NIVO introduces stylish performance outerwear for 2011

(Montreal, PQ) - NIVO introduces its first-ever Outerwear collection for 2011. With NIVO’s signature flair, the collection is performance driven and fashion inspired. Always ahead of current trends NIVO 2011 Outerwear presents an exciting selection of vibrant colors and European styling with the athletic woman in mind; whether she is on the golf course or on the town.

“At NIVO, we always focus on performance driven fashion,” said Linda Di Genova, designer ofNIVO. “Like our entire Collection, the new NIVO Outerwear for 2011 is created for the active woman who loves being outdoors.”

The 2011 NIVO Outerwear line’s five exciting styles tempt you to brave the elements with smart designs in cheerful and luminous colors that are fashionable in every environment.

“We’re excited about our styles,” said Di Genova. “The three NIVO rainwear jackets are lightweight and wind resistant as well as breathable. The fabric is treated with a DWR-finish for added water repellency. Styling details include laser cut technology, sealed seams, welded pockets, and stretch inserts for added flexibility and range of motion during the golf swing.”

The two soft shell jackets are sporty and functional. The technical stretch fabric is water and wind resistant and breathable, with multiple exposed zippers giving it a more active look.

“With multiple choices in the jackets and shells, at NIVO color takes center stage,” added Di Genova. “Along with timeless and chic black and grey, we have cheerful and luminous Wild Lime, French Blue, Pink Flambé, and Ultra Marine. Our full expressive palette of NIVO colors and outerwear styles is an invitation to enjoy the fresh air wherever and whenever the opportunity arrives.”

The first NIVO Outerwear collection will debut at the Las Vegas Golf Show August 16, and will be available in the finest golf and retail shops early in 2011. To view the 2010 NIVO Collection, visit www.nivosport.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Sweetgrass Reports Exceptionally Strong Year-to-Year Sales

Island Resort & Casino’s Package Bookings Increase 83 Percent, Bolstered by ‘Perfect 4-Some’

(HARRIS, Mich.) – The Island Resort & Casino – home to the award-winning Sweetgrass Golf Club – reports an 83 percent year-to-year increase in package sales, enhanced by the popular Perfect 4-Some.

The three-day, two-night package starts at just $249 and boasts golf at three of Michigan’s finest courses – Sweetgrass, Marquette Greywalls and TimberStone – with accommodations at the luxurious Island Resort & Casino.

Named a “Best New,” “Best Casino” and one of “America’s Best Courses You Can Play,” by leading industry publications, Sweetgrass has garnered prestigious awards since its 2008 debut. The par-72, 7,300-yard Paul Albanese championship design rose to No. 14 on Golfweek’s best-to-play-in-state list, six spots higher than 2009.

Marquette Greywalls frequently sits atop the Golfweek State-by-State rankings, while Timberstone is a rare five-star Golf Digest-rated course.

“This all-star line-up makes the Perfect 4-Some an incredible offering,” said Sweetgrass Director of Golf Dave Douglas. “With the unparalleled price point, golfers can’t find a better deal. The UP has become one of the hottest golfing destinations in the nation.”

One of many value-laden alternatives available at the Island Resort & Casino, the Perfect 4-Some and other packages can be purchased online at www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com/packages. Beyond great golf, visitors can experience 24/7 gaming, national touring acts in the Island Showroom, fine dining and an outdoors paradise of fishing and gaming.

Owned and operated by the Hannahville Band of the Potawatomi Nation, Sweetgrass and the resort casino are easily accessible via airports in Escanaba and Marquette, as well as Green Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport.

For more information on Sweetgrass Golf Club or the Island Resort & Casino, please visit www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com, www.islandresortandcasino.com or call 800-682-6040, ext. 2252.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Play Golf America's Family Golf Month Celebrates 5th Anniversary

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) -- Play Golf America's Family Golf Month celebrates its fifth anniversary in July encouraging families to hit the links together, giving family members - young and old - the opportunity to learn and play the game in a structured, yet casual atmosphere, while having fun.

This year, more than 1,140 facilities nationwide have registered for Family Golf Month and there are more than 3,500 family programs to choose from on PlayGolfAmerica.com. Throughout the year, many of these facilities promote special rates for junior golfers at $20 or less. Other promotions include Take Your Daughter to the Course Week and Bring Your Kids to the Range, which encourages families to spend time together playing golf.

During the week of July 5-11, The PGA of America is teaming up with the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) to promote Take Your Daughter to the Course Week, a program designed to promote overall participation in golf, especially among girls and their families. More than 700 participating facilities will offer free green fees to girls accompanied by a paying adult, with many facilities also offering a free clinic for young ladies. Similarly, Bring Your Kids to the Range encourages families to golf together with special offers on range ball purchases at participating facilities during the month of July.

As a newly added promotion to PlayGolfAmerica.com, Kids Play Free features hundreds of courses nationwide waving their fees for junior golfers entirely when accompanied by a paying adult. Engaging young golfers is a major way that Play Golf America's junior golf programs support Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" initiative to help combat childhood obesity, as studies show that walking the golf course reduces levels of bad cholesterol, burns calories, prevents heart disease, and helps oxygenate the body and improve posture.

In addition to these Family Golf Month activities, PGA/LPGA Professionals may also customize additional programs that best fit their facility, resources and style such as 3-, 6-, or 9-hole scrambles, family golf tees and score cards or a family cookout to celebrate the day.

"We really encourage our PGA and LPGA Professionals to have fun with their family and junior programs," said PGA of America President Jim Remy. "It's so important to get juniors involved in the game at an early age because statistics show that 49 percent of juniors introduced to the game of golf are still playing at 25-years old or older."

More than 800 PGA facilities are offering the PGA Family Course Program, which offers a "short course" experience within an existing course. The shorter course makes it easier for kids to learn the sport, while also making the game more affordable. Thanks to a partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), PGA Family Course tees will be available at another 60 park and municipal courses in July. Hosted year round at participating facilities, the PGA Family Course program is a collaboration between The PGA of America and U.S. Kids Golf.

"It's always encouraging to see the next generation of golfers get excited about coming to the range with their families, because there's nothing like the look on a kid's face when they hit that first good shot." Remy added.

For more information on Play Golf America and any of the family or junior golf programs, consumers can visit PlayGolfAmerica.com. The site allows users to find and register at participating facilities in their area by searching their city or zip code.

Play Golf America, designed to increase participation among new and occasional adult golfers, was developed by The PGA of America, with the support of Allied Associations including: the LPGA, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA Tour, USGA and others involved in the annual Golf 20/20 Conference. The program utilizes the PlayGolfAmerica.com Web site to serve as a link for consumers to access fun, affordable and informative programs in their area.

Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf. Visit pga.com or PlayGolfAmerica.com to learn more.

The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management. The Association represents the key decision makers with ultimate responsibility for golf courses throughout the world. Through advocacy, information resources, purchasing programs and networking opportunities, the NGCOA helps golf course owners and operators run more successful businesses. Visit www.ngcoa.org to learn more.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Brunswick Isles Golf Trail Adds Carolina National Golf Club

(NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) -- The Brunswick Isles Golf Trail, which stretches out along the coast of southern North Carolina and northern South Carolina, now offers 477 memorable holes of championship golf with the addition of Carolina National Golf Club located between Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Wilmington, N.C.

Carolina National is located along the pristine Lockwood Folly River in North Carolina. The 27-hole Fred Couples signature golf facility includes a 14,000 square foot putting/chipping green and a 320-yard driving range. Twenty-seven holes provide golfers with the opportunity to have a variety of playing experiences by combining different 9's for each 18 hole round.

Golf Digest recognized Carolina National as one of the finest clubs on the eastern seaboard. It's an Audubon-Certified Sanctuary and upholds principles of environmental stewardship. It is responsible for maintaining a refuge for wildlife along with a healthy environment.

"We're thrilled to have Carolina National join the great golf courses of Brunswick Isles Golf Trail," said Jack Himmelsbach of The Glens Golf Group which manages Trail courses Heather Glen and Glen Dornoch, as well as accommodations partner Village at the Glens. "This course is truly unique in design because it can accommodate all skill levels, yet challenge the most accomplished golfer."

Stretching nearly 80 miles from Leland, N.C. to North Myrtle Beach, S.C., the Trail winds through unspoiled coastal area known as Brunswick Islands and offers some of the best courses in the Carolinas. Trails courses have been honored with everything from "Best New Course in America" to four-star ratings in Golf Digest's "Places To Plat" to rankings on the list of "America's Top 100 Greatest Public Courses."

Official Trail accommodations are available at Brunswick Plantation, Village at the Glens and Coastal Golfaway.

More information about the Trail and each of its courses is available at www.brunswickislesgolftrail.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Myrtle Beach Golf Offers Discount

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - Myrtle Beach Golf at MBN.com is offering 50-percent off green fees this fall at 13 Myrtle Beach National Company golf courses. The participating golf courses include all three courses at Myrtle Beach National, Aberdeen Country Club, Blackmoor Golf Club, Litchfield Country Club, Long Bay Club, River Club, Tradition Golf Club, Wachesaw Plantation East, Waterway Hills, Wild Wing Plantation and Willbrook Plantation.

Tee times are only available prior to 8 a.m. and must be booked for play from Sept. 16 through Nov. 14.

"Myrtle Beach is a great destination for fall golf," said Jim Woodring, vice-president of golf operations for the Myrtle Beach National Company. "This fall special is only going to be available for a short period of time, so golfers need to book those special tee times now. With this special and events like our Carolina Couples Classic in October, we look forward to cooler days and great conditions on all of our golf courses."

For more information or to book tee times, call 866-442-8417 or visit mbn.com. Those interested may also email a request to info@mbn.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

TPC Sawgrass Offers Play Package

(PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla.) -- Following one of the most surprising come-from-behind victories at The Players Championship that dealt Tim Clark his first ever PGA Tour win, TPC Sawgrass, Home of The Players, offers guests the exclusive opportunity to Play Where The Players Play at Northeast Florida's eminent golf destination positioned just off sparkling Atlantic coast beaches.

Golf enthusiasts of all skill levels have the chance to tee off on The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass and experience the very best in PGA Tour player luxuries while challenging the pros' recent scores at The Players Championship. The Players Package starts at $432 per person per night for a three-night stay, based on double occupancy May 10 - Aug. 31, 2010, and golfers can call PGA Tour Experiences at 888-421-8555 or visit www.PGATOURExperiences.com to book.

"PLAYERS PACKAGE" AT TPC SAWGRASS
MAY 10 - AUG. 31, 2010
STARTING AT $432* PER PERSON, PER NIGHT
• Three-night accommodations in Marriott's Revive guest room
• One round of golf on Dye's Valley Course
• Two rounds of golf on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course
• One-hour lesson at the TOUR Academy
• Use of an experienced TPC Sawgrass forecaddie

While facing challenging finishing holes 16, 17 and 18 on The Players Stadium Course and trying to make a sought-after hole-in-one on the infamous island hole, personal forecaddies help golfers closely replicate the experience of a professional golfer on the PGA TOUR. Forecaddies educate players on the history and heritage of golf, the TOUR and TPC Sawgrass while providing all the traditional services on both courses at TPC Sawgrass, emulating the experience of a professional golfer at The Players.

Play Where the Players Play golfers also enjoy a round on Dye's Valley course at TPC Sawgrass, the par-72, 6,092-yard course named among Golf Magazines's "Top 10 Courses You Can Play." The "Cinderella" course, often lost in the shadows of its more famous sister course, is similarly challenging and compelling, and a TPC Sawgrass golf getaway is not complete without it.

Golfers looking to brush up on swing technique have access to the TOUR Academy and can experience highly personalized, first-class golf instruction. The TOUR Academy incorporates a variety of state-of-the-art instructional tools, including a TaylorMade MATT System, Swing Analysis and TrackMan Launch Monitor or club fitting with new TPC Sawgrass partner, FuZion Golf.

After a great day out on the beautifully landscaped grounds, guests are welcomed into the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse, a magnificent 77,000 square-foot Mediterranean Revival style clubhouse featuring an array of upscale dining and TOUR memorabilia.

Named "One of the Top 10 Best Golf Resorts in the World" by Travel + Leisure, the Sawgrass Golf Resort is situated along the Atlantic Coast between Jacksonville and historic St. Augustine, and features 508 guest rooms, suites and villas, the 25,000 square-foot Spa at Sawgrass, four resort swimming pools and access to 26 miles of Atlantic beach at the Cabana Club.

To Play Where The Players Play at TPC Sawgrass, call PGA TOUR Experiences at 888-421-8555 or visit www.PGATOURExperiences.com.

*Three-night minimum stay required. Rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Based on availability. Rates subject to change.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Wilson Staff D:25 Golf Ball Earns Golf Digest Hot List Medal

New Traction Control Technology delivers superior performance with new groove standards

(CHICAGO) – Wilson Golf was awarded an esteemed Golf Digest magazine Hot List medal for its newly designed D:25 golf ball in the “$20 and under” golf ball category.

D:25 features new Traction Control Technology to offer great spin without sacrificing distance. The award was announced in the June issue.

“Wilson is proud to have its golf balls recognized as one of the industry’s best,” said Tom Gruger, global director of marketing of Wilson Golf. “Affirmation from a leading publication is the kind of third-party endorsement that fuels trial with consumers, and that's great for us. This is an extremely soft distance ball that excels in head-to-head comparisons.”

Wilson Staff’s 2010 golf balls - developed in anticipation for the new groove standards - promote more spin and better playability around the greens.

The winner of the Hot List silver award, the D:25 is a low-compression two-piece ball delivering minimal spin off the driver face. A 302-dimple design provides high lift conditions for more height on tee shots and longer carry distances. The D:25 golf ball was designed for players looking to hit longer drives and minimize mis-hits.

All Wilson Staff golf balls are built on a low-compression platform featuring ultra-soft, high-velocity cores for the softest feel with no sacrifice in distance.

All three golf balls, the FG Tour, C:25 and D:25 utilize Wilson’s breakthrough Traction Control Technology which is specifically tailored for the industry’s new less-aggressive groove specifications. At impact, the low compression construction conforms to the clubface where more grooves are engaged through Traction Control Technology providing golfers with a 17 percent higher surface contact area and 13 percent more grooves that are engaged during impact compared to industry leading golf balls.

Most recently, Wilson Golf introduced an innovative approach to online golf ball fitting to help simplify the ball selection process. Consumers can go to: www.wilson.com/getfit and follow a series of questions to determine the best ball for their game.

Wilson Golf was awarded three other Golf Digest magazine Hot List medals in 2010:
* Gold medal for the revolutionary Wilson Staff D-FY iron/hybrid combination set in the super-game improvement iron category with the patent-pending Half-and-Half shaft technology to deliver the accuracy of steel and the response of graphite;
* Gold medal award for the Wilson Staff Conform golf glove made of premium Abyssinian cabretta leather with the I-Pure wristband releasing negative ions to help body’s overall performance; and
* Silver medal for the Wilson Staff FG Tour irons in the player iron category for the better player looking for tour-preferred feel and response.

All Wilson Staff equipment introduced in 2010 meets the new USGA and R&A groove standards for Conditions of Competition for Elite (Tour) Play.

Additional information is available on the Wilson Staff website at www.wilsonstaff.com.

The suggested list price for the Wilson Staff FG Tour golf ball is $37.99 per dozen, $24.99 per dozen C:25 golf balls and $19.99 for one dozen D:25 golf balls.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com