Friday, December 8, 2023

GolfTrainingAids.com and Mullybox Partner on New Subscription Box to Revolutionize Golf Training


Innovative quarterly subscription box promises game improvement at an affordable price.

(West Palm Beach, FL) – GolfTrainingAids.com, home of the world’s largest selection of golf teaching and training aids, and Mullybox, a leader in curating golf-themed subscription boxes, proudly announce an exciting collaboration to launch a new performance-focused golf subscription box, called The Golf Performance Club, designed to revolutionize how golfers of all skill levels learn to play and score better.

Leveraging Mullybox's five years of expertise in curating more than 50,000 subscription boxes worldwide, and GolfTrainingAids.com’s 35 years of experience in providing the game’s most extensive selection of golf training aids, this partnership is uniquely positioned to deliver an expertly curated assortment of items dialed into the needs and preferences of a variety of discerning golfers. Each quarterly box, priced at around $100, will focus on a specific aspect of game improvement, including: putting, chipping, swing plane, power, and more.

“We’re thrilled to partner with expert golf merchandise curators Mullybox to amplify the reach of today’s most proven and effective training aids and get them into the hands of golfers who are passionate about getting the most out of their game.” said GolfTrainingAids.com CEO John Diulus.

In addition to the physical training aids, plans include adding a digital component to the subscription, including comprehensive guidance and tech-driven intuitive improvement for subscribers. This innovative approach aims to create a holistic training experience that combines physical tools with digital resources.

The first edition of the Golf Performance Club box is now available for purchase at https://mullybox.com/products/golf-performance-club. With limited availability, golf enthusiasts are encouraged to subscribe quickly to begin their journey towards improved golf performance.

“Our goal is to address golf's biggest challenge – its difficulty level – and make this demanding sport more accessible,” said Drew Amato, CEO of Mullybox. “We believe that through this subscription box, we can offer amateur and professional golfers cost-effective, enhanced learning that includes golf training aids with a proven track record and endorsements from top teaching professionals. Our boxes are not just products; they are steppingstones to better mastering the game, one discipline at a time.”

Over the lifetime of the membership, the Golf Performance Club promises to deliver a comprehensive approach to game improvement, made simple as well as tips from the top dieticians, swing coaches, and fitness experts and backed by Mullybox’s golf performance advisory board.

For more information on the Golf Performance Club subscription box, visit https://mullybox.com/products/golf-performance-club.

Learn more at GolfTrainingAids.com.

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Statement from Acushnet CEO David Maher on USGA and R&A Golf Ball Rollback Announcement


(FAIRHAVEN, Mass.)
– At a time when interest in golf is vibrant (2023 will mark the 6th consecutive year in which the number of golfers has grown), golf courses are broadly adding forward tees, back tees are used for less than 5% of rounds, and the average carry distances for female and male golfers are 147 yards and 215 yards, respectively, it is appropriate and necessary that the merits of any proposed equipment rollback are thoroughly evaluated in pursuit of a high degree of consensus and support around meaningful change.

As we consider today’s R&A and USGA announcement against recent feedback provided by the World Alliance of PGA’s and the PGA TOUR, we are also concerned that the golf ball rollback overly impacts golfers and does not fully reflect the input of those closest to the game. There have been requests to align on what data is used and how it is used to draw conclusions prior to any equipment changes being made.  Many important stakeholders do not see distance as a problem the way the governing bodies do, and therefore come to differing conclusions about how to proceed to ensure the best possible outcome for the sport.

We support the position of the PGA TOUR and others that there are many areas of focus at the elite level, including initiatives related to golf course setup and conditioning, and other competitive variables which, if desired, can limit the effects of distance while also providing the opportunity for a diverse skill set to succeed at the highest level.

It is also Acushnet’s position that existing golf ball regulations are effective and stand the test of time.  Golf balls are already tightly controlled for initial velocity, overall distance, size, weight, and uniformity.  As a result of existing initial velocity and overall distance regulation, ball speeds have been moderated as was the intent of the rule.  

We note that the mean of the fastest 1% of measured clubhead speeds on the PGA TOUR was flat from 2019-2021 and declined in 2022 and 2023. The mean of the fastest 5%, 10%, 20% and 50% of measured clubhead speeds has been flat since 2017. We consider that the average course playing length on the 2023 PGA TOUR is less than 7,200 yards, just as it has been every year since 2004. We also note that U.S. golf courses built during the period 2010-2020 averaged 6,652 yards – 274 yards shorter than those built between 1990-2010, which is at odds with the notion that equipment has forced courses to expand.  

Not all sports have endured from generation to generation the way golf has endured, and the governing bodies deserve credit for having effectively balanced the forces of tradition and technology. This has helped to preserve golf’s unified appeal and values while encouraging innovation that has helped to make the sport more relevant and enjoyable. 

We believe that further collaboration and cooperation with the R&A, USGA and other stakeholders is critical prior to moving forward with such a significant equipment regulation change. We continue to advocate for stakeholders to convene to have a meaningful examination of this decision and its consequences, and to discuss alternatives as we look to protect golfers’ enjoyment of the game and the health of golf courses around the world to ensure golf’s promising future.  

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Ba Na Hills Golf Club Recognized by World Luxury Travel Awards


Luke Donald-designed layout earns plaudits from prestigious luxury rankings

(Danang, Vietnam) — Ba Na Hills Golf Club has continued its recent hot streak by earning commendation as Global Winner in the golf category at the World Luxury Travel Awards held in Athens last month.

With its challenging layout designed by triumphant Team Europe Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, the club is widely regarded as one of the top layouts in Vietnam and Asia.

And that reputation was reaffirmed in Greece’s capital when it was recognized as one of the continent’s most exciting golf clubs by World Luxury Travel Awards judges.

As well as being singled out at the awards ceremony, Ba Na Hills Golf Club earned prominence in October’s edition of Travel Temptations, a bespoke publication attached to the World Luxury Travel Awards.

Gary Dixon, General Manager of Ba Na Hills Golf Club, commented: “It’s always uplifting to be given recognition by a wider audience. Therefore, it’s an honour and a pleasure to be singled out by the World Luxury Travel Awards as one of the best courses in the world.”

It’s been a fantastic year for the club, a driving force in the Vietnam Golf Coast (VGC), a freshly rebooted destination marketing organization that links Central Vietnam’s best signature golf layouts.

It was named among the top 11 best golf resorts in Asia in a list compiled by Golf.com, one of the world’s leading golf titles.

The latest recognition reaffirms Ba Na Hills Golf Club's standing as Vietnam's most decorated golf destination. This accolade also serves as a testament to the club's exceptional quality and its ability to deliver a world-class golf experience. Managed by IMG, the club boasts an impressive, fully illuminated 18-hole championship course designed by Donald.

Ba Na Hills has garnered numerous awards over the years, and the reasons are evident. Situated at the base of a towering mountain range, just a brief 30-minute drive from the rapidly growing city of Danang in Vietnam, Ba Na Hills Golf Club offers a picturesque parkland-style course. The layout is intricately woven over rolling hills, offering continuous views of a lush landscape accentuated by serene streams and tranquil lakes.

“Our primary objective is to continually enhance the experience here,” added Dixon. “By consistently achieving this goal, we anticipate a continuous stream of accolades. These awards are a direct reflection of our team's unwavering commitment and relentless effort to ensure the satisfaction and lasting delight of our guests, encouraging them to return time and time again.”

For more information about Ba Na Hills Golf Club, visit www.banahillsgolf.com.

USGA, R&A Announce Decision to Revise Golf Ball Testing Conditions


Revised test conditions to address consistent increases in hitting distance, golf’s sustainability;
Impact on recreational game kept to an absolute minimum

(LIBERTY CORNER, N.J., USA and ST ANDREWS, Scotland) – The R&A and USGA will update the testing conditions used for golf ball conformance under the Overall Distance Standard (ODS), which will take effect from January 2028. The decision aims to reduce the impact increased hitting distances have on golf’s long-term sustainability while minimizing the impact on the recreational game.

The revised ball testing conditions will be as follows: 125-mph clubhead speed (equivalent to 183 mph ball speed); spin rate of 2200 rpm and launch angle of 11 degrees. The current conditions, which were established 20 years ago, are set at 120 mph (equivalent to 176 mph ball speed), 2520 rpm with a 10-degree launch angle.

The revised conditions are based on analysis of data from the worldwide tours and the game over several years and are intended to ensure that the ODS (whose limit will remain unchanged at 317 yards with a 3-yard tolerance) continues to represent the ability of the game’s longest hitters. An analysis of ball speeds among golf’s longest hitters in 2023 shows that the fastest 10 players had an average ball speed of 186 mph, while the average ball speed of the fastest 25 was 183.4 mph (the very fastest averaged 190 mph).

The longest hitters are expected to see a reduction of as much as 13-15 yards in drive distance. Average professional tour and elite male players are expected to see a reduction of 9-11 yards, with a 5-7-yard reduction for an average LET or LPGA player.

The change in testing speed is expected to have a minimal distance impact, 5 yards or less, for most recreational golfers. Research shows an average swing speed of 93 mph for male golfers and 72 mph for female players.

Existing balls approved for conformance in 2027 may continue to be used by recreational golfers until January 2030 to give golfers, manufacturers and retailers additional time to adjust. These decisions are in line with the commitments made by the governing bodies at the project’s inception.  

A significant portion of golf ball models that are currently in the market – and more than 30 percent of all golf ball models submitted for conformance across the game – are expected to remain conforming after these changes are applied.

“Governance is hard. And while thousands will claim that we did too much, there will be just as many who said we didn’t do enough to protect the game long-term,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “But from the very beginning, we’ve been driven to do what is right for the game, without bias. As we’ve said, doing nothing is not an option – and we would be failing in our responsibility to protect the game’s future if we didn’t take appropriate action now.”

Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said, “We are convinced that this decision is one of the key ways of achieving a sustainable future for golf, protecting the integrity of the game and meeting our environmental responsibilities. The measure we are taking has been carefully considered and calibrated while maintaining the ‘one game’ ethos deemed to be so important to the golf industry. Importantly, it also keeps the impact on recreational golfers to an absolute minimum. We are acting now because we want to ensure that future generations can enjoy the unique challenge of golf as much as we do.”

The Notice of Decision follows the most thorough and comprehensive examination of the issue in the game’s history through the Distance Insights project, which was launched in 2018 and gathered data, shared research and solicited feedback from golf course owners, players, and stakeholders across the game. Data provided by the seven major worldwide tours has also been analyzed by the governing bodies, who have published Annual Driving Distance Reports every year since 2015.

The reports followed the governing bodies’ joint Conclusions from the Distance Insights Project: Implication of Hitting Distance in Golf, which shared the reasons why addressing the continuing trend of hitting distance increases and subsequent course lengthening is critical to the game’s long-term sustainability.

All golf ball and club manufacturers were advised of the decision on Tuesday and were given full technical details and an implementation timeline. The notice of decision takes into account the extensive research and feedback received from manufacturers and other industry stakeholders throughout the six-year process and following multiple Areas of Interest and proposals starting in 2021 as part of the Equipment Rulemaking process.

The extensive feedback received showed worldwide sentiment that the retention of a single set of playing rules and equipment standards is critically important to the sport and should apply across the game. Feedback from manufacturers resulted in the timeline being extended to 2028 to allow more time for innovation and production of new products for elite and recreational players.

In addition to the new ball-testing conditions, the governing bodies will:

Expand the testing approach to better detect ‘Driver Creep,’ which can result in drivers exceeding the limits set out in the Equipment Rules. This is a change in the testing methodology for submitted drivers, to identify and proactively address driver models that are within current tolerance levels and have Characteristic Time (CT) values that are more likely to exceed the limit through regular use.

Continue to monitor drivers and explore possible additional options related to distance. Specifically, we will research the forgiveness of drivers and how they perform with off-center hits. This is an ongoing review and we will seek input from and continue to work with the industry, including manufacturers, to identify driver design features that can be regulated as a means to reward center impact position hits versus mis-hits.

The R&A and the USGA are guided by an overarching principle to continue to preserve the fundamental elements of golf – protecting the integrity of golf courses, including their overall length, and ensuring that a variety of skills are needed to be successful.

Longer golf courses require additional resources such as water, the cost of renovating or moving elements like tees and bunkers continues to rise and other long-term impacts have been identified as a result of increased distance. The governing bodies believe that if the sport is to enjoy a sustainable long-term future then these economic and environmental impacts have to be kept under control.

The Overall Distance Standard was first introduced in 1976 and has been updated on three previous occasions (1980, 2002 and 2004). This is the first time that test speeds have been updated since 2004, when the current standard was set based on the longest hitters at that time.

Details on the study and complete technical data on the Distance Insights project can be found at www.usga.org/distanceinsights.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

SuperStroke Adds 18 New NFL Team Grips to Its Officially-Licensed Collection


All 32 NFL team logos now available in SuperStroke putter and club grips

(Wixom, MI) – SuperStroke, the No. 1 Putter Grip in golf and the leader in innovative Tour-proven golf grip technology, is proud to announce the release of 18 new NFL Football team logoed putter and golf club grips.

With the additions of The Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings and the Buffalo Bills logoed grips, SuperStroke now offers grips from all 32 NFL teams so fans can show their support for their favorite franchise while they’re out playing or practicing golf.

“We’re thrilled to announce 18 new additions to our Officially Licensed NFL line at the height of football season and just in time for the holidays.” says SuperStroke CEO Dean Dingman. “These grips not only redefine performance on the greens, but they also make a perfect holiday present for golfers and football fans alike.”

All SuperStroke NFL-logo putter grips come in the Tour 2.0 design. The Tour 2.0 putter grip embraces SuperStroke's classic and highly sought-after putter grip profile. The Tour Series parallel design offers a consistent lower hand profile to reduce grip pressure, ensuring a steady putter head path for a more reliable and uniform stroke. Whether you're seeking a dependable, stylish putter grip or an opportunity to display your school pride while golfing, this grip is the perfect fit.  Each SuperStroke NFL-logo golf club grip boasts advanced Traxion technology, which provides excellent texture, enhancing feedback and tackiness for an optimal grip through the swing.

SuperStroke grips are trusted by hundreds of top professional golfers. So far in 2023, SuperStroke users have won 66 tournaments on golf’s major professional tours, totaling more than $41 million in first-place prize money in those events. 

SuperStroke’s putter grip line is a product of relentless innovation, fueled by feedback from more than 600 tour pros. From signature shapes and sizes to cutting-edge materials, SuperStroke delivers unprecedented features into every putter grip while connecting golfer and putter like no other product on the market.

For more details on SuperStroke’s range of innovative golf grips and to keep up with the latest news from the company, visit https://superstrokeusa.com.

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Indian Wells Golf Resort Announces Exceptional Winter Getaways


Golf Stay-and-Plays Feature World-Class Accommodations, Play on Two Celebrated Layouts

(INDIAN WELLS, Ca.) – Indian Wells Golf Resort – the world-class public golf, vacation, culinary and events destination located in the picturesque Coachella Valley – has partnered with four neighboring hotels to offer a pair of ideal stay-and-play offers perfect for golf groups, families and those simply seeking a getaway this winter.

Guests can enjoy accommodations at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, or Indian Wells Resort Hotel, all situated within a comfortable walking distance of Indian Wells Golf Resort and offering superlative amenities.

Celebrating its 37th anniversary, the acclaimed resort features 36 holes of exceptional golf with its Celebrity and Players layouts. The Celebrity, designed by architect Clive Clark and colloquially referred to as “Beauty,” features aesthetically pleasing water features, colorful wildflowers and narrow corridors placing an emphasis on shot making.

The John Fought-designed Players Course, or “The Beast” as it’s known, is a longer, more open layout with demanding bunkering and stunning vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges. Like The Celebrity, no roads or homes encroach the course, and each hole is designed to provide a feeling of privacy and escape in the heart of the scenic Coachella Valley.

Rounds on both celebrated designs are included in each of the stay-and-play packages offered by Indian Wells Golf Resort and the nearby hotels and resorts. Guests can choose from a variety of options featuring two and three-night accommodations at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, or Indian Wells Resort Hotel.

Perfect for an extended stay or a quick weekend getaway, each partner hotel and resort offers a two-night option with a round on both the Players and Celebrity courses, as well as a three-night night stay featuring three rounds of golf at Indian Wells Golf Resort. Those interested can find more information on each individual package online here. 

“We are thrilled to welcome our guests to experience the beautiful Coachella Valley with its fabulous winter weather as our stay-and-play packages are the perfect way to experience everything our resort has to offer,” says Robin Graf, general manager of Indian Wells Golf Resort. “There is so much fun to be had here at Indian Wells from our phenomenal golf amenities to top-notch dining as well as our array of special events we have planned for the coming months.”

The VUE Grille & Bar, located in the resort’s stunning 53,000-square-foot clubhouse, boasts award-winning cuisine and an extensive selection of wine and spirits complemented by gorgeous views of the property and top-of-the-line customer care. Now featuring a new menu for the winter season, The VUE is the preeminent location in the region to dine while also enjoying watching major sporting events on its many high-definition televisions. 

Indian Wells Golf Resort is also the ideal destination for weddings, meetings and other group outings, highlighted by the in-demand pavilion accommodating up to 700 guests and event lawn spaces accommodating a combined 1,300. The resort’s Celebrity Ballroom is another premier event space, with a beautiful outdoor patio and a total capacity of 250 guests.

For more information about Indian Wells Golf Resort stay-and-play packages call 760.346.4653 or visit https://indianwellsgolfresort.com/stay_and_play/

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Puerto Rico Beckons as Winter Arrives in North America, Freezes Tee Times


Spur of the moment escapes available with increased flights, no passport required for U.S. citizen entry

(SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO) – Peak season has arrived in Puerto Rico just as temperatures have plummeted throughout much of North America forcing many golfers to put their clubs in hibernation.

Passenger arrivals are up at airports throughout the Island, as is play at virtually all 18 courses in the biodiverse tropical paradise – a bilingual American territory where no passport is required for U.S. citizens.

Thanks to the tropical island’s 18 courses and plethora of resorts, there are golf stay-and-play packages available to suit an array of preferences throughout the balmy island, all with after-play things nearby to enjoy.

On the south coast, Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club is home to 27 holes adjacent to the ocean on one side, mountains on the other. The club’s exciting signature island green par-3 is indicative of what awaits players. Stay next door in the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort, where breakfast buffets, rum welcome drinks, and other items are offered.

Near San Juan in the north and are several golf courses and resorts including El Conquistador, Wyndham Grand Rio Mar, St. Regis Bahia Beach, Rio Bayamon, and Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. On the east coast lies Wyndham Grand Palmas Resort and its two courses designed by Rees Jones and Gary Player.

In western Puerto Rico lies Royal Isabela, a boutique luxe resort with casitas, private plunge pools overlooking the ocean, and a golf course sitting atop 150-foot-high cliffs. Just down the road is Punta Borinquen, a municipal style golf club with a glorious “old bones” routing dating back to 1940, with ocean views from every hole.

If playing where the pros play is desired on trip itineraries, stay at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve in Rio Mar and play the Championship Course there – it hosts the PGA TOUR’s Puerto Rico Open annually (March 4-10, 2024), and recently hosted a USGA and Latin America Amateur Championship.  

More than one-third of Puerto Rico’s courses are recognized among the top courses in the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Atlantic Islands (source: “Golfweek’s Best 50 Courses”). Many are designed by acclaimed golf course architects (Tom and George Fazio, Tom Kite, Greg Norman, Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Sr.).

Complementing Puerto Rico’s golf destination are its history, food, culture, beaches, casinos, vibrant arts scene, rainforest, bioluminescent bays, and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere.

For more information about the Island, its attractions, and travel guidelines, visit: DiscoverPuertoRico.com