as they “shall operate it for public recreation.”

Today, Oglebay’s property, under the governance of the Wheeling Park Commission, has expanded to 1,750 bucolic acres including dramatic elevation changes, streams and rolling hills. The family-friendly resort is an attractive year-round destination with myriad recreational activities and overnight accommodations.

Oglebay’s golf courses cater to all abilities, including two exceptional 18-hole championship layouts at The Speidel Golf Club designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and Arnold Palmer. The Crispin – the resort’s 5,600-yard original course – is perfect for warm-up rounds, seniors and beginners. Oglebay also offers two driving ranges and a family-friendly par-3 course.

“This weekend celebrates our incredible history and we cordially invite the public to join us to mark this significant milestone,” says David Lindelow, President & CEO, Wheeling Park Commission. “We look forward to honoring Earl Oglebay’s legacy with three days of family-friendly events and ‘fun for all’ activities.”

To view the full schedule of events visit www.oglebay.com/90th-birthday-celebration.

Getting to Know: Mike Gorman, Golf Course Architect with Robert Trent Jones II

American Golfer: When did you start playing golf?
Mike Gorman: I started playing golf at the age of 8. I grew up across from a park where I used to make up my own courses. To the neighbors’ dismay, some of my errant shots and an occasional, misguided hole ended up being routed close to their property. I had golf balls going into my neighbors’ gutters, they did not like it.

AG: Why did you choose a career in golf course design?
MG: I’ve always had a strong passion for golf. After getting to as a low as a 2.0 handicap in high school and competing in regular amateur tournaments throughout Northern California, it became apparent that would be the pinnacle of my playing career. However, I wanted golf to still be a big part of my life, so I decided study Landscape Architecture at Arizona State University with the intent on focusing projects on golf as much as I could.

AG: In your opinion, have any design trends hurt the game?
MG: I believe that a focus on arbitrary metrics have hurt the game more than any other factor. Par, distance, number of holes, green speeds, clubhouse size, etc. We are slowly starting to see these metrics being broken down and I believe that successful projects in the future will completely abandon these norms if it makes for a better golf course.

AG: How can we grow the game of golf?
MG: Following the lead of organizations like “Youth on Course” would be a great start; what it has done to help subsidize rounds of golf for junior golfers around the country is really remarkable. It’s a unique organization that is making great progress in growing the game through its innovative approach to easily make golf courses more accessible to a wide variety of junior golfers.

AG: Do you have a specific design philosophy?
MG: In one word: playability. The golf course has to playable at its root. From a strategic perspective I prefer to build in as much width and provide a variety of alternate angles to approach holes.

AG: Of all the holes you have designed, do you have a favorite (why)?
MG: Tough question. I think of holes that are my favorites are those that I had originally envisioned in my mind as “connector” holes, and then seeing these holes come to fruition to have far surpassed my original expectations. I think of Hole No. 11 at Hoiana Shores in Vietnam, currently under construction, is a great example of a hole far exceeding everyone’s original expectations.

AG: What is your “dream foursome” (living, dead, golfer, non-golfer)?
MG: Alister Mackenzie, Bobby Jones, Marion Hollins at Cypress Point Club.

AG: Is there a “bucket list” location in/on which to design?
MG: There are many remote or undiscovered linksland places around the world that I would love to be part of to help create a great golf destination. Places that come to mind are in Northern New Zealand, Chile, Myanmar and Vietnam.

AG: What is the future of golf course design?
MG: I believe the future of golf courses is for shorter, more playable, fun courses. A round should not have to take an entire afternoon. There should be options for an easy, one-hour session if desired. We are seeing a slow transition of golf being disrupted, which I think is a good thing. Topgolf is a great example of this, which I believe is great for growth of the game. Golf is at its core a form of social recreation. It’s addictive, it has many of the ingredients to gain more mass appeal. It’s really up to designers and developers to do a better job of showcasing what golf is really all about, which should help regain some of the players lost over time. Golf has to evolve into something different than what we predominantly see today. There are also some technological components to this that I think can make golf be more intriguing and enjoyable.

Learn more about Mike Gorman and the design work of the Robert Trent Jones II team at www.rtj2.com.

Best (and Worst) States for a Golf Vacation

The team at Carl's Golfland prides itself on knowing what their customers care about. And while they’d hope that most golfers would spend a golf shopping spree on a new set of clubs, it turns out that 38 percent of respondents would go on a golf vacation, if given a few thousand dollars to splurge.

So, where would they go?

Well, nobody knows. Unfortunately, the surveyors didn’t ask that question — but Carl's can tell you where you should go to get the most bang for your buck, based off of the cost of the trip, the climate, how crowded the courses are, and of course how good the courses are.

So in the event that you’re ever given $3,000 to spend on a golf trip (the amount from the survey), Carl's went ahead and pulled data from half a dozen sources to objectively rate each state by which ones are the best states for a golf getaway.

That’s right, a data-focused review without a "golfiness" score or personal opinions. Here are your top ten:
1. Kansas
2. Minnesota
3. Florida
4. California
5. North Carolina
6. Iowa
7. Arizona
8. Wisconsin
9. Idaho
10. Michigan

The study goes into detail about methodology and rankings in the next section; if your state isn’t in the top ten, you can see the full chart with all of the ranking categories HERE to find where you should spend your next tax refund.

And there's also a little callout to the worst states for a golf trip too.

HOW TO OBJECTIVELY CHOSE THE BEST STATES FOR A GOLF TRIP
Carl's wanted to come up with a metric that looked at what you’d actually care about when you decide to secure that green time and book that flight: the cost of the trip and the likelihood that you would actually enjoy your time on the links.

Carl's selected nine factors and gave them a multiplier of one, two, or three dependent upon how important they thought they’d be to a person booking a trip. Then gave factors affecting the cost the most value:
- Average cost of green fees, from the Economic Census
- Cost of roundtrip flights to the state
- Number of 100 best public courses in each state
- Number of days with no rain

Less value went to things Carl's thought would affect your playing, such how crowded the course would be and, again, the weather:
- Hours of sunshine
- Total number of courses in each state
- Number of courses per capita

The least value went to how easy it would be to pick up equipment and souvenirs:
- Golf stores per capita
- What percentage of their sales were for golf products

The didn’t care about things like how many pro golfers come from the state, how many top 100 private courses there are, or even how many sets of clubs get shipped to a given state.

And of course, no "golfiness" score based off of how much Carl’s associate a given state with golf.

BUT FIRST, A SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT TO MICHIGAN
Number of top ten public courses: 5
Course number rank: 4

Tenth place in this ranking isn’t too shabby, but there should be an asterisk next to the Wolverine State. You see, the state of Michigan doesn’t provide Economic Census data, for some reason, and to combat bias Carl's placed it in last place for all of the categories it didn’t provide.

In spite of the artificially low rankings from lack of data, Michigan’s massive golf community enjoys some of the finest courses in the country and significantly cooler summer weather, making it worth some special attention for anyone looking to take a golf vacation this year.

1. KANSAS

Round-trip flight cost: $279
Green fee rank: 7

Did anyone see this one coming?

Kansas gets a big boost from having the cheapest round-trip flights in the country and the seventh cheapest green fees, but it also fairs pretty well in every other category (except top public courses). The weather’s good, the courses are plentiful, and you can afford to play pretty much anywhere.

2. MINNESOTA

Courses per capita: 5,271
Round-trip flight rank: 5

Even though it doesn’t rank high on many sites’ "golfiness" metrics, Minnesota has a high one on paper. With three top public courses, tons of golf stores, and a surprisingly high number of courses, Minnesota also benefits from low cost flights and green fees.

3. FLORIDA

Number of courses: 1.024
Green fees rank: 45

It’s no surprise to see Florida on this list, even though you might be surprised that it’s not number one or two. It’s got powerful rankings in every category except for the cost to play in its thousand-plus courses and five top 100 public courses.

4. CALIFORNIA

Clear days each year: 146
People-to-courses rank: 4

Take what I said about Florida and you basically have the same story for California. Not only does it have beautiful weather and the fourth most top 100 public courses, but it also has a massive number of courses and enough flights to keep costs surprisingly low. But supply and demand doesn’t seem to affect the amount it charges for green fees.

5. NORTH CAROLINA

Number of top 100 public courses: 7
Course number rank: 9

The Land of the Pine and home of Pinehurst is host to a surprisingly strong nexus of golf, with mountain courses only a three-hour drive from beach courses. North Carolina made it into the top five by performing fairly well in every category and pretty well in quite a few.

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A GREAT STATE FOR A GOLF VACATION
For starters, you’ll see the the states in the top ten for golf vacations were generally in the top ten in at least two categories.

Notably, only one of the usual golf powerhouses of California, Florida, and Arizona in the top three of this ranking, with super-cheap travel and green fee costs boosting several states in the Midwest into our rankings.

And the opposite is true when the study looked at the states that make up the worst states for golf vacations.

These states rank pretty badly across the board, and with the exception of Vermont the main culprit seems to be expensive flights and bad weather most of the year being the factors that clinch it.

See the ranking of all 50 states at https://www.carlsgolfland.com/best-states-for-golf-vacation

Robert Trent Jones II Lights Up Hoi An

Hoiana Shores Golf Club unveiled just south of UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Vietnam

(Hoi An South, Vietnam) - The coastline project of Hoiana will be home to Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects’ (RTJ II) first Vietnamese championship golf course design: Hoiana Shores Golf Club. Located on the shores of the Eastern Sea, approximately 8km south of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An, known as ‘The City of Lanterns,’ the golf club is part of a major destination development which harbours the ambition of becoming one of the most compelling golf experiences in Asia.

The internationally-acclaimed design firm and Robert Trent Jones, Jr., its Chairman and Master Architect, is recognised as one of the industry’s most prominent architectural firms, and has been at the heart of some of world golf's most treasured properties.  During his recent site visit to Hoiana to survey progress, Jones was adamant about the potential of his newest partnership just south of one of the world's best-loved tourism destinations.

“This property is the most perfect canvas,” he said. “Alongside the beautiful coastal terrain, we have been given the ability to shape a design befitting this special region and magnificent new destination. To have a golf course in such close proximity to such a place as Hoi An makes this extra special.”

With Hoiana Shores Golf Club scheduled to open in mid-2019, the ownership group, Hoi An South Development, is confident that their masterplan will have a significant impact at national and international levels.

"To hear direct from Robert Trent Jones on the potential of this golf course, when you consider his glittering career and the magnitude of his collection of global projects, is testament to our ambition and the prospect of Hoiana," commented Steve Wolstenholme, Group Chief Operating Officer of Hoiana.

Hoiana is a multi-billion-dollar mega development that stretches over 4km of coastline, spanning 1,000 hectares. The new destination, neighbouring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An, will be home to a selection of luxury hotels, entertainment outlets, residential communities, retail complexes, as well as the world-class golf club, and is earmarked to become a major attraction for tourists globally.

RTJ II was selected as the golf course design firm following a comprehensive tender process. Selected from a list of world-renowned designers, it was Jones’ authenticity, artistry, and experience that set the firm apart as the perfect candidate.  Additionally, the personal interest and involvement of Jones himself was a pivotal point in the selection process.

“The decision to partner with RTJ II was centred around the ownership group’s desire for a distinct and authentic design, emblematic of where we are situated,” said Ben Styles, Vice President Golf & Residential Hoiana Shores Golf Club, Vietnam.

“Given the quality of the site, it required a design partner with certain qualities that would help elevate this project to the fullest of its potential. The RTJ II team is one of very few that can draw on past experience of having worked in the game’s golden era for design, many individuals within it having rubbed shoulders with legends in their field. It was clear from the outset that we would bring something very special and unique to Vietnam with this partnership.”

RTJ II has designed over 280 golf courses in 40 countries. His appreciation of Hoiana’s potential was obvious during a first site visit, as he walked the coastal holes, whose proximity to the Eastern Sea and views of the Cham Islands are a standout feature of the course.

“We always strive to finish with a crescendo in our designs to keep people coming back,” Jones said. There will be few that can rival what we have created with this closing stretch, which completes a great symphony of golf.”

The golf club also unveiled its new logo, comprised of a lantern that sits in place of the traditional flag. An ode to the famed City of Lanterns and a clear depiction of the respect felt by the developer related to its position at the cultural heart of Vietnam.

“Hoi An is a powerful symbol of Vietnam’s rich heritage,” continued Styles. “The lantern is an iconic feature of the city and to bring such a unique aspect to the golf development is something we felt passionately about.”

The golf project is expected to employ in excess of 350 golf and hospitality professionals, the majority of those being sourced from Vietnam’s first ever Golf Operations and Maintenance College on site at Hoiana. The education facility is further evidence of the ownership group’s commitment to creating new jobs and nurturing local talent, whilst providing a pathway for professionals to transition to Hoiana Shores Golf Club to provide the very best service and hospitality.

About Robert Trent Jones II, visit: www.rtj2.com

Fisher House Foundation Teams with the World’s Largest Golf Outing

On August 6, the Fisher House Foundation will be teaming up with the World’s Largest Golf Outing for their 3rd annual nation-wide event. 100% of the funds raised will be donated to the Fisher House Foundation, best known for their network of 76 comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment.

Golf courses throughout the United States are participating in the event to show their support for our service men and women. Currently, there are more than over 100 courses from coast to coast participating in the World’s Largest Golf Outing. To show support, the World’s Largest Golf Outing has provided a fun way for the civilian community to give back to those who sacrifice for our freedom.

Golfers of all ages and skill levels are invited to register or join a team to get involved. For those who can’t play, there are three easy ways to show support: donate to a participating golf course, support a local team or visit the website to make a direct donation.

TPT Golf Earns First JLPGA Win, T2 at Barbasol Championship

(RENENS, SWITZERLAND) - TPT Golf earned a win and several other top finishes across the globe last weekend, as the hottest new shafts on tour continue to help golfers take their games to new heights.

On the LPGA of Japan, a rising junior at the University of Alabama used a TPT Golf 17 MKP-MT-SW in her driver to earn her first professional victory at the Century 21 Ladies Golf Tournament.

The 19-year-old, competing as an amateur, shot a final-round 67 to win by four shots. She is currently ranked No. 8 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR) and was coming off a win at the Palmer Cup in early July, where she and her United States teammates defeated the International Team 38.5--21.5 at the Evian Resort Golf Club in France.

This latest win gives TPT Golf seven professional victories since the company was launched just 19 months ago on six different tours: PGA Tour (2), European Tour (1), World Golf Championships (1), Champions Tour (1), Asian Tour (1) and JLPGA (1).

TPT Golf also helped a rookie secure his best-ever finish on the PGA Tour at the Barbasol Championship at Keene Trace Golf Club, where there were 12 TPT Golf shafts in play.

The 25-year-old led the field in Driving Distance (316.8 yards) and recorded the longest drive of the week (373 yards). He also drove it straight and consistently, hitting more than 66 percent of fairways to finish T34 in Driving Accuracy for the week.

There were seven TPT Golf shafts in play at The Open Championship at Carnoustie Golf Links, where golfers using TPT Golf shafts secured two top finishes on the major championship stage: a T12 and a T17.

A New Breed of Golf Shaft, A New Level of Performance
In fittings around the world, TPT Golf shafts have proven to provide golfers of all abilities with additional club head speed and ball speed.

TPT Golf shafts are created with an automated manufacturing process, which removes the flaws that are inherent in conventional shafts. The result is a more precise, higher-performing product, as well as a perfectly consistent golf shaft each and every time.

With a properly fit TPT Golf shaft, golfers are able to contact the sweet spot more often due to its more axially consistent design. They will also likely swing TPT Golf shafts a little faster because of their optimized bend profiles. It's this combination of more consistent impacts and TPT Golf's optimized bending profiles that results in significant distance gains and a tighter dispersion.

TPT Golf's revolutionary technology was developed from the ground up with the knowledge of its parent company, NTPT, a Switzerland-based technology and composites firm that's renowned for developing cutting-edge materials that have led to innovations in multiple high-performance industries.

TPT Golf shafts are currently available at more than 100 Authorized Fitters across the world, including all Club Champion locations. Golfers can locate a TPT Golf Authorized Fitter near them. Go to: https://tptgolf.com/where-to-buy/

For more information on TPT Golf, visit tptgolf.com.

PING Signs Women’s Long-Driver Troy Mullins

(PHOENIX) – Troy Mullins, a rising star in women’s long-drive competitions with aspirations to play on the LPGA Tour, signed with PING as a Brand Ambassador, PING President John K. Solheim announced today. One of only four women to break the 400-yard-drive mark, the Los Angeles native was a track-and-field standout at Cornell University competing as a heptathlete, planning to attend law school and perhaps be an ambassador to China (Chinese is one of four languages she knows), when she was re-introduced to golf her senior year. She was hooked. “The feeling of really hitting a great ball is addicting, and that’s why I think everybody sticks with golf,” Mullins said on a recent visit to PING.

“Troy is such an inspiration with her athleticism, her intelligence, and her mission to inspire more women and girls to take up the game,” Solheim said. “She radiates so much positivity and enthusiasm for golf, we wanted to give her more exposure as a Brand Ambassador while providing her the PING technology to excel in long-drive competitions and pursue a career on the LPGA Tour.”

Mullins embraces the energy of long-drive events and sees them as a vehicle to bring more women and girls into traditional golf. “It’s been fun to bring people to the sport in another way,” she said. “Long drive is different. It’s very loud, very fast. It’s like the WWE of golf.” In her strong presence on social media, she said her message is simple: “Win or lose, every time you do something in life be positive about it, be proud of the progress you’re making. And be positive toward others and be genuine because people are watching.”

In her first long-drive competition in 2012, Mullins employed a PING Anser driver and placed second with a drive of 321 yards. “I fell in love with long drive and the PING head at the same time!” In 2017 she won her first event and is consistently among the leaders on the long-drive circuit. “PING has been a big factor in my success so far, and having their sponsorship is a huge deal for me going forward,” Mullins said. “PING’s technicians will make sure my drivers are fit for my swing so I can get the most I can from every drive. I’m excited to see where that performance advantage can take me.”

Mullins, who is self-taught, said she leverages her training in heptathlon (100-meter hurdles, high jump, 200 meters, 800 meters, long jump, shot put, javelin throw) to generate power. “You have to use what you’ve got, and you definitely use your entire body to hit the ball far. I use a lot of the speed I developed in track and field to kind of jump at the ball at impact and just let it go.”

Littlestone Golf Club to Host the Junior Open in 2020

(Kent, England) - Littlestone Golf Club (www.littlestonegolfclub.org.uk) in south west Kent is to host the Junior Open in 2020, The R&A has announced today (July 25).

That Littlestone has been chosen as the venue for this prestigious championship by The R&A is testament to the quality of the course which is widely regarded as one of England’s top championship links.

Moreover it is fitting that a club which actively supports junior golf, has a healthy junior membership and runs programmes in local schools that aim to get youngsters playing golf will welcome the world’s best boy and girl golfers in 2020.

The course is laid out on a stretch of land between the famous Romney Marsh and the English Channel where the sand dunes form natural, undulating ground ideal for links.

The unique microclimate that exists on this part of the coast makes it one of the driest places in Britain and results in firm terrain that produces hard and fast fairways that are beautifully defined by the natural dunes, so typical of links golf. Together with the thick, wild rough and classic deep pot bunkers, the course demands accurate ball striking, well thought-out course management and speed control on the greens, making it a challenging test of golf.

The temperate weather also means well-manicured courses all year round with firm, true and well-paced greens that are known as some of the best in the country.

Ever since it was established in 1888, Littlestone has staged major golf events thanks to the quality and reputation of the course. Indeed the first Ladies Championship, organised by the newly-formed Ladies Golf Union, was played in 1894 and has returned on many occasions in 1961, 1992, 2002 & 2007.

The club also welcomed the British Ladies Amateur Championship in 2005, the Senior Women’s English Amateur Championship in 2010 and the 2011 English Girls Open Amateur Stroke Play.

Historically, when The Open Championship is played at Royal St George's, Littlestone has been used as a Final Qualifying Course and is proud that it was again chosen as a Final Qualifying Course for The Open in 2011.

Kent will certainly be in the golfing spotlight in 2020 with the 149th Open Championship to be played at Royal St George’s, for the 15th time in the Championship’s history, whilst The Seniors Amateur Championship will also tee off on the famous Kent coastline when it is staged at Royal Cinque Ports, or Deal as it is often referred to.

For more on Littlestone, visit www.littlestonegolfclub.org.uk.

Zero Friction’s Spectra Two Ball/Tee Packs Provide Two Essential Golf Products in One Colorful Package

(OAK BROOK TERRACE, IL) – Besides clubs, there are two essential products every golfer needs when they play a round of golf: balls and tees.

Zero Friction, maker of high-quality, technologically advanced products for golfers worldwide, makes it easy to purchase those essentials with its colorful Spectra Two Ball/Tee packs. These innovative packs include two Spectra matte finish golf balls and 18 matching neon colored ZFT Maxx tees all in one convenient blister pack.

The Spectra two-piece distance golf balls have a large, super-fast core providing explosive distance, high launch and longer roll off the tee. The 2 3/4" 3 prong ZFT Maxx tees offer the same great design, distance and performance as the company’s original 3 and 4-prong tees with 66% reduced contact area, but are extra-large, extra thick and extra durable. The patented Zero Friction Tee is the #1 performance tee on the PGA TOUR with more than 70 victories.

And like all Zero Friction products, the Spectra Two Ball/Tee packs come in a variety of cool colors.

Zero Friction established itself in the golf industry with the sport’s first performance golf tee, and its success continues today, reflected by its usage on the professional golf tours. The company’s most recent success has centered on its colorful line of one-size compression-fit golf gloves, addressing an inventory issue faced by every pro shop and retail outlet that carries gloves. Having to carry only one size, retailers can offer a variety of colors.

Two years ago Zero Friction launched a true breakthrough product, the GPS Distance Pro glove, which comes with a lightweight GPS device on the flap, providing accurate distances for over 35,000 golf courses worldwide.

This year the company introduced two new products that received rave reviews at the PGA Merchandise Show. The Cabretta Elite golf glove is an upgrade to the original Cabretta glove released three years ago. The Cabretta leather provides a solid grip in wet or humid weather. The reinforced Lycra throughout fingers, back of hand and palm allow for maximum strength, durability, and enhanced breathability.

Also new are the Spectra matte finish golf balls. Matte finish golf balls are the hottest product in golf right now, as they are easier to see in the air and on the ground, so they speed up play and prevent lost balls. Plus, the bright colors make the game more fun.

A selection of Zero Friction accessories is available in blister pack Super Tubes that include performance tees, compression gloves and Spectra balls.

For more information, visit www.zerofriction.com, or call 630-317-7700.

Product Review: Tipsy Elves Golf Collection

We’ve all heard it a million times … Golf is boring or golf is bland. Look, I get it. Golf is not the fastest-paced sport, but I find excitement in a 3-foot putt, so I can’t fully agree. You feel how you feel. That said, take a stroll through the Tipsy Elves golf section and you’ll never say “golf is bland” again.

Try golf pants with flamingos, bananas or rainbows. Or, in honor of Shark Week, order a pair of Water Hazard pants (a person riding a shark, rodeo style!). There’s a nice selection of colorful shorts, as well. I’m a fan of the pink Weekend Warrior print (pictured), but you may be more patriotic (Star Spangled Tanner or Tricky Dick’s) or, again, into sharks.

If you REALLY want to stand out, check out the Tipsy Elves knickers! From pink flamingos to hot dogs, you’ve got plenty from which to choose. Cube Caddy (pictured) and American Argyle are a little more restrained, but far from bland.

Pick out a solid-colored polo to accompany your bottoms while browsing the website, but don’t miss the flamboyant hats, jackets or neon shades.

Golf is one small section of the company’s offerings. Browsing this site is like falling into a rabbit hole. You’ll want to shop all the collections - from patriotic and pride to bachelor party, St. Paddy’s and Mardi Gras.

Fan of ugly Christmas sweaters? Tipsy Elves has the UGLIEST! Or score your halloween costume and be the hit of the party. There’s a shark costume (again with the Shark Week reference), but I prefer the diapered monkey or hot dog jumpsuit.

You can spend hours on the website and it would be time well spent. Check out www.tipsyelves.com.

Outer Banks Offers November 2-4 TaylorMade Swag Golf Weekend Package

(OUTER BANKS, N.C.) — The iconic Outer Banks of North Carolina offers a fall weekend golf trip like no other for 40 players that includes Free TaylorMade equipment and gear seen every week on the PGA Tour.

Enjoy the following golf trip from November 2-4 for only $389 per player:
•  3 Rounds of Golf: Play Kilmarlic Golf Club, The Pointe Golf Club & Carolina Club
•  2 Nights Accommodations: Relax in the brand new Cottages at Kilmarlic, complete with backyard lighted putting green and 4-hole short course
•  Good Ol’ Fashioned North Carolina BBQ Cookout on Friday Night
•  TaylorMade Spider Tour Putter Red (Retail: $300): Receive the same putter used by Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm and Jason Day.
•  One Dozen TaylorMade TP5 or TP5x golf balls (Retail: $48)
•  One TaylorMade Tour Hat (Retail: $32)
•  Dates: November 2-4, 2018 Only

In addition to all the TaylorMade swag, come experience the North Carolina Golf Panel’s No. 2 Best Golf Getaway and the state’s No. 3 Golf Destination according to GolfAdvisor and enjoy the new Kilmarlic Cottages.

Each two-bedroom two-bath Kilmarlic Cottage comfortably accommodates four golfers and features a full kitchen, living room and back deck – providing the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the view of the putting green and short course.

Amenities include:
•  A 5,000 square foot lit championship-caliber putting green, steps from your back deck
•  The Killie: a 4-hole, par-3 course plays around the Cottages
•  High-speed wireless connectivity
•  Four flat screen HDTVs
•  Washer and dryer
•  Gas grill

Learn more about this special November 2-4 package, the OBX golf experience and other autumn offerings at www.PlayOBXGolf.com or 800-916-6244.

Breakthrough Golf Technology Agrees to Distribute Its Stability Putter Shaft through True Spec Golf

(Dallas, TX) - Breakthrough Golf Technology has struck up an agreement with independent clubfitting chain True Spec Golf, to distribute its new Stability putter shaft that uses scientifically advanced multi-material design with unique geometries.

"We are very pleased to have True Spec Golf come on board and validate our technology," says Breakthrough CEO and Founder Barney Adams. "Their support is a great opportunity for both of our companies."

Based in Scottsdale, Ariz., True Spec Golf is the worldwide leader in custom fitting, with 17 studios located on three continents and spanning six countries. It stocks more than 30,000 combinations of premium clubheads and shafts from all major equipment manufacturers, servicing golfers of all abilities from beginners through Tour pros with state-of-the-art technology. "BGT's new Stability shaft is an amazingly creative and effective approach to helping golfers of all abilities stabilize the movement of their putter throughout the stroke," says Tim Briand, True Spec Golf's Director of Fitting and Sales. "To anyone looking for more putting stroke consistency, the Stability shaft should definitely be considered."
 
Breakthrough Golf Technology website: breakthroughgolftech.com

43rd Boys Junior PGA Championship Kicks Off July 31 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville

Record-Setting Defending Champion Akshay Bhatia leads the field of 144 in pursuit of the Jack Nicklaus Trophy and a spot on the 2018 U.S. Junior Ryder Cup Team

(LOUISVILLE, KY.) - Akshay Bhatia made a grand entrance on the junior golf scene last year, when he rewrote a large piece of the Boys Junior PGA Championship record book, highlighted by a blazing 61 during the second round. His winning total of 22-under par 266 broke Pat Perez’s 24-year old record by five strokes.

Akshay Bhatia, Defending Champion

Next week, Bhatia is looking to become the first male ever to win back-to-back Championships in an event that dates to 1976. He leads a field of 144 top boys juniors—including 74 players committed to play collegiate golf—who will compete at Valhalla Golf Club for the 43rd Boys Junior PGA Championship, July 31-Aug. 3.

One of golf’s major championships for juniors, the Boys Junior PGA Championship is where the best in the world get their start including: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth, 2017 PGA Champion and Louisville native Justin Thomas, 2018 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Jim Furyk, Stewart Cink, Trevor Immelman, Justin Leonard, David Toms and Scott Verplank.

“It’s surreal to play really good golf and be in the record books at such a prestigious event,” said Bhatia, now 16, of Wake Forest, North Carolina. “It meant so much, because it kicked off my junior career.”

At the end of the event, five boys will join: 2018 U.S. Junior Amateur Champion Michael Thorbjornsen; 2018 Girls Junior PGA Champion Yeliani Noh; 2017 Girls PGA Champion Rose Zhang; 2016 Girls Junior PGA Champion Lucy Li; Rachel Heck; Erica Shepherd; and Alexa Pano on the 12-player, co-ed 2018 United States Junior Ryder Cup Team in Paris in September.

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Valhalla is ranked as one of the Top 100 courses in America. It has hosted some iconic events in PGA of America history, led by the famous Tiger Woods-Bob May duel in 2000—which many consider to be the greatest PGA Championship ever—and the United States’ upset win over Europe in the 2008 Ryder Cup.

“We’re delighted to host the 2018 Boys Junior PGA Championship, and welcome some of the best junior golfers in the world to Valhalla Golf Club and the city of Louisville for an exciting week of golf,” said Valhalla Golf Club General Manager Keith Reese, PGA.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Akshay Bhatia, 16, Wake Forest, N.C. – The Defending Champion virtually rewrote the record book en route to winning the 2017 Boys Junior PGA Championship. Bhatia has also won the prestigious 2018 Junior Invitational at Sage Valley and smashed event records at the 2018 AJGA Polo Golf Junior Classic. Bhatia was a member of the 2017 U.S. Junior Presidents Cup Team and sits atop the 2018 Boys U.S. Junior Ryder Cup Team standings. He is ranked No. 1 for the Class of 2020 by Golfweek (and No. 3 overall among all ages). Bhatia is home schooled.

Michael Thorbjornsen, 16, Wellesley, Massachusetts - Thorbjornsen captured the 2018 U.S. Junior Amateur at Baltusrol Golf Club over Akshay Bhatia this past weekend, clinching an automatic spot on the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup Team. With the win, he also earned exemptions into the 2018 U.S. Amateur and 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. A contestant in the 2018 Wyndham Cup, he also finished T-5 in the 2017 Rolex Tournament of Champions. Thorbjornsen also won his age group (14-15) at the 2016 Drive, Chip & Putt Championship at Augusta National Golf Club.

Ricky Castillo, 17, Yorba Linda, California – The No. 1 ranked boy overall, Castillo is the 2018 AJGA Heather Farr Champion. In 2017, he advanced to the round of 32 in the U.S. Amateur; and the round of 16 in the U.S. Junior Amateur. Castillo currently sits in second place in the 2018 U.S. Junior Ryder Cup standings. He is a University of Florida commit.

Canon Claycomb, 16, Bowling Green, Kentucky – A Kentucky native, Claycomb is the 2017 PING Invitational champion and a member of the 2017 Junior Presidents Cup Team. He competed in the 2018 Australian Amateur and is currently in third place in the 2018 U.S. Junior Ryder Cup standings. Claycomb is committed to the University of Alabama for the Class of 2020. He is the No. 3 ranked golfer in his class (and No. 9 overall).

5 Kentucky natives in the field – Bowling Green’s Canon Claycomb, 16, an Alabama commit; Owensboro's Daniel Love, 16; and Louisville’s Campbell Kremer, 17, (great-grandson of Valhalla Golf Club Founder Dwight Gahm), Kentucky commit Jay Kirchdorfer, 18; and LSU commit Drew Doyle, 16, (grandson of Kentucky golf legend Moe Demling).

Cole Ponich, 18, Farmington, Utah – A 2017 Rolex Junior All-American 2nd Team Member, Ponich has won both the 2018 Utah State Junior Amateur Match Play and the 2017 Bobby Chapman Invitational. He enters the 2018 Boys Junior PGA Championship in 4th place in the 2018 U.S. Junior Ryder Cup standings.

William Moll, 17, Houston – Moll is the 2017 Jones Cup Junior Invitational champion. He finished in second place in the 2017 UIL 6A Texas High School State Championship. He also had a 5th place finish at the 2018 Texas Amateur. Moll currently sits in 5th place in the 2018 U.S. Junior Ryder Cup standings.

Grayson Wotnosky, 17, Wake Forest, N.C. – Living in the same hometown of Wake Forest, N.C., Wotnosky and Akshay Bhatia are close friends. Wotnosky has captured the 2018 Junior Heritage at Sea Pines and the 2017 Donald Ross Championship. He recorded a 5th place finish at the Dustin Johnson World Junior. Wotnosky is currently in 6th place in the Boys 2018 U.S. Junior Ryder Cup standings.

Jake Beber-Frankel, 16, Miami – The son of Academy Award and Emmy Award winning Director David Frankel (directing credits include Devil Wears Prada, Marley & Me, Band of Brothers and Entourage), Beber-Frankel, 16, is one of the most colorful junior players, with his impressive long, flowing hair. His twin sister, Phoebe, is also a top junior player and often caddies for him. His grandfather, Max won a Pulitzer Prize for his New York Times coverage of President Nixon’s trip to China in 1973. Jake Beber-Frankel is a Stanford commit for the Class of 2020.

For more information, visit JuniorPGAChampionship.com.