Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Announces Major Renovation

Enhancements Designed to Improve Playability for Leisure Players While Maintaining the Challenge for Advanced Golfers

(Maricopa, Ariz.) – Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, named among the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” by Golf Magazine, has announced plans for a significant renovation project aimed at improving the course’s playability for leisure players while maintaining the challenges and shot-values enjoyed by experienced golfers. The enhancements include a complete bunker renovation, additional tee boxes, expanded landing areas, and other design improvements on several holes. Plans also include a hybrid conversion of the practice facility to serve as a six-hole short course in the afternoon and a traditional driving range during peak times of the day.

With the project scheduled to start May 27 and be completed by September 2014, the changes at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes make a major statement in the industry by taking action to make the golf experience more enjoyable for a broader range of golfers and creating an environment suited for juniors and players who are new to the game. When complete, the course will be ideally suited to appeal to both resort-style play and competitive tournaments.

“The Ak-Chin Indian Community is proud of its involvement with the Southern Dunes course since acquiring ownership in 2010,” said Louis J. Manuel, Jr., tribal chairman. “We are pleased to be working with Troon and the course architects to make these very important enhancements to our already beautiful course.”

To ensure the integrity of the award-winning design at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, original course architects of Schmidt-Curley Design and Fred Couples were brought in to lead the project that involves a complete bunker renovation. In all, 83,000-square-feet of bunkers will be removed from the course’s current total of 480,000-square-feet.  Major improvements also include significant turf expansion between many of the forward tees to eliminate unnecessary forced carries for those choosing to “tee it forward” or are still learning how to consistently hit shots in the air.

“This facility enhancement project is a game-changer for Ak-Chin Southern Dunes on a local, regional and national level, said Brady Wilson, general manager. “The project addresses every spoke of the wheel with regards to improved playing conditions, better playability for core golfers, more challenge for accomplished players and growth of the game options.”

Additional enhancements include re-vegetation of native grasses and many transitions between bunker edges and native desert. A new back tee will be added on No. 1 (a change made with the experienced golfer in mind) while new forward tees are added on holes 5, 8, 12, 15 and 17. Improvements on No. 17 also include a nearly full-redesign with an expansion of the green, reshaping of a large dune to open sightlines to the hole, and changes to the bunker complex around the green.

For more information on Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, visit www.golfsoutherndunes.com.

The Ak-Chin Indian Community, which owns the nearby Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino and the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle, has brought together championship-style golf and world-class gaming and entertainment. Gaming and golf packages are now available through Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, creating a truly exciting and multi-faceted destination, pleasing to a wide range of visitors. The course sits on 320 acres of land that was once a part of the Ak-Chin's original May 1912 reservation before it was removed by Presidential Executive Order in late 1912. Nearly 100 years later in 2010, the Community recovered its sacred land when they purchased Ak-Chin Southern Dunes after it was originally developed as a private club. The course currently boasts several coveted accolades that include Golfweek’s list of the “Top 100 Resort Courses,” “Best Courses You Can Play,” and “Top Casino Courses,” as well as Golf Magazine’s list of “Top 100 Courses You Can Play.”

The Sea Pines Resort Announces Summer Golf Offers

Play Harbour Town and Ocean Course, Choose from Deluxe Villa, Inn Accommodations

(HILTON HEAD, S.C.) – The Sea Pines Resort – site of the PGA TOUR RBC Heritage played at Harbour Town Golf Links – announces a trio of golf offers ideal for Father’s Day celebrations and summer getaways.

The Sea Pines Resort was recently honored with a “Gold Medal” in GOLF Magazine’s 2014-15 edition of “Premier Resorts.” Additions to its array of golf facilities include the just-opened 23,000-square-foot, full-service Plantation Golf Club clubhouse highlighted by its newest dining option “Live Oak.” The new first-class Golf Learning Center is headed by Tim Cooke as the Director of Golf Instruction.

The three offers are:
* Villa Golf Package: Play rounds on Harbour Town Golf Links and Ocean Course while enjoying private villa accommodations (1 – 4 bedrooms). The offer includes complimentary afternoon replays on the Ocean Course (based on availability), warm-up bag of range balls, 10% pro shop discount on retail merchandise, 10% food and beverage discount at the resort’s restaurants, and use of the fitness center. Prices for four players start at $148 (per golfer, per night) for a two-bedroom deluxe villa for four nights with two rounds each.

* The Inn at Harbour Town Golf Package: Includes a stay at The Inn at Harbour Town – the resort’s boutique hotel ­– as well play on Harbour Town and Ocean Course. Extras include free afternoon replays on the Ocean Course (based on availability), warm-up bag of range balls, 10% pro shop discount on retail merchandise, 10% food and beverage discount at resort’s restaurants, and use of the fitness center. Prices for two players start at $319 (per golfer, per night) for a two-night stay and two rounds each.

* Ultimate 36: Starting at $273 (per person) through Sept. 21, guests can enjoy a 36-hole “golf only” experience playing both Harbour Town and Ocean Course. Harbour Town has continually ranked in the highest echelons of championship courses. The Ocean Course is an appealing combination of wetlands, bunkers and contoured fairways creating a contemporary layout perfect for all abilities.

“Sea Pines Resort is one of the most diverse and enjoyable summer destinations on the East Coast,” says Cary Corbitt, Vice President of Sports and Operations. “Summer is perfect for enjoying our renowned courses as well as experiencing the new Plantation Golf Club and world-class Golf Learning Center.”

While golf is the focal point, The Sea Pines Resort features a collection of topnotch amenities including a focus on tennis. The Racquet Club boasts 21 clay courts and is ranked as one of the best in the U.S. Five miles of sweeping Atlantic beaches offer everything from sea-kayaking to fishing to surfing. The enchanted 605-acre Forest Preserve is ideal for horseback riding and hiking.

For more information about the legendary Lowcountry destination and its golf packages: www.seapines.com, 866.561.8802.

Loudmouth Golf Unveils Summer 2014 Collection

From 80s glam Miami Slice to out of this world Galaxy Girls, Loudmouth Golf has loaded up on the summer collection.

Our favorite are based on a famous Euro-fashion design in the 1960s - Dutch Treat (above). This is a new exciting direction for Loudmouth. It had a sneak preview in Sochi on the Norwegian Curling team in different colors and was the most popular design of the nine pants they wore. Now available in its classic colors. As with all Loudmouth designs, they look great on guys and girls.

Click HERE to see all the summer designs.

While you're there, sign up for the LMx Club. But hurry, because you must be signed up no later than June 1 to receive the “Luggage” Q2 shipment.

Benefits include:
• Four LMx treasure chests a year
• Each quarterly shipment, only $125 + shipping (valued at well over $125)
• Exclusive designs to CLUB MEMBERS ONLY
• Future exciting items may include and are not limited to: boardshorts, T-Shirts, members only hats, windshirts, hoodies, sunglasses, backpacks, etc.
• 10% OFF all other Loudmouth web clothing purchases for the life of your membership
• Quarterly news updates from Woody, the Founder, and LJ, CEO

Click HERE to join or learn more.

Wolfdancer Golf Club Launches Summer Special for Local and Regional Golfers

Summer golf card a great buy for teachers, students and those looking to spend summer on the greens

(AUSTIN / BASTROP, TEXAS) – Wolfdancer Golf Club at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is celebrating the hottest months of the year with an equally hot deal: the Wolfdancer Summer Golf Card. Available for $999, this seasonal golf special is perfect for those looking to spend their summer season on an award-winning course, especially teachers and students with summers off, employees with summer office hours, as well as die-hard Texas golfers that won’t let sky-high temperatures deter their down-time on the greens.

About the Wolfdancer Summer Golf Card:
· Cost: $999
· A total of 100 cards are available
· Card includes unlimited rounds of golf between June 1, 2014 and August 31, 2014 (no blackout dates but rounds are based on availability)
· Tee times are required and may be made up to seven days in advance
· Card must be mentioned when scheduling a tee time and presented upon check-in
· Card includes a golf cart and complimentary range balls
· Card includes 10 percent discount on merchandise purchases at the pro shop
· Card is non-transferrable
· Card may be purchased by calling 512-308-4770 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

In terms of Wolfdancer being award-winning, the Dallas Morning News  ranked Wolfdancer No. 9 among the “Top 50 Courses You Can Play” and No. 41 on the “Top 100 Courses in Texas” for 2014. Wolfdancer also boasts many other accolades, such as certification as an Audubon International sanctuary and certification as a U.S. Kids Golf Family Course, which makes it a fun outing for friends and families of varying skill levels.

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

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 are welcome to take advantage of the golf club rental program featuring TaylorMade.

To learn more, call 512-308-1234 or visit www.lostpines.hyatt.com.

Galvin Green Launches Millard Polo with Body-Mapping Technology

New Addition to Acclaimed Ventil8 Series Boasts Superior Breathability and Moisture Transportation Characteristics

(Växjö, Sweden) – Galvin Green – the world’s leading maker of functional golf clothing for serious players and the No. 1 global golf partner of GORE-TEX – announces the introduction of the Millard Polo with body-mapping technology that increases ventilation in key areas to ensure players remain dry, cool and comfortable even in excessive heat.

Part of the brand’s Ventil8 series, the Millard is constructed from fibers engineered with unique performance properties that will never wash- or wear-out. These draw moisture away from the body and disperse it over a large area to promote rapid evaporation. Additional characteristics include a UV protection rating of 20+ and permanent antibacterial features for exceptional odor control.

“There’s absolutely no comparison between the experience of playing in Millard versus wearing a conventional polyester golf shirt,” says Martin Nilsson, President of Galvin Green USA. “In the hottest conditions, the airflow is fantastic and the soft, ultralight fabric moves in unison with the body during each swing.”

Developed specifically for the demands of the game, Millard is easily cared for by regular machine washing. It is offered in four colors, sizes S-XXL.

Millard serves as the Cool Layer in the heralded Multi-Layer Concept Galvin Green pioneered more than a decade ago. This system uses leading-edge fabric technologies to ensure the dry comfort, thermal regulation and outer protection that help players optimize results.

Details on the company’s “We Never Compromise” approach can be found at the new GalvinGreen.com and experienced through the free Gear Up app.

GolfTalk Live Is Growing the Game with New Sponsor PGN+

(PHILADELPHIA, Pa.) - GolfTalk Live, the award-winning radio show hosted by Tony Leodora, has entered into a new partnership with The Professional Golfers Network (PGN+) and recognizes a common effort to grow the game of golf.

The Professional Golfers Network (PGN+) was founded earlier in the year. PGN+ is an elite network of PGA Professionals, country club members and top tier golfers, looking to play the best courses the area has to offer - and offer skilled golfers access to private clubs.

This new idea of revenue generation allows the courses to release tee-times that are otherwise not being used. The course sets the time and price to be listed on the platform, which is then open to the PGN+ community (www.pgnplus.com). This not only adds another platform to capitalize on down time at the course, but it brings new potential members and avid golfers through the door.

In addition, PGN+ has entered into a partnership with the Philadelphia Section PGA, as part of the governing organization's Growth of the Game initiative.

"There is no doubt the state of the private club is in jeopardy," explains GolfTalk Live host Tony Leodora. "PGN+ is a breath of fresh air to an environment that needs to adapt or die. With the Philadelphia Section PGA partnership, the standards have been set higher than any program before it."

"PGN+ is your exclusive golf passport to access the courses of your dreams," says Jake Wagner, CEO and Co-Founder of PGN+. "Strategically partnering with GolfTalk Live and the Philadelphia Section PGA is a perfect step for providing the much-needed revenue and support for the golf industry."

The GolfTalk Live radio show, hosted by Tony Leodora, is the award-winning weekly radio show that was named No. 1 Golf Radio Show in America by the International Network of Golf at the PGA Merchandise Show in three of the last six years. The show airs 52 weeks a year from 7 to 8 a.m. each Saturday on WNTP 990-AM and on www.wntp.com. The show also has gone into syndication, with the first affiliate being WOND 1400-AM in Atlantic City. It airs there at 3 p.m. on Saturday. GolfTalk Live also can be heard any time following each show on its official website, www.golftalklive.net.

To join the PGN+ community, go to www.pgnplus.com.

For more information about the GolfTalk Live radio show or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact TL Golf Services at 610-279-9220.

Women on Course Triples Membership, Poised for 400% Growth in 2014

Experienced, Beginner Golfers Attracted to Program Now Operated by Billy Casper Golf

(VIENNA, VA) – Women on Course – the nation’s premier golf-lifestyle networking organization – has tripled membership since being acquired Billy Casper Golf (BCG) in September 2013.

BCG expects membership to grow by 400 percent in 2014 over 2013.  Year to date, about half the new members are either “returning” or first-time golfers.

Company management cites several contributors to the dramatic growth:
* A new, compelling value proposition for new members in partnership with brand-name golf and lifestyle product manufacturers and service providers
* Addition of exciting signature, weekend resort destination and custom events (more than 2,000 at 200 “official sites” in 25 markets) for members
* Participation in Women on Course golf and non-golf (social) events is up by more than 150 percent as women, no matter their skill levels, are increasing looking to play golf with other women
* The addition of 150-plus private and public BCG-managed properties attracting female golfers and non-golfers in their respective communities
* BCG’s marketing bandwidth and customer-relationship management programs reaches millions of golfers nationwide
* Widespread industry promotion, through GOLF 20/20’s “Image of the Game” program, about golf’s fitness benefits, including burning 2,000 calories walking 18 holes
* Women comprising nearly 20 percent of the active golf population is holding steady, and 33 percent of new golfers are women (source: National Golf Foundation)

“The scale and connections of Billy Casper Golf are powerful,” says Donna Hoffman, President of Women on Course which she founded in 2005.  “Our membership growth affirms that females are responding exceptionally well to our welcoming social and business networking environment.”

“Women on Course typifies the short- and long-term vitality of the game,” says Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of BCG, the largest owner-operator of golf courses, country clubs and resorts in America. “By introducing and keeping women connected to golf, we aim to meaningfully lift the U.S. female participation rate in the next three years.”

Women on Course removes intimidating barriers causing females to overlook the game.  It provides fun, supportive and interactive settings for business and stay-at-home women to experience the golf lifestyle without primary focus on competition and score:
* A “Play Your Own Way” mantra means beginners and course-ready golfers learn fundamentals and etiquette
* A “Score 5 to Survive” rule – tee shot, fairway approach, chip, two putts – promotes practice without slow play

Fashion, fitness, travel and luxury components surrounding the world of golf are incorporated into Women on Course programming.  Members enjoy free gifts; special access to private clubs; discounts on greens fees, apparel, equipment, wine and other products; golf and educational resources; contests; and forums.

Women on Course hosts golf, lunch, happy hour and wine-spa activities in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Scottsdale, San Diego, San Francisco, Washington, DC and smaller markets.  Upcoming three-day resort destination weekends are at Kingsmill (Williamsburg, VA), La Quinta (Palm Springs, CA) and Gran Melia / Trump International (Puerto Rico).

Countless success stories about Women on Course members include:
* Enhancing golf skills and protocol for new business connections and career advancement
* Establishing lifelong friendships with like-minded women
* Helping beginning golfers with fundamentals and advanced players refine their games
* Prompting families to spend time together on and off the course
* Learning from dynamic guest speakers at events
* Mixing and mingling with women from all age groups with diverse and interesting backgrounds

For more information:  www.womenoncourse.com, 703.268.5078.