Celebrate Mom with Golf Products from Zero Friction

(OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL) – Mother’s Day is around the corner and Zero Friction has golf products to help her look great while improving their game on the golf course!  The company known for delivering cutting edge products to golf enthusiasts of all skill levels has a wide variety of products available for the lady golfer in your life.

Zero Friction Ladies Compression Golf Glove:  The original compression fit glove is an All-Weather synthetic glove with a digitized palm and patch which holds shape longer.  The Ladies Compression Fit Glove is available in six colors in both right- and left-handed gloves.  ($13.99)

Ladies Cabretta Elite Golf Gloves:  Zero Friction’s unique Compression-Fit technology is also available in a 100% authentic cabretta leather glove with matching lycra colors. This glove molds with your hand for a guaranteed fit.  Best of all the leather provides a solid grip in wet or humid weather, and works with smart phone & touch screen devices. ($17.99)

ZF Storm Golf Gloves Ladies:   This superior All-Weather (Rain & Cold) Golf Gloves has all the great features of our original ZF Compression Fit technology golf glove with added warmth and durability for the colder months.  They are knitted from a unique hollow core polyester yarn plus spandex that makes them warm, light weight, breathable and guaranteed to fit. The outer premium microfiber suede of the glove provides a non-slip grip for wet and humid conditions. ($24.99)

ZF Air Lite Golf Bag:  A light and easy way to carry “pencil bag" 7 or 8 clubs. Weighing less than 2lbs, the pencil bag is water repellent, features hood and carry straps, and includes a rain hood and stand. This sleek, mini carry bag is perfect for a Sunday round of golf. Available in three colors. ($69.99)

ZF Wheel Pro™ Push Cart Golf Bag: A three-in-one, multi-functional push or pull golf cart bag, at the PGA Merchandise show in January.  The Wheel Pro Push Cart allows a golfer to use the bag 3 ways:  as a push or pull cart, a carry stand bag or with use on a motor cart.  This innovative bag features a single strap, six full length dividers and seven zippered pockets.  Plus, it includes an umbrella holder and bag head cover.  The new golf bag is available in three color choices. ($349.99)

ZF Spectra Golf Balls: Zero Friction Spectra matte finish golf balls are a two-piece distance golf ball with a soft Surlyn durable cover available in 5 neon colors plus matte finish white.  Large super-fast core provides explosive distance, high launch and longer roll off the tee. Available in six colors as well as white.  ($19.99/dozen)

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

Jimmie Austin Golf Club replaces Ol’ Colony Golf Club as 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championships Regional Host Site

(INDIANAPOLIS) – The NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Committee announced that the Jimmie Austin Golf Club at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma will replace Ol’ Colony Golf Club in Tuscaloosa, Alabama as one of the six regional hosting sites for the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championships.

The committee was recently notified by the University of Alabama, host institution in Tuscaloosa, that the Ol’ Colony Golf Club would be unable to host due to current course conditions. The course was on schedule to host, but a late freeze, followed by cooler temperatures and excessive rainfall prevented necessary corrections to the course and stalled other maintenance projects.

The six regional host sites for the 2022 championship will now include Traditions Club in Bryan, Texas (Texas A&M, host); OSU Golf Club – Scarlet Course in Columbus, Ohio (Ohio State, host); Yale Golf Course in New Haven, Connecticut (Yale, host); PGA National Resort – Champions Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (Florida Atlantic, host); The Reserve at Spanos Park in Stockton, California (Pacific, host) and now the Jimmie Austin Golf Club (Oklahoma, host), with play taking place May 16-18. The top five teams (30 teams total) and the low individual not on an advancing team (six individuals total) from each regional site will advance to play in the championships at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona on May 27–June 1.

The Jimmie Austin Golf Club has played host previously to five combined men’s and women’s NCAA Division I regional championships, hosting in 1998 (men), 2012 (men), 2013 (women), 2018 (men) and 2019 (women). The course also hosted the 1997 Oklahoma State Amateur, the 1998 and 2010 Big 12 Conference Women’s Championships, and U.S. Amateur Public Links Championships in 2009 and 2012.

“While this was a difficult situation for the committee to address in late April, the Jimmie Austin Golf Club is ready to host immediately and has a championship pedigree that will provide a great championship experience for our teams,” said Connie Hurlbut, chair of the Division I Men’s Golf Committee and senior associate commissioner and senior woman administrator at the West Coast Conference. “The committee also felt that Oklahoma, as the top ranked team in the country, earned the right to serve as the replacement host.”

Three Los Cabos Resorts Featured in Conde Nast Traveler Survey

Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Publication’s UK editors select the best hotels in Mexico worth the long flight time

(Los Cabos, Mexico) – Conde Nast Traveler, a leading consumer travel magazine, conducts numerous reader surveys of the world’s best hotels, resorts and destinations. But when its editors speak, everyone listens. These well-traveled experts have an eye for detail and an unerring sense of what makes a hotel truly exceptional.

According to the publication, “Over the last few years a slew of new openings in Mexico has drawn attention away from Cancun's supersized resorts and towards boutique stays with a focus on local artisans, design and sustainability.”

Los Cabos has successfully rebounded from the pandemic, welcoming a record number of visitors in the first quarter of 2022, but it remains an exclusive destination. In and around the 20-mile corridor linking lively Cabo San Lucas with charming San Jose del Cabo are several deluxe resorts set back from golden sand beaches. 

Here are the editors’ selections of the three best resort hotels in Los Cabos. Happily for golfers, each property is affiliated with a world-class golf course.

Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – “The high-stakes Cabo hotel scene has been particularly frenetic in recent years with fresh openings from big-name players,” the editors stated.  “Amid the fray, Ritz-Carlton managed to seek out a peaceful 20-acre plot overlooking the Sea of Cortes and, for their fourth Reserve, built this retreat partially into the sand dunes.” In common with other Reserves (in Puerto Rico, Bali and Thailand), Zadun offers “vast living rooms decorated in blue and white textiles, decorative objects (woven leather baskets, painted pottery) made by local artisans, and terraces with fire pits for a feel that’s more home than hotel room.” This splendid property also offers Spa Alkemia, a sanctuary of wellness and a veritable oasis in the desert. “But it’s the staff who are the real standout, remembering favorite breakfast tables and knowing where in the ginormous L-shaped pool – so large you can’t hear splashes in the other end – each swimmer will want that salt-rimmed Margarita served. In this town of elevated hotels, Ritz-Carlton shows that the bar can always be raised.”

Zadun is five minutes from Puerto Los Cabos Golf Cub, a 27-hole facility with an 18-hole course by Jack Nicklaus; and a nine-hole layout by Greg Norman. Three 18-hole combinations are available. Subtly contoured greens, sharp elevation changes and dramatic coastline views characterize the Nicklaus I & II nines. Flashed-faced bunkers, inspired by Melbourne’s Sandbelt courses, defend the fairways and greens on the Norman Course. Complimentary snacks and refreshments are served at a pair of on-course palapas.

Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas – “The eastern cape of the Baja California peninsula is like the Cabo of the 1960s, when a trip down to its tip was still largely about dirt roads and drinking tequila in the sun,” the editors reported. Located 90 minutes from Los Cabos, the cactus-studded landscape at Costa Palmas appeals to travelers seeking an alternative experience. A beachfront resort backed by the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, the Four Seasons is a remote hideaway and a favorite getaway for L.A. celebrities. All 141 rooms are designed to blend into the surrounding desert. Sliding glass doors lead to private terraces overlooking the Sea of Cortés, which welcomes swimmers to its tranquil waters. There’s a strong outdoor-adventure pull, from snorkeling in nearby Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park to kite-surfing in season and quad biking the dunes. For casual dining, toes-in-the-sand El Puesto is the spot for ceviche and Margaritas. For a proper sit-down meal, an outpost of beloved Greek restaurant Estiatorio Milos serves seafood dinners.

Four Seasons guests enjoy exclusive access to Costa Palmas Golf Club, which sprawls across a rolling “dunescape” set above the sea. Broad fairways and firm, fast conditions characterize the windswept course. Upland holes on this Robert Trent Jones II design bring a mesquite grove and strategically-placed bunkers into play. Lower-lying, links-style holes invite golfers to play bump ‘n run shots. There’s also a six-hole, par-3 loop and a one-acre putting course. Bouchie’s, an open-air café at the practice center, attracts adults and kids alike.

Montage Los Cabos – Only a few selected beaches in Los Cabos are “swimmable.” So when a great hotel debuts on the shores of a “dive-right-in section of sea,” it’s pure magic. Montage Los Cabos, the first international property from the southern California-based brand, is the region’s unicorn. Located on 39 acres of beachfront within the corridor, “Montage looks out on the serene, divinely swimmable waters of Santa Maria Bay,” the editors stated. “Just as impressive is the fact that all 122 guest rooms, suites and casas have ocean views, expansive terraces with daybeds and dining areas, and outdoor showers – just the sort of breezy indoor/outdoor set-up you want on a beach holiday.” Interiors favor local materials and a sophisticated desert palette (native wood, creamy sandstone, earth-toned woven throws), while landscaping embraces native, drought-resistant plants. The food at fine-dining Mezcal and casual beachfront Marea is executed with a light touch and an eye on health. (Marea has a separate vegan menu). Seafood – lobster ceviche, scallop tiradito, grilled Baja prawns – is the way to go at Mezcal.

Montage guests have exclusive access to Twin Dolphin Golf Club, a Fred Couples Signature design routed across a broad sloping plateau bisected by three major arroyos high above the sea. This naturalistic, unembellished course, framed by tall rocky peaks, has broad welcoming fairways and open-entry greens. The golf club occupies the site and retains the name of the iconic Hotel Twin Dolphin, a Cabo hospitality legend. Guests have access to a Tour-quality practice facility and two “Red Door” refreshment stations.

PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet Welcomes International Visitors as Vietnam Reopens Border

Vietnamese Tourism Ministry announced the lifting of all quarantine and travel restrictions for foreign travelers

(Phan Thiet, Vietnam) — PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet, a premier new destination for golf in Vietnam, is open for business and ready to welcome intrepid international golfers now the Vietnamese Tourism Ministry has lifted all Covid-19 related quarantine and travel restrictions.

Located less than 200-kilometres east of Ho Chi Minh City and set among one of the region’s most exciting new lifestyle projects, PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet offers 36-holes of championship golf designed by the design company of former World Number One and two-time Major winner Greg Norman.

Built with the environment in mind, the PGA Ocean Course offers a mixture of parkland and links-style golf along the coastline, providing a varied test for golfers of all abilities – as well as stunning sea views. Meanwhile, the newly opened PGA Garden course was inspired by the iconic ‘Sandbelt’ region of Melbourne, Australia, and features large bunkers integrated into the surrounds of the green complexes. 

The club is one of many key sports complexes within the NovaWorld Phan Thiet development, a 1,000-hectare oceanside supercity project that will be connected to Ho Chi Minh City in less than two hours once the new Dau Giay-Phan Thiet Highway is completed later in 2022.

Andrew Bowles, Nova Golf Clubs – Managing Director, said: “PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet is one of the most ambitious golf developments in world. Undeniably a new jewel in Vietnam’s golfing crown, but thanks to Covid-19 the venue has been relatively untouched.

“Our goal is to not only develop PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet into one of the leading destinations for golf in Vietnam, but also within Asia, with state-of-the-art facilities available for every golfer to enjoy. We cannot wait to welcome everyone.”

As well as delivering world-class facilities, PGA NovaWorld Phan Thiet also provides a premier off-course experience, with luxury properties in development alongside the course routing offering modern features and stunning views across the property.

International visitors to Vietnam should check on their own government’s website for the latest travel advice.

Sun Mountain Outerwear Maintains Optimal Temperature

(Missoula, Montana) – Sun Mountain Granite Jacket and Vest are more than just another puffy. Granite uses 37.5 insulation which retains body heat while preventing moisture build-up and overheating -- making it perfect for chilly days on and off the course. Granite Jacket and Granite Vest are available now with a retail price of $169.99 and $139.99. For the retailer nearest you, visit www.sunmountain.com or call 800-227-9224.

The insulation in this puffy jacket and vest is 37.5, a patented technology that works to maintain an ideal core temperature. The sixty-gram insulation retains body heat, while active particles embedded in the insulation accelerate vapor movement to prevent overheating and moisture build-up. Further, 37.5 technology resists odors and is permanent and never washes out or gets tired. Bottom-line, 37.5 allows you to wear a puffy to keep the chill off without overheating in moderate conditions.

Granite Jacket is available in Men’s sizes Small – XXX-Large. Color options include Steel-Inferno, Black, Navy-Capri, Pacific, Platinum, Saffron, Fiery Red with a retail price of $169.99. Granite Vest is available in Men’s sizes Small – XXX-Large. Color options include Navy-Capri, Black, Pacific, Steel, Platinum, Saffron, Fiery Red with a retail price of $139.99.

Granite Jacket and Granite Vest both offer external and internal chest pockets and two hand warmer pockets, zip-through collar with chin-guard, and a shock cord at the waist.

Sun Mountain is also using 37.5 insulation in the Trapper Jacket which features a 4-way stretch, water resistant fabric; Colter Jacket and Vest, and Women’s AT Hybrid Jacket and Vest featuring insulated core panels with 4-way stretch side panels.

For the Sun Mountain retailer nearest you, call 800-227-9224 or visit www.sunmountain.com. 

Speeding Up Play Can Lead to a Longer Life

(RELEASE) — Do you want to speed up the pace of play and add years to your life? Well, researchers at the University of Leicester have found the perfect combination that allows golfers to do just that!

In a study of over 400,000 adult U.K. participants, researchers found that “…as little as 10 minutes of brisk walking a day is associated with longer life expectancy, and that brisk walkers have up to 20 years’ greater life expectancy compared to slow walkers.”

Rick Oldach, U.S. CEO of European push cart market leader BIG MAX spearheaded the brand’s global Walk, Play Golf campaign. With the publication of this research Rick is excited to see evidence of the campaign’s aims, plus the additional benefit to pace of play. He said, “There’s a growing bank of evidence showing that playing golf, and particularly walking the course, has a positive impact on physical, social and mental health. But to see that brisk walking between shots can add so significantly to a golfer’s life expectancy and speed up play, is a double win for the game.” 

The study looked at the relationship between walking pace and Leucocyte Telomere length – an indicator of biological age. The build-up of these senescent cells is believed to contribute to a range of symptoms we associate with aging, such as frailty and age-related diseases. 

Tom Yates, the Senior Author and Professor of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Health at the University of Leicester and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, wrote, “Whilst we have previously shown that walking pace is a very strong predictor of health status, we have not been able to confirm that adopting a brisk walking pace actually causes better health. In this study we used information contained in people’s genetic profile to show that a faster walking pace is indeed likely to lead to a younger biological age as measured by telomeres.”

“BIG MAX has long argued that walking the course is beneficial to health, social interaction and performance,” concludes Oldach. “That we can now officially add life expectancy to the list can only be a fantastic thing for getting more people walking the course and improving the pace of the game.”

Contact: https://us.bigmaxgolf.com

Field Announced for 2022 PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship

The Championship, hosted by the Union League of Philadelphia, features exemptions for Korn Ferry Tour and Epson Tour events

(FRISCO, Texas) — PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, today announced the field for the 2022 PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship (PWCC). The PWCC will be hosted by The Union League of Philadelphia, which donated two of its courses for the 54-hole stroke-play Championship - Union League Liberty Hill and The Union League Golf Club of Torresdale – from May 2-4.

The PWCC, considered the most culturally significant championship in collegiate golf, will feature a competitive lineup of 30 teams representing Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions and other minority-serving institutions from all over the country.

DIVISION I (MEN’S)

Alabama A&M University

Alabama State University

University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff

Chicago State University

Florida A&M University

Howard University

North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina Central University

Prairie View A&M University

Texas Southern University

DIVISION II (MEN’S)

Bluefield State College

California State University, Dominguez Hills

Fayetteville State University

Johnson C. Smith University

Kentucky State University

Lincoln University

Miles College

Savannah State University

Virginia State University

Virginia Union University

WOMEN’S DIVISION

Alabama State University

Chicago State University

Delaware State University

Howard University

Lincoln University

North Carolina A&T State University

Prairie View A&M University

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Texas A&M University – Kingsville

Texas Southern University 

The individual divisions will see 56 competitors representing 40 programs. Howard University, thanks in part to NBA Star Steph Curry making a six-year commitment to fund its golf program, will return to the PWCC for the second consecutive year. The men's team will play in the Men's Division I Team Division and is the highest ranked team in the field, while the Bison will also compete in the Women's Team Division. 

Prairie View A&M (Men’s DI), Miles College (Men’s DII) and Texas A&M – Corpus Christi (Women’s) will all return this year, looking to defend their respective titles.

For the second year, exemptions from the Epson Tour and Korn Ferry Tour can be earned. 

The top three finishers and ties in the Women’s Team or Individual Divisions will be eligible to apply for an “MVP Invite” exemption into the Epson Tour’s Guardian Championship, Sept. 16-18 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Capitol Hill – Senator Course in Prattville, Alabama. The Guardian Championship Tournament Committee will review applications and award the exemption. 

Korn Ferry extended its sponsor exemption applications to the top three finishers in the Men’s Division I, Men’s Division II and Men’s Individual Divisions. Those individuals can apply for the exemption into the 2022 Price Cutter Charity Championship, July 21-24, at Highland Springs Country Club in Springfield, Missouri.

“We are extremely excited to partner with the Union League in Philadelphia to provide this deep field the opportunity to compete at two phenomenal and historic courses,” said Scooter Clark, Director, PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship. “There is so much significance to this partnership and venue, as the Union League celebrates its 160th anniversary, and it will truly benefit the student-athletes competing.”

Clark adds, “The Union League has carried out this mission through the lens of inclusion and community engagement which strongly aligns with the PGA of America’s commitment through PGA WORKS to enhancing the experience of our underserved and underrepresented programs and students. The PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship allows us a great opportunity to connect with hundreds of student-athletes from diverse backgrounds, most of whom will continue to play golf throughout their lives.”

For more information on the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, visit www.PGAWORKSCollegiate.org. 

Unboxing HMB-Infused Nirvana Water

Summer’s almost here and your members want to get outside and play their favorite sports. However, summer means a rise in not only temperature, but also dehydration. With Nirvana Water, there is no need to stress about the summer heat. They’ve partnered with one of the greatest golfers and businessmen in the world, Greg Norman, to spread the word on the incredible physical and mental effects of Nirvana Water.

Nirvana’s HMB-infused water is scientifically proven to improve muscle performance, slow muscle loss due to age and disease, and decrease the recovery time from muscle injury. Why worry about lacking in performance due to the extra heat and dehydration? Spokesperson and strategic advisor Greg Norman is confident that Nirvana HMB can improve health and wellness for those looking to spend their summer days on the golf course.

Keep your members hydrated and visiting the club!

Leading U.S. Golf Organizations Support Patriot Golf Days

Folds of Honor and PGA of America Joined by USGA, PGA Tour and LPGA in Helping Veterans and Military Families 

(FRISCO, Texas) — Folds of Honor and the PGA of America announced today that they will be joined by the USGA, PGA Tour and LPGA in providing assistance and awareness for Patriot Golf Days this Memorial Day Weekend. Patriot Golf Days provides funding in support of Veterans and military families through Folds of Honor and PGA HOPE, the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America.

Patriot Golf Days began as a grassroots fundraising celebration in 2007, and over the last 15 years, it has grown to encompass a variety of fundraising efforts led by PGA Professionals and golfers in all 50 states. 

These efforts have accounted for over $60 million and funded more than 12,000 scholarships to help Veterans, their spouses and children, but there remains a significant unmet need in the country. Over 6,000 U.S. troops were killed and approximately 52,000 were wounded in the 20 years the United States was at war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among military dependents, only a fraction receive educational assistance. Funds donated over the holiday weekend are used in the local community where the money is raised. 

Since inception, PGA HOPE has served over 10,000 Veterans in 46 states. Led by more than 200 PGA Professionals, PGA HOPE will serve more than 7,500 Veterans in 2022.  

“For the golf community to join the PGA of America and Folds of Honor is a powerful force multiplier,” said Lt Col Dan Rooney, PGA, founder and CEO of Folds of Honor. “This new coalition understands that freedom is not free and is united in our commitment to serve our Veterans and their families. The PGA Tour,  LPGA and longtime supporter USGA make significant impacts in the communities that they serve, and joining us on Patriot Golf Days on Memorial Day Weekend will further expand that effort.”

Folds of Honor is a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military members who have fallen or been disabled while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The educational scholarships support private school tuition or tutoring in grades K-12, tuition for college, technical or trade school and post-graduate work, including a master’s degree, doctorate or professional program. Funds for a second bachelor’s degree or trade/technical program certification are also available. Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded over 35,000 scholarships totaling over $160 million in all 50 states. Among the students served, 41 percent are minorities. It is rated a four-star charity by Charity Navigator and Platinum on GuideStar. 

"We’re especially proud that our 28,000 PGA Professionals have raised millions of charitable dollars through Patriot Golf Days for our nation’s heroes and their families since we first announced our commitment at the 2007 PGA Championship at Southern Hills,” said PGA President Jim Richerson. “Having these influential organizations join in to back this critically important effort points to how closely aligned the golf community is in our support of our Veterans and their families. With the PGA of America leading the way, we are able to further the impact of both PGA HOPE and Folds of Honor, as we raise additional funds through the game of golf in support of those who stand to defend our country."

PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6-8 week curriculum taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations, so the cost of programming is free to all Veterans.

PGA HOPE has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which enables Recreational Therapists to refer Veterans to the PGA HOPE program as a form of therapy. Through a robust program strategy, PGA HOPE aspires to create a physically and emotionally healthier Veteran community by shaping lives, changing lives, and possibly saving lives through the game of golf.

For more information on PGA REACH, visit www.PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAREACH on Twitter, and find us on Facebook.

For more information about Patriot Golf Days visit www.patriotgolfdays.com

For more information about Folds of Honor, visit www.foldsofhonor.org. 

Follow Folds of Honor on:

www.Facebook.com/foldsofhonor

www.Twitter.com/foldsofhonor

www.Instagram.com/foldsofhonor 

Record-Breaking Attendance Expected at the 150th Open at St Andrews

(St Andrews, Scotland) — The 150th Open at St Andrews will be the largest in the Championship’s long history with a record-breaking 290,000 fans set to attend at the world-renowned Old Course from July 10-17.

Unprecedented demand to attend this historic milestone for The Open led to more than 1.3 million applications in the ticket ballot and has resulted in the highest-ever number of general admission tickets being issued to fans. The attendance surpasses the previous high mark set at St Andrews in 2000 when 239,000 spectators watched Tiger Woods lift the Claret Jug for the first time.

The R&A is continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government and its health advisors on the planned attendance and to ensure that everyone attending the Championship can do so safely while enjoying the best possible spectator experience.

It was also announced today that The 150th Open is expected to generate around £200 million in total economic benefit to Scotland, according to an independent forecast by the Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC) at Sheffield Hallam University. 

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive at The R&A, said, “The 150th Open at St Andrews is going to be a momentous occasion for golf and this is clearly reflected in the extraordinary demand among fans to be part of this historic playing of the Championship. We very much appreciate their passion and enthusiasm for The Open and are delighted that we will set a new attendance record that far exceeds the previous best set in 2000.

“The Open is a major global sporting event and its significance to St Andrews and Scotland is evident in the independent forecast which estimates that the Championship will generate around £200 million in total economic benefit. We look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of fans from many countries around the world to St Andrews in July when they will enjoy a true celebration of golf at its historic home.”

First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon said, “The Open Championship is a brilliant opportunity to showcase Scotland as the home of golf on a global stage, in a historic year for the sport – with five major tournaments being hosted across five weeks this summer.

“The news that this will be the largest Championship ever staged is a phenomenal feat and reminds us of the enduring appeal of golf. The event, which will welcome visitors from across the world to Scotland, will also have an extremely positive impact on our economy, businesses and tourism industry.

“I am delighted The 150th Open is coming to St Andrews and I have no doubt that the Championship will be a truly historic event.”

The independent forecast by SIRC, which was commissioned by The R&A, VisitScotland and Fife Council, reveals that the total economic impact resulting from staging The 150th Open at St Andrews with 290,000 fans in attendance will reach £100 million for the first time.

An additional destination marketing benefit of £100 million to St Andrews and Scotland, which is produced by global media exposure of the Championship and independently measured by YouGov Sport, makes up the forecast total economic benefit of £200 million.

The R&A is continuing its drive to ensure the Championship is accessible to young people and a record 20% of general admission tickets have been allocated to fans under the age of 25, including over 20,000 children aged under 16 who will be attending free of charge thanks to the long-running Kids Go Free initiative.

A record 80,000 spectators will attend the four Practice Days of The 150th Open, exceeding the total of 61,000 fans who attended the equivalent days at Royal Portrush in 2019.

The Open Camping Village continues to prove a popular accommodation option, particularly for families and young people, with around 3,650 visitors booking a place to stay on-site this year. Almost 40% of those staying at the campsite are under 25-years-old meaning that around 8,000 free bed spaces have been provided to them since the initiative was launched at Royal Troon in 2016.

The Open Attendance Records:

2000, St Andrews, Scotland: 239,000

2019, Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland: 237,750

2015, St Andrews, Scotland: 237,000

2017, Royal Birkdale, England: 235,000

Ace Indoor Golf/Gimme Simulators Names Trevor Faust President

Indoor Golf Aficionado Joins Industry-Leading Custom Simulator Installer

(Toledo, OH) – Ace Indoor Golf and Gimme Simulators, the industry’s leading builder, designer and installer of golf simulator hardware and technology, has named industry veteran Trevor Faust its new president. Faust brings more than 15 years of progressive entrepreneurial management experience, from general manager roles to executive sales posts with strategic and business development responsibilities focused on revenue growth.

Trevor Faust

“We’re excited about the direction Ace Indoor Golf and Gimme Simulators are poised to take with the direction, experience and industry savvy of our new company President Trevor Faust,” says Co-Founder Joe Neumeyer. “We couldn’t have asked for someone more ideally suited to this role. Trevor knows how to sell, market and fulfill world-class indoor experiences like few others in this business. His energy and ingenuity will help drive our success as the Ace and Gimme become more household names in indoor golf.”

The Michigan native has been a trailblazer in the indoor golf space since 2004. He has been president of Mobile Golf Experiences since 2012 and was Vice President of Global Sales for OptiShot from 2016 to until he joined Ace/Gimme. Faust was also Midwest Sales Manager for TrackMan from 2012 to 2016 and served on the sales and strategic account management teams for aboutGolf Limited for eight years. He is positioned to help take Ace Indoor Golf, a best-in-class installer of purpose-built golf simulators and the consumer- and DIY-focused Gimme Simulators to the next level.

“Ace Indoor Golf is positioned very well within the industry, and has tremendous growth potential,” says Faust. “While golf industry veterans know us well, average golfers looking to install an indoor golf solution don’t fully comprehend the reach Ace Indoor Golf has within the space. Indoor golf is evolving and becoming more commonplace. We want to be a part of it from the initial design phase through the build-out. We are confident we can deliver world class solutions based on the client’s desired budget or cosmetic needs.”

Gimme Simulators: The DIY Simulator Client’s Best Friend

Faust maintains that the Gimme Simulator side of the business has huge potential for expansion based on the popularity of in-home simulators and emerging technology that will make residential indoor golf more accessible. “Gimme Simulators is really designed for the DIY client and will evolve to include many more accessories to accommodate whatever needs consumers have – that's a huge area of growth for us going forward,” Faust says. “Fifteen or 20 years ago, there was a far smaller portion of the golfing public with home simulators. Whereas today, that number has grown drastically. We feel like Gimme can be a solid resource, with video content and information to allow people to more easily achieve those types of goals.”

The industry-leading best practices, experience and expertise from the Ace Indoor Golf side of the business will inspire growth for the consumer/DIY-focused Gimme Simulator brand, Faust adds. “With 20 years’ experience in the space, this team has developed best-in-class processes for optimizing any simulator design and installation. No matter how large, small, complex or unique the job is, we have the ability to exceed the clients expectations for aesthetics, functionality, safety with the latest cutting-edge simulator and launch monitor technology,” he says.

Faust earned a BA in Economics & Management from Albion College, while playing on the golf team for four years. He resides in Grosse Pointe, Michigan with his wife Jo Marie and three children.

For more information, visit aceindoorgolf.com.

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas Announces Exceptional Summer Golf Packages

Family Friendly Offers Include Kids Playing Free Golf, First-Class Accommodations and Amenities

(LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic) – Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences, including its iconic “World Top 100” Teeth of the Dog – announces an array of exceptional summer stay-and-play packages ideal for family and golf buddy getaways. 

The “Unlimited Golf with All-Inclusive” package starts at $1,259 (per room, per night). Resort guests can tee it up to their heart’s content on two renowned Pete Dye-designed gems: Dye Fore (27 holes) and The Links (18). Play on the legendary Teeth of the Dog has a preferred rate of $199 per round (plus taxes). All golf rounds are based on availability and include play on arrival and departure days.

The offer also includes deluxe accommodations in the resort’s recently renovated guest rooms, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, use of a four-passenger golf cart to internal travel throughout the 7,000-acre gated property, unlimited horseback riding, use of the property’s tennis courts, one round at the 245-acre Shooting Club, non-motorized water sports, family program activities and use of the resort’s fitness center.

Casa de Campo is additionally offering its “Unlimited Golf in Villa” stay-and-play offer starting from $550 (per villa, per night). This allows groups and families the opportunity to enjoy a “world of their own” in a three- to five-bedroom luxury villa with one daily round of golf (per person) on Dye Fore and The Links.  Breakfast for the group is prepared right in the villa each morning along with daily housekeeping and dedicated concierge services.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Casa de Campo is also offering the “family-friendly” opportunity for two kids or young adults (ages 17 and younger) to play golf for free when accompanied on the same rounds with their parents during resort visits. Please note, Teeth of the Dog will be closed for its annual summer maintenance from June 20 – July 31. 

“We offer luxury golf getaways perfect for families, friends and groups looking to enjoy time together while savoring our world-class amenities,” says Jason Kycek, senior vice-president of sales and marketing. “With our world-class golf courses and host of resort activities, Casa de Campo provides a wonderful opportunity to reset, enjoy time away and simply have fun in paradise.”

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

The resort’s world-class Golf Learning Center is a “must visit” when on property. Highlighted by Trackman and BODITRAK technology, it features two indoor hitting bays for rapid game improvement, year-round training, individual and group golf lessons and schools, and expert club-fitting and repair. Residing on 21 acres of “pure grass,” the PGA Tour-quality facility also showcases practice greens for honing putting, chipping and pitching skills as well as unlimited use of the pristine outdoor range for full shots. On-course instruction is also available. 

During the COVID pandemic, the five-star resort initiated its “Casa Cares” program touching virtually every area of the property including significant investment in new equipment and employee training. The robust health and safety practices continue to remain a top priority for its guests. A full list of the measures may be found here.

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

Atlanta Athletic Club to Host Three USGA Amateur Championships

USGA returns to historic club for 2025 U.S. Girls Junior, 2030 U.S. Amateur and 2035 U.S. Women’s Amateur 

(LIBERTY CORNER, N.J.) — The United States Golf Association announced on Tuesday that the Atlanta Athletic Club, in Johns Creek, Ga., will be the host site for the 2025 U.S. Girls’ Junior, 2030 U.S. Amateur and 2035 U.S. Women’s Amateur championships. The club has previously hosted six USGA championships.  

“We are thrilled to return to Atlanta Athletic Club to conduct these three USGA championships,” said Mark Hill, USGA senior managing director, Championships. “The USGA is looking forward to continuing our strong relationship with this famed club, which has been home to so many memorable USGA championships and legendary champions.” 

These will be the seventh, eighth and ninth USGA championships held at Atlanta Athletic Club, including the 1976 U.S. Open, captured by Jerry Pate with a dramatic 5-iron shot on the 72nd hole. The club also hosted the 2014 U.S. Amateur (won by Gunn Yang), the 2002 U.S. Junior Amateur (won by Charlie Beljan), the 1990 U.S. Women’s Open (won by Betsy King), and the 1984 U.S. Mid-Amateur (won by Michael Podolak). The club was also the host of the 1950 U.S. Women’s Amateur (won by Beverly Hanson) on its original course which is now known as East Lake Golf Club.  

Atlanta Athletic Club has also hosted the 1963 Ryder Cup, three PGA Championships (1981, 2001 and 2011) and most recently, the 2021 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, won by Nelly Korda. In 2023, the club will celebrate its 125th anniversary. 

“Atlanta Athletic Club is proud to continue its tradition of hosting national championships,” said Kevin Costello, club president. “Building on our enduring relationship with the USGA, it’s an honor to showcase our golf courses to the world and play host to these prestigious championships that truly embody the spirit of the amateur game and support the next generation of golfers.” 

Located 25 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, the Atlanta Athletic Club is a private 36-hole club founded in 1898 and the home club of four USGA champions: nine-time champion Bob Jones, three-time U.S. Women’s Amateur champion Alexa Stirling, and U.S. Women’s Amateur champions Dot Kirby and Martha Kirouac.   

The club’s Highlands Course and Riverside Course were designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., with Joe Finger assisting on the Highlands Course. Rees Jones redesigned both courses, completing his work on the Riverside Course in 2003 and the Highlands Course in 2016. The Riverside Course is currently being renovated under the guidance of Tripp Davis, work that is scheduled to be completed by the end of this summer. 

The U.S. Girls’ Junior will be contested at the club July 14-19, 2025. The USGA will name a competition course at a later date. First conducted in 1949, the U.S. Girls’ Junior is open to female amateurs who have not turned 19 on or before the final day of the championship and have a Handicap Index® not exceeding 9.4. U.S. Girls’ Junior champions earn an exemption into the following year’s U.S. Women’s Open. Notable champions include Mickey Wright, JoAnne Gunderson Carner, Hollis Stacy, Nancy Lopez, Inbee Park, Lexi Thompson and Ariya Jutanugarn. 

Atlanta Athletic Club will host its second U.S. Amateur Aug. 12-18, 2030, which will mark the 100th anniversary of Bob Jones’ completion of the “Grand Slam” (victories in the U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur, British Open and British Amateur). Jones was a past president and an active member of Atlanta Athletic Club until his death in 1971. 

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 on each of the Highlands and Riverside courses before the championship is cut to 64 players for match play on the Highlands Course. The championship is decided by a 36-hole final, and the champion and runner-up are invited to the following year’s U.S. Open Championship. 

The U.S. Women’s Amateur will be held on the Highlands Course from Aug. 6-12, 2035. It is also one of the USGA’s first three championships, having debuted in 1895 along with the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Open, marking the beginning of women’s competitive golf in this country. The U.S. Women’s Amateur champion and runner-up receive exemptions into the following year’s U.S. Women’s Open.

Five Must-Play Daytona Beach Golf Courses in 2022

Victoria Hills

(DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.) – Daytona Beach has become a destination of choice for savvy group leaders in search of good golf, good times and value, leading an influx of newcomers to search for the area’s premier layouts.

Home to nearly 20 golf courses, including a pair of Donald Ross designs, a U.S. Open qualifying site, and three layouts that have hosted professional tournaments, identifying Daytona Beach’s “best” courses is by nature a subjective exercise. With that being said, here are five must-play Daytona Beach golf courses in 2022:

- LPGA International, a 36-hole property, is Daytona Beach’s most acclaimed facility, and the Jones Course challenges players with some of Central Florida’s best greens complexes, sprawling waste bunkers and natural marsh areas. A favorite of the world’s best female golfers when the LPGA held its titleholders event in Daytona Beach, the Rees Jones layout also features generous fairways framed by mounding, creating the memorable visuals players enjoy.

- Golfweek has ranked Victoria Hills among Florida’s top 15 public layouts and it doesn’t take players long to figure out why. The course plays along naturally rolling terrain and pine tree-lined fairways, an atypical look for a Florida layout, and players love it. For golfers in the western part of Volusia County, playing this Ron Garl design is a priority.

- A greens restoration project has moved Halifax Plantation to the top of many must-play lists. The new Champion Ultra dwarf bermuda grass has made the Bill Amick course’s greens among the area’s smoothest. Halifax plays among centuries-old oaks, adding scenery to a layout in pristine condition.

- For many, Daytona Beach is home to the “World Center of Racing” Daytona International Speedway, so it’s only natural that one of the area’s fastest rounds of golf is also among its most enjoyable. Crane Lakes Golf Club, a par 66 that includes eight par 3s and a pair of par 5s, can be played in under 3 ½ hours, but it’s not just a “short course.” Crane Lakes has several par 4s that play over 380 yards and its shortest par 3 is 151 yards.

- The U.S. Women’s Open will be played on a Donald Ross design this summer, shining the spotlight on America’s most revered golf course architect. Ross designed a pair of area layouts - the South Course at Daytona Beach Golf Club and the New Smyrna Golf Club - both of which are municipal courses that allow players to enjoy the work of one of the game’s legends at a value price. For golfers in southern Volusia County, New Smyrna, with its small undulating greens, is a treat to play.

For information on all of Daytona Beach golf offerings, visit DaytonaBeach.Golf.

PGA TOUR Welcomes Dream Finders Homes as Official Marketing Partner

Dream Finders Homes becomes TOUR’s first official home builder partner through 2026

(PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA) – The PGA TOUR and Dream Finders Homes, Inc. announced a multi-year partnership naming Dream Finders Homes the “Official Home Builder of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions” through 2026.

“We are excited to have Dream Finders Homes as the first home builder to be an Official Marketing Partner at the PGA TOUR,” said Brian Oliver, PGA TOUR Executive Vice President Marketing & Corporate Partnerships. “We’re confident that the PGA TOUR platform will provide an excellent backdrop to showcase the Dream Finders Homes brand through our players, media and tournaments.”

Dream Finders Homes will activate this new relationship by having a presence in programming throughout PGA TOUR social and digital properties, including hosting a “Moving Day” campaign on Instagram. Dream Finders Homes will also organize hospitality events for key constituents and guests at select PGA TOUR events, host corporate golf outings and develop partnerships with TOUR professionals.

Patrick Zalupski, Dream Finders Homes, Inc. CEO said “Dream Finders Homes is excited to partner with the PGA TOUR and support golf's growing popularity - we believe its mission strongly aligns with our corporate values: quality, integrity, and family. As we further expand our footprint in high growth markets, becoming the PGA TOUR’s Official Home Builder will ensure golf fans across the country become acquainted with our company and mission. The game of golf, similar to building communities, brings together folks of diverse backgrounds; we feel this will be a mutually beneficial partnership as we work together to support golf’s next generation. See you on Moving Day!”

For more information, visit PGATOUR.COM and www.dreamfindershomes.com.

Troon Selected to Manage Oldfield Club and Community in Okatie, S.C.

(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 Oldfield, a private, member-owned community in Okatie, South Carolina. Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon, will manage golf operations and agronomy, the Equestrian Center, Sports Club, Outfitters Center, food & beverage, and membership marketing, as well as Oldfield’s community association.

Located along the banks of the Okatie River, Oldfield is “Lowcountry Living. Perfected.” Oldfield, an Audubon International Certified Sustainable Community, offers an array of amenities for residents and members, including an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course; Sports Club with cardio and strength training equipment, heated lap pool, large outdoor pool, wellness and nutrition clinics, and tennis and pickleball courts; and an Equestrian Center. Oldfield’s Outfitters Center provides a comprehensive offering of outdoor activities including fishing, boating and boat storage, shooting sports, kayaking, and nature programming, which capitalize on the community’s outdoor lifestyle.

The River Club is the community’s centerpiece for dining, relaxing and conversation, affording members and guests with panoramic views of the marsh and river. The Magnolia Grill, located in the Oldfield Clubhouse, is a casual dining destination for lunch and dinner. 

“We feel privileged to be entrusted by both Boards at Oldfield, Club and Community Association, as they seek to further elevate the quality of the lifestyle experience for all residents and members,” said Joe Langford, vice president of operations for Troon. “Our team is thrilled to get started at Oldfield and will look to further elevate the club and community in terms of service, food and beverage offerings, experience, and more.” 

“Troon Privé has extensive experience in managing premium private clubs and communities similar to Oldfield. This expertise and leadership will be critical as we navigate the changing landscape for the private, lifestyle communities while remaining true to the essence of Oldfield that initially drew us here and that we all cherish,” said Oldfield Club President Mark Rovnak.

“Oldfield members care deeply about Oldfield’s natural beauty, from our white-fenced pastures to our riverside marshes and we believe Troon can bring an enhanced level of stewardship,” said Community Association President Jeff Shawd.

As a Troon Privé-managed club, equity golf members of Oldfield can enjoy the Troon Privé Privileges program, which delivers extraordinary golf and lifestyle benefits as well as reciprocal play at other Troon Privé-managed private clubs around the world.

For more information on Oldfield Club and community, visit www.oldfield1732.com.

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

Youth on Course Welcomes Lizette Salas as Ambassador

(PEBBLE BEACH, Calif.) – Youth on Course — the non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the landscape of golf and the lives of young people through opportunities on and off the golf course – has named LPGA Tour player Lizette Salas as its third global ambassador.

Salas joins Jennifer Kupcho and Harold Varner III, who became the organization’s first ambassadors in 2021, serving as official spokespeople for Youth on Course. In this role, she will help advocate for the organization’s mission of providing affordable access to golf and bringing life-changing opportunities to young golfers across the country, an effort she believes will create a more inclusive and diverse future for the game.

“Having access to golf as a young kid was life-changing for me,” says Salas. “The future of golf is in youth all over the nation having opportunities to be a part of the game at all levels regardless of financial status, race, or gender." I’m proud to represent Youth on Course, and work together to open doors for kids like me.”

Salas, an LPGA Tour winner who has represented the United States in five consecutive Solheim Cup events, has been a lifelong advocate for promoting inclusion and diversity in the game of golf. A daughter of Mexican immigrants, her father worked as a mechanic at Azusa Greens Country Club, a public golf course in California, and exchanged work around the course for lessons for his daughter. Thanks to affordable access to golf, Lizette deepened her love for the sport and would go on to play at the University of Southern California where she became the programs first 4-time All-American.  Lizette secured her LPGA Tour card on her first attempt in 2011. She is coming off the strongest season of her career, finishing 11th on the season-long money list and finishing T2 in two of the Tour’s five majors in 2021.

“Lizette has been an incredible role model for young golfers throughout her career,” says Ashleigh McLaughlin, vice president of marketing of Youth on Course. “Her entry into our sport is truly inspiring and illustrates the importance of bringing affordable access to golf to everyone. We are so proud to have her join our team as a Youth on Course Ambassador.”

Operating across North America, Youth on Course has more than 130,000 active members. Since 2006, juniors have played more than 1.8 million subsidized rounds of golf while the organization has helped generate more than $8 million in tee-time revenue reimbursed back to individual golf courses. In addition to subsidized rounds, Youth on Course puts its members' lives on a different trajectory by providing off-course growth and learning experiences including paid internships, a caddie program, and nationwide scholarships, with more than 300 students awarded with college scholarships to date totaling more than $2 million awarded through the scholarship program.

Learn More: YouthonCourse.org

Landscapes Unlimited-Constructed Dumbarnie Links Wins ‘Scotland’s Best Golf Experience’ Award

(LINCOLN, Neb.) – Landscapes Unlimited-constructed Dumbarnie Links was named “Best Scottish Golf Experience” at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards ceremony at the Fairmont St. Andrews.

Dumbarnie Links – which opened in May 2020, hosted the 2021 Women’s Scottish Open and is about 10 miles from St. Andrews – also won “Best Golf Course” in the £151 and higher category.  It held off competition from Trump Turnberry, Carnoustie Golf Links and Kingsbarns Golf Links.

The Scottish Golf Tourism Awards – with winners determined solely by public vote – is a centerpiece to the fifth annual Scottish Golf Tourism Week supported by VisitScotland and Scottish Enterprise.

Clive Clark

Regarded among the top golf course construction companies globally, Landscapes Unlimited worked closely with Dumbarnie Links founder, developer and course designer Clive Clark to create a premier links experience with modern twists over a 340-acre site. To ensure entertaining rounds no matter the handicap, a wide variety of hole layouts weave in and out of omnipresent dunes along 1.5 miles of beach and water frontage.  Golfers relish in regularly seeing dolphins and seals just off the shoreline.

“With Landscapes Unlimited at the helm, the golf course was created with all the drama I envisioned within a timeline faster and more efficient than I could have imagined,” says Clark. “In my years of golf development, nothing has come together as impressively than Dumbarnie.”

“Clive’s vision is second to none, and part of the strategy involves inspiring versus intimidating golfers while maintaining a true links feel,” says Bill Kubly, Chairman of Landscapes Unlimited. “What’s special is routing and constructing several tees in close proximity to water and 14 holes with views of the Bay on the Firth of Forth.”

True to a “Golf for Everyone” philosophy, Dumbarnie Links’ fairways are wide, mounds funnel balls in play and roughs are not overly penal. Elevated tees give golfers full views of shots to come and represent a welcome departure from common Scottish links. Short Par 4s are drivable for bombers and provide ample scoring opportunities for short hitters. Bunkers and swales pop up for intermittent bark.

Among the fun holes which stand out is No. 17 where decisions off the tee abound – lay up to a fairway to the left or carry shots over a wall, menacing rough and bunkers to almost reach a massive green. 

While the 18-hole course measures 5,300 to 6,900 yards, a special set of 12 tees are positioned for professional tournaments, stretching to a whopping 7,600 yards.

The clubhouse features dining options and a pro shop and is set nearly 100 feet above sea level to make the most of the commanding and sweeping views across the golf course and the bay.  

Dumbarnie Links is part of the 5,000-acre Balcarres Estate owned by Lord Balniel with family ties from the 16th century. The Balcarres House is based on a mansion built in 1595 by John Lindsay, second son of David, the 9th Earl of Crawford. The buildings and formal gardens are preserved under “special historic interest,” making the golf course location unquestionably rare and associated with an important piece of Scottish history.

More information about Clive Clark Designs: www.cliveclarkdesign.com, 760.771.0400.

Clarity.Golf's Disruptive Simulator Pricing Makes Waves

Clarity President Bill Bales Reports 100% Close Rate: “We often close them on the first call.”

(Holland, Ohio) – Clarity.Golf is making waves in the indoor golf simulator world. Founded by AboutGolf founder Bill Bales, Clarity has laid down the gauntlet with respect to what Bales sees as “egregiously high” simulator pricing by many of the name brands.

“Some companies have come around to somewhat more reasonable pricing but most high-end buyers are mistaking ego for silliness when it comes to their simulator purchases,” said Bales. “but our model beats the lowest deals, and we provide superior ongoing service and support.”

Bales attributes Clarity.Golf's ability to offer revolutionary pricing and service to the strength of its team and its well-managed overhead. “Our team are all stockholders on 'entrepreneurial' pay plans, I'm committed to take no pay until our investors are entirely cashed out, we get most-favored nation pricing from all our key suppliers—we have no fat.”

Bales pointed out that there are other simulator integrators with somewhat competitive pricing, but the Clarity edge is enhanced by its team's superior knowledge, commitment to quality, and lifetime free support. New England Media has named Bales their free indoor golf consultant, serving the readership of its two high-end magazines, its industry leading golf news website, over thirty-five golf websites it serves, and its over one million opt-ins for email updates. “We provide free consulting and simulator planning to anyone who contacts us—no strings. This includes DIY buyers we simply direct to the best third party suppliers.”

Clarity.Golf's pricing often is a solid $20,000 lower than the equivalent name-brand system. Bales even pointed out one “reasonably priced” integrator whose website sells a bottle of bungee cords for $20, available at Harbor Freight for $8.49, carpet tiles for $4.75/sf that can be purchased for no more than $2.79/sf, and a tube of construction adhesive for $15 that Ace Hardware sells for $4.59.

“The indoor golf business has been going crazy and, unfortunately, a lot of purveyors are taking advantage of their customers. The good news is, thanks especially to the expanding DIY market, consumers are starting to figure this out. I just want to make sure folks learn we're the good guys”, Bales said. “It isn't hard to explain to a simulator customer why Clarity should be their choice, especially when most of our competition are so vulnerable. So far, 100% of the customers who have found us and made a buying decision have decided on us—often in one meeting or phone call.

“And given we provide highly educated, objective, free planning advice to anyone who contacts us, we just need more people to find out we exist. That's our next objective.”

Contact Clarity.Golf: www.clarity.golf

Omni Hotels & Resorts Names Buffalo Agency its Golf Public Relations Agency of Record

(DALLAS) – Omni Hotels & Resorts has selected Buffalo Agency (Buffalo) as its golf public relations agency of record.

Calling upon its deep knowledge of branding and the business of golf, Buffalo will help Omni Hotels & Resorts build a clearer identity for its nationwide collection of 25 golf courses spread across 11 resorts. This identity will be informed by elements such as Omni’s market positioning, competitor analysis, audience insights, proof points from its golf properties, and current trends in golf travel.

Once armed with new brand positioning and messaging, Buffalo will create an integrated communications program that will be focused on using earned and owned media channels to elevate awareness of the new Omni golf brand with key national, regional and local audiences. To ensure consistency, storytelling about individual properties will incorporate wider golf portfolio brand messaging, while still highlighting elements unique to each golf experience.

“We are excited to partner with Buffalo Agency as we commit to telling a more cohesive story about our world-class golf offerings,” said Kurt Alexander, president of Omni Hotels & Resorts. “Buffalo’s strategic, data-focused approach impressed us, and will be critical to ensuring that the brand’s golf offering is properly aligned with Omni Hotels & Resorts’ market positioning as a creator of genuine and authentic guest experiences.”

Omni’s golf portfolio includes classic designs from the Golden Age of golf course architecture like the Cascades Course at Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va. and the Old Course at Omni Bedford Springs Resort in Bedford, Pa.; former PGA Tour hosts such as the Champions Course at Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, Calif.; and new additions that reflect changing guest preferences like the 10-hole Little Sandy par-3 course that opened this month at Omni Amelia Island Resort in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

In Spring 2023, further evidence of Omni’s refreshed commitment to golf will be on full display when it unveils its 12th golf property, Omni PGA Frisco, the largest U.S. resort currently under development. 

Located 30 miles north of Dallas, “The Modern Home of American Golf” will feature 46 holes designed by Gil Hanse and Beau Welling – two 18-hole championship courses and a lighted, 10-hole short course – as well as a lighted two-acre putting green and Lounge by Top Golf. The unparalleled golf experience will be complemented by 500 guest rooms and suites, 10 four-bedroom ranch houses, four pools, a destination spa, over 127,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, and an expansive retail and entertainment district with dining, shopping and an outdoor stage for concerts and other programming. 

“As the golf travel space rapidly evolves, Omni PGA Frisco promises to be a game-changing resort experience for golfers of all skill levels,” said Lauren Nodzak, managing director of Buffalo Agency. “While we’re honored to have the opportunity to shape its story, we’re just as enthusiastic about bringing greater structure and unity to the entirety of Omni’s impressive golf collection.” 

For information or to book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.

Bloodline Golf Announces Participation in The Great Golf Giveaway Sweepstakes Ending on April 30th

The Total Prize Package Value is $3,000

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) – Bloodline Golf is pleased to announce that it is participating in The Great Golf Giveaway Sweepstakes ending on April 30, 2022. The sweepstakes gives golfers a chance to win great equipment and accessories to start the spring golf season.

In addition to Bloodline, other participating brands include Edison Golf, Sqairz Golf, Johnnie-O Apparel, OnCore Golf, Scheyden Precision Eyewear, Golfbreaks by PGA Tour, and PGA TOUR Vault. The package is valued at $3000.

“We are proud to be part of a collection of great golf brands putting together this sweepstakes,” said Brad Adams, Bloodline CEO. “We are offering the sweepstakes winner the choice of our R-Series putter or our Vale putter. It’s just a matter of personal preference. You can’t go wrong with either design.”

Bloodline putters are trusted by Tour Professionals including Ernie Els and already used to win 5 times on professional tours. All Bloodline putters conform to Rules of Golf.

Bloodline has developed a putter line which includes a high-performance carbon fiber shaft that contributes to the putter's unique capability to stand up by itself on the green. In designing its putters, the company created an ultralight shaft that does not compromise on feel or flex characteristics and also includes an oversized gripping section built directly into the shaft. This pioneering construction enables Bloodline putters to have an extremely low balance point that helps give more feel and release during the stroke.

The R-Series putters feature:

- CNC-milled aluminum head

- Stainless steel sole

- Sub-50g carbon fiber shaft with performance ultra-light grip

- CNC machined aluminum, interchangeable hosel

- Patented head, sole, and balance-point design features

The Vale putter features:

- A High-Performance Polymer (HPP) head or Aircraft Aluminum (AA) head

- A grooved face design that provides optimized launch conditions with modern golf balls

- An ultra-light carbon fiber shaft and EVA grip

- Patented head, sole, and balance-point design features

All Bloodline putters feature interchangeable/adjustable components. The ability to interchange a variety of shaft/hosel combinations and lengths and lies enables golfers of all levels and putting styles to easily get the proper fit.

Golfers can enter the sweepstakes here: https://bloodline.golf/pages/great-golf-give-away

PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com To Host First “Social Scramble,” Bringing Paige Spiranac and Golf’s Leading Influencers to the Grand Strand

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) – PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com will be hosting the inaugural “Social Scramble,” a three-day event that will bring some of golf’s leading social media influencers and their fans to the game’s most popular destination.

The Social Scramble will be held September 23-25 and a field of 24 social media stars will be highlighted by the presence of Paige Spiranac, the game’s most popular influencer with more than 7.5 million followers.

A 36-hole event, the Social Scramble will tee off with a pairings party that includes a buffet dinner and open bar on September 23 at Crooked Hammock Brewery, followed by golf at Grande Dunes Resort Course and Pine Lakes Country Club, two of Myrtle Beach’s most prominent facilities.

Registration for the event, which is $5,000 per foursome, is open to the public. Entry deadline is August 1.

For more information or to register, visit SocialScramble.net.

In addition to the pairings party, where golfers will be able to participate in a draft day pairings party to determine who they play with, entry into the event will include a gift bag valued at more than $300 and open beverage cart during play.

Among the stars who have committed to join Spiranac are former collegiate golfer and fitness influencer Michelle Rodriguez, instructor Colin McCarthy, and Myrtle Beach golf ambassador Charlie Rymer.

The chance to play Grande Dunes, a layout that has been ranked among the nation’s top 100 public courses, and Pine Lakes, known affectionately as “The Granddaddy,” certainly enhances the event’s appeal.

A Roger Rulewich design, Grande Dunes, which is undergoing a greens, bunker and clubhouse renovation project this summer, features five holes that play along the Intracoastal Waterway, making it one of the area’s most scenic layouts. Myrtle Beach’s first golf course, Pine Lakes was the birthplace of Sports Illustrated, and the classic design underwent its own greens and bunker renovation project in 2021.

For more information on Myrtle Beach golf, visit PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com.

Two Sides Post 65s to Share First-Round Lead in Puerto Rico

(RELEASE) — For Georgia teenagers LoraLie Cowart and Ava Merrill, Wednesday’s first round of stroke play in the 7th U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship at Grand Reserve Golf Club in Puerto Rico was a breeze.

Literally and figuratively.

Cowart, 19, of Winston, and Merrill, 17, of Johns Creek, who advanced to the quarterfinals last year at Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas, handled the windy conditions with aplomb, carding a bogey-free, 7-under-par 65 to share the lead with 15-year-olds Chloe Kovelesky, of Boca Raton, Fla., and Yana Wilson, of Henderson, Nev.

With breezes in the 20-mile-an-hour range all day, Cowart and Merrill registered five birdies and a chip-in eagle. Kovelesky, a 2021 U.S. Women’s Open qualifier, and Wilson, a two-time Drive, Chip & Putt age-group national champion, registered eight birdies against one bogey. Their 65s matched the fourth-lowest stroke-play round in the championship’s young history (it began in 2015 and wasn’t contested in 2020 due to COVID-19). Faith Choi and Aneka Seumanutafa posted a 60 in 2019 at Timuquana Country Club in Jacksonville, Fla., and there have been two 64s.

This is the first USGA championship to be contested outside of the 50 states and District of Columbia. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and the Puerto Rico Golf Association is one of 58 Allied Golf Associations supported by the USGA.

“When one of us would make a bad shot, the other one definitely had a good one to back it up,” said Cowart, who is completing her freshman year at the University of Georgia, where she has competed in four events, including last week’s Southeastern Conference Championship. “It was just a good partnership out there. We got rolling with the eagle on No. 5. That just got us started..”

The duo followed Cowart’s 40-yard pitch-in on the 492-yard, par-5 fifth with birdies on the par-3 sixth and par-4 ninth to go out in 32. They closed with birdies on 10, 16 and the par-5 18th.

“We ham-and-egged it pretty well,” said Merrill, who is finishing her junior year at Rivers Academy in Alpharetta. “When one of us would struggle, the other would make a birdie. We both contributed well today.”

Although they reside on opposite sides of the country, Wilson, the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 53 in the Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking® and a 2021 U.S. Girls’ Junior quarterfinalist, and Kovelesky, a past Drive, Chip & Putt national finalist, forged a friendship six years ago at the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship in Pinehurst, N.C. They didn’t become a four-ball side until last year because they were partnering with other players.

“I was happy when she sent me the text,” said Kovelesky.

On Wednesday, they split their eight birdies evenly between the two nines, with the lone blemish coming on the 361-yard, par-4 ninth.

“It was a really good team effort today,” said Wilson. “Chloe really carried me a lot of the way. I had one good hole probably. She’s a really good partner and I’m happy to have her.”

Leigh Chen, 16, of Irvine, Calif., and Anna Huang, 13, of Canada, birdied four consecutive holes on the inward nine to post a 66, one stroke better than Floridians Kendall Griffin, 23, of Sebring, and Elle Nachmann, 18, of Boca Raton. That duo birdied five of the first seven holes before finishing with 11 consecutive pars. Griffin was a semifinalist in 2017 with Kathleen Gallagher.

Notable

The Puerto Rican side of Darianys Guzman and Camila Negroni had the honor of hitting the first tee shots of the championship. The duo opened with a 1-over-par 73 and drew a nice gallery of family and friends.

Defending champions Savannah Barber and Alexa Saldana opened with a 1-under-par 71 and sit in a tie for 25th place.

Arkansas State teammates Olivia Schmidt and Elise Schultz were the last side to arrive in Puerto Rico after competing in the Sun Belt Championship that concluded on Tuesday in Daytona Beach, Fla. Schmidt and Schultz tied for fourth and tied for seventh, respectively, in the individual competition as their team finished third, five strokes behind winner Georgia Southern. They carried their good play into Wednesday’s first round, shooting 2-under 70 without the benefit of a practice round.

It was a tale of two nines for former Stanford teammates Shannon Aubert and Calli Ringsby. The duo was 4 over par through eight holes but played their last 10 in 4 under to finish at even-par 72.

A pair of mid-amateur sides (25 years and older) posted 2-under 70s. Two-time U.S. Women’s Mid-Am champion Julia Potter-Bobb (2013, ’16) and 2017 champion Kelsey Chugg; and 2015 winner Lauren Greenlief and partner Alexandra Austin. Greenlief is one of three competitors to play in all seven U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Balls, and it’s her third start with Austin. The two reached the semifinals in 2016 at Streamsong Resort in Florida.

Nearly half (31 of 64) of the sides bettered par in Round 1.

Quotable

“The golf course is amazing. It’s a great course, and to be playing where they play the Puerto Rico Open is a really fun experience.” – Chloe Kovelesky on Grand Reserve Golf Club

“It gives us a lot of confidence, but also some grit and a little bit of fire to do better this year. We’re confident and we know our games and we know how to complement each other’s games well.” – Ava Merrill on what reaching last year’s quarterfinals did for her side’s mindset

“Coming into the back [nine] there were some tougher holes. The wind was a little tougher, so we didn’t press too much. We said to ourselves that for a lot of those holes, par’s a good score. We just tried to pace ourselves and be patient.” – Kendall Griffin on making 11 consecutive pars with partner Elle Nachmann after a 5-under start through seven holes

“We’ve had experience in USGA events. We both individually have been playing really well recently so that gives us a lot of confidence. Not putting any pressure on myself, just having fun out here.” – Nachmann on her mindset for the championship

“It was really special. We were a little bit nervous, but it was great.” – Camila Negroni, of Puerto Rico, on hitting the first tee shot of the first USGA event conducted in Puerto Rico

“We have an advantage on this course. With this wind I think we were overthinking a little too much at times, but we need to just have fun and go for it.” – Darianys Guzman, of Puerto Rico, on competing at a familiar venue

More information: usga.org/womensfourball

USGA and Pebble Beach Company Announce Landmark Partnership

Expanded relationship with world-renowned golf resort includes eight additional championships and investments in the future of golf

(LIBERTY CORNER, N.J.) – Building upon a nearly century-long relationship, the United States Golf Association and Pebble Beach have forged a landmark partnership that seeks to benefit the game of golf for generations to come.

As part of today’s announcement, Pebble Beach will now host four future U.S. Opens (2027, 2032, 2037 and 2044) as well as four future U.S. Women’s Opens Presented by ProMedica, including its first one next year (2023, 2035, 2040 and 2048). These additional championships fulfill a common goal to ensure that both men and women have the opportunity to compete at the highest level on this iconic course. In addition, for the first time ever, the U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Senior Women’s Open will be staged back-to-back at the same location in 2030, with the resort’s Spyglass Hill Golf Course serving as the host site.

“This relationship with Pebble Beach, long considered a national treasure, is a historic step forward for golf,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “In addition to elevating our Open championships, the USGA and Pebble Beach are committed to working together to ensure a more diverse, welcoming and accessible game. We couldn’t be more thankful for their collaboration and like-minded vision.”

 “We are honored to deepen our long-standing partnership with the USGA, which will benefit the game of golf for years to come,” said Pebble Beach Company CEO David Stivers. “We are proud that Pebble Beach Golf Links was the first public golf course to host a U.S. Open in 1972, and that golfers around the world have the opportunity to play Pebble Beach and walk in the footsteps of champions. This partnership ensures that the legacy of championship golf on this historic course will continue long into the future and leave a lasting impact on the game.”

The long-term nature of the championship agreement allows the USGA and Pebble Beach Resorts to invest and collaborate in new and innovative ways to enhance the player, fan, partner and media experience. 

The relationship between the USGA and Pebble Beach began in 1929 with the 33rd U.S. Amateur Championship, and the resort has played host to 13 USGA championships during its first 100 years of existence, including six U.S. Opens, five U.S. Amateurs and two U.S. Women’s Amateurs, with another 10 championships to come over the next 25 years.

U.S. Opens through the years at Pebble Beach have matched the dramatic setting. In 1972, Jack Nicklaus hit the flagstick with a 1-iron shot on No. 17 to ensure victory; in 1982, Tom Watson denied Jack a record-breaking fifth title with his pitch-in birdie on the same hole; in 1992, veteran Tom Kite rode a pitch-in birdie on No. 7 to a wind-buffeted win; in 2000, Tiger Woods authored the most dominant victory in major-championship history in the 100th U.S. Open; in 2010, Graeme McDowell outlasted a trio of major champions, including Woods; and in 2019, Gary Woodland’s heroic 3-wood second shot on No. 14 helped him hold off Brooks Koepka’s bid for a third consecutive U.S. Open title. The 2019 championship marked Pebble Beach’s 100th anniversary. 

Beyond the future championships, the USGA and Pebble Beach are developing community-based programs to create internships and other career opportunities for the next generation of industry leaders. The expanded relationship also includes a joint initiative with the USGA’s Green Section to invest in turfgrass and water conservation research, contributing to the entities’ shared goal of creating enjoyable golf experiences that are environmentally and economically sustainable.

“Through this relationship, we aim to foster opportunities for future greats of the game, to nurture golf’s next generation of leaders and to develop new technologies for a sustainable future, all while crowning champions who will follow the legends who walked these hallowed grounds before them,” said Whan.

“Supporting youth education is a pillar of our community outreach and this partnership will greatly expand opportunities for young people to pursue a career in this industry,” said Stivers. “For over 30 years, Pebble Beach and its neighboring golf courses have operated the most successful water reclamation project on California’s Central Coast. The USGA Green Section will provide powerful new technology and research to help pioneer new innovations in water conservation.”

In an effort to return to venues with deep and meaningful USGA championship history every five to six years, Pebble Beach Resorts joins Pinehurst Resort & Country Club and Oakmont Country Club as a U.S. Open anchor site. Here is the complete list of future USGA championships at Pebble Beach:

2023 U.S. Women’s Open

2027 U.S. Open

2030 U.S. Senior Women’s Open (Spyglass Hill)

2030 U.S. Senior Open (Spyglass Hill)

2032 U.S. Open

2035 U.S. Women’s Open

2037 U.S. Open

2040 U.S. Women’s Open

2044 U.S. Open

2048 U.S. Women’s Open

To learn more, visit usga.org.