The Territory Hosts NCAA Division II Super Regional

Top Collegiate Players Face Off at Southwest Oklahoma’s Premier Golf-Residential Course

(Southwest Oklahoma) – The Territory Golf and Country Club – named one of the Sooner State’s best courses by Golf Digest – will be the site of an NCAA Div. II Super Regional May 2 through 5.

With nearby Cameron University as host school, top collegiate golfers in the South Central and Midwest regions will test their considerable skills on the award-winning Randy Heckenkemper design.

Owned by Rick and Barbara Braught, The Territory has hosted a Super Regional once before and was rewarded with another tournament based upon that success. Additionally, the course has welcomed the State Amateur and Senior State Amateur, as well as numerous collegiate and high school events.

“Sharing our course with such an impressive group of golfers is an extreme pleasure,” said Rick Braught. “Cameron University is an important partner in this area and we’re proud to join forces to put Southwest Oklahoma’s best foot forward as so many people experience our region for the first time.”

In addition to Cameron, other schools representing the South Central Region are: Abilene Christian, Central Missouri, St. Edward's, St. Mary's, Dallas Baptist, Midwestern State, Central Oklahoma, Newman and East Central. Individuals from Southwest Baptist, Northeastern State and Washburn also will participate. The Midwest Region is comprised of: Ferris State, Wayne State, Indianapolis, Grand Valley State, Drury, Northern Kentucky, Wisconsin-Parkside, Saginaw Valley State, Findlay and Bellarmine, as well as individuals from Rockhurst, Ashland, Lewis and Missouri-St. Louis.

The top five teams and the top two student-athletes not with a team from each regional will advance to the finals May 18 through 21 at The Sagamore Club in Noblesville, Ind.

The Territory – named No. 3 in GolfLink's list of the “Best Oklahoma Golf Courses” (ahead of Southern Hills Country Club – host of three U.S. Opens and four PGA Championships) – is a modified target-style layout that features A1-A4 creeping bentgrass blend on the greens, while the tees, fairways and roughs are Tifsport Bermudagrass.

The brand promise – Golf & Community as it Should Be – underscores the Braughts’ goal for The Territory, which is unmatched quality in every aspect of life. Away from the acclaimed course, family-focused amenities include a multi-sport recreation court and luxurious pool. For culinary aficionados, Chef Keith Zinke pampers guests of the Prairie House with delicious meals, which are often paired with themed parties and wine tasting events.

For more information on The Territory, call 580.475.0075 or visit www.territorygolf.com. To follow The Territory on Twitter, go to www.twitter.com/territorygolf, or become a fan of The Territory on Facebook by logging onto www.facebook.com/territorygolf.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

1757 Golf Club (Dulles, VA) to Open 18 Holes to the Public May 6

(DULLES, VA) – 1757 Golf Club, which unveiled 10 holes to rave reviews last May, will open its complete, 18-hole championship course to the public May 6.

Designed by David Heatwole, formerly with Jack Nicklaus’ design company, the 6,623-yard, 18-hole, par-70 gem places premiums on shot-making and using every club in golfers’ bags for fair challenges to all handicappers. The new and existing holes – featuring bentgrass from tee to green – mesh seamlessly, retaining the aesthetic themes of stone walls, gently rolling terrain with elevation changes up to 30 feet and views of the majestic Virginia landscape.

Playing experiences crescendo at the signature par-3, No. 18 hole with a daring iron shot 150 to 165 yards (depending on pin placement) over water onto a narrow green. With the clubhouse and patio as eye-pleasing backdrops, low wind is blocked, creating an illusion of calmness, but air swirling at higher elevations emphasize proper club selection.

“Golfers prefer 1757 for its wide-range of amenities befitting a private club,” says Steve Keating, General Manager of 1757 Golf Club. “The eight new holes have a ‘wow’ effect similar to the initial 10 holes.”

1757 Golf Club is just outside Dulles Airport, adjacent to Dulles 28 Centre and on Waxpool Road off Route 28. Greens fees (including cart rental) are:
* Monday – Thursday: $65 before 2 p.m., $55 after 2 p.m. and $39 after 4 p.m. $49 for seniors all day.
* Friday – Sunday and holidays: $95 before 2 p.m., $65 after 2 p.m. and $49 after 4 p.m.

Specials on opening weekend (Thursday, May 6 to Sunday, May 9):
* The first 500 golfers receive a commemorative 1757 Golf Club hat
* The Cleveland Tour Van allows golfers to test clubs on Sunday, May 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* Discount one-hour lessons for $65
* A $125 range card with a $300 golf-shop purchase
* Happy Hour each day from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Managed by Billy Casper Golf, 1757 Golf Club is dubbed “The Ultimate Golf Experience” for its complete practice-and-play features.

The horseshoe driving range – 76 hitting stations, including 20 on grass and lighted for night play – presents simulated fairways and target greens. The expansive short-game area includes tees, mini-fairways, bunkers and greens for practice and PGA-certified instruction.

The “Golf Academy at 1757” – the region’s most comprehensive, state-of-the-art golf learning center with high-tech swing analysis – conducts junior summer camps in addition to individual and group instruction. The 1757 Golf Tour Trailer provides professional club fitting and repair.

1757 Golf Club’s richly-appointed, 16,000-square-foot clubhouse is home to the SeventeenFiftySeven restaurant that opened last month serving authentic American-style fare. The bar, boardroom, meetings and banquet space (combined seating for 250 people) provide a distinguished venue for corporate outings, weddings and other social events. The clubhouse also features two outdoor patios and men’s and women’s locker rooms.

Named after the year Loudoun County was established, 1757 Golf Club celebrates Virginia’s deep presidential history with event rooms named after state natives George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe and Woodrow Wilson.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Burgeoning Olde Mill Unveils Fourth Residence Design Style

The Overlook Condominiums Now for Sale in Blossoming Blue Ridge Mountain Resort Community

(LAUREL FORK, VA) – “That is perfect,” sighed the North Carolina-based wife, resting her head upon her husband’s broad, polo-clad shoulder.

She wasn’t speaking about the 210-yard drive she smoked earlier on Olde Mill’s highly-acclaimed golf course, or the savory post-round lunch at The Maples Restaurant or even the peaceful, idyllic surroundings just minutes of the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Instead she was referring to the brand-new luxurious-yet-affordable condominiums, The Overlook, shrouded in the private, wooded enclave of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Olde Mill – the 850-acre master planned community – conveniently located an hour from Roanoke, Va., and Winston-Salem, N.C., and two hours from Charlotte – unveils its fourth housing option, The Overlook. Joining the previously constructed and recently renovated Overlook Villas, new Laurel Mountain Manors and custom estate homes, these condominiums are designed with the authentic mountain-craftsman style architecture, abundant throughout the property.

A calling to nature and a lifestyle that embraces peaceful living and outdoor recreation, Olde Mill operates under the telling brand promise “Blue Ridge Mountain Living as it Should Be.” One glance around the picturesque property, dotted with walking trails, fishing holes and community activities, confirms that mantra.

“The two bedrooms are perfect for when the kids come to visit,” the wife said. “It can be our home away from home with both of our girls at Virginia Tech, it’s so close to campus.”

A vision of Blacksburg alums, Olde Mill meshes tranquility with a nature-kissed landscape, nearby a variety of attractions including celebrated wineries, festivals, shopping and sporting events. Olde Mill is the best of both lifestyle worlds – serenity and harmony combined with convenience and activity.

“We now showcase four exquisite housing options, starting at just $200,000,” says Mark Wuerthele, Broker-In-Charge. “There is not a better value for inviting housing located so close to Virginia and the Carolinas. We are excited to share our community with those searching for a fulfilling, mountain-oasis lifestyle.”

Sip a cocktail at sunset on the deck of The Tavern at Olde Mill – perched gloriously above the resort community’s 54-acre lake and golf course below. Meander through marked trails in the mountains, swim in the pool, exercise in the fitness center, play tennis or relish an exquisite meal by accomplished Chef Ed Badgett III at Olde Mill’s Maples Restaurant.

Ranging in price from $239,000 – $309,000, these modern 1,300-square-foot condominiums boast a warm design while providing modern amenities and luxuries. Each 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit offers individual garages, gas fireplaces, granite counters, ceramic title floors, exposed cedar beams, rock accents around fireplace and base of beams, General Electric Appliances and 10-foot balconies overlooking the 18th green. The Overlook is done by Atlanta-based Garrell & Associates.

Upgrade options include the following enhancement choices: flooring, appliances, bathroom, lighting and plumbing fixtures.

Appointments to tour Olde Mill are now being welcomed and those interested should contact Mark Wuerthele at mark@oldemill.net or call 800.753.5005. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Sweetgrass Golf Club (Upper Peninsula) Shines in Golfweek’s Coveted ‘Best in State’ Rankings

Amenity of the Island Resort & Casino Up Six Spots, Improves on Debut Last Season

(HARRIS, MI) – Sweetgrass Golf Club – the Island Resort & Casino’s award-winning, Paul Albanese design – climbed six spots to No. 14 in Golfweek’s annual “America’s Best Courses You Can Play” 2010 rankings. The course debuted on the national publication’s elite list last year, its first full season.

More than 500 Golfweek raters play and rank thousands of courses nationwide on criteria which include feature shaping, natural setting, greens, variety, conditioning and maintenance, landscape management, and overall impressionability.

Owned and operated by the Hannahville Band of the Potawatomi Nation, the 18-hole, par 72 layout stretches nearly 7,300 yards from the tips and has been touted as one of Michigan’s premier facilities, out of approximately 700 courses. Sweetgrass unfolds over rolling terrain and subtly pays homage to Native American lore. Historic bridges rescued from the region, intricate rockwork and a liberal sprinkling of its namesake sweetgrass add to the course’s distinct look and feel.

“Earning a place on this prestigious list lets us know that Sweetgrass Golf Club is trending in the right direction,” said Sweetgrass Director of Golf Dave Douglas. “Our mandate is to provide an experience which golfers savor and value, and we hope this award will entice them to visit us and judge for themselves.”

Sweetgrass and Island Resort & Casino are the hub of a rising-star golf destination in Michigan’s pristine Upper Peninsula, where summer temps are refreshing compared to most of the mainland United States. They will again offer the popular 3-day, 2-night “Perfect 4-Some” stay-and-play package. Starting at $249, based on double occupancy, golfers enjoy luxurious accommodations at the resort and one round each at Sweetgrass, TimberStone and Marquette Greywalls – three of the Upper Peninsula’s finest. TimberStone is a rare Golf Digest 5-star facility, while Marquette Greywalls frequently finds itself near the top of the Golfweek “Best in State” list.

Sweetgrass and the resort casino are easily accessible via airports in Escanaba and Marquette, as well as Green Bay’s Austin Straubel International Airport.

For more information on Sweetgrass Golf Club or the Island Resort & Casino, please visit www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com, www.islandresortandcasino.com or call 800-682-6040, ext. 2252. To learn more about the Perfect 4-Some, visit www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com/packages.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Product Review: Nike SQ Machspeed Driver

Speed kills. Speed also wins. If you’re looking to kill the ball and win more golf matches, you may want to consider putting the Nike SQ Machspeed Driver in your bag.

With aerodynamics in mind, Nike set out to develop a driver that would allow golfers to hit the ball farther and straighter – all due to speed.

We’ve seen and enjoyed Nike’s STR8-FIT technology, which enhances the ability to shape shots off the tee, and square design, but the sporting goods giant has now added Total Swing Aerodynamic Design to its impressive resume.

Looking to generate more speed – resulting in more distance – the engineers approached the golf swing holistically.

“The number one thing that makes the ball go farther is faster ball speed. We’ve accomplished that through looking at the orientation of aerodynamics throughout the total golf swing, not just a portion of the swing,” said Tom Stites, Director of Club Creation for Nike Golf. “Optimizing aerodynamics in the total golf swing pulls the clubhead and shaft through the air faster, which leads to more distance. I’ll use a parachute as an example. The wider the parachute is, the slower it comes down because air separates around the parachute and causes drag. The same thing applies to the golf club, but through geometry and Total Swing Aerodynamics, we have been able to minimize the air separation and drag.”

That’s all well and good for the people who wear lab coats, but what about those of us who only know what we know … Will the Nike SQ Machspeed Driver help me hit the ball longer and straighter? To answer that, I took it out for a test drive.

First, I’m a traditionalist in many ways, but had no trouble with the square head. It seems perfectly natural while resting behind a golf ball. In a way, it may be more logical to hit a straighter shot with a square head.

One tee shot after another found its way into the fairway. Not being a machine, you allow for “user error,” but that was minimized greatly. Straighter … Check!

You don’t need any comparison for accuracy. Is the ball resting in the short grass? Then it is accurate. Distance is a different animal. For that comparison, I took to the driving range with another leading driver.

A robot is clearly the best way to judge distance as you can set the swing speed and contact to be the same, time after time, but experienced golfers can certainly evaluate long from short. While I didn’t have the benefit of a measurement for each shot and the plethora of balls on the range made it difficult to gauge my final distances, the Nike SQ Machspeed driver was consistently 5-10 yards further than its competition.

An added 5-10 yards may not seem as important when talking 250 vs. 260, but those yards mean a great deal when looking at 140 vs. 150 on the approach shot.

The Nike Machspeed Driver has a suggested retail price of $359.99, which is in line with (or beats) other high-end drivers. Longer, straighter drives lead to fewer strokes, which leads to more wins against your playing partners. With any luck the driver will pay for itself with well-timed wagers.

American Golfer Recommendation: Put the Nike SQ Machspeed Driver in your bag, forget what the rough feels like and prepare to hit shorter approach shots into the greens.

Still looking for technical jargon? How about this:

Fast Start
The tapered heel geometry and toe-side aerodynamic Nike PowerBow design promote smooth air flow around the head for quicker acceleration.

Acceleration
As speed increases, so does drag force. But the aerodynamic Nike PowerBow and sole diffuser designs keep the airflow smooth and close to the club surface, reducing drag and encouraging a faster acceleration.

Maximum Speed
Drag reduction through-out the downswing allows the club to reach its true maximum speed, delivering maximum energy to the ball.

To shape any shot, the Nike STR8-FIT technology in the SQ MACHSPEED delivers eight face angle options – two degrees open to two degrees closed. For stability and forgiveness, the SQ MACHSPEED features Tour proven square technology that delivers more stability at impact and more forgiveness on the tee.

SQ MACHSPEED Driver
Men’s: Loft Options: 8.5 (RH); 9.5 (RH/LH); 10.5 (RH/LH); 11.5 (RH); HL (RH) All available in: A,R,S,X
MSRP: $359.99

Women’s: Loft Options: 11.5 (RH); HL (RH) All available in W (women’s) shaft.
MSRP: $359.99

For more information, log onto http://www.nikegolf.com/.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Longaberger Golf Club Again Tops Golfweek’s ‘Best Courses You Can Play’ List

Acclaimed Buckeye State Layout Introduces Weekday Rates, Value-Laden Passes for 2010

(NASHPORT, Ohio) – Longaberger Golf Club has once again been named Ohio’s No. 1 public-access course as Golfweek unveiled its 2010 “Best Courses You Can Play” list.

The Golfweek rankings are based on routing, feature shaping, natural setting, greens, variety, conditioning and maintenance, landscape management, overall impressionability and other criteria. Hundreds of experienced raters examine thousands of courses nationwide to compile this prestigious “Best-of” list.

Regularly honored by Golfweek, Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine as one of the nation’s finest courses, Longaberger also was named a Top 10 public-access course in the country in the 2010 edition of the Golf World magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

“These raters play the finest courses in the country and Ohio has a wealth of great public-access options, so to be named – once again – the best in state is an extreme honor,” said Joseph Livingood, senior vice president of Billy Casper Golf, which manages Longaberger Golf Club. “Our new 2010 weekday rates, Resident Pass and unlimited golf rates will allow even more golfers to experience this gem through value-laden options.”

Weekday rates are in place for the first time since Longaberger opened a decade ago, allowing golfers to save up to $20 when teeing off Monday through Thursday. A Resident Pass – a free card that takes $20 off every round for people living within local, designated zip codes – also provides additional discounts and access to special events and clinics. The popular Unlimited Golf option returns again this season, as well. Details on all rates and offers are available at www.longabergergolfclub.com.

Longaberger Golf Club – a 7,243-yard design with five sets of tees – is defined by panoramic natural beauty, rolling hills and immaculate playing conditions. A 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.

Longaberger’s stately 60,000-square-foot clubhouse features elegant banquet facilities, a dining room, grill room and pro shop. The club is a favorite among wedding and social event planners, as well as golf outing and tournament coordinators throughout Ohio.

For more information about Longaberger Golf Club, please visit www.longabergergolfclub.com or call 740.763.1100.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com