Graphite Design in the Winner's Circle

(CARLSBAD, CA) – Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts, Inc. announced that the winners of last weekend’s Web.com, LPGA and Champions tour events all played the Graphite Design Tour AD DI shaft model in their drivers.

The winner of the Champions Tour Insperity Invitational played a Tour AD DI6-X Flex shaft in his Adams Driver to claim the Insperity Invitation title for the third time and capturing his 20th Champions Tour victory.  On the Web.com Tour, the winner of the South Georgia Classic played a Tour AD DI6-X Flex shaft in his Titleist 913 Driver and a Tour AD DI7-X Flex in his Titleist 913 fairway wood for his first career win on the Web.com circuit.  The LPGA Tour champion of the North Texas LPGA Shootout played the Tour AD DI-6 Stiff Flex shaft in her TaylorMade R1 Driver to claim her 9th LPGA victory and to move her into the top seat on the LPGA Money List for the year.

“We a very fortunate to have these tour players relying on the precise accuracy and superior distance that Graphite Design shafts provide and we congratulate them all on their wins,” commented Bill McPherson, Vice President of Sales, Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts, Inc..

Revolutionary technology, design, and the most advanced materials are trademarks in all Graphite Design shafts, making them the highest quality premium golf shafts on the market today.  Validating the company’s “Tour AD” logo, all of Graphite Design’s PGA Tour-proven shafts specifically promote “Accuracy and Distance”.  These key competitive advantages are helping professional and amateur golfers optimize their games after switching to Graphite Design shafts.  Graphite Design continues to be the most dominant shaft on the JGTO Tour and has been for the past eleven years.

For more information about Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts or Graphite Design shafts, contact Bill McPherson at 619-454-6283 or b.mcpherson@proschoicegolfshafts.com, or visit www.proschoicegolfshafts.com.

Payne, Special Commemorating Life of Payne Stewart, to Premiere on NBC, Golf Channel

Payne Chronicles Career of the Dedicated Father, Husband and Champion Golfer; 2014 Marks 15-Year Anniversary of Stewart’s Dramatic U.S. Open Win at Pinehurst

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – Commemorating the life of one of the game’s legendary figures – Payne Stewart – NBC and Golf Channel will present a one-hour film, Payne, as the U.S. Open returns to Pinehurst on the 15-year anniversary of Stewart’s victory. Delving into his enduring legacy, Payne will showcase Stewart’s journey into becoming not only one of the game’s most-beloved players on the golf course, but also a dedicated family man, entertainer, jokester and golf fashion icon with his signature plus-fours and tam-o’-shanter caps. Payne will premiere Sunday, June 8 at 5 p.m. ET on NBC and Monday, June 9 at 10 p.m. ET on Golf Channel, leading into the week of the 2014 U.S. Open Championship.

“Payne Stewart is one of the most-memorable figures in our sport and we are honored to work with his family and friends to showcase the mark he left on the game,” said Molly Solomon, executive producer of Golf Channel. “We are fortunate to be part of a game that is rich with compelling stories and personalities. And Stewart represented so much more than a golfer in eye-catching clothes, but a man that inspired others to live life to the fullest.”

Payne is produced and directed by 15-time Emmy Award winner Peter Franchella, who was a cameraman for NBC Sports’ coverage of the 1999 U.S. Open and followed the final pairing of Stewart and Phil Mickelson. Co-producing and editing Payne is two-time Emmy Award winner Matt O’Connor. Payne is written by 11-time Emmy Award and Peabody Award winner Al Szymanski, whose body of work has earned him Emmy Award wins for Outstanding Documentary and Outstanding Edited Sports Series/Anthology. Frederick “Fritz” Mitchell, a recipient of seven Emmy Awards and three Peabody Awards, also is contributing to the project.

In 1999, Stewart experienced great success with winning the U.S. Open at Pinehurst and being a part of the U.S. team’s dramatic come-from-behind Ryder Cup victory in Brookline, Mass. But all of that came to a tragic end with a plane accident that took his life in October 1999. Payne will feature interviews with Stewart’s family, friends and fellow competitors to capture the spirit Stewart exuded.

Payne will be the second project produced as part of Golf Channel Films. The first project was the critically acclaimed Arnie, a three-night Golf Channel event chronicling the life and legacy of Arnold Palmer. The film was the most-watched original production in network history and reached more than 1.9 million viewers across its premiere week in April. Arnie was produced under the direction of the 36-time Emmy Award winning team of producer Israel DeHerrera, writer Aaron Cohen and associate producer Mason Seay.

Billy Casper Golf Launches ‘Superintendent Business Institute’

(VIENNA, VA) – Billy Casper Golf – the largest owner-operator of golf courses, country clubs and resorts in America – is now offering its superintendents and assistant superintendents opportunities to enhance their business expertise through the company’s new Superintendent Business Institute (SBI).

Recently launched on BCG-U, an online career development and training resource unique to the golf industry, SBI is comprised of three 10-hour programs, each qualifying for Golf Course Superintendents Association of America continuing education points.

“It’s no secret our profession has evolved dramatically,” says Bryan Bielecki, Vice President of Agronomy of BCG. “Superintendents spend their time much differently nowadays, and the need for solid personnel management, leadership, financial and communication skills is greater than ever.”

“Billy Casper Golf’s goal is to give all team members the chance to become better professionals and grow their careers,” says Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of BCG. “With the Superintendent Business Institute part of BCG-U, we are developing golf’s most business-savvy turf and property managers.”

BCG-U tools for employees include more than 100 e-learning modules. Among them are goal development, interactive progress reviews, training resources, management feedback, and customizable profiles which track professional objectives and match employees with internal opportunities nationwide.

In addition to BCG-U, the company is widely respected for its cutting-edge and customized marketing technology, unique promotions and events, targeted public relations, revenue management, hiring and training platform, agronomic best practices and vendor partnerships.

More information: www.billycaspergolf.com, 703.761.1444.

TaylorMade-adidas Golf Tour Staff Professional J.B. Holmes wins Wells Fargo Championship

Second PGA TOUR Victory for TaylorMade’s 12-Degree SLDR Driver

(CARLSBAD, Calif.) – Entering the final round with a one shot lead over a field filled with many of the world’s best players, TaylorMade-adidas Golf Tour Staff Professional J.B. Holmes (@JBHolmesgolf) withstood the pressure and played his most consistent golf of the 2014 PGA TOUR season, posting a 70-67-66-71 274 total for a one-shot victory at the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.

One of the longest hitters on the PGA TOUR, Holmes lofted up to hit long, towering drives with his SLDR 430 Driver set to 12 degrees; taking advantage of his distance off the tee to create scoring opportunities around the green. The win is the second on the PGA TOUR this season for the 12-degree SLDR, with John Senden having previously won the Valspar Championship in March. In addition to SLDR metalwoods, Holmes also played the new Tour Preferred MC irons (4-9).

Throughout the tournament, Holmes wore adidas Golf apparel and the new adidas Golf pure 360 footwear. Featuring clean, classic silhouettes, ultra-flexible outsoles and premium materials, the pure 360’s thintech outsole features swing plane traction and a new midfoot cleat for incredible grip and stability throughout the swing.

The win is the 32-Year-Old Holmes’ third career victory on the PGA TOUR. He earns 500 FedExCup points and is projected to jump from 83rd to 18th in the FedExCup Point standings. He also earns a spot in The Players Championship as well as the PGA Championship in addition to the 2015 Masters Tournament.

Meanwhile, on the Champions Tour, adidas Golf tour staffer Bernhard Langer captured the Insperity Invitational wearing adidas Golf ATV M1 footwear. The victory is Langer’s 2nd win of the year and 20th career Champions Tour victory.

In Holmes’ Bag:
* SLDR 430 driver (12.0°)
* SLDR fairway (15.5°)
* adidas Golf apparel
* adidas Golf pure 360 footwear

Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass Golf Club Added to New Potawatomi Cup Schedule

(HARRIS, Mich.) – Sweetgrass Golf Club (www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com) at Island Resort & Casino announced that the Island Resort Championship, June 27-29, will be one of four events played as part of the LPGA Symetra Tour’s newly created Potawatomi Cup.

An incentive-based points system will award Symetra Tour players bonuses based on performance at four Potawatomi Nation casino-sponsored Potawatomi Cup tournaments. In total, $40,000 will be awarded, with $8,500 available each week, and an additional $5,000 going to the overall winner.

“We’re thrilled to team up with the other venues that have tribal ties and to be part of the inaugural Potawatomi Cup,” says Tony Mancilla, tribal attorney for the Hannahville Indian Community, which owns and operates Island Resort and Casino and Sweetgrass Golf Club.  “The format is sure to add even more excitement to the Island Resort Championship, which has shown tremendous growth and popularity each year.”

“All four Potawatomi Nation casinos have banded together to provide a significant cash incentive for our players trying to reach the LPGA Tour,” said Mike Nichols, chief business officer of the Symetra Tour.  “We are grateful for the support of our casino partners, having grown from one tournament three years ago to four casino sponsored tournaments this year.  Our Symetra Tour events help these casinos by generating publicity, community goodwill with a charitable component at an incredible value.”

In addition to the Island Resort Championship, the three other events include the Firekeepers Hotel and Casino Classic in Battle Creek, Michigan (June 6-8), the Four Winds Invitational in South Bend, Indiana (June 20-22) and the Prairie Band Casino and Resort Charity Classic in Mayetta, Kansas (September 5-7).

The Potawatomi Cup will be awarded at the Prairie Band Casino and Resort Charity Classic on Sunday, Sept. 7.

Three-day grounds passes to the Island Resort Championship are $10; kids 17 and under enter free with a paying parent. All ticket holders will be eligible for daily prize drawings.

The tournament is also accepting volunteers on a first-come, first-served basis at the Delta County Chamber of Commerce website (www.deltami.org) through June 1.

To purchase tickets visit www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com/symetra-tour-2014.

For more information: www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com, 877-ISL-GREEN.

Upcoming Article: Calling out shaft manufacturers

Working on an upcoming article and wanted to share the thought process with American Golfer's readers.

Question: With the importance of having a properly fitted shaft in your driver, why are so many people going with stock … the shaft provided by the club manufacturer?

There are probably a few easy answers:
1. Cost. A top driver will already cost you $399. The best shafts can certainly approach that number, as well.
2. Being naive. If you're paying top dollar for the driver, you're getting the best shaft, right? Wrong.
3. Ignorance. Many people don't know how much a properly fitted shaft can improve their game.

It's easy to blame the consumer. We're sheep, just following the herd, after all. Do you know anyone who decided not to buy the driver of their choice because of the shaft that was included? Do you even know what shaft brand is in your driver, let alone the model?

It's easy to blame the retail outlet. They're making money while sending customers out of the shop with a smile on their face. By a new club - be it a driver, putter or set of irons - and your confidence is bubbling over the top.

How about a third party to blame … the shaft manufacturers? From time to time I get a press release announcing "The winner of X tournament used Y shaft in his/her driver." Sad, but true, readers generally gloss over the information. It doesn't really apply to them, so why take it all in? I've never gotten a release expressing the benefits to Joe Golfer getting fitted for the correct shaft. Ask any PGA Professional … it makes a big difference.

I've been a consumer and I've sold golf clubs at a retail outlets, so I can speak to those angles, but need help from the shaft manufacturers. Why don't you extoll the virtues of the average player buying the right shaft from you? Maybe an ad campaign: You bought the driver last year. This year, get the right shaft. The catchphrase GET THE SHAFT could be plastered in every pro shop in the country. It could be the "Where's the Beef" of the golf industry!

Thoughts? E-mail me at NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com.

Vokey WedgeWorks Introduces New Lineup of TVD-M, TVD-K Models with Spin Milled TX3 Grooves

Tour-proven, Fully-Customizable Wedges Available May 7

(FAIRHAVEN, Mass.) – New Titleist Vokey TVD wedges, designed by Master Craftsman Bob Vokey, provide golfers with the performance and versatility for improved shotmaking through new Spin Milled TX3 grooves and the tour’s most popular shapes and grinds.

Vokey TVD wedges are the result of Vokey’s continuous collaboration with the best players in the world. Since 2004, Vokey Design wedges have been the #1 wedge on the PGA Tour and the most played wedge at every level of competitive golf.

TVD, meaning “Tour Van Design,” originated from Vokey’s work on-site at Tour events, at his grinding wheel inside the Titleist Tour Van shaping and grinding wedges based on players’ needs. The TVD shape is lower in the par (or heel) area and more rounded in the toe for a classic look.

The new Vokey TVD-M and TVD-K models, two of Vokey’s most-requested grinds on the PGA Tour, are available beginning May 7 on Vokey.com and through authorized Titleist accounts as part of the WedgeWorks Exclusives lineup. Each model is offered in two finishes (California Chrome and Black Ion) and fully-customizable – from length, lie, loft and weight porting, to toe engraving, personalized stamping, custom grips, shafts, shaftbands and ferrules.

All TVD wedges now feature the new, deeper Spin Milled TX3 grooves, delivering more spin for precision trajectory and distance control and improved greenside performance. TX3 scorelines, a progressive design with seven percent larger groove volume, produce additional backspin by channeling away grass and sand for improved contact between the ball and groove edge. Proprietary Spin Milled technology also provides trajectory and distance control through precisely milled grooves and machined face texture, significantly reducing the chance of “flyers” from the rough.

The new Vokey TVD-K – available in 54º to 60º lofts – is the culmination of Vokey’s work with several PGA Tour players, including Adam Scott and Jason Dufner, to develop a sole that is playable in a variety of conditions. TVD-K features a wider, more cambered sole than any other Vokey model, making it very easy to use out of the bunker but still playable for a variety of shots around the green. The newest addition to the series, the TVD-K 54, provides a wide-sole sand wedge option that is not available in the new Vokey Spin Milled 5 (SM5) lineup.

“The K grind has been a huge hit for us,” Vokey said. “It’s only been on Tour for a couple of years but we already have 30 guys using it. I think the secret is the cambered sole. It is wide and forgiving, but the camber keeps the club moving through the turf. So it’s playable in a variety of conditions.”

The new TVD-M – available in 50º to 60º lofts – is the result of PGA Tour feedback on the design, shape and performance of the original TVD series. The new TVD-M has a more rounded teardrop profile, matching the shape of the TVD-K, with increased playability from the crescent-shaped M grind sole. The moderate effective bounce of the TVD-M makes it an excellent all-condition wedge.

“We’ve had a lot of requests to match up the chassis, or shape, of the TVD-M with the TVD-K,” Vokey said. “It’s the natural progression of the series. We now have three distinct shapes in the Vokey family: the SM5 with a high toe peak, the rounded teardrop of the TVD, and the compact look of the Hand Ground series. We have a look to fit anyone’s eye.”

NEW MODELS: For 2014, all TVD models feature the new Spin Milled TX3 grooves for additional spin with trajectory and distance control. The lineup also features the new TVD-K 54º, a wider sole sand wedge with camber. The TVD-M line has a new shape, with a more rounded teardrop profile.

NEW LOOKS: Vokey TVD-M and TVD-K wedges are available in two finishes, California Chrome and Black Ion, both exclusive to WedgeWorks. Both models also feature all-new Vokey graphics.

LOFT/BOUNCE COMBINATIONS:
TVD-M: 50.09, 52.08, 54.10, 56.12, 58.08 and 60.08. TVD-K: 54.12, 56.12, 58.10, 60.10.

TVD VS. SM5: The K grind offerings in the Vokey SM5 line (58.11, 60.11) have slightly wider soles and 1º more effective bounce than TVD-K (58.10, 60.10). The TVD-M 56.12 model has similar sole width with 2º more effective bounce than the SM5 56.10M.

CUSTOMIZATION OPTIONS: Like all WedgeWorks offerings, golfers can craft their wedges to fit both their game and personality with a nearly endless array of custom options.

WedgeWorks Exclusives offer four different character stamping styles – Straight, Freestyle, Snow and the new Snow Dot option – in up to eight letters and/or numbers and one of 12 paintfill colors, from Oceanside Blue and Cerveza Yellow to Key Lime and Cowboy Orange.

“There isn’t a wedge I make on Tour that doesn’t have some type of personalized stamping,” said Vokey Tour Rep Aaron Dill, who works on the Titleist Tour Van. “Jason Dufner, for example, likes me to stamp ‘DUF’ on all his wedges. Zach Johnson has the names of children. Kevin Na has ‘NA’ in snow stamping all over the wedge. It’s totally personal.”

There are four toe-stamp options – Tour Saw, BV Custom, BV Diamonds and BV Clover – in 48 total possible color combinations. Golfers can also choose from seven different custom shaftbands and three ferrule options.

WedgeWorks offers BV grips in a variety of textures and colors to match the player’s look and feel preferences. New this year is the Vokey Whiteout Green Multi-Compound grip from Golf Pride along with the Vokey Niion Green grip from Golf Pride. Vokey also offers the WedgeWorks-only Kangaroo Leather grip in pinot red from GripMaster.

A high-performance shaft matrix includes wedge-specific shafts such as the Dynamic Gold Spinner and KBS Hi-Rev. The full complement of the Titleist custom shaft matrix is also available including graphite and lightweight shafts. WedgeWorks wedges can be laser etched on the shaft with up to 20 characters or numbers, offering an easy way to highlight a birthday, event or a player’s full name.

All Vokey wedges can be adjusted for length, loft and lie angle. Weight porting on the back of the wedge to dial in a specific swingweight is also available.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: Vokey TVD-K and TVD-M wedges will be available May 7 through WedgeWorks on Vokey.com or by custom order, with a suggested retail price of $160 plus personalization packages.

ON THE WEB: www.vokey.com