Charlie Rymer, Golf Tourism Solutions Partner to Showcase Myrtle Beach Golf Community

Rymer to Produce Content Across Multiple Platforms for Game’s Most Popular Destination

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - Charlie Rymer has joined the Golf Tourism Solutions team in a multi-media partnership that will showcase the media star and former PGA Tour player as the voice of the Myrtle Beach golf scene.

The agreement will pair Rymer, a former Golf Channel personality, with Golf Tourism Solutions (GTS), a company that has the assets of a media outlet, including one of the game’s largest email databases, a print magazine and more than 200,000 social media followers.

GTS is responsible for promoting Myrtle Beach as a golf destination and the agency operates PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com, a website dedicated to helping players plan a trip to the Grand Strand.

Myrtle Beach has long been on the leading edge of destination marketing and by partnering with Rymer to help tell the many stories revolving around the area, that will continue to be the case.

Rymer’s popularity is derived from his down-home charm and a thoughtfulness about the game and its future that makes him an ideal partner for Myrtle Beach. He will be working across a broad cross section of media, providing video, written and social media content that will feature, but not be limited to, the Myrtle Beach golf scene.

The South Carolina Golf Hall of Fame inductee will also be working with Project Golf, a GTS-founded non-profit dedicated to helping grow the game through a variety of initiatives.

“In a lot of regards, I feel like I’m coming home,” Rymer said of the partnership. “At this point in my golf career, I want to do things I’m passionate about and Myrtle Beach is a great fit. Myrtle Beach wants to open the game up to as a many people as possible, and that is what motivates me. I’m also looking forward to working with Project Golf and helping kids and our military veterans through the game. All those things together make this a wonderful fit for me.”

“We’ve had a long-standing relationship with Charlie, and we share a love for the game and what it represents,” said Bill Golden, CEO of Golf Tourism Solutions. “Charlie’s personality, popularity and creativity, combined with his affinity for the market, make this a perfect opportunity for both of us as we navigate a continually evolving media landscape. Golfers can look forward to seeing Myrtle Beach - on and off the course - from the perspective of one of the game’s most popular voices.”

In a changing media landscape, the partnership is a natural one as Rymer, a native South Carolinian, is intimately familiar the market. He grew up playing junior golf in Myrtle Beach and annually vacationed along the Grand Strand before taking on a formal role in the area as the host of “Road Trip: Myrtle Beach,” a show that aired on Golf Channel.

During his 11-year stint with Golf Channel, Rymer maintained his ties to the area. He annually returned to participate in First Tee events and emcee nightly festivities at the World’s Largest 19th Hole during the World Amateur Handicap Championship. Rymer also helped start the Gene’s Dream Foundation, an organization that honors the memory of Gene Weldon, a long-time PGA pro in the area who mentored Rymer and Kelly Tilghman among countless other junior golfers.

For more information, go to PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com.

Troon Announces Partnership with Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu, Hawaii

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in golf course management, development, and marketing, is pleased to announce its new partnership with Turtle Bay Resort on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Turtle Bay Resort is located on Oahu’s famed North Shore, approximately 50 minutes from Honolulu and features 36 holes of golf – the Arnold Palmer Course and the George Fazio Course.

Open since 1992, the Arnold Palmer Course was designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer and course architect Ed Seay and is consistently rated as one of the top golf courses in Hawaii. The par-72, 7,218-yard course has two distinct nine-hole experiences. The front nine challenges golfers with a Scottish Links-style layout, while the back nine has a more tropical setting as it meanders through a tropical jungle and a forest of ironwoods. The 18-hole layout forms a horseshoe around the Punaho’olapa marsh, an unspoiled 100-acre wetlands and bird sanctuary. Water comes into play on 14 holes, with the 17th – the Palmer Course’s signature hole – offering panoramic Pacific Ocean views from the green.

Turtle Bay’s George Fazio Course opened in 1972. The 18-hole layout meanders through traditional Hawaiian Palms while skirting the North Shore on numerous occasions providing breathtaking ocean views on both the front and back nines. Over the years, the Fazio Course has tested the game’s best, including Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Sam Snead, and Chi Chi Rodriguez in the first Champions Tour Skins Game. The Fazio Course also hosted the LPGA Tour's Hawaiian Open from 1987 through 1989.

"We are pleased to be working with Turtle Bay," said Mike Ryan, chief operating officer, Troon. "The golf courses and the resort property are absolutely stunning. We are excited to extend our popular Troon programs, which will contribute positively to the overall value and experience for local golfers, resort guests and those traveling to Oahu.”

"Our team at Turtle Bay looks forward to working with the best golf management team in the business,” said Jerry Gibson, Vice President & Managing Director for Turtle Bay Resort. “This partnership will enhance our ability to reach golfers from all over the world and showcase Turtle Bay as a premier golf destination.”

Troon-affiliated properties in the Aloha State, include Kapalua Golf in Lahaina, Maui; Mauna Lani on Hawai‘i Island; King Kamehameha Golf Club in Wailuku, Maui; Kahili Golf Course in Wailuku, Maui; and Princeville Makai Golf Club in Princeville, Kaua‘i.

For more information on Turtle Bay Resort, visit www.TurtleBayResort.com.

For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.

Product Review: Bushnell Hybrid Laser Rangefinder and GPS Device

I’ve been torn between using a laser rangefinder or GPS on the golf course. On one hand, I love the accuracy and versatility of the rangefinder, but my hand isn’t always steady – leaving doubt in my mind if I’m shooting the right thing (flag or tree behind the green). On the other hand, GPS is so simple, but yardage to the front, middle and back isn’t specific enough at times.

Bushnell Golf has answered my prayers, offering the best of both worlds in its Hybrid – a laser rangefinder and GPS device all rolled into one, handy package.

The Bushnell Hybrid is a first-of-its-kind device and marvel of modern technology. I may have exaggerated a bit with “marvel,” but not by much.

The laser shoots a flag from 400 yards away and is accurate to 1 yard. You know you’re hitting the target thanks to 5× magnification. When you’re locked and loaded on the flag, “PinSeeker with JOLT Technology” alerts you with a slight vibration.

Prefer GPS? The Hybrid comes preloaded with more than 36,000 courses in 30 countries. Like most GPS devises, the Hybrid readout provides distances from the front, center and back. Unlike many of its category contemporaries, the Hybrid gives you up to four hazard distances per hole. Automatic features include course updates, course recognition and hole advance.

Bonus: The Bushnell Golf App is included with the purchase of a Hybrid. In addition to an overhead view of the hole you’re playing, the app allows golfers to schedule tee times, record your scores, sync with the Swing Pro for game improvement or even track your steps with the pedometer if you’re interested in the fitness component of golf.

The Bushnell Hybrid is a PB&J of distance measuring devices. It’s an original and will hard to beat. Log onto bushnellgolf.com to learn more or order yours for holiday delivery today.

Last Minute Gifts for the Golfer on Your List

(RELEASE) - Options to wrap up your holiday shopping:

Knuth Golf High Heat 257+
Here’s the perfect gift for the amateur golfer on your list, because it was designed specifically for amateur golfers.

The High Heat 257+ is the ONLY equipment brand in golf that takes advantage of a new USGA rule allowing more trampoline effect in the toe and heel of the clubface. That’s important because, let’s face it, the majority of us are never going to play on the Pro Tour. Our swing needs are different. The average golfer misses the sweet spot every other swing.

Now, with High Heat 257+ driver, fairway woods and hybrids, the ENTIRE CLUBFACE is a sweet spot. Get some Heat for as little as $257. www.KnuthGolf.com
   

PerryGolf Cruising

PerryGolf's reputation for international golf tours now stands behind the most extensive selection of international golf cruises available. They sail from January to November, from the Caribbean to the British Isles including attendance to The Open Championship, to the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, New Zealand / Australia and the Arabian Gulf.

Each voyage combines marquee golf with an exceptional cruise experience provided by our partners Azamara Club Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club and European Waterways.

Lock in early for the best suites at the best prices.  When you book directly with PerryGolf, the cancellation fee is only $125 per person until 12 months out. www.PerryGolf.com
   
Zero Friction Spectra Ball
 

The Zero Friction Spectra matte finish golf balls are a two piece distance golf ball with a soft Surlyn durable cover available in 5 neon colors plus matte finish white.  Large super-fast core provides explosive distance, high launch and longer roll off the tee.

Available in 6 matte colors: White, Lime, Red, Lemon, Orange and Fuchsia.

Available at www.ZeroFriction.com, Amazon, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Dunham's Sporting Goods and PGA TOUR Superstore.

Elite Field Slated to Compete in Dustin Johnson World Junior Golf Championship

Alexa Pano, left, and Michael Brennan are defending champs.

28 Top 100 Boys, 16 Top 100 Girls to Tee it Up at TPC Myrtle Beach March 1-3

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - The field for the Dustin Johnson World Junior Golf Championship is set, and 28 of the top 100 junior boys and 16 of the top 100 girls will be competing in fourth annual event March 1-3 at TPC Myrtle Beach.

“Dustin wants to create the best junior golf tournament in the world, and we have certainly taken another step toward fulfilling that goal this year,” said Scott Tomasello, Golf Tourism Solutions’ Tournament Director. “This year’s field is on par with the best junior tournaments in the country, and they will be tested by TPC Myrtle Beach, one of America’s premier golf courses.”

The field of 90 golfers (66 boys, 24 girls) will be headlined by the return of defending champions Michael Brennan (Leesburg, Va.) and Alexa Pano (Lake Worth, Fla.), America’s sixth-ranked junior girl, according to Golfweek. Brennan captured the 2018 title in dramatic fashion, making eagle on TPC’s par 5 18th hole to finish the final round and hold off Akshay Bhatia, currently the country’s top-ranked junior.

Other headliners on the boys side include No. 15 Jackson Van Paris (Pinehurst, N.C.), No. 22 Nick Dunlap (Greer, S.C.), the highest ranked South Carolinian in the field, No. 27 Gavin Noble (Ringgold, G.A.), and No. 28 George Duangmanee (Fairfax, Va.).

On the girls side, No. 11 Ashley Menne (Surprise, Az.), last year’s runner-up, is returning, along with No. 30 Latanna Stone (Riverview, Fla.), No. 43 Jensen Castle (Columbia, S.C.), and No. 44 Erika Smith (Orlando, Fla.).

The only three slots remaining to be filled will be determined by a one-day qualifier at TPC Myrtle Beach on February 9. Two boys and one girl will advance from the qualifier.

With the support of Johnson, the third ranked player in the world, the 54-hole tournament will provide players a PGA Tour-like experience, and the opportunity to test themselves against some of the game’s best juniors.

A significant part of the event’s appeal is TPC Myrtle Beach, one of the Grand Strand’s most decorated layouts. TPC Myrtle Beach has hosted the Senior PGA Tour Championship and been ranked among “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” by Golf Digest, making it an ideal venue to test golf’s rising young stars.

Johnson’s involvement with the tournament reflects his long-time commitment to junior golf, particularly in South Carolina, where he grew into one of the world’s best players. Through the Dustin Johnson Foundation, which is headquartered in Myrtle Beach, Johnson has donated more than $250,000 to junior golf, sponsoring numerous events throughout the state and helping cover entry costs for kids who need financial assistance.

The Dustin Johnson World Junior Golf Championship is being sponsored by Founders Group International, the Dustin Johnson Golf School, and Golf Tourism Solutions.

For more information, go to www.WorldJuniorGolfChampionship.com.

BallenIsles Members Greenlight $7.4 Million South Golf Course Renovation

(Palm Beach Gardens, Fl.) – On the heels of BallenIsles Country Club opening their new, highly regarded 115,000 sq. ft. clubhouse to much fanfare, the membership has voted in favor to approve a $7.4 million-dollar-renovation of their South Golf Course.

Following the overwhelming Member vote, noted golf architect Rees Jones is scheduled to begin the BallenIsles South Golf Course renovation in April. The project will be completed around September 2019 and ready for play in December 2019. 

“This is a significant statement by our membership and community, to enter into this project immediately following the opening of our new clubhouse and continues our trajectory of being the preferred residential community in the Palm Beaches. Having three world-class golf courses helps us further cement our position as a market leader and the preferred choice for people to call home. The South Course for the past 50 years has been a favorite with our membership and it was time for us to refresh this outstanding layout,” said BallenIsles General Manager and Chief Operating Officer, Ryan Walls.

"We’re delighted that our members have given their unequivocal approval for the South Golf Course renovation. The renovation and re-design envisioned by Rees Jones enhances playability for all levels of players. Rees is known for his ability to challenge the good golfers while giving those who wish for a less stressful way around the course, another option," added Club President Michael Muntner. “The majority vote for the project is the culmination of an evaluation process, initiated and overseen by the Club’s Board of Directors that included independent focus groups and workshops, led by construction, finance and design committees.”

“Few country clubs offer their members such a historic connection to golf and we’re looking forward to beginning the renovation that will continue to uphold the rich legacy of BallenIsles,” Golf Architect Rees Jones said.

 

The renovation will include a full tee to green re-design including all tees, greens, grassing, bunkering and architectural changes. The core playing corridors and original Joe Lee layout will remain mostly unchanged, but the Rees Jones Design will make this a modern masterpiece. 

“I cannot wait for our members to experience the final product. With our historic East Course and recently renovated North Course, I can’t think of where you will find three better courses each with distinct differences in appeal and playability. This is truly a milestone and exciting time for our club. The enthusiasm from prospective residents and members has exploded following the opening our new clubhouse and the project will only further enhance the level of excitement around our community,” added Walls.  “When completed, BallenIsles will be home to three modern-day renovated golf courses of championship quality, in addition to 180,000 sq. ft. of social space between the Sports Complex and new Clubhouse, a top rated 22-court racquet and swim facility, state-of-the-art fitness center, practice facility, six dining venues, a spa and salon and all the comforts of home any member would need. We are truly one of the leading residential clubs and communities in the country.” 

For more information visit www.BallenIsles.org.

Product Review: Tipsy Elves Ugly Christmas Sweaters

I've been told that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. True, I suppose. But how can we all agree when something ugly is truly beautiful? When it's an Ugly Christmas Sweater from Tipsy Elves.

Check out this Golfing Santa. It's one of MANY Ugly Holiday Sweaters offered by Tipsy Elves. Whether you like drunken references or sexual innuendo, Tipsy Elves has you covered.

Don't celebrate Christmas? Hanukkah is more of your thing? Tipsy Elves celebrates the eight days, as well.

If sweaters are a bit too casual for your party, check out Tipsy Elves' suits and sport coats.

Ladies and kids ... Choose flaunt your style, too.

That's just the holidays. Tipsy Elves offers Hawaiian shirts, ski suits, Pride gear and the best, damn Halloween costumes you'll ever find.

Log onto tipsyelves.com to start shopping today. Warning: This website can be an insane time drain with all the cool apparel.