Billy Casper Golf Selected to Manage Enger Park, Lester Park Golf Courses in Duluth, MN

(VIENNA, VA) – Billy Casper Golf (BCG) – the largest owner-operator of golf courses, country clubs and resorts in the U.S. – has been selected to manage Enger Park and Lester Park golf courses in Duluth, MN, just off the shores of picturesque Lake Superior.

For the public-access operations, BCG will direct course and property maintenance, staffing and training, clubhouse activities, merchandising, golf instruction, marketing and public relations, special events and financial management.

“We are excited to work with the experts at Billy Casper Golf,” says Jim Filby Williams, Director of Public Administration for the City of Duluth.  “The company is known for boosting the quality of golf and financial performance of municipal golf courses.”

“Managing Duluth’s storied, public courses is an honor,” says Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of BCG.  “Our team will inject fresh, new programming and special events to further enhance their reputations as ‘must plays’ for locals and visitors alike.”

The two courses enjoy deep connections with the community, hosting the Minnesota Section PGA of America Junior Tour as well as roughly 70 tournaments and 40 fundraising events annually.  In addition, they serve more than 180 families with innovative youth golf programs and nearly 1,100 men and women golfers during weekly league play.

Enger Park and Lester Park golf courses contribute to Duluth being named a “Best City in America for Public Golf” by Golf Digest, the “Best Outdoors Town in America” by Outside Magazine and one of Lonely Planet’s “10 Must-See U.S. Destinations for 2015.”  Reinvigorating its economy as a city with abundant recreational outlets, spectacular water and sightseeing venues, and thriving engineering, aviation and health care businesses, Minnesota’s fourth largest metropolitan area attracts millions of visitors annually.

About Enger Park Golf Course
Just south of downtown set atop a high bluff, Enger Park treats golfers to immaculate conditions and breathtaking views of Duluth Harbor.  Built in 1927 near the historic Enger Park Tower, the 27-hole course features three, distinct parkland-, links- and traditional-style layouts.  Ranging from 3,168 to 3,359 yards, the par-36, “Front 9,” “Middle 9” and “Back 9” designs present strategic bunkering, several doglegs and scenic ponds while four sets of tees ensure fun but fair tests for all handicappers.

About Lester Park Golf Course
Just north of downtown, Lester Park is well known for its natural beauty and panoramic views of Lake Superior on 20 of its 27 holes.  Opened in 1932, the classic layout is set alongside the Lester River and meanders through open expanses and densely wooded areas.  Ranging from 3,182 to 3,417 yards, the par-36, “Front 9,” “Back 9” and “Lake 9” courses present golfers with narrow fairways, exciting elevation changes and gently undulated greens.

Like Enger Park, Lester Park boasts an all-grass driving range, putting green and chipping green with bunker.  The clubhouse includes lockers, fully-stock golf shop with the name-brand equipment and apparel, and a snack bar and grill for quick bites and drinks.

More information:  www.billycaspergolf.com, 703.361.1444.

Jamie McWilliams Tours Northern Ireland

PGA Inks Five-Year Extension with DIRECTV

(RELEASE) - The PGA TOUR and DIRECTV have announced a five-year extension that will continue expanded weekend coverage of four PGA TOUR tournaments each season for DIRECTV customers through the “PGA TOUR Experience,” beginning with this week’s Northern Trust Open.

This enhanced coverage, introduced in 2013 and to continue through 2019, includes exclusive features for DIRECTV viewers accessible through a four-in-one Mix Channel displaying:
*    The CBS Sports network feed;
*    “Launch Pad,” a channel dedicated to analyzing golf’s most explosive shot - the long drive; The Launch Pad will feature the par-5 No. 17 at Riviera Country Club for the Northern Trust Open.
*   “ShotLink Channel,” a data-intensive view of tournament competition; and
*   A “Follow-A-Group” channel that lets viewers follow select groups of players around the course.

In addition to weekend coverage of the Northern Trust Open, DIRECTV’s “PGA TOUR Experience” will also be available for the 2015 AT&T Byron Nelson Championship (May 30-31), the Memorial presented by Nationwide (June 6-7) and The Barclays (August 29-30). This coverage is in addition to DIRECTV’s exclusive bonus coverage of the four major championships.

Capital Canyon Club to Undergo Restoration

Former Hassayampa Golf Club Boasts Rich Tradition and Historic Lineage

(Scottsdale, Az.) – Formerly known as Hassayampa Golf Club, the Capital Canyon Club, nestled amongst tall Ponderosa pines, picturesque rock outcroppings and featuring stunning views is situated on one of the state’s original golf courses.  The private country club has selected Troon Golf, the leader in upscale golf management, development and marketing to partner with and to restore and re-open this beautiful venue in Prescott, Arizona.

The nearly century-old private country club, located just two miles from historic Courthouse Square has a long and rich tradition in the northern Arizona community. Renovations are currently underway on the magnificent Clubhouse which is scheduled to open in May while improvements to the Tom Weiskopf Signature Design golf course will be ready for play by the Fourth of July holiday.  The Club’s new ownership group strives in making the refurbished property a “family-friendly” club with amenities and activities that attract every member, year-round.

Dating back to 1919, the new Capital Canyon Club name, inspired by the gorgeous scenery of the area reflects the fact that Prescott was the United States’ first Capital of the Southwest Territory, as designated by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864.  Its endearing legacy is now carried on through the Club’s new title designation.  Complementing the beautiful 18-hole Championship golf course, the Capital Canyon Club also features exquisite dining with indoor/outdoor patio seating, wood-burning fireplaces, and a state-of-the-art fitness center that will draw rave reviews from members and guests alike.

“The renovated property will be one in which the entire membership and staff will take a great deal of pride in. We are so fortunate to be able to carry on and improve upon the charm and elegance of this wonderful country club,” said Jeff Raymond, general manager of the Capital Canyon Club.

With breathtaking backdrops seen from literally every angle of the property, Capital Canyon Club will quickly become a favorite for weddings and other special events.

“There is no better venue to capture those special moments than right here at the Capital Canyon Club. We’ll be able to provide the ultimate package for those wanting to experience memories that will last a lifetime,” added Raymond.

For more information on the Capital Canyon Club, visit www.capitalcanyonclub.com or call (928) 350-3154.

Manchester CC to Unveil State-of-the-Art Golf Simulator

'The Attic' to Feature 50 of the World’s Greatest Golf Courses in Clubhouse Setting

(Scottsdale, Az.) – Not only is teeing it up at Manchester Country Club, one of New England’s most storied properties a thrill for many golfers, the classic private country club is now home to the “IMAX Simulator.”

Spanning 22 feet in length and offering 160 degrees of wraparound images of some of the world’s most breathtaking golf courses, MCC’s PGA TOUR Simulator enables members and their guests to experience an unforgettable round of golf in the comfort and warmth of the Clubhouse. It also provides a premier indoor practice and teaching center, the only one of its kind in the state of New Hampshire and beyond.

Imagine snow cascading down on the Clubhouse and golf course at Manchester Country Club making golf on the storied property unplayable. Now, you can move your clubs indoors on the second floor of the Clubhouse in a room affectionately called, “The Attic,” and test your skills at iconic golf courses like St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, Harbour Town and TPC Sawgrass. Overall, 50 golf courses can be displayed on the Golf Simulator screen.

“Our new golf simulator not only makes you feel part of the landscape at these memorable golf courses, but provides our membership with the ultimate practice facility,” said Brian Kelley, general manager at Manchester Country Club. “We’ll schedule casual and league play along with private parties and corporate entertainment. Its multi-purpose applications are endless and creates so much added value for our members. We are truly excited to showcase this state-of-the-art equipment.”

Winter league play is set to begin in early March.

Manchester Country Club will unveil the PGA TOUR Simulator for members and prospective members at an Open House scheduled for March 11. Prizes including lessons, simulator time for four-somes and club fitting will be part of the festivities.

Manchester Country Club is also home to a new Player Development Area and the Titleist Performance Center, an indoor fitness training room where certified instructors will focus on golf-specific movements and physical training integrating core strengthening and athletic conditioning. A hitting bay equipped with JC High Speed Video along with a TrackMan Launch Monitor enables golfers immediate swing analysis and ball flight information. Individual and group training sessions are available throughout the year.

“Being able to practice indoors not only helps our members hone their skills in a magnificent setting, but also provides a fun and relaxing outlet for golfers to still enjoy their favorite sport if the weather outside is not accommodating for a day on our links,” added Kelley.

In 2013, Manchester Country Club completed an $8 million renovation project that included restoration and reorganization of MCC’s existing historic Clubhouse resulting in a spectacular New Hampshire venue for weddings and special events and a premier New England country club updated with new amenities. The renovation project included a new Conference Center with Roof Deck, expanded and renovated Ballroom for weddings and special events, private member dining area, and renovated men’s and women’s locker rooms.

For more information on “The Attic,” call (603) 792-6916 or visit www.manchestercountryclub.com.

Destination Dublin with Jamie McWilliams

North Coast Golf Shows - Cleveland

Depending on who you talk to, the overnight lows in Northeast Ohio were between 10-below and 20-below. Cold! It's no wonder golfers were flocking to the Cleveland Golf Show's opening day at the IX Center.

If you're expecting a scaled-down version of Orlando's PGA Merchandise Show, you're mistaken. Whereas the major manufacturers are unveiling their latest products in Florida, Cleveland is more about planning your next golf trip. Resorts, both in-state and out-of-state, are jockeying for Ohio golfers' vacation dollar. I saw plenty of interesting destinations, but look forward to visiting and rating Lenape Heights Golf Resort in Ford City, Pa., and River Landing in Wallace, N.C., later this year.

That's not to say there aren't products to be seen in Cleveland, mind you, but giants like TaylorMade and Nike are replaced by smaller manufacturers like Ember Exotic Wood Putters and Musty Putters - both selling, you guessed it, wood putters.

There was also Roberto Alvez from PowerFX - a holographic disk that "communicates through your body's meridians to achieve harmonic, healthy and balanced body functions." Think of it as a LIVESTRONG bracelet with physical and mental benefits.

In addition to merchandise and travel, the show also features a couple fun competitions - hole-in-one and long driving - to occupy time and empty wallets.

For more information on the show, click HERE.