New Academy at Indian Wells Golf Resort Focuses on Developing Consistency, Enhancing Enjoyment of Golf

(Indian Wells, Calif.) – Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells, Calif. recently opened “The Academy at Indian Wells” – a golf instruction program geared towards helping golfers improve by minimizing mistakes, while developing consistency and enhancing enjoyment. The Academy is led by Director of Instruction Eric Solander, PGA, and Lead Teaching Professional Jordan Hamblin, PGA, and is located at the Indian Wells Golf Resort practice facility.

By emphasizing sound fundamentals, Solander and Hamblin create individual pathways for golfers to achieve their goals. Golfers can choose between private one-on-one lessons, couples lessons, specialty clinics or two-day and three-day golf schools. Clinics take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and are hosted in a small group environment. The clinics last about an hour, and feature instruction that varies between personal and group drills, depending on skill level and areas identified for improvement.

“Utilizing the latest technology available coupled with our fun, play-based approach, we are helping students bring their range game to the course,” Solander. “Our new Trackman Studio allows us to analyze and track club head speed as well as essential ball data points such as carry, total, ball speed, height, launch angle and launch direction.”

For more information on The Academy at Indian Wells Golf Resort including pricing and instruction opportunities, visit https://site.booxi.com/indianwellsgolfresort.

For more information on Indian Wells Golf Resort, visit www.indianwellsgolfresort.com or call 760-346-4653.

US Army Golf Courses Join Golf's Online Tee-Time Marketplace

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – NBC Sports Next today announced an industry-first sponsorship agreement with the United States Army, which will provide tee-time distribution technology and promotional opportunities through its affiliated brands – GolfNow, TeeOff and Military Tee Times – to golf courses located on 33 U.S. Army installations throughout mainland USA and Hawaii.

By connecting with the world’s largest online tee-time marketplace to post tee times, the golf courses managed by the U.S. Army Installation Management Command IMCOM G9 Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Division will benefit from exposure to the millions of golfers who regularly use GolfNow, TeeOff and Military Tee Times to search for and book tee times 24/7.

“We’re honored to welcome U.S. Army golf courses to our industry-leading tee-time marketplace and excited to deliver more of the ever-growing number of golfers who love the ease and convenience of booking online,” said Jerramy Hainline, Senior Vice President & General Manger, Golf, NBC Sports Next. “NBC Sports Next has long-supported our heroes in the military community, starting with the launch of Military Tee Times in 2014 and through the support both GolfNow, GolfPass and TeeOff are providing to organizations benefiting from the NFL’s Salute to Service program.” 

The Army golf courses operated by IMCOM G9 also will benefit from enhanced exposure through NBC Sports Next’s Premium Marketing Program (PMP). PMP is a unique package that provides a wide variety of marketing benefits, including optimized positioning and promotion on its tee-time distribution websites. Additionally, they will receive added exposure via editorial features on the GolfPass website, the headquarters for golf’s most comprehensive digital membership program.

Both organizations will collaborate to promote the partnership across their respective platforms. NBC Sports Next will utilize both on-air and digital assets, while IMCOM G9 will promote the relationship via websites and social media, and at locations included in the Army’s portfolio of golf courses.

“Our new partnership with GolfNow and Military Tee Times provides a tremendous opportunity to promote Army golf through NBC’s various media channels,” said JJ Love, Chief of Business and Recreational Programs, G9, U.S. Army Installation Management Command. “This partnership will greatly enhance our online tee-time booking visibility and capabilities for all of our U.S.-based courses.”

The golf courses maintained by the U.S. Army’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Division in the U.S. accommodate nearly 1 million rounds each year and are located on installations from New York to Hawaii. A variety of designs at facilities offering a range from 9 to 36 holes catered to golfers of every skill level.

Some of the more notable courses, as recognized by the editorial staff at GolfPass, include:

- West Point Golf Course (N.Y.) – open to the public, golfers can walk through history at this 18-hole mountain layout designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.

- Gordon Lakes Golf Course (Ga.) – located on Fort Gordon and a stone’s throw from Augusta, this is another RTJ Sr. design built in 1975.

- Fort Jackson Golf Club (S.C.) – With the original 18 opened shortly after World War II, this 36-hole layout was updated by Arthur Davis in 1991 with a second 18 and now boasts one of the most impressive operations in the military portfolio.

- Ryder Golf Course (N.C.) – golfers should be on their game when playing this Fort Bragg gem located among Carolina pines, as accuracy is at a premium with its tree-lined, narrow fairways and small greens.

Dumbarnie Links Named "World's Best New Golf Course" At 2021 World Golf Awards

(FIFE, Scotland) – Dumbarnie Links, a daily-fee links course located on the east coast of Scotland near St Andrews, was recently honored at the World Golf Awards as the “World’s Best New Golf Course 2021.” The World Golf Awards celebrate world-class golf courses and golf destinations, recognizing excellence within golf tourism and are voted for by professionals working within the golf travel and tourism industries as well as golf tourism consumers. The 8th Annual World Golf Awards Gala Ceremony was held in Dubai. 

Dumbarnie Links opened for play on May 29, 2020 and has since received high acclaim throughout the golf world. The stunning Clive Clark design, located eleven miles from St Andrews, measures 6,905-yards (can be stretched to 7,600 yards for professional competitions) and plays to a par of 72. Dumbarnie Links is built upon land that is part of the historic 5,000-acre Balcarres Estate. Its 345 acres of genuine sandy links land offers unobstructed views over Largo Bay and the Firth of Forth, a 10-mile wide stretch of water with views across to Muirfield, North Berwick and Edinburgh. The routing is a departure from the usual. Instead of the traditional links out-and-back layout, Clark incorporated a mix of two big loops with elevated tees facing into the Firth of Forth. Earlier this year, Dumbarnie Links hosted the 2021 Women’s Scottish Open August 9 – 15.

“We are very excited to be the recipients of this worldwide prestigious award,” said Dumbarnie Links Founder and Architect, Clive Clark. “We continue to be delighted by the excellent feedback from all those who have played the golf course. Not only were they able to enjoy the golf course – which is most entertaining – together with its outstanding condition, but also the first class and welcoming service provided by all members of the Dumbarnie team. We look forward to another busy year in 2022.”

World Golf Awards serves to celebrate and reward excellence in golf tourism, world-class courses and golf destinations. Launched in 2014, World Golf Awards aims to drive up standards within the golf tourism industry by rewarding the organizations that are leaders in their field. World Golf Awards is the sister organization of World Travel Awards, currently celebrating its 28th anniversary. For more information about World Golf Awards visit www.worldgolfawards.com.

For more information on Dumbarnie Links, visit www.dumbarnielinks.com or call 833-691-0403 in the U.S. and Canada, or 0-800-085-1280 in the United Kingdom.

Visit www.cliveclarkdesign.com for more information.

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

Troon Golf & Emaar Hospitality Group Celebrate 20th Anniversary

(Dubai, UAE) — The 20th anniversary between Troon Golf and Emaar Hospitality Group was recently celebrated with an intimate event with Team Troon golf superstar Matt Fitzpatrick, to commemorate this landmark partnership. Team Troon is a collection of top international golf talent representing the Troon brand throughout professional golf.

Emaar Hospitality Group, the premier global provider of enriching, personal and memorable lifestyle experiences, has developed three of Dubai’s most premier golf communities; Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, and Dubai Hills Golf Club. For the past 20 years, Emaar Hospitality Group has entrusted Troon Golf, the world’s largest professional club management company, to deliver the finest playing services, incredible guest service and unmatched amenities across their golf portfolio.

The impressive additions to Dubai include two golf clubs at the heart of now established communities, a luxurious golf destination designed by World Golf Hall of Fame (and Team Troon member Colin Montgomerie – Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai, and Arabian Ranches Golf Club – the heart of the Arabian Ranches community, a family friendly club with the course designed by Ian Baker-Finch.

Building on the success of ‘The Monty’ and ‘Ranches’, which have both become firm favourites with members and visitors since opening in 2002 and 2004 respectively, Dubai Hills Golf Club – which is located within the sophisticated community of Dubai Hills Estate, opened its fairways to golfers in 2018 to world acclaim as ‘The World’s Best New Golf Course’ at the World Golf Awards and most recently won the ‘UAE’s Best Golf Course’ at the 2021 World Golf Awards.

To celebrate the occasion, selected guests were invited to a unique golf experience with professional golfer and #TeamTroon superstar Matt Fitzpatrick. The Emaar Hospitality leadership team and junior golfers were treated to a showcase of golf talent and an intimate Q&A with Matt Fitzpatrick, to go alongside tailored gastronomy and a celebratory plaque to mark the landmark occasion.

Troon Golf first partnered with Emaar Hospitality Group at the Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai in 2001. Mark Chapleski, Troon International’s Executive Vice President, added “The Monty is an outstanding club set within the magnificent Emirates Hills. This was the first true golf estate built in the Middle East region, with fabulous homes surrounding the golf property. When we first opened in early 2002, there were no buildings to be seen in the Marina area and now you have this stunning skyline of skyscrapers that shows how far Dubai has come in 20 years. This was all driven by the visionary Chairman of Emaar, Mohammad Alabbar.”

“The continued success of The Monty is a testament to the work our associates do, day in and day out. They are supported unconditionally by our Corporate team and our collective commitment to excellence attests to this. We are excited for the future of our partnership with Emaar Hospitality Group and thank them for their trust in us to deliver a superior golfing product across their portfolio while delivering financial performance for the stakeholders.”

With clubs located across the globe, Troon Golf facilities are synonymous with quality and consistency, with an uncompromising attention to details, and a pursuit for perfection in overall customer satisfaction. Troon Golf is one of Troon’s brands, headquartered outside the Americas from the Troon International Dubai office.

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

Troon Names Kendall Murphy Director Of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, has named Kendall Murphy as the company’s first Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. In this new position, Murphy will help lead and manage the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, while working with Troon’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Troon associates, as well as members and guests of Troon-affiliated facilities, to accomplish DE&I goals and objectives.

Kendall Murphy

Murphy has more than a dozen years of golf industry experience, most recently serving as a PGA career consultant for the PGA of America supporting the Northern California PGA Section, while also working as an adjunct professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Harrah College of Hospitality. From 2012 through May of 2021, Murphy was the assistant director and program coordinator of UNLV’s PGA Golf Management University Program. Originally from Oakland, Calif., Murphy has a diverse background in golf, working as a head golf professional at Metropolitan Golf Links in Oakland and as the assistant men’s golf coach at Saint Mary’s College of California in Moraga, Calif.  He is a member of the PGA of America and is a two-time winner of Southern Nevada Chapter of the PGA’s Golf Professional of the Year award (2018 and 2019). Murphy is also the co-founder/co-chair of the Black PGA Professionals Caucus and currently serves on the PGA National Education Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation with a concentration in Professional Golf Management from UNLV, and a Master of Arts in Kinesiology/Sport Management from Saint Mary’s College of California.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kendall to Troon as we continue take action and make the golf industry more reflective of the diversity of our broader society,” said Tim Schantz, president and CEO, Troon. “The strength of Troon has always been our people. We operate in more than 30 countries where many cultures and associates of differing racial, ethnic and social backgrounds come together for the greater good. We believe that diversity of thought and talent strengthens our company and by facilitating the consideration of different perspectives helps us solve challenges faced by the company, our clients and associates.” 

In 2020, Troon proactively formed a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, made up of talented associates from around the world from different backgrounds, genders and ethnicities.  The DE&I Council established three key pillars – Talent Acquisition and Retention, Mentor and Advocate, and Education and Communication. These pillars serve as the foundation to specific initiatives to make immediate impacts for associates, members and guests, clients and in the communities in which Troon manages or owns facilities.  

“Our world is in an unprecedented time for transformation through intentional action,” said Murphy. “Troon has always been a revolutionary leader in the golf industry, allowing their early vision of upscale experiences to transcend into other industries, both nationally and internationally. This has allowed, to an extent, cultural diffusion within the ‘Troon Experience.’ However, during the shifts of 2020, Troon leaders saw an opportunity to continue to uphold, and expand, their belief in excellence. The future of excellence is one that paves the way for diversity, equity, and inclusion with ease. I am honored to be a part of growing the Troon Experience of excellence with my new position and being part of this visionary team. Our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives will enhance the Troon Experience, internally and externally. As we continue to grow this experience, I am dedicated to creating the industry blue print for others to follow.”

For more information on Troon’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, visit www.troon.com/about-troon/diversity-and-inclusion.

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

India's Karnataka Golf Association Welcomes New Superintendent

Coman Mulry will be tasked with helping KGA in its quest for excellence as a premier golf course in the world

(Bangalore, India) — Karnataka Golf Association, one of the India’s finest golf courses, is pleased to welcome Coman Mulry as the club’s new Golf Course Superintendent. In his new role, Coman will manage and oversee the agronomic maintenance of the distinguished 18-hole course designed by Thomson and Wolveridge, located in Bangalore, India.

Prasanth Sakhamuri, Chairman Golf Course Committee at Karnataka Golf Association, said: “KGA is delighted to have Mr. Coman Mulry join us as the Course Superintendent and help KGA in its quest for excellence as a premier golf course in the world. KGA has a long-standing agreement in agronomy support and management with Troon International and Coman joins KGA on behalf of Troon. His extensive experience with some of the best golf courses in the world will help propel KGA to higher heights of excellence.”

Coman Mulry, who hails from Ireland, has 13 years of experience with Troon working in facilities in five different countries worldwide, including Greece, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, UAE, and India. He now leads the agronomy team at Karnataka Golf Association after two years as Superintendent at Al Zorah Golf Club in the UAE. This will be Coman's second posting in the garden city of Bangalore, where he has been the superintendent at another Troon-managed facility in Bangalore, Prestige Golfshire Club. Coman is well versed in the Indian market and understands the importance of introducing sound agronomic practices as well as robust staff training and development programs. He has a proven track record in producing superior playing surfaces and building a team environment.

Commenting on his new role, Coman Mulry, Golf Course Superintendent at Karnataka Golf Association, said: “I am delighted to be returning to Bangalore and joining and leading the agronomy team here at KGA. It is a renowned club in India known for its long-term commitment and investment in its outstanding golf course. I am grateful to the management committees and members for placing their trust in me to continue to move the golf course forward.”

Sir Nick Faldo Says 'Bonjour' to New Project in Paris

Sir Nick set to rejuvenate the golf experience at Golf de Val-Grand as part of wider investment into South Paris Country Club

(South Paris, France) — Sir Nick Faldo has announced his latest golf course design project at Golf de Val-Grand, his first ever in France, with aspirations to create an exciting country club venue with a premium academy facility. 

Located just over 25km from the centre of Paris, the design is set to welcome the club’s surrounding community to enjoy a strategic and inviting test that champions endless enjoyment for all golfing abilities.

Included within the rejuvenation and re-energising of the golf course, the Faldo Design team will introduce a complete redesign of all 18 green complexes to USGA specifications, reprofile numerous fairways and playing strategies of holes, as well as inject a new energy to the bunkering. Whilst original features of the course, most notably its series of lakes and streams, will be brought further into play to add visual excitement and create a truly memorable playing experience.

In addition to the course, the project will also champion playability and growing the game with the inclusion of a premium golf academy facility, featuring cutting-edge technologies as well as a nine-hole short course to support and catalyse players’ development. This aligns with the proposed four sets of tees and open fairways, which will further encourage progression and invite new and experienced players to enjoy the venue together. 

Showing a commitment to upgrading the wider venue, the club will see major investment to create a holistic leisure facility with enhancements also penned for the clubhouse, a small village of accommodation lodges, swimming pool, spa and tennis courts, as well as upgrades to its renowned and highly regarded restaurant. 

The first sortie for Faldo Design in France will be much celebrated by the six-time Major Champion, who himself will look to follow great success in the country during his illustrious career, winning three Open de France titles, with a course that embodies his strategic vision and passion for the game. 

Announcing the project, Sir Nick Faldo, said: “We are delighted to announce our work with Val-Grand and are extremely excited for the potential of the golf course and the venue as a whole for golfers of all abilities to enjoy, learn and relax.

“The site here is unique, with threads of all playing surfaces introduced throughout the routing. The conifer trees almost create a heathland vibe, whilst the lakes and greenery feel more parkland. With the new and rippling fairways, the uneven stances will even be reminiscent of links golf. This variety, so close to Paris, I believe, will create a great course where people can enjoy their golf and also the wider facilities here with the planned investment and ambitions from the owners too. Following a fantastic 2018 Ryder Cup here, we know the passion of the French golfing community is vibrant and growing, and we look forward to celebrating alongside them ahead of the Paris Olympics come 2024.”

The course construction is set to begin in the second half of 2022, with ground-breaking planned for July, before growing in begins in the Spring of 2023 through to early May 2024 where the first players are then expected to tee off. 

Golf de Val-Grand Owner, Robert Delin, celebrated collaborating with Sir Nick Faldo, saying: “The collaboration with Faldo Design is very exciting for Val-Grand and the project that we are undertaking. Inviting a true legend of the game to share his knowledge and visions with us is a privilege, and we are inspired by the plans and vision of what we can achieve together over the coming years.

“Throughout the venue we want to connect with the local community and build a fantastic space for our members to enjoy, and our work with the Faldo Design team will undoubtedly help us to take this experience to the next level, both on and off the golf course.”

For more information on Faldo Design, go to www.nickfaldodesign.com.

For more information on Golf de Val-Grand go to www.golf-de-val-grand.com.

Three Places in the 150th Open at St. Andrews on Offer at the Joburg Open

(Johannesburg, South Africa) — The leading three players who finish in the top 10 and ties at the Joburg Open who are not already exempt will earn places in The 150th Open at St Andrews from 10-17 July 2022.

The Joburg Open is the first event in The Open Qualifying Series and will be played over the Firethorn Course at Randpark in Johannesburg from 25-28 November.

Players in the field at the Joburg Open who are already exempt for The 150th Open at St Andrews:

- Dean Burmester

- Dylan Frittelli

- Justin Harding

- Shaun Norris

In the event of a tie for a qualifying place, the player with the higher ranking in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) at the beginning of the week commencing 22 November will be awarded a place in The 150th Open.

Hamilton Farm GC Member Mark Costanza Named 2021 MGA ‘Player of the Year’ for Second Straight Year

Award recognizes “consistent, high-level play” by Costanza, who calls Gladstone, NJ-based Hamilton Farm his home course

(Gladstone, N.J.) — Hamilton Farm Golf Club, a historic property featuring a premier two-course golf facility located in the scenic hills of Somerset County, NJ, is proud to announce that member Mark Costanza was named the recipient of the 2021 ‘Jerry Courville Sr. Player of the Year’ Award by the Elmsford, NY-based Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA) for the second year in a row.

Mark Costanza

The prestigious award is presented annually to the Met Area amateur who compiles the best record in select events during the course of the year based on points earned for their finishes in designated local, national, and international championships.  Costanza earned 797 points in just six events thanks to a steady run of high finishes and consistent, high-level play and will receive the award at the MGA’s 124th Annual Meeting and Dinner on December 1st, 2021 at Westchester Country Club in Harrison, NY.

Costanza’s receipt of both the 2021 and 2020 MGA Jerry Courville Sr. Player of the Year Award follows numerous other outstanding designations he earned in the last two years, including 2021 Runner-Up in the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship in Siaconset, MA, 2020 New Jersey State Golf Association Player of the Year, and winner of both the 2020 New Jersey State Open and the 2020 MGA IKE Stroke Play Championship.  Costanza is currently ranked 211th among all-age amateur golfers in the world, is ranked 4th in the U.S. and 14th in the world among mid-amateur golfers (ages 25 and older), and has consistently finished among the top 10 golfers in all recent events he’s played.

Costanza describes his receipt of a second consecutive MGA Player of the Year Award as ‘surreal.’  “Having played in MGA events since I was 13, ‘Player of the Year’ was something I always aspired to but never thought I had a chance to win at this point in my life,” shared Costanza, 32.  “To be on that list just once is an incredible honor, but to have won it twice and in back-to-back years is very special and something I’m extremely proud of.”

“Mark’s accomplishments in the golf world over the past several years are astonishing and one-of-a-kind and we’re all so honored to have him as part of our Hamilton Farm family,” shared Michael Ferguson, Hamilton Farm General Manager.  “As outstanding a golfer as Mark is, however, he’s an even a better person who truly embodies the values that Hamilton Farm holds in high esteem.  We’re proud and excited to watch our hallways fill up with his trophies!”

“I’ve played a lot of great clubs around the country and very few possess the special ‘it factor’ that Hamilton Farm has,” said Costanza, who joined Hamilton Farm -- a Hurdzan and Fry-designed course that was recently named New Jersey PGA Section ‘Club of the Year’ for the third time since 2012 – in 2017.  “Between its spectacular golf courses, outstanding food, exceptional staff, and wonderful members who are like family to me, I feel very lucky to call Hamilton Farm my home course.”

For more information, contact Erin Walsh, Membership Director at Hamilton Farm Golf Club, at (908) 901-4040 or visit www.hamiltonfarmgolfclub.com.

Yas Links Abu Dhabi Partners with Marriott Business Council to Raise Money for Operation Smile UAE

Charity at the heart of Links Fundraiser golf day

(Abu Dhabi, UAE) — The Links Fundraiser in partnership with Marriott Business Council made its debut on the Middle Eastern golfing calendar at the world renowned Yas Links Abu Dhabi. Supported by Club Captains Carol Tweedie and Aart Lehmkuhl, the golf day was organised as a Team Shambles, with the event aiming to raise as much money as possible for good causes.

The official charity at the heart of the event is Operation Smile UAE, a non-profit medical service organisation which provides cleft lip and palate repair surgeries to children. Operation Smile works as a non-governmental organisation globally to reduce the occurrence of cleft lips and palates; develops ambassadorships to raise awareness of cleft issues; sponsors a world care programme for international cases requiring special care; organises foundations worldwide to assist countries in reaching self-sufficiency with cleft surgeries as well as administering worldwide education programmes related to cleft issues.

Morag Cromey-Hawke, Executive Director, Operation Smile UAE said: “Our job is to bring hope to families who have felt such anguish on behalf of their child. We are very lucky to see first-hand the difference our work does, particularly for parents. Events such as the Links Fundraiser are invaluable to us as an organisation, as a means of raising much needed funds and it’s even more gratifying to know that those who have been so generous in helping us were able to enjoy themselves in the process and raise awareness of the work we do.”

Both Yas Links Abu Dhabi and Marriott Business Council UAE did their bit for the day by providing around eighty prizes in total for a raffle and a hotly contested silent auction, which was supported by the generous amateur players who travelled from afar to take part in the day’s action. Once in a lifetime experiences from Marriott International properties were auctioned, with the finest culinary teams from multiple hotels showcasing their best flavours. The event raised AED 93,500 for Operation Smile.

Matthias Widor, Cluster General Manager, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa and Courtyard Marriott Abu Dhabi WTC commented: “The Links Fundraiser was a fantastic, unique event. As there is nothing better than raising valuable funds whilst participants can simultaneously enjoy themselves whilst playing golf. I am sure everyone enjoyed the on-course competitions, prizes and superb food and beverage throughout. It was brilliant to welcome so many familiar faces as possible on the day and I hope that this will become a regular fixture on the golfing calendar for years to come.”

The Team Shambles saw the best two scores from each four ball count, with an 85% handicap allowance. Players without a handicap played off zero. Guests paid AED 750 to play and members AED 250. Every entry saw 100 AED go towards the overall fundraising effort. A total of 78 players participated along with hotels including: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, The Abu Dhabi Edition, Aloft Abu Dhabi, Courtyard by Marriott, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai and Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai.

Matthew Waters, Group Director of Golf, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Yas Links Abu Dhabi said: “The Links Fundraiser was an unforgettable day out for our participating amateur golfers to compete in. All those involved were treated to a great day out and no doubt enjoyed a unique experience, yet more important is the role that events such as these play in terms of raising much needed funds for good causes and we were delighted to have Operation Smile UAE onboard as this year’s official charity.”

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

KemperSports Properties Surpass $1 Million in Donations for Folds of Honor

(NORTHBROOK, Illinois) – KemperSports properties recently exceeded the $1 million milestone in fundraising efforts for Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled military men and women. Since 2013, the golf course management company has worked closely with the organization and inspired staff across its portfolio to host creative programming, events, fundraisers and friendly competitions to benefit the organization. Through the collective efforts of its staff, KemperSports has funded more than 200 Folds of Honor scholarships.

“KemperSports is an incredible partner, and we are grateful for its commitment to our mission and the selfless giving of so many staff members who have helped reach this milestone,” said Folds of Honor Founder/CEO Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney. “We are proud to continue our work with KemperSports and its staff as we further our mission of honoring the sacrifice and educating the legacy of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

Notable fundraising efforts over the last three years include the team at the Village of Sands Point (Sands Point, N.Y.) who collectively raised $94,000, the team at Hawthorn Woods (Hawthorn Woods, Ill.) who  raised $68,000, and the team at Golden Horseshoe (Williamsburg, Va.) who raised more than $40,000. Scott Bailey of the Governors Club (Brentwood, Tenn.) and Cody Franke of Desert Willow Golf Resort (Palm Desert, Calif.) also stand out as Folds of Honor champions for the company, leading significant  fundraising efforts that contributed to the million dollar mark. KemperSports’ relationship with Folds of Honor is a year-round effort and reaching this million dollar mark is an important step in the company’s long term goals to support the organization.

“Supporting Folds of Honor and serving the communities in which we operate is ingrained in our company culture,” said KemperSports Senior Vice President Mark Hoesing, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “We are so proud to be able to support the families of those who have given so much for our country. This is by no means an end to our giving and our fundraising efforts, but rather a reminder of what’s possible when our teams come together to support such a worthy cause. We look forward to continuing our support of Folds of Honor in the years to come and hiring scholarship recipients to work for our company and our clients.”

For more information on this and other KemperSports community efforts, visit www.kempersports.com.

Rain or Shine Golf Announces Holiday Daily Deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday

(CHARLOTTE, N.C.) – Rain or Shine Golf – the leading resource helping all golfers create their dream at-home golf simulator or practice setup – announces its holiday daily deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday that include a variety of products in different price points that make ideal gifts for the holiday season.

Ideas include everything from portable launch monitors to hitting mats and simulator packages that utilize the company’s proprietary components. Please see below the list for descriptions and when the deals will begin for each product:

11.16.2021 – SwingBay Golf Simulator Screen and Enclosure: Starting Nov. 16th until Nov. 29th, SwingBay will be reduced to $3,199. Featuring its heavy-duty projector screen and an easy to assemble framing system, users will be able to golf anytime anywhere.

11.22.2021 – Mevo+ Launch Monitor: Starting Nov. 22nd until Nov. 29th, reduced to $1,799 is Mevo+’s premium launch monitor, which was named 2021 Golf Digest Editor’s Choice for best launch monitor under $2,000.

11.22.2021 – Mevo Launch Monitor: From Nov. 22nd to Nov. 29th, the most portable launch monitor that can be used indoors and outdoors will be reduced to $424.

11.24.2021 – Rhapsodo MLM (Mobile Launch Monitor): Starting on Nov. 24th to Dec. 1st, Reduced to $349 is Rhapsodo’s portable launch monitor using either an iPhone or iPad to provide feedback on the user’s swing through shot data, instant video replay, and active shot tracers.

11.26.2021 – SwingTurf Golf Mat 5’x5’: From Nov. 26th to Nov. 29th the perfect mat combination of quality and affordability while giving realistic feedback on miss-hits and poorly hit shots, will be reduced to $490.

11.27.2021 – PuttOut Putting Mat and Trainer Cup: Starting Nov. 27th until Nov. 29th, the reliable setup for practicing the most important part of a golfers game will be reduced to $110.

11.29.2021 – The Perfect Practice Putting Mat:  Starting and ending on Nov. 29th, Cyber Monday, the lightweight and easy to store 9' 6" putting mat will be reduced $40 to $139. This is a must have for any golfer, featuring automatic ball return, distance markers and alignment aids.

“As Black Friday and Cyber Monday quickly approach, we wanted to give our customers the opportunity to pick up some great products at a tremendous prices,” says Shawn Foley, Co-Founder or Rain or Shine Golf. “Our Holiday Daily Deals are fun ways to engage our buyers while providing terrific options for gifts this holiday season.”

Taking advantage of its price match guarantee program, customers can earn free shipping on orders to the lower 48 states, safe and secure ordering via SSL encryption technology, volume discounts on select items, manufacturer warranties on every order and financing options to help individuals spread out payments.

To learn more about Rain or Shine Golf, visit https://rainorshinegolf.com/, call 888.831.9489 or follow on social at Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.  

Belvedere Golf Club Will Host 2023 Hickory Grail Matches

The highly acclaimed Ryder Cup style event will bring hickory golfers from Great Britain/Europe to compete against the U.S.  

(CHARLEVOIX, MI) – Belvedere Golf Club, the classic William Watson design located in Northern Michigan, announces that the club has been selected to host one of the premier hickory club events in the world, The Hickory Grail in 2023. The Hickory Grail matches is a Ryder Cup style event where 13 of the most passionate hickory players from the United States and Great Britain/Europe compete in the oldest international hickory match in golf.

Belvedere members Ross Hays and Jerry Esselman, along with head pro Marty Joy, were all named to this year’s U.S. Grail team who competed in the event last month at the famed St. Andrews Old Course in Scotland. Since 2000, the U.S. team and Great Britain/Europe have tied 6-6 in retaining the cup in the friendly matches played in the spirit of the game.

“With Belvedere’s history and the passion that our club members have for hickory club play, it was a natural fit for us to be selected to host The Grail Cup”, said Joy. “To have been able to participate in this prestigious event at St. Andrews, the home of golf, and now to play host is a dream come true for all of us at the club. We are very proud to welcome this event and fellow hickory players from across the Atlantic to play the game as it was meant to be played.” 

The Hickory Grail was founded in 2000 by American’s Ralph Livingston III and Tom Stewart, both hickory pioneers and experts, along with Scotland’s David Hamilton, one of today's premier golf historians. The biennial event is conducted under the auspices of The British Golf Collectors Society, with current membership of 700+ members in Great Britain, America and around the world. The tournament is noted for selecting many of the world’s most prestigious historical courses for its venues. Among them are St. Andrews; Baltustrol; Kilspindie, Scotland and Falsterbo GK, Sweden. Visit https://thehickorygrail.com.

Belvedere is the only club in the U.S. to have as many as 44 antique hickory club players and hosts Hickory tournaments annually including the Belvedere Hickory Open since 2006 and in 2019 hosted the national U.S. Hickory Open. Competitors dress in period appropriate apparel, including knickers, ties, and jackets. Conservative estimates of the total number of hickory players in the world now total about 3,000 and growing. 

Belvedere, with its classic parkland layout designed by William Watson in 1925, has always been the perfect venue for hickory club play. Watson’s masterpieces include famous classic and major championship designs like Olympia Fields in Chicago, Harding Park in San Francisco, Interlachen in Minneapolis, The Olympic Club in San Francisco, and others.

Belvedere, named 2016 Michigan Course of the Year by the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association, has been a respected tournament venue for nearly a century, having hosted the Michigan Amateur 40 times. Beginning in 1963, Belvedere hosted the event for 26 consecutive years. The 41st hosting of the Michigan Amateur at Belvedere will come in 2025, the club’s centennial year.

Stretching to 6,906 yards, Belvedere isn’t long by modern standards, but the challenge lies in the short game around the dynamic green complexes, which features subtle undulations, ridges and slopes that fall off to chipping areas. Belvedere recently went through a major restoration bringing the green complexes back to the original drawings. Leading golf architects describe Belvedere’s greens as on par with those at renowned courses, such as Augusta National and Oakmont.

The course has long been a favorite of many golf greats, including legend Walter Hagen, who won the first Great Lakes Open at Belvedere, and five-time British Open winner Tom Watson, who as a youngster honed his game playing summers at Belvedere. He remains a member today and calls the short par-four 16th hole one of the great par fours in America.

For information about Belvedere Golf Club visit www.belvederegolfclub.com.

Club Champion Opens in Three New Markets

Nation’s Top Custom Club Fitter Continues Nationwide Growth

(Willowbrook, IL) — Custom club fitter Club Champion announces the opening of three new fitting studios, located in Dallas, TX; Columbia, SC; and Little Rock, AR. The studio in Little Rock is the first Club Champion studio in the state of Arkansas. All three new stores are open and accepting fitting appointments. 

Club Champion fits, sells and builds custom golf clubs using brands like Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping, Titleist, Cobra, Fujikura, Golf Pride and many more. The company delivers a Tour-quality fitting that produces longer, more accurate shots with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate for golfers of any ability level.

The new studios feature two indoor hitting bays with TrackMan launch monitors for analyzing performance, a SAM PuttLab system to find the perfect putter, and a build shop for repairing and assembling golf clubs by hand. The roughly 3,000 square foot spaces also include a demo matrix to display the head and shaft options that make up their 50,000 hittable combinations.

"We are excited to bring our fitting services to golfers in these areas,” said Nick Sherburne, founder of Club Champion. “We’re able to grow in our existing markets and add new ones because our approach is proven and unbiased, with no promotion of any specific vendors. Our only goal is to find the best combination of components to help customers lower their scores and better enjoy the game.”

Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the 100 Best Club Fitters ten years running, Club Champion has a unique coupling system used to combine any head and shaft together, so golfers hit the precise combination to be custom built for them. They are the only fitter in the country to offer 50,000 interchangeable head and shaft combinations at all locations.

“Many players think they aren’t good enough to be custom fit, but we’ve participated in multiple third-party studies that showed higher handicappers saw the biggest gains,” said Sherburne. “Some of these golfers shaved as many as ten strokes per round.”

For a limited time, the new stores will celebrate their grand openings by offering 50% off fitting fees with an equipment purchase of $500 or more. Putter fittings are the only exception; they are 50% off with the purchase of a new putter. The studios are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information can be found at www.clubchampiongolf.com or by calling (888) 340-7820.

Rockwind Community Links, New Mexico’s Premier Municipal Course, a Popular Destination for Southwest Golfers

(Hobbs, N.M.)— Rockwind Community Links, an award-winning golf facility owned and operated by the City of Hobbs, has become a particularly attractive destination for golfers in southwest Texas.  Superb and consistent course conditions have earned Rockwind accolades from national and regional golf publications, while establishing the Andy Staples designed course as a model for other public facilities to uniquely unite golf with the local community as a means to grow interest in the game.

Opened in 2015, Rockwind provides the citizens of Hobbs and golfers in southeast New Mexico and Texas with an enviable amenity that was the first community links concept in the country.  Rockwind offers a championship 18-hole course, a 9-hole par-3 course with no tees, an expansive dual ended practice range and multiple short game areas, all at exceptionally affordable prices. 

Additional elements at the facility include a surrounding trail system complete with multiple trail heads, various outdoor seating areas, picnic spaces and scenic viewing points, public access to the site’s five acre lake plus a large open green space for events.  A restaurant services golfers and residents with a menu that features cuisine with a New Mexican flare.

“We have seen incredible growth over the past few years and Rockwind continues to offer an exceptional playing experience for all golfers,” said Ben Kirkes, Rockwind’s golf professional/general manager.  “We attract families, juniors, collegiate players and absolute beginners and the golf course delivers for every level player.   We know we are special but it’s great to have golfers returning over and over again because the experience lived up to the hype.”

Architect Andy Staples created the community links concept, which led the USGA to single out Rockwind for breaking the mold and being more than just a golf course in a special video entitled A Model Muni: Rockwind Community Links. 

Rockwind’s most significant awards include: Ranked in 2020 by Golfweek at #2 in their Best Courses You Can Play in New Mexico list; rated by Golf Digest at #8 in the 2021-22 Best in New Mexico courses (public and private); named one of Golf Digest’s Best New Courses of 2015; cited as a Top Five New Golf Development in the World by Golf Inc. Magazine; and honored by Golf Advisor as One of the 24 New Courses That Shaped the 2010s.   

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

MyrtleBeachGolfTrips.com Launches Black Friday Special, Bringing Even Greater Value To America’s Most Popular Golf Destination

King's North

Golfers Enjoy Opportunity For Buy 3, Get 1 Free Special

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) — MyrtleBeachGolfTrips.com, one of the nation’s leading online and stay-and-play package providers, has unveiled its annual Black Friday special, further enhancing the Grand Strand’s already legendary value.

The MyrtleBeachGolfTrips.com deal, which began on Monday, November 22 and runs through 11:59 p.m. on November 29, provides golfers a “Buy Three, Get One Free” offer when booking Founders Group International’s 21 courses during the area’s peak spring season.

The Black Friday special, a golf-only offer that starts at just $239, applies to any round booked on FGI courses between March 1 and June 30, with only the last 10 days in April blacked out. The FGI portfolio includes some of the area’s best and most prominent courses, including TPC Myrtle Beach, Grande Dunes Resort Course, Pawleys Plantation, King’s North at Myrtle Beach National and Pine Lakes.

“Our Black Friday sale at MyrtleBeachGolfTrips.com is our most popular promotion of the year and with the prospect of receiving a free round during our spring season, we certainly expect that to be the case again this year,” said Justin Binke, director of sales and marketing at Founders Group International. “This ‘Buy 3, Get 1 Free’ offer is the perfect Christmas gift for you or the golfer in your life.”

The sale will allow players to book tee times during the spring season, when weather and course conditions are ideal in Myrtle Beach. Players still dealing with dreary weather elsewhere in the country can head to the Golf Capital of the World to enjoy 75-degree days and good times on and off the course.

Founders Group International, Myrtle Beach’s leading golf course operator, provides the best combination of quality and value in all of golf travel. Grande Dunes, which has five holes that play along Intracoastal Waterway, TPC, the long-time home course of PGA Tour superstar Dustin Johnson, and King’s North, the iconic Arnold Palmer design, have all been ranked among America’s top 100 public courses.

Pawleys and Long Bay, a pair of Jack Nicklaus designs, are among the area’s most popular layouts, and historic Pine Lakes Country Club was Myrtle Beach’s first course. FGI’s family of courses have the ability to meet the needs of any golf group, magnifying the appeal of the company’s Black Friday sale.

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

BMW, PGA TOUR and Western Golf Association Announce Five-Year Extension for BMW as Title Sponsor of the BMW Championship through 2027

BMW has served as the title sponsor of the BMW Championship since 2007 and has raised more than $40 million on behalf of the Evans Scholars Foundation

(WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J.; PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla.; and GLENVIEW, Ill.) – BMW, the PGA TOUR and the Western Golf Association announced today a five-year extension for BMW to remain the title sponsor of the TOUR’s second FedExCup Playoffs event through 2027. Also announced today was the return of the BMW Championship to the Chicago area in 2023 at Olympia Fields Country Club, which also hosted the event in 2020 with Jon Rahm outdueling Dustin Johnson in a sudden-death playoff.

“We would like to express our sincere thanks to BMW for their continued support of the PGA TOUR and the Western Golf Association through 2027,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “The BMW Championship played an incredibly impactful role in launching the FedExCup in 2007 and BMW’s commitment to presenting a best-in-class event each year continues to elevate the FedExCup Playoffs. We are also very appreciative of BMW’s dedication to fulfilling the mission of the Evans Scholars Foundation, having impacted thousands of lives over the last 15 years.”

BMW joined the PGA TOUR family in 2007 as title sponsor of the BMW Championship at the inception of the FedExCup. Since that time, the BMW Championship has won the PGA TOUR’s Tournament of the Year award four times (2008, 2012, 2013, 2014). The 2022 event will take place August 15-21, at Wilmington Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware.

“For the past 15 years, we have worked with our partners at the PGA TOUR and the Western Golf Association to host the top 70 players in the world at what has become one of the best, and most exciting events on the golf calendar,” said Sebastian Mackensen, president and CEO, BMW of North America.  “The BMW Championship is not only a great way to showcase our brand and engage customers, but also a wonderful opportunity to raise money for the Evans Scholars Foundation and help so many young students to follow their dreams.”

Each year, proceeds from the BMW Championship benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation, which provides full tuition and housing scholarships for hard-working young caddies. Over the past 15 years, the BMW Championship has raised more than $40 million on behalf of the Evans Scholars Foundation and has helped send more than 3,000 students to college. This academic year, a record 1,070 caddies are attending 21 major colleges and universities on Evans Scholarships.

“Since 2007, BMW has been our valued partner and a steadfast supporter of both our championships and the Evans Scholars Foundation,” said John Kaczkowski, WGA president and CEO. “As title sponsor, BMW has fully embraced our mission, helping us transform the Evans Scholars Foundation into a truly national program. We're excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue working together to change the lives of youth caddies nationwide.”

The more than 100,000 guests who attend the BMW Championship each year have the opportunity to engage with the brand in numerous ways including vehicle displays and other interactive experiences. BMW owners also enjoy the benefits of complimentary, preferred parking, and have access to an exclusive hospitality pavilion where they are invited to relax and enjoy premium concessions, and unparalleled golf viewing.

By extending its role as the title sponsor of the BMW Championship, BMW also strengthens its worldwide commitment to the sport of golf. In addition to the BMW Championship, the automaker has had a longstanding partnership with the Ryder Cup, through the European team, dating back to 2006. BMW also remains the title sponsor for two prestigious DP World Tour events: the BMW PGA Championship in England; and the BMW International Open, contested each June in Germany, which has been a staple on the Tour for three decades. Additionally, the BMW Ladies Championship in Busan, South Korea, recently made its debut on the LPGA Tour. Since 2002, BMW has sponsored the Korn Ferry Tour’s BMW Charity Pro-Am in South Carolina.

Formerly known as the Western Open, the BMW Championship is the longest-standing non-major championship on the PGA TOUR, dating back to 1899. The event boasts one of golf’s strongest lists of past champions, including all seven players with 50 or more career wins on the PGA TOUR: Sam Snead, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Byron Nelson and Billy Casper. Recent winners include World No. 1 Rahm, as well as FedExCup champions Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson and Patrick Cantlay.

Brooks Koepka Joins Srixon and Cleveland Golf Tour Staff

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.) — SRIXON and Cleveland Golf, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, LTD. are proud to announce that Brooks Koepka has joined its Tour staff. As a new member of our Tour Staff, Koepka will play a Srixon Driver, Srixon Irons, Cleveland Golf Wedges, Srixon Golf Ball, and carry a Srixon Staff Bag. 

“I am very excited to join my good friends Shane Lowry, Graeme McDowell and Hideki Matsuyama as a Srixon and Cleveland Golf Tour Staff member,” said Brooks Koepka. “I’ve been an equipment free agent for the past few years, so it will be fun to be involved with a company on a daily basis and be able to contribute to the development of their future equipment. I put the ZX7 Irons in play in January and it is the best iron I have played on Tour. I look forward to kicking off our new partnership this week in Las Vegas!” 

The 31-year-old Koepka began working with Srixon’s Tour Department earlier this year as he played the ZX7 Irons throughout the 2021 Tour season. Koepka gamed the ZX7 Irons while capturing his 8th career PGA TOUR victory at the Waste Management Phoenix Open this past season.

A four-time major winner including back-to-back victories at the U.S. Open (2017, 2018) and PGA Championship (2018, 2019), Koepka remains one of the best players in the world. Koepka reached world number one status in 2018, along with representing his country on multiple occasions (Ryder Cup 2016, 2018, 2020; Presidents Cup 2017) highlighted by helping Team USA register a historic victory at Whistling Straits just a few weeks ago.

“We’re extremely proud to have Brooks come on board as our newest Staff member,” said Rodney McDonald, Vice President of Tour Operations at Srixon. “He’s one of the best players in the world and brings his major championship pedigree and validation to our brands. We’re excited for Brooks to join the Srixon and Cleveland Golf family and look forward to supporting him out on tour.”

Koepka will make his official Srixon Staff debut at Capital One’s The Match on November 26.

For more Koepka content and detailed information about our brands, please follow us on Instagram (@srixongolf, @clevelandgolf) and Twitter (@SrixonGolf, @ClevelandGolf).

Brooks Koepka WITB:

- Driver: Srixon ZX5 9.5°

- Irons: Srixon ZX7 Irons 4-PW

- Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore Tour Rack 52° MID, 56° MID, 60° LOW

- Golf Ball: Srixon Z-STAR Prototype

- Bag: Srixon Tour Staff Bag

The PGA of America Announces Founding Partnership with FairWays to Leadership to Promote Leadership Diversity in Golf Industry

The PGA will provide two grants to help train leadership cohorts

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA.) – The PGA of America has announced a founding partnership agreement with FairWays to Leadership, a 501(c)(3) that expands diversity in business leadership through access to golf. FairWays to Leadership supports college students from diverse backgrounds by providing leadership training so they can become effective business leaders, and the social skills to help them access opportunities through the game and business of golf.

The two-year agreement provides FairWays to Leadership with a grant each year, as well as programmatic support from the PGA, such as giving students and alumni access to PGA Career Services to help them find jobs in the golf industry, and a scheduled speaker series to include PGA of America Members, staff and executives. FairWays to Leadership will also engage with the industry-wide Make Golf Your Thing movement. 

FairWays to Leadership’s mission is simple: promote diversity, equity and inclusion in business through golf literacy. The idea is using the game to promote social inclusion in the workplace, diversity in business leadership and equitable professional opportunities for underrepresented groups – goals that align with the PGA’s inclusion efforts throughout the industry. 

As part of the agreement, FairWays to Leadership will train two, 10-student cohorts each year. Also, PGA Members and staff will lend their support to appropriate programming and activities. Members will also provide golf instruction for the cohorts.

“This partnership was a natural fit for the PGA of America because FairWays to Leadership is aligned with our vision to make all aspects of the game and industry workforce more welcoming and inclusive,” PGA of America Chief People Officer Sandy Cross said. “Committing to support this type of effective grassroots-level organizing and education is critical to developing more representative decision-makers and leaders in the golf industry. And it’s already paying dividends as the PGA has hired one student full-time, as well as one intern from the program. We’re very excited about that success.”

“We are excited to have the PGA as a Founding Partner of FairWays to Leadership,” said Dr. Eric Boyd, Co-Founder and President of FairWays to Leadership. “The partnership will be instrumental in helping us provide leadership and professional career development training to diverse groups of college students through a digital learning academy, leadership speaker series and golf instruction.”

Collin Morikawa Claims DP World Tour Championship and Race to Dubai Title

Team TaylorMade’s Collin Morikawa rounded off a sensational year by claiming a three-shot victory in Dubai

(Carlsbad, Calif.) – Collin Morikawa outran a crowded leaderboard shooting a superb back nine 31 on Sunday to become the first American to win the Race to Dubai. With all four rounds in the 60’s (68-68-69-66) Collin’s superior ball striking and clutch putting saw him play the final 7 holes in 5-under par.

NEED TO KNOW

- Collin entered the Race to Dubai finale at the top of the rankings but had five players who could have overtaken him in Dubai

- Morikawa showed his competitive prowess to shoot a final round 66, including 5 birdies in the last 7 holes to pull away from the field

- He is only the fourth player to win both the DP World Championship and Race to Dubai in the same year and the first American to win the Race to Dubai

- In just under two-and-a-half years as a professional, Collin has already won two Major Championships and a WGC title. He can now add a Rolex Series DP World Tour Championship and Race to Dubai title to his trophy cabinet

- Team TaylorMade Athletes battled it out at the top of the leaderboard all week, with four out of the top eight being part of Team TaylorMade

- Team TaylorMade Athletes claimed both titles this weekend, with Brendan Lawlor claiming the EDGA Dubai Finale yesterday

COLLIN MORIKAWA WITB

- SIM 8.0° driver

- SIM 14.0° fairway

- SIM2 19.0° fairway

- P770 4 iron

- P7MC 5-6 iron

- P730 7-PW

- MG2 50˚ and 60˚

- TP Juno

- TP5 2021

Family Golf Week Poised to Begin Accepting Entries for 25th Anniversary Event

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) — Family Golf Week, highlighted by the ever-popular Father-Son Team Classic, will begin accepting entries for its 25th anniversary event on November 22.

A two-person team event, Family Golf Week will be held July 10-16, 2022 and eight of Myrtle Beach’s premier courses will welcome more than 400 teams from 40+ states. A week-long celebration of the game, Family Golf Week is highlighted by the Father-Son and Parent-Child team classics, a pair of 54-hole tournaments that attract mothers, fathers, grandparents and children to participate.

Entry fee is $995 per team for past participants and $1,095 for new teams. Entry includes three rounds of golf, daily lunch, pre- and post-event functions, and a gift bag valued at $500 per participant. Included among the gift bag items is a $300 tournament gift card that is good for use at all host courses for golf practice rounds, pro shop merchandise, food & beverage as well as Family Golf Week’s new online store. Teams that register prior to December 31, 2021 will receive a $100 bonus added to their gift card.

“We are already hard at work to ensure our 25th Anniversary edition of Family Golf Week will be the best one yet,” said Mike Buccerone, president of East Coast Golf Events. “Our early entry price of $995 per team offers tremendous value, and we look forward to celebrating the unbreakable bond between golf and family.”

Both Family Golf Week events require participants to have a USGA approved handicap and feature a different format of play each day, starting with two-person captain’s choice, followed by better ball and modified alternate shot.

Barefoot Resort, which has a pair of clubhouses featuring ample meeting and dining space, is the event’s host facility, serving as the home of pre- and post-event functions, including the Family Golf Night and the tournament awards luncheon, both of which are highlights of week.

The star-studded 2022 golf course lineup will include Wachesaw Plantation East, Prestwick Country Club, Shaftesbury Glen, Pine Lakes Country Club, Arcadian Shores Golf Club, Crow Creek Golf Club, The Pearl and Barefoot Resort.

East Coast Golf Events, LLC, a valued National Partner of East Coast Golf Management, manages Family Golf Week. East Coast, which provides management and marketing support to 25 courses, is one of the region’s most innovative and resourceful companies, maximizing growth for its partner courses.

For more information, go to http://www.familygolfweek.com/.

Circling Raven Unveils 2022 Advantage Cards, Other Holiday Gift Items for Golfers

Golf Club Offering Variety of Products, In Shop and Online, Plus Shopping Spree Giveaway Entries for Customers

(Worley, Idaho) – The weather may be keeping golfers from playing award-winning Circling Raven, but a variety of holiday shopping options – plus 2022 “early bird” program specials – are providing an array of seasonal shopping opportunities now through December 31, 2021.

Any purchase in the award-winning golf merchandise shop or online store from Friday Nov. 26 – Dec. 31, 2021, receives an entry into a drawing for the following gifts (one entry per person):

- First Place – $500 pro shop shopping spree

- Second Place – $300 pro shop shopping spree

- Third Place – $150 pro shop shopping spree

Other specials being offered for Black Friday, Cyber Monday and through Christmas to year’s end include the following: 

- Advantage Membership Promo – Purchase an Advantage Card for $199 and Receive a Player Development Membership for Free ($199 value)

- Indoor Winter Lessons – the ideal time to hone your game for the coming season

- $25 introductory indoor lesson (one per customer)

- Groove that Swing – (four 30-minute private sessions) – Regularly $250 ($200 Christmas Special)

- Build that Swing – (eight 30-minute private sessions) – Regularly $400 ($300 Christmas Special)

- Fun with Friends – (four 60-minute group sessions) – Regularly $300 ($250 Christmas Special)

- Golf Fore Ladies – Purchase a summer membership ($500) or make a qualifying down payment before the first of the year and receive four 9-hole rounds of golf or one free Couples Night.

- Men’s Social Five – Purchase one or both sessions ($300) before the first of the year and receive an 18-hole round of golf.

- Juniors OP 36 – Purchase or make a down payment for the summer program and receive a free junior’s golf bag stand or $149 credit towards the purchase of a US KIDS Junior Golf Club Set.

- Couples Chip & Sip – Purchase a summer membership ($300) before the first of the year and receive four 9-hole rounds of golf.

- Couples Date Night – Purchase the entire summer series and get five nights for the price of four (individual night registration is transferrable to another couple if you cannot attend event)

All purchases will be available online Nov. 26-Dec 31. In December, purchases are available online or in the pro shop Wednesdays through Sundays.

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

Valery Plata Wins the Women’s Amateur Latin America Championship

(Buenos Aires, Argentina) — Colombia’s Valery Plata has won the inaugural Women’s Amateur Latin America championship presented by The R&A and ANNIKA Foundation.

Plata pipped compatriot María José Marin Negrete by one shot in a thrilling climax at Pilar Golf to finish on a 12-under-par total of 276 and become the first ever winner of the Women’s Amateur Latin America championship.

The Colombian duo dominated the field and were the only two players to break par over four rounds at the Blue and White course.

Valentina Rossi finished twelve shots adrift of Plata in third place on an even par total of 288 with fellow Argentine Maria Cabanillas three shots further back on a three-over-par total of 291, which was good enough for fourth place.

Maria Alejandra Hoyos Villegas of Colombia and Guatemala’s Valeria Mendizabal shared fifth spot on four-over-par 292.

With her victory, Plata has earned exemptions into the AIG Women’s Open, the Amundi Evian Championship, the Women’s Amateur Championship and the Hilton Grand Vacations ANNIKA Invitational presented by Rolex in 2022.

Both Plata and Marin Negrete will also receive invitations to the upcoming South American Amateur Championship.

“I'm very happy. I still don't realize what I've achieved or how big this win is for me,” said Plata.

“It was a very difficult day and the wind was tough, but even when I was four strokes behind Majo, I promised myself I would not give up until the very end and luckily things turned in my favour.

“Overall, it’s been a very positive week. I arrived with a very good feeling and confidence in my game, which I think was key to winning the championship. I always dreamed of playing in one major and now I am going to participate in two. I still do not believe it.

"I want to thank The R&A and the ANNIKA Foundation for this great opportunity which they have given to all the players in our region. Playing in a major is a dream for every young player."

Plata started the final round two shots adrift of Marin Negrete and faced an uphill battle to stay in contention after two bogeys on the front nine left her three shots behind. With Marin Negrete making another birdie on the 11th to extend her lead by another stroke, it looked like the outcome of the championship was done and dusted.

However, the 12th and 13th holes proved pivotal as the duel swung the other way dramatically. Plata suddenly found herself in the lead for the first time after a birdie on the 12th was followed by a magnificent eagle on the par five 13th, while Marin Negrete succumbed to back-to-back bogeys.

The two players were left level-pegging following a dropped shot by Plata on the 15th, only for Marin Negrete’s luck to finally run out on the next hole with another bogey. It proved to be a crucial dropped shot after Plata held her nerve to see out the championship with two steady pars to lift the title.

The Women’s Amateur Latin America championship presented by The R&A and ANNIKA Foundation aims to unearth emerging talent and provide a pathway for the region’s elite women amateurs to the international stage. The R&A launched the Women in Golf Charter in 2018 and is committed to increasing the participation of women in the sport.

For more information on the championship, visit WALAgolf.com.

Sampling Volley Tequila Seltzer

Seltzers are a huge part of the beverage industry at the moment and Volley has entered the market with a clean (inside and out) option. We tried the four flavors - Tropical, Lime, Grapefruit and Ginger. 

Which do you think you'd like to try?

Blue Tees Golf Partners with Southern California PGA

Blue Tees Golf Rangefinders feature next generation technology and SCPGA Members and Junior Tour Members will soon learn how easy they are to use

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) – Blue Tees Golf, a rapidly growing producer of golf rangefinders and accessories, announces that the company has entered into a new partnership agreement with the Southern California PGA (SCPGA).

"We are thrilled to welcome Blue Tees Golf as the newest partner of the SCPGA. Their approach of providing affordable and accessible golf products to all will prove to be a great benefit to our PGA Members, Junior Tour members and golfers in Southern California." -Nikki Gatch, PGA Chief Operating Officer, SCGPA. 

“This is a smart and strategic partnership. This SCPGA partnership will help us introduce our full line of rangefinders and accessories to some of the most talented PGA Professionals in the country,” said Drew Koehler, Co-Founder and Head of Business Development of Blue Tees Golf. “We are equally excited to partner with our hometown section and support the development of juniors competing on the SCPGA Tour and those participating in the development programs… It is grass roots at its best.”

Blue Tees Golf Rangefinders are engineered for precision and accuracy. They can capture the pin over 900-yards in range and the accuracy is plus or minus a yard but what separates us from the competition is the ease of use. Internally, we refer to the Series 3 Max is “Point and Shoot.” It is as easy at that. They are also priced to provide the best value on the market.

Additionally, the Blues Tees Golf next generation of rangefinders, display a sense of style. The newly introduced Series 3 from the Colors Collection offer three colorways: Navy, Black, and PINK. The Series 3 Max challenges the traditional norms of what makes a rangefinder truly great, and they won’t break the bank. The SCPGA will soon find out.

For more information, visit www.blueteesgolf.com.

Youth Athletes United Acquires TGA Premier Sports

Youth sports brand will merge TGA’s flagship golf program into its franchise platform

(NEW YORK, NY) — TGA Premier Sports (TGA), the largest youth sports franchisor specializing in junior golf and the go-to brand for introducing children to the game of golf through in-school- and community-based enrichment and camp programs, has been acquired by Youth Athletes United, one of the largest youth sports and enrichment brands.  

“We’re on a mission to become the largest and most encompassing youth sports organization in the country, with the goal of positively impacting more than 1 million kids each year,” said Adam Geisler, CEO and co-founder of Youth Athletes United. “With the acquisition of TGA, we’ve taken another step forward by adding 40 franchise owners and the extended curriculum for one of the most popular individual sports that impacts children.” 

TGA focuses on athletes ages 6-14, providing introductory golf enrichment programs at schools, as well as parks and rec centers. TGA then partners with local golf courses and driving ranges (225+ nationwide) to bridge participants to more traditional recreational golf programs such as camps, parent/child events, clinics, and national programs like Drive, Chip, and Putt, Youth on Course, LPGA/USGA Girls Golf and PGA Junior League.

“Eighteen years ago, TGA was founded with a vision that sports can change lives and a mission to create a pathway for our kids in communities nationwide to be introduced to the lifelong sport of golf,” said Joshua Jacobs, founder and board advisor at TGA. “Under Youth Athletes United, TGA franchisees and current and future TGA golfers have a greater platform and more resources to continue growing the sport of golf.”  

According to a study by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the sport of golf saw a 13.2% participation growth this past year. The additional curriculum and franchisees with a focus in these sports will help Youth Athletes United capture more category market share, as families spend $925 annually on golf for their kids, including approximately $364 for equipment further driving the $19 billion youth sports market and the demand for youth golf programming.

“As we think about our youth franchise platform, TGA is the perfect complement to Amazing Athletes and Soccer Stars,” said John Erlandson, president and co-founder of Youth Athletes United. “Where most of our current programs focus on early childhood development and the fundamentals of sports, TGA provides a clear curriculum-based pathway for our older players to be introduced to the sport of golf and continue learning sport-specific and life skills within our family of brands.” 

The move will impact Youth Athletes United consumers, TGA franchise owners, and the golf industry. As a part of the acquisition, franchisees will be met with opportunities like the latest in technological offerings, a flexible work schedule, no required brick-and-mortar site, and a resilient business model that offers both afterschool and on-course classes that will further grow the sport and increase player development opportunities nationwide.

Laura Sappington, senior director of operations for TGA, said, “Having TGA within the Youth Athletes United franchise network, will generate strong growth opportunities for TGA golf franchisees thus increasing the overall reach of kids and families. What unites both brand’s is the shared passion of making sports like golf accessible for kids and the desire to make a positive impact on people and communities.” 

For more information, visit https://www.franchisetga.com/.  

Royal Albartross Announces First Charity Partnership

Luxury golf designer creates special glove to benefit OG Molefe Foundation in South Africa

(LONDON, England) – Royal Albartross—the luxury golf-shoe and accessories company based in London—has made the OG Molefe Foundation, which uses golf to transform the lives of children in the South African township of Soweto, its first official charity partner.

The relationship is being sealed with the launch of a special-edition glove now available male golfers worldwide. One quarter of all sales of the unique Windsor OG Molefe glove will go to the foundation. 

The charity uses golf to help at-risk middle and high school pupils in Soweto, an urban settlement southwest of Johannesburg that is an enduring symbol of both the evils of the apartheid era and the people’s will to bring the system down.

The foundation provides children with a positive support system to help them deal with and overcome the many obstacles placed in their way. 

Golf is at the heart of the charity's work, which includes:

- Providing children with access to coaching, via golf clinics, with local professionals from South Africa’s Sunshine Tour;

- Partnering with an organization to turn a dumping site into a makeshift driving range that introduces children to the sport;

- Providing golf clubs, balls, and apparel.

Founder OG Molefe said he was “pleased and honored to have Royal Albartross on board,” adding: “The journey has not been an easy one, but with help from supporters like Royal Albartross we are encouraged to keep working hard and exposing the sport to the young people who would otherwise never have access to golf.

“We hope to one day produce active citizens who will contribute positively to society, and if we can discover a few gems along the way who will then go on to become professional golfers, then we would have fulfilled our purpose.”

The involvement of Royal Albartross in the Molefe project has a strong personal resonance for the company's founder and head designer, Alex Bartholomew, as both she and her husband, Ross Hocknell, were raised in golf-rich South Africa.

Bartholomew said, “We are extremely proud to announce the OG Molefe Foundation as our first charity partner. Ross and I feel strongly that we need to do whatever we can to create awareness and assist OG in this great cause. 

“If we can help more children to change their future path through the game of golf, we will feel we have been successful. It gives greater authenticity to the products I design, because they are more relevant in the world if they are a catalyst to change.

“It’s about spreading the African philosophy of compassion, humanity, and kindness through luxury golf products that people are proud to own and use.”

The new Windsor V2 OG Molefe glove features the company's signature stripe along with a design twist inspired by African bead work. Bartholomew confirmed it will be the first of many ways Royal Albartross will help the OG Molefe Foundation fulfill its pledge to the children of Soweto.

The unique glove, which costs $35 U.S. (with 25% of all sales going to the foundation), is available for purchase at: https://us.albartross.com/collections/mens-gloves/products/the-windsor-v2-og-molefe-white-leather-golf-glove.

More information about the partnership can be accessed here:

https://us.albartross.com/blogs/news/og-molefe-foundation and about the foundation at

www.ogmolefefoundation.org.

USGA to Bring 129th U.S. Amateur Championship to Venerable Inverness Club in 2029

Ohio club to host its ninth USGA championship, second U.S. Amateur

(LIBERTY CORNER, N.J.) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced that Inverness Club, in Toledo, Ohio, will host the 129th U.S. Amateur Championship. The dates of the championship are Aug. 13-19, 2029. The stroke play co-host course will be named at a later date. 

“The growth of the U.S. Amateur over the last 100 years has been phenomenal, and earlier this year we saw near record-high entries for the championship,” said John Bodenhamer, senior managing director, Championships. “Part of that growth is a commitment by the USGA to take the championship to the best courses in the country, and Inverness is certainly among that group. We look forward to continuing our partnership with them with another U.S. Amateur.” 

FUTURE SITES - U.S. AMATEUR

2022 Ridgewood Country Club, Paramus, N.J. 

2023 Cherry Hills Country Club, Cherry Hills Village, Colo. 

2024 Hazeltine National Golf Club, Chaska, Minn. 

2025 The Olympic Club, San Francisco, Calif. 

2026 Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, Pa. 

2027 Oak Hill Country Club, Pittsford, N.Y. 

2028 TBA

2029 Inverness Club, Toledo, Ohio. 

2030 TBA

2031 The Honors Course, Ooltewah, Tenn. 

The Toledo facility opened in 1903 and Donald Ross was hired in 1916 to design an 18-hole layout of outstanding championship caliber. The course went through several modifications over its history, with the most recent being Andrew Green’s acclaimed efforts to restore the layout to its early 20th century feel. The par-71 course can play at more than 7,700 yards, with 90 bunkers and small, undulating bentgrass greens. 

Inverness Club will be hosting its ninth USGA championship and second U.S. Amateur. Eventual major champion Craig Stadler won the 1973 U.S. Amateur at Inverness. The club has also hosted four U.S. Opens. Ted Ray won the 1920 Open by one stroke over four players, including Harry Vardon. It was four-time champion Bob Jones’ first U.S. Open, and he finished in a tie for eighth place. Billy Burke (1931) and Dick Mayer (1957) won U.S. Opens at Inverness in playoffs, with Burke prevailing over George Von Elm in 72 playoff holes, the most in U.S. Open and major championship history. Hale Irwin earned the second of his three U.S. Open victories at Inverness in 1979, prevailing by two strokes over past champions Gary Player and Jerry Pate. 

"All of us at Inverness Club are thrilled to be hosting the 2029 U.S. Amateur Championship," said John Swigart, chair of future championships. "Our incredible history with the USGA dates to 1920, when we first hosted the U.S. Open, and ever since, their friendship, partnership and recognition of our golf course have been an important part of the fabric of our club. We can't wait to again host the best amateur golfers in the world for what will surely be an exemplary championship." 

The club also hosted the 2003 U.S. Senior Open, won by Bruce Lietzke, by two strokes over Tom Watson; the 2011 Senior Open, won by Olin Browne, by three strokes over Mark O’Meara; and the 2019 U.S. Junior Amateur, won by Preston Summerhays. 

Inverness was the site of two PGA Championships (1986, 1993) and two NCAA Championships (1944, 2009), and most recently hosted the 2021 Solheim Cup, in which Europe secured a second victory on U.S. soil, 15-13 over the USA. World Golf Hall of Famer and 1939 U.S. Open champion Byron Nelson served as the club’s professional from 1940-44. 

There have been 40 USGA championships held in The Buckeye State through 2021, including eight U.S. Amateurs. The 2022 U.S. Senior Women’s Open will be held at NCR Country Club in Kettering in August.  

One of the USGA’s three original championships, the U.S. Amateur is open to amateur golfers who have a Handicap Index not exceeding 2.4. A field of 312 golfers will play two 18-hole rounds of stroke play before the championship is cut to 64 players for match play. The championship is decided by a 36-hole final.  

The USGA accepted 7,811 entries for the 2021 championship, which was won by James Piot at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club last August. That number of entries is the second-most all time; the record of 7,920 entries was set for the 1999 championship at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links. 

To learn more, visit usga.org.