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Thursday, October 31, 2013

History of The Mustache Open

The inaugural Mustache Open two man scramble took place in June of 1999. It was held in a small town outside Lincoln, Nebraska and consisted of 80 dudes sporting sweet staches. Aside from flag prizes, prizes were given to the best two man team and to those sporting the best, dirtiest, and worst mustaches. Over the years, the Mustache Open has grown to be known as the best mustache golf tournament in the world. The list of great sponsors has grown each year and has helped to make for a great tournament with awesome prizes.

The Mustache Open has not only been about playing golf but has also evolved into a tournament about style, charity and of course … kick ass mustaches. Prizes are not only given to the top team paying in the tournament also those teams and individuals who best embody the spirit of The Mustache Open. The most coveted of prizes, The Mustache Open Leisure Robes, are given to the top two man team in the Tournament of Champions in Las Vegas, Nevada, where we crown the best of the best.

But it’s not just about the prizes, or even that proud flag of manliness emblazoned on your lip. The tournament is matching the power of your facial hair with local charities in need. So stand tall, Mr. Moustache. With every swing, you’re doing your part to make your community a much smoother place. Just like that patch on your face.

Charity
Participate in this life-changing experience by growing a mustache and playing in The Mustache Open. Mustaches have long been the most charitable of all facial hair, and here at Mustache Command, we have enacted a program lovingly referred to as MIMBY, or Mustaches in My Back Yard.

As the facial fuzz fest travels across this fine nation, a portion of the proceeds from each event will go directly to a local charity in the city that hosts the event. It’s a veritable tour-de-make-things-better.

Local family needs help getting back on their feet? Grow a mustache. Women’s shelter reeling from a cut in funding? Grow a mustache. Impending zombie apocalypse? Call the Pentagon. And then grow a mustache. Because nothing says “Don’t mess with me, zombie scum!” like a fine lip rug.

You hear that? Hunger, poverty, illness, hate, zombies? Across this line on my face, you shall not pass.

Golfing with a mustache … It's just plain funner!

For more information, visit www.mustacheopen.com.

Nike Golf’s Lightest Carry Bag Ever: Nike Sport Lite

New bag weighs in at less than four pounds

(BEAVERTON, Ore.) – Golfers are always striving to keep their numbers low, and Nike Golf designers took that same approach when it came to crafting the new Nike Sport Lite carry bag, available at retail November 1. Weighing less than four pounds, the Nike Sport Lite is Nike Golf’s lightest carry bag to date.

Nike’s proprietary EquaFlex revolving double strap system, which distributes bag weight evenly across the shoulders through an ergonomic design, brings that much more comfort to the often tiring task of carrying a bag around the course for hours at a time. A five-way, two full-length divider system with putter well maximizes club visibility and organization.

The Nike Sport Lite bag, available in six colors, features the storage space serious athletes need and none of the added weight. Six fleece-lined functional pockets, including a full length apparel pocket, provide enough space for athletes to be prepared on the course without creating extra bulk.

Additional features include:
* Integrated GPS loop, pen sleeve and glove patch
* Custom grip leg end-caps
* Matching rain hood

Nike Sport Lite Carry Bag
Availability: November 1, 2013
MSRP:  $155.00
Street Price:  $129.99
Colorways:WHITE/SILVER-VENOM GREEN-BLACK; BLACK/SILVER-ANTHRACITE; WHITE/WHITE-UNIVERSITY RED-BLACK;MIDNIGHT NAVY/WHITE-PHOTO BLUE; WHITE/VIVID PINK-SILVER; and BRIGHT GRAPE/POLARIZED BLUE-VIOLET SHADE

For more information on Nike Golf, visit www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf. To view Nike Golf videos subscribe to our You Tube channel at www.youtube.com/nikegolf.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

True Temper Introduces New XP Shaft Series for Explosive Power

(MEMPHIS, Tenn.) — True Temper Sports introduced the new XP shaft series, designed to deliver explosive power and distance to every iron in the bag.

Featuring optimized trajectory in multiple superlight weight designs, the XP series is engineered to be the longest and most forgiving steel iron shafts in the game today.

“Every golfer, no matter the skill level, seeks greater distance,” said Scott Hennessy, president and chief operating officer for True Temper Sports. “With the XP Series, we set out with one singular focus…deliver greater distance to irons. Over time you’re going to be more accurate hitting an 8-iron as opposed to a 7 or 6-iron. We knew we could get players closer to the pin if we could get them an additional full club of distance or more with their irons and XP delivers on that objective.”

Explosive Power: 
The XP Series delivers explosive power for greater iron distance: robot and player testing has shown an average of 6-8 yards improvement in carry distance with many players seeing double-digit yardage gains. Combining advanced ultralight alloy technology with optimized material distribution, each XP shaft is designed with a flex chamber where power is stored in the downswing and released just prior to the point of impact.

Player Optimized:
Over a decade of advancements in the company’s superlight alloy development program allowed True Temper’s R&D team to optimize the weight and flex distribution of the XP series delivering unrivaled feel compared to competitive superlight offerings on the market today.

Multiple Weight Options: 
The XP Series is offered in two weight options to cover a wide range of player profiles from the higher handicapper to the single digit player: XP95 (95g) and XP105 (105g).

“Traditionally, the superlight weight ranges have largely been reserved for moderate to higher handicap player profiles,” said Greg Cavill, vice president of alloy engineering & R&D for True Temper Sports. “The new XP series enhances iron performance across a much broader profile. Our testing showed that highly skilled players also benefited greatly from the distance and feel that XP delivered.”

XP95 and XP105 are available in golf shops worldwide and through equipment manufacturers. Both are offered in R300 and S300 flexes with the introductory retail price of $400 (3-PW).

For more information about the XP Series, visit www.truetemper.com/xp/. #FollowtheLeader at www.facebook.com/truetempergolf and www.twitter.com/truetempergolf.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

AHEAD Opens Doors of Expanded Fixture Workshop

(NEW BEDFORD, Mass.) – AHEAD is poised to reopen the doors Friday (Nov. 1) on its fixture facility in the wake of a significant expansion that has increased the size of the building 20 percent to 15,000 square feet.

The expansion will allow AHEAD – the innovative headwear, apparel and accessories company – to meet the growing demand for customized fixture solutions.

“This part of our business, originally intended solely to provide standardized fixtures for AHEAD products, has evolved into an integral part of what we offer to our customers,” said Anne Broholm, CEO.  “Having our own in-house fixture facility lets us provide retail display solutions – from a simple accessories fixture to a full shop remodel – at a great value.”

Broholm said that the latest expansion attests to the growing need for fixture support.  The full-time team of craftsmen, she added, all originated in the boat building industry and bring that same level of workmanship to the AHEAD produced fixtures.

In recent years, AHEAD has also been involved in some full custom remodels of shops across the country, including the Gold Course Golf Shop at Colonial Williamsburg’s Golden Horseshoe Golf Club, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

“The quality and care of the new fixtures and cabinetry has not gone unnoticed by our members and customers,” said Glen Byrnes, Director of Golf, Golden Horseshoe Golf Club. “It was virtually a seamless remodel, and we applaud AHEAD for the fine quality and for exceeding our expectations – both in the overall look of our shop and in sales since the renovation.”

AHEAD also was hired to design and produce the fixtures for the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Mini Golf Shop and Pro Shop in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

According to Scott Stone, National Sales Manager, Golf, “We recognize that selling our product  is only one part of the customer transaction.  With our fixture availability and customer support we provide creative solutions to help our retail partners sell through.”

For additional information access the web site at www.Aheadweb.com.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Carl Pettersson Joins List Of Tour Pros Using HD Golf Simulators

(Raleigh, NC) - Five time PGA Tour winner, Carl Pettersson, recently joined the growing list of Tour Pros using High Definition Golf simulators at home. No matter the weather or time of day, this advanced technology helps them keep up their game in the off-season.

"I really enjoy having an HD Golf simulator in my new home. I can work on my game whenever I want and my family enjoys playing too," says Pettersson. "The kids love hitting balls and putting. It's been a great addition to my golf game and a great family activity!" The simulator was installed in his newly built North Carolina home in August.

"HD Golf is the system of choice for serious golfers. Our accuracy and imagery are unmatched. This is as close as it gets to real golf," says Todd Richardson, President and CEO of Interactive Sports Technologies. Other PGA Pros that use HD Golf include Kevin Streelman, Jerry Kelly, Jason Bohn, and Stephen Ames. Top instructors like Jim McLean and Hank Haney; equipment manufacturers like Cobra Puma, Accra & Nike; and University golf teams also rely on HD Golf for teaching, training and club fitting.

Interactive Sports Technologies, the company behind HD Golf, pioneered computer vision technology for the golf industry. Today this system still makes more measurements more accurately than any other. Everything, including ball speed, launch angle, ball spin, spin axis, club head speed, swing path, club contact (heel/toe), club face (open/closed) and efficiency are captured. This data is critical for realistic ball flight simulation and providing feedback to help golfers perfect their swing.

Tour Pro Jason Bohn says HD Golf provides more measurements and visual detail than any other comparable simulator. "The High Definition Golf Simulator has been a great asset to my game," says Bohn. "It has provided me the ability to keep my game sharp in the off-season."

HD Golf features a complete suite of instruction and training tools including shot analysis, swing dynamics, weight transfer/balance and motion analysis. This system also offers precision club fitting and equipment comparison.

"My simulator is designed as a complete golf instruction studio with a series of very accurate tools that provide me with detailed shot analysis, video swing analysis, swing dynamics and my personal favorite, weight transfer and balance analysis, "says Tour Pro, Kevin Streelman. "I also use the simulator to test out new equipment and in my spare time, I can play some of the best golf courses in the world in my own home."

HD Golf is the only simulator that looks and plays like the real thing. Spectacular photo-realistic capabilities capture the true beauty of some of the world's most renowned golf courses including from Pebble Beach to St. Andrews. Revolutionary image processing software combines high resolution digital imagery and satellite data into 3D models of golf courses that not only look real - they are completely accurate everywhere on the course.

Tour Pro Jerry Kelly says he is always confident that what works in the simulator will also work on the course. "It looks and plays like real golf, which has been a real benefit during our long stretches of bad weather here in Wisconsin," says Kelly.

For more information, visit www.hdgolf.com.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Exceptional Myrtle Beach Stay-And-Play Offer from Mystical Golf, Sea Mist Oceanfront Resort

Enjoy three acclaimed Grand Strand courses, deluxe accommodations, numerous extras

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) - Mystical Golf and Sea Mist Oceanfront Resort have teamed up to offer the value-packed "ProPlay II Golf Package."

Starting as low as $243 (per person, double occupancy), the package features three rounds (with cart) on the Mystical Golf courses - The Witch, Man-O-War and The Wizard - which have been lauded by media like Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine and GolfChannel.com.

Available through June 1, 2014 (www.myrtlebeachseamist.com/packages, 800.222.5413 ext. 2), it also includes three nights' accommodations at the Sea Mist as well as:
• Welcome cocktail at the Sea Mist Tavern
• Traditional Lowcountry Oyster Roast (Wednesday only)
• $10 dinner voucher at Sea Mist's Grille and Tavern
• Daily breakfast at the Sea Mist's famous buffet
• Sea Mist golf hat
• Complimentary lunch, range balls and two beers at the course each day
• $15 gift card toward a golf shirt at any Mystical Golf clubhouse
• Instant replay round for cart fee only

Sitting on 15 acres of seaside property with easy access from Myrtle Beach International Airport (MRY), the Sea Mist features oceanfront and ocean view efficiency condos, hotel rooms, suites, bungalows and cottages. Highlight amenities are nine pools (one indoor), two huge outdoor Jacuzzis, two indoor Jacuzzis, a movie theatre, superb dining and more.

"This is the ideal vacation offer to escape to Myrtle Beach and enjoy what we're famous for - great golf, an incredible beach and comfortable accommodations for nightly relaxation," says Jim Leach, general manager of the Sea Mist.

Mystical Golf's trio of diverse Dan Maples-designed layouts are all rated from 4 to 4-1/2 stars by Golf Digest. The Man-O-War course was recently ranked among the "Five Best Courses in Myrtle Beach" by About.com, and its 15th hole named one of five "Most Memorable Island Greens" by GOLF Magazine. Golf Channel.com calls Mystical Golf "one of the best deals in the country," while Golf Vacations Magazine says it's "the best deal in golf travel."

"The combination of the world-class golf we offer and wonderful amenities of the Sea Mist makes the ProPlay II Golf Package one of best stay-and-plays a traveler will find anywhere," says Claude Pardue, President and CEO of Mystical Golf.

For Mystical Golf information: www.mysticalgolf.com, 843.282.2977.

Getting There
The Witch, Man-O-War and The Wizard are in the heart of Myrtle Beach and within 15 minutes of Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR), beaches, accommodations, restaurants and other attractions. A short distance from I-95 and other major thoroughfares, Mystical Golf courses are easily accessible. More than two dozen cities - including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York and Washington - offer direct flights.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

True Linkswear Honors Ryan Moore's CIMB Classic Win

'Buy One, Get One on Ryan' shares victory with True's fans

(SCOTTSDALE, AZ) - TRUE linkswear is celebrating co-founder Ryan Moore's win in the CIMB Classic with its biggest promotion to date. Through November 3, TRUE will be running a "Buy One, Get One on Ryan" campaign during which visitors to its web site can purchase one pair of shoes and receive a pair of equal or lesser value free.

Moore picked up his third career PGA TOUR victory with a win over Gary Woodland in a sudden death playoff at the CIMB Classic in Malaysia on Monday. After finishing tied with Woodland at 14-under (274) at the end of the four rounds, he nestled a wedge shot at the 18th hole to within five feet of the flag, sinking a birdie putt to capture the title. With the win, Moore moved to second in the FedEx Cup points standings

"Given that this is Ryan's second win while wearing TRUE, we wanted to do something special to commemorate his victory and let our loyal fans be a part of this celebration," said Jeremy Moore, president of TRUE linkswear. "This limited time offer is a testament to the passion and dedication of our fans, and it's a small gesture from Ryan to thank them for their support."

Throughout the beginning of the 2013-2014 PGA TOUR season, Moore has worn several prototypes for the 2014 line, which TRUE will unveil at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla., in January. Since the company's founding in 2010, Moore has maintained a hands-on approach with regard to designing and styling each of TRUE's lines.

TRUE recently released the "Ryan Moore Signature Series" to pay tribute to the one-year anniversary of his victory in the 2012 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. It included the release of a limited run style, known as the rebel hi and rebel low, as well as runs of its popular sensei and proto styles in charcoal, navy and sand color combinations.

For more information, visit www.truelinkswear.com.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

PING’s tour-proven S55 iron becomes available in golf shops Nov. 1


(PHOENIX) – When PING’s S55 iron becomes available in golf shops Nov. 1, it arrives riding a wave of enthusiastic tour-player acceptance, and with a PGA Tour win.

John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO, said he’s excited to get the blade-style iron into golfers’ hands so they can take advantage of the same technology that has benefited the tour pros. “Enhanced workability, forgiveness and distance -- those same attributes are going to help golfers looking for a blade-style iron get the most from his or her game,” he said. “With the phenomenal success of the S56 iron, people have been excited for the follow-up, and their anticipation will be rewarded with greater confidence, better ball striking and lower scores.”

Shortly after its introduction on tour in late August, Bubba Watson, Hunter Mahan, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, Billy Horschel, Luke Guthrie, Ángel Cabrera and many more PING pros put the S55 iron in their bag. Within weeks, it became the most popular iron played by PING’s staff in the U.S. and Europe, and it was the #1 model at the BMW Championship on the PGA Tour. Watson made the biggest news with his switch to the S55; he last changed irons in 2004.

Rapid, widespread acceptance by tour pros, combined with a victory, gave the S55 iron instant credibility, according to Chance Cozby, PING’s Vice President of Sports Development. “Right off the bat players were excited about it, and we saw a number of strong performances in the U.S. and overseas,” Cozby said. “Our engineers were able to provide two attributes that players wanted: workability and forgiveness. That’s what they need to succeed at the highest level, and they’re seeing the results.”

A higher MOI comes from tungsten toe weighting in the 17-4 stainless steel head, which also features a vertical stabilizing bar to ensure distance with control. Workability is improved by having more control over pre-impact face alignment. The custom tuning port (CTP) is larger and sits lower in the back cavity, which positions the CG lower and deeper to promote higher launch with greater energy transfer. To ensure consistent performance, the face, grooves and back cavity are precision-machined. A compact shape, thin top lines, and brushed satin finish provide a clean look that will appeal to golfers with a discerning eye for quality and attention to detail.

Available 3-9, PW. U.S. MSRP: $138.75 per club w/steel shaft; $166.25 per club w/graphite shaft.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

New Sun Mountain Rain Suit is Most Breathable Rain Gear

(Missoula, Montana) – New for 2014, Cumulus is Sun Mountain’s most breathable golf rain suit to-date, offering the light weight of 2.5 layer technology with a two-year waterproof guarantee. Cumulus is available now in men’s full-zip jacket ($129) and pants ($119). To find your most convenient Sun Mountain retailer visit www.sunmountain.com.

Incorporating 2.5 layer technology, Cumulus has a woven shell laminated to a waterproof, breathable membrane, with a protective inner layer. This slick inner layer will be appreciated when taking the suit on and off as well as during the golf swing when it slides over clothing rather than catching and offering resistance to the swing.  In addition, a durable water repellent (DWR) finish provides additional surface water and stain resistance.

Features of the Cumulus Jacket include a pleated back which allows an expanded range of motion, a two-way front zipper that  lies flat and out of the way when putting, adjustable hem and cuffs, zippered hand warmer pockets, and a stand-up collar.

Cumulus rain pants offer the same ultra-lightweight, 2.5 layer, guaranteed waterproof and breathable construction as the jacket along with a partial elastic waist and zipper fly, zippered hand warmer pockets and wallet pockets, deep lower leg zippers, and a snap system that allows length to be shortened by 2.5”.

The minimalistic construction of the Cumulus results in a compact folded size for easy storage in your golf bag.

For 30 years Sun Mountain has been a pioneer in the golf industry, revolutionizing golf bags, golf outerwear and golf carts. Sun Mountain's many innovations, including the first lightweight golf bag and modern stand bag, have made it the top golf bag company in North America. Within golf outerwear, Sun Mountain redefined golf-specific performance first with the windshirt, then fleece, and again with its four-way stretch, waterproof, and breathable rainwear. The Sun Mountain Speed Cart® golf push cart transformed walking carts and created an entirely new category of golf products. Sun Mountain's "Ahead of Time Design" motto drives the company to continually design and refine golf equipment.

For the Sun Mountain retailer nearest you call 800-227-9224 or visit www.sunmountain.com.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Historic Pine Crest Inn Turns 100 Years Old

(PINEHURST, NC) - On Monday, owners and management of the Pine Crest Inn, located in the Village of Pinehurst, NC, revealed plans to celebrate its 100 Anniversary November 1.

After a 365-day countdown which began with a kick-off celebration on November 1, 2012, Pine Crest Inn will turn 100 years old on Friday, November 1, 2013. On that date, festivities will begin at 6:30 pm and will include a Bagpipe procession, welcome remarks, a dedication of a permanent Donald Ross Monument (partially funded by a grant from the  Village of Pinehurst's Community Appearance Commission) and a video tribute. At 8 p.m. , the Carmichael Stardust Legend continues with a one-hour special music performance by Randy Carmichael.

The Donald J. Ross bronze sculpture features a green marble base and is mounted on a granite pillar.  Renowned sculptor, Robert Shure was commissioned to create this likeness of Ross. In recent years, Shure also produced the Cy Young Award, the monument in the Ted Williams Tunnel in Boston, as well as the permanent memorial to Joe Dimaggio at Yankee Stadium.

Hoagy Carmichael  was an American Music Legend who composed the song “Stardust” in 1927 which was one of the most recorded songs in the 20th century. His repertoire also includes such hits as Georgia On My Mind, Skylark, and Riverboat Shuffle. Pine Crest Inn is honored to have Hoagy Carmichael’s son, Randy, perform on the evening of its 100th birthday.

The centennial festivities kicked off with an opening ceremony event a year ago, which included music and entertainment, speakers highlighting the history and recollections of Pine Crest Inn, and a video tribute.

Drew Gross, Resident Manager, states, “It has been a wonderful year of celebrating this historic occasion and we look forward to a memorable evening on the Inn’s official anniversary.”

The Pine Crest Inn, originally built in 1913 by Mrs. E.C. Bliss, was owned from 1921 to 1948 by golf architect Donald Ross of Pinehurst No. 2 fame. Throughout the past year, Pine Crest Inn has undergone continuous improvements including its newly named Ross Dining Room and additional landscaping in front of the hotel including new plantings and grass. “We have seen a huge influx of visitors coming to Pine Crest Inn this past year to experience the history and special ambiance of our hotel.  It has been wonderful to see so many new faces as well as our regular customers who come year after year.”

The Pine Crest Inn is perhaps best-known on a national level for its pub, Mr. B’s Lounge, which has is known as one of the country’s best 19 holes. With the men’s and women’s US Opens being held at Pinehurst in June 2014 in back-to-back weeks, Pine Crest Inn is preparing for the influx of tens of thousands of visitors to the area for those weeks.

The Village of Pinehurst was founded in 1895 by James Tufts and was designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed  Central Park in New York City. Many credit the late Donald Ross, the former owner of Pine Crest Inn , with having a significant influence on Pinehurst becoming known as “The Home of American Golf,” having designed and renovated over 400 golf courses throughout the United States. He is the architect of Pinehurst’s No. 2 course, where both the 1999 and 2005 US Opens were held and where, for the first time ever, the 2014 Men’s & Women’s US Opens will be held in back to back weeks.

For more information, visit www.pinecrestinnpinehurst.com.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

COBRA PUMA GOLF Announces New Vice President of R&D

Tom Olsavsky Joins COBRA Golf To Lead Future Club Innovation

(CARLSBAD, CA) – COBRA PUMA GOLF announced today that Tom Olsavsky has joined the COBRA Golf team as Vice President of research and development. Olsavsky brings over 23 years of diverse R&D experience to CPG, having spent the last seven years at Taylormade-adidas Golf where he was instrumental in the company’s growth. His addition supports the strategic direction of the COBRA Golf brand and will bring a unique point of view and diverse skill set to the leadership team.

Olsavsky was the Senior Director of Product Creation at Taylormade, where he led multiple teams in product design, R&D and engineering to create a number of successful products across multiple product categories, with his most recent success coming in metalwoods development. Additionally, Olsavsky has held several other managerial positions within the golf industry. He spent six years at Titleist as the senior golf club engineer, where he was responsible for the research and development of new club programs.

“Tom is a great industry talent and we look forward to him continuing COBRA Golf’s innovation of the game,” said Bob Philion, president of COBRA PUMA GOLF. “His wealth of experience, industry knowledge and exceptional success will help us to continue our development of industry leading technologies. I’m confident that Tom will play a key role in our business growth and provide a great future for COBRA Golf.”

To learn more, visit www.cobragolf.com and www.puma.com/golf.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

PING re-signs Horschel to multi-year agreement

(PHOENIX) – Billy Horschel has signed a multi-year agreement to continue playing PING golf equipment, according to John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO.

For Horschel, 2013 was a breakout year. He earned his first PGA Tour win at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, draining a putt of nearly 27 feet on the 72nd hole. He also had second- and third-place finishes among his eight top 10s, plus a T4 at the U.S. Open. He made 22 of 26 cuts, just one reason that he earned more than $3.5 million. Horschel was a birdie machine, making 380 on the season, second-most on tour.

“Billy is an exciting young player who has a flair for the game and a likeable personality that has made him popular with fans and fellow tour pros,” Solheim said. “Consistency is one mark of true talent, and this year he was high up on leaderboards week in and week out, and he learned how to finish the job under pressure on Sunday afternoon. He has the shot-making skills and the confidence to go far in this game, and we look forward to watching him achieve his goals for years to come.”

As part of the agreement, Horschel, 26, will wear a PING hat, carry a PING staff bag and play PING equipment. Financial terms and the length of the agreement were not disclosed.

He is currently playing a G25 driver, 3-wood and 5-wood, new S55 irons, Tour Gorge wedges, and a Redwood Piper S custom putter. He is 35th in the most recent Official World Golf Ranking.

Horschel makes his home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and he has a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Florida, where he began playing PING as a freshman on the Gators’ golf team. He signed with PING upon graduating in 2009.

“Continuing my association with PING gives me peace of mind as we begin the new season,” Horschel said. “I have full confidence in the quality of PING equipment, and the company has put its belief in me and they support me 100% on tour. It’s a true partnership, and they share in my success. I have a lot of goals for this season, so it’s great to have PING in my corner.”

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Linda Hartough Golf Landscapes to be a Sponsor of Inaugural Veterans Putting Challenge

(HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C.) – Linda Hartough, world-renowned golf-landscape artist (www.hartough.com), will be a sponsor of the inaugural Veterans Putting Challenge, to be held Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) at Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C. Funds raised from the event will be disbursed solely to the over 1,000 disabled and needy veterans and their families who reside in Moore County, N.C. The Veterans Putting Challenge is free and open to the public. Linda Hartough Golf Landscapes will donate a box of custom-art notecards to each participant and volunteer.

“It is a pleasure to serve as a sponsor of this fine event,” Hartough said.

About the Veterans Putting Challenge
Each participating team in the Veterans Putting Challenge will consist of a veteran from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as a disabled veteran from Desert Storm, Iraq or Afghanistan.

Dr. Edwin Cottrell, of Pinehurst, N.C., is an organizer of the Veterans Putting Challenge. A decorated World War II veteran, Dr. Cottrell was an associate dean at West Chester University in West Chester, Pa., where from 1958-78 he was the men’s golf coach. Dr. Cottrell was inducted into the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) Hall of Fame in 1991, and in 2004 received the Honor Award, presented by the College Golf Foundation and the GCAA to honor a coach for outstanding service and numerous contributions to men’s collegiate golf.

Veronica Karaman is the innovator and co-producer of the Veterans Putting Challenge. Her organization, Veronica Karaman Ministries, Inc., is dedicated to helping build and rebuild lives through creative and transformational community golf outreaches.

The Veterans Putting Challenge is sponsored by the Sandhills Military Officers Association of America. Funds raised from the event will be disbursed by Disabled American Veterans #83, in Carthage, N.C., solely for disabled and needy veterans of Moore County, N.C., and their families.

The Veterans Putting Challenge is accepting donations from businesses and individuals. Contributions may be sent to: DAV #83-VPC, PO Box 1881, Carthage, NC 28327.Welcome to EditPad.org - your online plain text editor. Enter or paste your text here. To download and save it, click on the button below.


For more information, contact Sally J. Sportsman at 407-248-1144 or sjsport@earthlink.net.

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño Wins 2013 BMW Masters

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA) – Cleveland Golf and Srixon congratulate staffer Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño for winning the European Tour’s 2013 BMW Masters at Lake Malaren Golf Club in Shanghai, China, over the weekend. The 33-year-old Spaniard shot a 4-under-par 68 in the final round for an 11-under 277 total and a one-shot victory, the seventh of his career.

It was an impressive all-around performance for Fernandez-Castaño, who trusted his Cleveland Golf/Srixon equipment to rank second in greens in regulation, third in driving accuracy and sixth in scrambling.

Not only was the win worth €851,346, it secured Fernandez-Castaño a spot in next week’s World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions in Shanghai and propelled him to No. 32 in the Official World Golf Rankings. He also jumped to No. 4 in the Race to Dubai and rose to the top of the 2014 Ryder Cup European Team standings.

“It’s perfect timing… Doesn’t get any better than this,” said Fernandez-Castaño.

Fernandez-Castaño currently plays a Srixon Z525 driver (9.5°), a Srixon I-701 2-iron (17°), Cleveland CG1 Tour irons (3-PW), Cleveland 588 Forged wedges (52°, 58°) and a Srixon Z-STAR XV golf ball with Spin Skin technology. Fernandez-Castano also wears a Cleveland visor, a Srixon glove and carries a Cleveland Golf bag.

For more information on Cleveland Golf/Srixon, and Never Compromise or their staff players, visit www.clevelandgolf.com, www.srixon.com, and www.nevercompromise.com.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Battle on the Football Field Continues with ClubCrown Conference Play

Show Your School Spirit with your Favorite NCAA Team on Your Driver

(NEW YORK CITY, NY) - ClubCrown by VIVE is encouraging golfers who are NCAA football fans to show their school spirit on the golf course. The company makes top-quality, high-tech films that are professionally installed on the crowns of drivers, fairway woods and hybrids, through licensing deals with 57 major universities. The films that bear the university logos instantly transform ordinary clubheads - regardless of their physical condition -- into fresh-looking, durable-finish fashion statements that alumni and fans will be proud to showcase in their golf bags.

"Two weeks ago we saw a blowout in the ClubCrown Game of the Week with #3 Florida State defeating #6 Clemson 51-14.  Florida State is once again featured in our November 2nd matchup versus Miami, a must win game if they want to reach the National Championship," says Brendan Doyle, President of ClubCrown.

Doyle also notes that, "Collegiate ClubCrowns have quickly become the must have golf item this season and we are proud to offer over 70 licenses.  With our paint like appearance, customers continue to be blown away by the quality and affordability of customizing their driver with their favorite collegiate logo."

As so many major schools have secured license agreements with ClubCrown, the next two weekends spotlight 21 games in which both sides are licensees, including:

November 2:
USC vs Oregon State
Miami vs Florida State (game of the week)
Ohio State vs Purdue
Tennessee vs Missouri
Clemson vs Virginia
Oklahoma St vs Texas Tech
Aurburn vs Arkansas
Virginia Tech vs Boston College
Nevada vs Fresno State
Arizona St vs Washington St
Illinois vs Penn St
West Virginia vs TCU

November 9:
Oregon vs Stanford (game of the week)
Louisville vs Uconn
LSU vs Alabama (game of the week)
Florida State vs Wake Forest
Missouri vs Kentucky
Virginia Tech vs Miami
Auburn vs Tennessee
Kansas vs Oklahoma State

ClubCrowns can be found at a vast network of retailers around the country. Visit www.clubcrown.com for locations.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

CIMB Classic Marks Third Win for Dynamic Gold This Season

(MEMPHIS, Tenn.) — An overnight delay and a playoff couldn’t stop the CIMB Classic champion from winning his third PGA TOUR career victory, and for the third time this PGA TOUR season True Temper Sport’s Dynamic Gold made the winning difference.

The champion birdied the first playoff hole with his eight-iron shafted with Dynamic Gold which set him up with a well-paced approach shot about five feet from the hole. The CIMB Classic win netted the champion 500 FedExCup points and an impressive $7 million purse.

“With this win in Kuala Lampur, Dynamic Gold is continuing its winning streak on the 2013-2014 PGA TOUR Season with wins also at the Frys.com Open and Shriners Hospital for Children Open,” said Chad Hall, director of product marketing and global tour operations for True Temper Sports. “A tournament that ends in a playoff is always exciting, and closing it out with a birdie on the first playoff hole is impressive. We are proud that the champion relied on the proven performance of Dynamic Gold technology to help get him into the winner’s circle.”

Truth in Numbers
The CIMB Classic winner’s bag: Dynamic Gold Lite X100 (3-PW); Dynamic Gold S400 (SW)
62 players in the CIMB Classic field trusted shafts by True Temper

The Number One selling shaft in golf, Dynamic Gold is preferred by skilled players seeking a low, penetrating ball flight. Dynamic Gold features an internal tip reinforcement technology and tighter weight sorting tolerance for precision custom fitting.

For more information Dynamic Gold shafts, visit www.TrueTemper.com. #FollowtheLeader at www.facebook.com/truetempergolf or www.twitter.com/truetempergolf.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Club Glove Last Bag Receives Coveted GOLF Magazine ‘Techy Award’

Industry Leader’s Made-in-the-USA Travel Gear Used by 90 Percent of PGA Tour Players

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA) – Club Glove – a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of premium travel bags, golf bags, club covers, accessories and luggage – announces its innovative, made-in-the-USA Last Bag has received a GOLF Magazine “Techy Award” as the sport’s “Techiest Travel Bag.”

Appearing in the November issue, this latest honor praises the Last Bag ($299) for its unmatched durability and functionality. This is born from a patented design and the use of Invista Cordura 1000D water resistant nylon that is three times stronger and lasts five times longer than the standard polyester used by many competitors.

The No. 1 golf travel bag brand at all PGA and Champions Tour events, the Last Bag is preferred by more than 90 percent of PGA Tour Players, as confirmed by Darrell Survey. Extremely customizable, both standard and XL sizes are offered in 17 colors with dozens of personal embroidery options available.

"Our goal was to create a product that would literally be the last travel bag a player would ever need to purchase, so it had to be exceptionally sturdy, easy to use and pleasing to the eye,” says company founder Jeff Herold. “The strongest indicator of our product quality is that we don’t pay Tour players to use it, yet nine out of 10 rely on the Last Bag to ensure their clubs arrive safely each week,”

Beyond the Last Bag, Club Glove also offers the smaller, but equally high-quality Burst Proof II travel cover. Both bags are compatible with the company’s Stiff Arm Device ($26.95), which eliminates nearly all risk of club breakage. This fully adjustable, three-piece telescoping crutch adjusts to slightly longer than the longest club in the bag to absorb forceful impacts that might otherwise damage shafts.

Both the Last Bag and Burst Proof II are among the options included in the company’s patented Train Reaction System three-piece ensembles. These unique sets outsmart the “Smarte Carte” by allowing travelers to easily connect three pieces of luggage to create a perfectly balanced, easy to roll, one-hand transport system.

Selected by seven U.S. Ryder Cup teams, Club Glove’s offerings have been a fixture at green grass and off course shops for over a decade.

Get social: @ClubGloveUSA or Facebook.

More information: www.clubglove.com or 800.736.4568.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Mantis Golf to be a Sponsor of Inaugural Veterans Putting Challenge

(WILTON, Conn.) – Mantis Golf (www.mantisgolfco.com), maker of fine putters with specialized patented qualities to enhance putting success, will be a sponsor of the inaugural Veterans Putting Challenge, to be held Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) at Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C. Funds raised from the event will be disbursed solely to the over 1,000 disabled and needy veterans and their families living in Moore County, N.C. The Veterans Putting Challenge is free and open to the public. Mantis Golf will donate a putter to each of the winning participants.

“We are honored to serve as a sponsor of this worthwhile event supporting Moore County veterans,” said Chris Maher, CEO of Mantis Golf.

About the Veterans Putting Challenge
Each participating team in the Veterans Putting Challenge will consist of a veteran from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, as well as a disabled veteran from Desert Storm, Iraq or Afghanistan.

Dr. Edwin Cottrell of Pinehurst, N.C., is an organizer of the Veterans Putting Challenge.  A decorated World War II veteran, Dr. Cottrell was an associate dean at West Chester University in West Chester, Pa., where from 1958-78 he was the men’s golf coach. Dr. Cottrell was inducted into the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) Hall of Fame in 1991, and in 2004 received the Honor Award, presented by the College Golf Foundation and the GCAA to honor a coach for outstanding service and numerous contributions to men’s collegiate golf.

Veronica Karaman is the innovator and co-producer of the Veteran’s Putting Challenge. Her organization, Veronica Karaman Ministries, Inc., is dedicated to helping build and rebuild lives through creative and transformational community golf outreaches.

The Veterans Putting Challenge is sponsored by Sandhills Military Officers Association of America. Funds raised from the event will be disbursed by Disabled American Veterans #83, in Carthage, N.C., solely for disabled and needy veterans of Moore County, N.C., and their families.

The Veterans Putting Challenge is accepting donations from businesses and individuals. Contributions may be sent to: DAV #83-VPC, PO Box 1881, Carthage, NC 28327.

For more information on Mantis Golf, contact Sally J. Sportsman at 407-248-1144 or sjsport@earthlink.net.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Nike Golf Athlete Suzann Pettersen Captures First Win with Nike's New 2014 RZN ball

Pettersen defends her Taiwan Championship title, locks up fifth global victory of the year

(BEAVERTON, Ore.) – Suzann Pettersen dominated the field by five shots to clinch her second consecutive Sunrise Taiwan Championship, her third LPGA title in less than two months.

It was the Norwegian’s first win with the new 2014 Nike RZN ball, which will be officially unveiled in more detail next month. Pettersen, who put the ball in play for the first time just two weeks ago, became the first Nike athlete to win with the 2014 Nike RZN ball, which will become available early next year.

In addition to the 2014 Nike RZN ball, Pettersen’s 14-club Nike arsenal includes her Nike Method Core 3i putter featuring Polymetal Groove technology, which helps to reduce skid and produce a truer roll. Pettersen, playing irons from Nike’s VR line, leads the LPGA rankings in greens in regulation (76 percent) and is third in putts per greens in regulation, birdying three of the final six holes to secure the win.

“My game is in a good spot. I'm a grinder.  I love to practice.  I love to prepare myself, and then it's even better to go out and get the job done,” Pettersen said. “I think personally, mentally, I'm ready to take on number one.  That's my drive, that's my goal.  I want to dominate ladies golf and to do that, you've got to go out and you've got to be comfortable with big leads.”

Pettersen is closing in on the top spot in the Women’s World Golf Rankings - after her win in Taiwan, she is just 185 points behind the world’s current number one. The victory is Pettersen’s fifth in 2013 and the 14th of her career on the LPGA Tour. It is also her eighth straight top-ten finish of the year.

Pettersen sported apparel from Nike’s Tour Performance Collection and Nike’s FI Impact footwear.

Pettersen’s Nike Golf Arsenal 
Driver: Nike VR_S Covert 9.5-degree
Fairway Wood: Nike VR_S Covert 3-wood/15-degree
Hybrid: Nike VR_S 18-degree
Irons:  Nike VR Pro Cavity (4-5), Nike VR Pro Combo (6-PW)
Wedges: Nike VR Pro 48-degree, 52-degree, 59-degree
Putter: Nike Method Core 3i
Ball: Nike 2014 RZN
Apparel: Nike Golf Tour Performance Women’s Collection
Footwear: Nike FI Impact

Nike Golf’s 2013 PGA Tour Victories
•   Tiger Woods – WGC-Bridgestone Invitational
•   Tiger Woods - The Players Championship
•   Tiger Woods - WGC Cadillac Championship
•   Tiger Woods - Arnold Palmer Invitational
•   Scott Brown - Puerto Rico Open
•   Tiger Woods - Farmers Insurance Open
•   Russell Henley - Sony Open

Nike Golf’s 2013 International Victories
•   Charl Schwartzel – Nanshan China Masters (One Asia Tour)
•   Tommy Fleetwood – Johnnie Walker Championship (European Tour)
•   Paul Casey - The Irish Open (European Tour)
•   Scott Jamieson - The Nelson Mandela Championship (European Tour)
•   Charl Schwartzel - Alfred Dunhill Championship (European Tour)

Nike Golf’s 2013 LPGA Tour Victories
•   Suzann Pettersen – Sunrise Taiwan Championship
•   Suzann Pettersen – Evian Championship
•   Suzann Pettersen – Safeway Classic
•   Suzann Pettersen - LPGA LOTTE Championship

Nike Golf’s 2013 Ladies International Victories
•   Suzann Pettersen - Mission Hills World Ladies' Golf Championship

Nike Golf’s 2013 Web.com Victories
•   Seung-Yul Noh – Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship
•   Kevin Tway - Boise Open
•   Jamie Lovemark - Midwest Classic

Nike Golf's 2013 European Challenge Tour Victories
•   Dylan Frittelli - Karnten Open

For more information on Nike Golf, visit www.nikegolf.com. To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on facebook go to www.facebook.com/nikegolf.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

PHIT America Introduces Female Celebrity Athlete Ambassadors

(SILVER SPRING, Md.) - PHIT America - the non-profit education and advocacy organization designed to combat the nation's inactivity and obesity crisis - announces LPGA star Ryann O'Toole, USA Water Polo four-time Olympic medalist Heather Petri and USA Softball two-time Olympic gold medalist Michele Smith as celebrity ambassadors. The three join an all-star group of previously announced supporters, including fitness expert Denise Austin.

Rising from their shared passions for being active, each athlete lives in a manner that aligns with the PHIT America mantra of creating "A Movement for a Fit and Healthy America." Founded in January 2013, the organization focuses on overcoming the inactivity pandemic affecting 192 million people across the country.

One of the fittest women in golf, O'Toole is dedicated to a strict workout regimen and participates in a range of other sports, including surfing, whenever her schedule allows. She believes that consistent exercise is necessary to stay healthy while traveling to tournaments around the world.

"As a professional athlete, I've made a point to inspire others, not only through golf, but by exercising daily and sticking to a routine," says O'Toole. "The partnership with PHIT America is crucial in educating the almost 70 percent of the total population that is either obese or overweight."

In 2012, Petri capped a historic water polo career with a gold medal at the London Olympic Games. At "National Health Through Fitness Day" on Capitol Hill earlier this year, she spoke to Congressional leaders about the rise of sedentary lifestyles and resulting health issues.

Smith, a softball gold medalist at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics, is committed to engaging kids on and off the playing field. She shares her passion for the game and an athletic lifestyle with the next generation of girls through a variety of camps and clinics.

"The percentage of Americans who are completely sedentary has steadily increased over the past five years with inactivity remaining the prime contributor to escalating healthcare costs," says Jim Baugh, Founder of PHIT America, former President of Wilson Sporting Goods and a 2011 inductee into the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame. "Celebrity athletes like Ryann, Heather and Michele are all helping to spread the message of PHIT America."

PHIT America supports two pieces of legislation crucial to increasing the number of healthy Americans. When passed, the Personal Health Investment Today Act (PHIT) will allow people to use pre-tax medical accounts for physical activity expenses. The Physical Education Program (PEP) is a 12-year Federal grant from the Department of Education for schools to rebuild health and fitness programs.
Since its January 2013 launch, more than 130 leading companies and associations from the sports, fitness, retail and media industries have contributed funds and services to support PHIT America.

Americans are encouraged to support PHIT America by visiting www.PHITAmerica.org to advocate, provide a donation or participate in health and wellness programs.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Laser Link Golf's Reflector Business Purchased by Prestige Flag

(MADISON, WI) - Laser Link Golf, a leader in distance measurement technology and solutions for the golf market, has finalized the sale of the company's reflector business to Prestige Flag of San Diego, CA. Prestige Flag will take over all manufacturing and distribution operations, as well as all intellectual property surrounding Laser Link Golf's SmartStick, Smarty, and other related reflector products. Laser Link Golf will continue to market the reflector products the company created from its headquarters in Madison, WI, and will continue to be a resource for superintendents, golf professionals, and golf course managers. All rangefinder-related sales will remain the property of Laser Link Golf, as will all rangefinder-related intellectual property.

"Prestige is a leading player in the golf course supply industry, and we think they are ideally suited to make SmartSticks and Smarty's standard equipment on every golf course in the world," said Rob O'Loughlin, president of Laser Link Golf. "By applying the company's manufacturing expertise to our already established and patent-protected products, Prestige will not only be able to produce the best flagstick in the business, they will be able to sell it at a price point that all golf courses can afford."

Prestige Flag entered the golf business in 1995 with the goal of bringing their affordable, best quality flags to superintendents around the world. Over time, Prestige Flag branched out into other golf course supply products, including fiberglass flagsticks and cups. All Prestige products are manufactured in the company's 20,000 square foot facility, and shipped directly to the customer.

"We're excited to add this line of products to our business," said Mike Roberts, president of Prestige Flag. "As the use of laser rangefinders has continued to grow, reflector products have fast become an integral part of the flagstick. Our company prides itself on manufacturing and selling the best products for superintendents, and there are no better reflector products than SmartStick and Smarty."

For more information on Laser Link Golf, visit www.laserlinkgolf.com. For more information on Prestige Flag, visit www.prestigeflag.com.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Ultimate Holiday Gift - XGOLF Simulator

XGOLF Simulator (www.xgolfsimulator.com) is the gift of every golfer’s dreams. A world-renowned advanced-technology golf simulator system, XGOLF features cutting-edge technology and exciting capabilities.

With 89 beautiful golf courses and the ultimate in realistic simulation power, variable lie emulation and an auto tee system, XGOLF attracts golf lovers the world over. The realism and beauty of the XGOLF playing experience is matched only by the accuracy and precision of its swing-analysis technology.

XGOLF delivers the finest in simulated golf and analysis capability. Practice or play on XGOLF, or enjoy long-drive or closest-to-the-pin contests, on world-renowned golf courses.

Price Range:
* $30,000 – turn-key model, installed by customer
* $50,000 – $75,000 – custom-installed models

For more information: Sally J. Sportsman, Director of Media & Public Relations; 407-248-1144; sjsport@earthlink.net.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Mantis Golf for the Holidays

Keep your eyes on the ball, not the putter

With their patented green finish, Mantis putters minimize visual attention on the putter and maximize focus on the ball and the line of the putt, producing smoother putting strokes and more consistent results. Mantis putters blend old-world craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology to help golfers discover and refine their most effective putting strokes.

Mantis putters conform with USGA rules. Free Players Towel with purchase through 12/31/13.

Mantis putters ($159.99) are available at participating retailers and at www.mantisgolfco.com.

Check out American Golfer's review of the Mantis putter HERE.

Media Contact: Sally J. Sportsman; 407-248-1144: sjsport@earthlink.net

MortonGolfSales.com, Haggin Oaks Golf Complex Launch Proprietary Online Golf Ball Fitting System

With hundreds of models of golf balls in the marketplace, figuring out what the right ball is for your playing ability can be a difficult task at best. For new golfers coming into the game, comparing various brands and models can be downright daunting.

To help with this process, the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex and its online storefront, MortonGolfSales.com, have launched www.golfballfittingsystem.com.

The website is built for the customer to answer six questions ranging from the importance the customer places on spin, feel and distance to what their handicap is. It incorporates their driving distance and price-sensitivity as well. Once the customer has filled out the form, they are placed into one of five different golf ball product categories and have the ability to drill down for additional info on specific golf ball models. The customer has the opportunity to fill out reviews of current models for other golfers to see and if they choose, purchase the balls through MortonGolfSales.com.

Morton Golf is a national award-winning operation and is recognized as one of America's 100 Best Golf Shops for expertise in golf instruction, junior golf programs, clubfitting, customer service and management style. This online golf ball fitting system and quiz is another example of their dedication to golfers everywhere.

For additional information, contact Morton Golf VP of Retail & Marketing Ken Morton, Jr. at 916.808.0952 or at kmortonjr@hagginoaks.com.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@hotmail.com

Friday, October 25, 2013

The Mayfield Sand Ridge Club Receives Prestigious Distinguished Emerald Club of the World Award

(South Euclid, OH) – The Mayfield Sand Ridge Club announced today that it has been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Emerald Club of the World award, as determined by the annual Distinguished Clubs of the World award program conducted by BoardRoom magazine, one of the most respected trade publications serving private clubs.  The Distinguished Clubs award program uses a club-specific rating system based on an extensive evaluation process that distills and measures a club’s Member Experience.

As defined by Distinguished Clubs, “Member Experience” is that special combination of “Qualities” that a private club provides its members.  It is not just the quality of service, or of the facilities, or of the product provided, it is also the quality of the staff and of the management, as well as the overall club governance they deliver.  The most important quality, however, is the quality of the intangible.  While difficult to measure, the latter is comprised of those magic moments experienced, the members befriended, the memorable events and famous tournaments attended, as well as the club traditions, history, and heritage proudly recognized.

To be a Distinguished Gold Club is to be one of a select group of private clubs that have been recognized as providing an absolutely excellent Member Experience, but to be a Distinguished Emerald Club is to provide a Member Experience at a level attained by only the finest clubs in the world.  This distinction is nuanced, yet thoroughly recognizable, for it is based on the most important of all intangible qualities.  Reputation.  Reverence.  Admiration.  Brand Equity.  Fame.  Whatever you call it, it is that “X” factor that separates two clubs that both provide superlative Member Experience, but where one is a great club, while the other is the most prestigious of memberships.

“Our management team and staff work in partnership with our club members to provide a complete and exceptional experience that we are proud of,” says General Manager Ned Welc, “We appreciate the recognition and significance of this award.”

“We’d like to congratulate The Mayfield Sand Ridge Club for earning Distinguished Emerald Club status,” said John Fornaro, Publisher of BoardRoom magazine, “Special recognition also goes out to The Mayfield Sand Ridge Club’s General Manger, Ned Welc, as well as the club’s board of directors, its department heads, and entire staff for their efforts in providing an excellent member experience.”

The Mayfield Sand Ridge Club
One of the most unique private clubs in the country, Mayfield Sand Ridge was formed in 2006 by the merger of the historic Mayfield Country Club (1909) with the modern gem Sand Ridge Golf Club (1998). The club was enhanced again by the combination with the Oakwood Club (1905) in 2010. The club offers distinct facilities and services on three campuses. Members enjoy two distinct golf courses, indoor and outdoor tennis, family activities, anchored by a championship swim program and a summer camp, winter curling and has enjoyed a long standing reputation for exceptional dining and entertaining for its members and guests.

The Distinguished Clubs of the World Award Program
BoardRoom magazine developed the Distinguished Clubs of the World award program to recognize and share – with the private club industry as a whole – what it is that Distinguished Clubs do differently, and to do so with the specific goal of improving the Member Experience at every private club in America, and thereby helping to preserve the institution of private clubs for many future generations.

BoardRoom magazine
BoardRoom magazine is the official publication of the Association of Private Club Directors and is published in print and digital formats, and shipped to 27 countries worldwide.  BoardRoom magazine is now widely viewed as the most respected and influential magazine in the private club industry.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Whitlam Golf Little Dog Putter Now in SS 303

Whitlam Golf is proud to re-introduce the Little Dog putter. Previous versions of the Little Dog have been carbon steel. This latest version is milled from a solid block of 303 Stainless Steel. Standard headweight is 355g.

Available in a piano black PVD or satin nickel finish, the Little Dog is a full toe hang putter combined with a site line located in the half-moon cut. A slightly wider than normal top line aids in ensuring the golfer is square and on line at set up, as well as maintaining the balance of the putter. The sound off of the face of this design is lower and more resonant than many stainless heads, leading to a "softer" feel than one might expect.

As with most Gauge Design Golf/Whitlam Golf putters, the Little Dog can be customized to the buyer's specs with hand stamping and artisanal paint fill.

Gauge Design Golf/Whitlam Golf putters are a blend of today's technology and yesterday's designs. Our putters are the most precise milled putters in the golf industry. All of our putters are CNC milled and conform to the USGA's strict guidelines governing the manufacture of golf equipment. In addition, we are proud that all Gauge Design Golf/Whitlam Golf putters are made entirely in the USA.

For more information, visit www.gaugedesigngolf.com.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Imperial Headwear Unveils The 'Incubator'

New customer service and design center opens

(BOURBON, MO) - Imperial Headwear announces the opening of the Incubator, its new customer service and design center located at its corporate headquarters in Missouri.

"The Incubator is a brand new space we built for Imperial designers and CSR's to dedicate themselves to servicing our customers," said David Shaffer, Director of Marketing at Imperial. "We gave it this name because it's a place where we will brainstorm ideas, develop concepts and process orders. Everything Imperial does will start here."

The Incubator office and two nearby manufacturing plants are the new home to Imperial Headwear, which was acquired by Paramount Apparel International in late 2012. Operations were subsequently moved from Denver, Colorado to Bourbon, Missouri in the Spring of this year.

"This is another step in our commitment to servicing the golf industry," said Mark Rubenstein, Chairman & CEO of Paramount Apparel International. "We wanted to devote our attention and resources to making sure we take care of our customers, and the Incubator is a place for our people to do just that."

For further information please visit www.imperialsports.com or call (800) 950-1916.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Miura Debuts MB001 Irons

Company's First New Blade in Six Years

(Himeji, Japan) - Miura Golf, the Japanese maker of the world's finest forged golf clubs, has introduced its first new blade iron in six years. The MB001 muscleback will join the Tournament Blade and the Series 1957 Small Blade in the Miura catalog of top-quality forged blade irons.

The MB001 features sole refinements that help it travel effortlessly through turf. A cleanly shaped top line helps form the look better players prefer, as do both a graceful flow through the transition area from hosel to clubface and an overall compactness. The irons' more upright appearance at address helps players feel secure standing over the ball, allowing them to swing away with confidence. And clear, striking graphics provide the elite finish that golfers have come to expect from Miura.

"We don't automatically bring out a new blade every year, so this is a big event," says Adam Barr, president of Miura  . "The only calendar we operate on is the one in the minds of the Miuras. When they say a club is ready, we go. The MB001 contains the benefits of all the lessons we have learned in watching irons perform, since the Tournament Blade came out in 2007 and the Small Blade arrived in 2006. Players will notice the quality right away."

The MB001 design is the result of years of study and careful consideration of iron performance by the Miura family. The project was led by Yoshitaka Miura, eldest son of founder Katsuhiro Miura and a club-grinding expert who learned under his father. He heeded the advice of his brother Shinei, who supervises forging operations at the company's factory in Himeji, Japan, as well as his father.

The iron is crafted with intelligent shaping. The sole's shape and size -- subtly adjusted from successful designs of earlier models -- gets through the turf more efficiently and gives the player a better chance of keeping the clubface square at impact. In a properly fitted MB001, the sole delivers a consistently sized, crisp divot that is evidence of a solid, efficient strike.

Its top line is narrow, and visually reveals the strength and substance of the clubface at address. It presents a simple, clean look that reduces distraction and promotes confidence.

The flow of steel from the hosel to the low-offset clubhead is smooth, elegant and non-reflective. Yoshitaka-san took a lot of time to get this right, and also focused carefully on the relationship of the toe and heel so that they look harmonious as a whole. The MB001 clubhead is nearly the same length heel-to-toe as the Tournament Blade, and like that club, offers plenty of "face space" without looking overly long.

At address, the MB001 gives a more upright aspect to the golfer. Without feeling cramped, the player feels closer to the ball, able to see all of it without needing to adjust away from a comfortable head position. This better view of the ball lends pre-stroke confidence.

And in the classic Miura way, the back of the clubhead is uncrowded, simple and designed for striking beauty. Less means a great deal more.

Miura authorized dealer/fitters around the world will have the MB001 for customers to hit (and be fitted for) by the first week of November. While shaft and other fitting options may make prices vary, the suggested retail per club is $235 and $250 for certain models of upgraded shafts (Other premium shafts may increase the overall price.  Regional market and currency differences around the world may also affect the retail price per club). To find an authorized Miura dealer/fitter, click here.

Miura's broad forged iron line has choices for all players, including the Tournament Blade and Small Blades (muscleback models) and the Passing Point 9003, CB-501, and CB-301 (cavitybacks). Forged wedges include the Wedge Series (in silver nickel chrome and black) and the Series 1957 By Miura Custom Grind Wedges. There are also three models of putters, and the SIT-460 driver and fairway woods, plus Miura MG Hybrids.

Miura Golf Inc. markets Miura brand products exclusively around the world (except for Japan) from its headquarters in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. For more information, visit www.MiuraGolf.com. Follow Miura on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MiuraGolf and on Twitter at @MiuraGolfInc.

For American Golfer's review of Miura, click here.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Product Review: Pinnacle Golf Balls

Forget what you know - or think you know - about Pinnacle golf balls. While big brother at Acushnet, Titleist, garners loads and loads of praise, Pinnacle has always been considered a distance-only option. Feel? No.

Having tested out the newest Pinnacle Gold and Bling options, I’m ready to give credit where credit is due. Pinnacle is a player in the golf ball game.

Consumers spoke and Pinnacle listened.

“Golfers love the powerful distance they get from any Pinnacle golf ball,” said Michael Mahoney, Director of Golf Ball Product Management, Acushnet Company. “When we asked those golfers what improvements they’d like to see, they wanted the same outstanding distance with even softer feel. That was our design goal, and it’s what R&D has delivered in the new Pinnacle Gold models.”

Coming in at a budget-friendly price of $20 (MSRP) for a 15 pack, Pinnacle Gold and Gold Ribbon balls are every bit as long as they’ve always been, but have introduced a much softer feel. A softer core, along with a soft ionomer cover blend, produces a very soft feel, particularly on finesse shots around the green.

As for the Bling ... They’re more than just a pretty face. Featuring an updated palette of vibrant High Optix colors (white, pink, yellow and orange in a new, pearlescent finish), the Bling are designed to provide standout performance from tee-to-green.

Increasing the fun and flair in every swing, the High Optix technology also allows golfers to see their golf ball better by providing ultrahigh visibility against the typical shades of blue and green found on the golf course. At $24 (MSRP) per dozen, Bling offer the distance and feel of Gold, but with an extra pizazz.

Need any other reason to buy Pinnacle this holiday season? Look no further than “Pinnacle Supports.” Pinnacle is aligned with two special organizations - the Folds of Honor Foundation and Susan G. Komen Foundation, and their missions to better the lives of others.

The Folds of Honor Foundation empowers military families with educational support by providing scholarships to the spouses and children of service members disabled or killed as a result of their military service to the United States. In addition to providing a financial contribution to the organization, Pinnacle features the Folds of Honor logo and information on its Pinnacle Gold packaging in an effort to increase awareness.

Pinnacle is also a proud supporter of Patriot Golf Day, the Folds of Honor’s flagship fundraiser, which is held annually over Labor Day weekend and is the largest grassroots golf platform in the country.

The Susan G. Komen Foundation is resolute in its mission to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. Since 1995, Pinnacle has supported Komen through annual direct donations and sponsorship of the Going the Distance Awards and is a proud member of the Susan G. Komen Million Dollar Council. To help raise awareness, Pinnacle features the Komen “running ribbon” logo and information on its Gold Ribbon golf balls and packaging.

For more information on Pinnacle Golf, visit www.pinnaclegolf.com.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Give the Gift of Vessel this Holiday Season

Vessel golf bags funds one World Vision Promise Pack for every custom golf bag sold


(CARLSBAD, Calif.) – San Diego’s premier custom golf bag company Vessel announced the launch of its holiday donation program providing aid to impoverished communities abroad. 


Vessel is partnering with the World Vision Promise Pack program by purchasing and assembling backpacks with pens, pencils, notebooks, crayons, toothbrushes, washcloths, blankets and more. For every 50 Vessel custom golf bags sold, the company will host a Holiday Promise Pack Party to assemble all backpacks. The World Vision Promise Pack program is part of Vessel’s year-round philanthropic effort, promoting the welfare of global communities. 


Vessel transformed the golf bag industry in 2011 with its original concept to put the design process into the hands of its customers, allowing them to create one-of-a kind golf bags in a matter of minutes. This unique customization offering paired with its superior bag design and high functionality has quickly made it the go-to custom golf bag company for professional golfers and celebrities. Vessel’s client base includes sportsmen from the likes of John Daly, Wayne Gretzky and Marshall Faulk.

For more information regarding Vessel, visit www.vesselbags.com. For press inquiries, contact Angela Rivera at angela@vesselbags.com or 760-597-0248.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

CordeValle Announces Exclusive New 'Four for Fore' Retreat Package

Experience two of California's top 10 courses, privately catered cookout & wine tasting in the Comfort of a Fairway Home

(San Martin, Calif.) - CordeValle, a Rosewood Resort located in the foothills of Northern California's Santa Cruz Mountains, proudly announces an exclusive new "golf and grub" getaway package. The Four for Fore Retreat Package is tailor-made for those seeking a weekend filled with superior sport on two of California's Top 10 Courses, complete with a privately catered BBQ and intimate wine tasting from the property's on-site winery, all in the comfort of one's own private home.

Guests eager to stay above par this fall will enjoy a two-night stay in CordeValle's 3,100-square-foot Fairway Homes, overlooking the Robert Trent Jones-designed championship course. By day, groups can hit the links at CordeValle and Pasatiempo Golf Course, and by night, relax along the fairway with a private BBQ cookout at their residence, catered by Executive Chef Timothy Wetzel. The experience is complete with an intimate in-residence wine tasting from the resort's on-property winery.

Accommodations are well suited for the ultimate gentlemen's golf escape. With four master bedrooms grouped around a central living area, butler's kitchen, dining room, and common patio, weekend bachelors will find their complete oasis in CordeValle's Fairway Homes - perfect for kicking back after a round of golf to enjoy America's other favorite fall pastime, Football!

The Four for Fore Retreat Package includes:
• Two-night stay in a CordeValle Fairway Home
• One round of golf on CordeValle's Robert Trent Jones Championship Golf course per guest
• One round of golf on Pasatiempo Golf Club's Alister Mackenzie-designed course per guest
• Catered in-suite BBQ cookout on private patio
• Private in-suite wine tasting from on-property winery
• Daily continental breakfast

Package price starts at $735 per person, per night, midweek (with a two night minimum); $850 on the weekends. This price is based on a four-room/ four-person reservation. Bookings are subject to availability.

*Additional tax, service charge, caddie and resort fee apply.

Opened in 1999, CordeValle is a golf lover's dream and the ultimate choice for a golf vacation. Its thoughtful and inspired design is situated on 270 acres of gently rolling terrain and utilizes natural elevation changes, streams and wooded areas to achieve an 18-hole, 7,360-yard, 72 par championship course that rivals some of the finest courses in the world. CordeValle most recently announced it will host the 2016 U.S. Women's Open Championship, making it the first Women's Open held in the Bay Area and the second USGA championship conducted at the property.

For more information and to book the Four for Fore Retreat Package at CordValle, a Rosewood Resort visit www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/cordevalle or call reservations at 408.695.4562.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com

Atlantic City: Bruce Springsteen's Divine (Route) 9

Garden State’s famed coastal highway boasts outstanding, varied array of Atlantic City golf offerings

(ATLANTIC CITY. N.J.) — Rocker Bruce Springsteen’s hit song “Born to Run” is a classic – still considered a “last-ditch” effort on his part to make it big in the music business. The New Jersey native’s 1974 lyrics were bold and a bit desperate.

In it, Springsteen mentions a few rebellious individuals who chose to break the rules in order to escape their working-class environments. After being “sprung from cages on Highway 9,” they proceeded to jump into their “chrome wheeled, fuel injected” hotrods and went “steppin’ out over the line.”

Sounds like a freedom thing. Ah, the 70s.

Though this burning-rubber activity is now a thing of the past along Route 9 — which still hugs the Jersey coast — it doesn’t mean there is no longer an inherent need for speed down by the shore. With so many great golf courses to get to and so little time, it’s no wonder the now-plodding, two-lane, undivided U.S. Route 9 has been overtaken by progress: namely, the Garden State Parkway.

The “Parkway,” in contrast, is a wide-open wonder full of multi-lane pavement that also slices north and south along the Atlantic Ocean. It is a modern, funky-fast highway — funky in that it can get you to seaside destinations without any interruptions. Fast (even within in the legal speed limit) in that it can get you to multiple golf venues in a blink of an eye.

In fact, this highway can zip you from Atlantic City to the cozy beach resort town of Cape May in about a half an hour, give or take a rest-stop break along the way. Of course, there are various exits along the journey where you can pull off and play several high-end golf courses that dot the South Jersey coastline.

The list of “GSP Glories” begins with the northernmost course at Sea Oaks Golf Club in Little Egg Harbor and extends all the way south to Cape May National Golf Club in historic Cape May.

Naturally, there are golfers who would prefer to slow down and take in all of the wonders of the region aside from the links. For those, it is highly recommended that they stick to old Route 9. This classic roadway closely parallels the Garden State Parkway – at about a quarter of the pace.

Route 9 takes you through several old-time New Jersey neighborhoods, past quaint, architecturally diverse houses with modest patches of green front lawns. It is along this “divine” stretch of road where as many as nine golf layouts play within a few minutes of the double line that separates the roadway portrayed in Springsteen’s “Born to Run.”

Any one of the courses (Sea Oaks; The Bay and Pines Courses at Stockton Seaview Resort; Atlantic City Country Club; Greate Bay Country Club; Shore Gate Golf Club; Sand Barrens Golf Club; Wildwood Golf & Country Club; and Cape May National) is worth the effort it takes to pull the car out of your casino hotel garage and “step it on down the line” as a part of your Atlantic City golf package.

For those golfers always in a rush, each of the golf courses is also situated just minutes off the parkway as well. Wildwood is in such proximity to the toll road that, in fact, the club actually has two former green sites buried underneath its pavement (the golf layout was reconfigured when the new road went through).

One other note about Route 9, the landmark road actually dissects both Seaview (separating its Bay and Pines offerings) and Greate Bay, which features six holes on the east side of the roadway and 12 holes just west it. The two “sides” to Greate Bay are connected by a pair of tunnels. Play the course and you’ll hardly notice that it is there.

Here is a rundown of the facilities, moving from north to south, directly accessible from the Divine (Route) 9:

Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Resort

Were it not for the sound of seagulls floating in the salty air above, one might think they were at the Greenbrier Resort. But no, there aren’t any West Virginia mountains here — just a wonderful hotel and two marvelous golf courses that represent the epitome of charm and elegance along the New Jersey coast.

A brief walk across the grounds and you’ll know you’ve arrived at a special destination. Situated in the seaside town of Galloway, the stately Stockton Seaview is the only golf and spa resort on the New Jersey Shore. It offers guests an idyllic resort vacation, world-class golf and some of the best spa experiences on the East Coast.

The Bay Course, which opened in 1914, clings to its Scottish links-style heritage as crafted by Donald Ross, a true Scot from Dornoch. The Bay Course continues to be the region’s championship venue as a host to an LPGA event. It began its professional legacy in 1942 as host to the PGA Championship won by Sam Snead.

Though not as strongly affected by the strong Atlantic breezes, Seaview’s Pines Course is a highly rated layout designed by Toomey & Flynn in 1929. The course differs from its sister Bay routing in that it features tree-lined fairways, the towering pines helping protect it from nature’s elements. The contrast between the two makes Seaview a great dual-course facility.

Greate Bay Country Club

Though operated as a private course, Greate Bay in Somers Point will make a select few tee times available for golf packages at off-peak hours. Known for famed designer and one of the game’s great original pioneers – Scotsman Willie Park Jr. (who was recently inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame) – Greate Bay is popular for its 358 (three hours and 58 minutes) pace of play program and its fun-and-friendly atmosphere.

The layout’s traditionally small greens are considered among the best in Southern New Jersey and they putt with subtle breaks that even long-time members find mystifying. Though Park’s “Touch of Scotland” influence has been transformed somewhat over time (it opened in 1923) due to the growth of native trees (making it more parkland in style), the course still attracts celebrities like LPGA golf legend Annika Sorenstam. Other former guests range from Frank Sinatra to Dean Martin to Michael Jordan.

Shore Gate

Tucked quietly off exit 17 of the Garden State Parkway where it brushes up against Route 9, Shore Gate Golf Club’s entrance welcomes you to an experience that is considered “elevated above the rest.”

Shore Gate, which features some remarkable terrain, is the only course in the area designed by the California architect firm of Ron Fream and David Dale.

According to general manager and director of golf Harry Bittner, this aspect gives the course a little different feel than most you’ll see in the Northeast of America.

“Everything they’ve done, they’ve done well,” Bittner said of the design team. “The whole goal was to build a golf course that was pretty dramatic and different to give people something special — something they will remember. They had a really great piece of land with which to work.”

Though situated only a couple of miles from the beach, the landscape at Shore Gate is surprisingly diverse.

“For being so close to the ocean, this is unusual. Not all the land up and down the coast is consistent, Shore Gate rolls across one of the more unusual pockets with its natural variation,” Bittner added.

Seven ponds also adorn the layout. “It’s a very natural golf course, certainly not a commercial one,” Bittner said. “Golfers come back in here and they go, ‘Whoa, this is a whole other area.’”

Sand Barrens

As the story goes, the 27-holes at Sand Barrens Golf Club are a result of a mad scientist. Well, Dana Fry may not have been mad, but he certainly was intuitive.

It was back in the winter of 1996 when Fry, then a co-designer with Dr. Michael Hurdzan, was simultaneously working on a desert course out west and walking the land situated among the pine trees of coastal New Jersey. Digging down into the soil with a backhoe, Fry struck what he was looking for — sand, and quite a bit of it too.

So, instead of designing a typical green, parkland-style golf course, he decided to bring the sand up from the earth and turn Sand Barrens into the “closest thing you’ll find to a desert course in this neck of the woods.”

Today, three really strong nines put Sand Barrens at the front of the class and still the only 27-hole facility in the system.

Cape May National

As the known “Cape Crusader,” Cape May National Golf Club’s front nine is narrower, shorter and potentially more difficult. The back nine plays longer, is more open and is more like a traditional links layout. The front nine is more parkland style with bigger fairways and smaller greens; the back nine sports smaller fairways and bigger greens. On every hole the wind can shift so “you have to be creative down here.”

The course, known as “The Natural,” will challenge even the most skilled golfer and No. 18 is considered on the finer finishing holes in the state.

When owner Bob Mullock first designed “The Natural” along with Florida architect Karl Litten back in the early 1990s, he took a workmanlike piece of land from its previous functions as a dairy farm, a soybean field and an airstrip and turned it into a golfer’s playground.

According to one press report: “Cape May National is not full of tricky holes or punitive angles. It’s a steadily paced layout that, except for an occasional blind shot, allows you to find your rhythm and plot your strategy accordingly.”

While visiting the region, you’ll want to spend some time in charming Cape May, a one-time pirate’s cove, smuggler’s harbor and whaling port with a rich and colorful history.

Learn more about all 20 Atlantic City courses and book your golf getaway at www.PlayACGolf.com.

Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com