"Golf Central Live From the PGA Championship" Next Week to Highlight Golf's First Major in 2020

Bay Area Resident & Major Champion Michelle Wie West Contributing to Early-Week Coverage on Golf Central Live From the PGA Championship

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – GOLF Channel announced its programming plans surrounding next week’s 102nd PGA Championship, which will mark professional golf’s first major championship in 2020. Being contested at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, coverage next week will be led by Golf Central Live From the PGA Championship, as GOLF Channel will devote nearly 40 hours of live news coverage throughout the week. After being contested in May last year for the very first time, the PGA Championship returns to August due to the impact of COVID-19 on the 2020 professional golf calendar.

Labeled by Golf Digest as “the best 19th hole in television golf,” and “the best studio show in sports,” by SB Nation, Golf Central Live From the PGA Championship will originate from a dedicated set on TPC Harding Park’s par-4 15th hole, providing a scenic backdrop overlooking Lake Merced. On-site coverage will present viewers with an inside-the-ropes perspective that will include the practice green and short game area, along with the driving range, where Toptracer technology, powered by Topgolf will be utilized to showcase those in the field preparing for competition. Early week coverage also will include pre-Championship press conferences with top contenders in the field as they prepare for Thursday’s opening round.

BAY AREA RESIDENT MICHELLE WIE WEST TO CONTRIBUTE ON-SITE: Major champion and San Francisco local Michelle Wie West will contribute to Golf Central Live From the PGA Championship Tuesday and Wednesday as a daytime analyst, working alongside GOLF Channel’s Notah Begay and Mark Rolfing, along with host Cara Banks. Wie West made her Golf Central analyst debut in-studio during the 2019 Solheim Cup last September, and contributed to Golf Central Live From THE PLAYERS Championship coverage in March. 2002 PGA champion Rich Beem also will contribute to live coverage on GOLF Channel, in addition to his responsibilities as an analyst for Sky Sports.

Anchoring primetime coverage of Golf Central Live From the PGA Championship throughout the week will be Rich Lerner, who will be joined by analysts Brandel Chamblee, David Duval and Justin Leonard. GOLF Channel Insider Jaime Diaz will focus on emerging storylines as the week unfolds, while Todd Lewis will serve as a reporter and conduct interviews with those in the field. Throughout the week, Lewis also will contribute to Sky Sports Golf’s coverage from TPC Harding Park, providing on-site reports for both networks.

FEATURES: PGA Championship news coverage will be complemented by several dedicated features and GOLF Films Shorts appearing within Golf Central Live From the PGA Championship and Morning Drive, as well as across the network’s digital and social media platforms, including:
- Camelot by the Bay: A three-part feature that looks back to San Francisco’s golden age of golf, as told by GOLF Channel Insider and San Francisco native Jaime Diaz. Camelot by the Bay reflects on the sport’s top products from the Bay Area, led by Johnny Miller and Tony Lema, along with the revered course venues the region has to offer.
- Koepka, Raw and Unplugged: A glimpse into the four-time major champion and two-time defending PGA champion Brooks Koepka. Offering an appreciation for his can’t-miss press conference soundbites, Koepka has become one of the most candid and unapologetic personalities in professional sports.
- Bryson’s Winning Formula: Bryson DeChambeau has become the most-talked about player on TOUR. GOLF Channel’s Rich Lerner dives into the six-time PGA TOUR winner’s progression from theory to reality.
- Morikawa’s Maturation: A dominant golfer in the college ranks, Collin Morikawa chose to forego the opportunity to turn professional early, and instead finish his degree at the University of California. Now, the two-time PGA TOUR winner has started reaping the benefits.
- Recounting the 2000 PGA Championship; Woods’ Third-leg of the “Tiger Slam”: Award-winning actor Michael Kenneth Williams recalls the improbable battle at the 2000 PGA Championship between Tiger Woods and Bob May, which ultimately became Woods’ third-leg of the “Tiger Slam”.

MORNING DRIVE: GOLF Channel’s daily coverage of the PGA Championship will kick off on Morning Drive with the latest news and storylines surrounding the competition.

DIGITAL COVERAGE: GOLF Channel Digital will feature expanded coverage throughout the week, led by on-site reports and the latest storylines from senior writer Rex Hoggard.

USGA Research Grant Helps Audubon International Reach Golf Course Pollinator Habitat Goal

The USGA has invested more than $41 million in golf course sustainability since 1920 through its Turfgrass and Environmental Research Program

(LIBERTY CORNER, N.J.) – As part of an ongoing investment in empowering golf courses to play an impactful role in sustainability, the USGA’s multi-year collaboration with Audubon International has reached a key milestone by creating 1,000 acres of pollinator habitat on courses across America through the Monarchs in the Rough initiative.

The association's $100,000 grant, delivered through the USGA Turfgrass Environmental Research Program in 2018, has helped deliver milkweed seed and educational resources at no charge to golf courses. A significant number of the more than 700 courses that have participated in the program are open to the public or are municipally owned.

Milkweeds are the only plants that monarch caterpillars eat, which makes the plants crucial to the life and migration of monarchs each year. Monarch butterflies, as well as many other pollinators, also feed on the nectar of milkweed flowers.

Over the last two decades, the monarch butterfly population has declined by 90 percent, threatening the North American icon’s existence to the detriment of the communities that rely on the benefits that they and other pollinators provide.

Beyond the natural beauty these landscape features provide golfers in out-of-play areas, these naturalized areas play a vital role in community ecosystems by providing critical habitat for other wildlife and can filter stormwater runoff, improving the quality of surface and groundwater.

“Golf courses can serve as wildlife sanctuaries when they are managed properly,” said Cole Thompson, director of the Turfgrass and Environmental Research Program for the USGA. “Monarchs In The Rough has made it easier for golf courses to get involved by establishing and enhancing pollinator habitat that directly benefits their communities. The USGA is proud to champion this project as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and is excited by the program’s progress and future goals.”

The collaboration brings funding, experts and landowners together to produce a meaningful and lasting impact to communities across America. An 18-hole golf course typically provides more than 100 acres of vital green space, making it an ideal location for pollinator habitats. The USGA’s investment supported a commitment of 250 acres of Audubon International’s 500-acre goal, established under a 2018 grant award from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation. Additional funding came from the Environmental Defense Fund, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s New Jersey Field Office, corporate sponsors and donations from the general public.
 
“Audubon International is proud to be leading this exciting and unique Monarchs in the Rough partnership,” said Marcus Gray, director of Conservation Initiatives for Audubon International. “We’re already seeing positive results from the plantings, and interest in the program continues to grow. Our thanks go out to all Monarchs In The Rough sponsors, supporters and friends who have helped it grow so quickly but, most particularly, to the golf course superintendents, without whose efforts this work could not have been completed.”

The USGA has supported the conservation efforts of Audubon International since 1991 through more than $1.5 million of grant funding. The long-standing relationship includes a $1.3 million grant toward the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, an award-winning education and certification program that helps golf courses protect the environment and preserve the natural heritage of the game. The program helps golf course managers enhance valuable natural areas and wildlife habitats, improve efficiency and protect the environment.

Audubon International was the first environmental organization to recognize the many positive impacts that sustainable golf course management can have on the quality of life, health, and economy of the communities surrounding them. The organization developed the ground-breaking book, “Sustainable Golf Courses: A Guide to Environmental Stewardship,” and established environmental standards that continue to lead the golf industry’s sustainability efforts today.

Since the founding of the USGA Green Section in 1920, the USGA has supported the largest private turfgrass and environmental research effort in the history of golf. The research program, which is one of several continuous Green Section efforts aimed at enhancing golf course sustainability, develops and supports efforts that produce a healthier environment and improved playing conditions.

Led by Thompson, the research program is part of the USGA’s mission to champion and advance the game. Fueled by the U.S. Open, the organization annually invests more than $10 million in supporting the long-term health of golf courses.

For information on how to create monarch butterfly habit at your course or in your community, the USGA article Establishing Monarch Butterfly Habitat on Golf Courses is a helpful resource.

To learn more, visit  usga.org or www.auduboninternational.org. 

Unboxing Wilson Launch Pad Irons

We unboxed Wilson Launch Pad irons. The magic behind the Launch Pad irons is the sole featured throughout the set. This advanced technology is designed to eliminate the “chunk” shot, while simultaneously improving launch. The short irons feature traditional game-improvement sole widths while longer irons feature wider, more forgiving soles, for more consistent ball-striking and greater distance.

Learn more at www.wilson.com.

The Highland Course at Primland Honored with ‘Golfweek’s Best 2020’ Distinctions

18-Hole Championship Course Located at Luxury Resort in the SW Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains

(MEADOWS OF DAN, VIRGINIA) – The Highland Course at Primland, one of luxury boutique resort’s collection of first-class amenities, has garnered acclaim from Golfweek as one of America’s finest playing venues.

Set within Primland’s 12,000 acres of pristine Blue Ridge Mountains majesty in Southwestern Virginia, The Highland Course earned the No. 2 rating in Virginia among the state’s several hundred public-access courses. It also ranks No. 37 in “America’s 100 Best Courses You Can Play” out of more than 10,000 public courses in the country.

The Highland Course features immaculate conditions, stunning views, no surrounding development, and a masterful course layout by Englishman Donald Steel, whose design philosophy highlights nature and golf tradition. "Good courses protect the environment, bad designs disfigure it," said Steel, who has the rare distinction of having advised every club or course on which the British Open Championship is, or has been, played. "They should provide an interesting challenge and fair test for every class of player; and they should make the best possible use of the land.”

Steel’s beliefs are on full display at The Highland Course, which flows seamlessly and breathtakingly through the dramatic mountain landscape, as if it has been there for time immemorial.

This latest acclaim for the Primland golf amenity comes after recently being rated No. 30 in Golf Digest’s biennial “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, 2019-2020.”

“Primland is thankful for this critical praise,” said Steve Helms, Primland Vice President. “Our mission is to inspire our guests with our wide range of luxury amenities and activities.”

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

Unboxing Sparkling Soda Beverages from Colorado’s Best Drinks

Colorado’s Best Drinks is America's favorite brand of sparkling soda beverages infused with broad spectrum hemp extract. CBD has five delicious sparkling soda flavors available for online purchase – black cherry, cola, ginger ale, lemonade and root beer. All of our CBD beverages are crafted with organic sweetener, natural flavors and are all Vegan, non-GMO, Gluten Free, Sodium Free, and Free of Preservatives.

Learn more at www.sparklingcbd.com.

Sentosa Golf Club Becomes World's First Golf Club to Join UN's Sports for Climate Action Initiative

Singapore-based club joins prestigious list of sports associations, events, clubs and leagues from around the world in commitment to climate action

(Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore) — Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore is set to make history today by becoming the world’s first golf club to join the United Nation’s Sports for Climate Action Initiative.

The prestigious golf venue, set on Sentosa Island alongside a diverse array of unique leisure experiences, is already highly regarded for its approach to environmental sustainability, and takes this significant step following its collaboration with international sustainable golf non-profit, GEO Foundation.

The UN’s Sports for Climate Action Initiative aims to support and guide sports organisations and their communities on a path to achieving the global climate goals set out by world leaders in the Paris Agreement.

The golf club will add its name to an already impressive list of sporting organisations to have joined including the New York Yankees, La Liga, Sky Sports and the All England Lawn Tennis Club (Wimbledon).

Sentosa Golf Club, currently holding the accolade of World’s Best Golf Club (World Golf Awards), will join these other participants in committing to a set of five agreed principles and incorporating them into their club strategy, policies, and procedures, as well as communicating them to their wider sporting community within Singapore and other golf clubs around the world.

The initiative also provides sports organisations with a forum to pursue climate action in a consistent and supportive manner by learning from one another, disseminating good practices, lessons learned, developing new innovations, and collaborating on areas of mutual interest.

It also aims to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase well below 2 degrees Celsius, as well as strengthening the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change.

Andrew Johnston, General Manager & Director of Agronomy at Sentosa Golf Club, said: “Becoming the first ever golf club to join the UN’s Sports for Climate Action Initiative is a tremendous honour for everyone associated with Sentosa Golf Club. We have already taken great strides with our sustainability programme in the last two years and are therefore extremely excited to be joining this initiative. We believe it is the right step for us as a club to continue on our journey to tackle climate change throughout the world and the game of golf.”

Sentosa Golf Club also recently announced a new partnership with GEO Foundation, an international non-profit which aims to inspire, support, recognise and share sustainability across golf.  Through this collaboration, Sentosa Golf Club’s future sustainability work will be guided and supported by GEO’s sustainable golf agenda; tracked and evaluated using the industry leading OnCourse® program; verified and assured through the GEO Certified® label.  It is also anticipated that GEO will help guide and accelerate sustainability action in relation to Sentosa Golf Club’s course renovations and the hosting of the SMBC Singapore Open.

Jonathan Smith, Founder and Executive Director of GEO Foundation, said: “This announcement underlines the strength of Sentosa’s forward-looking commitment to sustainability and climate action.  We congratulate them on taking this important and ambitious leadership step, and look forward to supporting that commitment with the purpose-built tools, analysis and recognition that we provide to golf.  Of course, we’d encourage other facilities interested in building sustainability and climate action into their operations to consider joining OnCourse - as a practical first step to understanding current performance, guiding future efforts and establishing their position in the growing community of sustainable golf.”

Sentosa Golf Club’s green commitment was brought to the world’s attention with the launch of its #KeepItGreen campaign at the SMBC Singapore Open in January 2018. It has seen a number of key environmental features implemented at the club, such as the creation of its own bee colonies; using rechargeable lithium batteries in its golf carts; banning single use plastics from the golf course and replacing them with water stations; as well as building its own sustainable herb garden.

In January 2020, the club unveiled a new sustainability campaign, GAME ON, at the SMBC Singapore Open, that is designed to unite the global golf community in addressing the growing concerns of climate change. It aims to help golf clubs around the world to better prepare for climate change by introducing modern sustainability practices to reduce their own environmental footprint.

The campaign is closely aligned with The R&A’s 2030 Golf Course Initiative that considers the impacts, both positive and negative, of the changing climate, resource constraints and regulation on course condition and playability.

The R&A’s Asian headquarters is based at Sentosa Golf Club and they too are pushing an important sustainability agenda. Dominic Wall, Director – Asia-Pacific at The R&A, said: “We consider sustainability to be an important priority for golf and is crucial to the sport’s contribution to society, including its impact on the environment and use of resources.

“Our own Golf Course 2030 initiative aims to produce a roadmap that will outline steps to mitigate the challenges created by climate change, as well as taking advantage of the opportunities that exist to provide improved on-course conditions and playability for golfers around the world.”

For more information on Sentosa Golf Club visit www.sentosagolf.com.

Silverado Resort and Spa Unveils New Unlimited Golf Package

(Napa Valley, Calif.) – Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, Calif. has unveiled a new Unlimited Golf Package. Home of the PGA TOUR’s Safeway Open, to be held September 10-13 without fans, Silverado Resort and Spa is fully open and welcoming guests to the AAA Four Diamond resort. Troon Golf proudly manages the golf operations at Silverado Resort and Spa.

With Silverado’s Unlimited Golf Package, guests can book their package online and reserve all of their discounted tee times in advance by phone. The Unlimited Golf Package is available Sunday through Thursday, and includes a 20 percent discount on luxury resort accommodations, unlimited golf rounds – including play on the famed North Course, home of the Safeway Open – and a retail gift from the golf shop at check-in.

“With the Safeway Open just weeks away, our new Unlimited Golf Package is a terrific way to experience the same course and conditions the PGA TOUR pros will face in September,” said John Evans, general manager, Silverado Resort and Spa. “In addition, guests can book their stay at the resort and feel confident in their visit to Napa Valley as we’ve implemented enhanced safety and sanitation measures resort wide.”

Silverado Resort and Spa offers luxurious guest room and villa style multi-bedroom suites stylishly equipped with kitchenettes, full kitchens and separate working, living, and sleeping areas each with individually controlled heat and air conditioning units. Rooms are located throughout the resorts nearly 1,200 acres and provide guests and visitors with plenty of room for social distancing.

Golf at Silverado is open for member and resort guest play, including buddy trips and couples golf getaways.  Silverado is Napa Valley's only 36-hole golf resort. The 7,166-yard, par 72 North Course annually hosts the PGA TOUR’s Safeway Open, while the 6,612-yard, par 72 South Course is a favorite among members and resort guests. Both courses were re-designed by World Golf Hall of Fame member and former lead NBC golf analyst Johnny Miller. In 2019, the North Course was named to Golfweek’s Best 2019: Top 200 Resort Courses ranking. The resort’s world-class tennis program with 10 tennis courts is also available for guests to enjoy while practicing social distancing.

Contact Silverado Resort and Spa at 844-477-3418 or visit www.SilveradoResort.com to getaway today.

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

Breakthrough Golf Technology Stability Shaft Garners a T-3rd at the 3M Open on the PGA Tour

(Richardson, TX) - Breakthrough Golf Technology announces that its Stability Putter Shaft finished in a tie for third place at the 3M Open in Blaine, Minn.

The player using the BGT Stability putter shaft finished in a third-place tie at 16-under par for the tournament held over the past weekend.

"Congratulations on a great finish for the player using the Stability shaft," says Breakthrough CEO and Founder Barney Adams. "More Tour pros are using the Stability and realize that it can make a huge difference in their game."

For 50 years, the putter shaft has not changed. It was a simple steel pipe. But over the years, head designs for putters evolved and have gotten dramatically heavier. This has resulted in shafts that are not stable or strong enough to keep these heavier, advanced putter heads from oscillating. The Stability putter shaft delivers the face more squarely at impact, resulting in improved accuracy, solid feel, a lower launch for a predictable roll, and better distance control.

Breakthrough Golf Technology website: breakthroughgolftech.com.

Troon Welcomes Colin Montgomerie to 'Team Troon'

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the world’s largest golf management company, welcomes PGA TOUR Champions golfer and World Golf Hall of Fame member Colin Montgomerie to Team Troon – a collection of top international golf talent representing the Troon brand throughout professional golf. Montgomerie, winner of 57 golf events worldwide, joins PGA TOUR golfers Justin Thomas, Gary Woodland, Patrick Cantlay and Matt Kuchar of the United States, Alex Noren of Sweden, Matthew Fitzpatrick of England and LPGA Tour/Ladies European Tour player Cheyenne Woods.

Montgomerie, 57 from Glasgow, Scotland, will unveil his Troon-branded golf bag at this week’s PGA TOUR Champions’ Ally Challenge in Grand Blanc, Mich. and carry it throughout the 2020-21 season. Montgomerie has been prepping for the return of the PGA TOUR Champions’ season at Tiburón Golf Club, a Troon-managed facility in Naples, Fla., for the last few weeks. As part of being on Team Troon, Montgomerie will also collaborate on select digital and social campaigns in cooperation with Troon and Troon-managed facilities around the world.

In addition to his professional golf career, Montgomerie is an accomplished golf course designer having designed courses in Britain, Europe, Africa, the Far East and the Middle East, including The Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai at Address Montgomerie in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Royal Golf Club in Bahrain, both Troon International-managed facilities.

“We are proud to welcome Colin to Team Troon and expand our team roster to the PGA TOUR Champions,” said Tim Schantz, president and chief executive officer, Troon. “A World Golf Hall of Fame member and skilled course designer, Colin is also a global ambassador for the game of golf and someone we look forward to working with for years to come.”

In addition to its headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon has offices in Chicago, Ill.; Irvine, Calif.; Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; Jacksonville, Fla; Birmingham, Ala.; Seattle, Wash.; New Braunfels, Texas; Cambridge, Mass.; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Troon-managed or affiliated facilities host 17 professional golf events across 9 professional tours around the world. Including high-level amateur events and qualifying tournaments, Troon-managed facilities host more than 30 elite events.

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

Troon Announces Partnership with Synchronicity Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in club management, development and marketing, is pleased to announce a preferred partnership with Synchronicity by Functional Remedies. Synchronicity is among the highest quality full-spectrum hemp oil brands on the market and has taken over two decades to create to deliver the purest, most efficacious and safe products to consumers.

Through the partnership, Troon will collaborate with Synchronicity to expand the products’ reach at Troon-managed locations throughout the United States and help Synchronicity reach a qualified demographic of golfers through Troon’s retail programming and custom-tailored marketing.

“We are thrilled to partner with Synchronicity,” said Brett Brooks, Troon’s Director of Global Partnerships. “Their long-standing commitment to delivering exceptional products at the highest standards is part of what makes them such a great fit with the Troon experience.”

Synchronicity defines industry standards and empowers consumers to take control of their health by experiencing the all-natural properties from the highest quality full-spectrum hemp oil products on the market. Full-spectrum hemp oil refers to the utilization of the entire hemp plant and all its possibilities. By comparison, other players in the market use only parts of the plant, or just one molecule of the plant’s hundreds of rich nutrients, thereby limiting its effectiveness. Synchronicity products are created from their own sustainably grown proprietary hemp plants and are made with a gentle, hand-pressed process to ensure that all the nutrients are intact.

“We’ve been longtime fans of the beautiful golf courses and resorts Troon manages. Synchronicity is well-known in the golf space and widely used by professional golfers, so we feel this partnership is a natural fit for our brand,” said Andrew Campbell, CEO at Functional Remedies. “Synchronicity speaks to our consumers and our form factors will enhance performance and recovery. We’re excited to offer the highest quality full-spectrum hemp oil on the market to Troon’s patrons so they can experience the power of the plant.”

For more information on Synchronicity and their full spectrum of hemp oil products, visit www.synchronicityhempoil.com.

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

2020 PGA Championship to Deliver Live Wire-to-Wire Coverage for First Time in the Event’s History

Broadcast and Streaming Coverage across CBS, ESPN and ESPN+ Totals Over 170 hours of Live and Exclusive Programming in First Year of New 11-Year Agreement 

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) – The 2020 PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, from Aug. 3-9, will deliver unprecedented live, wire-to-wire 72-hole coverage to viewers via CBS, ESPN, ESPN+ and PGAChampionship.com.

The 102nd PGA Championship will be the first Championship in the landmark new 11-year agreement between CBS, ESPN and the PGA of America, combining to deliver more than 170 cumulative hours of live coverage - the most in PGA Championship history - from the first tee shot to the final putt across their broadcast, cable and digital platforms. As of today, 97 of the top 100 players in the Official World Golf Ranking are scheduled to compete.

This year’s Championship will be broadcast in primetime on both ESPN and CBS, with the champion being awarded the Wanamaker Trophy on CBS Sunday night, August 9. This year’s Championship on the West Coast provides an opportunity to reach a prime-time audience in the Eastern and Central Time Zones for the first time since 1998.

“This year’s PGA Championship will be unlike any of the previous 101 that have come before,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “We are grateful to Gov. Newsom and the State of California, and Mayor Breed and the City and County of San Francisco – they have been terrific partners in helping us navigate the many challenges to make it possible to responsibly conduct the first Major Championship of 2020, the PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park, our second-straight year at a public course.

“Our hope is that watching the world’s best players compete alongside the Team of 20 PGA Professionals in the field for the first major championship of the year will lift people’s spirits and showcase what PGA Members do everyday to inspire the future of the game. It’s the perfect time to introduce the PGA Championship’s first wire-to-wire broadcast coverage with CBS and our new partner ESPN. We’re excited about what’s in store for fans on CBS, ESPN and ESPN+. While the local community cannot be with us physically onsite, we will certainly carry their spirit of resilience and unity with us next week.”

CBS SPORTS COVERAGE

CBS Sports is set to broadcast the PGA Championship for the 30th consecutive year, as the network will showcase the 102nd PGA Championship in primetime on Saturday, Aug. 8 (4 p.m.-10 p.m. ET) and Sunday, Aug. 9 (3 p.m.-9 p.m. ET).

CBS Sports will serve as the lead production entity producing all of the traditional 72-hole coverage for the entire Championship. CBS, working closely with ESPN, will offer a distinct and innovative presentation of the PGA Championship, while delivering the highest-quality and industry-leading production, technology and announcers.

Additionally, leading into the Championship, CBS, in conjunction with the PGA of America, will broadcast a special PGA Championship Preview on Saturday, Aug. 1 (1 p.m. ET), hosted by CBS Sports’ Amanda Balionis.

ESPN and ESPN+ COVERAGE

The PGA Championship returns to ESPN for the first time in 30 years, as ESPN and ESPN+ begin a new, 11-year relationship with the Championship, and will bring viewers more options than ever before available for the event. SportsCenter will have reports from the PGA Championship for seven days beginning Monday, Aug. 3.

ESPN and ESPN+ will have a combined 12 hours of live coverage each day of the first and second rounds of the Championship on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 6-7, beginning with the first tee shot each day at 10 a.m. ET.  ESPN+, the sports streaming service from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN, will stream live play from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET each day, while live broadcast coverage will continue on ESPN from 4 p.m.-10 p.m. ET.

Golf fans also will have expanded weekend viewing available, with five hours of morning and early afternoon play on both Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 8-9. ESPN+ will stream live play in the third round from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. ET on Saturday, with ESPN continuing from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. ET on Sunday. ESPN+ will stream final round action from 10 a.m. until noon ET, followed by three hours on ESPN from noon until 3 p.m. ET. Saturday and Sunday start times will be dependent upon tee times and the cut size. In addition, ESPN+ will offer fans exclusive Featured Group coverage on all four days, as well as Featured Hole coverage on Saturday and Sunday.

PGACHAMPIONSHIP.COM COVERAGE

PGAChampionship.com will take a comprehensive approach with highlights and coverage that brings to life the passion and excitement of the 2020 PGA Championship. With this being the first-ever spectatorless major in history, fans will have the feel of what it is like to be at TPC Harding Park, with an all-access pass to virtually experience the PGA Championship through technology and social engagement.

The user experience will be robust and state-of-the-art, as the recently redesigned PGAChampionship.com showcases the greatest players in the world throughout their journey to win a major Championship.

The PGAChampionship.com website and apps will present comprehensive live coverage, with engaging content for all golf and sports fans including: LIVE scoring and leaderboard updates, PGA Championship LIVE on the Range, a LIVE Minute-by-Minute blog that recaps and highlights breaking news and player updates from the course, more than 1,000 automated video shot-by-shot recaps of play from throughout the field, wall-to-wall social media highlights and coverage, and a new virtual Media Hub for credentialed media.

And in parallel, PGA.com will offer a complimentary mix of content and features to showcase the journey and experience of the Team of 20 PGA Members playing in a Major Championship, along with a menu of Coaching content that is designed to help golfers of all skill levels improve their own golf journey and relationship with the game.

Duca del Cosma Signs Swedish Tour Player to Wear Latest Shoes

Kent State graduate becomes brand’s first signing on the Symetra Tour

(NORTH PALM BEACH, FL.) — Leading Italian golf fashion brand Duca del Cosma has added Swedish Symetra Tour rookie Michaela Finn to the growing portfolio of professional players wearing its distinctive shoes.

Working hard to fulfill her ambition of playing on the LPGA Tour, Michaela is set to compete in the Symetra Tour’s return event in Michigan later this month wearing her favorite Duca Del Cosma shoes.

“I'm looking forward to being back out on the Symetra Tour turning heads with my footwear and my game," said Michaela. "Duca del Cosma shoes are very comfortable and I love how the design is so thought through - every detail is there for a reason and just completes the look.

“These details put Duca del Cosma at an advantage and they catch people’s eyes right away. I’ll be playing in the POSE shoes a lot in different colors, plus the MARQUESSA shoe in Gold. I love having the opportunity to change my shoes from day to day,” she added.

A graduate from Kent State University, Michaela was a member of ‘The Golden Flashes’ team that won the 21st consecutive Mid-American Women’s Golf Conference championship last year.

“We are really excited to have such a promising and talented young player as Michaela become our first signing in the US,” said Diederik Moreu, International Sales Director at Duca del Cosma. “As a talented European golfer, she has shown great determination to do well in the most competitive environment and we’re thrilled to be able to support her aspirations on the American Tours with our latest range of Duca del Cosma shoes,” he added.

A Swedish international player since the age of 14, Michaela was among those making history last year by competing in the first ever women’s amateur event at Augusta. During her short professional career, she has won the Swedish Golf Tour title and been runner up at the Eggland’s Best Tour Championship on the NWGA Tour, the developmental golf Tour for aspiring women professionals.

Once ranked 45th in the world as an amateur, she was a winner of the Jim West Challenge, the Illini Invitational and the MA Championship. She also had top three finishes in the European Girls’ and Ladies Team Championships, plus the Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship.

Duca del Cosma POSE spikeless golf shoes feature Italian styling and fashionable color options in Rose Pink/Navy and Rose white/Black. They incorporate a waterproof bootie system with a breathable membrane and Airplay VI outsole for enhanced stability during the swing, plus a comfortable Arneflex insole with a memory foam. The metallic Nappa leather MARQUESSA Gold spikeless golf shoe is designed for female golfers looking to impress on and off the golf course. Other models in the style include Gold and Silver versions with animal prints such as Zebra, plus plain Silver. All shoes come with two pairs of luxurious laces to match with different outfits.

Another Duca del Cosma shoe - the FESTIVA shoe in White - was selected by Golf Digest among its Top 20 Hot List for 2020. For details of the full 2020 Duca del Cosma range for women and men visit: ducadelcosma.us.

Unboxing Wilson Launch Pad Irons

We unboxed Wilson Launch Pad irons. The magic behind the Launch Pad irons is the sole featured throughout the set. This advanced technology is designed to eliminate the “chunk” shot, while simultaneously improving launch. The short irons feature traditional game-improvement sole widths while longer irons feature wider, more forgiving soles, for more consistent ball-striking and greater distance.

Learn more at www.wilson.com.

Rockwind Community Links Names Ben Kirkes Acting Golf Professional and General Manager

(Hobbs, N.M.) — Ben Kirkes, Rockwind’s former Assistant Golf Professional, recently was promoted to Acting Golf Professional/General Manager. Kirkes, an accomplished competitive golfer, joined the Rockwind team in 2017 and quickly became an energetic ambassador for the award-winning facility.

A resident of Hobbs, Kirkes played varsity golf at Highland High School in Phoenix, Arizona, for two years and then finished his junior and senior years at Carlsbad High School, Carlsbad, New Mexico, where he made first team All-State. Following graduation in 2011, Kirkes earned a full scholarship to play for the New Mexico Junior College golf team in Hobbs.  NMJC was the #1 Junior College golf team in America at the time. He played in two NJCAA National Golf Championships at NMJC and subsequently earned a golf scholarship at West Texas A&M University. He was a member of the only West Texas A&M golf team ever to compete in an NCAA National Golf Championship.    

As a member of Rockwind’s golf staff, Kirkes has assisted with many services at the club, including instruction for The First Tee program, the PGA Junior League program and lessons with adults and youngsters. Responsibilities also have entailed daily pro shop operations, tournament preparation and merchandising.

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

Leatherstocking Golf Course at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown, N.Y. Offers Limited-Time Golf Special

Tee Off at One of the Top Courses in New York with a Specialty Golf Package

(Cooperstown, New York) – The Otesaga Resort Hotel, a historic lakeside property located in south central New York state, has announced a limited-time special golf package available at its award-winning Leatherstocking Golf Course. The course sweeps along the western edge of Lake Otsego in the quintessentially American town of Cooperstown, nicknamed “America’s Most Perfect Village,” ensuring that visitors can enjoy a rejuvenating golf getaway at one of the most scenic courses on the East Coast.            

Guests who book the resort’s new Golf Special enjoy charming and spacious accommodations, daily delicious breakfast, one round of golf per night of stay, complimentary parking and Wi-Fi, and waived resort fees. The summer rates for this entire package start at $415 per room, per night, while the fall rates start at $365 per room, per night (both rates are based on double occupancy). Single rates are available. This special does not include taxes and gratuities and excludes holidays.

Designed in 1909 by prolific golf course architect Devereux Emmet, the par-72 Leatherstocking Golf Course is considered one of the East’s most challenging resort golf courses and offers panoramic vistas from nearly every hole. Golfers enjoy the diverse elevations and gentle hills as well as a calm, focused state of mind thanks to the lakeside beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The course is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and play guidelines have been updated in accordance with the New York state provisions that can be viewed here.

The course received a comprehensive upgrade between the years of 1998 to 2000 by the late golf course architect Bob Cupp and has since been the recipient of several awards and accolades. In 2019 the course was voted No. 3 “Best Golf Course to Play in New York” by Golfweek magazine, while GOLF magazine and Golf Digest have both recently rated Leatherstocking among New York’s “Best Public Courses in New York” and “Top 50 Most Fun Public Courses.”

The Otesaga began welcoming guests back to Cooperstown on June 15 with a collection of improved safety and hygiene protocols in place. The resort implemented Otesaga CARE, a program that exceeds the sanitation standards recommended by state and federal agencies to provide a Clean And Responsible Environment for all. Currently, the resort has resumed modified operations of its restaurants, all in accordance with guidance from federal, state and local health authorities. More information on the specific procedures can be found here.

Although the resort’s pool, spa and recreational activities are currently closed, there’s plenty to see and do here along the shores of Otsego Lake. Guests can sip on refreshing cocktails on the resort’s expansive porch that overlooks the sweeping lake views or stroll the quaint Main Street of downtown Cooperstown. Though the town is most famous for being home to the world-renowned National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, visitors can also enjoy visiting The Farmers’ Museum, which recreates what life was like on a farm in the early 19th century and Fenimore Art Museum that houses a rich collection of artwork including American folk art, Hudson River School paintings, and one of the nation’s best selections of Native American art.

For more information about the Golf Special, visit www.Otesaga.com. To begin planning your trip to Cooperstown, check out www.CooperstownGetaway.org.

Peter Millar Releases Scripted Looks for the PGA Championship

(RELEASE) — Peter Millar has announced new scripted styles to kick off the 2020 major championship season and showcase its new fall 2020 product at the PGA Championship next week.

In total, eight of the competitors will wear Peter Millar on the course for the 2020 PGA Championship: Kevin Kisner, Chez Reavie, Brandt Snedeker, Branden Grace, Robert MacIntyre, Michael Thompson, Harris English and Ken Tanigawa. Below are a few highlights of new products and features that Team PM will wear next week.

Brandt Snedeker – Snedeker will be wearing Peter Millar Crown Crafted styles for the four days of competition. The Crown Crafted styles feature cutting-edge fabrics, sleek aesthetics and a Tailored Fit. Some of our favorites from Fall Crown Crafted styles include the Stealth light Cardigan he will wear on Thursday or in the cool mornings, and the Stealth Light vest that he will wear that offers warmth and wind block without weight.

Branden Grace – Grace will wear our brand new Hyperlight Shield Outerwear Thursday. Engineered from a highly technical 2.5 layer performance fabric, the Hyperlight Shield Half-Zip is a go-to piece offering fully waterproof, seam-sealed protection and optimal coverage in inclement weather. The Tour-tested fabric is supremely soft and comfortable with two-way stretch and easy-care benefits. A separate pouch allows it to be packed down tight and easily stashed in a golf bag or carry-on.

Kevin Kisner – Kisner will wear a reversible camo sweater on Friday in the early morning cool weather on the west coast. Made from fine-gauge merino wool, this reversible sweater provides exceptional warmth and softness with every wear. The inherent properties of merino wool offer a naturally moisture-wicking and breathable fabric that's ideal layered over sport shirts or under outerwear. It's designed with a unique camo print for added flair on or off the course. Finished with a crewneck and rib-knit cuffs and hem.

Chez Reavie – Reavie will wear our most popular pant, the eb66 Performance Five-Pocket pant on Thursday and Sunday. Highly acclaimed, our best-selling performance pants have the sophisticated appearance of a weekend-ready five-pocket pant, featuring lightweight stretch and a natural feel. They’re designed with an easy-care, quick-drying fabric that wicks away moisture and provides a sharp presentation on or off the course. This season, our design team utilized an updated yarn and applied a matte finish for an even cleaner aesthetic. In addition to the essential colors in your closet, Field Green is one of the new seasonal colors launching in this pant for fall.

Learn more at www.petermillar.com.

DraftKings Becomes PGA TOUR’s First Official Betting Operator

Expands DraftKings’ rights to include betting in addition to daily fantasy

(PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA, and BOSTON) – The PGA TOUR and DraftKings Inc. (Nasdaq: DKNG), have announced an expansion of their multi-year content and marketing relationship today that now designates DraftKings as the first “Official Betting Operator of the PGA TOUR.” In July 2019, DraftKings became the TOUR’s first “Official Daily Fantasy Game of the PGA TOUR” as part of a multi-year, exclusive arrangement.

“The PGA TOUR couldn’t be more pleased with growing our collaboration with DraftKings,” said Norb Gambuzza, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President, Media and Gaming. “The growth in consumption and fan engagement we have seen over the last year in our DraftKings Daily Fantasy games has been tremendous. The expansion of the relationship to now include sports betting is a natural evolution and one which fully supports and promotes the PGA TOUR’s objectives of reaching and engaging new segments of fans while introducing them to our players, tournaments and media platforms.”

By becoming the first to join the TOUR’s Official Betting Operator program, DraftKings will have rights in the United States to use PGA TOUR trademarks, rights to advertise within TOUR media and TOUR partner platforms, plus content and video rights allowing DraftKings’ Sportsbook solution to create pre-game and post-game betting programming, as well as distribution of highlights to users who have placed bets.

"DraftKings and the PGA TOUR have continued to make history with the innovative additions to our agreement which began last year,” said Ezra Kucharz, Chief Business Officer of DraftKings. “We are excited to further our relationship with the PGA TOUR as their first Official Betting Operator as well. Golf has been an especially important outlet for fan engagement over these past few months, and this latest collaboration is a significant next step for both the golf and gaming industries.”

Several of the most popularly bet PGA TOUR events in DraftKings company history have occurred since the TOUR’s return in June. Currently, in terms of sports betting, golf is DraftKings’ fourth most popular sport.

Fans can access DraftKings Sportsbook and PGA TOUR DraftKings Fantasy Golf in legal states by visiting www.draftkings.com or by downloading the DraftKings app via iOS and Android.

Following the Supreme Court’s repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018, the TOUR instituted an integrity program in collaboration with Genius Sports to protect its competitions from betting-related corruption. Later that year, the TOUR announced a global partnership with IMG ARENA to license its official, live scoring data to betting operators all over the world.

In July 2019, following an update to its sponsorship policies in the gaming category, the TOUR partnered with DraftKings to relaunch “PGA TOUR DraftKings Fantasy Golf” with exclusive intellectual property to differentiate DraftKings in the daily fantasy space. This past March, The Action Network and the PGA TOUR announced the launch of GolfBet, a first-of-its-kind, golf-focused betting content platform.

The PGA TOUR and DraftKings are Platinum Members of the National Council on Problem Gambling, committed to industry-leading responsible gaming practices.

The PGA TOUR also runs its free-to-play fantasy games, including PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf, PGA TOUR One&Done, and PGA TOUR Champions One&Done. These games and related content can be found at https://www.pgatour.com/fantasy.html.

Sentosa Golf Club announces partnership with GEO Foundation

Collaboration is part of award-winning club’s aims to extend sustainability action and increase positive influence in Singapore and across golf

(Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore) — Sentosa Golf Club is set to further its sustainability credentials by announcing a new collaboration with the international sustainable golf non-profit, GEO Foundation.

The partnership will see the integration of GEO’s industry-leading OnCourse program and GEO Certified label with Sentosa’s ‘green-culture’ that has seen the club establish itself as a regional and international leader in best-practice.

At the heart of the partnership lie the joint goals of pioneering innovative practices; gathering, verifying and reporting credible results; advocating to inspire and influence others; and elevating Sentosa’s commitment to serve as a centre of excellence.

Andrew Johnston, General Manager & Director of Agronomy at Sentosa Golf Club, said: “This is an important partnership for Sentosa Golf Club. Working closely with GEO Foundation is a natural next step on our ongoing journey, which will help us elevate the impact of our sustainability practice; creating new opportunities through education and responsible leadership, providing widespread benefits to a broad spectrum of stakeholders and championing innovation to set new benchmarks in such a crucial sector.”

Jonathan Smith, Founder and Executive Director of GEO Foundation, said: “We are delighted to work more closely with Sentosa Golf Club as it looks to further enhance its reputation for sustainability. This collaboration will help us work together to identify new projects and practices; track performance using the in-build sustainability indicators in OnCourse®; and achieve new levels of measuring, reporting and communicating. We’re particularly excited about doing this in a way that aligns directly with leading approaches in other sectors, businesses and governments. We commend their strong ambition towards positive social and environmental impact, at a time when, as we all know, it is very much needed.”

The partnership builds on Sentosa’s sustainability track record to date, which include continual efforts to highlight the subject’s growing significance. Campaigns such as ‘#KeepItGreen’, introduced at the SMBC Singapore Open in January 2018, highlighted key green features to educate spectators, viewers, players and stakeholders as to the importance of ecological stewardship. In January of this year, the club intensified its focus via its GAME ON campaign, designed to table climate change concerns to help educate, build awareness and illustrate how modernised practice can reduce individual clubs’ environmental footprints.

Working with GEO’s widely endorsed framework for sustainable golf, Sentosa will now undertake detailed analysis of practices, key performance data and highlights across a raft of priority environmental and social topics, including: Ecosystems and Biodiversity; Turfgrass maintenance; Water resources; Energy and Materials; Pollution prevention; Partnerships and Outreach; Education and Communications. Carbon emissions will also be tracked and analysed using the OnCourse Carbon Calculator. New ideas and opportunities arising will be directly integrated into the Club’s forward plans.

The partnership is well underway as the team at Sentosa makes positive progress with the renovation of its famed Serapong Course, a regular in the World 100 Greatest Golf Couse rankings.

For more information on Sentosa Golf Club visit www.sentosagolf.com.

62 Troon-Affiliated Courses Named Golfweek's Best

Gamble Sands

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in club management, development and marketing is pleased to announce that 62 of its brand-affiliated courses were recently named to Golfweek's 2020 Best Courses lists. A total of 50 managed daily-fee/resort properties appear on Golfweek’s 2020 “Best Courses You Can Play, State-by-State” list, while 12 private clubs were named to the “Best Private Courses, State-by-State” ranking. In addition, three Troon-affiliated facilities appear on Golfweek’s prestigious "Top 100 Modern Courses in the U.S." (post 1960) ranking, including: Gamble Sands in Washington (No. 40); Kapalua (Plantation) in Hawaii (No. 44); and Pronghorn (Fazio) in Oregon (No. 98). Troon brands include Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Honours Golf and OB Sports.

Four Troon-affiliated courses were recognized as the top public courses in their respective state, including Mystic Creek Golf Club in Arkansas; Bayside Resort Golf Club in Delaware; Kapalua (Plantation); and Gamble Sands.

Affiliated courses named among Golfweek's Best include:

Top 100 Modern Courses
No. 40 Gamble Sands, Brewster, Washington - OB Sports
No. 44 Kapalua (Plantation), Maui, Hawaii
No. 98 Pronghorn (Fazio), Bend, Oregon

Best Courses You Can Play, State-By-State
Arizona
No. 2 Quintero Golf Club, Peoria
No. 4 Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club, Wickenburg
No. 6 Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, Maricopa
No. 8 Troon North Golf Club (Monument), Scottsdale
No. 10 Troon North Golf Club (Pinnacle), Scottsdale
No. 14 Sewailo at Casino Del Sol, Tucson
No. 15 Boulders Resort & Spa (North), Scottsdale
No. 16 Boulders Resort & Spa (South), Scottsdale
No. 17 The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa (Ridge/Canyon), Tucson
No. 22 Papago Golf Course, Phoenix - OB Sports
No. 25 Sedona Golf Resort, Sedona – OB Sports
No. 28 The Westin Kierland Golf Club (Ironwood, Acacia), Scottsdale

Arkansas
No. 1 Mystic Creek Golf Club, El Dorado

California
No. 9 Yocha Dehe Golf Club, Brooks
No. 18 Baylands Golf Links, Palo Alto - OB Sports
No. 23 The Golf Club at Copper Valley (formerly Saddle Creek Golf Resort), Copperopolis
No. 26 Maderas Golf Club, Poway
No. 30 Indian Wells Golf Resort (Players), Indian Wells

Colorado
No. 10 The Ridge, Castle Pines North

Connecticut
No. 4 Lake of Isles (North), North Stonington

Delaware
No. 1 Bayside Resort Golf Club, Selbyville
No. 5 Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club, Ocean View

Florida
No. 10 Hammock Beach Resort (Ocean), Palm Coast
No. 14 Hammock Beach Resort (Conservatory), Palm Coast

Georgia
No. 15 The Club at Savannah Harbor, Savannah

Hawaii
No. 1 Kapalua (Plantation), Maui
No. 4 Princeville Makai Golf Club, Kauai
No. 8 Mauna Lani (North), Kohala Coast
No. 9 Turtle Bay Resort (Palmer), Oahu
No. 11 Kapolei Golf Club, Kapolei
No. 15 Mauna Lani (South), Kohala Coast

Indiana
No. 7 Chariot Run Golf Club, Laconia

Kansas
No. 3 Ironhorse Golf Club, Leawood

Maryland
No. 2 Lake Presidential Golf Club, Upper Marlboro

Mississippi
No. 6 Grand Bear, Saucier

Nevada
No. 2 Cascata, Las Vegas
No. 11 Rio Secco Golf Club, Las Vegas

New Jersey
No. 5 Seaview Hotel and Golf Club (Bay), Galloway Township
No. 6 The Architects Golf Club, Lopatcong
No. 12 Seaview Hotel and Golf Club (Pines), Galloway Township

New Mexico
No. 6 Sandia Golf Club, Albuquerque - OB Sports

New York
No. 14 Centennial Golf Club, Carmel

Oregon
No. 9 Pronghorn (Nicklaus), Bend
No. 10 Tetherow, Bend - OB Sports

Texas
No. 3 The Rawls Course at Texas Tech, Lubbock
No. 9 La Cantera Resort & Spa (Palmer), San Antonio

Utah
No. 3 Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club, St. George
No. 4 Thanksgiving Point Golf Club, Lehi

Virginia
No. 13 Potomac Shores Golf Club, Potomac Shores

Washington
No. 1 Gamble Sands, Brewster- OB Sports

Best Private Clubs, State-By-State
Arizona
No. 4 Stone Canyon Club, Oro Valley - OB Sports
No. 5 The Rim Golf Club, Payson - OB Sports

Delaware
No. 3 Fieldstone Golf Club, Greenville
No. 4 The Peninsula Golf & Country Club, Millsboro

Minnesota
No. 10 Somerby Golf Club, Byron - OB Sports

Mississippi
No. 3 Reunion Golf & Country Club, Madison

Missouri
No. 3 Dalhousie Golf Club, Cape Girardeau - OB Sports

North Dakota
No. 2 Fargo Country Club, Fargo

Oregon
No. 1 Pronghorn (Fazio), Bend

Virginia
No. 4 The Virginian and Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, Bristol

Wisconsin
No. 3 Oneida Golf & Country Club, Green Bay

Wyoming
No. 4 The Powder Horn Golf Club, Sheridan

“Congratulations to all of our clients and associates who are dedicated day-in and day-out to providing “Best in State” and “Top 100” experiences for their guests and members,” said Mike Ryan, chief operating officer, Troon. “We are honored to support these world-class destinations, courses and clubs.”

Golfweek annually publishes its ranking of the “Best Courses You Can Play,” “Best Private Courses,” the “Top 200 Classic” and “Top 200 Modern” courses. Among the criteria used by Golfweek's panel of course raters include:
- Ease and intimacy of routing - The extent to which the sequence of holes follows natural contours and unfolds in an unforced manner.
- Variety and memorability of par 3s, 4s and 5s - Different clubs hit; extent to which the angles of play create interesting and varied playing options; and extent to which holes offer variety of options from the tee and on the second shot.
- Basic quality of conditioning - Variety of playing textures; extent of turf coverage; consistency and quality of bunker sand.
- Walk in the park test - Degree to which the course ultimately is worth spending a half-day on.

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

Circling Raven Garners Prestigious Ranking in ‘Golfweek’s Best 2020 – Best Courses You Can Play’ List

Photo: Patrick J. Koenig

(Worley, Idaho) – Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel today announces that Circling Raven Golf Club, the resort’s acclaimed championship course designed by Gene Bates, has garnered elite ranking in “Golfweek’s Best 2020 – Best Courses You Can Play by State,” the media company’s annual compendium of America’s finest playing venues.

Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Circling Raven sprawls expansively across 620 acres of gorgeous Palouse Region topography, part of the Tribe’s ancient ancestral homelands in the Idaho Panhandle. It is one of many highly regarded amenities of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel. The course has ranked No. 1 or No. 2 virtually every year since it opened, and it has been cited as one of the top public, resort, and casino courses in the country by Golf, Golfweek and Golf Digest on numerous occasions.

Every year, Golfweek’s elite team of course raters, which currently boasts more than 850 evaluators, surveys more than 3,600 courses – grading each nominated course on Golfweek’s 10 strict standards of evaluation.

“The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is proud to receive distinction for Circling Raven; we strive to exceed our guests’ expectations on and off the course,” said Laura Stensgar, MBA, CDA Casino Resort Hotel CEO and Tribal member.

Located approximately 55 minutes from Spokane International Airport (GEG), Circling Raven measures 7,189 yards from the rear tees. Many who play Circling Raven, which includes a nationally honored retail shop and the excellent Twisted Earth restaurant with bar, claim it as an immediate member of their all-time best golf experiences.

Circling Raven Stay-and-Play Packages begin at $249 and include one night’s stay, double occupancy, and two rounds each at Circling Raven. The packages are complimented by pairing golf with other Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel amenities. From massages and other services at Spa Ssakwa’q’n (pronounced Sock-wah-kin), to immersing in Native American tradition through the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s cultural activities offered to guests and resort visitors, the options are many. Culture activities include touring a 17th Century Mission that the Tribe built (now a museum), eating authentic Native American foods, hiking ancestral homelands, learning how to weave baskets and create beaded bracelets, and much more.

For more information, visit www.cdacasino.com or 800-523-2464.

FootJoy Partners with FedEx to Celebrate St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Patient Artwork

Designs Will Be Worn During the 2020 World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational

(RELEASE) — For the second straight year, FootJoy, the #1 Shoe in Golf, will partner with FedEx and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to bring patient design to the PGA Tour at the 2020 World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational.

To celebrate patients at St. Jude, and the art program that is so critical to their treatment and care, FJ will partner with more than 30 FJ Tour players to showcase patient artwork and designs on footwear, apparel and gloves.

In 2019, the FJ Footwear Research & Development team met with St. Jude patient Bailey to create a special pair of FootJoy ICON MyJoys. The shoes were delivered to FootJoy athlete Justin Thomas, by Roxo the FedEx On Demand Bot.  Justin Thomas wore the shoes throughout the event, then surprised Bailey with an autographed pair in his own size. Bailey’s story and design was so popular that it was made available in the MyJoys.com custom shoe program as a limited-edition leather pattern. FootJoy not only presented a donation to St. Jude, but also committed to expanding this incredible program for 2020.

“When FootJoy came back to me this year and asked to do this again, I didn’t hesitate, I was all in,” said Justin Thomas. “Meeting Bailey and his family was such an amazing experience last year.  FootJoy showed me the artwork from this year’s group of St. Jude patients and man, they are all so cool – but I just had to have the pizza one!”

This concept, and the inspiration that Bailey and so many other St. Jude patients share with the world every day, encouraged many other FJ athletes to join in and create a broader activation this year.

In 2020, the Patient Design Program will play an even larger role.  Featured artwork from St. Jude patients Ally, Caleb, Dakota and Nate will be presented to some of the biggest names on the PGA Tour, including Justin Thomas, Webb Simpson, Abraham Ancer and Cameron Smith.

“To be able to use our platform to share these incredible patient stories and showcase the artwork that is such a key piece to their treatment is incredibly touching,” said Webb Simpson.  “I was excited to hear that FootJoy was expanding this program for 2020 and knew immediately that I wanted to get involved.”

The featured artwork from St. Jude patients Ally (Cube print to be worn by Abraham Ancer), Caleb (Crown print to be worn by Webb Simpson), Dakota (Koala print to be worn by Cameron Smith) and Nate (Pizza print—pictured—to be worn by Justin Thomas) are fun, colorful and inspirational.  A pattern showcasing a collection of all the designs will be worn by Ian Poulter, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Max Homa, Billy Horschel and more than two dozen other FootJoy athletes.  This limited-edition St. Jude’s print collection will be available to purchase on FJ shoes and apparel by visiting footjoy.com/st-jude beginning Tuesday, July 28, 2020.  FootJoy supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will continue to make annual donations to this very special cause, with the goal of ensuring that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

In addition, tournament worn shoes from the 2020 WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational will be autographed, collected and auctioned off to raise funds for Birdies for St. Jude. For more information on the auction, visit stjude.org/wgcauction.

For more information on Birdies for St. Jude, visit birdiesforstjude.org.

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas Offers Exceptional Fall ‘Teeth of the Dog’ Golf Packages

Stay-and-Plays Feature Luxury Accommodations, Kids and Young Adults Play Free

(LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic) — Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences, including its iconic GOLF Magazine “World Top 100” Teeth of the Dog course – announces two outstanding stay-and-play packages perfect for fall getaways and “golf buddy” trips in paradise.

For the remainder of 2020, Casa de Campo is also offering the “family-friendly” opportunity for two kids or young adults (21 and younger) to be able to play golf for free when accompanied on the same rounds with their parents during resort visits.

With the opportunity to enjoy the Pete Dye-designed masterpiece widely acclaimed as the No. 1 course in the Caribbean, the “Unlimited Teeth of the Dog with Breakfast” package starts at $399 per person, per night. In addition to unlimited play on the celebrated Teeth of the Dog, resort guests can also tee it up from sunup to sundown on two additional gems created by Mr. Dye: Dye Fore (27 holes) and The Links (18).

The offer also includes deluxe accommodations in the resort’s recently renovated guest rooms, full daily breakfast, use of a four-passenger golf cart to travel throughout the resort, complimentary Wi-Fi and use of the resort’s fitness center. All golf rounds are based on availability and include arrival and departure days.

The “Unlimited Teeth of the Dog All Inclusive” golf package features all the highlights above plus daily breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and drinks by the glass at resort signature restaurants or room service (extra delivery charge), unlimited horseback riding, use of the property’s tennis courts, one round at the 245-acre Shooting Club, non-motorized water sports and family program activities. This offer starts at $599 per person, per night.

Ideal for creating a “world of your own,” Casa de Campo also offers an array of exceptional fully appointed villas perfect for golf group and family stays. The villa options range from three to 11 bedrooms with  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.

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.

“We’re excited to offer our guests the perfect opportunity to join us here on the beautiful shores of the Caribbean with our two exclusive Teeth of the Dog stay-and-play packages,” says Jason Kycek, senior vice-president of sales and marketing. “We’re also happy to include ‘Two Kids or Young Adults Play Free’ with the offers so families can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation of a lifetime.”

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’s new world-class Golf Learning Center is a “must visit” when on property. 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.

For more information on Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, call 800.877.3643, e-mail golf@ccampo.com.do or visit: www.casadecampo.com.do/.

The Ultimate Abu Dhabi Golf Experience Returns for 2021

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Troon announces the next edition of the Troon Abu Dhabi Pro-Am at three Championship venues

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) — Following the success of previous years, the fourth edition of the Troon Abu Dhabi Pro-Am is set to take place from the 1st-4th February 2021. The 54-hole tournament is staged across; Abu Dhabi Golf Club, home of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA; Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, a Gary Player designed masterpiece; and Yas Links Abu Dhabi, a top 50 in the world traditional links designed by Kyle Phillips.

The 2020 tournament saw the largest field yet, with 25 teams competing alongside a strong line-up of professionals that consisted of former European Tour winners, current Ladies European Tour players and MENA Tour golfers. It proved a thrilling finale with the contest going to the final hole and concluded with English professional, Robbie Busher, rallying from a four-shot deficit on the final day to secure the victory. Click here to watch the event highlights.

Alongside the three day, 54-hole tournament golfers will enjoy luxurious accommodation at 5-star venue The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, the Middle East’s ‘Best International Golf Resort’ (Golf Digest 2018), a Go Karting experience at the famous Yas Marina circuit, and other world-class hospitality and exquisite culinary during the welcome reception, lunches and gala dinner.

Francisco De Lancastre David, Cluster General Manager of Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi commented: “We’re eagerly anticipating the fourth edition of the Abu Dhabi Pro-Am here at the clubs. Over the past few years, the tournament has gone from strength to strength, last year’s addition of Yas Links Abu Dhabi to the line-up added so much value and diversity to the courses. From start to finish, our golfers will experience the world-class golf and hospitality that Abu Dhabi has to offer.”

With packages starting from AED 8,595 per person, entry is open to teams of four comprising of three amateurs and one professional. The event is also geared to support IAGTO members, golf tour operators, to provide their clients with their preferred booking channel. For trade enquiries, contact Daniel Wright on dwright@troon.com.

For tournament registrations or enquiries, contact Barry Barnard on bbarnard@aldargolf.com.

For more information about Abu Dhabi Golf Club visit: www.troonabudhabi.com/abu-dhabi-golf-club

For more information about Saadiyat Beach Golf Club visit: www.troonabudhabi.com/saadiyat-beach-golf-club

For more information about Yas Links Abu Dhabi visit: https://troonabudhabi.com/yas-links/

USGA Receives World’s Largest Collection of Golf-Themed Comic Books

Donation includes more than 560 comic books that feature golf on the cover

(LIBERTY CORNER, N.J.) – The USGA Golf Museum has expanded its world-leading golf library and artifact collection thanks to a recent donation of more than 560 golf-themed comic books. The continued effort to preserve the stories and images of how golf has been played and portrayed through time is part of the association’s mission to champion and advance the game.

The collection, which is the most significant of its kind in the world, contains comics dating to the 1930s that feature golf on the cover. A selection of the covers has been digitized and can be found on usga.org.dennis.png

Indiana-based collectors Charlie and Sara Haviza spent more than 30 years amassing the unique collection while becoming the world’s leading authorities on the topic. The couple, who are longtime USGA Members, donated the collection to the USGA Golf Museum this spring.

Most notably, the collection includes:
- New Funnies No. 108 from 1946, the first golf cover by Walter Lantz, one of the iconic comic artists of the 20th century
- Boy Comics No. 23, a World War II era comic featuring Crimebuster, a boy superhero (1945)
- Mickey Mouse Magazine No. 9 (1934)
- Examples of every known golf cover featuring cat and mouse characters Tom and Jerry

The comics in the collection closely reflect the periods in American history in which they were published, and the evolution of individual characters over time likewise mirrors changes in society and its values. More specifically, the covers provide important perspectives on the perception of golf at the time and its role within communities.

“Beginning with the golf boom of the late 1800s, golf was featured in just about every form of artistic and cultural expression, including music, theater, film, art and literature,” said Rand Jerris, senior managing director of Public Services for the USGA. “Collections such as this provide alternative methods of storytelling that create important pathways for more people to be exposed to golf.”

The donation greatly enhances the more than 200 golf-themed comic books the USGA already held in its library collection.

The USGA Golf Museum is located on the campus of the USGA’s headquarters in Liberty Corner, N.J., with an extensive digital catalog that can be found at usga.org. The commitment to the preservation and celebration of golf history is part of the association’s mission and is funded in large part by revenue generated from the U.S. Open.

Emmy-Nominated Original Series "Feherty" Returns with World Premiere Episodes, Monday at 9 P.M. ET

Grammy Award-Winning Artist Kenny G Kicks Off First of Five New Episodes Airing Monday Nights (9 P.M. ET) Over Next Six Weeks on GOLF Channel

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – GOLF Channel’s Emmy-nominated original series Feherty presented by Farmers Insurance returns with world premiere episodes, beginning Monday night at 9 p.m. ET. Grammy Award-winning artist and scratch golfer Kenny G will kick off the resumption of the series’ 10th season on Monday night, as the first of five new episodes airing Monday nights on GOLF Channel over the next six weeks. Each interview was filmed prior to production for the show being suspended due to COVID-19.

In addition to Kenny G, other upcoming guests will include a quartet of European golf standouts, led by World Golf Hall of Fame members Laura Davies and Ian Woosnam, along with former No. 2 ranked golfer Suzann Pettersen and 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry:
- July 27 Kenny G
- Aug. 10 Ian Woosnam
- Aug. 17 Laura Davies
- Aug. 24 Suzann Pettersen
- Aug. 31 Shane Lowry

Feherty Episodes Available on NBCUniversal’s “Peacock”: Archived episodes of Feherty also are available to watch on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s new streaming service featuring a world-class slate of exclusive originals, on-demand libraries of hit TV shows, plus critically acclaimed films. Currently, 23 episodes of Feherty are available to watch for free on Peacock.

Amid Brick and Mortar Chaos, Innovative Golf Fitter and Retailer Thrives

Custom club fitter sees demand grow after pandemic

(Willowbrook, Ill.) — In a post COVID-19 world where staples like J. Crew, GNC and other local shops are disappearing, the outlook for brick and mortar business ventures seems bleak. More retailers are moving to an e-commerce model, and even more are downsizing to stay competitive in a new retail landscape. The golf industry would seemingly fall in line with these company casualties, but one brand is succeeding amongst the chaos — Club Champion, a custom golf club fitting company.

Recognized as the top fitter, builder and retailer of the best brands in golf, Club Champion stands out in a niche market. Their dynamic vision has led Golf Digest to include them in the bi-annual Top 100 Clubfitters ranking since the inception of the list. The company’s thorough processes and attention to detail have gained a strong recognition among golfers, leading to an overall revenue growth of 46% and over 100,000 appointments in 2019 alone.

“We offer a service that every avid golfer can benefit from,” said Nick Sherburne, Club Champion’s founder. “Our business model works because we can show measurable improvement. The retail landscape has changed but the success of our process has not.”

After a harrowing few months during the COVID-19 pandemic, Club Champion’s executive team wasn’t sure what to expect. At one point, all but five stores were closed, including significant restrictions at their Chicagoland operations facility. Though able to continue assembling custom clubs remotely, Club Champion’s fitting services were limited by stay-at-home mandates and manufacturer closures. Thankfully, the demand for outdoor activities and the ability to social distance on the course drove a demand for golf that carried over into the fitting world.

According to Club Champion CEO Joe Lee, “We knew people were itching to get out and play — really, to get out and do anything — but we couldn’t have imagined the sort of demand we would see as operations resumed. That demand, coupled with a nationwide reopening promotion, drove a 49% increase for June same store sales year-over-year and outpaced anything I’ve seen in my decade with Club Champion.”

Coming out of the pandemic, the company’s store set-up proved beneficial; Club Champion is appointment-only, limiting the number of people in the store and touching equipment. They also enhanced their cleaning procedures, mandated masks where required and added social distancing regulations to keep both customers and employees safe. Now, Club Champion is climbing back to normal operations nationwide, including fitting volumes, hiring for many positions, increasing shipment counts and more.

Beyond successfully hurdling COVID-19 challenges, Club Champion has also succeeded in a market that’s heavily influenced by brand advertisements thanks to their brand agnostic approach. Because they focus on the golfer and not the manufacturer, they’re able to give each customer a unique and informative experience that delivers real results on the course. A Golf Digest study found that eight out of nine Club Champion custom-fit golfers lowered their scores by as much as six strokes per round and added an average of 21 yards off the tee.

It’s not just golfers who are impressed by Club Champion; equipment manufacturers also hold back nothing with their praise for the custom fitter. TaylorMade CEO David Abeles commented, “Club Champion truly is one of the most innovative club fitters in the business. They provide a consumer experience that is undeniably helpful for all golfers to play better.” Callaway CEO Chip Brewer confirmed, “Club Champion is a fantastic consumer experience. One of the great, new age golf retailers who understand that fitting is the future.”

It’s that consumer experience that has made Club Champion one of the fastest growing retailers in golf. They’ve opened 36 stores in the last 24 months, bringing the total to 74 locations with plans to open additional stores in 2020-2021. Their Tour-level fitting experience is sought after by golfers of every skill level, and their fitting studios service most of the major golf markets in the country.

Lee believes in the Club Champion method and the results it garners. “Other people sell golf clubs, we sell improvement,” he said. “We not only solve equipment problems, but we show and explain why each particular piece of equipment (shaft, head and grip) works for the customer’s swing.”

For more information about custom club fitting and Club Champion’s process, visit clubchampiongolf.com.