Old Chatham Golf Club Hosts Sixth Annual Tournament for The First Tee of the Triangle

Prestigious Golf Club Partners with Local Youth Development Organization to Raise Funds for Additional Educational Opportunities

(RALEIGH, N.C.) – Old Chatham Golf Club again hosted a full field for this year’s sixth annual tournament benefitting The First Tee of the Triangle. Twenty-seven teams comprised of 108 golfers raised over $110,000 to provide value-added opportunities for more than 1,000 youth participants of the local nonprofit organization.

“The First Tee of the Triangle is a robust service organization that teaches kids the core values and life skills that will help them both on and off the golf course,” said Allen Wilson, president of Old Chatham Golf Club. “Integrity, respect, good sportsmanship – these are attributes are important within the culture of our club, and we are proud to support an organization that helps develop them in the next generation of golfers.”

Old Chatham has exclusively supported The First Tee of the Triangle since 2010 by offering its top-ranked course to the cause for free. This allows The First Tee of the Triangle to minimize expenses of the tournament in order to offer more educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

“Old Chatham Golf Club has been a joy to work with over the past six years, and our tournament and the event continue to improve and assist the lives of the youth we work with,” said Brandon Baker, executive director of The First Tee of the Triangle. “Old Chatham’s professional demeanor and unrelenting support makes the club an indispensable aid to our organization, and we wouldn’t be able to operate without partners like them.”

This year’s tournament gave players the ability to experience firsthand what The First Tee of The Triangle contributes to the lives of children involved in the program. Players could engage with an interactive, mobile STEM space on Old Chatham’s tenth tee to see how the organization helps participants connect real-world science to everyday life. Everyone involved came away impressed with The First Tee of the Triangle’s dedication to helping children explore the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) critical to the game of golf.

“Old Chatham is thrilled to work with an organization like The First Tee of the Triangle that not only instills a love for golf in young people but also applies the fundamentals of the game, including hard work and perseverance, to help them succeed in life,” said John Marino, director of operations at Old Chatham. “This year’s tournament was yet again a remarkable success, and we can’t thank everyone enough who made it possible.”

Since 2004, The First Tee of the Triangle has served more than 5,000 young people, ages 5 to 18, who might not otherwise be exposed to golf.

The teams that competed included representatives from:
* Atlantic Tire & Service
* Bayer CropScience
* Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina
* Bojangles
* CAPTRUST Financial Advisors
* Deloitte
* Edwards-Hobgood Foundation
* First Citizens Bank
* Golden Corral
* Kane Realty Group
* Lenovo
* MATRIX Resources
* Medical Mutual
* Monday's Travel
* North State Bank
* Paragon Bank
* PNC Bank
* Rex/UNC Health Care
* Ruth's Chris Steak House
* SAS
* Scott Madden & Sam Poston
* Select Bank
* SportsEndeavors
* SPS Corporation
* Surgical Alternatives
* The Davis Team at Fonville Morisey
* Trust Company of the South
* Wilkinson Charitable Trust
* Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton LLP
* Yadkin Bank

For more information, visit oldchathamgolf.org.

Nexbelt Congratulates Staff Pro Marc Leishman on his Runner Up Finish at the Open Championship

(RANCHO CUCAMONGA) - Nexbelt, "The Fastest Growing Belt On Tour," continued its success on the PGA TOUR this past weekend as Staff Professional, Marc Leishman, posted back to back rounds of 64 and 66 to grab a share of the lead and compete in a three man playoff at the 144th Open Championship at St. Andrews.

Leishman recorded 15 birdies in his final two rounds to rebound from a slow start that left him at +1 after the first 36 holes. He finished T-2nd after the 4 hole playoff but his score of 130 tied a record for the lowest score recorded in the final two rounds of the Open Championship.

"What an amazing comeback," said Eddie Rowland, Co-Founder of Nexbelt. "We all know how talented and determined Marc is and he just showed the world what he's made of. He refused to let the bad weather and all the delays get him down. All of us here at Nexbelt would like to congratulate him on his 2nd Place Finish. We're so proud to have him on our team of Staff Professionals."

Nexbelt is known for their innovative technology and providing golfers with the maximum comfort and minimal adjusting. The unique ratcheting system called PreciseFit allows the wearer to adjust the belt in ¼ inch increments, providing the golfer with the best fit, feel, and fashion available.

Nexbelt, Precise Fit and "The Belt With No Holes" are registered trademarks.

Nexbelt's DRIVE Vision ...
Deliver what we Promise with Integrity.
Retain the Human touch
Invest in Good People generously.
Value our Customers Unconditionally.
Embrace Change with Innovation.

Company Founders, Tom Hunsucker, and Eddie and Francis Rowland started Nexbelt in 2010 with a vision to reinvent the way Americans buy, sell and wear their belts. Tired of the old outdated pin/buckle system, they set their sights on creating a belt that would be both adjustable and highly fashionable at the same time. Out of this passion, Nexbelt, "The Belt With No Holes" was born.

For more information about Nexbelt, visit www.Nexbelt.com.

Sniper Putters Offers Arsenal of Equipment Plus a New Program to Support Military Families

(Milford, DE) – Sniper Putters, a relatively small golf equipment company that burst on the scene a few years ago with a line of flatsticks with names such as Rebel, Engage and Ambush, is once again making some noise but this time with a national charity program called Make Your Mark whose objective is to raise funds for military families.

“Make Your Mark is a personal effort to honor and give back to our military heroes, with a special focus on the families of our fallen soldiers,” said Dan Roland, CEO of Sniper Putters.  “I created a special ball marker and I hope to hit the one million dollar mark and then raise the bar to achieving the sale of perhaps 10 million markers to be able to provide funds to the families of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”

The Make Your Mark medallion is both a keepsake and a reminder of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line each and every day serving our country. And you don’t have to be a golfer to support this cause.  The marker may be purchased as a gift item or even left behind at a restaurant for a waiter or waitress. In fact, Roland is hoping that there will be many situations where the marker is given away and people will share via video how they are “making their mark” – to honor our military.

According to Roland, Make Your Mark could be even bigger than last year’s Ice Bucket Challenge or Pay It Forward campaign if enough people get behind it and purchase the special ball marker for a friend, a co-worker, a golf partner or even for customers. Roland also is speaking to major car manufacturers and encouraging them to designate a special charity-focused month whereby they give a marker to everyone who purchases a new car.  Other businesses will be approached to take part in this initiative.

The commemorative medallion ball markers cost $9.95 for the size of a quarter or $12.95 for a half-dollar size. Proceeds from the marker sales will go directly to military related charities, including the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, Wounded Warriors, Folds of Honor or a registered military charity of one’s choosing.  To order the marker, please visit www.sniperputters.com or email Dan Roland at Info@sniperputters.com.

The Make Your Mark campaign is hoping to receive photos, videos and stories of how people are “making their mark” by giving away markers as a national message to remember and support our troops.

Nivo and Sligo join forces as Lanctôt acquires Sligo Wear

(Montreal, Canada) -  Lanctôt  Ltd, the parent company of the Montreal-based Canadian women’s golf apparel brand Nivo Sport is excited to announce the acquisition of Canadian-based men’s golfwear brand Sligo. (SLY-go)

The two Canadian style-driven golf brands, Nivo and Sligo were destined to be together.

Sligo Wear was founded by a group of avid golfers who were experiencing a lack of modern and fashionable golf apparel in the marketplace. At a Pro-Am in the Azores in early 2004, they discovered a new style of golf apparel and upon their return to Ontario they conceived the men’s golfwear brand Sligo Wear. The name Sligo was inspired by the 13th hole at Devil’s Pulpit golf course where the friends frequently played.

President of Lanctôt Ltd and Nivo Sport, Diane Lanctôt says “we’ve been looking for an opportunity to enter the men’s golf business for some time now. Sligo and Nivo share the same characteristics and values. They are both brands that align with the active, athletic, fashion conscious golfer. Sligo is the perfect fit for Nivo. We are thrilled to be joining forces and look forward to creating maximum synergy between the design, logistics, sales and marketing teams.”

Sligo’s operations will be moving to Montreal as of August 10. Moving forward Sligo Wear will be distributed from Nivo’s warehouses in Montreal and Miami.

Two of the original founders of Sligo Wear, Sales Manager Shawn Aucoin and Creative Director Aaron Nudds are staying on with the brand to maintain the continuity with Sligo and their valued customers.

Nivo is available internationally at golf specialty shops, sporting goods stores, and online at www.nivosport.com.

Sligo Wear is available around the globe in exclusive golf shops, world-class golf retail locations and online at www.sligowear.com.

Imperial Headwear Announces Spring 2016 Collection

(BOURBON, MO) - Imperial Headwear, the leader in customized headwear for the golf maket, debuts its Spring 2016 collection.  2016 marks the company's 100th anniversary and Imperial celebrates this milestone with a special catalog and the most extensive and diverse headwear collection in the golf market.

The Lafayette

"The new One 9 One 6 Collection, along with our new WeatherSTRONG Collection -- highlighted by Coolcore chemical-free cooling technology, and our new Keep Warm Knits -- have positioned us with our strongest product offering in the company's 100-year history," commented David Shaffer, director of marketing at Imperial.

Expert craftsmanship and superior materials have been a tradition at Imperial for 100 years.  The Company pays close attention to every detail on every piece of headwear produced.

Small but important features are not overlooked, and everything that goes into Imperial caps is put there with a definitive purpose of making a better product.  The "One 9 One 6 Collection" celebrates the values upon which Imperial Headwear was founded in the year 1916; it's classic headwear with a modern twist.

The Centennial

"The Centennial" is also a new style that pays tribute to the company's past.  Available in two sizes and three colors, it features a six-panel driver cap silhouette with heather wool fabric.  The Centennial is completed with a leather-debossed patch with the Imperial logo, and club logo can be added to the back of the cap.

"In addition to these exciting new commemorative items, we've also expanded our specialty headwear items because Imperial knows how demanding the elements can be on the golf course and when you feel your best, you play your best," continued Shaffer.

Imperial's specialty headwear styles are now all under the umbrella of the new "WeatherSTRONG Collection".

This collection includes:
- COOLCORE:  To fight the heat and help golfers stay cool.
- SUN PROTECTION: To protect golfers from harmful UV rays.
- WATERPROOF: To keep golfers dry in wet weather.
- ULTIMATE STORMCHASERS: Waterproof and wind-resistant fleece-lined caps to help golfers stay warm and dry.
- KEEP WARM KNITS: To keep golfers warm in the cold weather.

The "Keep Warm Knit" category includes a new low-minimum import program with a golf club's name woven into the hat.  All styles are fleece-lined and available with or without a pom-pom.  At a 24-piece minimum, every shop will be able to take advantage of this unbelievable offering.

For more information or to place an order for Imperial products, call (800) 950-1916 or log onto Imperialsports.com.

PGA TOUR Shifts North for RBC Canadian Open

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – The PGA TOUR is in Ontario for the RBC Canadian Open, where Bubba Watson and Jason Day will headline the field.

Twenty-seven players are scheduled to tee it up at Glen Abbey Golf Club after having competed in the Open Championship.

Two-time NCAA first-team All-American also will make his professional debut in Canada, after finishing T-12 at St. Andrews in his final competitive start as an amateur.

Sergio Garcia and Patrick Reed will tee it up at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland, with the event being contested for the first time since 1977 in the week immediately following the Open Championship.

And World No. 1 Inbee Park – with three victories this season – leads the field at the Meijer LPGA Classic in Michigan, where Park came up short in 2014 after losing to Mirim Lee in a playoff.

RBC Canadian Open
Dates: July 23-26
Venue: Glen Abbey Golf Club, Oakville, Ont., Canada

Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):
* Thursday 3-6 p.m. (Live) / 6:30-9:30 p.m.
* Friday 3-6 p.m. (Live) / 6:30-9:30 p.m.
* Saturday 1-2:30 p.m. (Live)
* Sunday 1-2:30 p.m. (Live)

Broadcast Notes:
* 27 players – including top-10 finishers Jason Day and Brooks Koepka – will make the 3,300 mile trip from St. Andrews to Ontario to tee it up this week.
* Schniederjans making professional debut: Coming off a T-12 finish in the Open Championship, Georgia Tech grad and two-time NCAA first-team All-American Ollie Schniederjans will make his debut as a professional this week, having competed as an amateur for the final time at St. Andrews.
* Clark defends: Tim Clark finished one shot ahead of Jim Furyk for his second career PGA TOUR win.
* Headlining the field: Bubba Watson, Jason Day, Jim Furyk, Matt Kuchar, Ernie Els, Steve Stricker, Brooks Koepka, Graeme McDowell, Luke Donald and Ollie Schniederjans.
                                                                                                         
Golf Channel Broadcast Team:
Play by Play: Brian Hammons
Analyst: Curt Byrum
Tower: Frank Nobilo / Craig Perks
On-Course: Phil Parkin

Golf Pride Grip Counts are a Major Win at 'The Home of Golf'

(SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.) - Power management company Eaton announced today that its Golf Pride Grips Division was the leading grip brand played by professionals and amateurs at the 144th Open Championship. The overwhelming majority, 119 players, competing in the year’s third major trusted their games to Golf Pride grips, including all three of the top finishers.  

Golf Pride’s popular Tour Velvet family of grips were used by 83 players at the Old Course in St. Andrews, making it more popular than all other grip companies combined. Golf Pride’s second most popular grips in play were its MCC family with 18 players relying on its unique hybrid cord and rubber technology to help negotiate the wind and rain of the Open.

The 2015 Open Championship proved to be a showcase for some of the world’s top amateur golfing talent. In total, there were 9 amateurs in the field; 5 that made the cut and 4 that finished in the Top 30. Similar to their professional counterparts, over 80%, 8 of 9 amateurs competing at the Open in St. Andrews, trusted their championship quests to Golf Pride.

“Once again when the Claret Jug was on the line, players trusted their games to Golf Pride by an overwhelming margin,” said Brandon Sowell, global sales and marketing director for Golf Pride.  “The wind and rain that battered the field in the 2nd and 3rd rounds made play challenging, but with the consistency and stability that are hallmarks of our grips, the world’s best players shone brightly through the dark and dreary conditions.”

To view Golf Pride’s entire line of products played on the Old Course at St. Andrews visit www.golfpride.com.