SwingThought.com Pro Golf Tour to Host $40,000 Guaranteed Purse Event at Disney Magnolia

Designed in classic Tour style, the championship Magnolia course is the longest of the Walt Disney World Resort golf courses and has played host to some of golf’s biggest events

(Orlando, Fla.) – On Dec. 4, one of golf’s rising young stars will have his name added to a list that includes such golf legends as Jack Nicklaus, Payne Stewart, and, yes, even Tiger Woods, who have won a professional tournament on the championship Disney Magnolia course in Orlando, Fla. The SwingThought.com Tour, formerly the NGA/Hooters Tour, will host its third $40,000 guaranteed purse event of the young Winter Series season on December 2nd through 4th at the long-time PGA TOUR host site.

This is the first year a developmental tour has offered a full Winter season of guaranteed minimum purses and the results have been better than expected with previous winners Brian Richey and Andy Pope earning a couple of their biggest paychecks of the year in the first two events. Richey used his win to propel himself through 2nd Stage of Web.com Tour Q School where he earned a spot into Final Stage and guaranteed membership onto the 2015 Web.com Tour. Pope hopes to find the same success as he competes in 2nd Stage this week at Plantation, Fla. With the SwingThought.com Tour Disney Magnolia event taking place the week before Final Stage perhaps a strong finish there will help propel someone to a strong showing at Final Stage and help them earn higher status on golf’s number two tour.

The purse for the SwingThought.com Tour Winter event will be a guaranteed minimum $40,000 but can jump to $50,000 if the field reaches 80 or more players. Entry into the event is $800 for SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series members, $1,100 for nonmembers who wish to compete as professionals. There will be a cut to the low 33% and ties after the completion of the first 36-holes. Players may still join the SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series for only $500. The top 60 members of the SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series will have the opportunity to compete in the Winter Series Tour Championship at an entry fee still to be determined for a guaranteed $50,000 minimum purse. Along with Disney Magnolia, the SwingThought.com Winter Series competes on some of the top golf courses in the Orlando area including the Disney Palm and Lake Buena Vista courses, Shingle Creek Resort, Reunion Resort, Red Tail, Black Bear, Timacuan, Metrowest, former PGA TOUR Q School Final Stage host Orange County National, and PGA TOUR Latinoamerica Q School host Sun N’Lake.

In addition to the 3 day 54-hole event, Disney Magnolia will play host to a special one day 18-hole SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series event on Monday December 1st. This event is open to all SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series members, nonmembers, and amateurs. In addition to the first place prize check, the winner of the one day event will receive free entry into the 3 day guaranteed purse event. Altogether there are 17 events remaining on this year’s SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series schedule making this season’s membership one of the most valuable of all time. For more information on the SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series or to join, visit www.SwingThought.com or call the SwingThought.com Tour offices at 800-992-8748.

Mantis Golf Adds Switzerland to Its Growing Sales Network

(WILTON, Conn.) – Mantis Golf (www.mantisgolfco.com), maker of fine putters with specialized patented qualities to enhance putting success, has added Switzerland to its growing sales-distribution network. Mantis distribution in Switzerland currently is directed mostly to off-course entities, including both retail and wholesale firms.

“We are pleased to extend our distribution to Switzerland,” said Chris Maher, CEO of Mantis Golf. “Mantis putters already are in high demand throughout North America, Japan and other places throughout the world, and now we are beginning to expand into Europe.”

This year Mantis Golf introduced its new Mantis ‘B’ blade putter, which, along with the original Mantis Mallet putter, features superior quality and craftsmanship, including classic design and the signature Mantis patented green finish to avoid distracting the golfer’s eye. The Mantis Mallet and Mantis ‘B’ putters are available in various lengths, are constructed of the finest materials and feature design characteristics of great appeal.

CHAMP Spikes Preferred by The Race to Dubai Champion

Number One Player in the World Continues to Rely on Company’s Traction Solutions

(MARLBOROUGH, MA) - CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide – The World Leader in Sport Cleat Technology and maker of innovative CHAMP spikes, high-performance grips, golf tees and accessories – announces The Race to Dubai champion relied on its renowned spikes to capture the prestigious season long points competition on the European Tour.

Winning two majors, a World Golf Championship and the BMW PGA Championship during the 2014 season, the number one ranked player in the world easily secured The Race to Dubai title for the second time in his career. The 25-year-old from Northern Ireland utilized the ProStinger model, featuring a unique blend of metal and plastic traction technology, en route to a dominating European Tour campaign.

“Year after year we see players march their way to season defining victories and career elevating accomplishments while using our products,” says Harris MacNeill, President and CEO of CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide. “At the end of the day, our spikes and tees are designed to boost the performance capabilities of all players, regardless of skill level.”

The #1 Brand on Tour, CHAMP spikes have been used by nearly 75 percent of all major winners over the past 12 years, including the victors at this year’s Masters, Open Championship and PGA Championship.

Beyond its wide range of technically-advanced cleats and the Zarma FLYtee, the company launched its signature C Grips line. Designed with a strong emphasis on technical innovation and game-improving performance, the C Grips collection consists of five models. It has gained a loyal following among players who recognize its superior feel, durability and performance characteristics.

For more information: www.champspikes.com, 1-800-OK-CHAMP.

Bobby Jones Partners with Dogleg Right to Introduce Limited Edition, Custom Made Putters

New Limited Edition Bobby Jones Putters Deliver Unrivaled Style, Performance and Customization Capabilities

(Atlanta, GA) – Bobby Jones, celebrating the iconic brand’s 25th anniversary in 2014, today unveiled that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Dogleg Right, manufacturers and designers of elegantly styled, premium custom fit and custom made putters. Bobby Jones and Dogleg Right, both characterized by their products’ premium quality and unparalleled attention to detail, will collaborate on a variety of limited edition Bobby Jones-branded putters in a multi-year, worldwide venture.

As part of the initial launch, Dogleg Right is designing and handcrafting three different series of putters, the Silver Anniversary, Grand Slam and Bespoke Art, that all pay homage to the game of golf’s most decorated amateur.  Each of the three series of putters offers innovative designs, patented and patent pending technologies (including adjustable weights, interchangeable necks, adjustable loft, lie and toe hang) and Dogleg Right’s proprietary face mill patterns.  These putters, look, feel and perform at the very highest levels, whether that means winning golf’s greatest events, being the owner’s favorite club in his bag, or a prized piece of any golfer’s equipment collection.

“When you study the history of Bobby Jones, one of the many things that comes to light is Mr. Jones’ passion for the science and art of club making,” said Andy Bell, President/CEO of Jones Global Sports.  “We’ve known since taking over the leadership of the Bobby Jones brand this was an area where we wanted to expand our footprint strategically. This expansion begins with putters and we’re thrilled to partner with Dave Billings and Dogleg Right. They are putter experts and their commitment to custom design, performance, playability and world class service is readily apparent.  We are proud that the first putters bearing Bobby Jones name in 25 years will be produced in partnership with the best in the business.”

“Anyone who loves golf and loves the history of the game, can appreciate what an honor it is to be chosen to create a line of putters that lives up to the Bobby Jones’ name,” said Dave Billings, President/CEO of Dogleg Right, Corp. As Andy noted, Mr. Jones was a real pioneer of new technologies utilized to make superior equipment, and we are committed to continue that great tradition with this new venture.  We are taking great steps to ensure that the models we’ve chosen to offer and quality of design and materials, all live up to the Jones’ standard and pay homage to this great man, while also delivering the finest modern putting instruments available anywhere.  Furthermore, our dedication to providing an unparalleled custom-fitting and custom-manufacturing experience for our customers is in line with the Bobby Jones brand’s own high-standards of service.”

The “Silver Anniversary” line, intended to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Bobby Jones brand, features modern classic designs that are crafted from “American Rustless” 303 Steel with an exquisite multi-faceted satin mist finish on the upper surfaces, hand polished soles and the finest custom options available.  In addition the Silver Anniversary line putters come complete with Bobby Jones logoed grips, head covers and shaft labels.  Prices start at $699.99 for each putter.

The “Grand Slam” line offers a series of 4 commemorative putters that honor Bobby Jones “Impregnable Quadrilateral” in 1930. The four timeless head styles are crafted from the finest metals, offer intricate custom options, and are completed with superb hand finishes.  The Grand Slam models, GS-1, GS-2, GS-3 and GS-4 will come complete with Bobby Jones logoed leather grips, matching head covers and Limited Edition Bobby Jones shaft labels.   The Grand Slam line of putters will be available in super-limited edition quantities with just 10 each of the first four styles available for purchase. Prices start at $799.99 per putter.

Finishing out the Bobby Jones Putters by Dogleg Right’s initial launch is a series of “Bespoke Art” one-of-a-kind models.  The Bobby Jones Bespoke Art pieces start as one of the models from the previous two lines and are transformed into a unique, one-of-a-kind putter by Master Designer and Maker, Dave Billings.  Each Bespoke Art putter is made precisely to the customer’s every specification and aesthetic preference, offering the finest in materials, performance technologies and expert craftsmanship.  Each putter will include a Certificate of Ownership and notes and drawings from Dave to the owner.  The initial Bespoke Art collection will be made up of 10 pieces total for Spring 2015 and will start at $1,499.99. Super exotic materials such as Stainless and Carbon Damascus, Mokume Gane and Titanium Damascus can be selected to make these timeless, one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Bobby Jones putters will be available through Dogleg Right just in time for the Holidays.  For more information or to place an order, visit www.doglegright.com.

For more information on Bobby Jones, visit www.bobbyjones.com.

Lamkin UTX Grips Trusted by Winner of OHL Classic at Mayakoba

(SAN DIEGO, CA) – Lamkin Corporation – the original manufacturer of premium golf grips – confirms the winner of the PGA Tour’s OHL Classic at Mayakoba relied on its popular UTX grips en route to victory at El Camaleon Golf Club in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Helping the champion capture his third career PGA Tour title, UTX models feature proprietary Tri-Layer Technology designed to optimize feel for enhanced shot-making and provide exceptional all-weather playability. The three functional layers include a foundation made of super tacky and soft ACE 3GEN material for enhanced comfort, a middle layer with a moisture-wicking fabric weave for traction and control in wet weather and a firm outer layer to limit torque and minimize shot dispersion. UTX grips ($8.99) are available in standard or midsize options in three distinct colors.

“When it comes to selecting equipment, professional golfers are among the most discerning athletes in the world, which is why our premium grips are trusted by so many of the game’s elite,” says Bob Lamkin, President and CEO of Lamkin Grips. “We offer a tremendous variety of models to suit the preferences of all players, each specifically designed to maximize on-course performance.”

Offering the widest assortment of performance-enhancing golf grips, Lamkin has been an industry leader for nearly 90 years. The company’s famed products are preferred by PGA Tour superstars Justin Rose, Keegan Bradley, Brandt Snedeker, the legendary Arnold Palmer and many others.

Lamkin grips are unrivaled in quality thanks to world-class engineering, premium materials and handcrafted, repeatable production techniques. Among the popular lines offered by the company are UTX, Crossline, R.E.L ACE and i-Line, among others.

More information: www.LamkinGrips.com or 800-642-7755. Get social: @LamkinGrips.

NBC Sports Group's Coverage of Tiger Woods’ Return at Hero World Challenge

Tiger Woods Scheduled to Return to Competition at Hero World Challenge, Featuring 10 of the Top-15 in the World Golf Rankings in the 18-Player Field

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – Golf Channel and NBC are teaming up in December to deliver comprehensive news and tournament coverage of the game best players – past, present and future – at the Hero World Challenge (Dec. 4-7) and the PNC Father/Son Challenge (Dec. 12-14), both taking place in Orlando, Fla.

HERO WORLD CHALLENGE TO FEATURE TIGER WOODS’ RETURN: The Hero World Challenge will feature the scheduled return to tournament competition of former World No. 1 Tiger Woods after a layoff while recovering from back surgery earlier this year.  Taking place at Isleworth Golf and Country Club, the tournament will feature 18 of the PGA TOUR’s top players competing in a 72-hole, stroke play event for a $1 million prize.  Golf Channel will air live coverage Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5, followed by weekend coverage on both Golf Channel and NBC, Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7.

HERO WORLD CHALLENGE BROADCAST TEAMS: Terry Gannon and Frank Nobilo will call the action for Golf Channel’s live tournament coverage Thursday and Friday, Dec. 4-5 as well as its weekend “lead-in” coverage Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7.  Dan Hicks and Roger Maltbie will anchor NBC’s weekend coverage, with Gary Koch, Notah Begay, Billy Kratzert and Steve Sands reporting for both Golf Channel and NBC’s coverage.

JACK NICKLAUS HEADLINES HALL-OF-FAME FIELD AT PNC FATHER/SON CHALLENGE: Hall-of-Famer Jack Nicklaus and his son, Jack II, headline a 20-team field comprised of World Golf Hall-of-Fame members, golf legends and their children at the PNC Father/Son Challenge, taking place Thursday, Dec. 11 – Sunday, Dec. 14 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Fla.  Golf Channel on NBC analyst and Hall-of-Famer Johnny Miller also will compete in the PNC Father/Son Challenge for the first time in eight years, playing alongside his son, Andy.  The 2014 field boasts 452 victories across the PGA and European Tours, including 59 major championships and 14 World Golf Hall of Fame members.  To qualify for the PNC Father/Son Challenge, participants must have won either a major championship or THE PLAYERS in their career. The professional’s partner must not currently hold a Tour card, and while the majority of partners in the history of the event have been the sons of the golf legends, the family-themed tournament has seen daughters and grandsons participate over the years.  Golf Channel and NBC will carry two days of coverage, Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14.  Golf Channel also will air a special Pro-Am Show on Friday, Dec. 12, taking viewers inside the ropes with the players in the field as they prepare for competition and share instruction tips and insight with viewers.

PNC FATHER/SON CHALLENGE BROADCAST TEAM:  Steve Sands and Gary Koch will anchor Golf Channel and NBC’s weekend coverage of the PNC Father/Son Challenge.  Peter Jacobsen will report from an on-course tower, with Notah Begay and Roger Maltbie reporting from the course.  Jimmy Roberts will deliver his signature essays and conduct post-round interviews.

GOLF CENTRAL AND MORNING DRIVE ON-SITE AT HERO WORLD CHALLENGE AND PNC FATHER/SON CHALLENGE: Golf Central will provide wraparound news coverage of both the Hero World Challenge and the PNC Father/Son Challenge.  Morning Drive, Golf Channel’s daily news and lifestyle show, also will conduct live interviews throughout the week at both the Hero World Challenge and the PNC Father/Son Challenge.

LIVE THURSDAY AND FRIDAY COVERAGE OF THE FRANKLIN TEMPLETON SHOOTOUT: Golf Channel will televise live coverage of the first two days of the Franklin Templeton Shootout on Thursday, Dec. 11 and Friday, Dec. 12 from 1-4 p.m. ET.  The 24-player field (12 two-man teams) features eight of the top-30 players in the world, including reigning FedExCup champion Billy Horschel and six 2014 Ryder Cup participants.  Last year’s champions, Harris English and Matt Kuchar, will defend their title as the teams compete for a piece of the $3.1 million purse.  The format of the tournament will be a Scramble (Thursday), Modified Alternate Shot (Friday) and Better Ball (Saturday).

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON SHOOTOUT BROADCAST TEAM: Rich Lerner and Frank Nobilo anchor Golf Channel’s Thursday and Friday coverage of the Franklin Templeton Shootout, joined by tower announcers Curt Byrum and Tom Abbott.  Phil Parkin and Scott McCarron will report from the course.

Charley Hoffman Wins with Premium Offerings from FJ, Boa Technology

(Fairhaven, MA) - At the OHL Classic at Mayakoba, Charley Hoffman erased a three shot deficit with a 5-under par 65 to win by one for his third PGA Tour victory. In addition to a StaSof glove, Hoffman chose FJ’s D.N.A. golf shoes, which became the top selling category in golf just 90 days after coming to market earlier this year.

Tour players around the world have been wearing D.N.A. shoes this year for the combination of performance features and supreme comfort, including Hoffman, Adam Scott and Hunter Mahan.

The style of D.N.A. shoes Hoffman wears also features the exclusive Boa Closure System from Boa Technology, Inc. The Boa Closure System of steel lace, nylon guides and a mechanical reel, micro-adjusts the fit of the shoe with a simple turn of the knob.

The premium rear-mounted closure position, exclusive to FootJoy, pulls the foot down and back in to the shoe for a truly custom fit, superior comfort and stability.

"I am a big time skier and have worn boots with the Boa system before,” said Charley Hoffman. “Once FootJoy came out with a Boa option, it was an instant fit for me because you never have to worry about your shoe coming undone throughout the round and you have an even fit throughout the shoe.”

“Any shoe I order, I get the Boa model.  Once you tighten them up in the locker room you don’t have to worry about them the rest of the day."

In 2004, FJ was the first brand to bring this innovating fitting technology to the market and has made several improvements in both aesthetics and quality.

"The Boa Closure System is a tremendous technology especially with the premium location of the dial in the heel that is designed to deliver a precise, custom fit,” said Doug Robinson, Vice President Footwear Design and Development Worldwide.

“FJ Tour players have the choice to wear whichever styles suit their game and/or personal style.  The fact that Charley trusts Boa-powered D.N.A. styles speaks volumes about the legitimacy of the system.”

“In addition to Charley and several other tour players, there is a legitimate following by FJ/Boa loyalists around the world.”

“We look forward to continue working closely with the BOA team to deliver additional tour-proven performance golf footwear."

Golf shoes currently available with the Boa Closure System include the highly successful men’s and women’s D.N.A. category, Contour Series, the top selling shoe category of all time, as well as a custom options in its MyJoys program.

For more information on FJ and BOA, visit: www.footjoy.com/fjlegacy/boa.