Set near the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains on 180 open acres of rolling old farmland tucked into a bend in the Holston River, Holston Hills boasts a magnificent, Donald Ross-designed golf course.
Holston Hills has always been highly regarded among the country’s most prestigious golf course rankings. Such recognition continues in 2022.
In Golfweek's prestigious “Best Classic Courses 2022” — the top 200 golf courses built before 1960 — Holston Hills ranked No. 101 in America. In Golfweek's “Best Private Courses 2022” — a state-by-state ranking of private courses — Holston Hills ranked No. 2 in Tennessee behind the Pete Dye-designed Honors Course in Ooltewah.
In the 2021-22 Golf Digest state-by-state rankings of all courses, public and private, Holston Hills was ranked No. 6 in the state. In addition, as it approaches its 100th anniversary, the Ross design is consistently ranked among the country’s top 100 by Golf Magazine.
“Holston Hills takes great pride in its consistent recognition as one of the most well-preserved Donald Ross courses in the country,” said Chris Dibble, General Manager and Director of Golf at Holston Hills. “We believe this philosophy is the reason the golf course continues be recognized as one the country’s top classical designs.”
The co-founder of the Donald Ross Society, Michael J. Fay, has said that he would rather play Holston Hills on a regular basis than any other golf course in the South. Acclaimed golf course architect Tom Doak says Holston Hills is the closest golf course around to what Ross originally designed.
The club has played host to many national events in its history, including the PGA Tour’s Knoxville Invitational, which was captured by Byron Nelson in 1945 during a historic season that included a record-setting 18 victories. Holston Hills welcomed the 2004 USGA Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship and has also played host to numerous Tennessee PGA Championships.
McConnell Golf purchased Holston Hills in late 2015 and has invested millions in capital improvements. In 2019, the PGA Tour and TOUR Vision Promotions signed a five-year agreement with Holston Hills to host the Korn Ferry Tour’s Visit Knoxville Open.
McConnell Golf Founder and CEO John McConnell said he knew Holston Hills was a special place from the moment he set foot on the property. “It immediately reminded me of Shinnecock Hills,” McConnell recalls, referencing the storied eastern Long Island golf club that was a founding member of the USGA and has hosted five U.S. Open Championships.
McConnell Golf is the only individual golf course proprietor in the world that owns four Ross-designed courses.
“I knew when I saw Holston Hills that it would be a great addition to our golf portfolio,” McConnell said. “It’s a ‘must-play’ for our members. Holston Hills enjoys a proud past and we think that it has a great future as well.”
(RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA) – You’ll love the clean and simple look of these new monochromatic ACE SERIES leather belts from Nexbelt, “The Fastest Growing Belt in Golf”.
The ACE SERIES ratchet-style belts are cut-to-fit and will accommodate up to a 45” waist. They are available at Nexbelt retailers nationwide and online at: https://www.nexbelt.com/collections/ace-series
Nexbelt is known for its innovative technology and providing golfers with the maximum comfort and minimal adjusting. The unique ratcheting system called PreciseFitTM allows the wearer to adjust the belt in ¼ inch increments, providing the golfer with the best fit, feel, and fashion available.
With over 40 players now wearing Nexbelt on the Professional Golf Tours, it’s considered “The Fastest Growing Belt in Golf”. Its team of Tour Players for 2022 include Jim Furyk, Kevin Na, Marc Leishman and many more.
Nexbelt is 100% committed to offering its customers superior customer service and the most innovative and technologically advanced products available.
Nexbelt's DRIVE Vision ...
Deliver what we Promise with Integrity.
Retain the Human touch
Invest in Good People generously.
Value our Customers Unconditionally.
Embrace Change with Innovation.
For more information about Nexbelt, visit www.Nexbelt.com.
(RANCHO MIRAGE, CA) – Desert Island Country Club, the insider’s choice for championship golf and unique social experiences for decades, has opened its formerly private links to the public and introduced several newly renovated/reimagined dining destinations, open all summer long.
Located in the famous Playground of the Presidents, directly adjacent to historic Sunnylands on Frank Sinatra Drive, the 1971-vintage property boasts an immaculate 6,715-yard golf course designed by legendary architect Desmond Muirhead. While playing, guests enjoy the authentic club experience with such amenities as chilled towels, umbrellaed carts, insulated water bottles, and beverage service.
After a thrilling day on the links, guests can retreat to the luxurious Clubhouse, home to three dining areas, a grand ballroom, a veranda bar and terrace with sweeping views of the surrounding desert, lake and mountains. Each venue has its own ingredients-driven menu while the kitchen regularly hosts guest chefs, mixologists, and seasonal pop-up menus, all overseen by Executive Chef Jon Butler.
Desert Island recently introduced its latest dining destination The Penney, inspired by prolific local artist and Desert Island resident Frederick Doyle Penney. This is where Chef Butler — whose has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens from Copenhagen to L.A., and most recently at Mr. Lyons in Palm Springs — unfurls his culinary canvas using the finest locally sourced ingredients, including shrimp aguachile, roasted octopus, hanger steak and lamb paccheri.
The Penney itself is not one but four environments: public, private, outdoors and in. Guests can settle in at the sunken Horseshoe Bar, offering a plethora of spirits that are among the finest selection in the Coachella Valley. Friends gather on the Terrace to drink in the scenery, while others convene for a private occasion in the Founder’s Room, drawn closed by its signature red velvet curtains.
Afterwards (or perhaps pre-game), guests assemble in The Parlor music lounge/game room, equipped with its own bar, grand piano, table games, and 1967 Brunswick pool table. Settle in with a craft cocktail or let the games begin with chess, backgammon, cribbage, Rummikub or Yahtzee.
“This is club life redefined,” says Desert Island Miguel Nelson. “We want to take full advantage of the property’s unique heritage while introducing it to a new generation with all the modern amenities. We believe the public will be pleasantly surprised at what they discover right here in their own backyard.”
From an exciting day on the golf course to an exquisite evening at the Clubhouse, Desert Island Country Club has something for everyone to enjoy. Book your tee time or make your dining reservations today by visiting https://di71.com.
(Aspen, CO) – GOLFFOREVER – the leading at-home golf fitness training system that helps golfers play without limits – proudly announces the debut of its new television commercials featuring world-No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler.
Golf fans have become accustomed to seeing the reigning Masters champion atop leaderboards. Now, they’ll get a closer look at the breakthrough golf fitness process that has helped him achieve great heights on the PGA TOUR in 2022, including his four victories and record-breaking prize earnings for a single season (just shy of $13 million).
GOLFFOREVER’s groundbreaking training system pairs the first-ever, multi-use golf fitness and warm-up tool, the GOLFFOREVER Swing Trainer, with video streaming routines for flexibility, speed, power and injury recovery in the GOLFFOREVER app. Scheffler appears in GOLFFOREVER exercise and stretching videos on the app, using the GOLFFOREVER Training System in a similar capacity to how he uses it in his own daily routines.
“I never really thought I was that good at golf, so I just kept trying to improve,” Scheffler says in a GOLFFOREVER 30-second ad spot. “When you're able to have a workout routine and gradually build up to where you're training your body to move properly, you're going to get a lot of big dividends on the golf course. You'll have mobility in your hips (and) more mobility in your spine. And, when you go out to hit golf balls, you'll feel more fluid and, all of a sudden, you're going to see a few more yards and distance off the
tee, as well. For me, GOLFFOREVER is something that's worked, and I'm going to continue to do it because I've seen the real benefits.”
Scheffler has worked closely over the past decade with key GOLFFOREVER contributor Dr. Troy Van Biezen – a top PGA Tour chiropractor and fitness expert. The ad spots were filmed at Van Biezen’s Chirosport Specialists of Dallas training facility. Van Biezen is a marquee instructor within the GOLFFOREVER app and for the past 20 years has worked with top PGA Tour players like Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Zach Johnson. He introduced Scheffler to GOLFFOREVER during its soft-launch in November, and the pair have since developed a variety of pre-round warm-ups, flexibility routines and strength workouts that Scheffler follows religiously, including during the weeks of his three-stroke victory at The Masters and the U.S. Open, where he tied for second.
“We’re overjoyed at the epic success Scottie continues to have during this historic season,” says GOLFFOREVER founder and CEO Dr. Jeremy James. “His impressive character and total commitment to preparing his swing, mind and body for competition make him all the more deserving of these incredible achievements. It’s a privilege to be represented by him and witness these great heights in his blooming career.”
The 25-year-old Scheffler joins four-time PGA Tour winner Ryan Palmer and GOLFFOREVER’s original PGA Tour ambassador Justin Leonard, who makes his PGA Tour Champions debut next week at the Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS at Firestone Country Club in Akron – illustrating the versatility of GOLFFOREVER products that can help golfers of any age or skill level.
Watch for the GOLFFOREVER 30- and 60-second commercials featuring Scheffler over the next several weeks, throughout golf and sports programming on an array of national networks. You may also view Scheffler’s “Winning Championship Warmup Routine” on GOLFFOREVER’S YouTube Channel.
For more information, visit GolfForever.com.
During the 2022 Farmfoods European Legends Links Championship hosted by Ian Woosnam, 80% of the top 20 finishers used a SkyCaddie GPS device during play, and almost 69% of the total field on the final day used a SkyCaddie GPS for their yardages.
SkyCaddie believes that the record-breaking statistics represent the highest penetration of GPS usage in a main Tour event in golf’s history, worldwide.
The Legends Tour is the current name of the European Senior Tour and is part of the PGA European Tour. It is the most prestigious golf Tour in Europe to allow players to use DMDs – Distance-Measuring Devices – during competitive play.
At Trevose, PGA European Tour tournament officials used SkyCaddie’s ground-mapped yardages to set pin positions and to provide daily pin sheets for players. SkyCaddie users were able to download the pin positions onto their GPS handheld devices.
SkyCaddie, which has the world’s largest library of over 35,000 pre-loaded ground-mapped greens and fairways, maps and regularly updates golf courses on foot using survey-grade GPS equipment.
According to Jacqui Surman, SkyGolf Senior VP and COO, “This landmark result is testament to the years of hard work we have done to supply performance-enhancing data to players and officials not just on the Legends Tour, but also in the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland’s national events and in countless events at golf clubs around the world.
“The message is clearly getting through about SkyCaddie GPS – it gives you an unprecedented ability to plan every tee and approach shot, far beyond the limitations of laser plus yardage book. Plus, you are never playing blind.
“Over two-thirds of Legends Tour competitors now trust SkyCaddie GPS to give them an accurate yardage.”
Competitors at Trevose used SkyCaddie’s SX550, SX500 and SX400 distance measuring devices for their yardages.
For more information about SkyCaddie products, visit www.skygolf.com.
The T8 has the largest footprint of all Bloodline models and was designed with maximized stability in mind. It was developed in collaboration with German designers who have extensive backgrounds in both the automotive industry and the golf industry. As with all Bloodline putters, the T8 has been used and tested on Tour.
“We’re excited to introduce this new design to our line,” said Brad Adams, Bloodline CEO. “All the putters in our line have been crafted to meet the many demands of tour players as well as golfers of all skill levels. This is no exception. A fun fact I love to share is that the designer of this putter gave it the name T8 because he had 8 one-putts over 9 holes the first time he played with it. What a great endorsement!”
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 T8 putter features:
- An innovative head design that maximizes alignment stability
- An ultra-light carbon fiber shaft and performance profile 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.
The T8 comes standard with a center shafted slant neck hosel and is available in lengths of 32” – 36” with flat, standard and upright lies. $449 MSRP.
For more information about the complete line of Bloodline putters including the T8, Vale Series, and R-Series, visit www.bloodline.golf.
(INDIAN WELLS, Ca.) – Indian Wells Golf Resort – the public world-class golf, vacation, culinary and events destination located in the picturesque Coachella Valley – is partnering with neighboring Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa to offer a pair of extraordinary stay-and-play packages perfect for golf group and family getaways.
Celebrating its 36th anniversary this year, the acclaimed Palm Springs-area resort features 36 holes of exceptional golf on its acclaimed “Celebrity” and “Players” courses. The Celebrity, designed by architect Clive Clark and colloquially referred to as “The Beauty,” features aesthetically pleasing water features, colorful wildflowers and narrow fairway corridors placing an emphasis on strategic shotmaking.
The challenging John Fought-designed Players course, or “The Beast” as it’s known, is a longer, more spacious layout with demanding bunkering and stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. Like the Celebrity, no roads or homes disrupt the two routings with each hole designed to provide a feeling of serene privacy and escape from the hustle and bustle right in the heart of the dynamic Coachella Valley.
With the “Indian Wells Stay & Play” package, guests can enjoy three nights’ accommodations at the luxurious Hyatt Regency along with a round each on both the Celebrity and Players layouts. The offer also features one additional round on either course, with the option to add a fourth round on departure day for an additional fee.
The superb “Lifestyle Escape” package features two nights’ accommodations at the Hyatt Regency along with one each day of unlimited golf on the Celebrity and Players. Additionally, guests can add a round on departure day and reserve a lesson with one of the excellent PGA Professionals at Indian Wells for an additional fee. Information on additional details and pricing may be obtained by calling 800.495.5520.
“We are thrilled to offer these outstanding stay-and-play offers providing golfers and families the opportunity to enjoy our world-class resort for a fun summer getaway,” says Sven Wiedenhaupt, general manager. “Guests will not only our marvelous golf, but also the top-notch dining and welcoming customer care which Indian Wells Golf Resort is long known for.”
The Vue Grille & Bar, located in the resort’s stunning 53,000-square-foot clubhouse, boasts award-winning cuisine and an extensive selection of wine and spirits complemented by gorgeous views of the property and top-of-the-line service. Adding to the splendid dining offerings, Café 36 is a special anniversary-themed option located on the first floor of the clubhouse.
Indian Wells Golf Resort is also an ideal destination for weddings, meetings and other group outings. Most notable is an “in-demand” pavilion accommodating up to 700 guests with additional lawn event space combining for up to 1,300 visitors at a time. The resort’s Celebrity Ballroom is another premier event space with a beautiful outdoor patio and capacity for 250 guests.
For more information about Indian Wells Golf Resort please call 760.346.4653 or visit www.indianwellsgolfresort.com.
(BIWABIK, Minn.) – Giants Ridge – Minnesota’s leading golf resort set in the rugged beauty of the Mesabi Iron Range – officially celebrates the 25th anniversary of its Legend course today with a commemorative event featuring golf course luminaries, dignitaries and course architect Jeff Brauer.
The layout, which has garnered prestigious national and state recognition since opening in 1997, ranked sixth in Minnesota in Golfweek’s latest state-by-state rankings of public courses.
Festivities include a welcome presentation and discussion panel surrounding The Legend’s first 25 years and beyond, followed by golf on the Legend and a post-event reception. Among the luminaries present included Brauer, local and state government officials and area business leaders.
“We are honored to be hosting an esteemed group of guests to celebrate everything that makes The Legend a world-class golf course,” says John Kendall, Director of Golf at Giants Ridge. “It is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Giants Ridge and highlight those who have played a role in making it a truly premier destination.”
A convenient three-hour drive from the Minneapolis – St. Paul metro area, Giants Ridge boasts another highly ranked layout, The Quarry. The appropriately named course is built on the site of a former sand quarry and iron ore mine. Dramatically raised tees and hazards forged from reclaimed and repurposed mine land set The Quarry apart from other courses and provide dramatic Iron Range vistas.
Offering unbeatable value and 36 thrilling holes, Giants Ridge continues to shine as one of Minnesota’s best golf destinations. In addition to Golf Digest’s Best Golf Resorts in the Midwest honor for the fourth year running, Giants Ridge achieved lofty status in Golfweek’s latest public course rankings with The Quarry maintaining its top-35 ranking from the year prior. The splendid resort and its courses have also received accolades from GOLF Magazine, MyGolfSpy and GolfPass.
Golf groups can take advantage of multiple specials to play one of the Brauer’s highly touted championship designs.
For more information: www.giantsridge.com, 1.800.688.7669
(Troy, New York) – Audubon International – the environmentally focused non-profit organization that offers members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play – will reach its 35th anniversary on July 1, 2022.
At the forefront of the celebration, the organization will waive the enrollment fee for the first 35 new members of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf (ACSP), starting on its anniversary, by using the code “35Years.” ACSP is the award-winning environmental education and certification program that helps golf courses protect the environment, preserve the natural heritage of the game of golf and promote environmental sustainability.
“There is no better way for Audubon International to celebrate 35 years of providing assistance with environmentally sustainable management practices than by encouraging more golf courses to take the necessary steps toward an ACSP membership, and we fully expect the waiving of the enrollment fee will do just that,” said Christine Kane, Chief Executive Officer.
Bringing on 35 new members will equal an investment of $17,500 and help kick off a calendar year of other important initiatives to coincide with Audubon International’s hallmark anniversary. Some of the others will include recognizing long-time members, launching cutting-edge programs and striving to double membership.
Since 1987, Audubon International has put environmentally sustainable management practices in place around the world through education, technical assistance, certification, and recognition. Several of its longstanding education and certification programs have received national awards and the organization has enrolled more than 4,000 properties in the golf, recreation, and hospitality industries, including small businesses, large corporations, academic institutions, fellow not-for-profits, community associations, local governments, and state and federal agencies.
To learn more about how your local golf course, community or resort can gain recognition for your environmental efforts or to learn how to expand your initiatives through Audubon International’s numerous environmental certifications, visit www.auduboninternational.org or call toll free: 1-844-767-9051
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Available to order now, the LX2 comes with SkyCaddie’s no-annual-fees Go Play plan and is preloaded with over 35,000 of SkyGolf’s ground-verified, error-corrected maps, the LX2 gives you accurate and dynamic distances to the front, center and back of green along with fairway and layup targets.
“The LX2 is a sleek, stylish, watch that’s lightweight and comfortable to wear both on and off the course,” said Jacqui Surman, SkyGolf Senior VP and COO. “Most impressive though is the ‘Always-On’ JDI 1.28” touchscreen display that allows you to see the screen crisply and clearly in direct sunlight.
“Using the same ‘next generation’ technology of our award winning SX family of rangefinders, the LX2 delivers all the information you need to play your best because it’s loaded with stroke-saving technology, all at an affordable price point. The SkyCaddie LX2 weighs a mere 2 oz. and features a responsive, easy-to-use interface that makes navigating during play almost touch free. It also features a water-resistant casing and incredibly comfortable watch strap.”
The LX2 shares the same highly accurate, exclusively ground-mapped golf course data with all other SkyCaddies including the range-topping SX550, SX400 handhelds and LX5 models.
Among the SkyCaddie LX2’s host of leading features are:
Incredible sunlight-readable ‘Always-On’ 1.28” JDI Colour Touch Screen providing all-conditions visibility unmatched by any other golf GPS watch even in the brightest sunlight!
Over 35,000 exclusive ground-verified SkyCaddie course maps pre-loaded and updated annually with your no-fees Go Play membership.
Dynamic Front-Centre-Back Yardages and golf’s fastest distance information from your angle of approach, displayed in large easy-to-read numbers, powered by SkyCaddie’s patented IntelliGreen® technology.
Intelligent Automation gives “no-touch” power from car park to 19th hole, with Auto-Course, Auto-Hole, Auto-Distance and Auto-Green-Depth giving you completely intuitive, context-sensitive yardage information every time you look at your wrist.
Super-lightweight stylish Smart Watch design with handsome looks ensuring that your LX2 looks good and feels great on your wrist both on and off the golf course.
Powerful Li-Polymer battery giving up to two rounds of golf on a single charge, meaning you can wear your LX2 for a full day’s golf without worries over battery power.
Mark Ball & Shot Distance enabling you to measure how far you hit each club – including confidently-struck tee shots and iron shots with full confidence in your yardages!
Fitness features including Time, Alarm, Stopwatch, Step Count, Step Goal and Step Distance.
Bluetooth® 4.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n for fast data connections.
Ultra-fast Multi-Core Processor and Multi-Constellation GNSS Receiver for rapid and stable GPS satellite acquisition.
Water-Resistant Design up to 3 ATM for confident play in the wettest of conditions.
Magnetic Charger with Cable for fuss-free rapid recharging.
The SkyCaddie LX2 GPS Smart Watch is also upgradeable with a nominally priced membership to add a host of additional features found in SkyCaddie’s LX5/LX5C watches and world-beating SX series rangefinders including:
Dynamic HoleVue® with Zoom giving enhanced viewing features for every hole.
Dynamic RangeVue® overlaying multiple on-screen yardage arcs for better club selection.
IntelliGreen® Technology giving additional green and contour distance information.
Target List View displaying yardages to all key hazards from your angle of approach.
PinPoint® Technology giving distances to today’s flags from pin-sheet information.
Digital Scoring stored in your personal SkyGolf 360 cloud space, giving you score-as-you-play and trackable stats such as Total Score, Total Putts, Fairway Hit / Miss, Greens in Regulation, Pace of Play and more. Analyse your strengths, weaknesses, and trends post-round, all powered by your SkyCaddie LX2.
For more in-depth information, you can analyze your trends, strengths, and weaknesses in the SkyGolf 360 Cloud, which requires a nominally priced membership.
The SkyGolf 360 Cloud platform provides unmatched wireless connectivity for golfers to upload performance data captured during their round. SkyGolf 360 allows golfers to keep all performance data regardless of whether it comes from a rangefinder, a swing sensor, a performance tracker or a launch monitor in one place rather than scattered among various competitors with incompatible platforms. A single platform is not only to the golfer’s advantage, but it is also to the advantage of a teacher, PGA Professional or reseller to be able to offer all the tools a golfer can need to improve their performance from one source with the confidence their customers are getting the very best solution.
The LX2 retails for $199.95 with No Annual Fees required. You can select the Go Play plan with no annual fees or upgrade for a nominal fee to receive SkyCaddie’s full target list, IntelliGreen®, HoleVue® and SkyGolf 360.
All upgradeable features require a nominally priced membership. Visit www.skygolf.com for details for SkyGolf 360 membership plans.
(TACOMA, Wash.) – TRUE linkswear (TRUE), creators of golf’s most naturally comfortable, performance-focused footwear, has undergone a major expansion of its national sales team and distribution network, and is targeting exponential green grass and big box sales over the next five years.
To lead the company’s retail-channel build-out, TRUE hired Washington native J.D. Rastovski as National Sales Director. Previously, Rastovski was the Pacific Northwest Territory Sales Leader for Parsons Extreme Golf (PXG). Prior to that, he enjoyed a two-year stint with TRUE as Western U.S. Regional Sales Manager. Rastovski is joined by Strategic Sales Manager Sean Finucan, who had successful tenues with PXG and Nike, and Green Grass Sales Manager T.J. Bordeaux, a leading sales rep with johnnie-O for nearly six years.
“Through our initial direct-to-consumer business model we’ve been able to grow our global brand awareness significantly and have created a legion of TRUE brand evangelists who swear by our golf shoes,” says TRUE President Jason Moore. “With the growth of the game globally over the past two years, the timing is optimal for us to lean heavily into retail sales in traditional locations.”
TRUE will add 16 outside sales reps for the balance of 2022 and is also building an in-house sales team to handle an ever-growing volume of in-bound sales. Globally, it’s partnered with a transactional platform that facilitates online sales by converting currencies from dozens of countries. The TRUE sales team will monitor and evaluate direct-to-consumer international sales to best determine the structure of its future global sales and distribution network.
“The demand for TRUE is out there and I’m excited to lead the expansion of national and global retail sales,” says Rastovski. “We’re even more excited to give golfers everywhere the choice to play the game in the industry’s most comfortable shoe.”
Over the past eight months, TRUE has dropped several new models, including the All Day Rip Stop, Lux Sport and OG Sport, and has introduced new colors and variations of wildly popular models like the Original 1.2, OG Feel and All Day Knit II. It also announced a team of Professional Brand Ambassadors including PGA TOUR players Joel Dahmen and Chris Kirk, PGA TOUR player and co-founder Ryan Moore, and LPGA Tour star Christina Kim. In November 2021, TRUE raised $11.25 million in funding from KarpReilly to accelerate the growth of its global business and brand.
For more information: www.truelinkswear.com
(RIDGEFIELD, Conn.) – Junior Golf Hub (JGH) – the leading online resource that simplifies the journey to college golf for juniors, their parents and college coaches – announces a partnership with the number-one played junior golf tour in Canada, the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (MJT).
The MJT Self-Directed College Recruitment Program powered by Junior Golf Hub is designed to help junior golfers realize their dreams of playing golf in college by providing access to JGH’s online community, helping players and parents navigate the confusing journey to college golf, while also connecting talent with college coaches.
“Junior Golf Hub’s unique ability to seamlessly find and connect recruits from all over the world with college programs in the U.S. has proven to be a powerful tool for both players and parents,” says Junior Golf Hub’s founder, Roger Knick. “Our platform continues to grow in its collection of tools, resources and education materials and will keep MJT members informed while navigating the confusing journey to play college golf.”
At just $129 per year, all members have full access to the platform which helps connect recruits with college golf coaches through tailored, searchable online profiles. Player pages present to coaches their athletic measurables such as verified tournament scores, swing speed, tournament schedules and academic information such as GPA, test scores and academic honors.
A membership to JGH, which also tracks a player’s growth and development as they move through their junior golf journey, is not only a beneficial tool for burgeoning young golfers, but it also hosts an invaluable suite of resources and education that supports parents throughout the complicated process of recruiting.
The newly launched “College Match” feature compares a student-athletes’ golf and academic data to over 2,200 college golf programs across the country to deliver a list of the golfer’s ten closest college matches. The feature considers GPA, standardized test scores, tournament results, scoring averages and more. JGH’s priority algorithm automatically updates the recommended list of programs as members make changes to their profiles.
To date, nearly 10,000 athletes have created a profile on JGH, while more than 1,000 members have gone on to play golf at an NCAA DI, DII, DIII or NAIA school. The current collegiate database consists of 2,300 men’s and women’s golf programs.
To sign up via mobile, download the Junior Golf Hub App in the App Store or Google Play Store.
To access the platform and learn more, visit www.juniorgolfhub.com.
For questions about the Junior Golf Hub, contact Rick Dowling at rick@juniorgolfhub.com or call 203.530.9342.
The 2022 edition of the International King’s Cup is taking place right now in Ireland, where players from the U.S. and Ireland compete in a Ryder Cup-style format played to honor golf’s greatest ambassador, Mr. Arnold Palmer, whose Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship and Commitment to Excellence represent the ideals for which the game of golf is known.
Moving forward into 2023 the Fight For Life Golf Series will be the exclusive road to represent Team USA for the Kings Cup.
“We are thrilled to play such an integral part in this year King’s Cup as a qualifying event and to provide such unique opportunities to our players of being able to represent their country in an event of this statue and prestige, all while making a donation to the charity of their choice,” explained Tom Kidd CEO of Fight for Life Golf Series. “Next year our involvement goes even further as we’re honored to be designated as the exclusive qualifying tournament for the Kings Cup for the next five years, beginning in 2023.”
Through its unique format, powered by Chipd In, golfers can earn qualifying points by playing on any course in the country during a series of events and earn their way to the FFL Golf Series Chipd In National Championship. While playing in the FFL Golf Series, golfers are supporting the nonprofit organization of their choice.
The Fight For Life Golf Series Spring Series recently concluded and the next opportunity for Players to qualify is the Summer Series, which gets underway the weekend of July 1-3. To register or for more information, visit www.fightforlife.com/golfseries.
(Detroit, Michigan) – Five Iron Golf, the nation’s leading indoor golf and entertainment experience, will continue its Midwest expansion with a new Michigan location slated to open in August of 2022 in Shelby Township. The first to introduce the golf performance meets eater-tainment venue to the Wolverine State, a Detroit location will follow, opening later this year at 600 W. Lafayette Boulevard. Boasting 24,000 square feet, two bowling lanes and additional amusement offerings, the urban location will provide local city-dwellers and visitors in downtown Detroit with the same access to golf and regalement less than an hour away.
Five Iron Golf Shelby Township, located at 50773 Corporate Dr., will offer seven TrackMan simulators, custom club fitting by The Fitting Lab, a putting green, and the quintessential Five Iron Golf entertainment offerings including a full-service bar and restaurant, widescreen TVs, shuffleboard, and more in the 6,000 square-foot space. Set to provide a distinctive atmosphere that combines energy, playfulness, and comfort, the new location will have something for everyone, including casual play, private lessons, leagues and events –– both private such as birthdays and bachelor(ette) parties, as well as corporate gatherings, retreats and happy hours.
“With each new location, we remain unwavering in our commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional golf and providing an accessible, approachable and appealing space that exceeds the needs of golfers, entertainment enthusiasts and everyone in between,” said Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Nora Dunnan. “We are thrilled to enter the Detroit-area market and inspire the local community to connect within the walls of our dynamic, energetic space.”
Equipped for both the novice and the expert golfer, the new location will feature a range of premium golf performance offerings, including industry-leading technology, experienced teaching professionals available for private or group lessons, competitively priced membership, leagues, club storage, complimentary use of best-in-class clubs, and in-house club fitting services and repairs provided by The Fitting Lab.
Reshaping modern golf culture across the country, Five Iron Golf offers a reimagined, high-tech, inclusive golf experience complete with a wide array of activities for both golfers and non-golfers alike. Originating in New York City in 2017, the company has since expanded to Chicago, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, New York City, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. with additional locations opening in Boston and Cincinnati in 2022.
In the spring of 2021, as Dormie Network ownership built on the thought of creating an all-new club, they enlisted McLay Kidd to help them find and select the appropriate piece of land. Together they looked at plots south of the Platte River in Western Nebraska, but found the soil was too heavy with clay.
As McLay Kidd looked across the river, he pointed and said, “That’s where we need to be.”
“Being a direct influence on land selection is rare in the industry, which makes it even more exciting to build,” said McLay Kidd. “Golfers want to go to a place and actually experience the place, and golf is the excuse for doing so. This land is special – there’s nothing but you and mother nature in its rawest, simplest, most beautiful form.”
Each Dormie Network club offers a standard of first-class facilities and pristine course conditions to create a true stay- and-play destination. GrayBull will be Dormie Network’s seventh course and first facility built from the ground up, with a planned open date of 2024.
“David’s body of works speaks for itself,” Mark Ruhga, Chief Operating Officer, said. “Adding his work to our portfolio of clubs fits perfectly with the traditions of our network. Dormie Network facilities are created for business or leisure with the most immersive, highly curated experience in private destination golf and entertainment. David’s design philosophy and vision will bring that and more to GrayBull.”
Born and raised in Scotland and son of a golf course superintendent, course architect McLay Kidd has been immersed in the sport his entire life. McLay Kidd and his DMK Design Team’s philosophy is to unearth courses rather than impose their views upon them.
“It has been my experience that the best-laid plans in ink often go to waste in the dirt,” he said. “Our philosophy as golf designers subtly shifts, always adjusting to our current thinking and continued understanding of the game and what makes it popular,” McLay Kidd said. “However, the foundation of our philosophy remains focused on creating a course to be as natural, seamless, and as sustainable as possible. Dormie Network really knows what they’re doing, and I believe we’ll build something pretty impressive together.”
In addition to the impeccable playing experience through McLay Kidd’s design, amenities will include a full-service clubhouse, a practice facility, lit putting green, brand-agnostic custom fittings, and 60 beds onsite across 15 cottages for members to make the most of the evening entertainment available at network tournaments and private events.
Learn more at dormienetwork.com/graybull.
(Los Angeles, CA) — Forme, a human performance company that designs patented performance wearables to correct posture and musculoskeletal disorders and boost everyday recovery and performance, is pleased to announce C.T. Pan as an international brand ambassador.
Forme’s performance wearables are designed to engage muscle memory to keep you aligned, with less spinal pain, while accelerating recovery. It is the only natural and sustainable solution to treat neck and back pain, without the use of compression. “Our FDA- registered wearables can help golfers and everyday consumers feel instantly aligned, make their movements more efficient, and recover quicker so they can perform at their best,” added Liu. “Forme® wearables have helped countless professional athletes and everyday consumers afflicted with back or musculoskeletal pain to recover and rehabilitate to optimal condition.”
“I am thrilled to partner with such a transformative company like Forme,” stated Pan.
“Forme wearables provide instant feedback. I can feel my neck and shoulders relax and all the tension on my back and neck disappear. I wear it when I travel, train, and practice as it really helps me with my recovery and enables me to achieve great success on the course.
Scientific evidence and rigorous, proven outcomes are at the core of Forme’s innovation process as its products can be easily integrated into daily life for the improvement of one’s physical and cognitive health.
Forme’s Arch Booster patent-pending biofeedback socks help correct flat feet and eliminate sore feet from a long day of standing, walking and engaging activity. The Arch Booster socks re-align the arch of the foot by activating the small foot muscles for better balance, mobility, and recovery engaging the foot and ankle muscles to correct and retrain the arch for improved alignment and stability. Wear them over other socks or on their own for continual dynamic muscle memory engagement. Tested and proven with professional athletes and Olympians alike, Forme Arch Booster socks improve foot health, alignment and stability to elevate daily performance.
“We are a healthcare technology company that has helped many athletes improve their recovery and training by helping them breathe better and accelerate faster muscle relaxation via natural and sustainable solutions from the effects of playing, traveling and sleeping,” added Dr. Liu. “Forme’s engineered technical body transformation products are built with an emphasis on mobility, performance, and recovery.”
Forme products are comfortable for daily wear for training, competition, recovery, travel, and sleep. On and off the course, Forme wearables mitigate risk of spinal injury, enabling quicker recovery and better play.
(SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Nev.) – Stephen Curry, fresh off the Golden State Warriors’ fourth NBA championship in the past eight seasons and his unanimous selection as Finals MVP, will bring recognition as one of basketball history’s greatest players along with his golf skills to Edgewood Tahoe for the 33rd annual American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe, July 8-10.
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| Steph Curry |
The American Century Championship will be televised nationally Friday, 7:30—9:30 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel; Saturday and Sunday, 2:30—6 p.m. ET on NBC.
Tickets are now available online only in advance at: www.AmericanCenturyChampionship.com with daily tickets for Wednesday’s practice round and Thursday’s Celebrity-Amateur at $30, and tournament rounds Friday, Saturday and Sunday at $40 per day.
For Curry, it represents his 10th appearance at the American Century Championship. His best finish was fourth on three occasions: T4 in 2013, 2017 and 2020. He was 9th last year. Caesars Sportsbook has him listed as one of the top eight favorites at 12:1 odds.
The American Century Championship in scenic Lake Tahoe features a purse of $600,000 with $125,000 to the winner. Charity fundraising has produced over $6 million for non-profits over the years. The tournament is played over lakefront Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, a George Fazio design, with re-design elements from Tom Fazio. It is rated by Golf Digest as one of “America’s Top 100 Golf Courses.”
Vinny Del Negro will defend his 2021 title against top celebrity contenders including Annika Sorenstam, one of the greatest professional players in history with 72 LPGA Tour wins and eight Player of the Year Awards; Tony Romo, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, current CBS NFL analyst, and two-time winner of the ACC; Mark Mulder, three-time ACC champion and former MLB pitcher; Mardy Fish, 2020 tournament champion, former tennis star and current captain of the U.S. Davis Cup team; and John Smoltz, MLB Hall of Fame pitcher, 2018 U.S. Senior Open qualifier and Fox MLB analyst.
A contingent of 30 NFL stars are in the field together with current quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, 2021 NFL MVP; and Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders. Active players also feature Robbie Gould, 49ers; Adam Thielen, Harrison Smith and Patrick Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings.
Hall of Famers feature Michael Strahan, Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, Tim Brown, Jerome Bettis, Terrell Davis, Brian Urlacher, and Charles Woodson; as well as former All-Pros Larry Fitzgerald, DeMarcus Ware, Kyle Williams, and Jim McMahon. Also in the field is head coach Mike Vrabel of the Tennessee Titans.
NBA representation includes local favorite Charles Barkley; Del Negro; current Miami Heat star Kyle Lowry and Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso, making his tournament debut; and Vince Carter, eight-time All-Star and current ESPN analyst.
Including Annika, women in the field feature Dylan Dreyer, meteorologist for NBC News and The Today Show; Kathryn Tappen, NBC Sports anchor and on-air personality; and Kira K. Dixon, GOLF Channel reporter and 2015 Miss America.
The lineup of entertainers, actors and comedians feature Jost, Miles Teller, Anthony Anderson, Alfonso Ribeiro, Michael Pena, Ray Romano, Rob Riggle, Brian Baumgartner, John O’Hurley, Larry the Cable Guy, Jay DeMarcus, formerly of Rascal Flatts, Jason Scheff, former singer and bassist for Chicago, and Jack Wagner, two-time champion and one of two originals along with Jim McMahon to have played in all 32 American Century Championships.
Major League Baseball players showcase Smoltz, teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Tom Glavine, CC Sabathia, Joe Maurer, Jimmy Rollins, Kevin Millar, Shane Victorino, Tim Wakefield, David Wells, and first timers Jon Lester and Jayson Werth.
The 54-hole competition will test the golf skills of more than 80 players. Additions to the field will be announced leading up to the championship in July.
The 2022 American Century Championship will utilize the Modified Stableford format whereby points are awarded by score per hole.
American Century Investments, the title sponsor of the championship since 1999, continues its role in partnership with NBC Sports, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course and the South Tahoe community.
For the latest details, photos, celebrity tweets and fan contests using #ACCgolf go to @ACChampionship on Twitter and Instagram, and Facebook. For tournament information: www.AmericanCenturyChampionship.com.
(Charlotte, N.C.) – Buffalo Groupe, LLC, a collection of agencies, events and media properties focused on golf and other “escape” industries has been named the official marketing agency of record focused on elevating awareness around F45’s club, resort and hotel offerings.
The marketing program will be led by 54 Brands, a full-service B2B marketing company within Buffalo Groupe, and is focused on helping F45 establish brand presence and sell franchises within the club, resort and hotels categories across the United States. This includes the creation and execution of a strategy that contains media buys, direct and digital marketing and event planning.
“F45 has tailored solutions for club and resort owners who realize the benefits of providing customers high-level fitness options,” said Tom Sproats, Global Director of Country Clubs & Hotels, F45. “Working with 54 Brands will be pivotal in helping to bring greater visibility to these services and the positive impact they have on businesses in the private club and hospitality areas.”
“Private clubs and resorts continue to focus on providing enhanced services and amenities to their members and many are doing so with outdated fitness equipment or under utilized space,” said Jack Burris, Managing Director of 54 Brands. “We see F45 as the natural solution for many private clubs and resorts and with our 35+ years of experience in the golf industry, are excited to build those connections.”
Among the company’s programs that cater to a club's needs are F45 - the original franchise based on functional training, a mix of circuit and HIIT style workouts geared to everyday movement; AthLiv - smaller, self-service footprints scalable to any space, anywhere; and LIIT Lanes - operators can be hands off but still reap the rewards of upscaling underutilized areas as all equipment, fit out and technology arrives in one delivery and is easy to install, use and maintain.
Founded in 2013 in Sydney, Australia, F45 is the fastest-growing fitness franchisor in the world according to Entrepreneur in 2022. With a focus on creating a leading global fitness training and lifestyle brand, F45 currently has sold 3,301 total franchises and 1,749 studios across 67 countries. F45’s differentiated, technology-driven approach leverages a rich content database consisting of thousands of functional training movements, offering workouts that are fun, challenging, and suitable for all.
For more information, visit www.f45training.com.
That same thinking went into developing the new Brava Driver Shaft. It’s a lightweight shaft that delivers the power and consistency to perform shot after shot regardless of swing speed or driver model. It was designed for maximum ball speed and smash factor because it delivers more center strikes and a better face angle
In head-to-head testing, Brava was up to 10 yards longer than two of the top performing premium driver shafts on the market. The magic comes from a shaft that feels very light yet still delivers incredible power.
Breakthrough Golf CEO and Founder Barney Adams, “This has been in development for a while and we are absolutely thrilled with the performance. What golfer doesn’t want to hit more good shots? We started best performance attributes in our Stability shafts and let that inspire us to develop a world class driver.”
Designed with exclusive Speedflite NRG technology and built with premium Toray carbon fiber, which is 10x the strength of steel at a fraction of its weight. This translates to less energy needed when swinging and results in an exceptionally stable driver head for more distance & tighter ball dispersion.
With Brava, better drives will seem remarkably effortless. Designed for more center strikes, accuracy and longer drives; so much so that we think you'll find it kind of addictive.
(NORTH PALM BEACH, FL) – Award-winning Italian lifestyle brand, and golf footwear trendsetter, Duca del Cosma, will exhibit at the 2022 PGA Buying and Education Summit and Show on Monday, July 11th and Tuesday, July 12th which will be held at the JW Marriott in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Duca del Cosma continues to grow within the green grass community. Exhibiting at the 2022 PGA Buying and Education Summit and Show provides the team an opportunity to meet one-on-one with key green grass accounts as well as establish new relationships with potential customers and buyers.
“We look forward to introducing the new 2023 spring collection at the show. Our designer, Baldovino Mattiazzo, has expanded upon some of our most popular footwear styles as well as created all new styles that embody the Duca del Cosma brand,” said Evelien Lauwers, Managing Director North America for Duca del Cosma. “Our team welcomes you to our booth to meet in person and to experience the new line.”
If you are attending 2022 PGA Buying and Education Summit and Show and would like to preview the new striking spring 2023 Duca del Cosma line, visit booth #832. If you prefer to schedule a meeting, reach out to Evelien Lauwers at evelien@ducadelcosma.com.
Duca del Cosma provides green grass accounts with a luxury, European, award-winning, brand that elevates and separates any Pro Shop from the competition. Prestigious Pro Shops that have found success with Duca del Cosma include Bethpage, Oakmont, The Tradition, Desert Mountain, Saucon Valley Country Club, and more.
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The PGA of America, KPMG and the LPGA Tour today announced that the purse for the 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be doubled to $9 million. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, which annually features one of the strongest fields in women’s golf, will be contested June 23-26 at Congressional Country Club’s newly restored Blue Course.
The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship has built on the history and tradition of the LPGA Championship, which began in 1955 and is the second-oldest major in women’s golf.
This year’s $9 million purse is double the $4.5 million total awarded last year and represents a 300% surge since 2014 ($2.25M), the year before the PGA of America and KPMG began their collaboration. The winner’s share of the purse also will be doubled to $1.35 million.
“When the PGA of America partnered with KPMG and the LPGA Tour in 2015, we promised to elevate this event by increasing the purse, conducting it at venues with a history of hosting men’s major championships such as Congressional Country Club, and delivering broadcast network coverage with NBC Sports,” said Jim Richerson, President of the PGA of America. “As part of our shared commitment to support and showcase women’s golf, we have delivered on those promises.”
“Through the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, we are accelerating the advancement, development and empowerment of women both on and off the golf course,” said Paul Knopp, KPMG U.S. Chair and CEO. “The significantly increased purse size – along with top courses in major markets, network TV coverage, and advanced data and analytics capabilities provided via KPMG Performance Insights – are tangible examples of our commitment to elevate the world-class athletes on the LPGA Tour.”
The Championship’s impressive trajectory is reflected in the quality of its venues. Since 2014, the Championship has been staged at historically significant (men’s) Major venues such as Atlanta Athletic Club (2021), Aronimink Golf Club (2020), Hazeltine National Golf Club (2019), Kemper Lakes Golf Club (2018), Olympia Fields Country Club (2017), Sahalee Country Club (2016) and Westchester Country Club (2015).
In coming years, the finest women golfers of the LPGA Tour will showcase their talents at Baltusrol Golf Club (2023) and PGA Frisco (2025, ‘31), the new home of the PGA of America. Congressional will host its second KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in 2027.
“Doubling the purse from $4.5 million to $9 million is another example of KPMG and the PGA of America’s dogged commitment to the LPGA and our athletes. We could not be more grateful for their steadfast leadership in growing the women’s game and providing our athletes and future athletes with opportunities commensurate with their world-class talent,” said Mollie Marcoux Samaan, LPGA Commissioner. “This is a very big day for the LPGA, for women’s golf and for women’s sports and we look forward to working with KPMG and the PGA of America to continue to use our platform to empower young women and inspire positive change in the world.”
The field for the 2022 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship includes 99 of the top 100 players on the LPGA’s Official Money List, along with nine PGA/LPGA Club Professionals, who will measure their exceptional talents on a historic Major Championship stage.
A collaboration between KPMG, PGA of America and LPGA, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship combines an annual world-class, major golf championship with the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit and KPMG Future Leaders Program – all focused on the advancement and empowerment of women on and off the golf course.
(Muscat, Oman) – Troon Golf has been appointed by Muscat Resorts, formally known as Muscat Hills, to manage its full operations. Muscat Hills previously opened in 2009 and closed in 2020, is the first fully grassed 18-hole golf course in Sultanate of Oman. Now under the ownership of Ominvest, the oldest and largest investment company in Oman, and with Troon Golf, the facility will be reopened in 2023 to provide one of the best golf experiences in the Gulf Cooperation Council.
On the appointment of Troon, Nasser Rashid Al-Shibli, Chief Real Estate Officer, ORIS, Ominvest shared, “Troon is the global leader in club management and have the expertise to help us achieve our vision. This is why we partnered with Troon.”
Mark Chapleski, Executive Vice President of Troon International, whose division will oversee Muscat Resorts, commented, “We are delighted to be working with such a forward thinking and passionate ownership group in Ominvest and look forward to bringing this club to new levels.”
Spearheading the reopening of Muscat Resorts is Operations Manager Freddie Rexstrew, who has nine years of operational experience, the majority of which have been in the Middle East. Rexstrew began his Troon career in the UAE across a range of golf operations roles, including Abu Dhabi’s scenic Saadiyat Beach Golf Club as well as Abu Dhabi Golf Club, previously home to 15 editions of the European Tour.
Following his time in managerial trainee roles, Rexstrew made the jump to Saudi Arabia, joining Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in 2017. Situated on the Red Sea Coast, Rexstrew was part of Royal Greens’ pre-opening team and worked as an Assistant Golf Professional. With the club successfully up-and-running, Rexstrew returned to the U.K., where he became Director of Golf at the Centurion Club for four years. During his time at the Centurion Club, Rexstrew completed the Troon LEADer Program in 2021, whilst also spending time as a Taskforce Associate at Vattanac Golf Resort in Cambodia.
This most recent appointment as Operations Manager at Muscat Resorts, means that Rexstrew will oversee the reopening of the facility as well as leading the team once the facility is fully operational. Rexstrew will work alongside Francisco Blázquez Pacheco; the club’s official re-opening Superintendent, to ensure all playing surfaces are up to Troon standards for its formal opening. Both Freddie and Francisco have previous experience with pre-opening facilities, Freddie at Royal Greens, Saudi Arabia and Francisco at Jebel Sifah, Oman.
Muscat Resorts Operations Manager Freddie Rexstrew said: “Having now worked for Troon for nearly a decade I have been extremely fortunate to work at some great facilities in the U.K., the Middle East and Asia. This new opportunity to take on and run a facility that has been closed for a considerable amount of time is really exciting. I am looking forward to working closely with a very passionate ownership group in Ominvest to build something truly special and unique, not just within the Sultanate but also the Middle East.”
Muscat Resorts is looking to offer an unrivalled golf experience in Oman and to complement the existing golf to drive golf tourism to the Sultanate of Oman. It will be the first facility in Oman to have a Toptracer Range, this technology combined with a short course, falls in line with the club’s mission of being a family-friendly environment where there will be a key focus on growing the game but also creating an atmosphere where families can enjoy the resort together.
Located between the mountains and the sea, the club is only a 10-minute drive from the Muscat International Airport. The par-72, 18-hole golf course was the first grass golf course in Oman when originally opened in 2009. Paul Thomas from David Thomas Associated Ltd designed the course to complement all of the natural features, while the lush green fairways and greens provide a startling contrast to the rugged desert terrain.
For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.
(BELMONT, Mich.) – In one of the most exciting Meijer LPGA Classics yet, Jennifer Kupcho claimed the title of Champion and the event surpassed its increased fundraising goal to garner $1.25 million to feed families in need. Kupcho joins an illustrious list of past Champions to hoist the crystal on the 18th green of Blythefield Country Club as the winner of the 2022 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give.
Tournament officials proudly announced the event generated $1.25 million for the Meijer Simply Give program, surpassing its already increased goal. This donation will help stock the shelves of 262 food pantries the retailer partners with across the Midwest as they experience greater need amidst ongoing economic challenges. Including this year’s event, the Meijer LPGA Classic has generated $8.65 million for Simply Give.
“In so many ways, this was our best tournament yet,” Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said. “Our community has always played a major role in the success of this event, but for them to rally around this cause and help us not just meet, but surpass an ambitious goal, is incredibly humbling. We’re grateful for the ongoing support of the players, community and volunteers who made this week possible.”
In the second victory of her LPGA career, the 25-year-old Wake Forest University alum shot 71 Sunday to finish at 18-under 270 and prevailed in a two-hole play-off against Leona Maguire (65) and defending Champion Nelly Korda (72). Kupcho said the local community played a major role in her tournament experience, specifically thanking her Grand Rapids host family for their support.
“The crowds were huge… They always are at [the Meijer LPGA Classic],” she said. “I think Grand Rapids does a great job bringing awareness to the LPGA.”
The tournament brought record-setting attendance this year to watch an elite international field of 144 players headlined by nine of the world’s 10 best golfers compete.
“On behalf of Meijer and everyone at the tournament, we congratulate our newest Champion Jennifer Kupcho,” said Cathy Cooper, Executive Director of the Meijer LPGA Classic. “We’re honored to once again name such a high caliber professional as our Champion and commend her for an exciting and strong performance through the very end.”
In addition to the $1.25 million raised by this year’s event, Meijer will donate $25,000 to a hunger relief organization of Kupcho’s choice as part of a tradition the retailer started in 2021. Last year’s winner, Nelly Korda, chose to keep her inaugural donation local to the tournament by supporting Kids’ Food Basket in Grand Rapids, Mich. Details on Kupcho’s donation will be shared in the coming weeks.
The Meijer LPGA Classic will return to Blythefield Country Club for Father’s Day weekend next year, June 15-18, 2023.
For more information on the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give, visit meijerLPGAclassic.com. Stay up-to-date on the latest tournament news using #ForeHunger and #MeijerCommunity.
Founded by trained marine biologist Ed Sandison, OCEANTEE is on a mission to change the way the industry and golfers think about their use of plastic and its impact on the environment. The company was the first to produce golf tees made from bamboo - one of the fastest-growing and therefore renewable plants in the world - and produces accessories and a men’s and women’s clothing range made entirely from sustainable fabrics.
As part of the partnership OCEANTEE will benefit from a range of marketing services to build its brand globally, including bespoke content on the Tour’s award-winning digital channels, branding at tournaments, and access to the Tour’s premium hospitality services at tournaments for B2B networking.
OCEANTEE will also become an Official Supplier at five tournaments on the DP World Tour schedule each year. This will include OCEANTEE launching its Sustainability Series – an inspiring collection of educational outreach initiatives for fans at tournaments. This will include a community beach clean at this year’s Genesis Scottish Open.
In 2021 the DP World Tour launched Green Drive – a strengthened commitment to sustainability with a vision for the Tour to become a showcase for social and environmental responsibility. As part of the partnership, OCEANTEE will produce a new range of eco-friendly DP World Tour branded golf accessories such as tees, pin flags and caddie bibs that will be utilised by staff and players at tournaments. DP World Tour branded products will also be available to purchase at oceanteegolf.com, via the DP World Tour official online store, and at tournament merchandise stores.
Speaking about the new partnership Ed Sandison, Founder of OCEANTEE said: “My vision for OCEANTEE has always been to develop collaborative partnerships that will bring sustainability to the forefront of the golf industry. There are millions of people around the world who are passionate about golf and want to preserve the environments that it is played in, but perhaps don’t know where to start. This partnership will help us circulate those important messages and give golfers access to the information they need as well as products that are kinder to the planet.
Max Hamilton, Commercial Director of the European Tour group, added: “The whole European Tour group is on a mission to make significant reductions to our carbon footprint and use our global platform to encourage others to follow suit. Partners are vital to this effort and in OCEANTEE we have an innovative, disruptive company who are going to be a key partner as we continue to remove plastic waste from our operations and encourage recycling at our events. Their sustainable products are already gaining a lot of traction and we look forward to adding DP World Tour branded products to their range.”
Follow @oceanteegolf or visit www.oceanteegolf.com for more information.
(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon and the company’s 24,000-plus associates congratulate Team Troon member Matthew Fitzpatrick on his incredible United States Open championship at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass. Fitzpatrick’s first major championship came at the same venue where he won the U.S. Amateur championship in 2013. Fitzpatrick’s U.S. Open championship is the fourth major championship victory for a Team Troon Member and the second in a row, following Justin Thomas’ PGA Championship win in May (his second major) and Gary Woodland’s 2019 U.S. Open win at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
“Congratulations to Matthew on his outstanding U.S. Open victory,” said Troon President and CEO Tim Schantz. “He played well all week, but his bunker shot on 18 on Sunday was one of the all-time pressure shots in major championship history and he executed it perfectly. I am certain we’ll be seeing it replayed for years to come, likely sandwiched between Watson’s chip at Pebble Beach and Stewart’s putt at Pinehurst! With two straight major championship wins, Team Troon members are on an incredible roll – a streak we hope to continue at next month’s Open Championship.”
Fellow Team Troon member Gary Woodland finished tied for 10th at the U.S. Open, while Troon investor Rory McIlroy, through his investment fund Symphony Ventures, finished tied for fifth.
For more information on Team Troon, visit www.troon.com/about-troon/team-troon. For more information on the 2022 U.S. Open, visit www.usopen.com.
For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.