Cutter & Buck Names Chandler Altman 2012 Salesperson of the Year

(SEATTLE) — For the second time in his 14-year career at Cutter & Buck, Chandler Altman has been honored as the company’s Salesperson of the Year.  

Chandler Altman

“Chandler achieved remarkable growth throughout his customer base in 2012 and is very deserving of this award,” said Jake Rawson, Cutter & Buck’s Global Director of Sales – Golf.  “The manner in which Chandler is able to understand the needs of his customers and deliver world-class service is second to none.  It is truly an honor to award Chandler Altman as the Cutter & Buck 2012 Salesperson of the Year.”

Altman, 42, said he originally wanted to be a PGA Professional and started down that career path in 1994 as an Assistant Pro under Doug DeSive at Corpus Christi Country Club in south Texas.  DeSive is still the Head Professional at Corpus Christi CC today and Altman said, “I would not be in the business today if it wasn’t for Doug.”  Altman later served as an Assistant Pro at the San Antonio Country Club under the direction of Bill Rogers, winner of the 1981 Open Championship.

But from the moment he joined Cutter & Buck in June 1998, Altman said he aspired to be one of the company’s best sales representatives despite the fact the industry was new to him and the company is renowned for possessing a stellar sales force.

“I am so thankful to have joined Cutter & Buck; they changed my life,” Altman said.  “At my first sales meeting I looked at the other sales reps around the room and it was very intimidating.  I was determined to be ‘one of those guys’ and had a vision from the outset to be one of the top salespeople in the company and the best rep in my territory.”

Altman wasted little time flourishing as he won Cutter & Buck’s Rookie of the Year award in 1998.  From that point on, Altman consistently grew his territory year after year and was awarded his first Salesperson of the Year honor in 2005.

Based in Jacksonville, Fla., his territory encompasses Northern Florida, Coastal Georgia and Hilton Head, S.C., which specifically includes both the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, World Golf Hall of Fame and The Villages, in addition to the Florida cities of Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Daytona, plus Sea Island, Ga.  – “golf mecca, a Hall of Fame territory,” noted Altman, a native of Sarasota, Fla.

Altman holds a degree in Marketing from Texas A&M University.  He and his wife, Manny, have been married for 20 years, and have a son, Chandler II, who is a junior in high school.  

For additional information on Cutter & Buck products, contact Cutter & Buck at (800) 713-7810 or visit its website at www.cutterbuck.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Orlimar Introduces TourGroove Wedge

(Flushing, Mich.) — Orlimar has added a new forged wedge to its equipment line-up for 2013. The TourGroove wedge debuted at the PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 23-27 in Orlando, Fla.

The TourGroove features the traditional tear drop shape and is made from 1025 soft carbon steel with U-Grooves. The wedge is packed with performance features that make it a must in every golfer’s bag. The soft carbon forged steel provides golfers with a soft feel while absorbing unwanted vibration. The deep cavity back promotes perimeter weighting for more forgiveness on off-center hits. The wide sole allows for a low center of gravity to help get the ball up high on tight lies and bunker shots. The USGA-conforming grooves provide maximum spin for pinpoint accuracy. The TourGroove is offered in three lofts – 52, 56-and 60 degrees.

“The TourGroove wedge feels soft yet gives you a solid feel on the approach shots,” said Alex Resnik, product marketing specialist. “The golfers who have tested the wedge during the development stage liked the look, feel and especially the performance of the TourGroove. The wedge is very consistent in all types of lies and designed to get the ball up high and land soft.”

The suggested retail for TourGroove is $99 and will be available February 15.

TourGroove Specs:
* Lofts: 52 /8 bounce; 56/12 bounce, 60/6 bounce 
Shaft:  Dynamic Gold
Grip: Golf Pride Decade
* Available: Feb. 15, 2013
* Suggested Retail: $99, Men RH only

For information on Orlimar call 888.502.4653, visit www.orlimar.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

The A Position Writers Score Multiple ING Awards

(Portland, Ore.) – Three members of The A Position - one of the largest producers of golf content on the Internet - David Barrett, Ed Travis and Jeff Ritter were recognized by the International Network of Golf (ING) as winners in the organization's annual media awards.

A Position members won six of the 41 awards. Barrett won first place in the Competition Writing category for his story Which Club to Hit? Have a Long Talk With Your Caddy. He also racked up two Outstanding Achiever awards - in the Book category for Making The Masters, and in the Opinion/Editorial category for his piece, To Fight Slow Play a New System is Needed. Barrett's work can be seen at davidhbarrett.com.

Travis recorded two Outstanding Achiever Awards - in the Equipment Writing category for TaylorMade Rules Metal Woods and another in the Business Writing category for Acushnet and Callaway Bury the Hatchet. Read more from Travis at edtravisgolf.com.

Renowned A Position member and PGA instructor Jeff Ritter won an Outstanding Achiever award in the Travel Writing Category for his story Lanai: Where Maui Residents Go To Escape. See Ritter's writing and video at rittergolf.com.

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Pursell Farms Launches New Interactive Web Channel

‘FarmLinks TV’ is the Latest Enhancement of the World-Leading ‘Experience at FarmLinks’

(SYLACAUGA, ALABAMA) – Pursell Farms – the renowned boutique resort that is home to the world’s only agronomic research and demonstration golf course – has launched FarmLinks TV, a new interactive web channel found at tv.pursellfarms.com.

FarmLinks TV provides a platform for multiple program and presentation broadcasts, social media messaging, and more as part of the ever-evolving Experience at FarmLinks (EAF 2.0).

“Innovation has always been our driving force here at Pursell Farms and the launch of FarmLinks TV ensures the digital experience will be cutting-edge and highly informative,” said FarmLinks’ co-founder and CEO David Pursell. “FarmLinks TV not only works as a learning tool for our viewers, but also provides a unique opportunity for companies to showcase their products online to a vast audience that is inherent to the industry.”

Described by golf course superintendents as “the most beneficial three days of the year” to their operations and businesses, EAF 2.0 is the nation’s premier source for “hands-on” course maintenance information and demonstration. The Experience at FarmLinks has attracted more than 10,000 superintendents and agronomy professionals to continue their education at FarmLinks. Superintendents from the majority of the America's Top-100 golf courses have participated in EAF.

Club Car, Sod Solutions, Vortex and BASF Research are among the companies that have been highlighted on FarmLinks TV via short videos produced in-house at Pursell Farms.

“The Experience at FarmLinks has long provided our partners a chance to be seen up-close and personal by potential customers and now FarmLinks TV is allowing us to extend that reach,” said Casey Cleghorn, manager of EAF 2.0. “FarmLinks TV ensures that we will continue to spread the word about the well-known brands, as well as the new products, being implemented on the property to a whole new audience.”

FarmLinks Golf Club has been ranked as the No. 1 public-access course in Alabama by Golfweek (2011) and was on Golf Digest’s list of the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America.” Recent developments at FarmLinks include farm-to-table cuisine, luxury cottages, the FarmLinks Golf Academy, with additional guest amenities forthcoming that will allow for hosting much larger groups.

To learn more about FarmLinks TV, Pursell Farms and EAF, visit tv.pursellfarms.com, www.farmlinks.org, www.facebook.com/pursellfarms, or call 877.292.FARM (3276).

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Spa's 'Tame the Wolf' Spring Golf Package

Package gives golfers opportunity to stay and play in the Lost Pines Region near Austin

(AUSTIN / BASTROP, TEXAS) – Looking to tame one of Texas’s toughest tests of golf? Wolfdancer Golf Club and Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa are swinging into spring by offering a new travel deal for golfers.

Designed by Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest and Associates, the superb 7,205-yard, par-72 Wolfdancer Golf Club rambles along a striking, 150-acre stretch of terrain dotted with oak, cedar elm and pecan trees — and cut by the Lower Colorado River — which dramatically frames the right side of layout’s memorable finishing holes.

Hyatt Lost Pines delivers the complete golf experience, as its Wolfdancer Golf Club creates a balance between maintaining the site’s natural beauty and designing a golf course that feels like it has been there forever. The massive landscape and topography are highlighted by this well-conditioned course, which represents luxury in a beautifully rugged setting — and at times will take your breath away amidst the scenic Lost Pines Region of Central Texas.

Bookable starting now for stays between March 1 and May 24, 2013, the “Tame the Wolf” Golf Package gives travelers the opportunity to stay, play and “tame the wolf” on their own or with family and friends. The travel deal is designed for one or two players.

“Tame the Wolf” Golf Package for One, from $275

This golf travel deal includes:
* Accommodations in a resort king or resort queen/queen room (select upgrades optional)
* Daily round of golf for one at Wolfdancer Golf Club
* Additional rounds for $50, including a $50 twilight tee time on day of arrival
* Complimentary Callaway golf club rentals
* Daily food-and-beverage credit of $25 for one
* 10 percent discount on retail purchases at the Wolfdancer golf shop
* Valid stay dates: March 1 to May 24, 2013
* Special Offer Code: TAME1

Tame the Wolf Golf Package for Two, from $375

This golf travel deal includes:
* Accommodations in a resort king or resort queen/queen room (select upgrades optional)
* Daily round of golf for two golfers at Wolfdancer Golf Club
* Additional rounds for $50, including a $50 twilight tee time on day of arrival
* Complimentary Callaway golf club rentals
* Daily food-and-beverage credit of $25 per person (2)
* 10 percent discount on retail purchases at the Wolfdancer golf shop
* Valid stay dates: March 1 to May 24, 2013
* Special Offer Code: TAME2

The Wolfdancer golf experience also includes a 13-acre driving range, a full-scale practice facility featuring 10 target greens and eight tee boxes, and a short-game area with two chipping greens and bunkers, and GPS units in each golf cart. Visitors not wishing to travel with their golf clubs to the resort can take advantage of the Callaway club rental program.

Book now at tinyurl.com/bhmzadg or by calling 512-308-1234.

For more information about Hyatt Regency Lost Pines, visit www.LostPines.Hyatt.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Nike Golf Welcomes David Duval Back to its Athlete Roster

(BEAVERTON, Ore.) – This week, golf fans may notice something that looks familiar – David Duval in the Swoosh. Duval has re-signed with Nike Golf. He will make his 2013 debut in the Swoosh at this week’s AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

Duval, who was the first Nike athlete to win a major championship using Nike clubs in 2001, will be teeing up the world’s first high speed cavity back driver that conforms to USGA and R&A rules, the Nike VR_S Covert driver. He will also game the Nike VR Pro Limited Edition fairway wood, Nike VR Pro Blade irons, Nike VR Pro wedges and a Nike Method Prototype putter. For his golf ball, Duval will play with Nike’s new 20XI-X featuring more RZN technology. On the body, he’ll wear Nike Golf apparel from its Tour Performance Collection and the new Nike Lunar Control footwear.

A fan of the Nike Brand since he first signed with the company in 2001, Duval returns to the Swoosh after missing the products and the people involved. “I could not be more excited to once again become a Nike Athlete,” said Duval. “Nike Golf has been a major player in the success I have had throughout my career. I am thrilled to return to the Swoosh and continue my career with a brand that focuses on developing innovative products.”

Duval has 13 career victories on the PGA Tour, including the 2001 Open Championship. He has been on three Presidents Cup Teams, two US Ryder Cup teams, and two World Cup teams over his career.

“We have always had a great relationship with David and are happy to welcome him back to the Nike family,” said Mark Thaxton, Global Director of Sport Marketing Operations for Nike Golf.

Duval’s Nike Golf Arsenal
* Driver:  Nike VR_S Covert 8.5-degrees, neutral position (Diamana White Board 73X)
* Fairway Wood:  Nike VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood/15-degree
* Irons:  Nike VR Pro Blades (2-PW)
* Wedges: Nike VR Pro 53-degree and 58-degree
* Putter: Nike Method 006 prototype
* Ball: Nike 20XI X
* Apparel:  Nike Golf Tour Performance Collection
* Footwear:  Nike Lunar Control

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Golf Shop at Turning Stone Resort Casino Named One of Country's 'Top 100' By AGM

(Oneida Nation Homelands) - Turning Stone Resort Casino's Shenendoah and Kaluhyat golf shop has been honored by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) as one of the "best of the best" in the country.

The AGM recognized 100 premier golf shops from the private, public, resort and off-course sectors for their creative ideas, best practices, revenue-generating initiatives, promotions and visual displays. The inaugural Platinum Awards continue the tradition of Golf World's 100 Best Golf Shops and the AGM's Front Nine Awards, which for the first time have been combined.

The AGM formally presented the Platinum Awards to Turning Stone Resort, and all winners, last week at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla.

Offering the latest in custom apparel and equipment from the likes of Titleist, Ping, Callaway, Nike, and Ogio in a 1,782-square-foot setting, the Shenendoah and Kaluhyat Golf Shop is one of five located at Turning Stone Resort Casino. Turning Stone Resort's Director of Golf Robert Todd heads the golf shop staff, which also includes PGA Professional Andy Myers, as well as seasonal team members.

"Rarely a day goes by that we don't change our shops in some way, whether it's displaying new inventory or fine-tuning the presentation of our displays," said Ray Halbritter, Turning Stone Resort's Chief Executive Officer. "It's an honor for our Shenendoah and Kaluhyat Golf Shop to be recognized by the AGM, and moving forward it will only serve to enhance our dedication to providing our customers with a first-class experience."

Shenendoah, the original golf course at Turning Stone Resort, was designed by Rick Smith and offers generous fairways and greens set along rolling wetlands, tall fields of native fescues and deep woods.

One of the most challenging courses in the Northeast, Kaluhyat is marked by dramatic changes in elevation, as well as mature forested areas, ancient wetlands and native plant life. Plateau settings offer spectacular views, while five lakes add to the ambience and the strategy created by Robert Trent Jones, Jr.

Arizona-based AGM, which was founded in 1989, is an international, professional association whose members include golf professionals, buyers, club managers, owners and suppliers to the golf industry.

For more information about Turning Stone Resort Casino, visit www.turningstone.com. For golf updates, follow Turning Stone Golf on Twitter @TSGolf.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com