Named 2019 Best Electric Car and Best Club Transport – Alternate Walking

Club Car’s Tempo Walk and Tempo LI-ION earn Golf Digest Honors

(Augusta, Ga) - Club Car, the global leader in golf, consumer, personal and utility vehicles and a brand of Ingersoll Rand, has been awarded two of Golf Digest’s 2019 Editor’s Choice Awards for Best Electric Car and Best Club Transport – Alternative Walking. Club Car’s Tempo LI-ION cars and Tempo Walk, a stylish hands-free autonomous golf caddie unit have earned best in class status when it comes to getting around the golf course.

Club Car’s new Tempo LI-ION, an AC motor and lithium ion-powered golf car and an extension of the company’s award-winning TEMPO line of vehicles, offers fast-charging, reliability, efficiency and savings to golf courses. The Tempo LI-ION’s unique, smart charging capabilities include automated off-peak charging for lower energy costs and charging rates that are two to three times faster than lead acid. In addition, the Club Car lithium ion technology can provide golf courses with up to 50 percent reduction in electricity. A lighter battery underscores the overall weight of the car, for less wear and tear on the course. Tempo LI-ION’s design earned stripes for its diamond-cut stitch seats and molded-in colors.

Tempo Walk provides golfers who enjoy walking the golf course with a caddie-like experience and state-of-the-art wireless technology that includes GPS yardage and hands-free remote control to maneuver easily around the course. Golf course operators can now offer a fresh, functional and differentiated cart option as well as unique experience to their golfers.

“Club Car is focused on new solutions that improve the golf experience and help course operators improve their business,” said Jeff Tyminski, vice president, product management and marketing for Club Car. “It is an honor to be recognized this year in two award categories.”

Constructed with a durable aluminum frame, Tempo Walk contains a lithium ion battery which holds a 36-hole charge. It moves up to 7 mph and weighs 95 pounds. Additional technology features include a USB port and touchscreen tablet with GPS yardage. Traditional golf car offerings – a cup holder, cooler, divot repair and sand bottle are also included. With a compact frame size, four Tempo Walk golf caddies can fit into the space of one golf car, another benefit for course operators.

The 2019 Editor’s Choice designation marks the fourth year in a row a Club Car product received Golf Digest’s annual award. Club Car was awarded the 2018 Editor’s Choice Award for Best Electric Golf Car for the Tempo Connect with the Shark Experience.

Learn more about Tempo Walk and Tempo LI-ION by visiting Club Car Tempo Walk Web Site or www.ClubCar.com.

GOLFBUDDY to be a Sponsor of the Hugel-Air Premia LA Open

(ORLANDO, Florida) – GOLFBUDDY (Golfbuddy.com), a leading innovator in the golf rangefinder industry, is a sponsor of the 2019 Hugel-Air Premia LA Open, an LPGA Tour event being competed April 25-28 at Wilshire Country Club, in Los Angeles. The field of 144 players, one of the strongest fields on the LPGA schedule, will compete over 72 holes for a share of the $1.5 million purse. The sponsorship is part of a partnership between GOLFBUDDY and the LPGA Tour.

“It is our pleasure to serve as a sponsor of the Hugel-Air Premia LA Open,” said Timothy Chae, CEO of GBA (Golf Buddy America). “An increasing number of tour players are incorporating GOLFBUDDY into their practice regimens for its technical precision and reliability.

“This tournament will provide an opportunity for attendees to discover the quality and performance that GOLFBUDDY provides to dedicated professional and amateur players alike.”

GOLFBUDDY products will be on display and available for purchase in the GOLFBUDDY exhibit space in the main spectator village at the Hugel-Air Premia LA Open, including the GOLFUBDDY aim L10 and W10 models, as well as the GOLFBUDDY Voice 2 and VTX.

For more information, see Golfbuddy.com.

Study: To Avoid Lower Back Issues, Golfers Should Improve Flexibility, Muscle Strength

(MUNCIE, Indiana) – The best way for golfers to avoid or reduce lower back pain is by improving  hip flexibility and muscle strength of the hips and back, according to a researcher at Ball State University.

“Back muscle endurance is especially important for golfers with lower back pain,” said Nathan Edwards, a graduate student in Ball State Biomechanics Lab. “Working with a fitness professional can help you increase your strength and lower your risk of further injuring your back.”

The Kokomo native spent the last year analyzing lower back pain for his study, “Quantifying Biomechanical Risk Factors for Low Back Pain in Amateur Golfers.” His research investigated the connection between the hips, lower back, and upper back for golfers experiencing lower back pain. The project was one of nine winners at Ball State’s Student Symposium this month.

Edwards notes there are several factors that can contribute to lower back pain in golfers, including: inadequate warm-ups before playing, limited hip flexibility, and compromising trunk movement during the swing.

His research found that club-head speed largely impacts a golfer’s success. To maximize club-head speed, golfers should use a swing form with proximal-to-distal sequencing pattern.

Edwards compared proximal-to-distal sequencing to the cracking of a bullwhip, with speed increasing and energy transferring through the length of the whip.

“In the golf swing, the golfer’s body starts accelerating at the legs,” Edwards said. “Then speed increases in this order: hips, lower back, upper back, and shoulders, followed by the arms, forearms, hands, and finally the club head as it impacts the golf ball. For golfers, the swing is the whip, and we want the ‘snap’ to occur in the club head at impact.”

Edwards said a  proximal-to-distal sequencing pattern also helps golfers safely transfer speed through the body and into the club head. In the golf swing, forces up to eight times a golfer’s body weight are produced, helping to generate the highest club-head speed possible at impact.

These forces can adversely affect the portions of the body where a proximal-to-distal sequence is not followed, he said.

“I found that golfers with lower back pain did not use a proximal-to-distal sequencing pattern for their hips, lower back, and upper back,” Edwards noted. “Instead, they moved their hips and lower back at the same time followed by their upper back. The golfers with lower back pain also relied more on muscle strength rather than efficient golf swing technique (i.e. proximal-to-distal sequencing) to increase hip, lower back, and upper back rotational speed. Specifically, they used their back muscles more during the golf swing.”

The lack of motion and the increased back muscle activity may be factors in the development of pain by increasing the amount of force on the lower back. However, these characteristics could also be a way that golfers protect their lower backs by limiting the amount of movement near painful areas, he said.

World’s Best Set To Compete in 74th U.S. Women’s Open Championship

13 champions to take on Country Club of Charleston May 30-June 2

(LIBERTY CORNER, N.J.) – Thirteen past champions and 47 of the top 50 players in the world are among those entered in the 74th U.S. Women’s Open Championship, which will be conducted by the United States Golf Association from May 30-June 2, 2019, at the Country Club of Charleston in Charleston, S.C. Championship entries closed at 5 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 17.

“We are excited to see such a strong group of entrants from around the world for the 74th U.S. Women’s Open Championship,” said Shannon Rouillard, senior director, Championships for the USGA. “We can’t wait to see the game’s best take on this fantastic Seth Raynor-designed golf course, which we know will provide the ultimate test of golf and thrill fans from around the world.”

This marks the sixth consecutive year the U.S. Women’s Open has received more than 1,500 entries, with the USGA accepting 1,552 entries for this year’s championship. The 2015 championship at Lancaster (Pa.) Country Club holds the entry record with 1,873. The USGA accepted entries from golfers in 47 states, 32 entrants from South Carolina among them, and a total of 62 countries.

To be eligible for the U.S. Women’s Open, a player must have a Handicap Index® not exceeding 2.4, or be a professional. Sectional qualifying will be conducted over 36 holes between April 22-May 8. Qualifying will be held at 21 sites in the United States, as well as four international sites: one each in England, Japan, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Korea.

Ariya Jutanugarn, of Thailand, who won the 2018 U.S. Women’s Open at Shoal Creek in Birmingham, Ala., is one of the 13 fully exempt U.S. Women’s Open champions. Jutanugarn is joined by Sung Hyun Park (2017), Brittany Lang (2016), In Gee Chun (2015), Michelle Wie (2014), Inbee Park (2013, 2008), Na Yeon Choi (2012), So Yeon Ryu (2011), Paula Creamer (2010), Eun-Hee Ji (2009), Cristie Kerr (2007), Karrie Webb (2001, 2000) and Laura Davies (1987), who earned an exemption based on her victory in the inaugural U.S. Senior Women’s Open last July.

Two-time U.S. Women’s Open champion Karrie Webb, of Australia, has accepted a special exemption into the championship. Webb, 44, won the 2000 U.S. Women’s Open at The Merit Club in Gurnee, Ill., defeating Kerr and Meg Mallon by five strokes. In 2001, Webb defeated Se Ri Pak by eight strokes at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C., to become the 12th player to win multiple U.S. Women’s Opens. Webb’s 23 consecutive Women’s Opens entering this year is the longest active streak. Webb received a special exemption into the championship last year, when she missed the cut at Shoal Creek. She is a 41-time winner on the LPGA Tour and 15-time winner on the Ladies European Tour.

Brittany Lincicome, currently No. 37 in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings, and Sarah Jane Smith, who tied for fifth in last year’s championship at Shoal Creek, have chosen to take advantage of the U.S. Women’s Open’s family-friendly Maternity Extension Opportunity, and will defer their exemptions until the 2020 championship at Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas.

This will be the second USGA championship conducted at the Country Club of Charleston. In 2013, Emma Talley defeated Yueer Cindy Feng, 1 up, to win the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship. Talley is among the 100 players who are currently fully exempt into the championship, as are Gerina Mendoza and Suzann Pettersen, who chose to defer their 2018 exemptions to 2019, per the maternity opportunity.

The championship’s youngest entrant is 11-year-old Seojin Park, of the Republic of Korea. She will attempt to qualify at the sectional qualifying site in Incheon, Korea, on April 25. Avery Zweig, 12, of McKinney, Texas, will try to qualify in Maple Grove, Minn., on May 7. Laura Baugh, 63, is the championship's oldest entrant. She will attempt to qualify in Bradenton, Fla., on May 6.

Celine Herbin, a 36-year-old professional from France, was the first to apply when entries opened on Feb. 20. The final entry came from Sana Tufail, a 22-year-old amateur from England, who filed three minutes before the 5 p.m. EDT deadline on April 17.

Players still have several opportunities to gain a full exemption into the U.S. Women’s Open. The winner of any LPGA co-sponsored event prior to the start of the U.S. Women’s Open, including this weekend’s Lotte Championship in Oahu, Hawaii, will earn an exemption into the championship field. Additionally, any player in the top 50 point leaders and ties from the Rolex Rankings as of May 27 who is not already exempt will be added to the field.

More information about the U.S. Women’s Open, including a variety of ticket options, is available at uswomensopen.com.

Breakthrough Golf Technology Has Three Top 10 Finishes on Tour

(Dallas, TX) — Breakthrough Golf Technology announces that its Stability putter shaft helped capture three Top 10 tour finishes this past weekend.

On the PGA Tour, one of the top pros used it and bested most of the field at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, S.C, finishing in 10th place. And at the PGA Tour Champions event at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Ga., two players - finishing second and 10th, respectively - trusted their putters to the Stability shaft.

"These top 10 finishes are no surprise," says Breakthrough CEO and Founder Barney Adams. "More tour pros continue to realize how our Stability putter shaft can make a huge difference in their game. We fully expect to see more and more usage by the world's best players."

For 50 years, the putter shaft has not changed. It was a simple steel pipe. But over the years, head designs for putters evolved and have gotten dramatically heavier. This has resulted in shafts that are not stable or strong enough to keep these heavier, advanced putter heads from oscillating. The Stability putter shaft delivers the face more squarely at impact, resulting in improved accuracy, solid feel, a lower launch for a predictable roll, and better distance control.

Breakthrough Golf Technology website: breakthroughgolftech.com.

Bee + Hive Launches a Booking Platform for Sustainable Experiences

(NEW YORK, NY) — Bee + Hive, a not-for-profit association that unites hotels and partners committed to sustainable tourism experiences, has announced that it will launch a booking platform in June of 2019. It will be an innovative booking engine with a search focused on sustainable experiences.

The service will give travelers the ability to plan a vacation based on sustainable experiences, and the chance to support global sustainable tourism. Booking revenues generated by users of the site will be reinvested in furthering the organization’s mission.                    

“People are interested in traveling responsibly, but the process of identifying and selecting genuine sustainable options is complicated,” explains Bee + Hive Founder, Bruno Correa. “In addition, there is growing interest in making travel choices based on experiences that unique and transformative. Our booking engine will help do both.”

Travelers who visit the website will be given the option to search for genuine sustainable experiences to start planning their trip. For example, a traveler who wants to swim with sharks will search for the experience and be offered location and hotel options accordingly. The site confirms availability on the selected dates before inviting the user to reserve.

By booking with Bee + Hive, travelers will join the global movement to grow sustainable tourism both by supporting a hotel or destination that is committed to sustainability and by knowing that Bee + Hive will continue to help create and offer more unique experiences in a sustainable way.

According to a recent study conducted by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), on average, for every 100 dollars spent by a tourist on a holiday in a developing country, only 5 dollars remain in the host community.

“This figure represents the potential benefit tourism can have on local communities if we turn around the role of the hotel within this social environment,” says Correa. “A responsible hotel cares about developing the local eco-system and its’ community. And the best way to do this is by offering authentic activities that reflect the destination. As a not-for-profit, all of Bee+Hive’s revenues will be reinvested on promotional efforts for legitimate and inspiring sustainable hotels and experiences, in a virtuous circle where more hotels join our movement."

Through showcasing these inspiring experiences, Bee + Hive aims to galvanize travelers beyond their trip, so they can spread awareness of sustainable travel after returning home. Founded by Correa, Bee + Hive’s origins lie in his first-hand knowledge developing sustainable experiences.

Bee + Hive only promotes hotels and experiences that give back to the local environment. The association works closely with its members to develop unique travel experiences with sustainability at their core, including preserving and re-habilitating wildlife and ecology, ensuring viable socio-economic projects for the local community and protecting cultural expression.

For more information, visit www.beeplushive.com.

Destination Kohler Announces Whistling Straits, Blackwolf Run Openings and Stay-and-Play Packages

Renovated Inn on Woodlake Multi-Bedroom Suites Create Exceptional Group Golf Experience 

(KOHLER, Wis.) – Destination Kohler – Wisconsin’s golf leader and home to four internationally acclaimed Pete Dye-designed courses across Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run – announces the openings of the Straits Course at Whistling Straits and River Course at Blackwolf Run on Friday, April 26. The Irish Course at Whistling Straits and Meadow Valleys Course at Blackwolf Run opened April 17.

Kohler Golf has collectively hosted six Major Championships with the Straits gearing up to host golf’s preeminent international competition, the 2020 Ryder Cup. A ceremonial symbol linking the past, present and future of the Ryder Cup, the Silver Putter plaque is currently on display at Whistling Straits for guests to enjoy.

Destination Kohler is taking reservations for the popular “Dye-Abolical” and “Golf Kohler” stay-and-play packages. The three-night “Dye-Abolical” package includes four rounds of golf per person, one each on The Straits and The Irish courses at Whistling Straits and The River and Meadow Valleys courses at Blackwolf Run. Cart, caddie and forecaddie fees are included, along with a 30-minute golf lesson and gift pouch with logoed items. Complimentary replays are available on The Irish and Meadow Valleys courses. Golfers also receive a 20% discount at the Forbes Five-Star Kohler Waters Spa. Package rates begin at $1,014 at the Inn on Woodlake and $1,191 at The American Club, based on double occupancy.

“Golf Kohler” differs only in terms of stay (two nights versus three) and rounds of golf (three versus four). Play on The Straits Course – three-time PGA Championship host and 2020 Ryder Cup venue – and The River Course – recently ranked among the five best Pete Dye golf courses by Golfweek – is included. Rates begin at $781 at the Inn on Woodlake and $899 at The American Club.

“We’re the only resort in the world featuring four golf courses by Pete Dye, who is widely regarded as the greatest architect of his generation,” says Dirk Willis, PGA, Vice President – Golf, Landscape & Retail, Kohler Co. “With golf season fast approaching in the Midwest and with demand being strong, we encourage early bookings to ensure you can play our championship courses leading up to the best American and European golfers arriving for the 2020 Ryder Cup.”

Destination Kohler’s American Club is the Midwest’s only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond hotel in Wisconsin. Sister property, the boutique Inn on Woodlake, re-opened in 2018 after a year-long expansion and features new suites that are well-appointed for group travel.

To book, call 855-444-2838. Groups of 12 or more are invited to ask about Ultimate Buddy Trip options. Favorites include Ryder Cup-inspired tournaments and pairing parties, special happy hours, 19th hole celebrations, team shirts, locker room name plates, and logoed tee gifts. For more information: DestinationKohler.com.

Destination Kohler hosts the Spring Golf Sale & Demo Day, May 3 – 4, to kick-off the golf season:

Spring Golf Sale & Demo Day at Blackwolf Run
Spring Golf Sale
May 3 | 10a.m. – 4p.m.
May 4 | 8a.m. – 5p.m.

Wolf Pack/Bear Clan Room at Blackwolf Run
Enjoy 20% – 80% savings on official Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run logoed merchandise. For every $50 purchase, receive a $5 Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits voucher, redeemable on any future purchase at the Blackwolf Run or Whistling Straits Restaurants or Golf Shops.

Golf Demo Day
May 4 | 10a.m. – 3p.m.
Blackwolf Run Practice Facility
Enjoy appetizers, drinks and music in the expo tent while representatives from Callaway, Titleist, TaylorMade, Ping and Tour Edge are on hand demonstrating their latest products. Callaway shoes fittings onsite with a 20% discount on new shoes. Specials available for purchases of $1,000 or more.