Yes! Golf Kicks off the Holiday Season with Putter Promotion

(DENVER) - Yes! Golf announced a promotion to kick off the holiday season. Yes! Golf is offering consumers who purchase a C-Groove putter a free Yes! Golf embroidered towel.

All 24 models of the C-Groove Yes! Golf putters are part of this holiday promotion. The towel is 16" X 24" and is available in black or pink with the signature Yes! Golf logo embroidered on it. The promotion runs through Dec. 31, 2009 in the U.S. only. The promotion is being handled directly by Yes! Golf. To learn more about the promotion or to get the towel request form, go to www.yesgolf.com.

Yes! C-Groove putters continue to gain popularity on the professional tours and in the golf shops. Yes! putters are currently used by more than 200 tour professionals worldwide and have won on all the professional tours in 2009.

Yes! Golf introduced eight new C-Groove models in 2009. The models include three blades, Robin, Jennie and Dawn; three new mallets, Madison, Ashley and Athena; and two models with interchangeable hosels, Tracy III Plus and Lizzy Plus. The entire product line of putters can be viewed at www.yesgolf.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Utopia Golf Products Initiates Corporate Program

(UTOPIA, Texas) - Utopia Golf Products, maker of finely-milled performance-based putters, has initiated a corporate program in which putters can be milled with a company logo or name.

The logoed putters can be ordered in large- or small-quantity batches and can be used as corporate gifts, awards or promotional items.

"We believe our new corporate division will be well received," says Scott Saunders, president of Utopia Golf Products. "Companies appreciate the chance to give something useful and of value to their employees or clients, and we are glad to provide this service."

Utopia Golf Products made its official début at the PGA Fall Expo in September in Las Vegas with welcome fanfare and highly successful results. Winner of a "Best New Product" award at the Expo, Utopia Golf Products is attracting the attention of golf instructors, equipment buyers, shop owners and players who appreciate the appealing putter designs with built-in performance features, in addition to the accomplished workmanship and high quality of the clubs.

Each Utopia club is designed, milled, hand-assembled, painted and polished to exact standards at the company's manufacturing facility in Utopia, Texas, under the watchful eyes of putter designers Scott Saunders and Michael Hillis.

The Utopia TXR I cavity-back blade putter and TXR II heel-shafted cavity-back mallet putter feature a ridge that acts as the face, creating a thin leading line the company refers to as "The Edge." The purpose of "The Edge" is to give "true roll" to the ball, allowing it to move smoothly along the intended line to the hole and reducing the probability of a mis-hit. Utopia putters are designed to strike the ball just above its equator to provide instant forward roll without skidding, hopping, skipping, side- or backspin.

Utopia Golf Products was founded this year by Bill Deichler, Mike Hillis and Scott Saunders, all residents of Utopia, Texas, a town of under 300 residents located about 80 miles west of San Antonio in Texas Hill Country. Inspired by their own putting woes and their love of the game, they set out to create putters that would offer the pleasure of improved performance to golfers of all skill levels. With the twin goals of striving to perfect their own play and providing opportunities to others to improve their games, the founders decided to name their company "Utopia Golf Products," both in honor of their beloved little hometown and to reflect the unlimited potential of their creations.

Utopia putters will be available at pro shops, green-grass retailers, sporting goods retailers and other golf retail outlets across the U.S, as well as on the company Web site. The putters can be imprinted with club, corporate or organization logos. They make perfect tee and tournament prizes or great gifts any time of year.

For more information, see http://www.utopiagolfproducts.com/.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Pocono Mountains Home to “Best New” Course in United States

Jack Frost National Earns Prestigious Golfweek Honor

(POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pennsylvania) – The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, which has overseen tourism in the four-county region for 75 years, announces that Jack Frost National (JFN) has garnered a spot in Golfweek's triennial rankings of the “Best New Courses in the United States.”

Opened in 2007, the Terry Lagree-design is an 18-hole, par-72 layout that stretches to 7,256 yards from the tips and plays to a beginner-friendly distance of 5,129 from the forward tees. Jack Frost National – managed by Billy Casper Golf – offers various elevation changes throughout the 200-acre plus course and dazzling views of the Pocono Mountains.

“The Pocono Mountains has a golf-laden history with designs by top architects of the Golden Age like A.W. Tillinghast, Robert Trent Jones and Donald Ross,” says Carl Wilgus, President and CEO of the PMVB. “With its modern layout and captivating views, Jack Frost National provides all the features golfers desire in a mountain course.”

Jack Frost National, like many Pocono Mountains courses, has placed an importance on conserving Mother Nature’s majesty. JFN is enrolled in Audubon International's Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses to ensure that it helps protect the environment, preserves natural resources and provides wildlife habitats.

Defining new courses as ones opened from 2007 – 2009, Golfweek’s rankings take into account overall strength of routing, feature shaping, natural setting, greens, variety and memorability of holes, conditioning and maintenance, landscape management and other criteria. Golfweek sends approximately 400 "America's Best" raters in search of the country's finest golf courses. Those raters submit ballots grading on a 10-point scale and the scores for each course are averaged to get the overall rating.

For more information on the Pocono Mountains: Discover Golf’s Great Destination Secret, visit http://www.poconosgolf.com/ or call 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667).

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Mississippi Continues Ascent as a Leading Golf-and-Casino-Resort Destination

PGA TOUR’s Viking Classic Scheduled for Play; National Best-of Awards Garnered this Year Showcase the Magnolia State’s Rising Star

(JACKSON, Mississippi) – The Magnolia State first comes to many people’s awareness through grade-school spelling exercises – M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I. Now, however, when people think of the state, particularly discerning travelers, G-O-L-F is often at the forefront.

Mississippi has established itself as the world’s best golf-and-gaming destination thanks to an abundance of highly decorated courses authored by some of the game’s greatest architects and an array of top-rated casino resorts.

While these assets entice visitors from around the globe, another great demonstration of Mississippi’s special golf-and-resort destination offerings comes from the PGA TOUR.

Many of the world’s best golfers will visit Mississippi next week to play in the PGA TOUR’s Viking Classic held at Jack Nicklaus-designed Annandale Country Club in Madison (Oct. 26-Nov. 1). Will MacKenzie is the defending champion and many other stars will also participate including David Toms, Rocco Mediate, Tim Clark, John Daly, Charles Howell III, Rich Beem, David Duval, Nick O’Hern, Vaughn Taylor, Alex Cjeka, and Mississippi native and 2009 FedEx Cup event winner Heath Slocum.

“This PGA TOUR event is, pardon the pun, ‘TaylorMade’ for Mississippi,” said D. Craig Ray, Mississippi Development Authority Division of Tourism Director. “The courses in our great state are consistently honored with ‘best-of’ awards including Annandale Country Club. The Viking Classic is an excellent way for us to showcase Mississippi through our courses and the game’s great players.”

Tournament coverage will be broadcast on the Golf Channel Thursday through Sunday (Oct. 29-Nov. 1).

In addition to great courses, Mississippi is home to an array of fine casino resorts, many with award-winning golf course amenities. So much so that the state is considered by discerning critics as the nation’s best golf resort-and-gaming destination in the world. Visitors are also enticed by the state’s many off-course attractions including the Blues Trail, five distinct regions ranging from the Delta to the Gulf Coast, its world-famous southern hospitality, its chefs and their gastronomic delights.

For more information about Mississippi call toll-free 866-801-8551, or go to http://www.visitmississippi.org/ and receive a free Golf Travel Guide, suggested play-and-stay itineraries and other attractions.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

The Hamlet Country Club Completes Green Technology Renovations

(DELRAY BEACH, Fla.) - The Hamlet Country Club has completed a $10 million renovation to prepare the facility for its current members and a whole new generation of baby boomers. The modern restoration includes the exterior and interior of the 38,000 square foot Clubhouse.

The charm of the clubhouse and the Hamlet's location has long made it a popular choice for events, but inquiries have increased based on the luxurious facelift. The remodel created a variety of impressive banquet rooms to meet the catering needs of members, corporate clients and party planners. The ballroom seats up to 300 for events. The contemporary Balinese interior fuses elegance with innovative "Green" aspects like bamboo cabinetry, sisal and cypress wood ceilings, cork wall treatments to bamboo tiles and a lighted recycled coca-cola bottle glass bar all created by Sam Rosenberg Design of Palm Beach.

Repairs and replacement to all aspects of the private club spanned a twelve-month period. The Hamlet has a reputation for excellence in its food and beverage service, its Tennis and Fitness Centers and its well-manicured golf course, considered among the finest in South Florida.

Along with the extensive renovations to the Clubhouse, the Hamlet also renovated its golf course to bring it into the 21st Century with "Green" attributes as well. After researching several varieties of grass, the Club elected to convert the tee areas to Celebration Bermuda. Celebration is a very heat tolerant grass and allows for lower mowing heights. An earth friendly grass, Celebration requires less fertilization and fewer chemicals, which also equates to less water. So the course will always be in the green, the Hamlet converted to a reclaimed water system two years ago.

Architect Ian Scott-Taylor conducted an in-depth study on the restoration of the golf course, one of the flagship courses designed and built by American golf architect great, "Gentleman Joe Lee." Mr. Lee designed and renovated more than 250 courses throughout the U.S. during his career. Noted for considering all levels of players, Mr. Lee designed the 18-hole regulation golf course at the Hamlet Country Club in 1972 and it opened for play in 1973.

Over the years, renovations and the impact of repeated hurricanes have resulted in many holes taking a different shape than Mr. Lee's original vision. The Hamlet's Green Committee contracted with Mr. Scott-Taylor to study each of the 18 holes and the course as a whole. Chair Carol Novarro said, "We knew we had a match with Ian Scott-Taylor when he walked the course and gave us feedback on each hole, which was a match to Joe Lee's suggestions that he gave us before his death in 2002."

According to Mr. Scott-Taylor, "I was delighted to be working on a course designed by Joe Lee. His trademark design elements - undulating greens, strategically located visible hazards and unique bunkering - were all there. We just needed to update them."

Mr. Scott-Taylor continued, "I'm restoring 'the Hamlet' to his vision. Next to Cog Hill, the Hamlet embodies all of Joe's little tricks and philosophies, every visit is a historian's dream, I just feel Joe's keeping an eye to make sure I get it right."

Alan Goldstein, Club President, concludes, "It has been very rewarding to see the transformation of the property from what it was to now. The members are very complimentary of the changes, and they take pride in what The Hamlet has become."

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Shining Rock Golf Club Prepares Debut for Start of '10 Season

(NORTHBRIDGE, Mass.) - New England golfers will welcome the start of the 2010 season with the grand opening of a semi-private club that is destined to be acclaimed as one of the finest new courses in the region. Shining Rock Golf Club in Northbridge, Massachusetts has quietly been evolving and maturing over the past four years and the new ownership team is confident that the quality of the golfing experience at Shining Rock will rival that of any other course in the state, if not the northeast.

Carved out of a majestic 146-acre tract of rolling landscape that affords some sweeping views of the historic Blackstone Valley Corridor, Shining Rock Golf Club promises to give every level of golfer a memorable round.

The par 71 course measures 6,668 yards from the championship tees and each hole offers three to five tee boxes. With an elevation change of 255 feet from the highest to the lowest point on the course, golfers are presented with some stunning holes that will be talked about for their jaw-dropping and chiseled beauty. All 18 holes have been named and many reflect the area's rich cultural and industrial heritage with designations such as Kuttutuck, Blackstone, Quarry, Rockdale, Pemaogok, Towpath and Shining Path.

The iconic and namesake Shining Rock is a sheer cliff of granite that sits prominently almost 80 feet above the forest floor below and offers breathtaking vistas over 30 miles into Rhode Island and Central Massachusetts. The abundance of mica found in the glacial rock causes the formation to glisten in the sunshine after a rain and was a landmark for early settlers to the Blackstone Valley.

"Shining Rock will offer attractive playing privilege packages and daily fees to area golfers that are competitively priced," said club spokesman Tim Gordon. "Our goal next year is to accommodate a significant number of players, as we believe we have a very special golf course that should prove to be exceptionally popular with New England golfers. Comments from knowledgeable players who already have previewed Shining Rock are that they think they are playing a course designed by a major golf architect. We are proud that the construction site superintendent, Patrick Sullivan, who for four years directed much of the design and construction, has guided Shining Rock through its extraordinary development and the result is a spell-binding layout."

Shining Rock Golf Club is poised to open in early April 2010. An inviting 3,000-square foot clubhouse also is planned. Members of Hopkinton Country Club will enjoy the added benefit of having playing privileges at Shining Rock. This newest club on the New England golf circuit has the potential to capture a number of best new club accolades.

For more information, call Tim Gordon at (508) 735-7540 or visit http://www.shiningrock.com/.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Mizuno Unveils New MP-68 Irons

(Norcross, GA) – Mizuno introduces the new MP-68 irons featuring the latest innovation in muscleback iron design, 3D Muscle Technology. Mizuno has long been known for providing the best feel in the game of golf, and now through extensive computer optimization and modal analysis they have taken that legendary feel, as well as workability and sound at impact, to all new levels with the Grain Flow Forged MP-68 muscleback irons.

3D Muscle design strategically redistributes weight from specific locations around the clubhead into the 3D muscle pad which creates a COG location that is lower and more face centered, providing a penetrating, predictable, and workable ball flight for complete shot control.

Mizuno conducted countless hours of player testing with players from the PGA Tour, Nationwide Tour, and European Tour. The MP-68 irons competed in blind tests against multiple prototype iron designs as well as Tour-proven Mizuno irons from the past, such as the MP-33, considered by many to be the standard of muscleback design. The MP-68s with 3D Muscle Technology were the overwhelming choice of the test group of professional for their solid feel and overall performance.

“Mizuno has a long and storied history of producing the very best muscleback irons in the world,” said Dick Lyons, Vice President and General Manager, Mizuno USA Golf Division. “The difficult challenge we undertook was to deliver a new age in muscleback design to further enhance the benefits the MP player is looking for. The new 3D Muscle enables the player to have full control over their shot. Moreover, the feel of the new MP-68 iron is also enhanced with our dedicated Modal Analysis technology. For the player who demands complete ball control and amazing feel, the MP-68 delivers.”

The MP-68 irons also have a Tour confirmed sole shape, featuring a rolled leading edge, flattened mid-sole, and a rolled trailing edge to ensure the appropriate amount of turf interaction for pure ball striking. A durable, double nickel chrome plated finish provides a player preferred look, and modified U-grooves, which conform to the Condition of Competition 2010, produce the ideal spin rate for maximum playability in all conditions.

The MP-68 will be offered in right and left handed models with True Temper Dynamic Gold S300 and R300 steel shafts for a suggested retail price of $1,100 and also available with Project X 5.5 shafts for $1,200. The exclusive MIZUNO/Golf Pride M-21 58 Round grips will come standard. (Other shafts and grips as well as length and lie options are available through Mizuno’s Custom Club department).

For more information on the MP-68 irons visit www.mizunousa.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Adidas Golf Debuts New Tour360 4.0 Shoe

(CARLSBAD, Calif.) - adidas Golf is debuting its newest and most stable golf shoe to date, the TOUR360 4.0, in Las Vegas at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open through October 18.

The new shoe, which is the first to incorporate adidas Golf's Advanced THiNTech low-profile technology, brings golfers lower to the ground for improved overall balance, weight transfer, stability, power and consistency. The new adidas Golf shoe will launch exclusively in Las Vegas with availability in other markets soon after.

Designed for the avid golfer who seeks every competitive advantage, the TOUR360 4.0 combines next-generation innovations with tour-proven technologies built around delivering more stability and more consistent ball-striking.

The new TOUR360 4.0 utilizes a proprietary new low-profile outsole system called Advanced THiNTech with PINS (Performance Insert System). By working closely with professional athletes around the world across all sports categories, the adidas Golf team discovered immediate performance advantages in getting the golfer lower, but was previously limited in how low they could go.

"We felt constrained by the industry standard attachment mechanism," says Dave Ortley, Sr. Director of Global Footwear for adidas Golf. "We couldn't bring our athletes as close to the ground as we wanted, so instead we decided to reengineer the whole system. By collaborating with Pride Sports, the world leader in cleat design and the makers of Fast Twist, we were able to create an entirely-new method which combines an Advanced THiNTech cleat with a new, ultra-thin cleat attachment mechanism called PINS."

The end result is a system 32 percent lower than conventional cleat systems, ultimately allowing golfers to feel a stronger connection with the ground for more consistent ball-striking. Also new to the next-generation TOUR360 4.0 is unibody-construction that connects the heel counter and 360WRAP technology to the outsole to promote a greater level of stability. Other essential features include:
* A reengineered POWERBAND CHASSIS that delivers extraordinary lateral stability for more power through impact
* Split outsole with 10-cleat configuration and exclusive low-profile THiNTech cleats
* X-STATIC silver filament fibers woven into the lining help regulate temperature for optimized comfort
* adiPRENE cushioning in the heel for enhanced impact absorption
* FitFOAMTM sock liner for added support, cushioning and comfort heel to toe
* adiTUFFTM technology to protect the toe from excessive wear
* ClimaProof 100 percent waterproof protection
* TRAXION secondary lugs for added grip, especially at higher swing speeds

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Canadian Rockies Golf-and-Resort Lifestyle Destination Announces Trip Giveaway

6-Day, 5-Night Adventure for Four Includes Accommodations, Rental Cars, and 135 Holes of Scintillating Mountain Golf

(ALBERTA, Canada) – Canadian Rockies Golf – a destination consortium of golf-and-resort lifestyle venues – today announces it is giving away a trip for four to Alberta, one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine natural wonders.

This will be the second trip awarded this year – valued at more than $5,000 – by the much-heralded destination, which operates under the telling brand promise “Canadian Rockies Golf: Historic. Dramatic. Untamed.”

It’s not too late to enter by signing up to receive the free CRG e-newsletter at www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca. The winner will be drawn Oct. 30 and the trip must be taken in 2010.

Included in the trip is the option to play 135 collective holes of majestic mountain golf at eight courses, accommodations at The Fairmont Banff Springs, rental car with unlimited miles, and a meet-and-greet/trip send-off from the Calgary International Airport (YYC). CRG member courses and resorts – and their amenities (from spas to restaurants and wine collections) – are frequently honored with “best-of” awards from leading national and international golf, hospitality and travel publications.

The CRG consists of The Fairmont Banff Springs (27 holes), The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (18), Kananaskis Golf and Country Course (36), Canmore Golf & Curling Club (18), Silvertip Golf Resort (18) and Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club (18).

Donna Mundy of Maine won the first CRG trip giveaway, which was drawn in May. She and her husband visited in August, their first foray into the legendary Canadian Rockies, where wildlife, flora, fauna and outdoor recreational activities proliferate and are carefully conserved to jibe harmoniously amid Mother Nature’s finest.

“We had been researching trips to the Canadian Rockies for several months because of its reputation for amazing scenery and exceptional golf courses,” says Mundy. “So we were stunned to win the trip. It was a dream come true. We loved it so much we’re already planning a return trip.”

Mundy and others planning a Canadian Rockies golf-and-resort lifestyle trip would do well to pre-purchase their trip now for 2010. Many package values and options are currently being offered by the CRG and its member courses and resorts to savvy, proactive travelers.

To view the stunning topography, vacation options and learn more about the area visit www.canadianrockiesgolf.ca. Website visitors can view stay-and-play packages or request custom quotes for trips and packages. Or they may call 877.323.3633 for more information.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Longaberger Golf Club Shines in Golf World’s Readers’ Choice Awards

Award-winning Central Ohio Course Celebrates 10 Years of Great Golf, Unmatched Customer Service

(NASHPORT, Ohio) – Golf World readers have voted and Longaberger Golf Club, the award-winning design by noted architect Arthur Hills, has been named a Top 10 public-access course in the country in the 2010 edition of the weekly magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

An assessment of the overall golf experience, this ranking explores all the variables – from the quality and condition of the course, to the amenities being offered, to the overall value provided to the golfer – that make a golf facility an enjoyable place to play.

“The many awards and recognition bestowed upon Longaberger Golf Club are fulfilling and proof the course is stellar and the staff is doing an incredible job,” says Joseph Livingood, senior vice president of Billy Casper Golf, which manages Longaberger Golf Club. “But garnering high praise from Golf World’s readers is special because it comes from those who mean the most – the golfers who play our course throughout the season.”

The Golf World Readers' Choice Awards are based solely on reader input gathered via an online poll conducted in 2008 and 2009. For a facility to be ranked, it had to receive a minimum number of reader evaluations. Readers graded facilities based on various criteria using a 10-point scale. Golf World then plugged those numbers into a formula.

While scoring high in all categories is necessary to achieve such a lofty position on this list, Longaberger Golf Club excelled in categories such as Reputation/prestige, Practice facilities, Clubhouse/locker room, Pro shop and Service. Overall, Longaberger Golf Club outscored noted courses such as Trump National in Los Angeles, Bethpage State Park and TPC Tampa Bay.

From the moment golfers arrive, they are treated to a one-of-a-kind golf experience. Longaberger’s stately 60,000-square-foot clubhouse features elegant banquet facilities, a dining room, grill room and impressive pro shop. The 25-acre natural grass driving range and practice facility, with target greens and a chipping, pitching and bunker area, ensures golfers of any skill level can hone their games in a secluded, finely-appointed setting.

Along with this Golf World recognition, Longaberger Golf Club has been honored by Golf Digest, Golfweek and GOLF Magazine as one of the best public courses in the country. The course winds through the rolling hills of central Ohio and panoramic sightlines highlight the immaculate playing conditions. With five sets of tees, the 7,243-yard layout challenges the lowest handicapper, while shrinking to manageable distance to accommodate each and every player.

In its 10th season of play, Longaberger Golf Club – which is at the center of a vibrant, greater-Columbus area golf destination – offers value-laden stay-and-play packages that make extended trips and weekend getaways extremely affordable. Golfers can stay at Longaberger’s hotel (The Place Off The Square) and play Longaberger Golf Club for substantially reduced rates.

For more information about Longaberger Golf Club, or to reserve a tee time, visit www.longabergergolfclub.com or call 740.763.1100.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Golf Set to Join Program at '16 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro

(COPENHAGEN) - The sport of golf will be part of the program when the Olympic Games come to Rio de Janeiro in 2016 thanks in part to the consulting support of Helios Partners. Last played in the St. Louis Games of 1904, the return of Olympic golf competition is expected to draw the world's best men's and women's golfers to the competition.

"We are extremely pleased and excited about the inclusion of golf in the Olympic Games," said Ty Votaw, Executive Director of the International Golf Federation. "Helios fulfilled a critical function as part of our team, helping get our message across effectively and make a powerful case for the return of golf to the Olympic Programme."

Helios Partners provided consulting services over the past year, playing an active role in the positioning of the sport, the development of IGF policies that align with the goals and objectives of the Olympic Movement, and the creation of bid materials and presentations. "This is a great win for us, but more so for the sport of golf" said Chris Welton, CEO of Helios. "We have been privileged to be a part of this effort and look forward to the continued worldwide growth and positive impact of this great sport."

Emphasizing the shared values with the Olympic Movement, the sport's success in fostering greater participation among the youth of the world, and the importance of speaking with one voice, golf's bid had the strong backing of 123 IGF member national federations, 20 professional golf organizations and many of the world's greatest male and female golfers.

Golf's bid marks Helios' first effort on behalf of a candidate sport following their successful work for three out of the last five bids by Olympic host city candidates. The marketing consultancy managed Sochi's successful bid to host the 2014 Olympic Winter Games and they have recently been appointed lead agency for the management of Russia's 2018/2022 World Cup bid, and Turkey's UEFA 2016 bid.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

adidas Eyewear Unveils Golf-Eyewear for a New Generation

The retego offers the Best in Performance Technology with a Casual Sports Style; Designed in Consultation PGA Tour star golfer Justin Rose

(Green Island, NY) - adidas eyewear launches its new 2010 men's golf-specific sunglasses, the retego. Designed in collaboration with internationally acclaimed British-born PGA Tour star golfer Justin Rose, the retego boasts a modern, athletic style for those golfers who prefer to go against the grain.

"Professional golfers like Justin Rose are great ambassadors for adidas Eyewear, because they reflect our approach to sport: the highest level of both performance and style" said Rocky Fresh, U.S. brand manager, adidas eyewear. "As someone who knows the demands on the course, his input was crucial in the development of the product. From the colors to the temple width to the lens angles, he's worked on all elements of the process and we're proud to offer a product that not only looks great, but that we know performs for the best of the best."

There's no question that golf is on the rise. With over a 40 percent increase in junior players in the past 10 years, and the success of role models such as Rose leading the way, the sport has morphed away from its stereotype of a game of middle-age executives.

Not surprisingly, with the fresh instalment of players comes a non-traditional approach to golf style. Whether it's bright polos, cropped pants, or new age spikes, golfers across the globe are turning what was traditionally a uniform sport into a forum for self-expression. And eyewear is no exception.

With more and more players wearing sunglasses on the golf course, eyewear has been reinvented as a piece of necessary equipment, not just a fashion statement. Made with a lens that offers crystal clear, distortion-free views from all angles, a tint that enhances color differences between the ball, horizon and the green, and a casual, snug and comfortable fit, the retego is a necessary piece of equipment to enhance your golf game.

Rebuilding the Ultimate Golf Specific Sunglasses for Men
The retego sets new standards for competitive golf sunglasses with features necessary to compete on the course at the highest level, including:

• RX ADAPTER SYSTEM: Like all Performance Sport models of adidas eyewear, the retego can be fitted with optical solutions to correct impaired vision among golfers. The RX adapter system can carry an Rx lens and fit directly into the half-frame model. With the adapter, the filters simply clip in and out of the frame after your optician has glazed your adapter. This means that in a matter of seconds, you can insert filters either with or without optical correction. Alternatively, simply clip in the Performance Insert. This optical insert is secured to the bridge behind the filters. After changing the filter, it can simply be clipped back onto the bridge - suitable for wearers who need to change filters quickly because of the changing light on the golf course, but refuse to compromise on their vision.

• LST (LIGHT STABILIZING TECHNOLOGY): Designed to give you the best possible view of the course, the retego offers LST Active, LST Contrast, LST Contrast Light, and LST POL lenses. The LST lens diminishes eye fatigue by harmonizing light fluctuations. In addition to enhancing contrast and color, this lens protects your eyes from UVA, B and C rays for full spectrum protection.

• PERSONALIZED FIT: No two faces are the same. The retego offers Double-Snap Nose Pads that can be adjusted for optimal fit, and are made of soft, traction-grip that is equally suited for every day use. Providing both style and performance, these sunglasses take you from fairway to every day.

• 8 BASE DECENTERED VISION ADVANTAGE PC LENS: Built to provide clear, undistorted views at all angles, the retego offers a decentered wraparound lens that allows crystal clear, accurate vision even on the back swing. With a full wraparound view, the retego provides maximum protection from harmful UV rays, and also gives a secure fit.

• COMFORT: Long days on the course require ultimate comfort. Made of lightweight SPX material, retego weighs in at less than one ounce. Built with Flex Zones in the temples to prevent uncomfortable pressure behind the ears, it's easy to forget you are even wearing sunglasses.

• VENTILATION SYSTEM: When every detail counts, from the force of wind to the direction of the green, having complete visual clarity is key. With a new ventilation system located on the lug area, the retego ensures a fog-free game.

• MSRP: $140 (LST Contrast and LST Active), $190 (LST Polarized).

COLORS: matte black/grey, pearl white/black, matte silver/gray, brown/brown,

For more information, visit www.adidas.com/eyewear or call 800-626-8684.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Titleist Announces Holiday Free Personalization Custom Golf Ball Promotion

(Fairhaven, MA) - Titleist, the No. 1 ball in golf, announces the return of its popular free personalization custom golf ball promotion for the holidays, making it easier than ever to give the golfer in one's life a gift you know he or she will enjoy.

From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, personalization charges will be waived on all Titleist Pro V1, Pro V1x, NXT Tour, NXT Extreme, DT Carry and DT Roll golf balls. On any order of just one dozen or more, customers may create their unique message imprinted on the golf ball in up to three lines of block text in black, blue, green or red ink.

2009 Titleist Custom Holiday Promotion Details
* Offer: FREE personalization
* Products: All Titleist golf ball models
* Imprint: Black, Blue, Red or Green ink
* One color per personalization
* Maximum 17 characters per line, up to three lines of personalization
* Minimum: One dozen (packaged in standard dozens)
* Dates: An order must be placed between Oct. 1 - Dec. 31.
* Lead-Time: 1 week

Order can be placed by visiting any authorized Titleist golf ball retailer. More information available at www.titleist.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Sundog Eyewear Presidents Cup Tradition Continues at Harding Park

(San Francisco, CA) - As the stature and history of the Presidents Cup grows with each event, so too does the tradition of Sundog Eyewear Genuine Performers Hunter Mahan and Mike Weir presenting their teammates with commemorative eyewear.

Just as Paula Creamer has made it her special gesture to present her Solheim Cup teammates with specially designed Sundog Eyewear, Mahan and Weir have unique eyewear for their American and International Teams at the 2009 Presidents Cup.

For captain Fred Couple’s American Team, Sundog Eyewear created the H LTD model featuring Mela-Lens technology and a stylized U. S. flag on the frames. The H LTD is based on Mahan’s popular H Series of signature Sundog Eyewear.

For the International team led by captain Greg Norman, Mike Weir has Weir Signature Series Grinder models featuring CRISTEC Premium Polarized lens.

And, the American Team caddies receive a special edition H Drive “Old Glory” while the International Team caddies receive the Weir Golf Signature Series Grinder.

Fans are invited to log on to www.sundogeyewear.com to enter to win a pair of H LTD or Weir Signature Series Grinders.

“We are very proud that Hunter and Mike are once again part of this great event,” said John Whitney, Sundog Eyewear Director of Product Development. “It is our pleasure to pay tribute to the talented players on both teams with the commemorative eyewear. We wish the best of luck to all the players at Harding Park and look forward to another thrilling Presidents Cup.”

Following the very successful introduction of the Mela-Lens in 2009, Sundog Eyewear has expanded its line in the groundbreaking technology adding Mela-Lens Polarized for 2010. Developed in conjunction with Essilor BNL EuroLens, Mela-Lens technology has taken sunglass eyewear protection, comfort, and style to new levels. For 2010, Sundog Eyewear raises the technology bar again with the enhanced protection of Mela-Lens Polarized, Mela-Lens Photochromic, and new smoke-colored Mela-Lens for brighter light conditions, just part of the exciting 2010 Sundog Eyewear line including the all-new Paula Creamer Collection, Hunter Mahan H Series, and Mike Weir’s own Weir Golf Signature Series.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Eisenhower Golf Course Achieves Prominent Audubon Designation

(CROWNSVILLE, MD) - Eisenhower Golf Course - managed by Billy Casper Golf - has been designated a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" for its high standards protecting the environment and preserving the natural heritage of golf.

Following the conservation group Audubon International's approved steps for an environmentally-friendly golf course, Eisenhower reduces waste and promotes efficient operations. Other program results include a reduction of maintenance costs, including insurance premiums, energy, water, pesticides, fertilizer, equipment wear and labor.

In attaining Audubon certification, Eisenhower successfully executes sound environmental practices in six key areas: environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction, water conservation, and water quality management.

"Given our proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, instituting ecologically-sound practices is incredibly important," says Mike Papineau, Golf Course Superintendent at Eisenhower. "Working with Audubon International, we have effectively decreased our impact on the environment while providing golfers with healthier playing experiences."

"All Billy Casper Golf courses continue to do a superlative job protecting the natural habitat as recognized by Audubon International," says Peter Hill, Chairman and CEO of BCG. "The tireless work of Mike Papineau, Damien Cosby and their team at Eisenhower is exemplary."

All BCG courses are enrolled in the Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program.

Eisenhower Golf Course - named for 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower - opened in 1969 and was designed by renowned course architect Ed Ault. Carved from more than 220 acres of splendid wooded landscape the 18-hole, par-71, 6,659-yard layout takes golfers through forestland, around one of Maryland's most picturesque lakes, and alongside numerous creeks and swales.

Anne Arundel County's first public golf course, Eisenhower's championship layout boasts bent-grass greens and plush fairways, creating fun and challenging experiences for golfers of all ages and skill levels.

Eisenhower's golf shop satisfies golfers' needs with brand-name equipment and apparel. The clubhouse comfortably accommodates golf outings and other social engagements.

For more information about Eisenhower or to reserve a tee time: www.eisenhowergolf.com, 410.571.0973.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples Ranked No. 1 in Florida

(NAPLES, Fla.) - The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples receives high accolades once again from Golf Digest in the 7th annual golf resorts survey. The resort ranks as the No. 1 golf resort in the state of Florida, and No. 32 out of the Top 75 Golf Resorts in North America and the Caribbean. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples has been named one of the "Top 75 Golf Resorts" every year since opening in 2002.

Golf Digest's course-rating panel, a group of more than 900 low-handicap golfers, rated hundreds of resorts in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, on a scale of 1 ("awful") to 10 ("perfect"), then averaged their ratings and multiplied the result by 10 to come up with a score for each. They looked at various criteria including the quality of golf, lodging, food and service. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples received an overall score of 75 and joined four other Ritz-Carlton resorts on the list (Reynolds Plantation, Kapalua, Half Moon Bay and Grande Lakes Orlando).

The golf resort is home to a pair of 18-hole signature Greg Norman golf courses at Tiburón and hosts the annual PGA TOUR Shark Shootout. The Tiburón Golf Course complex is complete with the Rick Smith Golf Academy, recognized as one of the top academies in the country. The Mediterranean-style sanctuary offers 295 well-appointed guest rooms, including 37 suites, most with views of the golf course. Guests of the resort enjoy exceptional dining options, a large picturesque pool area and access to all of the services and amenities at the neighboring Ritz-Carlton, Naples beach resort.

"From the very early stages of the project, I was confident this property had the characteristics of a world-class golf destination. As both the course designer and the host of The Shark Shootout, held for the ninth time at Tiburón later this year, it gives me tremendous satisfaction that others have taken notice of this exceptional resort," said Greg Norman, World Golf Hall of Fame Member and Tiburón course designer.

"We take great pride in providing a world-class golf experience for our guests," said vice president and managing director Ed Staros. "In a highly-visited golfing destination such as Florida, this is a tremendous honor and a testament to the dedication of our ladies and gentlemen."

Several golf packages are available at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples. For reservations and more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/naplesgolf or call 800-241-3333.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Sun Mountain Proud to Announce the Players Wearing its 2009 Presidents Cup Outerwear

(Missoula, Montana) – As the “Official Outerwear Provider for the U.S. Team of The Presidents Cup 2009,” Sun Mountain is proud to announce the final list of players who will be wearing its outerwear. Along with Captain Fred Couples and Assistant Captain Jay Haas, the 2009 Presidents Cup U.S. team of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker, Kenny Perry, Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink, Sean O’Hair, Jim Furyk, Anthony Kim, Justin Leonard, Lucas Glover and Hunter Mahan will be ready for whatever Mother Nature dishes out outfitted in Sun Mountain’s RainFlex line of outerwear at Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco.

The Presidents Cup uniforms consist of a variety of Sun Mountain RainFlex styles to include full-zip jacket, long sleeve pullover, short sleeve pullover, vest and pants that will handle any weather situation. Caddies’ uniforms include a long sleeve pullover, short sleeve pullover and pants. Team players’ significant others, have a choice of a full-zip jacket, trench coat (designed exclusively for The Presidents Cup) and pants. All outerwear is in color combinations of red, white, and blue. For the RainFlex retailer nearest you call 800-227-9224 or visit http://www.sunmountain.com/.

Sun Mountain’s RainFlex outerwear is lightweight, stretchable, breathable and waterproof. Thanks to the knitting process used to produce RainFlex, the garment stretches 100 percent across the shoulders and diagonally and is comfortable and quiet, moving with no resistance as opposed to most rainwear that is woven nylon with almost zero stretch and is stiff and noisy.

The 2010 RainFlex line includes RainFlex HD with traditional styling and heavy-duty performance as well as RainFlex in full-zip jacket, half-zip pullover, short-sleeve pullover, and pants. The women’s line includes a full-zip jacket and pants. All RainFlex styles come with a two-year waterproof guarantee. Full-suggested retail prices range from $145 for the short-sleeve pullover to $210 for the HD full-zip jacket.

New construction enhancements include locking zipper pulls to keep zippers in place and quiet, tabbed cuffs for quick and easy adjustments for optimal fit, waterproof zippers that are protective and less bulky than traditional storm flaps, and shock cords to maintain a comfortable fit out of the way of your swing.

The Presidents Cup, a team match play competition featuring 24 of the world's top golfers - 12 from the United States and 12 from around the world, excluding Europe - is contested every two years, and has alternated between United States and international venues since 1996. The Presidents Cup was developed to give the world's best non-European players an opportunity to compete in international team match-play competition. The Presidents Cup 2009 will be Oct. 6 through 11 at the Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco, pitting the U.S. Team led by Fred Couples against the International Team captained by Greg Norman.

In addition to outerwear, for over 25 years, Sun Mountain has been designing and manufacturing functional, high-quality, lightweight golf bags for the serious golfer. Sun Mountain is responsible for many industry firsts, including being the first to use backpacking technology to produce a lightweight nylon golf bag, and being the first to develop a stand bag with integral legs. The Sun Mountain Speed Cart and the new ClubGlider travel bag are leaders in their respective categories.

Sun Mountain is an officially licensed supplier of outerwear to the PGA TOUR , Champions Tour, Duramed Futures Tour, and Nationwide Tour.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Chechessee Creek Club Honored as a 'Best' by Golf World

(OKATIE, S.C.) - Golf course rankings are notorious for their subjectivity. Although the "Big 3" golf magazines that publish rankings - Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Golfweek - employ stringent criteria that set in place a framework for its individual panelists to establish benchmarks; as anyone knows, beauty is ultimately in the eye of the beholder, particularly when it comes to golf courses.

Which is why the owners, employees and members of Chechessee Creek Club in Okatie, S.C., are particularly pleased to have been selected once again - not by raters - but by the readers of Golf World magazine as one of the Top 50 Private Courses in America for 2010. Chechessee finished as the 29th Best Private Club in America, and the club also received high marks for its service, clubhouse and caddie program.

Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y., grabbed the top spot nationwide for 2010, followed by Augusta National and Pine Valley. Colleton River Plantation in Bluffton, S.C., was listed as No. 19 on the list and Kiawah Island Club came in at No. 39, the only other Lowcountry representatives on the Golf World readers' survey of top private clubs.

Since opening in 2000, Chechessee Creek has gained national prominence for its Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore-designed golf course, along with its caddie program and exquisite clubhouse, and none of these attributes were lost on the Golf World readers.

The magazine incorporates 10 different categories to determine their top clubs, and Chechessee Creek finished in the Top 10 of all clubs in four of these categories. Chechessee Creek was chosen No. 1 in the country in "Pace of Play," third in "Service," ninth in "Best Clubhouse/Locker Room" and tenth in "Best Caddie Program."

This is the second year that Golf World has asked its readers to evaluate the overall experience of Private, Resort and Public facilities, and Chechessee Creek Director of Golf Franklin Newell said he and his staff consider it quite an honor to have made the list both years of the survey.

"There is no doubt that we have an exceptional club with a great membership," said Newell. "But along with a terrific membership, it is obvious that our team of employees also help make the club unique. Every employee of Chechessee puts forth their best effort to make the club special for our members and their guests. Without them, recognition such as we received from Golf World would not be possible."

To view the entire list of the Top 50 Facilities, visit www.golfworld.com and click on the Readers Choice Awards.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Sweetgrass Golf Club Extends Season with Value-Laden Fall Rates, Stay-and-Play Packages

Award-Winning Amenity of the Island Resort & Casino Recognized for its Design, Playability

(HARRIS, MI) – Sweetgrass Golf Club – named No. 20 on Golfweek’s 2009 ‘Best Courses You Can Play’ state-by-state rankings in its first year of eligibility – today announces its fall golf rates while continuing its popular Perfect 4-Some stay-and-play package.

While the rack-rate to play 18 holes at the Paul Albanese-designed Sweetgrass Golf Club is $75, beginning Oct. 1 and going through the remainder of the season, that rate is lowered to an incredible $35. Even more savings are available by teeing it up with three friends as the Fall Foursome is only $120 per group.

“Fall is an excellent time to play Sweetgrass, whether you’ve been here before or are experiencing the course for the very first time,” says General Manager Tom McChesney. “Ideal temperatures and brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red overtake the trees to make the course even more spectacular.”

The Perfect 4-Some highlights the resort’s stay-and-play packages. It includes golfers’ choice of two or three nights at the luxurious Island Resort & Casino and three rounds of golf to be played between Sweetgrass Golf Club, TimberStone and Marquette Greywalls for as little as $249, based on double occupancy.

Owned and operated by the Hannahville Band of the Potawatomi Nation, Sweetgrass Golf Club subtly pays homage to Tribal legend. From bunkers named after the Seven Grandfathers to animals held in high esteem, Albanese’s design takes golfers on a hole-by-hole journey through Indian heritage while testing their skills on every shot.

In addition to an island green, Biarritz and Redan greens await golfers and fans of golf course architecture alike. Sweetgrass also features a pair of majestic waterfalls splitting the fairways of the ninth and 18th holes, which culminate on a massive shared green – measuring nearly 22,000 square feet.

Located in the unspoiled beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Island Resort & Casino and Sweetgrass Golf Club are easily accessible via a trio of airports in Escanaba, Marquette and Green Bay.

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

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com