Island Resort Championship Tickets are On Sale; Proceeds Benefit Non-Profits

LPGA Symetra Tour Event at Sweetgrass Golf Club Features Rising Stars

(HARRIS, Mich.) – Golf fans can purchase tickets for the Island Resort Championship through 47 regional non-profit organizations or through the ticket office at Island Resort & Casino.

The Symetra Tour “Road to the LPGA” returns to highly acclaimed Sweetgrass Golf Club in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, June 27-29. One hundred and forty-four professional women golfers will vie for a $125,000 purse and a chance to win their 2015 LPGA Tour card.

Three-day tournament passes cost $10 for grounds access and include entry into daily prize drawings. American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Pinecrest Medical Care Facility and several area schools are among the groups selling tickets, keeping 100 percent of the profits. A complete list of participating organizations can be found at sweetgrassgolfclub.com.

“Local support continues to grow as we approach our fourth year hosting the tournament,” said Susan Harris, co-chair of the Island Resort Championship.  “As national attention turns to our community, we’re proud to showcase and support our partnering charities that help make the event possible.”

Passes may also be purchased by phone through The Island Ticket Office (877-ISL-SHOW). Kids 17 and under enter free with a paying adult.

Tournament officials expect over 5,000 spectators to attend during Friday, Saturday and Sunday rounds. Corporate hospitality packages have sold out for the fourth year in a row.

This year’s Island Resort Championship will also be one of four events played as part of the Symetra Tour’s newly created Potawatomi Cup, which will feature an incentive-based points system awarding players bonuses based on performance at four Potawatomi Nation casino-sponsored tournaments.

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

Nike Golf Unveils Athlete Looks for the U.S. Open

Elite Cooling styles will help Nike Golf athletes beat the hot, humid days at Pinehurst

(BEAVERTON, Ore.) – Muggy humidity and the North Carolina heat are no match for the cool and comfortable styles Nike Golf athletes will be sporting at this year’s U.S. Open.

Under the theme of Engineered for Greatness, Nike Golf athletes will tee off in Elite Cooling apparel designed beat the heat, featuring lightweight, cool-to-touch fabrics; strategically placed mesh panels; and woven constructions for superior ventilation and breathability, perfect for the traditionally hot June temperatures at Pinehurst.

Nike Golf’s Elite Cooling styles for the U.S. Open include the Innovation Dri-FIT Knit Cool polo, with a premium jacquard knit fabric that offers ventilation and breathability where athletes need it most, and the Innovation Embossed polo featuring a full 100-percent Dri-FIT mesh back to allow moisture and body heat escape.

“We’re lucky as Nike athletes because we get to wear the best apparel for the best performance, which is especially important in those hot and humid conditions,” says Nike Golf Athlete Francesco Molinari. “I like that all the fabrics are really stretchy, and really comfortable. So no matter how hot it is or how much I sweat, it really doesn’t matter -- it doesn’t affect me when I’m playing. I can still swing without any problems, and that’s the main thing you want when you play golf in that sort of weather. “

“It’s really important that the clothes fit properly,” adds Nike Golf Athlete Charl Schwartzel. “It makes a big difference. If they are too big or too small, they can start to get very sticky on your body. The Nike apparel I wear is the best clothing out there. The shirts and pants breathe really well, and they don’t stick to you. All the Nike athletes are really fortunate to be wearing these clothes.”

Ten Nike Golf athletes will compete at the 2014 U.S. Open: Rory McIlroy, Paul Casey, Oliver Fisher, Cody Gribble, Russell Henley, Francesco Molinari, Seung Yul Noh, Charl Schwartzel, Kevin Tway and Nike Watney.

Here’s what McIlroy, Henley, Molinari, Schwartzel and Watney will be wearing:

Rory McIlroy
McIlroy will compete for his second U.S. Open trophy wearing the Innovation Dri-FIT Knit Cool polo ($75) in the first and third rounds. A premium jacquard knit fabric provides breathability throughout the upper body, in addition to pinhole mesh panels on the sides and back. He’ll sport the Lightweight Innovation Color polo ($75) – the same style he wore at Augusta – on Friday and Sunday. McIlroy will pair each polo with the Modern Tech Pant ($80), Innovation Woven Cover-up ($120), Tour Mesh Cap ($30), Sleek Modern Plaque belt ($50) and Nike Lunar Control footwear ($200). Driver and ball: Nike VRS Covert 2.0 Tour driver and Nike RZN Black ball

Paul Casey
In the hunt for his first Major Championship, Casey will wear the Ultra Polo 2.0 ($65), Key Iconic Polo 2.0, Lightweight Innovation Cool polo ($65), and Key Stretch Stripe polo ($70). He’ll finish each look with the Flat Front Tech pant ($80), Stripe Novelty pant ($85), Dri-FIT Performance Half Zip ($75), Signature Swoosh Logo Cutout II Belt ($30), Ultralight Tour Legacy cap ($30), and Nike Lunar Control footwear. Driver and ball: Nike VRS Covert 2.0 Tour driver and Nike RZN Platinum ball

Oliver Fisher
Fisher will wear the Sport Swing Movement polo ($60), Sport Nike Swing polo, and Sport Pile Stripe polo ($70). On his feet he’ll lace up in Nike Lunar Control footwear and complete each look with the Dri-FIT Performance Half Zip, Flat Front Tech pant, Signature Swoosh Logo Cutout II belt, and Flat Bill Tour cap ($30). Driver and ball: Nike VRS Covert driver and RZN Black ball

Cody Gribble
Gribble will stay cool in the Lightweight Innovation Cool polo, Embossed polo, Key Stretch Stripe polo, and Key Iconic Polo 2.0. Hi arsenal includes the Tour Perforated cap ($28), Dri-FIT Performance Half Zip, Flat Front Tech pant, Signature Swoosh Logo Cutout II Belt and Nike Lunar Control footwear. Driver and ball: Nike VRS Covert driver and RZN Black ball

Russell Henley
Henley will sport a range of stripes and solids, including: The Lightweight Innovation Cool polo; Key Bold Heather Stripe polo ($65); Embossed polo ($65); and the Nike Ultra Stripe Polo 2.0 ($60). He’ll finish each look with the Flat Front Tech pant, Nike Golf Plaid Pant ($85), Dri-FIT Performance Half Zip, Tall Tour Visor ($24) and Signature Swoosh Logo Cutout II Belt, and lace up in Nike Lunar Control footwear. Driver and ball: Nike VRS STR8-FIT driver and Nike RZN Black ball.

Francesco Molinari
Molinari will stay cool in the lightweight Ultra Polo 2.0 polo on Friday and Sunday, featuring cool-to-touch fabric – comprised of a polyester and spandex Dri-FIT jersey blend -- and a full range-of-motion construction built to move with his body through the swing. He’ll also sport the Innovation CB Pocket polo ($70), Key Stretch Stripe polo, Flat Front Tech pant, Dri-FIT Performance Half Zip, Tour Mesh Cap, Nike Reversible Belt ($45) and TW’ 14 footwear. Driver and ball: Nike Covert 2.0 driver and Nike RZN Black ball.

Seung Yul Noh
The 2014 Zurich Classic winner will compete in the Sport Stripe polo ($75), Ultra Stripe Polo 2.0, Key Stretch Stripe polo, and Innovation Protect polo ($70). His head-to-toe arsenal also includes the Modern Tech pant, Dri-FIT Performance Half Zip, Tour Mesh cap, Swoosh Logo Plaque Buckle belt, and Nike Lunar Control footwear. Driver and ball: Nike VRS Covert 2.0 Tour driver and Nike RZN Platinum ball

Charl Schwartzel
Schwartzel will wear polos in a range of bright and bold colors: The Swing Movement polo; Sport Chest Pocket polo; and Sport Pile Stripe polo. His Sunday shirt, the Sport Color Block polo, is constructed with 100-percent lightweight Dri-FIT jersey material to move with him through the swing. He’ll round out his arsenal with the Modern Tech pant, Dri-FIT Performance Half Zip, Tour Mesh cap, Nike Reversible belt and FI Impact footwear ($130). Driver and ball: Nike VRS Covert 2.0 Tour driver and Nike RZN Black ball.

Kevin Tway
Tway will sport the Nike Victory Stripe polo ($55), Key Iconic Polo 2.0 ($65), Key Stretch Stripe polo ($70) and Key Body Mapping polo ($65). His head-to-toe arsenal includes the Flat Front Tech pant, Dri-FIT Performance Half Zip, Tour Mesh cap, Nike Reversible belt and Nike Lunar Control footwear. Driver and ball: Nike VRS Covert 2.0 Tour driver and Nike RZN Black ball.

Nick Watney
Watney will suit up in the Innovation Embossed polo ($70) on Friday, featuring a 100-percent Dri-FIT mesh back for breathability, in addition to the Ultra Polo 2.0; Key Iconic Polo 2.0 polo, and Embossed polo. Watney will pair each polo with the Flat Front Tech pant, Dri-FIT Performance Half Zip, Flat Bill Tour cap, Signature Swoosh Logo Cutout II belt and Nike Lunar Control footwear. Driver and ball: Nike VRS Covert 2.0 driver and Nike RZN Platinum ball.

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.

James Madison alum Jay Woodson takes Three Ridges Golf Classic in Knoxville

Big Break alum holds off charges from Wilkes-Krier, Horne for Third Pro Series Win

(Knoxville, Tenn.) – When Jay Woodson made the decision to switch to golf full-time following a stellar high school football career as a quarterback/defense back where he earned All-State Honors, he knew something the rest of the world didn’t, he was destined to play golf professionally. And not just play, but to be a champion. After his victory in Knoxville at the Three Ridges Golf Classic, his third on the NGA Tour’s premier Pro Series, the Richmond, Virginia native added to a list of career accolades not seen by many.

Woodson, a two-time All-Conference team member and Conference Player of the Year during his senior year at James Madison, made an almost immediate impact on the world of professional golf, winning in just his 3rd NGA Tour event after turning pro in 2004. He’s added seven victories on the NGA Tour Carolina Series and back to back State Amateur and State Open Championships in addition to the two additional Pro Series wins. Looking back, most would say it’s safe to say he made the right decision.

Woodson’s third Pro Series win didn’t come without its challenges. As if taming the challenging Three Ridges layout, which used to play host to the Knoxville Open when the Web.com Tour was known as the Nike Tour, wasn’t enough, Woodson would have to fend off challenges from two of the other top players on the NGA Tour this year, North Florida alum JC Horne and former Ball State star Patrick Wilkes-Krier. Horne started the final round seven shots behind third round leader, 2012 NGA Tour Player of the Year and Eastern Kentucky alum Brandon Brown, and, while his 6 under par 65 was good enough to catch Brown, it left him tied for third and three strokes behind Woodson, who shot a final round 67. Wilkes-Krier, who was alone in third heading into Sunday’s final round, fired a 5 under par 66 to finish in solo 2nd, two shots behind Woodson. Middle Tennessee State alum Hunter Green finished at 8 under par for the event and alone in fifth. Two-time Pro Series winner Tyson Alexander, the former Gator who earlier this year won the NGA Tour Ocala Marion Open and an exemption into the 2014 Knoxville News Sentinel Open, finished tied for 6th with Oklahoma State alum Brad Gehl. First Round leader Brian Richey, who played collegiately at Florida Southern, finished tied for 8th with Web.com Tour member and Lamar University alum Casey Clendenon and UT Chattanooga alum and Knoxville’s own Jonathan Hodge.

The NGA Tour would like to thank Club Manager Mark Brown, Head Superintendent Curtis Pique, and the entire Three Ridges Golf Club staff, membership, and volunteers for conducting one of the top annual events on the NGA Tour schedule. The tour resumes play June 5th at Chattahoochee Country Club in Gainesville, Georgia for the 4th annual Milton Martin Honda 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 Three Ridges Golf Classic winner Jay Woodson, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ohy3onkYmOk.

For full 2014 Three Ridges Golf Classic results, visit:
http://www.ngatour.com/finalresults/pro2014023/#.U43UdHJdU8w

Antigua Tour Staff Player Stacy Lewis Wins 2014 ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer

(PEORIA, AZ) - The Antigua Group - one of the nation's leading designers and marketers of genuine sports apparel under the distinctive Antigua brand congratulates Stacy Lewis, Antigua Tour Staff Player on her second victory of 2014 at the 2014 ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer, played at Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, Galloway, NJ.

Lewis shot a final round 67 and finished the tournament at 16-under par to win by six strokes for her second victory of the 2014 season.  With her victory, Stacy Lewis has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings and surpassed the $1 million mark in 2014 earnings.

"Stacy played flawlessly at the ShopRite Classic as indicated by her three day score of 197.  She continues to demonstrate that she is the #1 player in the world," said Ron McPherson, President & CEO of Antigua. "We are very proud to have Stacy Lewis wear our exciting 2014 apparel on the LPGA tour."

The Spring 2015 performance golf apparel season for Antigua combines outstanding quality, style and value.  The new line once again exemplifies why the Antigua brand is one of the nation's leading designers and marketers of genuine golf and sports apparel.

To purchase Antigua products: shop.antigua.com.

Give Dad a Loudmouth Day!

In honor of Father's Day, Loudmouth Golf is giving 20% off pants, shorts, polos, golf bags, belts, slides, ties, wine and more.

As if that's not enough, you can score an additional 20% off sale items.

This deal runs through June 11 with the discount code: BigDaddy20. Don’t forget to hit the APPLY button at checkout.

Mizuno Announces Two More 'Team JPX' Team Members

Team JPX Welcomes First International Team Member from Edmonton, Alberta; Golfers’ Share Personal Stories and Prepare to “Play Famously” at the JPX Invitational

(Norcross, Ga.) – For millions, golf serves as a sanctuary from life’s daily demands and pressures. However, the impact and influence of golf on two amateurs transcends the golf course. Today, Mizuno announced the next two members, which includes the first international team member from Canada, to the 2014 “Team JPX” roster of inspirational, “game-improvement” amateur players. Both will be featured in the popular Mizuno “Play Famously” campaign.

Tim Buckland and Joseph Wechsler, from Edmonton, Alberta and Reston, Virginia respectively, were selected to join 2014 Team JPX. As members of the team, both will be outfitted from head to toe with Mizuno gear and apparel, including the new JPX EZ irons, and will begin their personal game-improvement journeys in preparation for competition at the second annual JPX Invitational in Atlanta in September.

Throughout the “Play Famously” campaign golf has proven its transformative power through the many inspiring 2014 Team JPX member stories. This is no different for Buckland who beat cancer not once, or even twice, but three times. Diagnosed with testicular cancer at 18-years-old, Buckland’s competitive golf career ended, but not his passion and love for the game. Buckland battled through several rounds of chemotherapy, yet still spent hours re-gripping his clubs and visualizing his next shot on the golf course. Golf allowed Buckland to take control of his disease and realize his goal to use the game to help other cancer survivors.

“Golf holds an important, special place in my life for many reasons and I will always be grateful the game helped with my recovery allowing me to become the person I am today,” said Buckland. “Being a member of Team JPX is an amazing opportunity that will afford me the chance to display my love for golf, and more importantly, my love for life. I’m extremely thankful.”

“Mizuno is very proud and honored to welcome such a worthy addition like Tim to Team JPX. The fighting spirit he has shown and the love of the game of golf makes us thrilled to recognize Tim as our first ever Canadian member. Enjoy your golf experience and have fun with your new Mizuno teammates,” said John Stacey, President of Mizuno Canada Ltd.

Everyone goes through change at some point in their lives, but for Wechsler, change is an undeniable element of his and golf has proven to be the one constant. Living in 10 different locations and three countries since college, Wechsler fell in love with the game after finding an old set of golf clubs tucked away in a closet of his house in college. Prior to finding the irons, he had never swung a golf club, but now golf is a priority, so much so that he literally takes his clubs with him on every single work trip.

“Relocation and travel are things I’ve grown accustomed to over the years. Being on the road so often can really get me off track and missing my family, but I always have golf to re-center my thought process and connect with friends in other states,” said Wechsler. “Golf, along with my wife and son, is a priority in my life and it’s a dream come true to be chosen as a member of ‘Team JPX.’  I’m ready to work hard to improve and get ready for the JPX Invitational in September.”

"The process of selecting ‘Team JPX’ members has been tough as we’ve received many amazing stories of golf’s influence in people’s lives, and with the addition of the first international player from Canada, the team is shaping up nicely,” said Dick Lyons, Senior VP/GM – Product Divisions, Mizuno USA. “Joe and Tim have clearly demonstrated how golf can help individuals on different levels and we welcome them to this prestigious team.”

The remaining four members of “Team JPX” will be selected through an online contest at www.playfamously.com. Golfers are encouraged to try the new JPX EZ irons at a participating retailer, provide their feedback and submit a short essay, photo and/or video. The submissions should demonstrate their passion for golf and a specific challenge that golf has helped, or is helping them overcome in their lives. The next two coveted spots on “Team JPX” will be announced June 27.

At the center of the “Play Famously” campaign is the newest addition to the JPX line of game-improvement irons, the JPX EZ. The line establishes an entirely new standard for forgiveness with a proven sweet spot 83 percent bigger than TaylorMade Rocketbladez and more than 50 percent larger than Ping G25 and Callaway X-Hot. JPX EZ utilizes an ultra-thin, Hot Metal face that delivers an enhanced ‘trampoline effect’ for the extra distance all players desire.

To see how the JPX EZ irons stack up against the competition and submit to become one of the newest members of Team JPX, visit www.playfamously.com.

Connect with Mizuno on Facebook and Twitter @Golf_Mizuno to keep up with product news, Tour updates and custom content and fitting tools.

Mississippi’s Old Waverly Golf Club Selected to Host 2014 ISPS Handa Cup

LPGA Legends Tour Tabs Venue for Tournament, Sept. 25-28

(WEST POINT, Miss.) – Mississippi Development Authority will help sponsor the ISPS Handa Cup – the longest running tournament on The Legends Tour – at Old Waverly Golf Club (www.oldwaverly.com), the state has announced.

Pitting a team of 12 U.S.-born LPGA Legends (www.thelegendstour.com) against a team of 12 internationally-born LPGA Legends in 36 holes of head-to-head stroke-play competition, the ISPS Handa Cup will make its Mississippi debut Sept. 25-28.

USA Captain Nancy Lopez leads Juli Inkster, Beth Daniel, Meg Mallon, Pat Bradley, Rosie Jones and more vs. World Captain Sally Little, Laura Davies, Liselotte Neumann, Lorie Kane, Alison Nicholas, Trish Johnson and their teammates.

The Legends Tour features competition for LPGA Tour veterans age 45 and over and is the official senior tour of the LPGA.

The ISPS Handa Cup, named for Japanese philanthropist and golf enthusiast Dr. Haruhisa Handa, is a tournament previously dominated by Team USA before the World Team won its first championship trophy in 2013. The Handa Foundation, Dr. Handa’s foundation providing opportunities for blind and disabled golfers worldwide, is the main beneficiary of the event.

Information about tickets to the 2014 Handa Cup at Old Waverly can be found at www.thelegendstour.com.

Designed by Bob Cupp and Jerry Pate, Old Waverly Golf Club dates back to 1988 and is no stranger to hosting major events. The 18-hole, 7,018 yard championship course hosted the 1999 U.S. Women’s Open (won by Inkster), the 2006 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship and multiple SEC Championships.

“Old Waverly is a serene, beautiful setting where fans can experience the LPGA Legends’ golf excellence,” said George Bryan, founder of Old Waverly Golf Club. “Mississippi’s hospitality, our challenging course design and the competitive balance this year makes for a world-class event.”

Popular stay-and-play packages are available at the acclaimed golf club year-round. Located in northeast Mississippi in West Point, Old Waverly’s accommodation options include seven 4-bedroom waterfront cottages and many other luxury villas and condos.

Old Waverly and the Handa Cup are indicative of the state’s superb visitor options and growing reputation as a preferred golf destination (www.visitmississippi.org/golf.php). The state is also home to the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic of the Champions TOUR, played at Fallen Oak each spring, and Sanderson Farms Championship of the PGA TOUR, played at Country Club of Jackson in the fall.