Wilson Unveils New Staff Model and Staff Model High-Toe Wedges

Designed alongside Wilson Staff tour players, the Staff Model and Staff Model High-Toe Wedges deliver confidence and consistency at contact 

(CHICAGO) – Wilson Sporting Goods collaborated with their tour players to deliver short-game confidence and reliability in every swing. The iconic brand officially launched its all-new Staff Model Wedges today. This tour-inspired line also includes a high-toe option to offer advanced players added performance around the green.

New Staff Model Wedges

Featuring soft-forged 8620 Carbon Steel construction, the Staff Model Wedges provide golfers with a soft touch for increased feel. Designed with machine-engraved scorelines in the precision-milled face, the wedges create tour-caliber spin and control that the most demanding golfers expect.

Priced at $129.99, the Staff Model Wedges feature True Temper Dynamic Gold 120 steel shafts and Golf Pride Tour Velvet grips. The wedges are available in 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, and 60-degree options; 52, 56, and 60-degree options are available for left-handed players. Wilson Staff Model Wedges will be available for purchase at www.wilson.com and golf retailers on February 3, 2020.

Staff Model HT Wedges 

The all-new Wilson Staff Model High-Toe Wedges combine a high toe and wide sole with a 431 stainless steel head to allow for enhanced shot-making when approaching the green. The high toe and wide sole construction provide players with the flexibility to vary loft.

“The new Staff Model and Staff Model High-Toe Wedges deliver a clean design, and precision milled clubfaces to give golfers a boost in confidence in their short game,” said Jon Pergande, Global Manager of Innovation “Designed with the feedback from our Wilson Staff PGA Tour  players , the new line of wedges gives golfers more control, consistency and shot-making capabilities..”

The Staff Model High-Toe Wedges come in 56, 60 and 64-degree options at $129.99 per wedge. The wedges also feature True Temper Dynamic Gold 120 steel shaft and a Golf Pride Tour Velvet grip.

The Ocean Course at Hokuala Becomes First FootGolf Experience on Kauai

Timbers Kauai Continues to Grow Family-Friendly Offerings

(KAUAI, Hawaii) – The Ocean Course at Hokuala – the acclaimed Jack Nicklaus Signature Course with a half-mile of magnificent ocean views on Kauai – is excited to announce the introduction of FootGolf as the latest installment by management company Billy Casper Golf in its commitment to providing enjoyable activities for the entire family at Kauai’s newest oceanfront resort, Timbers Kauai – Ocean Club & Residences.

Named “Hawaii’s Best Golf Course” for the third consecutive year by the 2019 World Golf Awards, the Ocean Course is the only certified FootGolf facility on Kauai by the American FootGolf League (AFGL). As the sport’s governing body, AFGL has accredited over 500 golf facilities.

During the FootGolf grand opening in November, more than 25 residents and guests were treated to playing the first official rounds on the new course. The day also featured a course blessing by Eric Davis, GCSAA superintendent and FootGolf course designer at the Ocean Course. Eric has served at the property for three years.

FootGolf will be available at the Ocean Course seven days a week after 4 p.m. In addition to the rates below, a monthly FootGolf pass is available for just $49 a month, which includes unlimited daily play.

Adults $15.00
Children $7.50
Soccer Ball Rental $5.00
Golf Cart Rental $10.00

“FootGolf is gaining traction as a fun and inclusive activity for all fitness and age levels,” said Kellie Hines, PGA head golf professional at the Ocean Course at Hokuala. “Whether playing competitively, as a team-building activity or simply for fun, this will be a unique way to experience our beautiful course.”

Players tee off using a soccer ball while targeting a 21-inch-diameter hole. The Ocean Course’s nine-hole, par-36 loop stretches 1,039 yards. Individual hole lengths range from 50 to 223 yards. Holes are cut into the rough to protect the greens and fairways. No special equipment is needed other than running or tennis shoes. Soccer balls can be rented from the pro shop.

The Ocean Course is part of Timbers Kauai, a new private residence club which opened in June 2018 on the island’s picturesque southeast coast. Timbers Kauai sits on a 450-acre natural amphitheater offering unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and Haupu mountain range. The Hokuala experience revolves around its idyllic setting with tennis, hiking, biking, beach activities, mountain adventures, world-class dining and golf.

To learn more or to book your FootGolf tee times, call 808.241.6000 or e-mail info@golfhokuala.com.

Billy Casper Golf Welcomes 19 New Golf Courses in 2019

Billy Casper Golf's 30th Anniversary Celebration

(RESTON, Va.) – Billy Casper Golf (BCG) – the highly respected and innovative manager of over 160 golf courses in 26 states – celebrated a banner year in 2019 with the addition of 19 golf courses to its portfolio.

Billy Casper Golf, one of the largest privately-owned golf course management companies in the United States, continues its strategic growth by improving the financial results of public, private and municipal golf courses through first-class customer service, proprietary marketing technologies, and best-practices crafted from 30 years of operational success.

This year, BCG celebrated its 30th anniversary and one of its largest growth periods ever, including these new golf courses from around the country:
- Alhambra Golf Course, Alhambra, Calif.
- Arlington Ridge Golf Course, Leesburg, Fla.
- Blue Cypress Golf Course, Jacksonville, Fla.
- Brickshire Golf Club, Providence Forge, Va.
- Bucknell Golf Club, Lewisburg, Pa.
- Dave White Municipal Golf Course, Casa Grande, Ariz.
- English Turn Golf and Country Club, New Orleans, La.
- Kinston Country Club, Kinston, N.C.
- Meadowcreek Golf Course, Charlottesville, Va.
- Raintree Golf and Event Center, Uniontown, Ohio
- Raritan Landing Golf Course, Piscataway, N.J.
- Spring Creek Golf Club, Zions Crossroads, Va.
- Stonetree Golf Club, Killeen, Texas
- Tamarack Golf Course, East Brunswick, N.J.
- Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club, San Antonio, Fla.
- The Meadows at Middlesex Golf Course, Plainsboro, N.J.
- The Ocean Course at Hokuala, Lihue, Hawaii
- The Ridge Golf and Event Center, Auburn, Calif.
- Willowick Golf Course, Santa Ana, Calif.

“Welcoming to our ‘Herd’ 19 exceptional golf courses in the year 2019 is truly something special,” says Alex Elmore, president of Billy Casper Golf. “Our growth in 2019 is a direct reflection of each employee’s commitment to creating the greatest team in golf.”

2019 also marked the 15th consecutive year Chairman and CEO Peter Hill was named one of the “Most Powerful People in Golf” by Golf Inc. Hill joined PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan, Topgolf Executive Chairman Erik Anderson and professional golfer Tiger Woods on the prestigious list.

Golf Inc. stated: “Few companies have been as aggressive in embracing the changing face of the golf industry as Billy Casper Golf under Peter Hill’s leadership.”

Additional 2019 highlights include:
- BCG spun off its public relations division, Buffalo Agency, into a separate company in February. The new holding company, Buffalo Groupe, has already acquired three companies, while BCG remains its largest shareholder.
- Embracing change in the evolving golf industry and partnering with GOLFZON for their expansion into North America under the umbrella of their new brand, ZSTRICT. A retail location in Stamford, Connecticut, ZSTRICT features 10 simulator bays for off-course enjoyment complete with real life experience, advanced data and online competitions.
- Raising over $400,000 through the World's Largest Golf Outing (WLGO) for Fisher House Foundation – a national organization providing a “home away from home” for families of patients receiving treatment at major military and VA medical centers. A simultaneous charity outing managed by BCG and conceived by Hill, WLGO has raised more than $4 million to support military charities since 2011.

More information: www.billycaspergolf.com, 703.761.1444

XXIO Unveils XXIO Eleven and X

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.) — XXIO, a global leader in premium lightweight golf equipment, introduces the all-new XXIO Eleven and X golf clubs. Both families of golf clubs officially launch in North America on January 21, 2020.

“We’re different than any other brand in the market, just as our new tagline suggests, and in 2020, we’ll showcase our differences to more players than we ever have before,” said Chuck Thiry, Vice President of XXIO USA. “We encourage all players to come out and ‘Experience the Difference’ of XXIO. My guess is that if you give us a try, you’ll see a ball flight that you haven’t seen in a very long time.”

Weight Plus

XXIO Eleven and X both feature XXIO’s new Weight Plus technology, which helps produce a more consistent and powerful swing. Weight Plus is a breakthrough achievement that pushes our high balance point clubs to the next level.

Weight Plus works by using up to 13g of brass and rubber weights placed in the butt end of every XXIO shaft. That mass behind the hands operates on the principle of a lever, assisting in the takeaway and reducing the effort required to swing each golf club.

XXIO Eleven Men’s and Ladies

For more than 10 generations, XXIO has focused on delivering real innovations and easier golf to moderate swing speed players.

With XXIO Eleven, a wholly redesigned cup face structure and profoundly lightweight shaft combines to produce fast, forgiving, and easy to swing golf clubs.

“We’ve been developing lightweight equipment for nearly two decades now,” Thiry said. “That kind of experience gives you a real understanding of, not only the benefits of lightweight, but also the benefits of accompanying technologies that you can pair with lightweight to make the products perform even better. With our new Weight Plus counterbalancing technology, we are further pushing the limits of high balance point. It’s the combination of lightweight and high balance point that makes XXIO Eleven a game changer for moderate swing speed players.”

Below is a breakdown of the key technologies found within the full line of XXIO Eleven equipment that benefits the moderate swing speed player.

Key Technologies:
· Weight Plus: Brass and rubber weights in the butt-end of each club raise balance points to unprecedented heights. The effect is a smooth and easy swing that also helps you consistently find the ideal top-of-swing position for more power.
· Star Frame: XXIO Eleven’s Driver uses a Star Frame rib structure to support a sole thickness of just .45mm, redistributing weight for improved launch and forgiveness.
· Cup Face: XXIO Eleven’s Driver, Fairway Woods, and Hybrids feature a powerful yet normalized cup face that is fastest on center strikes and miss-hits alike.
· Cannon Sole: A uniquely shaped weight pad in the XXIO Eleven Woods and Hybrids creates space for a larger cup face, which in turn boosts speed and distance.
· Double Undercut Cavity: Two slots cut into the iron body just behind the face dramatically increase flexibility for explosive ball speed and distance.

XXIO Eleven Men’s and Ladies officially launch in North America on January 21, 2020, at a MAP of $199.99 for a single graphite iron, $299.99 for the XXIO Eleven Hybrids, $399.99 for the XXIO Eleven Fairway Woods and $649.99 for the XXIO Eleven Driver. XXIO Eleven Ladies is available in stunning blue or rich Bordeaux color schemes.

X

The new X model is a premium set of woods and irons that helps more accomplished golfers experience the benefits of lightweight and high balance point club design. The X irons are forged in a more compact shape for enhance workability, while the driver features a carbon sole for a more muted sound a feel these golfers prefer.

“X takes the same XXIO philosophy – lightweight and easy to swing – but is designed for better players” said Jeff Brunski, Vice President of Research and Development. “We’re targeting golfers who have typically played ‘players’ golf equipment, but are starting to see distance declines in their game.”

Below is a breakdown of the key technologies found within the full line of X equipment.

Key Technologies:
· Weight Plus: Brass and rubber weights in the butt-end of each club raise balance points to unprecedented heights. The effect is a smooth and easy swing that also helps you consistently find the ideal top-of-swing position for more power.
· Carbon Fiber Sole: X’s Driver uses a lightweight carbon fiber sole to redistribute weight for improved launch and forgiveness.
· Cup Face: X’s Driver, Woods, and Hybrids feature a powerful yet normalized cup face that is fastest on center strikes and miss-hits alike.
· Cannon Sole: A uniquely shaped weight pad in the X Woods and Hybrids creates space for a larger cup face, which in turn boosts speed and distance.
· Speed Groove: X Irons have a milled speed groove on the backside of their faceplate. This channel around the perimeter flexes at impact, rebounding added energy back into the ball for incredible distance.

“X allows a wider audience to experience the difference of XXIO,” Brunski said. “It’s easy distance and easy forgiveness, built without sacrifices.”

X officially launches in North America on January 21, 2020, at a MAP of $199.99 for a single steel iron, $299.99 for the X Hybrids, $399.99 for the X Fairway Woods and $699.99 for the new X Driver.

XXIO Putters

Milled from a single billet of forged 303 stainless, the new XXIO Putters offer an extremely stable putting platform with exceptionally premium feel.

Tungsten weights in the toe and heel expand MOI for more stability and more consistency on the green. The XXIO Mallet Putter is available in 33-inch, 34-inch, and 35-inch lengths at a MAP of $299.99, while the XXIO Blade Putter is available at 34-inch length at a MAP of $299.99.

XXIO Golf Balls

XXIO Eleven and X golf balls offer better performance for moderate swing speed players. These golf balls are crafted for the moderate swing speed golfer and reduce the shock of impact for enhanced comfort on all shots.

XXIO Eleven delivers an extremely soft feel with low spin and maximum distance off the tee. Meanwhile, X golf balls are designed for players with slightly higher swing speeds who benefit from more distance off the tee and additional spin when attacking the green.

XXIO Eleven golf balls are available in White and Ruby Red at a MAP of $49.99, while X golf balls are available in White at a MAP of $49.99.

GOLF Channel/NBC Sports Tournament Airtimes and Notes—Sentry Tournament of Champions

Coverage Airing Live in Primetime on GOLF Channel and NBC

(ORLANDO, Fla.) — The PGA TOUR season resumes this week at the Sentry Tournament of Champions on the island of Maui, with live coverage airing in primetime on GOLF Channel and NBC. The elite 34-player field features winners from the PGA TOUR during the 2019 calendar year, including five of the top-10 players in the world: Jon Rahm (3), Justin Thomas (4), Dustin Johnson (5), Patrick Cantlay (7) and defending champion Xander Schauffele (8).

PGA TOUR
Sentry Tournament of Champions
Dates: Jan. 2-5
Venue: Kapalua Resort (Plantation Course), Kapalua, Hawaii

Tournament Airtimes on GOLF Channel (Eastern):
- Thursday 6-10 p.m. (Live) / 11 p.m.-3 a.m. (Replay)
- Friday 6-10 p.m. (Live) / 11 p.m.-3 a.m. (Replay)
- Saturday 6-8 p.m. (Live) / 8 p.m.-1 a.m. (Replay)
- Sunday 6-10 p.m. (Live) / 11 p.m.-3 a.m. (Replay)

Tournament Airtimes on NBC (Eastern):
- Saturday 4-6 p.m. (Live)            

Broadcast Notes:
- Golf Central Wraparound News Coverage – Golf Central will provide wraparound news coverage Thursday-Sunday, with Mark Rolfing and Todd Lewis reporting on-site from Kapalua.
- Field features five of top-10 in the world: The elite winners-only 34-man field convening on the island of Maui features five of the current top-10 in the world.
- Schauffele defends: Xander Schauffele defeated Gary Woodland by one stroke for his fourth career PGA TOUR win.

Headlining the field:
Cameron Champ, Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Collin Morikawa, Jon Rahm, Patrick Reed, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Brendan Todd, Matthew Wolff and Gary Woodland.

NBC Sports Broadcast Team:
- Play by Play: Dan Hicks
- Analyst: Paul Azinger
- Tower: Mark Rolfing
- On-Course: Curt Byrum / Jim “Bones” Mackay

STITCH Golf Introduces New Layering Pieces

Daytona (left) and Race Block Full Zip (right)

(APEX, N.C.) —STITCH Golf announces the release of four new layering pieces-a perfect combination of style, performance and function. Designed to flow seamlessly from the course to the office these new highly functional tops encompass brand new color stories offering a fresh look that gives added depth to these seasonal palettes.

Monza Colorblock

“We created these new layering pieces for comfort and performance while staying true to our roots,” stated Brad King, CEO of STITCH. “These pieces, ranging from ¼ zips, to crew neck sweaters to our new hoodie, are sure to be basic staples for today’s discerning golfer and re-emphasizes the importance we place on versatility.”

STITCH Golf continues its innovation by incorporating cutting edge technically advanced fabrics to create a rich hand feel with a sophisticated style all created and inspired for today’s modern golfer.  By creating cohesive looks with details that perform, STITCH Golf has made it easy to dress your game to match your style and personality.

Daytona: Your favorite STITCH sweater created with all the STITCH details. Constructed with our super soft 100% extra fine merino wool, the Daytona ¼ zip placket sweater is equipped with our reengineered technical zipper that has a locking mechanism that ensures your zipper stays right where you want it. Offered in some of our favorite colors, including Stitch Navy and Stitch Blue, these sweaters pair perfectly with any of our polos.

Grand Prix Colorblock

Monza Colorblock: You can never have too many gray sweaters. We’re feeling colorblock this season and this Monza crewneck is a favorite.  Made from 100% Italian merino wool, this 4-way stretch sweater could be your new favorite too!

Grand Prix Colorblock: When you can’t decide between Stitch Blue or Stitch navy, we have you covered in our Grand Prix colorblock pullover. Updated with our exposed technical zipper, breathable fabrics, ribbed cuffs and collar, this sweater will keep you warm both on and off the course.

Race Block Full Zip: A STITCH designer favorite. This sweater has it all: colorblock details, full zip, signature orange grommets and a hood…what more could you ask for? This light weight sweater can be worn year round and is perfect whether you are hitting the links or strolling the city streets.

This collection is available for purchase at www.stitchgolf.com and leading golf, country clubs and select retailers.  Stay connected with STITCH Golf on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at @StitchGolf.

Country Club at Castle Pines to Start $17.1M Improvement Project

The Country Club at Castle Pines in Castle Rock, Colo. is ready to go beyond just golf and dining, BusinessDen reported.

The club’s members have approved $17.1 million worth of planned improvements, setting the stage for the club’s first swimming pool and tennis courts, among other things, BusinessDen reported.

General Manager Dave Whalen told BusinessDen that while the club, which was founded in 1986, has always had a dual dining-and-golf focus, the improvements will take it into important new realms that are now in demand by today’s members and prospective members,

“Golf has always been the anchor for a country club, but the question now is, what else are you going to offer?” Whalen said.

At Castle Pines, once the renovations are complete, the answer will be a fitness center, infinity pool, tennis courts and platform tennis (sometimes called paddle tennis) courts, which can be used to play pickleball during the warmer months, BusinessDen reported.

The club’s 7,600-yard golf course itself won’t be changing, BusinessDen reported. The greens were redone about four years ago, and the bunkers about seven years ago. The irrigation system is about a decade old and still good.

But that doesn’t mean there’s not something in the $17 million package for golfers, BusinessDen reported. The club will build what it calls a “golf performance center” at the edge of its driving range, featuring hitting bays and a simulator.

“This performance center is going to allow [our golf staff] to work with our members and develop their games all year long,” Whalen said.

The renovations will also include a larger kitchen and increased dining space, which Whalen said will allow the club to host up to 125 people in one room. Right now, he said, Castle Pines can accommodate about 90 people, but that’s in multiple rooms.

While most other Denver-area country clubs already have expanded beyond just dining and golf, Whalen told BusinessDen, he feels the Country Club at Castle Pines still has a built-in-advantage, because it sits atop a cliff at about 6,800 feet, giving patrons views of Colorado’s Front Range, from Longs Peak to Pikes Peak.

“The thing that I think sets us apart is our setting and location,” he said.

This wasn’t the first renovation package that Castle Pines members considered, BusinessDen reported. In 2018, members rejected a $29 million package that would have also added a ballroom and indoor spa, among other things.

“Our members just weren’t comfortable with the amount of debt [that project would entail],” said Whalen, who joined the club about two years ago. “It’s a pretty conservative group here.”

Castle Pines is now at capacity, with 395 golf members, Whalen said. Members pay $740 a month in dues after the initiation fee, which will increase to $27,000 at the start of 2020.

The club also has 45 limited members, who don’t receive all benefits, such as the ability to join tournaments, as well as 160 social members, who have access only to the dining component.

Once the new additions come online, BusinessDen reported, Castle Pines plans to add a fourth membership category — at the moment called “social plus” — for social members who want to upgrade to be able to access the fitness center and other non-golf offerings.

The club is also negotiating with its members over a gift of land, on which the it plans to add a punchbowl green. “It’s kind of like a bocce court, except with a putting course,” Whalen said.

Lamkin Introduces Interactive Putter Grip Fitting System at Retailers Worldwide

Allows Golfers to Quickly, Easily Demo Various Styles to Find the Best Fit

(SAN DIEGO, CA) – Lamkin Corporation – leading manufacturer of premium golf grips – is rolling out its interactive Putter Grip Fitting System at retail partners worldwide, a first-of-its-kind solution that allows golfers to quickly and easily demo a variety of putter grips to help find the model that best complements their unique preferences and putting styles.

Determining the correct grip size and shape is a critical factor impacting putting performance. Several aspects need to be considered, including hand-size, stroke mechanics, general pattern of misses, hand placement on the grip and more.  Lamkin is dedicated to helping consumers sink more putts by providing options in different sizes, shapes and materials. This includes a range of models that feature traditional pistol and straight profiles in both rubber and polyurethane options.

Golfers simply select the “Clip-on-Grip” they wish to try from the display and with one click it fits into the putter base provided, the popular TaylorMade Spider X. By removing the putter style from the equation golfers can use the retailers putting green, to compare putter grip performance, feel and traction.

All necessary components and directions are included on the display, which offers guidance on which shape, size and texture are best adapted to the three most common putting strokes and seven gripping styles (standard, overlap, reverse overlap, palm-to-palm, finger down the shaft, the claw, hands separated).

 Lamkin is offering the system in two sizes to align with partner needs. Details include:
- White Tees: Small footprint, two-sided display that fits next to any putting grip coral. It accommodates 12 putter grip options.
- Black Tees: Three-sided island display that also conveniently holds inventory. It accommodates 18 putter grip options and retail SKUs.

“The putter is used more than any club in the bag and finding the right grip is a critical element to building confidence and sinking more putts,” says Bob Lamkin, CEO of Lamkin Grips. “We have the most technologically advanced putter grips in the industry and we needed a system that let consumers experience what makes our products superior, as well as provide our retail partners a unique and fun program to bring more customers through their doors.”

Since August 2019, Lamkin has worked with Golf Galaxy to test the program with the Black Tee display at 16 high traffic locations.

“The innovative Lamkin Putter Grip Fitting System has been extremely well received by our customers,” said Tara Stolarski, Associate Buyer, Golf Equipment at DICK'S Sporting Goods. “The simple interactive nature of the system allows them to quickly and efficiently identify a putter grip that is best suited to their games. We are excited to support Lamkin and committed to rolling out the Black Tee display to all Golf Galaxy locations in 2020.”

Lamkin’s putter grips have built a large and loyal following, with the recent SINK Fit and Deep Etched lines being popular among players of all skill levels. SINK Fit models, including the Pistol, Skinny and Straight share new technologies with Lamkin’s full swing grips that further separate the brand from competitors. This includes patent-pending Genesis Material, a hybrid compound that delivers unparalleled performance, durability and comfort in all conditions, and Fingerprint Technology which uses intricate micro-textures to deliver a more comfortable feeling, high-traction surface that promotes reduced hand tension for control and consistency.

“The best players in the world spend time analyzing and testing different putter grips before putting something into competition,” says Travis Fulton, noted instructor and Lamkin brand ambassador. “Most amateur golfers overlook how the size and make-up of the grip will impact putting performance. When we fit golfers we definitely find that the putter grip not only influences the feel but also the overall arc and impact alignments. More so than any club in the bag, golfers need to be totally comfortable and confident in their putter and getting fit to the right grip is a critical part of the equation.”

Retailers interested in joining Lamkin’s growing base offering putter grip fitting should reach out to their grip distributor for details. With units already in market and significant commitment from large and small retailers the Lamkin Putter Grip Fitting System will be widespread nationwide by February 2020.

For more details on Lamkin’s range of golf grips and to keep up with the latest news from the company, please see visit the links below.

More information: www.Lamkingrips.com

SPi 2.0 Actively Recruiting Golf Instructors

New World Class Fitting System Available for Top Instructors & Fitters;

SeeMore Offers Industry Best Putting Instruction Training & Certification Program

(RELEASE) — The SeeMore Putter Company is actively recruiting golf professionals and instructors who would love to increase lesson revenue in 2020 and play a leadership role in improving the game on the greens.

- Putting is 40% of the game.  But only 6% of lesson revenue comes from putting lessons.  That is the biggest missed opportunity in golf.

- Most golfers do not have a putting system of their own to fall back onto, or an instructor to return to, so this important aspect of the game is relatively ignored when it comes to real game improvement.  All golfers can improve their putting stroke, with the right guidance. SeeMore can help!

- Many instructors and fitters around the world have already found great success using the proven teaching methods of the SeeMore putting system.  It is based on simple fundamentals, and will help any teacher and fitter to make a great connection with new and existing students.  Putting is the great equalizer in golf.  Anyone can become a great putter.

Consider joining the SeeMore Putter Institute and becoming a SeeMore certified putting instructor and fitter, regardless of your specific position in golf. SeeMore’s SPi 2020 training and certification program is the best in the industry.  We understand that many of you in golf do have staff relationships and affiliations with other brands.  That is ok!

SeeMore is a great teaching club, as the system of improved alignment, improved speed control, an improved fit, and an improved stroke, can all be reinforced through the teaching and use of a SeeMore putter and its patented and proven “Hide the Red Dot” RifleScope Technology.

Contact SeeMore today to learn more about SeeMore’s SPi 2.0 program.  It is the best training and certification program in the industry.  And SeeMore is offering a new World Class fitting system and fitting tools in 2020 for top fitters and instructors!

Improved putting is the fastest way to better scores!

Bobby Jones Links Selected to Manage Colonial Country Club

(Atlanta, Ga.) – Prominent Atlanta-based club management company, Bobby Jones Links, has been selected to manage the Colonial Country Club in Thomasville, N.C. Located minutes from the Piedmont Triad, Colonial Country Club is a beautiful club cultivating an active lifestyle and a rich family experience.

Dan Outlaw, President of the Colonial Country Club Board of Directors stated, “Our Board is committed to providing our members with an extraordinary Club experience. I am excited that Bobby Jones Links will bring proven management and efficiency to our daily operations to ensure we meet that goal. I am looking forward to a great partnership.”

Colonial Country Club is a private county club that first opened in 1973. The club features an 18-hole Gene Hamm designed golf course, open for member play year-round. The par 71 course features bermuda greens and 6,600 yards of rolling fairways with 75 well maintained bunkers. The club’s golf course seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings due to Hamm's use of the land's existing topography to provide the character of the course. Club members can also enjoy access to the driving range, golf lessons and a full schedule of tournaments and events.

Additional member amenities include four lighted clay tennis courts, a full-size pool, a separate wading pool for toddlers, and an array of exciting social events catered to members of all ages. Dining options at Colonial Country Club feature an outstanding dining room and bar area, where members enjoy everything from small bites to full-service dinners in a scenic atmosphere.

“We are honored to welcome Colonial Country Club to the Bobby Jones Links family,” said Steve Willy, Co-Founder of Bobby Jones Links. “We look forward to sharing our industry expertise with the Colonial Country Club Board of Directors in order to enhance the club lifestyle and elevate the value of a membership.”

For more information on Colonial Country Club, visit www.ccc-nc.com.

TEAM BOYNE, Harbor Cup Raise $48,000+ for Local Charities

BOYNE PGA professionals compete to raise dollars for Manna Food Project and First Tee

(Harbor Springs, Mich.) — Over the past 20 years PGA professionals from BOYNE Golf have raised more than $450,000 through the annual Harbor Cup golf event, benefiting local charities including Manna Food Project and The First Tee of Northern Michigan.

This year, TEAM BOYNE professionals set a new yearly record, raising more than $48,000 for the charities. The donations are the result of the year-long fundraising effort leading up to and following the event. Many of the donations came from the members of the Country Club of Boyne and Bay Harbor Golf Club, merchandise sales, and pro-am and scramble golf events around the area.

The annual Harbor Cup golf event is held each fall. PGA professionals from BOYNE Golf’s properties are pitted against PGA professionals from Petoskey area golf courses in a fun 54-hole Ryder Cup style format.

“The heritage and meaning of the Harbor Cup continues to grow along with charitable contributions that reach deserving Northern Michigan charities. We are so proud of this yearlong effort that each team makes. TEAM BOYNE is honored to generate awareness of the incredibly vital Manna Food Project and The First Tee of Northern Michigan,” said Bernie Friedrich, Senior Vice President of Boyne Resorts’ golf operations and resort sales and TEAM BOYNE’s Harbor Cup Assistant Captain. “The tireless and dedicated work of golf professionals from both teams and the faithful support from Country Club of Boyne and Bay Harbor Golf Club members, homeowners and team members has made a meaningful impact on this community that means so much to us all.”

Last week, BOYNE Golf professionals proudly presented a check totaling $30,500 to Manna Food Project, a pantry and warehouse that supplies food to more than 35 pantries and agencies in Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties. The charitable contribution will provide more than 122,000 meals to community members.

In addition, a check for $14,500 was presented to The First Tee of Northern Michigan, an organization that promotes character development and life enhancing values through the game of golf. The donation helps to increase programming opportunities and reach more youth. Other organizations will also be the recipients of more than $3,000 in charitable donations.

TEAM BOYNE Harbor Cup included Captain John Myers and Associate Captains Bernie Friedrich, Josh Richter, and Brandon Brown. Players for TEAM BOYNE included Chaz Babin, Steve Niezgoda, Scott Pussehl, Corey May, Casey Powers, Barry Redmond, Paulo Rocha, Jerry Roman, Dave Trudell, Dan Turcott, Bob Wilson.

For more information on The Manna Food Project, visit www.mannafoodproject.org and to learn more about The First Tee of Northern Michigan, go to www.thefirstteenorthernmichigan.org.

For more information on BOYNE Golf, visit www.BOYNEgolf.com.

Golf Digest Tabs 170 V1 Pro Instructors on its Top Teachers in America Lists

Dozens of “Best Teachers,” “Best in in State,” “Best Young Teachers” Trust V1 Pro

(Novi, MI) – The world’s best golf instructors have some core traits in common that contribute greatly to their success. They’re master communicators, tireless students of the game and experts at building relationships with golfers who are eager to improve. Another commonality with many of the game’s best teachers is their use of V1 Sports (V1) technology and video swing analysis systems. On Golf Digest’s 2019-2020 list honoring the “Top 50 Best Teachers in America,” 40 percent of the pros recognized are users of the V1 Pro system.

In all, 20 of the teachers honored on the Top 50 Teachers list conduct their lessons and academies with V1’s dynamic video analysis platform. Additionally, Golf Digest unveiled its 2019-2020 “Top Teachers By State” listing and it included an impressive 139 V1 Pro instructors (21 percent of all pros listed). With V1 Pro user Butch Harmon, founder and owner of the Butch Harmon School of Golf, topping the list at #1, 11 of the top 20 teaching professionals on Golf Digest’s “Top 50 Best Teachers in America” were V1 pros.

V1 Sports’ brand ambassador Michael Breed, of the Michael Breed Golf Academy, Trump Links at Ferry Point, comes in at #16 on the list while Mike Bender, founder of the Mike Bender Golf Academy at Magnolia Plantation (Orlando, FL), was ranked #3. Claude Harmon III, director of instruction at The Floridian (Palm City, FL) was ranked #3 and Chris Como, director of instruction at Dallas National Golf Club, was also a top-10 selection at #9.

Golf Digest also produces a list of “The Best Young Teachers in America” and, currently, 11 of the 114 instructors on that list were users of V1 Pro.

“It’s always exciting to see top instructors who trust V1 Pro technology honored in the golf industry. We’re fortunate to work closely with the game’s most influential and brightest instructors, so seeing so many of our friends in the game honored is meaningful to our team,” says CEO Bryan Finnerty. “The instructors who use V1 Pro day in and day out provide our developers the best and most insightful feedback that helps keep our products at the cutting edge.”

V1 is recognized as the pioneer in delivering seamless video lessons with integrated telestration and voiceover for optimized and expedient sharing and communication between teachers and students. V1 products capture, review and analyze swing video for the creation and sharing of golf lessons and instruction content. To date, V1 has delivered more than 3 million internet video lessons by its more than 10,000 PGA golf professionals.

Over the past several months, V1 Sports has launched numerous new tech products, platform upgrades and strategic partnerships to increase its benefit to golfers and teaching professionals. V1 Sports recently became the technology developer and global sales and marketing force for the V1 Sports Pressure Mat Powered by BodiTrak, the first portable and affordable mat to record balance distribution information and Center of Pressure (COP) during the golf swing. Combining real-time data on a golfer’s weight transfer with V1’s top-in-class camera systems and video software makes each lesson more impactful and can markedly expedite a player’s improvement.

One of the golf industry’s most trusted developers of game-improvement technology, V1 Sports also recently entered the GPS game-tracking mobile app arena with the dynamic V1 Game app. With the V1 Game app, a mobile phone or Apple Watch becomes a golfer’s personal caddie and shot tracker. V1 Game’s powerful GPS data provides accurate yardages to greens, hazards and landing zones to help you navigate the course like a professional. After a round is completed, V1 Game’s intuitive performance analysis technology provides statistics (including robust Strokes Gained data) that show the user’s strengths, weaknesses and paths to improvement.

“The game’s best teachers inspire us to continually improve our existing technology while expanding our teaching tools and product offerings to better serve these instructors and the quality of the lessons they give,” Finnerty says.

For more information, visit www.V1Sports.com.

Go Golf Kauai Courses Honored Throughout 2019

(Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i) – 2019 has been an award-winning year for the five Go Golf Kaua‘i golf courses as numerous golf, travel and industry media outlets have honored the Garden Isle courses as some of the best in the world. Local, national and worldwide media outlets have recognized The Ocean Course at Hokuala, Princeville Makai Golf Club, Poipu Bay Golf Club, Puakea Golf Course and Wailua Golf Course in their 2019 rankings, awards and accolades.

Go Golf Kaua‘i courses receiving 2019 awards and accolades include:

Golf Advisor - Top 20 Best Courses in Hawaii
- Princeville Makai Golf Club – No. 2
- Poipu Bay Golf Club – No. 7
- Puakea Golf Course – No. 13
- Ocean Course at Hokuala – No. 17
- Wailua Golf Course – No. 19

GOLF Magazine - Top 100 Resorts (2019) - Top 25 General Excellence    
- Princeville Resort / Princeville Makai Golf Club - Kauai, Hawaii

Golf Digest - America's 100 Greatest Public Courses (2019-2020)
- Princeville Makai Golf Club – No. 65
- Poipu Bay Golf Club – No. 95

Golfweek - Best Courses You Can Play in Hawaii
- Princeville Makai Golf Club – No. 4
- Poipu Bay Golf Club – No. 6
- Ocean Course at Hokuala – No. 11
- Wailua Golf Course – No. 14                    

Golfweek - Top 200 Resort Courses
- Princeville Makai Golf Club – No. 58
- Poipu Bay Golf Club – No. 92
- Ocean Course at Hokuala – No. 154

World Golf Awards - Hawaii’s Best Golf Course 2019
Ocean Course at Hokuala

The Garden Island newspaper - Best Golf Course 2019
- Puakea Golf Course

Golf Inc. - Best New Amenities 2019
- Princeville Makai Golf Club – Sunset Golf Cart Tour

"It was exciting to see our Go Golf Kaua'i golf courses recognized by the golf and travel media in 2019," said Sue Kanoho, Executive Director of the Kaua'i Visitors Bureau. "Kaua'i is approximately 26 miles in diameter and encompasses just 554 square miles. To have this many golf courses and resorts honored on one island makes Kaua'i one of the top golf destinations in the United States."

Nicknamed the Garden Isle for its lush tropical foliage, waterfalls and ever-present Pacific Ocean scenery, Kaua‘i is perennially recognized for its beaches, award-winning golf courses, ideal playing weather and stunning natural beauty.

For more information on Kaua‘i golf, visit www.gogolfkauai.com.

Primland Retains Dan Shepherd Public Relations for Luxury Resort Publicity and Media Relations Program

Exclusive Resort in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains Offers a Remarkable Array of Bespoke Amenities

(MEADOWS OF DAN, VIRGINIA) – Primland, the astounding luxury resort on 12,000 acres of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwest Virginia, has retained Dan Shepherd Public Relations (DSPR) to design and execute a strategic publicity and media relations program for the exclusive property.

“DSPR is an innovative, well-connected, results-driven firm that will grow demand for Primland through surgical, first-class coverage and brand exposure,” said Steve Helms, Primland Vice President.

“Primland is like virtually nowhere else in the world; it’s a special place where deeply satisfying experiences inspire discerning couples, families, and groups year-round,” said Dan Shepherd, DSPR Owner.

DSPR will work in tandem with Buffalo Groupe, which Primland has selected to manage its digital, advertising, and creative marketing services.

Primland resonates with people who immerse themselves in luxurious elegance. Value Mother Nature’s masterworks. Celebrate the scintillating moments when fish take the bait. Cherish the soothing serenity of golden mountain sunsets. Rush with adrenalin while traversing ATV trails. Feel child-like wonder while star gazing through a professional-grade telescope. Embrace treehouse lodging perches with panoramic views. Relish playing award-winning trophy golf courses. Rejuvenate through caressing spa treatments. And covet organic ingredients served tastefully in farm-to-table culinary dishes.

A refined Eastern U.S. getaway, Primland merges nature and luxury. Developed with eco-sensitivity, the property inspires those wanting to unwind and reconnect with simple and profound pleasures. Primland is a place where one can alternately find peaceful silence and the heart-pumping thrill of the hunt. Or a wide range of choices in between. Nestled amidst the great outdoors, it pairs first-rate dining and hospitality with an attentive staff, soul-stirring views and a cornucopia of amenities.

For more information about Primland, visit Primland.com, or call 866.960.7746.

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort Wins Three Stella Awards

(Rio Grande, Puerto Rico) – Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort was recently awarded three 2019 Stella Awards in the categories of Best Golf Resort, International and US Territories; Best Food and Beverage, International and US Territories; and Best Hotel/Resort, International and US Territories by Northstar Meetings Group. Troon Golf proudly manages the golf operations at the resort’s Rio Mar Country Club.

The Stella Awards, established by Northstar Meetings Group in 2017, recognize hotels, convention centers, conference centers, airlines, cruise lines, DMO/CVBs and DMCs that consistently deliver quality service and innovation to meeting and events professionals. Honors were awarded in 18 categories celebrating overall excellence, superb food and beverage, professionalism of staff, technology innovations, and other critical aspects of the meetings and event experience. In total, 278 winners and finalists were recognized by Northstar Meetings Group.

“A heartfelt congratulations to our partners at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort on receiving three Stella Awards,” said Ricardo Catarino, vice president, operations, Troon. “Puerto Rico has been through a lot in the last few years. This recognition is a credit to the incredible team at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar for their hard work and dedication.”

Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort features two distinct course designs – The Ocean Course; a design collaboration between award-winning architects Tom and George Fazio, and The River Course, designed by two-time Major Champion Greg Norman. The Ocean Course plays to a par of 72 and measures 6,782 yards from the back tees and 5,450 yards from the forward tees, while The River Course plays a slightly longer 6,945 yards from the back but a shorter 5,119 yards from the front.

For more information on the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort, visit www.WyndhamGrandRioMar.com or call (800) 474-6627.

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

CertiFresh Cigar Adds Brands to Lineup in Time for PGA Show Merchandise Show

(ROBBINSDALE, Minn.) — CertiFresh Cigar returns to the PGA Merchandise Show next month with new ownership and new cigar brands added to its lineup for golf courses and clubs around the world.

For 20 years, CertiFresh Cigar has offered the finest brand-name cigars that are delivered in a perfectly humidified custom package. Boveda's patented two-way humidity control device is the cornerstone of CertiFresh packaging. Freshness of cigars is guaranteed for one year due to the packaging, so golf courses do not have to maintain a traditional humidor to carry the product.

CertiFresh has enjoyed steady growth over years, and now services over 3,000 golf courses, clubs, resorts and casinos. The company changed hands back in April when Bill Porter, who founded the company in 1999, turned over the reins to Eric and Matt Nelson.

“We were thrilled to purchase a company with such a unique and entrenched niche in the golf industry,” said co-owner Eric Nelson. “It was in solid shape when we came in, and we are simply continuing to build upon what Bill and his team started. Ours is a product with limitless possibilities. Our goal is to continue to open new doors and provide first-class customer service.”

CertiFresh recently added a few new brands to its wide range of quality cigars. Brick House, Cohiba Blue and Acid join such brands as Oliva, Arturo Fuentes, Montecristo, and Romeo Y Julieta among other high-end brands.

Every CertiFresh Cigar comes with customized packaging featuring the club or event logo, making for great gifts for tournaments and events. There is no added charge for the customized packaging.

Contact your local rep or CertiFresh Cigar directly at 800-375-2373, or visit www.certifreshcigar.com.

Sage Run at Island Resort & Casino Named Among Golf Digest’s “Best New Courses”

Bold, hilly Paul Albanese design earns kudos from magazine’s expert panelists

(Harris, Mich.) – The newest golf course in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Sage Run at Island Resort & Casino has been named to Golf Digest’s prestigious list of “Best New Courses, 2019.” Sage Run is the resort’s second course and Paul Albanese’s follow-up to his popular Sweetgrass design there.

More than 1,600 Golf Digest panelists across the U.S. and Canada played and evaluated Best New candidate courses, scoring each in eight evaluation categories: Shot Options, Layout Variety, Challenge, Distinctiveness, Aesthetics, Conditioning, Character and Fun. Sage Run was honored as one of the five Public layouts on the magazine’s always-anticipated list.

Sage Run plays around, over and through a scenic ridge that was shaped by glacial activity. Golfers experience winding holes through the trees and some open areas with tremendous variety of landscape and shot values. Natural long grasses edge the bunkers, and some of the short par 4s have blind shots to the greens. Albanese said Royal County Down in Northern Ireland, rated among the world’s top courses, served as inspiration for the course bunkering and overall “rough and rugged” aesthetic.

“We knew when we first laid eyes on this property, we had an incredible opportunity to create something very special. The routing that Paul Alabanese created turned out to be a dramatic yet very natural use of the natural, hilly features,” says Tony Mancilla, Island Resort’s General Manager. “To see Paul’s name in the same company with top designers like Gil Hanse, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw validates the brilliance we’ve seen in Paul’s work for a long time as well as the tremendous creative and strategic effort he put into Sage Run.”

Built in a thrilling natural setting, Sage Run showcases exceptional variety, including holes like the par-3 fifth, which plays significantly uphill or the short par-4 16th which dares you to take on an uphill shot to a blind landing area.

“It’s a great honor to have Sage Run recognized as one of America’s best new courses, especially considering the quality and depth of top architects and courses they had to consider,” Albanese says. “I think the natural flow and fit to the landscape and ruggedness of Sage Run is a fun contrast to the manicured, subtle and very bucolic course we created with Sweetgrass,” Albanese says. “To see golfers enjoying the way we navigated the dramatic natural features is very satisfying.”

Sage Run’s 7,375-yard par-72 design hosted the inaugural Island Resort Intercollegiate in August. Michigan State’s James Piot posted rounds of 68-70-69 (207) to slip past a trio of 210s posted by Nick Dentino and Joe Weiler of Purdue and Kieran Vincent of Liberty. Liberty edged Purdue by a single shot to take the team title.

WHAT GOLF DIGEST RATERS SAY ABOUT SAGE RUN: 

For Albanese it was enlightening and gratifying to see the reactions Golf Digest’s panelists had to Sage Run:

“(Sage Run) is a combination of open prairie links and holes with wide corridors carved through trees. A dramatic piece of property in terms of elevation changes.”

“The architect used a massive ridge running through the property for tees, greens and even entire holes, like the uphill fifth and 16th. The third is an awesome par 5 with awesome bunkering in both the landing area and layup, reachable in two with great options off the tee, great options on your second and a cool small green perched on hill.”

“The course seems well balanced with holes being uphill, downhill, dogleg lefts and doglegs rights. This probably is its strongest attribute.”

“Sage Run surprised me. I was not expecting such dramatic elevations in comparison to nearby, relatively flat Sweetgrass. Sage Run is a breathtakingly beautiful course…”

“Built to be rugged.”

“A beast of a course that conjures visual comparisons to Shinnecock. Wide variety of green complexes and a number of unique holes. Exceptional conditioning for such a new course, and I expect this should improve.”

“This was worth the drive. The property is beautiful.”

NOW BOOKING FOR 2020

For more information on how to book a stay at Island Resort & Casino to play Sage Run and Sweetgrass, visit www.islandresortgolf.com and www.islandresortandcasino.com.

PGA National Resort & Spa’s Exceptional ‘Gold Golf Package’ for South Florida Winter Getaways

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) – PGA National Resort & Spa – South Florida’s world-class vacation, meetings, wellness and golf destination – is offering its value-packed “Gold Golf Package” as the ideal vehicle for a South Florida stay-and-play winter getaway to treasure.

PGA National is a golf lover’s dream. The legendary locale offers 90 holes of high-caliber golf on five courses including the famed Champion Course, home to the popular PGA TOUR Honda Classic and past host of the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship and several Senior PGA Championships.

PGA National also offers the David Leadbetter Golf Academy and David Pelz Scoring Game School for individual instruction and group clinics; Every Ball Counts – the world’s first science-based, statistics-driven training system for golf improvement offered at its off-site Estates Course; and state-of-the-art club fitting at Cool Club.

From Jan. 1 – April 14, the Gold Golf Package starts at $339 (per person, per night, double occupancy) and offers deluxe accommodations with private balcony or terrace, full daily breakfast in the Palm Terrace restaurant, and one round per day (with cart) on the resort’s five superb layouts.

Both The Palmer and The Champion courses require a $50 and $135 surcharge, respectively. The offer additionally features unlimited range balls and complimentary bag storage. Resort fees and taxes are included.

“Winter is the perfect showcase of our incredible South Florida weather as well as an ideal time to visit us and start the 2020 golf season in grand style,” says Jeffrey Mayers, PGA National’s managing director. “Few resorts offer such an outstanding array of golf and resort amenities, and we cordially invite everyone to let show you personally why we’re one of the premier golf destinations in the U.S.”

The Gold Golf Package is also just the ticket to combine a golf vacation while enjoying the area’s Major League Baseball spring training as the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals share The Ballpark at Palm Beaches. The nearby Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter serves as the home of the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins.

Guests can also enjoy the high-tech 33,000-square-foot Sports & Racquet Club featuring a wide array of fitness activities and classes, including pickleball and tennis on the 18 Har-Tru tennis courts (11 lit for night play). Not to be missed is a visit to The Spa to enjoy its luxurious and soothing wellness treatments. PGA National features exceptional dining options for all tastes including its chef-driven Ironwood Steak & Seafood restaurant.

For more information about PGA National: visit www.pgaresort.com or call 800.863.2819.

Golf Heritage Society Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Celebration

(LEBANON, Ohio) — The Golf Heritage Society (GolfHeritage.org) announces that it has begun the celebration of its 50th anniversary, upcoming in 2020. As it marks its half-century, the newly-expanded, non-profit global organization is broadening its reach throughout the greater golf community.

“We invite everyone who is passionate about golf to join us as we commence the next 50 years of our mission to preserve and honor the history and traditions of the game – past, present and future,” said Dr. Bern Bernacki, president of the Golf Heritage Society (GHS). “We have several new initiatives in place as part of the celebration.”

The cost of becoming a GHS member is now $50 annually, in honor of the Society’s 50th anniversary. Members are encouraged to “Make It a Foursome” by inviting three additional golf enthusiasts to join.

Founded in 1970 as the Golf Collectors Society, the GHS recently changed its name, elected new leadership and extended its membership to include all who love the game, including golfers of every playing ability, golf artists, historians and writers, hickory golf devotees and golf course designers. The GHS now has about 860 members from 15 countries.

GHS membership benefits include:
·  Camaraderie with fellow members at local, regional and national GHS gatherings
·   Renowned speakers at GHS gatherings who are highly recognized in the golf industry
·  The opportunity to buy, sell and trade golf collectibles at GHS trade shows and auctions
·  The opportunity to play in hickory club tournaments
·  The Society’s long-running quarterly journal, The Golf, with compelling features, articles and special guest contributors
·  A monthly newsletter with updates, member news and interesting golf history side notes
·  A website updated regularly with Members-only resources including an archive of past issues of the Society journal, information on golf collecting, links to fraternal golf history societies and other features

For information or to join the Golf Heritage Society, visit GolfHeritage.org or contact Pete Georgiady, executive director, at 567-303-5584 or pgeorgiady@golfheritage.org.

Pebble Beach Co. Partners with Tiger Woods, TGR Design to Redesign Par 3 Course at Pebble Beach

Located just across from the first tee of famed Pebble Beach Golf Links, the historic Peter Hay Golf Course will be entirely reimagined with the help of one of Golf’s greatest champions

(PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF.) – As its Centennial celebration winds down, Pebble Beach Company looks to the future, announcing today it has entered into a partnership with Tiger Woods and his TGR Design firm to design a new short course on the former site of Peter Hay Golf Course.

“Pebble Beach has always been a special place to me,” said Tiger Woods. “It’s an honor for TGR Design and me to partner with Pebble Beach Company to design a new short course at such an iconic location.”

Named for the former, long-time head professional at Pebble Beach, the Peter Hay Golf Course has been a focal point of the golf-centric community since its opening in 1957. Among its many uses, it has served as the home course for generations of young golfers and host to dozens of junior tournaments and charity events annually.

“Peter Hay’s founding vision for this course aligns perfectly with TGR Design’s ideals – introducing new players to the game, bringing families together, and providing a fun golf experience for players of all abilities,” said Woods. “We at TGR Design look forward to building on and enhancing this vision with our redesign, which will incorporate more variety into the hole lengths and shot options, add more puttable areas within the green surrounds and take advantage of the spectacular ocean views.”

Pebble Beach Company’s goal with the redesign is to elevate the year-round quality of its short course to that of its other golf courses (Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, The Links at Spanish Bay, and Del Monte Golf Course). In addition, the new short course will leverage the first-class amenities of the adjacent Pebble Beach Golf Academy and offer an incredible food and beverage venue with expansive ocean views. The experience will be a “can’t miss” for golfers of all ages and abilities.

“We are thrilled to partner with Tiger Woods and TGR Design to transform the Peter Hay site into a world-class short course,” said Bill Perocchi, Chief Executive Officer of Pebble Beach Company. “Tiger Woods and TGR Design are the perfect partners for this project, given Tiger’s commitment to youth golf and experience in developing fun, creative, and playable courses for golfers of all levels.”

The project is expected to take less than a year to complete, with a Grand Reopening targeted for the fall of 2020. Pebble Beach Company and TGR Design look forward to sharing more details on the design and reopening date in the coming months.

Carr Golf Offers Unique Opportunity to Play Entire 14-Course Open Championship Rota

(DUBLIN, Ireland) — Carr Golf – Europe’s premier provider of unforgettable golf and travel experiences – announces the unique opportunity to play all 14 Open Championship rota courses in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Itineraries include several of the most cherished layouts in the game including the Old Course at St. Andrews, Royal Liverpool, Royal Portrush and Royal St. George’s.

Set to host next year’s Open for the 15th time, Royal St. George’s Golf Club is one of the world’s finest links. As the only rota course in the south of England, Royal St. George’s possesses the deepest bunker in championship golf on its daunting par-4 fourth hole. Established in 1887, its undulating fairways and lightning-fast greens provide an unforgettable challenge for amateurs and professional golfers alike.

Host of Rory McIlroy’s 2014 Open victory, Royal Liverpool Golf Club will again welcome the world’s best for the 13th time in 2022. Originally built on a racecourse at the Liverpool Hunt Club, the property retained a dual role as a horseracing venue and golf course in its earliest years. Apart from Royal North Devon Golf Club at Westward Ho!, Royal Liverpool is the oldest seaside course in England. Carr Golf’s founder and namesake, J.B. Carr, won his first British Amateur on the layout in 1953.

Primed for the 150th Open in 2021, the Old Course at St. Andrews provides golfers with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play the “Home of Golf.” J.B. Carr additionally has a special connection to St. Andrews as the first Irishman to captain the Royal & Ancient. St. Andrews has proudly hosted The Open 29 times dating back to 1873.

This past July, the golfing world witnessed the wonders of Royal Portrush Golf Club during the 2019 Open Championship, captured by Ireland’s Shane Lowry. “Royal Portrush is one of Ireland’s most stunning golfing venues,” says Rory McIlroy. “I could mention every hole in detail, but Calamity Corner, the 210-yard par-3, must be played to be appreciated. With the wind blowing in from the North Antrim coast, this is not a hole for the faint-hearted. In almost every sense, Royal Portrush is a truly awe-inspiring experience.”

As “The Birthplace of the Open Championship,” Prestwick Golf Club proudly offers Scottish links golf in its original form paired with a club history like no other. Musselburgh Links, a six-time Open Championship host in Scotland between 1874 – 1889, is the world’s oldest golf course as certified by the Guinness World Records.

Other former and present courses in the Open’s rotation include Prince’s, Royal Birkdale, Royal Cinque Ports and Royal Lytham & St. Annes in England, as well as Carnoustie, Muirfield, Royal Troon and Trump Turnberry in Scotland.

“Following the overwhelming success of this year’s Open at Royal Portrush, Carr Golf is thrilled to offer exclusive tee times at these incredible world-class venues,” says Marty Carr, executive chairman of Carr Golf. “There is magic in playing these world-class links layouts and we can’t wait to create an amazing experience for your group.”

In addition, Carr Golf hosts wildly popular tournaments including next year’s 13th World Invitational Father & Daughter Golf Tournament played on Southwest Ireland’s Waterville Golf Links (July 21 – 24) and the special edition World Invitational Father & Son Golf Tournament at Pinehurst Resort (Oct. 18 – 22).

Dublin-based, Carr Golf provides unrivaled customer care with luxury accommodations, transportation, sightseeing and anything else needed for stress-free, extraordinary vacations. Carr Golf also works directly with a multitude of PGA club professionals on incentivized member and association getaways.

For more information: www.carrgolf.com, 1.855.617.5701 (U.S. toll free) or +353.1.822 6662.

JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa to Introduce Enhanced Golf Courses in May 2020

The redesign of JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa’s two world-class 18-hole golf courses has been completed. Re-imagined by golf icon Raymond Floyd from the original Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design, the “Soffer” and “Miller” courses offer members and resort guests improved playing conditions and faster greens.

The resort, a coveted destination for golfers from across the globe, has also announced they will host the Stack & Tilt golf camp in May 2020 under the direction of co-founder and PGA and Tour Coach, Andy Plummer. The impressive roster of PGA golf pros on staff, variety of golf packages and educational programming and enhanced championship golf courses make JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa the go-to golf resort in the Southeast.

The $1 million plus upgrades were implemented to modernize both courses to create ideal playing conditions for all levels of players from novice to professional. Key among the improvements to the Soffer Course is the addition of all brand new TifEagle greens, which provide a more consistent green speed and better playing conditions for all players. The Soffer course has five sets of tee boxes that can accommodate all levels and the Miller Course has six sets of tee boxes. Additionally, there is a newly added fairway bunker on the eighth hole; more land has been added to the ninth hole and a new tee complex for the tenth and16th holes.

Updates to the Miller Course include new tee boxes on the ninth and tenth and a brand-new front driving range, chipping and putting greens.

Andy Plummer, one of the most sought-after and well-respected teachers in the world of golf is on staff and available for private lessons.  Additionally, golf enthusiasts can look forward to the Stack & Tilt Camp, which will be hosted at the club May 2020. This unique event, strictly limited to 8 students, offers golfers of all levels the chance to immerse themselves in an intensive 3 day "CAMP" surrounded by world class instructors. The format ensures golfers develop all areas of their games with multiple stations including Stack & Tilt putting, Short Game System, Trackman and one-to-one time with Andy Plummer.

Amenities at the courses include:
- On-course refreshment cart
- Forcaddies services available November 1st – April 30th
- 36 holes of championship golf
- Electric carts with GPS
- Private lessons and group clinics
- Driving range, chipping and putting greens
- Premium Callaway rental clubs
- Dedicated planning staff
- Recently opened and updated Pro Shop

More information: jwturnberry.com.

Saturday Becomes Most-Watched Cable Telecast Ever at Presidents Cup

Saturday’s Final Day Singles Matches on GOLF Channel Featuring Playing Captain Tiger Woods Sees 141% Increase vs. 2015 Final Day in South Korea

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – Saturday’s Final Day singles matches at the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia became the most-watched cable telecast in Presidents Cup history, according to Nielsen Fast Nationals.

Airing live in primetime on GOLF Channel (6 p.m.-12:05 a.m. ET), the final day posted a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) of 1.742 million viewers per minute (+141% vs. ’15 Final Day), including 1.705 million viewers per minute tuning in to the linear telecast. Viewership peaked at 2.15 million viewers per minute (1.37 U.S. HH rating) from 11:15-11:30 p.m. ET as the United States team was completing its come-from-behind victory over the International team. Saturday also became the most-streamed Final Day in Presidents Cup history.

The United States team was led by playing captain Tiger Woods, who competed in the event for the first time since 2013 and served as the first playing captain at the event since 1994. The Americans dominated the singles matches on Saturday night, winning eight of the 12 points available to erase a 10-8 deficit entering the final day of the competition to ultimately win 16-14 over the Internationals, who were led by captain Ernie Els.

In total, NBC Sports Group dedicated more than 60 hours of coverage surrounding the Presidents Cup. Given the 16-hour time difference (between Melbourne and Eastern Standard Time), live coverage of the competition aired on GOLF Channel in primetime Wednesday-Saturday, while encore broadcasts of the final two days aired Saturday-Sunday on NBC.

Nielsen Fast National report for 12/14/19. Live+Same Day US HH Rtg and P2+ Avg 000’s. Compared to final official national Nielsen Live+Same Day US HH Rtg and P2+ Avg 000’s on record. Details available. TAD includes digital reports from Adobe Analytics.

Billy Casper Golf Named Management Partner for English Turn Golf and Country Club

(NEW ORLEANS, La.) – Billy Casper Golf (BCG) – the respected and innovative management partner of over 160 golf courses, country clubs and resorts across 26 states – proudly announces its agreement to manage golf operations for English Turn Golf and Country Club in New Orleans.

English Turn’s ownership group has selected BCG as their strategic partner for golf operations, agronomics, sales and marketing. Operations will be locally-managed by a professional golf and agronomic team, while also supported by regional and national teams to provide expert guidance and direction.

“Billy Casper Golf and English Turn have created a joint commitment to elevating the golf course programing, events and guest experience,” says Robert Anen, Interim General Manager. “Given BCG’s advanced industry expertise, we are confident in their ability to help guide our club forward.”
English Turn is named after the historic bend on the Mississippi River where the founders of New Orleans duped English settlers in claiming it was already under French control. The semi-private club, fresh off celebrating its 30th anniversary, has been serving the local community as an unrivaled environment to enjoy a round of golf or celebrate a special event.

Opening in 1988, The Signature Course at English Turn meanders through surrounding lakes and the bayou until reaching its magnificent plantation-style clubhouse. The Jack Nicklaus-designed par-72 championship course was originally designed for the local PGA TOUR event, which was held at the facility from 1989 – 2004 and in 2006 following Hurricane Katrina. In 2019, English Turn was ranked No. 4 in Golfweek’s “Best Courses You Can Play in Louisiana.”

“We are thrilled to begin working with such a storied club and helping their team maximize its potential,” says Peter Hill, CEO and Executive Chairman of Billy Casper Golf. “By providing pristine conditions, outstanding service and programs for golfers and event planners, we look forward to welcoming the local community back to the Turn.”

In 2019, Billy Casper Golf celebrates its 30th anniversary of building and refining the strongest operating platform in golf course management. English Turn Golf and Country Club joins Copper Mill Golf Club and The Island – Golf & Country Club as the third BCG-managed course in The Pelican State.

More information: www.englishturngolf.com, 504.392.2200

TecTecTec VPRO500 Golf Rangefinder Now Available at DICK’S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy

Top-Selling Model Offered In-Store Ahead of the Holidays

(Vannes, France) – TecTecTec – maker of technologically-advanced yet affordable laser rangefinders for golf – announces its most popular rangefinder model, the VPRO500, is now carried in all DICK’S Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy stores (825 locations) across the U.S.

The best-selling VPRO500 ($149.99) provides state-of-the-art technology at an unbeatable price. Itis accurate within one yard, features 6x magnification, has a water-resistant coating, and can lock onto a flag up to 540 yards away. Beyond the physical presence within each store, both retailers also carry the company’s VPRO500, VPRO500S and ULT-X rangefinders on their respective websites.

“DICK’s Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy are among the most trusted sports equipment retailers in the world and we’re excited to expand our partnership, making it easy for golfers to buy our premium, yet affordable rangefinders,” says Renan Lore, Director and Founder of TecTecTec. “Golfers don’t need to exceed their holiday budgets this season, as our products outperform other leading brands and often cost half the price.”

TecTecTec is comprised of a highly talented team of industrial engineers who are devoted to helping customers save money while supplying some of the most tech-forward products in golf. All TecTecTec rangefinders are engineered with an ultra-clear, multilayered optical lens and multiple scanning modes to help golfers in any situation. These include Pinsensor to measure overlapping targets, Target Priority to display the distance of the closest subject, and Scan Mode for help with reading distances to hazards.

Every model is equipped with a CR2 battery, wrist strap, microfiber cleaning cloth and quick start guide for easy setup. All purchases made through the TecTecTec website include customary free shipping, a two-year warranty, and a “love it or your money back” 30-day full refund guarantee. For more information, visit www.US.TecTecTec.com.