Forme Enters Golf Market

Therapeutic Wearables Correct Posture and Boost Recovery 

(Los Angeles CA) — Forme, a wellness-technology company dedicated to optimizing human posture and recovery, announces its launch into the golf market with its FDA registered therapeutic wearables featuring the Ace Polo and Pro Shorts.

After successful results with Olympians, NBA, MLB and NHL players, Forme’s technically superior products are now trusted by golf professionals and champions across all PGA tours, amateur golfers, coaches and top golf fitness professionals. 

“Golfers, due to habitual forward postures and demanding playing and travel schedules, have a demonstrated history of muscular-skeletal injuries including neck, back, hip and shoulder injuries which can impact their physical and mental health,” said Dr. Stephen Liu, Chairman and Founder of Forme.  “We are a healthcare technology company that has helped many athletes and pro golfers improve their recovery and training by helping them breath better and accelerate faster muscle relaxation via natural and sustainable solutions from the effects of playing, traveling and sleeping.”  

Scientific evidence and rigorous, proven methods 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. The FormeTech inner layer is built into every Forme wearable, from the eco-friendly Core Tee to the Ace Polo, with embedded posture correction and training kinematics that are designed to instantly correct posture by proper muscle engagement. Forme products are comfortable daily wear for training, competition, recovery, travel and sleep. On and off the course, Forme wearables mitigate risk of injury, enabling quicker recovery and better play. 

“Forme engineered technical body transformation products are built with an emphasis on mobility, performance and recovery,” added Dr. Liu. “Forme therapeutic wearables are specifically created to help golfers and non-golfers feel connected, make their movements more efficient and recover quicker so they can perform their best.”

Forme’s family of products include:

The Ace Polo

The Ace Polo is the only FDA registered patented posture correcting and training polo in the world. It can be easily worn for training and playing. The two buttons on the polo can be buttoned up or kept open for different posture control.  The inner layer, embedded with our patented technology, offers biomechanical training by keeping your right shoulder back for a more consistent golf swing, synchronizing your shoulder blades for better putting, and improving your thoracic spine rotation, all while training your spine muscles and keeping your neck relaxed. Wear it on or off the golf course for improved and quicker body recovery. 

The Pro Short

Loved by professional athletes across the PGA TOUR, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, among others, the Pro Short lives up to its name. It is designed to fix your pelvic tilt, correct and train your hip alignment, reduce back pain, and accelerate recovery. The patented technology activates the glutes and spine muscles to keep the hip in neutral alignment for less back pain, and improve hip mobility.  Wear it to maximize your daily activities or as an undergarment for work, play, travel and sleep. Pair with the Ace Polo for spine elongation, muscle engagement and total body recovery. 

Forme is used by many PGA golfers, coaches and trainers including: 

“I have been struggling with my posture and back trouble the past couple of years and Forme has put me in the right position. It ties everything together. I feel a lot more powerful and am generating a lot more clubhead speed. It is awesome.”-H English PGA Tour

“The shirt provides instant feedback. I can feel my neck relax and all the tension on my back and neck is gone. It doesn’t just help when standing up but also when I sit down. I like to wear it mostly when I travel because it helps with my recovery. The shirt automatically brings my shoulder blades down and back. I am no longer hunched over and my alignment is as good as it has ever been.”- J Wolfe, Two-time Korn Ferry Tour winner

“You can only swing the cub as well as your body is set up to it and posture is a massive part of the game that I am looking at all the time. Forme is a great assistance for good cervical posture and shoulder blade alignment. Great benefits for traveling, playing, recovery and working out.- J. Parsons, Senior Instructor, Sea Island Golf Performance Center

“When I first put on the shirt, I got instant feedback. The longer I wore the product, the better improvement I saw in my own flexibility, rotation and posture. Not to mention the better positions I was able to get my body into. So I made some of my clients wear the shirt during their training sessions. The results have been remarkable.” – S. Roberts, Senior Golf-Fitness Trainer

About Forme: https://forme.science/golf

Women’s Golf Day Founder Named in 100 Successful Women Awards

(West Palm Beach, FL) ― Women’s Golf Day founder Elisa Gaudet has been named one of the global 100 successful women in business this weekend at a prestigious awards ceremony in London.

Women from around the globe gathered at the 100 Successful Women in Business Annual Global Convention to recognize successful women ranging from corporate elite to full-time entrepreneurs. The annual awards celebrate women from many sectors and countries who are making a positive impact in their communities and the world.

“I’m truly honored and humbled to receive this award from 100 Successful Women In Business Network for what we have created with Women’s Golf Day,” said Elisa upon receiving her award. “To meet so many amazing women from across the globe and be able to tell them about events we have in their country really brought our achievements into focus. I am so very proud of the many locations, golf courses, WGD Ambassadors, Sponsors, Partners, WGD team and women who participate. We have created a global network and community that transcends golf.” 

The award follows the most successful Women’s Golf Day to date. The 2022 edition of the annual global event saw the famous red and white of WGD at venues ranging from 2023 Ryder Cup course Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Italy, to The Fajara Club, which became the first course in Gambia to join the WGD community. Across social media the hashtag #womensgolfday reached and incredible 79.1 million unique users, generating 94 million impressions, and overall, the event saw an impressive 501% increase in engagement across social channels. For 2023, WGD Palooza is scheduled for May 30, 2023 and Women’s Golf Day events will be taking place worldwide on June 6, 2023 

Find online: www.womensgolfday.com

The Golf Performance Center Announces 2022 Foster and Ouimet Cup Winners

Elite Golf Facility in Connecticut Awards Local Golfers Training Subsidies

(RIDGEFIELD, Conn.) – The Golf Performance Center (The GPC) – a junior golf academy and industry thought leader in player development innovations, premium technology and facilities – have awarded scholarships to Jake Portugal and Jack Yaggi, winners of the Foster Cup and Ouimet Cup, respectively.

The Foster and Ouimet Cup Series offers The GPC athletes a yearlong competition, where players accumulate points throughout the season for a chance to earn scholarship awards, which subsidize the cost of training for the following year. Points are earned through academic performance, community service, high performance in The GPC eligible events, practice participation and completed practice assignments and overall leadership and commitment to the founding principles of The GPC.

“Jake and Jack continue to impress our staff on and off the golf course, acting as a shining example of the ability to juggle school, life and golf,” says The GPC founder Roger Knick. “Both players have taken advantage of this season, competing at a high level, shooting career lows and winning events. We’re thrilled to be able to help them take their game to new heights next year.”

During the 2021-22 season, Portugal finished top-20 in 19 events and top-10 in ten events. The South Salem, NY native shot his career low of 69 en route to winning the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour North Jersey Open at Architects Golf Club in October 2021. Another notable finish for the 2023 graduate came at the prestigious Northern Junior where he secured T12 at Great River Golf Club in Milford, CT.

As the Foster Cup champion, Portugal is awarded a 90% scholarship for the 2022-23 Academy year and a brand-new set of irons.

Securing the 2022 Ouimet Cup Championship capped a stellar year for Jack Yaggi after winning the MetPGA Junior Tour event at Redding Country Club in both 2021 and 2022. He also tied for first place on the same tour at Wee Burn Country Club in August 2022. Yaggi, who hails from Pound Ridge, NY and is part of the class of 2026, shot the lowest tournament score of his career (73) at the US Challenge Cup played at Wintonbury Hills Golf Club in Bloomfield, CT.

Yaggi, Ouimet Cup champion, is awarded a 40% scholarship for the 2022-23 Academy year.

For more than 20 years, The GPC has successfully guided nearly 100 competitors as they prepare for golf at the highest levels. Alumni include multiple NCAA All-Americans, current and former student-athletes at 80 different colleges and universities and professionals who have won on the Korn Ferry Tour, Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada and European Tour.

Located in Ridgefield, Conn., The GPC integrates state-of-the-art training facilities and expert coaching to help athletes reach their goals. Beginning with the one-of-a-kind “5 Elements of Success” evaluation, the academy delivers customized instruction designed to provide aspiring golfers with tools for long term success.

To learn more, visit www.thegolfperformancecenter.com.

Blue Tees Golf Reveals New Collegiate Series 2 Pro+ Rangefinders

The official NCAA licensed Series 2 Pro+ rangefinders are coming this fall

(LOS ANGELES, CA) – Award-winning producer of golf rangefinders and accessories, Blue Tees Golf, is proud to announce that the company has retained the NCAA licensing rights to five of the TOP universities in the nation, and the Series 2 Pro+ rangefinder has been curated to reflect the culture and visual signatures of these universities.

“This new collegiate Series 2 Pro+ line of rangefinders is perfect for the golfer who wants a high-performance rangefinder and wants to show their college pride or spirit,” said Blue Tees Golf CEO Chris Markham. “We are thrilled to have partnered with these prominent universities, and early sales indicate this new series appeals to some very active fan bases.”

The Series 2 Pro+ rangefinder is licensed with these distinctive universities:

· University of Southern California - Trojans

· The Ohio State University - Buckeyes

· University of Alabama – Crimson Tide

· University of Florida – Gators

· University of Georgia – Bulldogs

The Series 2 Pro+ rangefinder offers an advanced and modern design, and premium materials, all to make the club selection easy. Premium features include a high-definition display, slope switch, advanced flag lock, pulse vibration, 800-yard range and is water resistant.

“If you like fan gear and follow any of these teams, we encourage you to visit one of our golf specialty retailers.”

The new collegiate Series 2 Pro+ rangefinder includes a carrying case, mountaineer buckle, lanyard, cleaning cloth, (2) CR2 3v batteries, sticker, and retails for $249.99. Dick’s Sporting Goods / Golf Galaxy, and PGA TOUR Superstores all carry the collegiate Series 2 Pro+ rangefinder.

For more information, visit www.blueteesgolf.com.

Investing in Kids (INK!) Once Again Named Official Charity Partner for November’s PXG Women’s Match Play Championship

Charity Pro-am and Tickets Sales Benefit St. Johns County Public Education Initiatives

(Ponte Vedra Beach, FL) – St. John’s County non-profit, Investing in Kids (INK!) has been named for the second year as the Official Charity Partner of the upcoming PXG Women’s Match Play Championship. As the sole financial beneficiary of the professional women’s golf tournament, Investing in Kids will raise money through the INK! Charity Pro-am and through the proceeds of tickets sales. Last year, INK! Raised more than $50,000 through the Pro-am, its biggest single-day fundraiser ever. This year’s Pro-am will be held at the host course, the World Golf Village Slammer & Squire course on October 31. The Official Pairings Party will be hosted again by Murray Brother’s Caddy Shack restaurant on October 30. Also playing a significant role in the INK! Charity Pro-am is Murgado Maserati Jacksonville, which is offering a 2022 Maserati Levante as a hole in one prize. Murgado Automotive Group/ Bentley & Maserati Jacksonville is a Founding Partner of the overall Championship. 

A true Pro-am, each of the three-person amateur teams will be paired with one of the professional players taking part in the PXG Women’s Match Play Championship, which will feature 84 of the best rising star professional players not yet on the LPGA Tour.  Being held Monday, October 31, the Pro-am tournament features lunch prior to teeing off and a post-tournament awards reception in the clubhouse. On Sunday night, Murray Brothers Caddy Shack will host a fun and lively pairings party to which all professional players in the tournament are invited in addition to the amateurs participating. The event will feature a live and silent auction featuring Murray Brothers memorabilia, golf equipment from tournament Title Sponsor PXG, musical memorabilia and exclusive vacation packages. In addition to the hole in prizes, Maserati Jacksonville is offering a unique auction item: a weekend driving experience. There are only 32 teams being offered for this exclusive event and can be reserved by contacting INK! Executive Director Donna Lueders by email at Donna.lueders@stjohns.k12.fl.us.

Additionally, tournament tickets are now on sale with proceeds benefiting Investing in Kids (INK!). Daily general admission tickets are $10 and include a complimentary beverage courtesy of Manifest Distilling, PXG will provide a complimentary onsite hitting and fitting experience for attendees on select days and as well as access to the Pop-Up retail center. Daily ticket sales will be limited to ensure up close and engaging viewing of the tournament. Tickets can be bought on the tournament website at www.pxgwmpc.com as well volunteer opportunities. The Championship will also feature the Spooktacular Junior Clinic on Sunday October 30.

Said Tournament Director and Founder, Mark Berman, "The theme of this tournament is to create opportunities where none existed. Supporting the communities which host our tournaments is what Golf - capital G - does. We are excited to again partner with Donna and INK! to raise money for an amazing organization that is doing great things in our community."

Widely known as the Major of Women’s Developmental Level Professional Golf, the tournament is returning to World Golf Village in St. Augustine, November 1 - 6, 2022.  The PXG Women’s Match Play Championship will feature more than 80 ascending future stars pursuing their dream of playing on the LPGA Tour, battling over a week-long endurance test that will combine a stroke-play and match-play tournament culminating under the Tower of the World Golf Hall of Fame. All the players will compete in a 36-hole Stroke-Play qualifying tournament on November 1-2. The top 64 players will then move on to the Match-Play Championship,

A Fall and Winter 'Getaway Package' That Checks All the Boxes

The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island Gives Guests the Ultimate Travel Experience

(HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C.) – Imagine a fall or winter getaway where the seaside destination is world class with ideal weather, endless recreational opportunities, championship golf, all at attractive and affordable rates. That’s exactly what travelers will receive when they purchase the “Getaway Package” at The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island.

Available now through Feb. 24, 2023, reduced fall and winter rates on select villas and homes (minimum three-night stay) are available, and include an array of value-laden amenities:

- Complimentary dinner entrees for two (one time only) at Fraser's Tavern;

- Complimentary lunch entrees for two (one time only) at Fraser's Tavern or Harbour Town Bakery & Café;

- Preferred rates at the resort’s award-winning golf courses, including Heron Point, Atlantic Dunes, and Harbour Town Golf Links — home to the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage tournament and No. 25 on Golf Digest’s ranking of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses”

- A portrait session on the beach;

- Unlimited use of the resort’s fitness center equipment;

- Two hours of complimentary tennis per day at the Sea Pines Racquet Club featuring 20 clay courts;

- Bicycles during entire stay for two adults to enjoy on the resort’s 15-mile network of paths (also ideal for walking).

In addition, the package provides for 10 percent discounts on all other dining at resort restaurants, including the sensational, new Quarterdeck, which offers 270-degree sunset views and a rooftop oyster bar.

For ease of travel to Hilton Head Island, there are direct-flight options on three airlines: American, Delta, and United. Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) serves Washington, D.C. (Dulles), Newark, Charlotte, and Atlanta, plus seasonal nonstop flights to and from Washington, D.C. (Reagan), Dallas, Philadelphia, and Boston.

The “Getaway Package” can be booked by visiting www.seapines.com/vacation-rentals/specials/fall-winter-getaways or by calling (866) 561-8802 (promo code GETAWAY). The package is unavailable for holiday periods — Nov. 19-28, 2022, and Dec. 20-Jan. 3, 2023.

3,200 Golfers Tee Off In 39th Annual PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com World Amateur Handicap Championship In Myrtle Beach, S.C.

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) — The 39th annual PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com World Amateur Handicap Championship - the game’s most inclusive event - teed off Monday morning as more than 3,200 players from all 50 states and 15 countries began their quest to claim the mantle of World Champion.

A 72-hole, net stroke play tournament, the World Am, which is open to all players 18 years of age and older, is being played August 29 - September 2 on 49 of the Myrtle Beach area’s premier courses. At the conclusion of Thursday’s fourth round, all flight winners and ties will advance to the Flight Winner’s Playoff at TPC Myrtle Beach, where a World Champion will be crowned.

Defending champion Jean Oberg, the sixth woman to claim the mantle of world champ, returned to defend her crown.

“The PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com World Amateur Handicap Championship is a one-of-a-kind event, allowing regular golfers to enjoy the thrill of 72 holes of competition,” tournament director Scott Tomasello said. “With more than 3,200 players from all 50 states and 15 different countries coming to Myrtle Beach, I couldn’t be more excited about this year’s tournament.”

Entry into the event, which includes at least four rounds of golf, nightly admission to the World’s Largest 19th Hole and a gift bag, was $699.

The World Am places players into 11 divisions – men 49 and under, senior men (50-59), mid-senior men (60-69), super senior men (70-79), seasoned seniors (80+), women (59 and under), senior women (60+), the gross division, senior (50+) gross division, mid-senior (60+) gross divison, and women’s gross division. There is also a “Just For Fun” flight, created for players who want to enjoy the World Am experience without the pressure of competition.

After four days of play, all flight winners and ties will advance to the World Championship Playoff at TPC Myrtle Beach, an 18-hole shootout that crowns the event’s winner.

While the competition is initially what lures players to the tournament, it’s only part of what keeps them coming back. At the heart of the World Am’s appeal is the camaraderie among its participants and much of that kinship is fostered at the World’s Largest 19th Hole.

Each night of the event, the 19th Hole overtakes all 120,000-square feet of the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, providing participants with free food and drinks, live entertainment, celebrity guest appearances, a golf expo and more. Among the big names that have appeared at the 19th Hole in recent years are David Feherty, Brandel Chamblee, Charlie Rymer and John Daly.

Players also received a gift bag that included a polo, a pullover, a golf towel, a logo’d hat, a PGA Tour Superstore gift card and an assortment of other goodies valued cumulatively at $250.

For more information, visit www.MyrtleBeachWorldAmateur.com.

Introducing ZNE Golf’s First 2-Piece Premium Wedge Shaft Exclusively from Breakthrough Golf

(RELEASE) — Four years ago, BGT revolutionized putting with its line of Stability Shafts for golfers of all handicap levels by returning the club face to square at impact for consistently straighter putts. Now the new ZNE™ Wedge Shafts will do the same for your short game. ZNE™ is built with patented technology, works with any wedge brand, no practice is required and they deliver incredible performance.

Barney Adams, CEO of Breakthrough Golf states, “We are delighted to finally launch the ZNE™ Wedge Shafts. They have been years in the making and we plan to once again to redefine another shaft category with our patented technology. If you’re a player that wants more control in your wedge game or if you’re the player that needs more distance, you don’t have to choose, ZNE™ delivers on both”.

Versatility & Shot Performance: 3 weights- 90g, 115g or 130g for optimal feel, control and consistency.

Black Ceramic Dura-Coated Tips: Provides durability and no line-of-sight distraction. Engineered for optimal launch and spin.

Proprietary Coupler: Designed with internal micro-barbs to ensure a virtually unbreakable bond between graphite and steel.

Ultra-Rigid Stiffness Stack: This Stiffness Stack™ is 2.5x stiffer than a traditional wedge shaft and allows the kickpoint to be optimized for the perfect launch and trajectory.

Testing shows the patented design of the ZNE™ Wedge Shaft redirects energy so efficiently over steel that:

- 92% of golfers showed better distance control

- Over 90% had tighter dispersion

- 100% of golfers tested said it felt better than steel

- Tested to withstand all types of turf conditions, players and swing speeds

- Available online and in golf stores September 1, 2022. SRP $179.99.

Breakthrough Golf Technology: breakthroughgolftech.com

Discover Puerto Rico Golf for Late Summer, Fall Tropical Island Getaways

Grand Reserve Golf Club

Acclaimed Courses, Beautiful Beaches, Superb Restaurants and Resorts Welcome Visitors    

(SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO) – Golfers covet destinations where wonderful weather and an array of lodging, restaurant, and after-golf activities beckon. Puerto Rico checks those boxes and is tailor-made to provide traveling golfers with the things they seek. 

The tropical climate, scintillating beaches, a vibrant island vibe, and astounding ocean and mountain views from golf courses throughout the island await. Thousands of restaurants, casinos, culture, history, welcoming people, and natural wonders complement the award-winning playing options. 

The golf destination continues building on its status as one of the world’s best, not only via the18 diverse yet complementary courses and numerous resorts on the Island, but through many of the game’s top brands and governing bodies choosing Puerto Rico to stage high-profile championships. 

The PGA TOUR, United States Golf Association, R&A, and Augusta National all either currently hold an event in Puerto Rico, have recently hosted one, or have one upcoming. For example, the Latin America Amateur Championship will be held in the island for the first time in January 2023 – a joint effort by the USGA, R&A and Augusta National, with the winner earning a berth into the 2023 Masters and 2023 Open Championship.

“Puerto Rico is ideally suited for golf getaways thanks to our many courses, variety of resorts, and of course our welcoming people, eager to share the ‘Boricua’ way of life,” said Leah Chandler, Chief Marketing Officer, Discover Puerto Rico.

Requiring no passport from American citizens, offering dozens of direct flights daily into San Juan (SJU airport code), and a bilingual culture that uses U.S. currency are some reasons why the island is recognized among travelers as a preferred destination. 

Not only are the island’s courses fun and scenic several are rated by Golfweek among the top 50 in the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica and the Atlantic Islands. They offer an array of options to suit each player’s tastes, with a range of price points, terrain features, and designs from some of the game’s greats. These include Greg Norman, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Chi Chi Rodriguez, Tom Fazio, Tom Kite, Rees Jones, and Gary Player. 

El Yunque is a spectacular rain forest that can be seen from several Puerto Rico golf courses, including at Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve’s Championship Course, where the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open is played annually, and from the Ocean and River courses at Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Golf & Beach Resort. Unfathomably remarkable ocean views await at Royal Isabela and Punta Borinquen, both perched atop seaside cliffs on the Island’s Northwest Coast. Near San Juan, Ponce, and Humacao, the courses in Dorado Beach, Bahia Beach, Costa Caribe, and Palmas Athletic Club are adjacent to the ocean, with holes parallel to the sandy beaches and turquoise surf. 

Each Puerto Rico visit starts with a warm welcome (“Bienvenidos”) and continues everywhere you explore. The island is rich in festivals, traditions, art, and music, and the people are genuinely gracious and hospitable. With nearly 78 municipalities, each with unique and distinct “personalities,” there’s always another interesting place to discover nearby after golf.

For Puerto Rico travel guidelines, visit https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/info/travel-guidelines. For more information on island golf courses, resorts, and other destination attractions visit: DiscoverPuertoRico.com.

Unboxing the Variety Pack from Cali Squeeze

Cali Squeeze is a fruit-forward beer of today, reflecting the laid-back, uncomplicated expectations of a new generation of beer drinkers.

A California beer infused with freshly squeezed California fruits, all powered by California sunshine and driven by a California State of Mind.

The variety pack includes Tropical P.O.G, Mango, and Blood Orange.

Learn more at www.calisqueeze.com

Golf Digest Ranks 11 Myrtle Beach Courses Among South Carolina’s Best Public Layouts

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) – As part of a relaunch of its “Best Places to Play” initiative, Golf Digest has unveiled its list of South Carolina’s best public courses, and Myrtle Beach dominated the venerable magazine’s ranking of the Palmetto State’s best.

The list, which included South Carolina’s top 20 public courses was compiled based on the evaluation of Golf Digest’s nationwide panel of course raters.

Eleven Myrtle Beach layouts were ranked among the golf-rich Palmetto State’s best, a group that includes The Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, Barefoot Resort’s Dye, Fazio and Love Courses, True Blue Golf Club, TPC Myrtle Beach, Grande Dunes Resort Course, Pawleys Plantation, Tidewater and Heritage Club.

The Dunes Club is the area’s most storied course and a former host of the U.S. Women’s Open and six Senior PGA Tour championships. The Robert Trent Jones Sr. design first attracted national attention to Myrtle Beach and “Waterloo,” the famed par-5 13th hole, is one of America’s original “signature” holes.

Caledonia, a consensus top 100 public course, was architect Mike Strantz’ first solo design. Set on a beautiful piece of Lowcountry property, Caledonia is equal parts art and architecture, wowing players with its creativity and challenge. The course’s iconic 18th hole, which requires a carry over water to a green resting in the shadow of the clubhouse, is a perfect finish.

The longtime host of the Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am, the Dye Course at Barefoot Resort features the visual deception, railroad ties and rugged challenge hall of fame architect Pete Dye was known for.

True Blue, Caledonia’s sister course and another Strantz design, features some of the area’s largest fairways, greens and waste bunkers. The expansive layout is full of unforgettable visuals and quality shot making is at a premium.

TPC Myrtle Beach is one of the area’s premier big-event venues. The Tom Fazio-Lanny Wadkins course has hosted a Senior Tour Championship and a NCAA Division I regional championship, among other high-profile events.

Grande Dunes Resort Course, which is slated to reopen September 15 after a summer greens and bunker renovation project, offers stunning views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The par-3 14th hole, which plays from an elevated tee box overlooking the waterway, is one of Myrtle Beach’s most recognizable holes.

A Jack Nicklaus design, the back nine at Pawleys Plantation features six holes that play along a tidal marsh, a stretch highlighted by the 13th hole, a short par 3 that plays to a peninsula green surrounded by marsh. Pawleys Plantation, one of the area’s sternest tests, is an unforgettable course.

Home to nine holes that play along either the Intracoastal Waterway or Cherry Grove Inlet, Tidewater is on the short list of the Palmetto State’s most scenic layouts. Recently named South Carolina’s Golf Course of the Year, Tidewater is one of the area’s most sought after tee times.

A par 71 layout, Barefoot’s Fazio Course makes generous use of natural waste areas, native grasses and Fazio’s fertile imagination. The course, which has been ranked among America’s top 100 public layouts, has water on 15 holes and natural elevation change that is unusual for the area.

The Love Course at Barefoot is renowned for a three-hole stretch - Nos. 4 through 6 - that plays around the faux ruins of an old plantation home. The fourth hole, a drivable, short par 4 back-stopped by the ruins, is a delight to play and it’s representative of the experience on the ever-enjoyable Love Course.

Heritage Club, a Dan Maples design, plays through a memorable piece of Lowcountry property, spotlighting the area’s native beauty.

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

Players Are Racing To Daytona Beach’s Three Hottest Golf Packages

(DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.) – Daytona Beach’s combination of oceanfront beauty and memorable courses has spurred the area’s emergence as one Florida’s fastest rising golf destinations.

As players begin to ramp up planning for their fall and winter golf trips, three of Daytona Beach’s most popular packages are driving a surge in demand. Group leaders in search of an experience that delivers good times on and off the course are flocking to the “World Most Famous Beach,” and here are the packages at the heart of the area’s popularity.

- The “Going International” offer, a two-night, two-round deal featuring golf on the acclaimed Jones and Hills courses at LPGA International and accommodations at Holiday Inn LPGA, is perfect for a quick weekend getaway. The package starts at just $278, driving is at a minimum, and you get to play the area’s two most popular layouts. The Hills and Jones courses have tested the world’s best female players and they provide a memorable challenge for traveling golfers.

- A four-night, three-round deal that includes lodging at The Shores Resort & Spa is one of Daytona Beach’s best. Golfers get the opportunity to play the recently renovated Halifax Plantation Club, the Hills Course at LPGA, and Spruce Creek Country Club, the centerpiece amenity in America’s largest private fly-in community. The Shores is one of the area’s premier accommodations properties, offering coastal-chic luxury in a casual environment that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The package starts at just $438.

- If staying in the heart of town at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort sounds attractive, one of the area’s most popular hotels offers a three-night, three-round package that golfers love. In addition to the luxury and convenience of the Hilton, players can play Cypress Head, a popular Arthur Hills design, Halifax and Palm Harbor Golf Club as part of a deal that starts at just $376.

With an average high temperature of 71 degrees in December and 69 in January, Daytona Beach is an idyllic fall and winter golf destination. The area is home to nearly 20 courses and an array of restaurants and nightlife that guarantee a good time long after the final putt drops.

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

Explore Branson for Late Summer, Fabulous Fall Golf Getaways in the SW Missouri Ozarks

Photo of Mountain Top by Andrew Penner

10 Courses, Great Weather, Lakes, Live Entertainment Theaters, Restaurants, Resorts Welcome Visitors

(BRANSON, MISSOURI) – Late summer and fall are glorious times to play golf in Explore Branson’s highly acclaimed destination. Ten courses – many of the mind-blowing, award-winning variety – sun-kissed weather, three lakes, hundreds of restaurants and lodging options abound.

Branson is within one day’s drive – 12 hours or less – for 50 percent of the U.S. population (one-third is within 8 hours), and five of the state’s top 10 courses are here (including the top four). For travelers who love mixing after-play activities with their golf, Branson reigns supreme. 

The vibrant town of 15,000 residents draws approximately 10 million visitors annually, a testament to the remarkable number and variety of leisure options found here. 

At the center of Branson’s golf universe lies Big Cedar Lodge and its five courses – Payne’s Valley (by Tiger Woods), Ozarks National (Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw), Buffalo Ridge (Tom Fazio), Top of the Rock (Jack Nicklaus), and Mountain Top (Gary Player). The last two of those are par-3 short courses that beautifully complement morning rounds on the 18-holers with afternoon play. 

Other 18-hole options in the destination include Branson Hills (Chuck Smith), LedgeStone (Tom Clark), Thousand Hills (Bob Cupp), The Pointe, and Holiday Hills. Branson Hills is a Top 10 ranked course in Missouri and earned a No. 32 ranking nationally from Golfpass and Golf Advisor players. LedgeStone and Branson Hills are particularly popular thanks to their creative designs, undulating Ozarks terrain, and their player friendliness.

All 10 Explore Branson golf courses are open to the public and range from luxury resort to daily fee options. Located close to one another, the courses are situated near iconic Silver Dollar City theme park, museums (Titanic and Ancient Ozarks Natural History), wineries, distilleries, and countless other attractions without losing their idyllic settings amid the Ozarks’ natural bounty.

Branson is annually voted a TripAdvisor community top U.S. destination, ranking No. 3 in 2021.

For more about Branson Golf, visit ExploreBranson.com/golf.

Tiger, Rory and TMRW Sports Announce TGL in Partnership with PGA TOUR

TGL will Feature Teams of PGA TOUR Stars in Primetime League from Purpose-Built Venue; Woods & McIlroy Committed to Compete 

(ATLANTA) — Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TMRW Sports today announced TGL, a new tech-infused golf league in partnership with the PGA TOUR. TGL will showcase team matches fusing advanced tech and live action from a custom-built venue in primetime on Monday nights, which will complement the current PGA TOUR schedule. Woods and McIlroy are the first two golfers committed to compete and the league’s inaugural season will kick off in January 2024. The announcement was made today by Woods, McIlroy, and TMRW Sports CEO and founder Mike McCarley.

TGL, the golf league of TMRW Sports, will feature:

- Teams: Six teams of three PGA TOUR players;

- Tech-Infused Venue: A first-of-its-kind experience for golf enabled by a data-rich, virtual course complete with a tech-infused, short-game complex;

- Tech-Enabled Fan Experience: High-energy, greenside fan experience with every shot live within a 2-hour, primetime televised match;

- Season: 15 regular season Monday night matches followed by semifinals and finals matches, kicking off in January 2024

Woods said: “TGL is the next evolution within professional golf, and I am committed to helping lead it into the future. Embracing technology to create this unique environment gives us the ability to move our sport into primetime on a consistent basis alongside so many of sports’ biggest events. As a big sports fan myself, I’m excited about blending golf with technology and team elements common in other sports. We all know what it’s like to be in a football stadium or a basketball arena where you can watch every play, every minute of action unfold right in front of you. It’s something that inherently isn’t possible in traditional golf — and an aspect of TGL that will set it apart and appeal to a new generation of fans.”

McIlroy said: “I have the utmost respect for the game of golf, and the TGL, while rooted in the traditions of the game, is taking a bold step into the increasingly tech-fueled future of sports. TGL will tap into the appeal of team golf within an exciting, fan-friendly environment, comparable to sitting courtside at an NBA game. TGL will widen the appeal of golf to younger and more diverse fans and serve as another avenue to introduce people to the game I love.”

PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan said: “The TOUR has been committed to aligning our athletes with innovative technology and this initiative combines that vision with a unique golf atmosphere. A primetime experience featuring PGA TOUR players will help attract a broader audience to our sport and the world’s greatest players.”

McCarley said: “We’re blending a sport with 600 years of history with technology on a grand stage, built specifically for a live, primetime competition. This innovative league provides fans a fresh, short-form version of golf in an unmatched coliseum environment designed for a modern audience. We began working on this concept nearly two years ago and we’re happy to be unveiling it today with Tiger and Rory, golf’s two biggest stars.”

For more, visit TMRWSportsGroup.com.

Keita Nakajima Awarded Mark H. McCormack Medal as World’s Leading Men's Amateur

Becomes the first male player to twice earn the award which was established in 2007 

(LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. and ST ANDREWS, Scotland) – Keita Nakajima, of Japan, is the recipient of the Mark H. McCormack Medal as the leading men’s player in the 2022 World Amateur Golf Ranking / WAGR. The McCormack Medal winner receives exemptions into the U.S. Open Championship and The Open, conducted by The R&A, in 2023.

Nakajima, who has been the No. 1 player in the WAGR for a record 83 weeks, including 70 consecutive, is the first male player to receive the McCormack Medal twice. He also earned the honor last year. Nakajima, 22, and Takumi Kanaya are the only Japanese players to be secure the honor.

Nakajima, who competed in this year’s Masters Tournament, U.S. Open and The Open, won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship last November when he converted a 20-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole. He is the third player from Japan to win the title, joining Hideki Matsuyama (2010, 2011) and Kanaya (2018) on the list of champions.

“It is a great honor to receive the McCormack Medal again,” said Nakajima. “The excitement I felt when I saw the medal in Dubai last year is still fresh in my memory. Seeing it again in Paris [at the World Amateur Team Championship] will be really wonderful.”  

He continued, “I appreciate the opportunities I have been given thanks to the medal. I hope I have created a pathway for not only Japanese players but all Asia-Pacific players to pursue the dream they have.”

Nakajima finished 41st in the PGA Tour’s 2022 Sony Open in Hawaii at 10-under 270 and was T-28th in last year’s ZOZO Championship. In 2021, he won the Japan Golf Tour’s Panasonic Open and captured the Japan Amateur Championship by three strokes, which included a second-round 63.

The USGA and The R&A co-award the McCormack Medal annually. It is named after Mark H. McCormack, who founded sports marketing company IMG and was a great supporter of amateur golf.

“On behalf of the USGA, I would like to extend our congratulations to Keita for earning the prestigious McCormack Medal,” said John Bodenhamer, chief championships officer for the USGA. “He is creating history with his second award and has played unbelievable golf over the past two years. Nakajima has an impeccable record on a worldwide level and all of us at the USGA look forward to watching him excel as his career continues.”

Professor Steve Otto, Chief Technology Officer at The R&A, said, “Keita Nakajima deserves huge credit for performing to such a high standard throughout the year and for representing the sport of golf in such exemplary fashion. We saw at first hand just how good a player he is when he won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Dubai Creek last year and it has been a pleasure to see him continue to flourish this season. I congratulate Nakajima-san on behalf of everyone at The R&A and wish him every success in the future.”

The World Amateur Golf Ranking, which is supported by Rolex, was established in 2007 when the men’s ranking was launched. The men’s ranking encompasses more than 3,300 counting events, ranking 4,629 players from 110 countries. The women’s ranking was launched in 2011 and has a calendar of nearly 2,300 counting events with more than 2,867 ranked players from 88 countries.

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas Offers Exceptional Fall Vacation Packages

Play Pete Dye’s Famed Teeth of the Dog, Stay in World-Class Villas 

(LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic) – Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences, including its iconic Teeth of the Dog ranked No. 20 in Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Courses in the World” – is offering an outstanding set of fall stay-and-play packages perfect for family and group vacations.

The “Unlimited Golf” 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 $3,319 (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.

Please note, Teeth of the Dog will be closed for its annual fall maintenance from Sept. 19 – 25. 

“We are always ecstatic to welcome families, friends and groups during our splendid autumn months to visit and experience our vast array of luxury resort amenities,” says Jason Kycek, senior vice-president of sales and marketing. “We provide not only a world-class golf facility highlighted by our celebrated Pete Dye-designed courses, but also a full line-up of fun resort activities to keep everyone entertained and wanting to return after-after-year.” 

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 multiple practice greens for honing short game prowess as well as unlimited use of the pristine outdoor range for full shots. On-course instruction is also available.

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

Club Champion Opens Four New Studios in Q3

Globe’s Top Club Fitter Continues 2022 Expansion

(Willowbrook, IL) – Club Champion, the globe’s top custom golf club fitter and builder, is continuing its record expansion with four brand new studios in the third quarter of 2022. Since the first quarter, the company has opened its 100th location, unveiled a flagship store in New York City, and opened a new distribution center in Arizona — now, they’re adding even more new markets to their existing footprint.

State-of-the-art fitting studios are now open in Albuquerque, NM; Princeton, NJ; San Jose, CA; and Wayne, PA. The club fitter is on track to reach 115 locations by the end of the year.

Since 2010, Club Champion has used components from over 60 brands, including names like Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist, and many more to custom fit and build golf clubs for golfers of all skill levels. The company delivers a Tour-level fitting that produces longer, more accurate shots with a nearly 100% satisfaction rate.

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

"We’ll never get complacent with what we have,” said Nick Sherburne, founder of Club Champion. “These four locations further our main goal: give every golfer access to the best possible equipment and the data to show that it works for them.”

Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the 100 Best Club Fitters ten years running, Club Champion has a unique coupling system used to combine any head and shaft together, so golfers hit the precise combination they’ll use on the course. They also hand-build all their custom orders to the tightest tolerances in the industry using a single builder system — every order stays with the same builder from start to finish. No assembly lines or inconsistencies can be found as a part of the Club Champion build standards.

“We stand by our process, and it’s worked for over a decade,” said Sherburne. “We’ve seen golfers shave nearly ten strokes off their scores and with further improvements being made to equipment and our fitters’ knowledge, we can revolutionize the entire industry.”

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

BIG MAX Launches Trees for Trolleys with Jane Goodall Institute

(RELEASE) — Europe’s #1 push trolley and golf bag brand BIG MAX has boosted its green credentials through the 2022 season with an ambitious environmental initiative called Trees for Trolleys. As part of the launch of its innovative 2022 line of electric trolleys, BIG MAX has partnered with the Jane Goodall Institute to plant a tree in tropical Ugandan forests for every electric trolley the brand produces, along with funding other environmental initiatives in the region.

“At BIG MAX we take our environmental responsibilities very seriously,” commented Thomas Reiter, owner of BIG MAX. “Through the past 3 years we have made significant reductions in the amount of single use plastic that we use in our products and packaging. Now, in conjunction with the Jane Goodall Institute, we are ensuring that we balance the use of resources in our new electric trolley range by helping to replenish some of the most important natural stores of CO2 in the world in the tropical forests of Uganda.”

In addition to planting a tree for every electric trolley produced, BIG MAX will contribute to the work of the Jane Goodall Institute by helping to fund projects that promote awareness in local Ugandan communities of the environmental importance of re-forested areas, train forest rangers to monitor and protect the forest, and promote ongoing research into the local eco-system.

“We are very proud to be able to support the Jane Goodall Institute,” concludes Thomas. “They are a fantastic organisation and have given us lots of ideas for how we can further reduce our environmental impact. We look forward to announcing more initiatives in the near future and are very proud to be doing all we can to make BIG MAX the sustainable choice in golf.”

For more information on the projects that BIG MAX will support, visit www.janegoodall.org 

Home - BIG MAX USA (bigmaxgolf.com) 

STITCH Introduces The SL Sunday BAG

A walker’s favorite throw-and-go bag”

(APEX, N.C.) —STITCH Golf expands its golf bag family with the launch of the SL Sunday Bag incorporating a unique blend of design and function to meet the needs of today’s golfer.

“The SL Sunday BAG is the perfect bag for walking 9, playing your favorite short course, or heading to the range to get in a practice session,” said Brad King, CEO of Stitch.  “Our Sunday bag was designed for you to carry only the essentials of the game. The SL Sunday bag’s signature removeable spine sets this Sunday Bag apart from any other, and creates the right amount of structure while also maintaining the relaxed design of a Sunday Bag. This minimalist design makes this the perfect bag to store in your car at all times.“

Additional features of the SL Sunday Bag include:

• Features STITCH’s signature ingot for personalization

• Super lightweight 

• Magnetic ball pocket

• Cuts down on the bulk

• Holds 7 clubs 

• Single divider 

• Features a comfort strap

• Single divider

• Water repellent nylon fabric

• No leg design

• A bag in a box – ships in one of our smallest boxes to show how collapsible and easy to store these bags are

“Like all STITCH products, the SL Sunday Bag was engineered to help golfers perform their best,” continued King. “By focusing on details and unique features designed for the purist, we were able to create an unparalleled Sunday Bag.”

STITCH products are available at leading golf, country clubs and select retailers around the world and at: www.stitchgolf.com.

Tiger & Rory form TMRW Sports

TMRW Sports Is Focused on Harnessing Technology to Build Progressive Approaches to Sports, Media & Entertainment 

(NEW YORK and JUPITER, Fla.) — Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and veteran sports industry executive Mike McCarley today announced the formation of TMRW Sports, a company focused on building technology-focused ventures that feature progressive approaches to sports, media, and entertainment (pronounced “tomorrow sports”). The joint announcement was made today by McCarley, founder and CEO of TMRW Sports, along with co-founders Woods and McIlroy.

Woods said: “I am excited to work with TMRW Sports in bringing people more access to sports. So many athletes, entertainers, and people I meet from all walks of life share our passion for sports, but they also share our desire to build a better future for the next generation of sports fans. Together, we can harness technology to bring fresh approaches to the sports we love.”

McIlroy said: “For the last few years off the course, I’ve been focused on helping to lead golf into its digital future. Now, by joining forces with Tiger, Mike, and other TMRW Sports partners, we can shape the way that media and technology improve the sports experience. In a world where technology provides us with so many choices for using our time, we want to make sports more accessible for as many people as possible.”

McCarley said: “Both Tiger and Rory’s competitive spirit extends beyond the golf course, and both have proven track records in supporting ventures that are modernizing the way sports are played, enjoyed, and consumed. As we begin this journey together with the strong support of a diverse team of investors and partners, we’re focused on accelerating the evolution of sports with several interesting projects in development.”

In addition to investments from Woods, McIlroy, and McCarley, Dick Ebersol is an initial investor of TMRW Sports. Ebersol, a sports and entertainment industry icon, is the former chairman of NBC Sports and executive producer of many of the most-watched events in television history, including the Olympics and Super Bowls. In addition, he was the creator and executive producer of NBC’s Sunday Night Football, the longest-running No. 1 primetime program in American television history, as well as creator and producer of game-changing entertainment programs, including Saturday Night Live, which he co-created with Lorne Michaels.

Ebersol said: “Mike and I worked closely together for years; he was one of my most-trusted advisors and confidants, especially in regard to our biggest priorities with the NFL and Olympics. Since I retired, I’ve refused any real work besides giving advice for plenty of friends, but this is the right idea at the right time with one of the few people I would do this with. Mike and I have remained close and knowing him, his impeccable track record in business and, most importantly, witnessing firsthand the way he approaches relationships — I would bet on anything he creates. So, when he told me about his vision for what he was building with Tiger and Rory, I couldn’t wait to find a way to get involved.”

Additional partners and investors, as well as early projects in the TMRW Sports pipeline, will be announced soon.

For Woods, TMRW Sports joins his TGR Ventures portfolio, which includes PopStroke, Full Swing Golf, TGR Design, The Woods Jupiter and Heard. TGR unites Tiger’s entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors off the course under a single parent brand driven by a mindset, method, and pursuit of mastery.

For McIlroy, TMRW Sports joins his Symphony Ventures portfolio, an investment partnership established by McIlroy and his team, that includes Puttery, GolfPass, GolfNow Compete, Golf Genius, Golf+, Troon Golf, Hyperice and Whoop. 

As an NBC Sports executive for more than 20 years, McCarley was part of a core team that shaped many of the biggest events in sports. Previously, McCarley served as NBC Sports’ president, golf, and global strategy from 2011-2021 and led NBC’s golf portfolio, including golf coverage across NBC Sports and Golf Channel, as well as its digital platforms to modernize the golf experience, including GolfNow and GolfPass. As president of Golf Channel, he quickly transformed the network, including several years as the fastest-growing network on American television. In this role he developed close relationships with Woods and McIlroy and their respective teams. Prior to leading NBC Sports’ golf businesses, McCarley was senior vice president at NBC Sports, primarily focused on marketing the company’s biggest events, including Sunday Night Football and the Olympics. McCarley, a three-time Emmy Award winner and inductee into the Sports Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Hall of Fame, also serves on the board of directors of the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation and National Golf Foundation.

More information: www.TMRWSportsGroup.com

Thrilling Storylines Dominate on Eve of Circling Raven Championship at Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, Aug. 26-28

Idahoan Gabby Lemieux Vying to Become First Native American Woman to Win an LPGA-Epson Golf Tournament; Competitors also Include No. 2 Ranked Player on Circuit, the Youngest on Epson Tour 

(Worley, Idaho) – Leaders of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe brought professional women’s golf to Northern Idaho through the Circling Raven Championship with two goals in mind – to shine the spotlight on their award-winning golf course and Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, and to continue their quest to empower women, youth, and Native Americans through the game.

Even with those objectives, they couldn’t have imagined the confluence of astounding events that have coalesced to create major storylines for the Epson “#Road2LPGA” Tour event which tees off Thursday on Circling Raven.

To wit:

Empowering Native Americans – box checked

Native American Gabby Lemieux of Caldwell, Idaho, is considered a frontrunner to win the Circling Raven Championship presented by KXLY News 4 Now. Last year she finished tied for third in the inaugural playing of the event in her home state, her best finish up to that point on Epson Tour. But she bested that finish two weeks ago at the Four Winds Invitational in which she finished in 2nd place after losing in a sudden death playoff to Yan Liu (who is in the Circling Raven Championship field). 

Lemieux, 25, loves playing Circling Raven, the Gene Bates-designed 18-hole course named after a seminal tribal chief of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. She’s on record saying that the property’s Native American ownership and essence, which permeates the course and resort, comfort her, as does her familiarity with playing the acclaimed layout. 

Empowering Youth – box checked

Epson Tour no. 2 ranked player Xiaowen Yin is playing here this week. She happens to be the youngest player on the entire tour and has won both of her last two starts. Yin took the most recent event off and will be vying for her third straight title at Circling Raven Championship. 

Another youngster, Suzy Tran, a rising high school junior, received an exemption into the tournament from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. From Poulsbo, Wash., Tran won the girls 14-18 age group at Notay Begay III’s national junior golf championship last fall. Begay, the only Native American to win a professional golf tour event (he won four times on the PGA TOUR), and Laura Penney, CEO, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, forged an agreement whereby the winner of that tournament age group would receive an exemption into the Circling Raven Championship each of the three years it is scheduled. Youth served! 

Empowering Women – box checked

Hosting a women’s professional golf tournament and underwriting the $200,000 prize purse screams empowerment for female players. That many of the Epson Tour members are teenagers and golfers in their early 20’s means the Coeur d’Alene Tribe has offered a platform for them to achieve a potentially life-changing outcome based on their play in the Circling Raven Championship.

The field of players come from many American states, more than one dozen countries, and several continents. These are some of the finest women golfers in the world.

“With the season nearly complete, whoever wins the Circling Raven Championship will dramatically increase their chances of making the LPGA Tour in 2023. A victory at Circling Raven is likely to catapult the winner into the current top 10 on the Epson Tour money list and at the least will virtually guarantee themselves a spot at LPGA Q-Series,” said Matthew Clark, Manager, Tournament Business Affairs, Epson Tour.

The Q in Q-Series stands for qualifying. The LPGA Q-Series takes place in December and is the third and final stage of LPGA Tour qualifying where roughly 100 players will compete for 45 spots on the LPGA Tour in 2023.

Sophie Hausmann – a standout University of Idaho golfer during college – is so close to earning her LPGA membership that she can taste it. She’s just outside the race to finish in the Epson Tour’s season-long Top 10 (she’s No. 16 going into Circling Raven Championship). She could seal her elevation to the LPGA with a win at Circling Raven, a place she greatly enjoys.

“We’re thrilled for these players and can’t wait to see them play in the Circling Raven Championship presented by KXLY News 4 Now,” said CEO Penney, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel.

For more details about this year’s tournament or to purchase passes visit: https://www.cdacasino.com/golf/circlingravenchampionship/contact

aboutGOLF Announces QB Justin Herbert as Latest Brand Ambassador Following Simulator Installation

(MAUMEE, OH) — Officials from aboutGOLF today announced that professional football quarterback Justin Herbert has been named as a brand ambassador for aboutGOLF simulators following the installation of a simulator utilizing the company’s proprietary technology in the 24-year-old’s home.

“aboutGOLF is focused on the modern golfer looking to find players who can enjoy the game through various and less traditional avenues. I represent that philosophy in many ways,” Herbert said. “Golf is not only an escape for me, but also allows me to use my competitive spirit in a different way. Access to an aboutGOLF simulator opens a world of fun, engaging and challenging games and competition in addition to the most accurate simulator system available.” 

In addition to the customized installation and the industry-leading camera technology, aboutGOLF brings its subscribers and users together to enjoy competing with, and against, each other through virtual golf competitions and challenges. The system also provides non-golf games and other entertainment options.

“Adding Justin Herbert to our list of celebrity athletes was an easy decision given his passion for the game and interest in alternatives to the 18-hole outdoor round of golf,” said Ken Reynolds, aboutGOLF VP of Sales and Marketing. “Given his love for golf, his competitive spirit and his desire to enjoy golf in a fun space in the comfort of his own home, we are looking forward to a long partnership with Justin and seeing him progress using the unmatched accuracy that our machine vision ball tracking technology provides.”

During his first season in 2020, Herbert earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, finishing the season with 4,336 passing yards and 31 touchdowns. He followed that up in 2021 by throwing for over 5,000 yards and 38 touchdowns and earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl. Last month, Herbert hosted the second annual Justin Herbert Invitational, a golf tournament benefiting Kidsports, a Eugene, Oregon-based non-profit that provides opportunities for all children to learn and play sports.

Golfinity Opens In Austin, Texas

(Austin, Texas) – Golfinity, a novel indoor golf performance club in Northwest Austin, Texas, has officially opened to the public. The facility is the largest and most advanced of its kind in the U.S. With a focus on growing the game through quality instruction, the latest technology and game improvement techniques for all levels of golfers, Golfinity is removing traditional entry barriers to reach a much wider audience, including those who have no golf experience. To achieve this, memberships have been structured for ease of navigation and have been set at affordable price points.

Golfinity’s facility, programming and culture are all designed around creating positive golf experiences, skill development and importantly, fun. The Golfinity team will provide the information, diagnostics, tools and coaching necessary for golfers to reach their maximum potential all in a technology-enhanced, family-friendly environment that also includes a range of fresh food and beverage options. 

Golfinity offers three primary membership levels starting at $49 per month. Members will have use of 20 state-of-the-art simulation suites (including Trackman, Foresight and Uneekor) for instructor-guided lessons, self-practice, or leisure play, as well as an indoor putting green and Full Swing’s customizable virtual green. 

“Golf has the power to enrich lives in so many ways,” says Aaron Bergman, founder and CEO of Golfinity.  “It’s a life-long game that encourages personal achievement, community and an active lifestyle.  Golfinity Performance Clubs create a unique environment that allows people to find their passion for the game, and with our blend of skilled-coaching and cutting-edge technology, help golfers reach their true potential.”

Golfinity’s first performance club is located in a state-of-the-industry, 20,000 square foot facility in Northwest Austin at 12332 North FM 620. It has been designed to host affordable indoor group instruction in the Golfinity Performance Theater, while also serving as the perfect venue to host a wide range of corporate outings, private parties, social gatherings, and leagues. The full bar and expansive food menu add to the offering, creating the ultimate guest experience.

The Golfinity app and software platform are unique in the industry and have been designed around the Golfinity Skills Development Experience (SDX). The SDX is the ultimate tool for golfers of all ages to enhance both skills and engagement. Golfinity’s dynamic club-focused teaching model, delivered through world-class coaching, empowers students to own their improvement at each stage of development. 

For more information on Golfinity, visit www.golfinity.com or call (512) 551-0789.

Shot Scope’s “Shots Plotted” Feature Is Newest Game Management Innovation for Golfers

Shots Plotted Provides Golfers with a History of every Hole for Tee Shots & Approaches, to Visualize Performance Based on Club Used, End Location of the Shot, Hole Score and an Individual Strokes Gained Benchmark

(Edinburgh, UK) — Shot Scope, the industry-leader in advanced GPS and automatic shot tracking technology, today unveiled its innovative “Shots Plotted” feature, the newest game management tool for golfers using the Company’s V3 Watch and PRO LX+ Rangefinder models.  Unique in game tracking technology, Shots Plotted provides golfers with a history of every hole for tee shots and approaches, and the ability to visualize their performance based on the club used, end location of the shot, hole score and an individual strokes gained benchmark.

The new feature is available free of charge to Shot Scope users and is available on both the Company’s Web Dashboard and via Mobile apps. 

“Shots Plotted is truly a breakthrough feature for Shot Scope products as it provides an in-depth performance analysis for every hole played, providing detailed metrics that pinpoint what the golfer is doing right or wrong,” said Gavin Dear, Chief Commercial Officer at Shot Scope.”

Shots Plotted allows Shot Scope users to identify and learn new information about their game. For example: do tee shots up the left-hand side of the hole score better, or where are the costliest places to miss a Par 3 or green, among others. Users can filter these new statistics by: tees played from, clubs used and time/date range. Golfers can also access full-round statistics that highlight performance over time, as well as average score for a particular course and many other performance metrics. They can also break the analysis down into individual holes and easily identify the best strategy for the hole with color coded scoring dots. Tee shot dispersion, average approach shot distance and approach proximity are some of the new statistics Shot Scope users can learn about any individual hole they have played, anywhere in the world.

Shots Plotted is the newest feature added to the Shot Scope online user dashboard, which is designed to help golfers improve through an enhanced on-course performance data management system. The Shot Scope online user dashboard is an interactive space for golfers to manage their data – whether post round editing of a round or a mid-week analysis of overall game improvement. The new dashboard is a great tool for any golfer seeking more clarity on where to make changes in their game and it can be used in varying capacities. 

“Creating a dashboard that is user friendly and visually appealing, yet highly effective in enhancing the delivery of on course performance data, is something we always strive to achieve,” said Dear. “When used in conjunction with our mobile app, it provides users with a broader understanding of different areas of their game. We always look to provide a platform where users can interact with their data as simple and easy yet detailed as possible.”

The dashboard can be viewed on a larger screen, making some of the data easier to navigate and analyze in more detail. This includes post-round editing, with the enlarged screen creating a simple and easy way to view and enter data from your round. In addition, the filtering system allows golfers to process their data in an efficient manner that suits their needs. They can filter statistics by club, yardage, round, year and more – a thorough way to generate a wealth of information across multiple categories.

The new user dashboard comes on the heels of Shot Scope introducing the innovative PRO LX+ device. A first-of-its-kind rangefinder, the PRO LX+ system includes three devices which are sold as one unit, the PRO LX+, featuring GPS-powered distances and performance tracking, or individually as the PRO LX Rangefinder and H4 Game Tracker. Today, with research showing that modern golfers rely on multiple GPS devices, players of all levels now have one device – PRO LX+ - that provides all of the on-course technology they need in one system. 

“Shot Scope is thrilled to unveil this game-changing device to the golf industry, as we introduce GPS distance and performance tracking technology to laser rangefinder users for the first time ever,” said Dear. “Our V3 Smart Watch was a tremendous success when launched in 2020, and now we are bringing that same artificial intelligence to rangefinders and giving golfers a multi-product system that is offered at a price point for every budget.” 

Dear adds, “For rangefinder users, Shot Scope now offers real-time game tracking data like never before, which is currently used by tens of thousands of golfers worldwide recording over 180 million shots. In fact, our data shows that amateur golfers improve by four strokes thanks to the unique fusion of accurate distance information and automatic performance tracking technology from Shot Scope devices.”

Shot Scope PRO LX+

The PRO LX+ features a wealth of golfer-friendly benefits including, advanced target lock vibration, red and black dual optics, X7 navigation, adaptive slope technology, 900-yard range which is accurate to 1 yard, a precision clear lens and a comfort stability grip. Additionally, the PRO LX+ offers 36,000 pre-loaded courses, dynamic front, back and middle GPS distances with front and carry distances to every hazard, all distances are available in yards or meters. Available at $349.99 SRP with no subscription fees and free updates. 

The PRO LX+, which is available in blue, gray and orange colors, also features Shot Scope’s artificial intelligence for performance tracking via the H4 Game Tracker which magnetically attaches to the rangefinder. Backed by 16 RFID tracking tags that capture over 100 game statistics during a round of golf, the performance tracking capability works in the background and continuously scans the golfer’s swing settings. This creates an ever-increasing volume and accuracy of data collected from the golfer during play, leading to more insights and statistics that help the player understand their game better, improve on-course strategy and shoot lower scores. The water-resistant PRO LX+, which is USGA conforming, also comes with a premium carry case, lanyard, carry clip, cleaning cloth and 1 x CR123 battery.

All Shot Scope products can be purchased at Dicks Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, PGA Superstores, golf specialty stores or online at www.shotscope.com. 

ECCO® GOLF Ambassador Lydia Ko Honors Heritage with Custom BIOM G5 Design

(LONDONDERRY, NH) — ECCO – a golf footwear innovator – announces that ambassador Lydia Ko has combined her South Korean and Kiwi heritage with a custom version of the brand-new ECCO BIOM® G5 shoe as part of the brand’s Autumn/Winter 2022 collection.

Reflecting both her personality and dual-nationality roots, Ko designed her ECCO BIOM® G5 with cherry blossoms styled on one side of the shoe and black ferns on the other, paying homage to her country of birth, South Korea, and the country in which she grew up, New Zealand, respectively.

In addition, Ko’s signature is emblazoned on the inside of the shoe, along with her logo on the tongue, a fitting tribute to one of the biggest stars in the game who has nearly 30 tour victories and two major championships to her name.

“I’m extremely excited to join forces with ECCO GOLF to create my own unique take on the brand-new BIOM® G5 shoes,” Ko said. “ECCO GOLF is renowned for raising the bar for golf shoe design, and it’s fantastic that I have had the chance to stamp my personality on this new style.

“The features we have added to the BIOM® G5 are very close to my heart, and it’s going to be really cool walking the golf course week-in-week-out with the black ferns and cherry blossoms on my feet. Hopefully I’ll be wearing them to lift plenty more trophies in the future.”

ABOUT ECCO BIOM® G5

Advanced, athletic performance is mixed with a premium, progressive and sporty design in the new ECCO BIOM® G5. The next generation of the BIOM® phenomenon is engineered with ZARMA-TOUR® spikes, which are combined with innovative hybrid grooves for superb traction and stability.

BIOM® NATURAL MOTION technology with an updated last, allows the foot to move more naturally while supplying anatomical, low-to-the-ground support and stability as well as a snug fit. Whatever the weather, GORE-TEX technology offers 100 percent waterproof protection and the BOA® lacing system is designed to provide the wearer with a premium, simple lacing option that offers a snug, easily adjustable fit.

ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology ensures a finely-tuned balance of cushioning and rebound, while creating an integral, flexible and durable bond without the compromises common with stitched and/or glued assemblies.

Fashioned from embossed ECCO Performance Leather and a sporty mesh, the shoe has a contemporary, athletic design, including an eye-catching midsole and color blocks on the side. A low toe profile gives it a sleeker silhouette with the women’s shoe offering a more refined and feminine aesthetic.

In addition to Lydia Ko, ECCO GOLF shoes are worn in competition around the world by Henrik Stenson, Thomas Bjørn, Fred Couples, Erik van Rooyen, Doc Redman, Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Niklas Nørgaard Møller, and Caroline Masson, among others. For further information about ECCO GOLF, visit golf.ecco.com.

PXG Recognized on the Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies for a Third Time

PXG Continues to Expand Its Global Footprint to Serve More Customers Through an Innovative Direct-to-Consumer Golf Club and Apparel Distribution Model 

(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) – Inc. revealed that PXG – Parsons Xtreme Golf – is No. 2308 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list represents a one-of-a-kind look at the most successful companies within the economy's most dynamic sector - its independent small businesses.

Founded by entrepreneur, philanthropist, and self-proclaimed golf nut Bob Parsons, PXG is a research and development company dedicated to creating the world's finest golf clubs and apparel. Today, the American company has grown its footprint to have global influence, serving golfers in more than 50 countries through an innovative direct-to-consumer model. 

"Being recognized by Inc. Magazine is not an honor we take lightly. It is one we work hard to achieve by focusing on being better every day in every aspect of our business,” Bob Parsons stated. “Our team's commitment to creating exceptional products and our customer's enthusiasm for the experience we deliver is the reason for the success we have experienced. And I think it is safe to say we’re just getting started." 

PXG entered what was a saturated market in 2013, at a time when participation in golf was on the decline. But Bob Parsons saw a unique opportunity to change the approach to golf club research and development, dissolving both product release cycles and limitations to resources, for the benefit of consumers. By 2019 the company made its debut on the Inc. 5000, and in 2022, PXG secured its third recognition. 

The companies on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list have not only been successful but have also demonstrated resilience amid supply chain woes, labor shortages, and the ongoing impact of COVID-19. With the foresight to stay the course and the decision to triple down on inventory, PXG experienced rapid expansion both domestically and internationally – custom building and shipping millions of golf clubs in record time.  

PXG also dramatically expanded its apparel offerings under the direction of Renee Parsons. As President and Executive Creative Director of PXG Apparel, Renee Parsons built a top-caliber team, from design and sourcing to distribution and analytics to fuel growth.  

"We are paving our own unique path in golf and fashion. By fusing performance, comfort, and style into all we do, PXG is designing and producing pieces that fill a void we saw in the golf apparel industry. Early adoption has exceeded our expectations, and I am excited to continue evolving and creating in this space,” said Renee Parsons.

"The accomplishment of building one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S., in light of recent economic roadblocks, cannot be overstated," says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. "Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that have established themselves through innovation, hard work, and rising to the challenges of today."