What Golf Balls are in the Shag Bag?

I came across a totally random ball while hitting in the golf room, so I dumped out the entire box and sorted them out (I was curious AND bored).

Rancho San Lucas Golf Club Recognized for Environmental Excellence

Club is the first in Los Cabos to be certified by Audubon International

(Los Cabos, Mexico) — Rancho San Lucas Golf Club has achieved designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses.

The club’s golf and maintenance staff, notably head professional Mario Navarro and superintendent Manuel Felix Rivera, completed an 18-month effort to obtain sanctuary designation for Rancho San Lucas. The club and its Greg Norman-designed course is now one of over 900 venues worldwide to hold certification from Audubon International.

“Rancho San Lucas Golf Club has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program,” said Christine Kane, CEO at Audubon International. “They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property.

“To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that it is maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas,” Kane explained. These categories include Environmental Planning; Wildlife & Habitat Management; Outreach and Education; Chemical Use Reduction and Safety; Water Conservation; and Water Quality Management.

Rancho San Lucas Golf Club’s accomplishments include:

• Extensive native acreage on the property

• Reducing irrigated areas to conserve water

• Establishing buffers around water bodies

• Providing excellent wildlife habitat

• Conducting water quality testing

“We are very proud to be a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, and especially proud that we’re the first club in Los Cabos to earn this environmental citation,” said Brad Wheatley, director of golf. “Greg (Norman) designed a versatile course that treads very lightly on Nature’s toes. Earthmoving was kept to an absolute minimum during construction. From start to finish, the layout looks like it was extruded by the landscape, not built on top of it.”

Opened in February 2020, the Greg Norman Signature course at Rancho San Lucas anchors an 834-acre resort and residential community on the Pacific Ocean 15 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas. Known for his ‘least-disturbance’ design approach, Norman built a low-profile layout that spans three different ecosystems and offers sweeping ocean views from every hole. Existing landforms and drought-resistant grasses were integrated in the design, creating an eco- friendly golf experience that flows naturally with the desert-meets-ocean setting.

“Rancho San Lucas is the most spectacular piece of oceanfront property I’ve seen in a long time, so to have the opportunity to build a course on this site was truly once-in-a-lifetime,” Norman said at the club’s grand opening. “My goal was to keep it as natural as possible while showcasing the site’s arroyos, dunes and view corridors. We wanted to build a sustainable course that is playable from all perspectives.” Less than two years after its debut, mission accomplished.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association (USGA), provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program.

For more information, visit https://auduboninternational.org/ and www.visitloscabos.travel.

USGA Selects 12 Players for Curtis Cup Practice Session Ahead of 2022 Match at Merion

Captain Sarah Ingram, World’s Top-Ranked American Amateurs to Gather Jan. 15-16 at Mountain Lake in Lake Wales, Fla.

(LIBERTY CORNER, N.J.) — Just four months after a come-from-behind victory in Wales, the next iteration of the United States Curtis Cup Team continues to take shape. Twelve players have been invited by the USGA’s International Team Selection Working Group to attend a practice session Jan. 15-16 at Mountain Lake Golf Club in Lake Wales, Fla., for the 42nd Curtis Cup Match. 

The following 12 players have accepted invitations to the practice session (with current and future college affiliation): 

Jenny Bae, 20, of Suwanee, Ga. (Georgia) 

Jensen Castle, 20, of West Columbia, S.C. (Kentucky) 

Megha Ganne, 17, of Holmdel, N.J. (Signed with Stanford, Class of 2026) 

Rachel Heck, 20, of Memphis, Tenn. (Stanford) 

Julia Johnson, 22, of Saint Gabriel, La. (Mississippi) 

Gurleen Kaur, 22, of Houston, Texas (Baylor) 

Rachel Kuehn, 20, of Asheville, N.C. (Wake Forest) 

Emilia Migliaccio, 22, of Cary, N.C. (Wake Forest) 

Brooke Seay, 21, of San Diego, Calif. (Stanford) 

Aneka Seumanutafa, 21, of Emmitsburg, Md. (Ohio State) 

Erica Shepherd, 20, of Greenwood, Ind. (Duke) 

Rose Zhang, 18, of Irvine, Calif. (Stanford) 

Jensen Castle and Rose Zhang were previously named to the 2022 USA Curtis Cup Team as automatic selections due to winning the 2021 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship and 2021 Mark H. McCormack Medal, respectively. For the others, an invitation to the Curtis Cup practice session does not guarantee selection to the eight-player USA Team. Players not invited will also be considered for inclusion on the team. The 42nd Curtis Cup Match will take place June 10-12, at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. 

Three USGA champions are among the players invited: Castle (2021 U.S. Women’s Amateur), Erica Shepherd (2017 U.S. Girls’ Junior, 2019 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball) and Rose Zhang (2020 U.S. Women’s Amateur, 2021 U.S. Girls’ Junior).  

Five players competed in the 2021 Curtis Cup Match, which was postponed from 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: Castle, Rachel Heck, Rachel Kuehn, Emilia Migliaccio and Zhang. Megha Ganne, who captured low-amateur honors at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open, traveled to Wales as the team’s second alternate. 

Sarah LeBrun Ingram, of Nashville, Tenn., will return as captain of the USA Team for the 2022 Curtis Cup Match. A three-time champion of the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur, Ingram was a member of the 1992, 1994 and 1996 USA Curtis Cup Teams, where she held a 2-1 record in singles matches. 

"The amateur talent in the United States is so incredibly strong right now, and it’s an honor to gather with this group for a practice session next month,” said Ingram. “We have a great mix of young women, including many players who helped lead us to victory in Wales just a few months ago and some players who have played fantastic golf this fall on the collegiate level who I am excited to get to know. I'm very much looking forward to our time together and I know the players are as well." 

The Curtis Cup Match is contested by two teams of eight female amateur players, one from the United States of America and one from Great Britain and Ireland, which is composed of England, the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The USGA’s International Team Selection Working Group selects the USA Team, while The R&A selects the GB&I Team. 

Elaine Ratcliffe will again serve as GB&I captain. Ratcliffe, a native of Cheshire, England, was a member of the victorious GB&I Team in the 1996 Curtis Cup Match. 

The USA defeated Great Britain & Ireland 12.5-7.5 in August to win overseas for the first time since 2008. The USA leads the overall series, 30-8-3. 

The 42nd Curtis Cup Match is free and open to the public, and spectators are encouraged to attend. 

PGA of America & Trump Bedminster Statement

(Palm Beach Gardens, Florida) – The PGA of America (“PGA”) and The Trump Organization today announce that they have reached a settlement resolving their ongoing dispute regarding the PGA’s decision to cancel its contract with Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey to host the 2022 PGA Championship.  

While the terms of the settlement will remain confidential, representatives from both the PGA and the Trump Organization expressed satisfaction with the agreement.  

The PGA of America issued the following statement:  “The Trump Organization’s contribution to the golf community is appreciated.  We are thankful the company employs hundreds of dedicated PGA Professionals and consistently gives back to the golf community through hosting charitable events and sponsoring junior golf programs. As stated in 2014 when announced, Trump Bedminster is a major championship-worthy golf course and in a portfolio along with some of the finest private and public golf courses anywhere in the world.”

Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization, echoed this sentiment: “We have great respect for the work of the PGA.  Over the past 20+ years, we have enjoyed working with the PGA to deliver to our club members and the public some of the greatest golf experiences anywhere in the world.  We look forward to continuing to support the mission of the PGA and its Professionals, who are the best in the golf industry.”

Wigwam Golf Shop One of the Best in U.S.

The Wigwam golf shop focuses on the latest trends in clothing and accessories, while featuring the golf equipment and hardgoods.

The Wigwam’s golf shop has been honored by Club + Resort Business as one of the “Top Ranked Private Club and Resort Pro Shops” for 2021 in the magazine’s December issue. 

The Wigwam’s golf shop is ranked as the 16th best in the United States, according to the golf industry trade publication, which covers the operations and management staff of country clubs, semi-private/daily fee, city clubs, yacht clubs and resorts that operate club-like facilities.

Submitted entries for Club + Resort Business’ Top Pro Shop ranking were judged independently by a panel of club professionals. 

The rankings reflect the judges’ scoring of data provided on statistics like the size of the pro shops and revenue categories.

Opened in 1929, The Wigwam is the only Arizona resort with three 18-hole championship golf courses — The Gold, The Blue and The Red. 

As such, Wigwam Golf caters to a diverse mix of play, including resort guests, member play from 500-plus members, and outside/daily-fee play, which makes up approximately 70% of total rounds. 

In addition, the club hosts numerous charity, junior golf and collegiate events throughout the year. 

The Wigwam golf shop focuses on the latest trends in clothing and accessories, while featuring the golf equipment and hardgoods.

In 2019, The Wigwam’s golf shop was renovated with hardwood floors added, walls painted and small “concept shops” created within the shop.  

In creating the concept shops, The Wigwam partnered with major vendors including Adidas, Travis Mathew and FootJoy to brand the shop, offset costs and make shopping easier. Buyer and merchandiser Laura Saiki was brought on to merchandise the shop and order goods. 

St. Andrews Country Club "Wraps" the 2021 Holiday Season with Much Community Thanks and Giving

Continuing its year-round community generosity, St. Andrews Country Club membership has been in a full give-back mode during the 2021 holiday season. From member fundraising activities and popular donation match incentives offered by fellow members at the Club to teaming up with fellow area country clubs to feed those in need, St. Andrews Country Club raised both funds and spirits for so many.

(BOCA RATON, Fla.) — Continuing its year-round community generosity, St. Andrews Country Club membership has been in a full give-back mode during the 2021 holiday season. From member fundraising activities and popular donation match incentives offered by fellow members at the Club to teaming up with fellow area country clubs to feed those in need, St. Andrews Country Club raised both funds and spirits for so many.

Onsite Fundraisers Generate $49,000+

Among the holidays-inspired giveback, St. Andrews Country Club hosted three onsite fundraisers benefiting U.S. military veterans, Boca Helping Hands, and PGA Hope. 

- A Veteran's Day spa event that raised $2,000 for the Connected Warriors organization that supports Palm Beach County veterans who are struggling with PTSD.

- A members' golf tournament held on the Club's Fazio II golf course benefited the South Florida PGA Foundation, raising more than $33,500 to support PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans with disabilities to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The SFPGA Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2004 under the direction of the South Florida PGA to support the South Florida community, with a focus on junior golf, education and scholarships, and charitable gifting.

- Its second annual two-mile 2BThankful Walk on Thanksgiving raised more than $13,650 for Boca Helping Hands, a nonprofit that provides food, medical and financial assistance to over 27,000 people annually to meet basic human needs as well as provide education and guidance to create self-sufficiency and make lasting changes within the Palm Beach County area.

St. Andrews Country Club Led a 13th Annual Area Country Clubs Partnership to Support "Feed the Community" That Yearly Serves Up Hope and Holiday Spirit

In addition to onsite fundraisers, St. Andrews Country Club led area country clubs in an annual collaboration to support the "Feed the Community" program founded 38 years ago by the Kantor Family Center for Justice of Congregation B'nai Israel (CBI) in partnership with the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. Serving up pre-Thanksgiving dinner to thousands in the communities of Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach, the program also provides additional food items for the week. This year more than 2,400 chocolate chip, sugar cookies, and muffins were baked and pallets of water were donated by St. Andrews Country Club, Addison Reserve, Boca Grove, Polo Club, and Woodfield Country Club to finish off Thanksgiving meals for 350 families and 300 individuals.

As in 2020, "Feed the Community" was a drive-through event that adhered to Covid protocols during which each car was given a bag of groceries with everything they needed to make a Thanksgiving dinner at home for their families with additional foods to eat for the week. Event organizers CBI and Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church reported that since turkeys have been in short supply and growing in cost, this year attendees received 10 lbs. of chicken. For the homeless who had no way of cooking their holiday dinner, Subway donated 300 turkey subs/boxed lunches.

"These holiday-timed humanitarian efforts are reflective of the 'generous traditions' driven by our membership," said St. Andrews Country Club COO/General Manager Rick Dente. "Once our members learn of a need, they respond quickly and often perpetually, jumping into action as individuals and families and in close club camaraderie to help lift the community in which they live, work, play, learn and heal."

According to Dente, giveback happens at St. Andrews Country Club every single day, including a dedicated emergency fund to support employees experiencing family or health hardships. "Many in the Club serve in senior leadership and major donor capacities for a variety of nonprofit missions of their choosing, but all unite when the Club identifies an area of great need within our community."

To learn more, visit www.standrewscc.com.

TEAM BOYNE, Harbor Cup Raise Record-Breaking $110,000+ for Local Charities

BOYNE PGA professionals celebrate 25th anniversary raising dollars for Manna Food Project serving 320,000 meals and First Tee Northern Michigan impacting area youth through golf

(Harbor Springs, Mich.) — For 25 years PGA professionals from BOYNE Golf have raised more than $660,000 through the annual Harbor Cup golf event, benefiting local charities including Manna Food Project and First Tee Northern Michigan. 

The annual fall event was held October 4-5 at Hidden River Golf and Casting Club. PGA professionals from BOYNE Golf’s properties are pitted against PGA professionals from Petoskey area golf courses in a fun 54-hole Ryder Cup style format. The 2021 matches saw a record set with a combined $147,000 raised, the most in the history of the event. 

Team BOYNE professionals set their own new yearly record, raising $110,000 for the charities. The donations are the result of the year-long fundraising effort leading up to and following the event and supported through a partnership with the Harbor Cup Charitable Fund, a component fund of the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation.  Many of the donations came from the members of the Country Club of Boyne and Bay Harbor Golf Club, merchandise sales, and pro-am and scramble golf events around the area.

“For a quarter century now our BOYNE and Petoskey area PGA professionals have come together to build a long-standing tradition of charitable contributions that have made a significant impact in our Northern Michigan community,” said Bernie Friedrich, Senior Vice President of Boyne Resorts’ golf operations and Team BOYNE’s Harbor Cup Associate Captain. “It has been very gratifying and an honor to be part of this effort that not only all of the players and team participants make, but also our support from the Country Club of Boyne, and Bay Harbor Golf Club members, area businesses and vendors, as well as homeowners. Without their support, and the support of the Bay Harbor Foundation and the Harbor Cup Charitable Fund, a component fund of the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, this would not be possible.”

The BOYNE Golf Harbor Cup team proudly presented donation checks this week to Manna Food Project ($80,000.00) and First Tee Northern Michigan ($30,000). Manna Food is a pantry and warehouse that supplies food to more than 35 pantries and agencies in Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties. This year’s charitable contribution will provide more than 320,000 meals to community members. In addition, First Tee is an organization that promotes character development and life enhancing values to area youth through the game of golf. The donation helps to increase programming opportunities and reach more youth. Other organizations in Northern Michigan will also benefit from the Harbor Cup charitable donations.

Team BOYNE Harbor Cup included Captain John Myers and Associate Captains Bernie Friedrich, Josh Richter, Joe Charles, and Steve Niezgoda. Players for Team BOYNE included Chaz Babin, Brandon Brown, Brian Jakeway, Scott Pussehl, Corey May, Casey Powers, Dave McWhorter, Jeff Roth, Dave Trudell, Dan Turcott, and Bob Wilson.

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

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

The PGA of America and GOLF+ Partner to Give Gamers a Real-World Golf Experience

The partnership provides 18-hole gameplay at iconic golf courses

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) – The PGA of America has announced a partnership with GOLF+, an emerging virtual reality golf platform, to help build a more traditional and iconic golf gaming experience.

GOLF+, currently listed in the Top Selling category within the Meta Quest ecosystem, previously focused only on minigolf putting and its Topgolf driving range gameplay. But it now features 18-hole courses with a full bag of clubs to give golf fans a more traditional option.

The game currently features three courses, including Wolf Creek in Mesquite, Nevada and its newest offering, PGA-owned Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Coming soon will be another PGA facility, PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida. These acclaimed courses help give gamers and golf enthusiasts an experience that takes them from the clubhouse, to the range and to the first tee as if they were at the green-grass facilities in person.

GOLF+ also has unique plans to integrate PGA Professionals into the platform to highlight their teaching and coaching expertise for golf gamers of all skill levels. 

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with the PGA of America and we’re excited to work together to attract more players to the sport through virtual interactions,” said Ryan Engle, GOLF+ Founder and CEO. “Golf’s greatest challenge is accessibility, and we believe VR is a promising solution to help grow the game to a new demographic of players. As part of our partnership, we are adding Valhalla Golf Club as a free course to our players. In 2022, we’ll continue expanding our virtual offering by working closely with the PGA of America and their teaching professionals.”

Making the game accessible to new audiences and connecting people with PGA Professionals are in line with the PGA’s foundational values, and this partnership highlights both.

“The PGA of America is committed to growing interest and participation in golf, and we believe this opportunity with GOLF+ will help more people to experience our game,” said PGA President Jim Richerson. “With this VR offering, we’re collaborating to reach a new audience of future golfers and introduce them to our network of more than 28,000 PGA Professionals, who work every day to grow the game."

GOLF+ was co-founded in 2017 by Ryan Engle and Robert Holzhauer in Austin, Texas and has rapidly grown into a top-selling VR application that serves one of the fastest growing areas of technology and golf. GOLF+ partnered with Topgolf in 2019, allowing players to engage with a virtual Topgolf location 24/7.

Tiger Woods, John Daly Drive PNC Championship to Largest Audience Since 2000

Live Two-Day Coverage on NBC & Peacock Delivered Total Audience Delivery of 2.3 Million Viewers – UP 53% from 2020

(STAMFORD, Conn.) – This past weekend’s PNC Championship, which featured Tiger Woods’ return to competitive golf alongside his son Charlie, averaged a Total Audience Delivery of 2.3 million viewers across NBC and Peacock – marking the most watched PNC Championship since 2000 (2.6 million viewers) and a 53% increase from last year’s event (1.5 million viewers).

In addition, GOLF Channel delivered its two largest audiences ever for the PNC Championship, with Saturday’s coverage posting an event-record TAD of 949,000 viewers, which more than doubled the prior record (430,000 for Sunday coverage in 2020). Peacock presented exclusive early round coverage each day.

Team Woods finished second, two shots behind John Daly and John Daly II. Tiger and Charlie finished seventh in last year’s event.

Additional highlights:

- The NBC television audience peaked at 3.2 million viewers from 3:30pm-3:45pm ET on Sunday.

- A record 24 million minutes of coverage were streamed across all platforms. – nearly 2.5 times the prior record (10 million minutes in 2020).

- The top five markets for Saturday’s NBC broadcast: Fort Myers (4.6 rating), Buffalo (4.1), Cleveland (3.2), West Palm Beach (3.1), Greenville (3.0).

- PNC Championship content accounted for 37 of the 50 most-viewed clips on NBCSports.com last week.

Viewership figures are based upon official data from Nielsen and Adobe Analytics.

Play Pizá Golf's Award-Winning Multi-Purpose Golf Concept in Virtual Reality

Pizá Golf’s innovative Pit concept is NOW available at Golf+

(SAN DIEGO, CA) – Pizá Golf, internationally recognized as a world-class architecture and golf course design firm, is proud to announce that the Pit from their private collection can be played in Virtual Reality (VR) at Golf+.

GOLF+ was co-founded in 2017 by Ryan Engle and Robert Holzhauer in Austin, Texas and has rapidly grown into a top-selling VR application that serves one of the fastest growing areas of technology and golf. GOLF+ partnered with Topgolf in 2019, allowing players to engage with a virtual Topgolf location 24/7.

CEO Ryan Engle and Founder of Pizá Golf Agustin (Augie) Pizá partnered together to develop the Pit in a VR application. “Working with Pizá Golf has been an eye-opening experience. To see pictures of the Pit is one thing but to experience it in VR really brings the space to life in a way that mimics reality. Every slope was accounted for and with social VR we’re able to experience it together, even though we are in different parts of the world,” said Engle.

The central bunker, coined the Pit, is key to the entire composition on the project. It is designed for short game play or practice from 80-yards in. “Hitting out of this bunker in VR is unreal. You feel the overall height and difficulty of getting out. It is FUN and quite an experience,” said Pizá.

The Pit features five tee boxes that are positioned to reach one segmented, free form green. For different levels of play there are multiple flag positions and hazards. There are distinct shot values and angles, so the quality of golf is genuine within the serene environment.

“This is such cool project. The Pit was designed for one of our high-profile clients but with the help of Ryan now everyone has access to this exceptional multi-purpose golf course,” said Pizá. “And just like the Pit in Mexico City, the Pit in VR can be shared with family and friends to connect. Plus, golfers and non-golfers, can play and have fun together.”

“The Pit in Golf+ is a great example of innovative design with innovative technology and we’re excited for our next project together,” added Engle.

To play the Pit in VR, visit the Golf+ page at Oculus. It can be found inside the driving range: https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/2412327085529357?ranking_trace=156478678090224_2412327085529357_SKYLINEWEB_274907549851488%3D%3DGAr0MQOICubeDHCcy

For more information on Pizá Golf, visit the company website: www.pizagolf.com.

Troon Selected to Manage Bayonet and Black Horse in Seaside, California

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce it has been selected to manage Bayonet and Black Horse, a 36-hole facility on the Monterey Peninsula in Seaside, California. Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee management division of Troon, will oversee golf operations, food & beverage, golf course agronomy, and sales and marketing for the two championship courses. 

Bayonet and Black Horse have a rich history in a region known for outstanding and scenic golf. Built on the now former Fort Ord Military Base (closed in 1993), Bayonet was designed by General Robert B. McClure in 1954 and is named after the 7th Infantry "Light Fighter" Division, the first (and last) major unit to occupy Fort Ord. Known for its narrow playing corridors lined with oak and cypress trees, and steep, penal bunkering, Bayonet has long been considered the most difficult test of golf on the Monterey Peninsula. The par-72, 7,104-yard course has retained its famous bite even after a 2008 renovation by architect Gene Bates, who improved the course’s playability and strategic options.

Following the success of the Bayonet Course, Fort Ord added Black Horse in 1964. Named in honor of the 11th Calvary Regiment, which was stationed across the Bay at the Presidio of Monterey from 1919-1940, Black Horse was designed by General Edwin Carnes, the Commanding General of Fort Ord from April 1963 until June of 1965. With captivating views of the Monterey Bay, Black Horse’s 7,024 yard, par 72 layout has rolling, fescue-framed fairways, bunkers with distinctive, serrated edges and contoured greens.

“Bayonet and Black Horse, and the former military base they were built on, have an incredible history in the Bay Area,” said Dr. Kiran Patel of SKDG Capital, the new ownership group of Bayonet and Black Horse.  “We are thrilled to be partnering with Troon, the premier management organization in the golf industry, to enhance and improve the golf experience at these two iconic golf courses, while concurrently developing a new hotel on the property.”

In addition to golf, Bayonet and Black Horse also includes a beautiful clubhouse with a golf shop, meeting facilities, and the Bayonet Grill, a casual restaurant with indoor and patio seating featuring views of the Monterey Bay.

“The opportunity to manage a tremendous property such as Bayonet and Black Horse is very exciting,” said Darrell Morgan, Vice President Operations, Troon. “Our Troon management team will now look to further elevate the property in the areas of agronomy, club operations, marketing and food and beverage operations. We are confident that our management practices and dedication to outstanding service will make an already exceptional property even better.”

For more information on Bayonet and Black Horse, visit www.bayonetblackhorse.com.

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

Golf World place three Los Cabos Properties on TOP 100 World Resorts List

Photo of Quivera Golf Club by Brian Morgan

Prestigious roster includes Diamante, One&Only Palmilla and Pueblo Bonito

(Los Cabos, Mexico) – Golf World, a venerable UK-based publication, has issued its first-ever roster of the TOP 100 World Resorts. Competing against enhanced global competition—resorts from 33 countries are represented, from Mauritius and Morocco to Scotland and South Africa--Los Cabos placed three properties on the list. This new distinction reaffirms Cabo’s position as a world-class destination and Latin America’s premier golf getaway.

Golf World’s international survey assessed resorts in four categories:

- Golf - The quality of the course(s) – with second or third courses duly recognized (40%)

- Accommodation - The range, quality, and quantity of the accommodation (20%)

- Non-Golf Amenities - Additional facilities that can make a resort a family and couples attraction (20%)

- Setting – Includes standard countryside locations, but those that drop jaws (as in Los Cabos) get a boost with 18 and 19s – occasionally even higher (20%)

“Golf is clearly still the key category in all of this, but we take accommodation and non-golf amenities into account fairly strongly,” said Chris Bertram, Golf World’s TOP 100 Editor. “We wanted to include rounded resorts that could appeal to couples and families as well as those for absolute golf nuts.”

Ranked No. 16, Diamante is headlined by Davis Love III’s brilliant Dunes Course, “a World Top 100 course that weaves through Pacific dunes with views of beach and ocean from nearly every hole,” according to the report. The consensus No. 1 course in Mexico, this windswept, lay-of-the-land links is renowned for its massive undulating greens, huge blowout bunkers and exceptional pace and variety. Diamante’s El Cardonal course, which marked the architectural debut of Tiger Woods when it opened in 2014, features an “Old California” design motif complete with bold, flashed-face bunkers. In addition to golf, Diamante offers “luxury studios and villas, a 10-acre saltwater lagoon for water sports, plus a spa and fitness centre,” the magazine stated. Guests of the on-site Nobu Hotel and Hard Rock Hotel enjoy exclusive access to Diamante’s courses. The 1,500-acre resort community also received extra kudos from Golf World for its spectacular Setting.

The golf club at One&Only Palmilla, debuting at No. 33 on the list, opened in 1992 and was Jack Nicklaus’ first signature course in Latin America. Palmilla was also the first venue in the hemisphere to partake of the region’s unique mountain, desert, and ocean ecosystem, but Golf World’s highest praise was reserved for the resort. “The range and quality of accommodation has few peers in this list,” the report stated. “There are non-golf experiences for families and couples. Simply a stay in paradise.” A legendary hideaway built in 1956 by the son of a former president of Mexico, Palmilla was later transformed into an elite retreat favored by celebrities. This stylish resort, projected onto a rocky peninsula with three protected coves, reigns as the grande dame of Cabo’s 5-star hotels. One&Only Palmilla also received special commendation from Golf World for its Accommodation and Non-Golf Amenities.

Pueblo Bonito and its affiliated Quivira Golf Club also claimed a place on the TOP 100 World Resorts list at No. 62. The publication went to the source, quoting course designer Jack Nicklaus on his handiwork at Quivira: “I’ve never seen any place that has three holes hanging out over the ocean like this. They are unbelievable.” Arguably the most daring, eclectic (and gravity-defying) course Nicklaus has ever built, Quivira is both an engineering marvel and a strategic tour de force. On a breezy day, the challenge is a match for the layout’s oceanfront setting. Extra-special are the complimentary Mexican specialties and refreshments served at the club’s four comfort stations, notably at the open-air Oasis set above the eighth hole. The golf course is open only to guests of Pueblo Bonito Resorts, notably Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort, an adults-only, luxury all-inclusive resort “with facilities and accommodation of a dreamy level,” according to Golf World.

For more information, images and videos from Los Cabos, visit www.visitloscabos.travel.

Golf Channel Names Mark Loomis as Senior Vice President of Production

Loomis Boasts More Than 30 Years of Sports Television Production Experience

(STAMFORD, Conn.) – GOLF Channel has hired veteran Emmy Award-winning producer Mark Loomis as its Senior Vice President of Production, it was announced today.

Loomis will oversee all remote and studio production for GOLF Channel and will report into Molly Solomon, Executive Producer, GOLF Channel and Executive Producer & President, NBC Olympics Production. Loomis will begin in his role at the start of the 2022 calendar year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark Loomis to the GOLF Channel team,” said Solomon. “Mark is one of the most respected producers in the country. His extensive production experience combined with his passion for the game of golf make him a great fit to oversee our GOLF Channel remote and studio coverage.”

Loomis brings more than 30 years of golf and sports television production experience to the role, most recently serving as Executive Producer of FOX Sports’ golf remote and studio production, where he produced and developed their coverage of the USGA Championships.

Loomis’ prior roles in sports television include serving as MLB Network executive producer (2012-2013); coordinating producer for ESPN’s golf, college football and college basketball coverage (2009-2011); and coordinating producer for NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football production (2006-2009). Loomis began his serving as producer at ABC Sports for more than 15 years, where he produced golf, college football and college basketball.

Loomis is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, where he was a member of the men’s golf team from 1986-89.

Bolingbrook Golf Academy Celebrates Successful 2021 Season Led by New Director of Player Development

(BOLINGBROOK, Illinois) – After hiring a new director of player development in May, Bolingbrook Golf Club is pleased to share the results of expanded player development programming and initiatives for players of all skill levels at the Bolingbrook Golf Academy during the 2021 season.

From teaching the basic fundamentals to on course management, Bolingbrook Golf Academy player development programming this year included men’s, ladies and junior coaching programs, junior camps, PGA Jr. League, Ladies Links & Drinks events, and private lessons. Bolingbrook Golf Club is also a proud supporter of Youth On Course, which offers youth with access to life-changing opportunities through the game of golf. Programming was led by Director of Player Development BJ Paul, an 18-year member of the PGA of America who joined the team this past May.

“My first season at Bolingbrook Golf Club has been amazing, and I am truly blessed to be the director of player development at a top-notch facility,” said Paul. “Throughout our programming, we made great progress in establishing ourselves in the Bolingbrook community, and I look forward to 2022 with an increased schedule of offerings.”

The programs Paul orchestrated at Bolingbrook attracted more than 250 participants ranging from junior golfers to adult players. In addition, Paul helped 32 golfers within his clientele achieve career best scores.

According to the parent of a junior golfer attending one of Paul’s camps, “All the kids had fun, and he (BJ) made sure that everybody got to participate and came away from the experience with a positive feeling for the game.”

“Bolingbrook Golf Club is committed to offering fun and engaging programs for the local community to grow the game of golf,” said Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta. “I’m inspired by the dedication of the instructional staff, including the immediate impact BJ Paul has had on the growth of the programs, as well as their commitment to best-in-class service.”

Winter lessons are available in the cart barn at the main clubhouse as well as in the log cabin office at the Academy. For general information and to register for winter lessons, call the Bolingbrook Golf Academy at (630) 771-9400 ext. 4500 or contact BJ Paul directly at bjpaul@bolingbrookgolfclub.com.

Troon Announces New Brand Architecture and Refreshed Mission, Vision and Values

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, today announced a new brand architecture focused on streamlining brands and further defining consumer experience levels. In addition, the company’s mission, vision and values statements have also evolved to reflect its broader client offerings and spectrum of services and amenities.

Beginning in 2022, Troon’s core operating brands will be Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, True Club Solutions, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, Peter Burwash International and RealFood Hospitality, Strategy and Design. Associates of legacy Troon brands, Honours Golf, OB Sports, Green Golf Partners, and Premier Golf Centers will all be working under the Troon umbrella. Recently acquired Peter Burwash International, a leading tennis management company whose portfolio includes more than 30 properties globally, joins the Troon family of brands and will continue forward in close synergy with the Cliff Drysdale Tennis brand. Troon programs, such as Troon Rewards, the industry-leading loyalty program, and Troon Card, the golf industry’s leading frequent player program now in its 24th year, will continue to have crossover between brands. 

“While Troon’s brand architecture is being streamlined, our focus on meeting our clients’ needs, and delivering incredible experiences for our guests and members remains the same,” said Tim Schantz, president and CEO, Troon. “It’s important to note that this is not a one size fits all announcement, as we will continue to customize our approach, regardless of brand, to fulfill each client’s strategic direction.”

Coinciding with implementing new brand architecture, Troon’s refreshed Mission and Vision statements are designed to be more inclusive of all company brands, including golf, tennis, caddie programs, food and beverage, and club operations. The updated Mission and Vision statements read as follows:

Mission: Deliver memorable experiences that cultivate lasting connections.

Vision: Create unparalleled experiences fueled by a passion for enabling fun.

Reflecting on the values that have helped the company grow and prosper over the last 31 years, Troon also updated its values. Troon’s 20,000-plus associates are asked to stand for these seven values in their work and daily lives:

Consciously Kind: Believing in the power of honor for all people, places, properties and relationships built and maintained through goodwill.

Attentively Inclusive: Cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion where we celebrate the unique passions and experiences for all.

Infectiously Energetic: Embodying a lively spirit every day.

Genuinely Meticulous: Delivering a keen attention to detail.

Humbly Prosperous: Focusing on the results that bring meaningful growth.

Relentlessly Dedicated: Ensuring an unparalleled commitment to impeccable care for our members, clients and associates.

Passionately Unified: Supporting each other, our clients, our partners and our community with a singular voice.

“Our updated Mission, Vision and Values reflect the fabric and DNA of our company,” added Schantz. “Since 1990, when Dana Garmany founded Troon, we have all been dedicated to delivering memorable experiences with a keen eye for details, all while being kind, inclusionary and passionate about their responsibilities. Today these principles apply to all facets of our business, whether it be golf, tennis, caddie management or club-related hospitality. 

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

For more information on Troon, visit www.Troon.com.

Blue Tees Golf Announces Company Growth for 2021

Blue Tees Golf and the company’s development exceeds company goals

(SAN FRANCISCO, CA) – Blue Tees Golf, a rapidly growing golf technology company producing golf rangefinders and accessories, looks to close the books on 2021 and with immense pride. The company announces that every business unit contributed to its unprecedented growth.

“I am incredibly proud of our team. Together we accomplished exceptional growth for a newly launched business in what is an extremely competitive space. Our success can only be attributed to doubling down on our strategy of premium, high-quality, modern designed products at an accessible price. But it is the people on this team that have pushed our success in every category,” said Chris Markham, CEO and Co-Founder of Blue Tees Golf.

The Blue Tees Golf team grew from a founding team of five people to over thirty employees and contractors this year, all who contributed to the company’s overall growth in 2021. The company’s marketing and creative teams continue to solidify the brand, and its direction which laid a foundation for its omnichannel success.

From the outset, Blue Tees Golf was a successful direct-to-consumer ecommerce model but without retail distribution. After only launching into retail in July 2020, the newly established business unit grew from zero to over 1,000 green grass and small golf shop account in North America. The brand now also enjoys a great retail presence at larger retail chains like PGA Superstores, Golf Galaxy, and Dicks Sporting Goods. All in this has led to more than 1,200% revenue growth in only its second year of business. The 2022 pre-orders sales have ensured its success will continue into 2022.

“We entered a rangefinder space that was dominated by the big brands and now in 2021 we are one of the top rangefinder brands within the large retailers,” added Markham.

Recently, Blue Tees Golf has added an inside sales team as well as appointed an executive that will help to focus the extremely busy departments and their teams to help them reach key milestones and growth objectives in the years to come. 

For more information, visit www.blueteesgolf.com.

Checking out CBX ZipCore Wedges from Cleveland Golf

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.) – Cleveland Golf announced the next generation of the popular CBX line of wedges, the CBX ZipCore. 

Now in its third generation, the CBX family of wedges, first introduced by Cleveland Golf, has transformed the market. CBX ZipCore is no different and continues upon the legacy of Cleveland’s cavity-back wedges that deliver the perfect blend of forgiveness and versatility.

"If you play cavity back irons, you should be playing a CBX wedge, plain and simple,” said Jeff Brunski, Vice President of Research and Development at Cleveland Golf. “The sole is more forgiving, the face is more forgiving, and it’s easier to swing.”

The foundation of CBX ZipCore is a unique, low-density core that sits at the heart of the wedge. ZipCore makes you better by shifting the center of gravity, while also boosting High-Low MOI for more stability high and low on the wedge face. The result: a 26% improvement in High-Low MOI compared against the previous generation and a 10% improvement in Heel-Toe MOI.

The unique Hollow Cavity Design delivers a hollow chamber near the heel with added weight in the toe to maximize MOI and perimeter weighting for unprecedented short game forgiveness. In addition, a Gelback TPU Insert dampens vibrations to provide that signature pure feel at impact.

Similar to RTX ZipCore, the CBX ZipCore features Cleveland’s UltiZip Grooves. Compared to previous generations, UltiZip Grooves are 11% sharper and 7.3% deeper, while also being 7.4% closer together. With the grooves being closer together, we were able to add two more grooves to each wedge face for more groove contact and more spin.

Finally, CBX ZipCore makes the decision-making process easy with three Dynamic Sole Grinds, optimized by loft. Simply choose the desired loft and the grinds take care of themselves, including a purpose-built 44° wedge that is designed to outperform many set-matching pitching wedges.

“We’ve included all the same technology and spin performance that we offer to our Tour staff and put it into the CBX ZipCore,” Brunski said. “It’s no wonder the entire line of CBX wedges has been so successful – it’s Tour technology built into a wedge made for real golfers.”

Key Innovations Inside CBX ZipCore:

ZipCore: ZipCore is a lightweight, low-density core that sits at the heart of this new wedge. While reducing vibrations and perfecting the center of gravity, it also boosts MOI for improved forgiveness on every shot.

Hollow Cavity Design: Weight in the toe with a hollow chamber near the heel makes a better, more balanced wedge that’s forgiving no matter where you strike the face.

UltiZip Grooves: Sharper, deeper, and closer together, UltiZip Grooves are more efficient at channeling debris and maximizing spin. Plus, there’s two extra grooves per face for more groove contact across the board.

Dynamic Sole: With V-, C-, and S-Shaped soles, CBX ZipCore has all the performance you’ll need greenside. The Dynamic Sole changes by wedge loft to ensure every player has the performance they’ll need, when they need it to make the choice easy.

 

Retail Information and Pricing

Pricing: $149.99 (Steel); $159.99 (Graphite)

Sole Grinds/Lofts: V-Shaped Sole (44°- 52° for Men’s, 48°- 52° for Women’s), S-Shaped Sole (54°- 56°), C-Shaped Sole (58°- 60°)

U.S. Retail Launch Date: December 17, 2021

Baylands Golf Links Superintendent Wins Excellence In Turfgrass Award

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Baylands Golf Links Superintendent Steven Hoying was recently awarded the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America Northern California Chapter (GCSANC) 2021 Excellence in Turfgrass Award for Public Courses. Hoying was presented the award by GCSANC Executive Director Marc Connerly at the GCSANC’s annual meeting at The Lodge at Pebble Beach on November 15th.

Hoying has been the superintendent at Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto, Calif. since April 2018, shortly before the course reopened from a nearly two-year renovation under the guidance of golf course architect Forrest Richardson. Since the nearly $12 million renovation and under Hoying’s guidance, agronomic conditions have been spectacular, while large natural areas planted with wetlands plant species have improved habitats for birds and wildlife. 

“Considering all the great superintendents and golf courses in the area, I was humbled to be recognized by my peers,” said Hoying. “Receiving this award at Pebble Beach made it all the more special.”

GCSANC presents awards annually to its members in recognition of their exceptional service and accomplishments on behalf of the association. The Excellence in Turfgrass management award is presented to a superintendent member who maintains his/her facility to a standard that reflects consistent, high quality playing conditions, while displaying exceptional agronomic and management skills. The resourcefulness of this individual is an important consideration in the selection criteria and may include factors such as, budget, site restrictions, rounds of golf, staff size, weather, etc. 

“Steve is well deserving of this award as he manages his personnel and resources very well,” said Baylands Golf Links General Manager David Hall, PGA. “Baylands Golf Links is recognized as having excellent playing conditions, especially our greens – this is a testament to Steve’s superior abilities.” 

Richardson completed the redesign and reconfiguration in 2018 of the original William F. Bell design known as Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course, which opened in 1956. Founded in the mid 1950’s, the municipal course is owned by the City of Palo Alto as part of its Baylands Nature Preserve District, adjacent to the coastal land bordering Palo Alto along the San Francisco Bay. The San Fransisquito Creek, a historic waterway, runs along the course and is a major flood conveyance stream.  

For more information on Baylands Golf Links, visit www.baylandsgolflinks.com.

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

Forbes Magazine Mexico Names Agustin Pizá as One of the Top 100 Creative Mexicans in the World

This is the second Forbes Magazine designation for Agustin Pizá

(SAN DIEGO, CA) – Pizá Golf, internationally recognized as a world-class architecture and golf course design firm, is proud to announce that company founder and lead architect Agustin (Augie) Pizá is featured in Forbes Magazine Mexico as one of the top one hundred creative Mexicans in the world.

“I am truly humbled. To be included with this prominent group of creative talents from Mexico is extraordinary and I take this inclusion serious. It motivates me to keep pushing my creative boundaries and continue to do out of the box golf course designs,” said Pizá. “And I extend my congratulations to Diego Boneta, Irene Azuela, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo del Toro, and my other fellow compatriots that made this exclusive list.”

According to business partner and Golf Channel Analyst Brandel Chamblee, “I think Augie could do for golf course architecture what Frank Lloyd Wright did for modern and contemporary architecture.”

Vridiana Mendoza Escamilla with Forbes Magazine Mexico penned an article on Pizá in the Top 100 Creative People issue that highlighted his 24-hole golf course that is based on the theory of chaos or the butterfly effect. Pizá is quoted, “A golf course is the only work of art you can play on. Golf architecture has a part of science and part art. Good architecture intertwines science, art and in balance with nature.” The first two Monarca Butterfly Effect Golf Courses are in development.

Forbes Magazine author Escamilla highlights other award-winning Pizá golf course concepts like Wellness Golf and Multipurpose Golf which have a smaller footprint and make the sport more inclusive.

“Thank you, Forbes Magazine Mexico, for your trust and contribution to golf architecture and for considering me in your top one hundred most creative Mexicans in the world,” added Pizá.

Please find a direct link to Forbes Magazine Mexico’s Top 100 Creative Mexicans in the World issue which features Agustin (Augie) Pizá: https://www.forbes.com.mx/nuestra-revista-la-revolucion-en-la-arquitectura-del-golf/

For more information on Pizá Golf, visit the company website: www.pizagolf.com.

Golf Heritage Society Members to Host 2022 Columbus Golf Collectibles Spring Trade Show

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) – Gary and Susan Wyckoff, longtime members of the Golf Heritage Society, will host the 2022 Columbus Golf Collectibles Show, to take place Jan. 7-8 in Dublin, Ohio.

“This is a wonderful event with a rich tradition,” said Dr. Bern Bernacki, president of the GHS. “It’s become an annual ‘must’ for collectors of golf artifacts and memorabilia around the Midwest and throughout the country.

“Everyone interested in golf history should attend.”

While not an official GHS event, the Columbus Golf Collectibles Spring Trade Show is a longstanding, popular gathering. The collectibles booths are presented by GHS members, and a good number of Society members are in attendance each year. The trade show is free to the public.

The 2022 gathering will take place at the Embassy Suites, 5100 Upper Metro Place, in Dublin, near Columbus. It will be a chance for participants to buy, sell, learn and socialize. Hours are Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

For those who have potential golf ‘treasures’ at home that they’ve wanted to learn more about, free unofficial appraisals will be offered. 

To attend or to exhibit at the event, call Gary Wyckoff at 937-593-1444 or 937-441-1483. Or e-mail him at gwyckoff@logan.net.

For information or to join the GHS, visit GolfHeritage.org. 

AquaFuse Affiliated Golf Courses Capture Seven World Golf Awards

AquaFuse by CMF Global, Inc. is proud to be associated with these prestigious awards

(SAN DIEGO, CA) – AquaFuse by CMF Global, Inc., a world leader in revolutionizing (HDPE) piping products which improve golf course performance and water efficiency, is associated with sixty-six World Golf Awards nominations and seven that captured the coveted 2021 World Golf Awards as the “World’s Best Golf Course.”

“Congratulations to the World Golf Awards winners. To be acknowledged as the best golf course in the world is a tremendous accomplishment and we are extremely honoured that these award-winning golf courses installed our irrigation products and systems,” said Executive Vice President, Joseph Fernandez.

AquaFuse and its global growth is exemplified by its continued inclusion in the World Golf Awards. AquaFuse is associated with the following list of award-winning golf courses which were supplied a complete or partial irrigation system.

Asia’s Best Golf Courses – Dreamland Golf Club, Baku, Azerbaija; Anvaya Cove, Philippines; Ba Na Hills Golf Club, Vietnam; Prestige Golfshire Club, India.

Europe’s Best Golf Course – Agalarov Golf & Country Club, Russia

United Arab Emirates’ Best Golf Courses – Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, UAE; Yas Links Abu Dhabi, UAE

“We thank each of these award-winning golf courses for trusting us with their investment to improve their irrigation systems,” added Fernandez.

Votes were submitted online at the World Golf Awards website, https://worldgolfawards.com/winners/2021

For more information on AquaFuse by CMF Global, Inc., visit www.cmfglobal.com.

ClubsHelp Foundation Announces Collaboration with Operation BBQ Relief

Both Organizations Supporting Tornado-Devastated Mayfield, Kentucky 

(Orlando, Fla.) – ClubsHelp Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization inspired to help golf clubs serve communities and generate funds for local charities, has added Operation BBQ Relief to its roster of charities it will support. Operation BBQ Relief is a national nonprofit that delivers the healing power of BBQ in times of need, feeding first responders and communities affected by natural disasters along with year-round efforts to fight hunger through The Always Serving Project and Operation Restaurant Relief.

Almost immediately, ClubsHelp jumped in to support the disaster relief organization in the wake of devastation caused by recent tornadoes in America’s heartland.  Operation BBQ Relief is on the ground in Mayfield, Kentucky providing free hot meals on a first come, first served basis to those impacted by the storms.  With satellite locations in Bowling Green and Madisonville, ClubsHelp is supporting these efforts by activating local clubs to volunteer, share the opportunity within their community, and building awareness for fundraising purposes.

On an ongoing basis, utilizing an expanding network of 700-plus clubs across the country, ClubsHelp will assist Operation BBQ Relief in the logistical mapping of its disaster relief responses, pairing Operation BBQ Relief with local clubs and facilities when disasters strike. Operation BBQ Relief closely monitors impending natural disasters throughout the United States, staging and deploying assets and volunteers to serve as soon as possible, usually within 24-48 hours.

“We really admire Operation BBQ Relief not only for their incredible response efforts in the most challenging times, but also for the core values that the company stands upon,” said Rob Goulet, Founder/CEO of ClubsHelp. “Operation BBQ Relief values honesty, compassion and respect. To enhance their efforts with our national network of clubs and access to volunteers, we feel this relationship can multiply the benefits to communities in trying times.” 

Operation BBQ Relief was founded in May 2011 in response to a need for tornado relief efforts in Joplin, Missouri. Competitive pit masters and grill masters from eight states answered the call to feed displaced families and first responders. Together, they served more than 120,000 meals in a 13-day period. To date, the organization has served more than 9 million meals throughout the United States and in the Bahamas.

“We are honored to work with the ClubsHelp Foundation to expand our ability to serve communities hot meals in their time of need while combating national hunger when the storms are calm,” said Stan Hays, Operation BBQ Relief CEO and Co-Founder. “Together, our impact will be stronger than ever.”

Working through national disasters and COVID-19 relief, Operation BBQ Relief also delivers caring and compassion through The Always Serving Project, started in 2019, educating participants on the art, craft, and science of BBQ, its impact on the spirit of those served, and inspiring them to use their BBQ skills to initiate change. 

ClubsHelp started in early 2020 in response to helping frontline workers secure difficult-to-get PPE supplies at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Goulet had viewed a television news story on a club in New Jersey (Spring Brook Country Club) that had stepped up to donate sandwiches to local frontline hospital workers. He called David Bachman, who was then general manager at the club, with the idea to expand into a national program. ClubsHelp was established; Goulet and Bachman each serve on the board.

With legendary golfers Jack Nicklaus and Ernie Els lending support, as well as backing from some of America’s top clubs (Seminole, Desert Mountain) and generous sponsors such as Clif Bar, ClubsHelp procured masks and snacks for those on the front lines, and in 2022 will continue a mission of helping clubs to generate funds to support health initiatives at local hospitals.

ClubsHelp also will help foster relations between Operation BBQ Relief and ClubsHelp member clubs to help stage fun and educational club events such as barbecue courses by pit masters and chefs.

For more information on Operation BBQ Relief, visit OBR.org; for information on ClubsHelp, visit ClubsHelp.org.

BetMGM and PGA TOUR Extend Official Betting Operator Agreement

BetMGM becomes exclusive odds provider for PGA TOUR digital platforms

(PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA) – The PGA TOUR and BetMGM announced today a three-year extension through 2024 to its marketing and content relationship designating BetMGM as an Official Betting Operator of the PGA TOUR.  

The PGA TOUR and BetMGM will work together to provide odds to fans via TOUR digital platforms. BetMGM will serve as the exclusive source for odds on the leaderboard and player pages on PGATOUR.COM and on TOURCast, the TOUR’s award-winning platform that allows fans to follow every shot from each group with a 3D rendering of the golf course. 

"We look forward to working with BetMGM to integrate its advanced betting technologies for PGA TOUR fans on our digital platforms," said Norb Gambuzza, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President, Media and Gaming. "Over the years, BetMGM has been a strong supporter of golf through sponsorship of various PGA TOUR players and tournaments. We are excited to continue the relationship."

Currently available for download on iOS and Android, the BetMGM mobile app offers the latest betting odds, enhanced offers and multiple betting formats, from money line and point spread bets to parlays and futures. 

Matt Prevost, BetMGM Chief Revenue Officer said, “The PGA TOUR has been a fantastic partner and we look forward to continuing our relationship. In the last year we’ve seen an increase in our players betting on golf and are excited to now be the exclusive odds provider for PGATOUR.COM.”

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

BetMGM has access to existing sponsor relationships with several members of the PGA TOUR, including Max Homa, Jimmy Walker, Kevin Na, Pat Perez, Ryan Moore, Joel Dahmen and Jason Kokrak.

Following the Supreme Court’s decision that overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, the TOUR instituted a robust integrity program in collaboration with Genius Sports and later that year announced a global partnership with IMG ARENA to license its official, live scoring data to betting operators around the world. The TOUR is a platinum member of the National Council on Problem Gambling and is aligned with the American Gaming Association (AGA) as a Have A Game Plan®. Bet Responsibly public service campaign partner to educate golf fans on responsible sports betting.

Troon Founder and Executive Chairman Dana Garmany Honored By PGA Of America, Southwest PGA Section

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon Founder and Executive Chairman Dana Garmany was recently honored by the PGA of America and the Southwest Section of the PGA, receiving the PGA Executive of the Year award and the Southwest PGA Golf Professional of the Year award in separate ceremonies held in November 2021. Under Garmany’s leadership, Troon has become the largest employer of PGA Professionals in the world.

On Tuesday, November 2nd, the PGA of America recognized its 2020 National PGA of America Award recipients in a special awards ceremony attended by the friends, family and colleagues of the honorees. The ceremony, which was delayed a year due to the pandemic, served as a kick off of the 105th PGA Annual Meeting at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee.  Garmany was honored as the first PGA Golf Executive of the Year, headlining the class of 12 PGA Professional honorees recognized for excellence, accomplishment and contribution to their sections and their communities. 

On November 11, Garmany was the 47th recipient of Southwest PGA Golf Professional of the Year award, the highest annual honor bestowed by the Southwest PGA on a PGA Professional. Garmany headed the 2020 Southwest PGA Awards class (also delayed due to the pandemic) for “qualities of leadership, strong moral character, and a substantial record of service” to the Southwest PGA and the game of golf. 

Garmany has more than 35 years of industry experience developing and operating golf facilities worldwide. He has been named by Golf Inc., Golf Digest and Golfweek as one of the most powerful and influential people in golf. Garmany founded Troon in 1990, and today serves as the management company’s Executive Chairman. He has received numerous honors during his career including the DeKalb County Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Southwest Section PGA Hall of Fame, the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame, the University of Alabama Hospitality Hall of Fame, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the HSBC International Golf Forum. He also serves on the Cabinet Campaign Committee at the University of Alabama and holds a BS Degree in Restaurant and Hospitality Management from the University. His leadership at Troon helped create a company that continues to lead and set standards for domestic and international daily fee, resort, and private golf courses.

For more information on Dana Garmany, visit www.troon.com/about-troon/founder-history. For more information on Troon, visit www.Troon.com.

Kiawah Island Club's Carol Preisinger Makes LGPA's List of Top 50 Best Teachers

(RELEASE) — Carol Preisinger, Kiawah Island Club’s Director of Instruction, has been recognized by the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) in the Elite category of the 2022 – 2023 Top 50 LPGA Teachers list. This list identifies and recognizes the best LPGA instructors from more than 1,800 LPGA certified professionals worldwide. Carol has been added to the “Elite” category, a distinction to honor those who have reached the pinnacle of the instruction profession. 

Carol Preisindex

Carol Preisinger currently serves as the Director of Instruction for Kiawah Island Club in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, and has been with the club for 17 years. In addition to her recent recognition as an elite member within the LGPA’s list of Top 50 Best Teachers, Carol has been named a Golf Digest Top 50 Women’s Best Teacher, Golf Digest Best in State, GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Teacher in America since 2005, and has also been recognized as the LGPA National Teacher of the Year in 1998 and 2017. 

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is one of the longest-running women's professional sports associations in the world. Founded in 1950, the organization has grown from its roots as a playing tour into a nonprofit organization involved in every facet of golf. The LPGA Tour and the LPGA Professionals comprise the backbone of what has become the premier women's professional sports organization in the world today. Three other members were added to the elite category, including Dr. Debbie Crews, Gale Peterson, and Deb Vangellow, who join Lynn Marriott, Kay McMahon, Nancy Quarcelino, and Annette Thompson. All LGPA Top 50 Teachers will be recognized at the LGPA Professionals Rolex Awards Reception at the 2022 PGA Show in Orlando, Florida in January. 

To read more about the LGPA’s 50 Best Teacher Awards: https://www.lpga.com/news/2021/lpga-announces-50-best-teachers 

RTJ II Golf Course Architects Will Keep Globetrotting in 2022

Vidauban Golf Club

New courses and renovation projects on the map in North and South America, Europe, and Asia 

(Palo Alto. Calif.) — The team at RTJ II Golf Course Architects (RTJ II) will want to have passports up to date and travel apps loaded: 2022 promises to be a productive year as they work on a wide variety of projects both across the U.S. and around the world.

“We’ll be deeply involved with jobs big and small, many that have already begun, and some new ones scheduled to start next year,” reports Bruce Charlton, President, RTJ II. “The pent-up demand for golf has been released and we’re very excited to be partnering with many wonderful clients around the globe.”

The all-new Guayaquil Country Club course is slated to open in Summer 2022 along the Babahayo River outside the second largest city in Ecuador. The original course—laid out in the 1950s—was squeezed by the city’s growth, so the membership sold the land for the original course and purchased enough land in the fast-growing Samborodon region for a spectacular 18-hole course along with soccer fields and an equestrian center. Built on former rice fields, the new design will be a “throwback, featuring broad, soft landforms with wide, playable areas, abundance of water, and multiple changes in direction of play,” says Charlton.

Several other original design plans are in the works globally, with additional announcements expected in the coming months.

In the U.S., RTJ II is working on a stout handful of course renovations and “reinvigorations,” including:

--Sentry World, Stevens Point, Wis. One of RTJ II’s widely acclaimed original designs is being carefully enhanced for the 2023 U.S. Senior Open Championship. Working with owner Sentry Insurance and the USGA, RTJ II has lengthened select holes, narrowed fairways, and repositioned some bunkers to get the course ready for tournament play, including tweaks to enhance the spectator experience. The practice range also has been expanded.

--Tamarack Golf Course, Donnelly, Idaho. A former Golf Digest “best new public course” is being restored for owners of the Tamarack Resort, with an emphasis on allocating more space for players of all skill levels to make play more enjoyable.

--Spring Creek, Ripon, Ca. Three greens have already been rebuilt on the front side of what Charlton describes as a “great, mature, core golf course” with an abundance of “superstar oak trees.” Re-design and building of the back-nine green complexes is underway and continue through this winter.

--Oahu CC, Hawaii. The first in a series of new green complex redesigns on the back nine has been redesigned and built, and a masterplan for the rest of them, as well as the front-nine greens, is currently underway.

--Kensington Golf & Country Club, Fla., an original RTJ II design, opened this past winter to very high acclaim after a complete renovation of its tees, greens, and bunkers and regrassing of the majority of the course.

Overseas, RTJ II recently was selected to do a master plan for the existing course at Sport de Golf in Santiago, Chile. Also, across the globe, a complete bunker renovation was just completed at Vidauban GC (France), while a quartet of holes are being spruced up on the Church 9 at Wisley GC outside London. And at Cherry Hills in Japan, the original RTJ II design is being treated to a repositioning of the tees, fairway mowing patterns, and bunkers in preparation for the 2025 Japan Women’s Open.

Close to RTJ II’s heart is the chance to keep the legacy of Robert Trent Jones Sr. alive. Right now, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. is giving new life to his father’s work at Pauma Valley (Calif.), Old Warson (Mo.), Dorado Beach-West (Puerto Rico), and the Air Force Academy Course (Colo.).

For more information and detail about RTJ II courses, award-winning sustainable designs, visionary water conservation, and world-class public golf, visit the company’s new website at www.rtj2.com.

Zero Friction Announces Return to PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando in January

(OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL) – Zero Friction, LLC, is heading back to Orlando this January for the 2022 PGA Merchandise Show.  The maker of advance maker of high-quality, technologically advanced products for golfers worldwide will showcase it golf products Jan. 26-28 in Booth number 3273 at the Orange County Convention Center.

“While our business has continued to grow during the pandemic, we have missed much of the face to face interaction with our clients and colleagues in the golf industry,” said John Iacono, founder and President of Zero Friction. “It will be special to see everyone in person at the PGA Show as we introduce some new, exciting products.”

Buyers can get a close up look at three new Zero Friction products:  the TurfTee; the Power 3 golf tee with a three inch option; and most notable, the Wheel Pro Push Cart Bag, a multi-functional push or pull golf cart.

Wheel Pro Push Cart Bag

Inventory management is a key to most of the Zero Friction products. All the models in the popular and colorful ZF glove line are universal fit gloves that mold to your hand for a guaranteed fit. The true advantage of the Zero Friction glove line for retailers is that the universal fit means shops do not have to carry a huge inventory of sizes. Instead, the shops can offer a large selection of colors.

Zero Friction benefits golf shops with a creative selection of packaging, including the SuperTubes, which received the ING Industry Honors Product Ingenuity award for its packaging of color-matched glove, Spectra distance golf balls and tees.

Zero Friction also has logo capabilities including logo golf balls, gloves, and tees, which has experienced significant growth this past year. Licensed gloves and Supertubes featuring NFL, MLB, NHL and the top 20 collegiate teams will also have a dedicated section.

Zero Friction recently entered the golf laser rangefinder segment in a big way with its Zero Friction Laser Pro and Laser Pro SM products. And like most Zero Friction products, this one has a unique element that separates it from the competitors. Both Zero Friction Laser Pro models come with a pistol shape rubber handle grip, making it very simple to get yardage for your next shot. Simply aim and click, and the exact distance appears on an easy-to-read LCD display magnified X6.

For more information on the company, see the Zero Friction catalog, visit www.zerofriction.com, or call 630-317-7700.

Leadership Majors Retains Dan Shepherd Public Relations to Promote Golf Retreats with Professional Development at Iconic Venues

Innovative Events Designed for Business Leaders & Executives

(Denver, Colorado) – Leadership Majors, the experiential golf and professional development company that delivers competition alongside peers at world-class destinations the weekend before major championships, has selected Dan Shepherd Public Relations (DSPR) for publicity and media relations services.

Upcoming Leadership Majors’ events are: 

2022 Leadership Masters @ Pinehurst Resort

March 31-April 3, 2022

2022 Leadership Cup @ Whistling Straits

September 15-18, 2022

Each event is limited to 24 players on a first-come, first-serve basis. They feature 54 holes of golf on world class courses (also includes a fourth round on a par-3 course) and three Leadership Development Sessions from an expert. The cost from now until January 1, 2022 is $4,950 which includes all golf, lodging, meals, and transportation to/from the airport. (The price increases to $5,950 for the first event after Jan. 1.)

“Leadership Majors enables avid golfers and accomplished executives to relish extraordinary experiences at some of the best golf places in the world, all whilst enjoying business networking, enhancing leadership skills, and embracing competition and camaraderie,” said Dan Shepherd, who has provided public relations and marketing communications services to people, places, and companies in golf since 2000. 

Each attendee receives a curated gift box and competes to win prizes throughout the event. Each event includes three rounds of golf on first-class 18-hole courses, an additional round on a short course, three Leadership Development Sessions from an expert in principles that apply to business and golf, and a group of peers to share the experience with while encouraging and challenging each other through friendly competition. Further, this combination allows participants to expense a Leadership Major experience under the professional development budget.

Each event will have a slightly different emphasis, but they will all be handicap-based competitions to level the playing field and make it competitive for everyone. Different tee-boxes for different age groups will be used to create further parity.

Ten percent of all profits go to the First Tee of Denver.

For more information, visit https://www.theleadershipmajors.com/ or e-mail Ringler at connect@thanemarcus.com.