Four Seasons Resort Lāna‘i at Manele Bay Introduces ‘Nine & Wine’ Afternoon Program

(Lāna‘i City, Hawaii) – With its new “Nine & Wine” program, guests at Four Seasons Resort Lānaȉ at Manele Bay will have the opportunity to first enjoy nine holes of afternoon golf on one of the world’s most scenic courses followed by wine and cheese at a cliffside restaurant aptly named, Views.

The “Nine & Wine” program is available for guests at the resort beginning at 3 p.m. and is $195/for golfers and $75 for those who want to ride along and drink the wine!

Manele is a stunning Jack Nicklaus-designed layout where every hole offers majestic ocean views.  The course’s signature par-three 12th hole features the tee box 150 feet above the crashing surf, challenging golfers with a deliciously dangerous shot to the green.

Views is the resort’s new clubhouse restaurant that showcases views of Pu’u Pehe, or Sweetheart Rock, and the Manele Bay beach below.  A bottle of wine, gourmet cheeses and island-inspired snacks will be served as part of the program.  The dramatic sunset is complimentary.

The island of Lāna‘i is easily accessible via air with seven flights per day (five on Island Air, two on Ohana) or five ferry crossings per day from Maui.

For more information about Four Seasons Resort Lānai at Manele Bay, visit www.fourseasons.com/manelebay or call (808) 565-2000.

International Golf Spotlight Turns to Atlantic City

ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer boasts impressive field featuring the world’s Top 10 ranked female golfers playing the newly renovated Seaview Bay Course

(ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.) —The unofficial start to the summer golf season begins this week near Atlantic City’s world-famous boardwalk — on the Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club’s newly renovated Bay Course, in what is popularly known around South Jersey as “A Shore Tradition,” the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer.

Defending champion Karrie Webb joins fellow Hall of Famers Juli Inkster and Se Ri Pak, who are set to tee it up with future legends of the game like teen phenom Lydia Ko and major winner Lexi Thompson. Additionally, the field features fan favorites such as Michelle Wie, Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel and Natalie Gulbis, as well past champions of this event like Stacy Lewis, Cristie Kerr and Brittany Lincicome.

The May 30 to June 1 LPGA event features the world’s Top 10 ranked players in the Rolex Rankings and reigning champions of all five LPGA majors — along with 94 out of the top 100 players on the LPGA’s money list.

“Atlantic City Golf is the best-kept secret on the East Coast and this week’s tournament certainly brings worldwide attention to one of our member courses and our entire destination,” said Greater Atlantic City Golf Association President Tom Sullivan.

New Jersey’s entertainment capital offers golfers 18 world-class courses designed by the likes of Donald Ross, Tom Doak, Willie Park, Jr., William Flynn and Hurdzan & Fry among others. From Cape May National in the south to Sea Oaks Golf Club in the north, the likeable layouts offer everything from traditional parkland style to true links land, highlighted by views of untouched wetlands, stately pine forests, wildlife preserves and working vineyards.

“We are thrilled to have the best professional women golfers in the world commit to our tournament,” stated Tim Erensen, executive director for the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer. “It speaks to the quality of this tournament, the spectacular course and supportive fans that flock to this golf-rich destination each year.”

In addition, Atlantic City Golf includes plenty of historical significance as well. For starters, the term “birdie” originated at Atlantic City Country Club, which has played host to six USGA events. In addition, Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club is the site of Sam Snead’s first PGA Championship title and started hosting the ShopRite LPGA Classic in 1986. Harry Vardon and Walter Hagen fine-tuned their games at The Links at Brigantine Beach before heading across the Atlantic to the play the Open Championship.

Learn more about all 18 Atlantic City courses and book your 2014 golf getaway at www.PlayACGolf.com.

Murray State Alum Jared Wolfe Takes Inaugural Bluegrass Open Presented by Lucky 8 Stables

Kentuckians sweep top three spots with Owensboro’s Matt Atkins and Prestonsburg’s Ryan Martin tying for second 

(Shelbyville, Ken.) – Perhaps, in a bit of foreshadow, Louisville native Jared Wolfe showed off his power hitting capability by winning the Martinrea Heavy Stamping Long Drive competition earlier in the week at Shelbyville Country Club. The power hitter, who has status on the Web.com Tour this season and nine starts on the number two tour, outdrove the competition on the way to his first ever NGA Tour Pro Series win at this year’s Bluegrass Open presented by Lucky 8 Stables at the championship Shelbyville Country Club in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

Ironically, for the veteran of two NGA Carolina Series wins, it was his putter that may have led to his victory on Sunday. After struggling with putts for much of the first three days, Wolfe made a 20 footer to save par on 18 at the end of his third round, giving him a 2 stroke lead heading into Sunday and perhaps some needed momentum. That momentum led to another putt on 18, this time a ten footer for birdie after sticking the pin on Sunday’s final round, leaving him with three putts for the win. All Wolfe could think of, as his birdie attempt barely slid to the side, was his missed opportunity to shoot 29 on the back nine final round. He tapped in for par to close out the win and got a congratulatory hug from his caddy, who also happens to be his wife Kelsey, as they celebrated their 10 month anniversary in dramatic style.

The day was filled with drama as Wolfe’s two fellow Kentuckians, Ryan Martin of Prestonsburg and Matt Atkins of Owensboro, each made a run at him. Martin, who played collegiately at Morehead State and was in the final pairing with Wolfe, erased the two stroke difference that separated the two by shooting 3 under par on the front nine and actually headed to the back nine with a one-shot lead. His back nine 33 just wasn’t enough to overcome Wolfe’s amazing 30. Martin did chip in for birdie on 18 which gave him a share of second with Atkins. Atkins, who started the day in 3rd, charged all day but could never get closer than a stroke to Wolfe. The former USC Aiken star, who was part of the NGA Tour’s winning Cup team the week before, shot a final round 65 to finish in a tie with Martin for second giving the home state Kentuckians the top three spots in the inaugural event.

Recent US Open local qualifier, Pete Skirpstas out of Medina, Ohio, started the day tied for 3rd and, after shooting two under par Sunday, finished in solo fourth. The Mount Olive alum, who was also paired in the final group with Wolfe and Martin, shot a solid 3 under par 33 on the front but two bogeys on the back would knock the big hitter out of contention for the win. Two-time Georgia Tech All-American and former Missouri star Jace Long matched Atkins low round of the day 65 to help them move from tied 12th into a tie for 5th with 2012 NGA Tour Player of the Year Brandon Brown. Brown, the Shelbyville native who starred at Eastern Kentucky and played in last year’s US Open, was playing his first competitive golf in 8 months due to injury. After shooting par first day, Brown came back with three sub 70 rounds to climb back into contention in front of the hometown crowd. UK alum Andy Winings, a member of the Web.com Tour the past two years, and Ohio State alum Kevin Hall finished in a tie for 8th with former PGA TOUR member Michael Letzig and White’s Georgia Tech teammate Jason Hak. Hak, once the No. 1 ranked amateur in the world, broke Sergio Garcia’s record by becoming the youngest player to make a cut in a European Tour event. Brown’s Shelby High teammate Derrick Bohannon, who went on to play collegiately at Midland, finished at one under par for the event and tied 15th. Former University of Louisville star Daniel Iceman, who once called Shelbyville Country Club home, finished 24th.

The NGA Tour would like to thank Greg Gibson, Bobby Newberry, Brett Lafferty, and the entire Shelbyville Country Club staff, membership, and volunteers for conducting such a great event during the 2014 Bluegrass Open presented by Lucky 8 Stables. The tour resumes play May 28th at Three Ridges Golf Club in Knoxville, Tennessee for the 4th annual Three Ridges Golf Classic. Spectators are welcome and, as always, admission is free to the public.

To learn more about the NGATour or the National Golf Association, visit www.ngatour.com or call 800-992-8748.

For Champions Corner video interview with Bluegrass Open winner Jared Wolfe, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gif7swYY2og&feature=youtu.be&a

For full 2014 Bluegrass Open presented by Lucky 8 Stables results, visit:
http://www.ngatour.com/finalresults/pro2014021/#.U4NdhHJdU8w

The Traveling Golfer's 'Pick the Winner' of the U.S. Open Contest Continues

Get your votes in and "Pick the Winner" of The U.S. Open for a chance to win a golf shirt, outerwear and a hat from Antigua, the official apparel company of the Traveling Golfer television show.

Picking the winner is easy. Include your name, address and phone number along with your selection to win in an e-mail to tlgolfservices@aol.com.  Include 'Antigua Contest Pick' in the subject line. One pick per person.

This year also, you can give your pick on Twitter.  Just send a Direct Message to @TLgolftalklive with your pick and email address, and a confirmation will be sent.

Deadline for entry is 5 p.m. June 9. To catch up on all of the latest from the Traveling Golfer, go to www.travelinggolfervideo.com.

TaylorMade-adidas Golf Tour Staff Professional Jessica Korda wins Airbus LPGA Classic

Korda plays with Tour Preferred Irons and Wedges while wearing adidas climachill

(CARLSBAD, Calif.) – Jessica Korda entered the final round three shots off the pace set by fellow TaylorMade-adidas Tour Staff Professional Anna Nordqvist. But after a bogey-free 65, Korda found herself in the winner’s circle for a second time this season with a one-stroke victory over Nordqvist (who finished solo second) at the Airbus LPGA Classic.

Korda played the new Tour Preferred MC irons, which feature the renowned Speed Pocket technology for increased ball speed and higher launch, to hit wonderful approach shots and set up the six birdies carded on her closing nine. Her win marks the fourth consecutive week that TaylorMade’s acclaimed Tour Preferred irons have won on a worldwide professional Tour.​​

In addition, Korda also played the recently-launched Tour Preferred wedges, featuring the most aggressive groove TaylorMade has ever produced for exceptional spin and control on all shots.

While striding with confidence on the fairways of RTJ Golf Trail in Mobile, Ala., Korda wore the new adidas climachill apparel, which feature aluminum welds inside the back neck for a cooling sensation.

With the win, Korda moves into the top 10 in the LPGA Race to the CME Globe. It is her third career victory.

In Jessica’s Bag
* R1 Driver
* RBZ Stage 2 Tour Fairway (18.5°)
* SLDR Rescue (21°)
* Tour Preferred MC Irons (4-9)
* Tour Preferred Wedges (47°, 52° & 56°)
* adidas Golf climachill apparel
* adidas Golf adizero sport II footwear​

Nike Athlete Rory McIlroy Rallies to Clinch the BMW PGA Championship

McIlroy comes from seven shots back to win at Wentworth with Covert 2.0 Tour driver, RZN Black ball

(BEAVERTON, Ore.) – Nike Athlete Rory McIlroy shot a 6-under par round of 66 to rally from seven shots back and capture the BMW PGA Championship for his sixth career European Tour victory.

McIlroy powered to the biggest final-round comeback of his career ranking third in driving distance for the tournament. He averaged more than 294 yards off the tee with his Nike VRS Covert 2.0 Tour driver, featuring Fly-Brace technology for more forgiving distance, and Nike RZN Black ball, a combination that he has called “the best driver and ball combination I’ve ever had.”

McIlroy added a new Nike VR X3X Toe Sweep 59-degree wedge to his bag this week, with a wider sole area toward the toe and a relieved heel to make it easier to hit out of the toughest lies from anywhere around the green. Combined with his Method 006 putter, McIlroy notched six birdies on the day and an eagle on the par-5 fourth.

McIlroy sported apparel from Nike’s Tour Performance collection and Nike Lunar Control footwear.

McIlroy’s Nike Golf Arsenal
* Driver: Nike VRS Covert 2.0 Tour 8.5-degree, neutral position (Kuro Kage XTS 70X)
* Fairway Wood:  Nike VRS Covert 3-wood/15-degree and 5-wood/19-degree
* Irons: Nike VR Pro Blade (4-9)
* Wedges: VR Forged 47-degree, 52-degree, 56-degree and VR X3X 59-degree toe sweep
* Putter: Nike Method 006
* Ball: Nike RZN Black
* Apparel: Nike Tour Performance Collection
* Footwear: Nike Lunar Control

Nike Golf’s 2014 PGA Tour Victories
•  Russell Henley – Honda Classic
•  Seung-Yul Noh – Zurich Classic

Nike Golf’s 2014 International Victories
•  Charl Schwartzel – Alfred Dunhill Championship (European Tour)
•  Ross Fisher – Tshwane Open (European Tour)
•  Rory McIlroy – BMW PGA Championship (European Tour)

Nike Golf’s 2014 LPGA Tour Victories
•  Michelle Wie – LPGA LOTTE Championship

Nike Golf’s 2014 Ladies International Victories
•  Cheyenne Woods – Volvic RACV Ladies Masters

For more information on Nike Golf, visit www.nike.com/nikegolf. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf.  To view Nike Golf videos subscribe at www.youtube.com/nikegolf.

Triangle Business Journal Lists Old Chatham Golf Club atop Triangle’s Private Golf Courses for 2014

Prestigious Golf Club Previously Recognized by N.C. Golf Panel as Region’s Top Course

(DURHAM, N.C.) – Old Chatham Golf Club, a prestigious golf club based in North Carolina’s Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill Triangle area, has announced its ranking as the Triangle’s top private golf course in 2014 by Triangle Business Journal. The publication’s Book of Lists provides readers with the essential information on the leading buyers, businesses and employers in over 60 of the United State’s most dynamic markets.

“We are extremely proud of our listing atop Triangle Business Journal’s list of private golf clubs,” said John Marino, club director of operations. “Old Chatham is surrounded by several great courses and clubs in the area, and to receive top billing from both Triangle Business Journal and the North Carolina Golf Panel is a true accomplishment. It is also a testament to what our club has strived for since our founding more than a decade ago.”

The list also includes information about rounds played at each of the Triangle’s private golf club. Old Chatham’s members played 12,000 rounds of golf in 2013, a number purposefully kept to a minimum in order to enhance the member experience. The club is known for providing its members with the highest level of service and providing the best golfing experience available.

“This ranking comes as no surprise, as the club honors the history and traditions of golf and places good manners and quality service above all else,” said Allen Wilson, Old Chatham president.

Old Chatham has come a long way since its founding in 2001. This year, in addition to the Triangle Business Journal ranking, the club received top marks from the North Carolina Golf Panel. The 2014 Panel ranked Old Chatham’s golf course top among all Triangle region golf clubs, as well as having the area’s best greens complexes and best 19th hole. The Panel rated Old Chatham as the No. 18 overall golf course in North Carolina.

For more information, visit www.oldchathamgolf.org.