Golfweek Names 39 Troon Affiliated Facilities to 2015 Best Courses Rankings

Troon North Golf Club, Monument Course

Troon-Managed Facilities Recognized in Best Resort and Residential Categories as well as Best Courses of the Caribbean and Mexico

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in upscale golf course management, development and marketing is pleased to announce that 39 of its affiliated courses have been named to “Golfweek’s Best Courses” rankings for 2015. The accolades are comprised of the best resort and residential golf courses, along with the best courses located in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Eight Troon-managed golf courses were represented on the “Top 100 Resort Courses” list, led by Kapalua – Plantation on Maui, which climbed three places to No. 16 in 2015. Both courses at Troon North Golf Club  in Scottsdale were once again included in this Top 100 ranking, as were the likes of Lake of Isles in Connecticut, Pronghorn (Nicklaus) in Oregon and Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Arizona, to name a few. Princeville Makai Golf Club on the Hawaiian island of Kauai made a large jump in the rankings moving up from No. 86 to No. 42 for 2015.

Six Troon-managed facilities were included in the “Top 100 Residential Courses,” led by Pronghorn (Fazio Course) in Oregon, which finished at No. 12 and the The Golf Club at Black Rock in Coeur d’Alene, which came in at No. 39 in the country. Three international Troon facilities came were ranked within the “Top 50 Courses of the Caribbean and Mexico” including Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club in Puerto Rico, advancing from  No. 37 last year to No. 31, Palmilla Golf Club in Los Cabos, Mexico and Ocean Club in the Bahamas.

Troon-managed or affiliated courses that received recognition by Golfweek magazine include:
Top 100 Resort Courses
No. 16   Kapalua – Plantation – Maui, Hawaii
No. 38   Pronghorn – Nicklaus – Bend, Ore.
No. 42   Princeville Makai Golf Club – Princeville, Hawaii
No. 53  PGA WEST – Stadium – La Quinta, Calif.
No. 57  Camp Creek Golf Club – Panama City, Florida
No. 78   Troon North Golf Club – Pinnacle – Scottsdale, Ariz.
No. 79   Troon North Golf Club – Monument – Scottsdale, Ariz.
No. 81   Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club – Maricopa, Ariz.

Next Top 100 Resort Courses
The Boulders – North & South – Carefree, Ariz.
The Club at Cordillera – Mountain – Edwards, Colo.
Kapalua – Bay – Maui, Hawaii
La Cantera Hill Country Resort – Palmer – San Antonio, Texas
Lake of Isles – North – North Stonington, Conn.
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa – Ridge/Canyon – Tucson, Ariz.
La Quinta Resort – Mountain – La Quinta, Calif.
PGA WEST – Nicklaus Resort – La Quinta, Calif.
Park Hyatt Aviara Golf Club – Carlsbad, Calif.
Silverado Resort and Spa – North – Napa, Calif.
The Club at Savannah Harbor – Savannah, Ga.
The Golf Club at Equinox – Manchester, Vt.
Yocha DeHe Golf Club at Cache Creek Casino Resort – Brooks, Calif.

Best Residential Courses
No. 12   Pronghorn – Fazio – Bend, Ore.
No. 39   The Golf Club at Black Rock – Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
No. 47   Quintero Golf Club – Peoria, Ariz.
No. 68   Red Ledges Golf Club – Heber City, Utah
No. 79   Troon Country Club – Scottsdale, Ariz.
No. 96   The Gallery – North – Marana, Ariz.

Next Top 100 Residential Courses
Bayside Resort – Fenwick Island, Del.
Club at Cordillera – Summit – Edwards, Colo.
Conestoga Golf Club – Mesquite, Nev.
Pine Canyon Golf Club – Flagstaff, Ariz.
Shark’s Tooth Golf Club – Lake Powell, Fla.
The Gallery – South – Marana, Ariz.
The Peninsula Golf & Country Club – Millsboro, Del.
Troon North Golf Club – Monument – Scottsdale, Ariz.

Top 50 Courses of the Caribbean and Mexico
No. 31   Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club – Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
No. 45   Palmilla Golf Club – Mountain and Arroyo – Los Cabos, Mexico
No. 49   Ocean Club – Paradise Island, Bahamas

Among the criteria used by Golfweek’s panel of course raters include:
Ease and intimacy of routing – The extent to which the sequence of holes follows natural contours and unfolds in an unforced manner.
Variety and memorability of par 3s, 4s and 5s – Different clubs hit; extent to which the angles of play create interesting and varied playing options; and extent to which holes offer variety of options from the tee and on the second shot.
Basic quality of conditioning – Variety of playing textures; extent of turf coverage; consistency and quality of bunker sand.
“Walk in the park” test – Degree to which the course ultimately is worth spending a half-day on.

Devereux Offers Special Deals for Black Friday

(Los Angeles, CA) - Devereux would like to graciously thank all of our customers and followers over this very successful year by providing an exclusive Black Friday offering on our www.dvrxgolf.com website featuring 30% off your entire purchase with Free Shipping on all orders over $75.  In addition, the First 100 customers to order on Black Friday, November 28th will receive a free Crème Lindley Pique Shirt ($80.00 value).

"Thanksgiving is a time for us to reflect on how blessed we truly have been over this past year working with some of the very best people in the industry and developing excellent customer relationships. We hope Black Friday is an opportunity for more people to be able to experience our Proper Threads brand and we look forward to having more to be thankful for next year." states Brian Lohman, Director of Sales.

Founded in 2013 in Los Angeles, Calif., Devereux is a premium, contemporary line of men's golfwear. Offering men "Proper Threads", Devereux provides style and comfort on and off the course. The Devereux collection can be found at better clubs, resorts and specialty retailers abroad. To view the collection, visit dvrxgolf.com.

To read our review of Devereux, Click HERE.

Los Angeles Clippers Coach and Golf Advocate Doc Rivers Next Guest on Feherty, Tuesday, Dec. 2

Rivers Shares His Love for Golf, Life-Altering Events and His Front-Row Seat to the Racial Controversy that Rocked the Los Angeles Clippers Organization

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – On the season’s penultimate episode of Feherty, basketball great and golf lover Glenn “Doc” Rivers explains how events of his life uniquely prepared him to cope with the most bizarre racial scandal in recent history. The Rivers interview on Feherty, next to air following tonight’s episode featuring PGA TOUR pro Zach Johnson, premieres Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 10 p.m. ET on Golf Channel.Emmy-nominated Host David Feherty travels to Los Angeles for the episode, which offers an eye-opening conversation about golf and some of the life-altering events of the 1988 NBA All-Star player, 2000 NBA Coach of the Year, 2008 NBA Champion as head coach of the Boston Celtics, and current head coach and president of Basketball Operations for the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers.

Some of the topics discussed in the episode include: the words of wisdom Rivers received from his Marquette University coach Hank Raymonds about the challenges of his interracial relationship with his future wife, Kristen; the arsonist attack on his San Antonio, Texas, home and his choice to protect his family by moving forward with his life; his take on why he thinks lack of team chemistry has been a major reason for the U.S.A.’s recent slide in Ryder Cup competition; and why he thinks golf can be a great relaxation activity for NBA players. Rivers also comments on his role as organizational healer following former Clippers’ owner Donald Sterling’s racial gaffes that created negative headlines around the world.

The season finale of Feherty will air on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 10 p.m. ET with guest Dan Patrick, co-host of NBC’s Football Night in America and host of the nationally syndicated Dan Patrick Show. Feherty originally debuted in June 2011 as the most-watched original series in Golf Channel history. David Feherty, Emmy nominated this year for Outstanding Sports Personality, has gone one-on-one with celebrities across golf, sports and entertainment, including former President Bill Clinton, basketball Hall-of-Famers Bill Russell and Charles Barkley, actors Don Cheadle and Samuel L. Jackson, and golfers Tom Watson and Greg Norman.

Sunice Announces Its 2015 Spring/Summer Collections

(Montreal, Quebec) - The Spring/Summer 2015 collection launch for Sunice Golf has never been so strong.  The collection is focused on providing the golf market the best performance outerwear available - while keeping the company's promise to provide a balance of style complimenting the technical aspects of the garments.  Sunice 2015 is all about comfort and function - addressing the needs of the golfer and designing and developing garments that meet their specific use to allow them to perform better while playing.

"We did not just stop at function in our design - in colour there is no other in golf that can compete," said  Kathryn McClemens, Senior Product Manager of Sunice.  "Bold brights are mixed with classic core colours to bring a new vibrant palette to the game.   The true essence of the collection this year is bringing unlikely colour pairings together in harmony and unison to create a colour palette that is both striking in its appearance yet commercial enough to worn by the most discerning of golfers."

 In the ladies collections the colours embrace femininity yet have undertones of bolder more unexpected twists of colours.  The palette is vibrant and rich.  Jeweled tones reflecting City skylines, flamboyant neon pinks complimented with classic whites and grounded to charcoal for a dynamic palette.  

The men's collections also kept a similar approach to colour.  The economy of recent years has influenced colour palettes to be muted and somber - black, tans and greys that seemed like basics until they become a statement of fashion.  Sunice is now witnessing a resurgence of colour reflecting a newness and opportunity.  Instead of the traditional manner of taking black and charcoals and popping them with colour - the company took the colour and popped with the basics.  Neon greens, vibrant blues and rich yellows trimmed with colour staples of pure white, grey and blacks reinvents modern golf by adding fashion to the science of the game.  The prints that were once classic patterns utilized to follow a more traditional course were then deconstructed to add the unexpected - giving it a more Sunice feel.

"The main feeling Sunce wanted to evoke in the 2015 colour palette was sportsmanship, quality, perseverance and passion - all the things we believe that Sunice as a brand is about," says Kathryn McClemens.

Sunice continues to design and develop six different categories in the Spring 2015 with an expansion in our sport collection adding down vests and jackets with stretch panels.  We felt there was a need for the player to have the warmth of down but required the stretch and protection of a 3L stretch insert to allow for full range of motion.  Each outerwear category - Hurricane, Tornado, Typhoon, Pro Sport and Sport - provides different levels of protection from an array of weather conditions. We are continuing to expand our highly technical apparel line, Sunice Silver using only X-Static and XT2 fabrics in our polo collection. The success of Sunice's golf platform derives from our capability to offer innovation through research and development and diversification in our products providing the ultimate Freedom to play, no matter the weather.

Hurricane Collection
Featuring GORE-TEX and GORE-TEX enhanced with Paclite technology, and backed by the GORE-TEX "Guaranteed to keep you dry" promise, the Hurricane Collection is the Sunice Gore category.

The Ultimate Jacket is back in its seventh adaptation (V7), with a complete re-design and the reintroduction of the ever popular Albany jacket.  The Sunice science is evident in these jackets with the added features, including the X-Static® stretch lining, Pro-Trim™ waist cinching system, in-pocket ball cleaner, and stretch insert back panel. The Sunice DNA is represented in detailing such as laser cut designs on the sleeves and body, laser cut and welded pocket frames, and the Sunice patented V collar design.

Tornado Collection
The standout category for 2015 is our Tornado collection featuring our exclusive Flexvent fabric - breathable, extremely lightweight and ultra-quiet stretch knit jackets backed by a four-year waterproof guarantee.  

These features are all a call out to our commitment to performance outerwear allowing the golfer to focus on their game rather than the weather - with its uniquely soft hand feels and super quiet stretch laminate; we believe this is the future in waterproofs.

Wearing our Tornado flagship jacket - the Kern feels like you are playing in a lightweight stretch layer - but you are fully protected from all weather conditions - this proprietary fabric technology was developed with the sole focus of designing a garment that is engineered to play.

Typhoon Collection
The Typhoon category - now a full-stretch, waterproof category with a three-year waterproof guarantee - encompasses all that a well-designed, lightweight rain suit should be. Introduced in 2011, Sepal is a quieter-performance lightweight fabric that now has the added benefit of full stretch. A complete revamp in the design of our performance jackets with more streamlined silhouettes - less cut and sew and more laser cutting - showcasing the brighter pop colours for a more modern feel - will act as the catalyst for Sunice to gain an even a greater leadership position at this level of rainwear.  This category has become synonymous with value proposition for a highly technical rain suit, incorporating all the game enhancing features that Sunice is famous for and using laser cut welding detail, ergonomically designed laser cut welded pocket frames, and the Sunice patented V collar design - Designed to enhance comfort without compromising performance.

To keep in tune with this commitment to a bolder and edgier collection we have combined vivid blues and bright neon greens with saturated yellows to take us to the next level.  We feel it is a perfect blend of fashion and sport.  A true testimony to the Sunice Player - bold and fun but should be taken seriously.

Find more about Sunice at www.facebook.com/SuniceGolf and www.twitter.com/SuniceGolf.

ANNIKA Academy Announces Golf Instruction Holiday Sale

Purchase Between November 28 and December 21 to Receive 20% off Three-Day Programs

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – The ANNIKA Academy – Hall-of-Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam’s boutique golf instruction and fitness school – announces Holiday pricing 20% off its core, three-day golf instruction programs.

The special applies to “Player’s,” “Championship,” “Platinum,” “Major” and “Soren-Slam” programs purchased between November 28 (“Black Friday”) and December 21, 2014. Regular rates begin at $1,900 per person.

All feature a maximum guest-to-instructor ratio of 4:1 ensuring an environment optimized to learning Annika’s “Winning Approach.” The Academy’s hand-picked instruction team is headlined by Annika’s sister, LPGA winner and 1993 NCAA Champion, Charlotta Sorenstam, and Henri Reis, her only swing coach since she was 10 years old.

Moreover, the Platinum, Major and Soren-Slam programs offer opportunities to interact with, and even learn directly from, Annika.

“Everything we teach at the Academy is influenced by the plan Annika devised and followed to become a 10-time major champion and eight-time Rolex Player of the Year,” says Mike Pryor, the Academy’s Director of Golf. “Her emphasis on swing fundamentals, fitness, nutrition, course management and mental toughness is incorporated in a curriculum designed to help you reach your full potential.”

Full-swing and short-game instruction, a special gift package from Annika, full-service breakfast and lunch, fitness and nutritional overview, personalized workout program, video swing analysis, club fitting, course management strategy, and golf on Reunion’s three acclaimed 18-hole layouts are some of the featured program elements.

Details specific to each program are available here: http://theannikaacademy.com/annika-academy-golf-programs/. Accommodations for out-of-town guests may also be arranged with Reunion Resort.

For more information and pricing: TheTeam@TheAnnikaAcademy.com, 888.266.4522.

Full Swing Golf Launches Customer Photo Contest

(SAN DIEGO, CA) - San Diego-based Golf simulator maker, Full Swing Golf, announced it has launched an exciting new customer photo contest. Customers can take photos of their Full Swing Golf simulator and win huge prizes.

"We're very excited about our customer photo contest. So far, response has been fantastic," says Chad Coleman, vice president of sales and marketing at Full Swing Golf. "Our installers and customers work so hard to create a beautiful and functional golf simulator space in their homes or businesses, and now is their chance to show them off. Full Swing Golf customers tell our story so well, and it's fun to see how much they love their sims. Selected finalists will be able to increase their chances of winning by promoting their entry on social networks. I expect that by the time this contest has wrapped up, our customers will have enjoyed sharing their spaces with us and each other, and we'll have some gorgeous new photos to share with the world. It's the first contest of its kind in our industry, and we're proud to change the way we think and connect, yet again."

The contest began November 10 and runs through November 28. Finalists will be selected December 1-3, and those photos will be uploaded to voting social platforms on December 4. Voting will take place December 4-21, and winners will be announced December 23.

The Grand Prize Winner receives $10,000 in Full Swing Golf credit, while the 2nd place finisher receives $3000 in Full Swing Golf credit, and the 3rd place finisher receives $2,000 in Full Swing Golf credit.

"We believe that the best storytellers of the Full Swing Golf experience are our clients, and we're looking for amazing new images to represent us," says Coleman. "We invite customers to work with amateur, semi pro, or professional photographers, if need be. And they can submit up to five pictures of their simulator room with the simulator as the centerpiece. If your picture is selected as a finalist by the Full Swing team, then judging takes place on several social media platforms. Your friends decide if you win! Simply share your entry with everyone you can and have them vote via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, web and mobile devices, or by texting to vote. The photo with the most votes wins the grand prize."

Visit http://www.fullswinggolf.com/photocontest/ for contest details and rules.

Manchester CC Hires Director of Agronomy

Seasoned Veteran Oversaw Numerous Golf Properties with PGA and LPGA TOUR Events

(Scottsdale, Az.) – Implementing and maintaining a structured game plan that produces pristine playing conditions at a private golf club throughout the year is what every member expects. Recently, Manchester Country Club in New Hampshire hired a new Director of Agronomy and he happens to be one of the industry’s finest purveyors of golf course maintenance.

With nearly 20 years of experience as a Golf Course Superintendent and Director of Agronomy at some of the country’s finest golf properties, Daniel Weitzel arrives in Bedford, New Hampshire with a clear vision to further elevate the stature of one of the East Coast’s most reputable private country clubs.
Prior to his post at Manchester CC, Weitzel spent two years as Director of Agronomy for Carl M Freeman Golf Properties in Ocean View, Delaware overseeing 81 holes of golf at three separate locations. He was also instrumental in the recertification of the golf courses with the local Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.

“Manchester Country Club has such a sterling reputation throughout the region and I am truly honored and thrilled to be joining an administrative staff and membership body that is unequaled in New Hampshire,” said Weitzel, a graduate of Penn State University with a B.S. in Turfgrass Science.

From 2010 – 2012, Weitzel was Director of Agronomy at Seaview Golf Resort in Galloway, New Jersey, home of the LPGA’s ShopRite Classic tournament.

“Working with the professional golf tours provides such invaluable lessons in how to set up a golf course differently from day to day, but also how to effectively prepare a course to achieve optimum playing conditions for the players. The same holds true for members at private country clubs. They also expect the very best and deservedly so,” added Weitzel. Weitzel was also Director of Agronomy at Caledonia Country Club in Hornell, New York and Head Superintendent at Towanda Country Club in Wysox, Pennsylvania along with Honey Run Golf Club and Hawk Lake GC in York, Pennsylvania. “Daniel brings a wealth of experience to our Club and our entire membership will soon realize that we have one of the best in the business caring for our facility day in and day out. I couldn’t be happier to have Daniel on staff with us at Manchester Country Club,” said Brian Kelley, general manager of Manchester CC.

Last year, Manchester Country Club completed an $8 million renovation project that included restoration of MCC’s existing historic Clubhouse. The refurbished Clubhouse now offers members and their guests with a magnificent venue for weddings and special events and a premier New England country club outfitted with unsurpassed amenities. In 2013, Golf Inc. Magazine nominated the Clubhouse at Manchester Country Club for its “Clubhouse of the Year” honor after its most recent renovation.

For more information on Manchester Country Club, call (603) 624-4096 or visit www.manchestercountryclub.com.

GCAA Interviews Inaugural Big Break Invitational Champion Jay Woodson

The Golf Coaches Association of America interviewed multi-time SwingThought.com Tour winner, three-time consecutive Virginia State Open Champion, Inaugural Big Break Invitational Champion, and James Madison alum Jay Woodson.

The interview can be found on GCAA website at www.collegiategolf.com or the direct link: http://collegiategolf.com/news/a-gcaa-qaa-with-swingthoughtcom-tour-member-jay-woodson-2098.html

Here's an excerpt:

The Golf Coaches Association of America, in cooperation with its long-time corporate partner, the SwingThought.com Tour, will feature a monthly Q&A with former collegians who are currently playing or have played on the SwingThought.com tour. Long considered the premier developmental tour in the United States, thousands of former college players have started their professional careers there. More than 250 SwingThought.com Tour alumni have or continue to play on the PGA TOUR.

This month we spoke with Jay Woodson, a current SwingThought.com Tour member. Woodson was a All-Conference player at James Madison, and also appeared on the Big Break and recently won the inaguaral Big Break Invitational.

Q: Earlier this fall you competed in and won the Big Break Invitational at Reynolds Plantation. What was it like playing in the inaugural event?

Woodson: It was such a fun event! It featured a slightly different format! Two rounds of Stableford, followed by match play, and then ending with stroke play. We basically had two cuts which raised the stress level a bit! The Great Waters course at Reynolds was in such perfect shape. Excited to come back next year and defend my title!

Q: You were also a competitor on Big Break Mexico in 2013. How does the Big Break experience compare to other tournament golf?

Woodson: The Big Break show really tests your patience. The days are very long! They try to film a show a day so it’s tough to get into a rhythm when have to wait your turn to compete in a challenge! That's what makes the show fun to watch! You have to perform when it’s your turn or you go home! It is certainly pressure packed!

Q: You were also victorious in your third straight Virginia Open earlier this year. What is it about that event that brings out the best in you?

Woodson: I really love that event! I take pride in winning the only "Open" in my home state of Virginia. The tournament is very well run and it doesn't hurt that I really like the courses they have played the last three years!

Q: You were a three-time all-conference collegiate golfer at James Madison. What were some of your best experiences while playing in college?

Woodson: I really loved being part of a team. We had such a close group. There is nothing better than having a group of individuals working as unit towards one goal!

Q: How would you compare the college golf experience to that of a professional golfer?

Woodson: I think obviously one of the biggest things is getting used to playing for money and finding a way to not think about it while you play. Golf is the same game when you’re an amateur or a professional. As long as you can focus on your own game and what you can control the rest will take care of itself.

Q: What experiences as a student, outside of golf, do you think helped prepare you for life as a professional golfer?

Woodson: I think one of the biggest things that helped me was making sure I always went to class. That discipline carried over into my golf game. Knowing how to manage my time with class work has helped with my practice management when I’m on the road at tournaments.

Q: You were also an All-State High School Quarterback/Defensive Back while growing up in Virginia. How did you decide that you were going to pursue golf in college instead of football?

Woodson: I knew I wanted to be a professional athlete and I felt I had a better chance with golf than with football. Getting hit by 300 pound defensive lineman didn't sound like too much fun either!

Q: What do you enjoy most about playing professionally on the SwingTought.com Tour?

Woodson: I love how well the tournaments are run. It’s a week-long event with Pro Ams and a real professional feel. They have great guys working for the tour which makes each event a fun place to be.

Q: What has been your favorite event to play on the SwingThought.com Tour?

Woodson: Too difficult to pick one! Played so many great courses and met so many great people over the years. I obviously love all the courses where I have won, the most recent being Three Ridges in Knoxville TN.

Q: What advice would you have for young golfers looking to start a professional career?

Woodson: Keep it Simple! Focus on your game and what makes you play well. Don’t worry so much about what other guys are doing! There are a lot of ways to get the job done.

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Completes Major Renovation

New Changes Improve Playability for Leisure Players While Maintaining the Challenge for Advanced Golfers

(Maricopa, Ariz.) – Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, named among the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” by Golf Magazine, has unveiled exciting new improvements after a major renovation  project that has improved the playability of the course while maintaining the challenges and shot-values enjoyed by experienced golfers.

The enhancements included a complete bunker renovation, additional tee boxes, expanded landing areas, and other design improvements on several holes. Among the most celebrated changes is the new hybrid practice facility, which serves as a six-hole short course called #miniDunes in the afternoon and a traditional driving range during peak times of the day. The driving range was completely renovated with the addition of six tees and six target greens built to USGA specifications. The name #miniDunes embraces a theme to appeal to a younger audience by being among the first golf courses to incorporate a hashtag in its name.

“#mini Dunes will serve as our laboratory to grow the game,” stated Brady Wilson, general manager, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club. “We are going to use this facility to introduce new golfers, both young and old, to the game of golf.”

To ensure the integrity of the award-winning design at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, original course architects of Schmidt-Curley Design was brought in to lead the project. In all, 83,000 square feet of bunkers were removed from the course's original total of 480,000 square feet. Major improvements also include significant turf expansion between many of the forward tees to eliminate unnecessary forced carries for those choosing to "tee it forward" or are still learning to consistently hit shots in the air.

Additional enhancements included re-vegetation of native grasses and many transitions between bunker edges and native desert. A new back tee was added on No. 1 (a change made with the experienced golfer in mind) while new forward tees were added on holes 6, 8, 12, 15 and 17. Improvements on No. 17 also include a nearly full-redesign with an expansion of the green, reshaping of a large dune to open sightlines to the hole, and changes to the bunker complex around the green.

The changes at Ak-Chin Southern Dunes make a major statement in the industry by taking action to make the golf experience more enjoyable for a broader range of golfers and creating an environment suited for juniors and players who are new to the game. The course is ideally suited to appeal to both resort-style play and competitive tournaments.

The Arizona Golf Association recently re-rated the rating/slope of the course, determining that the “tips” received a more difficult rating/slope, the “black tees” remained the same and “gold, blue and white tees” received a lower course rating/slope.

“These new ratings confirmed what we set out to do at the onset of the project – to make the golf course more playable for the average player, while maintaining and increasing our championship pedigree,” said Wilson.

For more information on Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, visit www.golfsoutherndunes.com
The Ak-Chin Indian Community, which owns the nearby Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino and the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle, has brought together championship-style golf and world-class gaming and entertainment. Gaming and golf packages are now available through Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, creating a truly exciting and multi-faceted destination, pleasing to a wide range of visitors. The course sits on 320 acres of land that was once a part of the Ak-Chin's original May 1912 reservation before it was removed by Presidential Executive Order in late 1912. Nearly 100 years later in 2010, the Community recovered its sacred land when they purchased Ak-Chin Southern Dunes after it was originally developed as a private club. The course currently boasts several coveted accolades that include Golfweek’s list of the “Top 100 Resort Courses,” “Best Courses You Can Play,” and “Top Casino Courses,” as well as Golf Magazine’s list of “Top 100 Courses You Can Play.”

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club is managed by Troon. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon is the world's largest golf management company also specializing in homeowner association management, private residence clubs, estate management and associated hospitality venues. The company oversees operations at Troon Golf (daily-fee & resort) and Troon Privé (private) properties located in 34 states and 28 countries. Additionally, 44 Troon facilities enjoy a Top 100 ranking by national or international publications. For additional news and information, visit www.TroonGolf.com.

Nike Athlete Hao-Tong Li is Creating a Stir in China

(RELEASE) - Nike Golf athlete Hao-Tong Li is making a lot of noise on the China PGA Tour. At the age of 19, he won his third professional title at the China PGA Tour Hainan Open last week, and took over the No. 1 spot on the Order of Merit. This six-stroke victory assured him a membership on the 2015 Web.com Tour, making him the first Chinese athlete to become a member of the U.S.-based Tour.

Assisting him to victory was his Nike Vapor Pro driver, which he used during his three wins in the last two months. The Vapor Pro driver blends three key technologies: Nike’s new FlyBeam reinforced Covert Cavity Back design, a re-engineered Compression Channel and FlexLoft 2. All are vital to the golf athlete to achieve the ultimate in hitting their window of distance, speed and launch conditions.

The newest addition to Li's bag was his Nike Vapor Pro irons (6-9) featuring the distinctive Modern Muscle technology, which balances weighting for perfected precision and power.

Li played with 14 Nike clubs in his bag, including the new Nike Vapor Speed 3-wood (15 degree) and the Nike RZN Black ball. On the body, Li also sported apparel from Nike Golf’s Performance Collection and the Lunar Control II shoe.

LI'S NIKE GOLF ARSENAL
* Driver: Nike Vapor Pro 11.5-degree
* Fairway Wood: Nike Vapor Speed, 3-wood/15-degree
* Hybrid:  Nike VRS Covert 2.0 17-degree and 20-degree
* Irons: Nike VR Blades (4-5), Nike Vapor Pro (6-9)
* Wedges: VR Forged 47-degree, 54-degree, 60-degree
* Putter: Nike Method prototype
* Ball: Nike RZN Black
* Apparel: Nike Golf’s Performance Collection
* Footwear: Nike Lunar Control II

NIKE GOLF’S 2014 PGA TOUR VICTORIES
* Russell Henley – Honda Classic
* Seung-Yul Noh – Zurich Classic
* Rory McIlroy – The Open Championship
* Rory McIlroy – WGC – Bridgestone Invitational
* Rory McIlroy – PGA Championship

NIKE GOLF’S 2014 INTERNATIONAL VICTORIES
* Charl Schwartzel - Alfred Dunhill Championship (European Tour)
* Ross Fisher - Tshwane Open (European Tour)
* Rory McIlroy - BMW PGA Championship (European Tour)
* Xin-Jun Zhang - Beijing Open (China PGA Tour)
* Paul Casey - The KLM Open (European Tour)
* Hao-Tong Li - Jianye Tianzhu Henan Open (China PGA Tour)
* Hao-Tong Li - Nashan China Masters (One Asia)
* Thorbjorn Olesen - ISPS Handa Perth International (European Tour)
* Hao Tong Li - China PGA Tour Hainan Open (China PGA Tour)

NIKE GOLF’S 2014 LPGA TOUR VICTORIES
* Michelle Wie - LPGA LOTTE Championship
* Michelle Wie - U.S. Women's Open

NIKE GOLF’S 2014 LADIES INTERNATIONAL VICTORIES
* Cheyenne Woods – Volvic RACV Ladies Masters

Fletcher Sport Brands Announces Corporate Name Change to Sunice

(Montreal, Canada) -  Fletcher Sport Brands has announced that it will now operate around the world under the iconic name Sunice, effective immediately. The goal of the name change is to align its corporate and product identity to better focus on a singular brand platform.

"This change gives us a platform to continue the commitment around driving the Sunice brand" said Conrad Tappert, President of Sunice. "Combining a heritage dating back to 1976 with the current momentum that the brand is enjoying in the marketplace, it is the right time to make this change".

Along with the name change, the company adopted a new corporate identity and a new website that will be launched next year. The changes are effective immediately, and all future business activity will be undertaken with the new name.

"This is a logical next step for our company as we launch new innovative products, expand offerings, and grow our distribution in new channels and markets," said Tappert.

Spain Announces Catalunya as Its Candidate to Host the 2022 Ryder Cup

(PGA Catalunya Resort, Barcelona) - Real Federación Española de Golf, in partnership with Generalitat de Catalunya and other public Spanish and Catalan stakeholders, have announced their intention to bid to bring The 2022 Ryder Cup to Catalunya. PGA Catalunya Resort (Girona), recently awarded European Golf Resort of the Year 2015, is the proposed venue for golf’s biggest confrontation between Europe and the United States.

The Real Federación Española de Golf is working closely with stakeholders from across Spain and Catalunya, including the Sports Council of Spain (CSD), Generalitat de Catalunya, PGA Catalunya Resort, Diputación de Barcelona, Diputación de Girona, Patronat de Turisme Costa Brava Girona, City of Barcelona, City of Girona, City of Caldes de Malavella and the Federación Catalana de Golf to develop their bid dossier for submission to the European Tour Selection Committee by 30th April 2015.

Gonzaga Escauriaza, President of the Real Federación Española de Golf, said: “Few countries in the world have contributed as much to the development and promotion of European golf as Spain has over the last 30 years. Bringing The Ryder Cup to Spain is a central part of our strategy and will continue our proud PGA European Tour heritage. The Ryder Cup's power to drive participation amongst new players and showcase our world class courses across the globe is unique. We are delighted to have received so much committed support from stakeholders and we look forward to submitting a compelling bid to The European Tour.”

Iván Tibau, Secretary General for Sport, Generalitat de Catalunya, said: “The world cities of Barcelona and Girona will be the gateways for golf fans from across the globe to experience the world leading cultural attractions, hospitality and landscape of Catalunya. We have a world class venue, established infrastructure and an unparalleled track record of delivering the world’s largest events. We should be very confident in our credentials and our ability to meet all of the requirements of a modern Ryder Cup. All of our partners recognise the wide ranging benefits that The Ryder Cup will generate - our bid committee is unified in its commitment to bringing The 2022 Ryder Cup to Catalunya.”

Denis O’Brien, PGA Catalunya Resort proprietor, said: “From its inception, the Stadium Course was designed and built with the intention to one day host The Ryder Cup. Hosting the 2022 match would be the realisation of this vision. We have worked extremely hard and invested significantly in recent years to make PGA Catalunya Resort unique. It is much more than a golf resort; it is a global golf destination. We have plans to further develop our courses and luxury property offering to introduce to the world the next generation of golf resort. This bid has our full commitment.”

RFEG is partnering with The Sports Consultancy to manage Catalunya's bid response.

McConnell Golf Adds Mountain Course with Acquisition of The Country Club of Asheville (NC)

With its acquisition of, first Brook Valley Country Club in Greenville and now The Country Club of Asheville, McConnell Golf has the Carolinas well covered

(RALEIGH, N.C.) — In October, Raleigh-based McConnell Golf added a ninth club to its membership value with the purchase of Brook Valley Country Club in Greenville, N.C.

Now, McConnell Golf has announced it will be acquiring its long awaited “mountain course” by the end of the year, after the members of The Country Club of Asheville (CCA) recently voted to join the McConnell Golf organization.

Once CCA joins the organization, McConnell Golf will own ten 18-hole, private golf courses plus one nine-hole course around the Carolinas. McConnell Golf is the largest owner of private clubs in the Carolinas.

“We hope our members can enjoy all our clubs as they travel throughout the Carolinas for business or pleasure,” said John McConnell, founder and president of McConnell Golf. “These are quality venues that will only get better. With the zero cost that members enjoy playing these other courses in our network, this is the best value of any competitive offering.”

McConnell founded the company in 2003 with the acquisition of Raleigh Country Club. McConnell Golf’s stable of premier private clubs in North and South Carolina includes Sedgefield Country Club Ross Course and Dye Course in Greensboro, N.C., TPC at Wakefield Plantation in Raleigh, N.C., Old North State Club in New London, N.C., Treyburn Country Club in Durham, N.C., The Reserve Golf Club in Pawleys Island, S.C., and Musgrove Mill Golf Club in Clinton S.C.

McConnell Golf also manages the prestigious Grande Dunes Members Course and Ocean Club in Myrtle Beach for LStar Development.

The Country Club of Asheville is the oldest private club in North Carolina, its origin dating back to 1894. The club features a Donald Ross-designed golf course, and is located seven minutes from The Omni Grove Park Inn. The golf course at the Grove Park was at one time owned by CCA, which moved to its current location in 1976 when it purchased its present course.

“Many of our members vacation and attend conferences each year at The Grove Park Inn,” said McConnell. “The Country Club of Asheville acquisition gives us three Donald Ross courses, which is the same number of layouts he designed at the Pinehurst Resort.

“We will be making substantial improvements to the clubhouse and golf course over the next two years to make this a special venue in a beautiful setting and wonderful city.”

Meanwhile on the eastern edge of North Carolina, Brook Valley CC in Greenville opened in 1966 with an Ellis Maples-designed golf course. Maples was Raleigh Country Club’s first head golf professional when the club opened in 1948 and later focused his career on golf course design after working and learning from the legendary Donald Ross.

McConnell said Brook Valley CC would remain closed until March 1, 2015, as McConnell Golf makes enhancements to the golf course and clubhouse.

“Again, our vision of purchasing clubs whose golf course was designed by a famous architect has been maintained with this addition,” said McConnell. “We are going to make major investments into Brook Valley CC to upgrade it to a McConnell Golf type facility.”

Feherty Returns with 11-Time PGA TOUR Winner and 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson

Tuesday’s Episode is First of Three to Wrap 2014 Season; Subsequent Episodes to feature Doc Rivers and Dan Patrick

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – David Feherty travels to the Georgia coast for an in-depth conversation with PGA TOUR pro Zach Johnson when Feherty returns to Golf Channel Nov. 25, at 10 p.m. ET.

Set among towering palms of St. Simons Island, Johnson sits down with the Emmy Award-nominated Feherty to cover the breadth of Johnson’s career and how the late bloomer has become one of the most unlikely champions on the PGA TOUR. A product of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Johnson played multiple sports growing up and, although fueled by competition, was only able to have a modicum of success in golf – never any better than the No. 2 player on his high school and college teams.

Asked by Feherty if he loves golf, Johnson replied, “I played all these team sports … and I loved them, but they passed me by. The prowess, the speed and everything that goes along with that. So golf kind of picked me.”

He has gone on to win 11 times on the PGA TOUR and capture the 2007 Masters Champion title.

Gorging on Southern barbecue, Feherty and Johnson also discuss his dominate short game, his love of bent grass greens and the Miss Shrimp Festival Queen (his wife, Kim) who captured his heart.

Season 4 of Feherty concludes with Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers on Dec. 2 and Dan Patrick, NBC’s Football Night in America co-host and host of The Dan Patrick Show, on Dec. 9.

Feherty originally debuted in June 2011 as the most-watched original series in Golf Channel history. David Feherty, Emmy nominated this year for Outstanding Sports Personality, has gone one-on-one with celebrities across golf, sports and entertainment, including former President Bill Clinton, basketball Hall-of-Famers Bill Russell and Charles Barkley, actors Don Cheadle and Samuel L. Jackson, and golfers Tom Watson and Greg Norman.

Ontario’s Christopher Ross grabs career wins 8 and 9 on SwingThought.com Tour at Reunion

Charleston Southern alum Thomson and Malone alum Light get 1st Professional Wins at CWS 

(Orlando, Fla.) – Eastern Michigan alum Christopher Ross, out of Ontario Canada, started his week off by capturing the SwingThought.com Tour 18-hole Monday event at Reunion Resort in Orlando for his eighth career win on the No. 3 tour in the United States. That win earned him free entry into the SwingThought.com Tour two day event held Tuesday and Wednesday at Reunion. The $225 Monday entry proved to be a great investment as Ross grabbed career win No. 9 with a seven-shot victory in the two-day event. The wins were the fifth and sixth of this year and the 3rd and 4th of this early Winter Series season.

Ross made national news earlier this year when he won three consecutive events during the second half of the 2013-14 Winter Series, a feat not accomplished since Major winner Zach Johnson won three events in a row during his magical 2001 Player of the Year season on the SwingThought.com Tour (formerly the NGA/Hooters Tour) where he earned the nickname Back to Back to Back Zach. Ross made national news again in October when he made his third Albatross of the year during the SwingThought.com Tour Orange County National event, a feat that led to a special feature by GolfWeek’s Andy Zutz pegging Ross as Mr. Albatross. If Ross continues to stockpile wins like this on the SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series he’s certain to make national news again, real soon. With one more win, Ross would join a very distinguished group of past players with ten or more SwingThought.com Tour wins including the likes of current PGA Tour stars Chad Campbell and Ted Potter Jr., Web.com tour member Jeff Corr, and SwingThought.com Tour legend Dave Schreyer.

Making matters more difficult for Ross, aside from the fact of being the player everyone is gunning for, was he came into the event with a serious neck injury. However he fought his way through the pain to shoot 70-70 for a 140 total and a seven shot victory over his nearest competitor, Jamestown, N.C. native, Travis Stewart. With the cold weather, windy conditions, and a sore neck, Ross knew the key to victory would be finding the center of the club face and solid putting. He accomplished both goals, especially with the putter, as he was rolling it well all week. Ross could concentrate on his ball striking, knowing if he found the putting surface, he had a high probability of making any putt. And make putts he did as he cruised to one of the widest margins of victory on the young season. With the win, Ross moved into fifth on the Winter Series Money List, trailing leader Brian Richey by just over $7,000 in earnings.

The SwingThought.com Tour will be off next week for the Thanksgiving holiday but will return to action Monday December 1st and Tuesday December 2nd through Thursday December 4th at the championship Disney-Magnolia Course, a former PGA TOUR host site. The winner of the Monday 18 hole event will receive free entry into the Tuesday through Thursday event, the third $40,000 guaranteed purse of the SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series season. Players do not have to play in the Monday event to play in the Tuesday through Thursday event and members and nonmembers are both welcome. Winter Series memberships are still available. Sign up now or miss out on a chance to bring home serious cash!

For full results from the SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series two-day Reunion Resort event visit http://www.swingthought.com/finalresults/ws2014041/#.VG4R6jTF-QE

For full results from the SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series 1-day Reunion Resort event please visit http://www.swingthought.com/finalresults/ws2014039/#.VG4SZzTF-QE

(Myrtle Beach, S.C.) – Charleston Southern alum Ross Thomson, out of Daniel Island, S.C., closed with final round 64 to capture the Swingthought.com Carolina winter series event at Brunswick Plantation held November 17 through 19. After an opening round 77, Thomson just wanted to post a solid round to make the cut. And post a solid round he did, shooting three under par 69. Thomson didn’t stop there, keeping the pedal to medal, posting a final round 64 for the win. The big story, even more impressive than the low comeback scoring, was the win came in only Thomson’s 2nd start as a professional. College of Charleston alum and multi-time SwingThought.com Tour winner Paul Brown, out of Hartsville, S.C., finished 2 shots back after a final round 4 under par 68. Brown continues to lead the SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series Money List. Charlotte’s Kevin McLister, who starred at Delaware and is also a multi-time SwingThought.com Tour winner, finished alone in 3rd.

Earlier in the week it was Malone University alum Tyler Light, out Massillon, Ohio, who held off Brown in the one day 18 hole event held on Sunday at Brunswick. Light shot 5 under par 67, one better than Brown’s 68, for the win, his first as a professional. Light, a regular on the 2014 SwingThought.com Tour Pro Series, has been knocking on the door all year. Light has had 16 top 20 finishes this year with 14 inside the top 10 and eleven inside the top 5 finishes. He has finished runner up three times and, in fact, his only finish outside the top 20 was a T33 in the season ending Woodcreek Classic. His stats this year have been nothing short of amazing and he was finally rewarded with his first win.

The Swingthought.com Tour Carolina Winter Series will be back in action November 30th with a one day 18-hole event at Aberdeen Golf Club in Longs, S.C. followed by a two-day 36-hole event at the championship course Dec. 2 and 3.

For full results from the SwingThought.com Tour Carolina Winter Series 3-day Brunswick event visit http://www.swingthought.com/finalresults/cw2014037/#.VG4djTTF-QE

For full results from the SwingThought.com Tour Carolina Winter Series 1-day Brunswick event visit http://www.swingthought.com/finalresults/cw2014035/#.VG4dsTTF-QE

The SwingThought.com Tour is the No. 3 men’s professional golf tour in the US and #1 most recommended developmental tour by golf’s top touring professionals. On average over 40% of every PGA TOUR field and over 60% of every Web.com Tour field have spent time on the SwingThought.com Tour. SwingThought.com Tour alumni have won an amazing 16 Major Championships and include 2012 and 2014 Masters champion Bubba Watson, 2011 PGA Championship winner Keegan Bradley, 2010 PGA TOUR Player of the Year and 2003 US Open Champion Jim Furyk, 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson, two-time U.S. Open Champion Lee Janzen, British Open and PGA Champion John Daly, and recent PGA Tour winners such as Robert Streb, Ben Martin, Michael Thompson, Ted Potter Jr, Gary Woodland, Russell Henley, Mark Wilson, George McNeill, Scott Stallings, Scott Piercy and many more.

For more information on the new SwingThought.com Tour or to join, visit swingthought.com or call 800-992-8748.

Sun Mountain Offers Three Models of Top Selling C-130 Cart Bag

(Missoula, Montana) – For 2015, Sun Mountain is expanding its collection of top-selling C-130 golf cart bags to include three different models: a stand bag, a version with a 7-way divided top, and the standard 14-way divided top. All three models are in stores now at $239 for the C-130S stand bag and $229 for the C-130 7-way and 14-way. Call 800-227-9224 or visit www.sunmountain.com to find your nearest retailer.

The C-130S stand bag is for cart-golfers who like to carry their bag to the practice range and enjoy the convenience of the stand. The C-130 7-way has a seven-way divided top for those who don’t care for the individual club dividers. And, the C-130 14-way is the traditional version of the C-130 for golfers who prefer the individual, club-divided top.

All versions of the C-130 are designed to work optimally on a riding cart. Features in common across all C-130 models include the reverse-orientation top and the three utility handles integrated into the top that offer multiple hand-holds for picking the bag up. Each model also has a cart-strap tunnel which allows the cart strap to pass through the bag and not block access to any of the bag’s pockets or crush any of the pockets’ contents.

One of the hallmarks of the C-130 is pocket space. All models of the C-130 feature: two full-length clothing pockets, two velour-lined valuables pockets (including one sized for a rangefinder), a beverage pocket, and several additional pockets for balls and tees and other accessories. C-130 7-way and 14-way also offer an integrated putter well.

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.

The Speak Up Talk Radio Network Project Adds New Program – Those Weekend Golf Guys

The Speak Up Talk Radio Network announces the addition of another important radio program to its current lineup: Those Weekend Golf Guys – The Voice of the Average Golfer.

(Cleveland, OH) - Patricia Rullo, a syndicated radio host and consultant for Millennium Star Publishing, the company behind the new network explains, “Those Weekend Golf Guys brings together a hosting panel that consists of John Ashton, a radio broadcasting veteran, Tara Bassett, a television meteorologist, Jeff Smith, a card carrying PGA instructor, Biggs Tabler, the resident golf curmudgeon, and Pamela Denny, another experienced broadcaster. Because each host is an avid golfer, they bring different perspectives and ideas to the show. The program is fun, fast, and full of tips and tools that can help every golfer. They’ve improved my game and that’s saying a lot!”

The station’s model offers the benefits of live streaming combined with on demand and does away with time-slots and specific air times as a way to attract and retain more listeners. The Network also uses the power of their terrestrial radio and TV station affiliates nationwide to drive listeners to this online radio station.

Rullo concludes, “The Speak Up Talk Radio Network offers radio with a purpose: a forum and a talk radio community that has the space for talented people, with either terrestrial or online shows, to come together, speak up, and air their shows. When we speak up about topics that fuel our passion, we empower listeners to do the same. The radio network is designed to improve the lives of others and leave a legacy of positivity. It’s a project designed to benefit everyone involved.”

For more information, visit speakuptalkradio.com.

Cyber Monday NC Golf Deals in Southern Pines and Outer Banks

In the spirt of the holiday online shopping season, Talamore Golf Resort and the Outer Banks Golf Association are offering special golf package deals on December 1.

Talamore Golf Resort, Southern Pines, NC
Book: www.talamoregolfresort.com or 800-552-6292 x2
Deal: 3 rounds/2 nights $239 per golfer staying in a Talamore Villa/$289 per golfer staying in a Mid South Lodge. Arnie, Rees and Donald Winter Package features golf at Pine Needles, Talamore Golf Club and Mid South Club. Based on quad occupancy.
Dates: December 1, 2014-February 28, 2015

Outer Banks Golf, Outer Banks, NC
Book: www.PlayOBXGolf.com or 800-916-6244
Deal: $229 per golfer for 3 rounds/2 nights plus $25 per golfer gift card. 2 nights at Kilmarlic Golf Cottage, 3 rounds at Kilmarlic Golf Club, The Pointe Golf Club and Carolina Club. Includes welcome basket at cottage check-in, plus $25 gift card (per golfer) for your choice of merchandise or food & beverage at Kilmarlic Golf Club to be redeemed during stay. Minimum of 4 golfers; maximum of 8 golfers
Dates: February 1, 2015-March 31, 2015

Around the famed Sandhills of North Carolina visitors to the Talamore Golf Resort can stay and play two of the area’s finest courses, Talamore Golf Club and its sister resort course Mid South Club, both located on Midland Road about halfway between the Pinehurst Resort and Mid Pines/Pine Needles – a pair of Donald Ross gems.

Talamore Golf Club has been ranked in the forefront of outstanding courses since opening in 1991. Architect Rees Jones, who helped fine-tune Pinehurst No. 2 for the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Opens, designed a course that is both visually striking and exceptionally enjoyable. The 7,020-yard layout was also made famous by instituting the first llama caddie program, which makes for an unforgettable day.
At the Mid South Club, 545 acres of longleaf pine forests, lakes and gently rolling hillsides provide a backdrop for a place of beauty and serenity. The Mid South Club & Lodge was designed by the renowned team of Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay in 1993, and stands as one of the Carolinas’ most attractive private residential golf communities.

Meanwhile, located in the northeast corner of North Carolina, the iconic Outer Banks are an emerging golf destination with an eclectic assortment of courses on the renowned barrier island and the northern mainland. Along with its storied lighthouses, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, famed Wild Mustangs of Corolla and scores of watering holes overflowing with fresh seafood and spirits, its growing golf reputation is further bolstered with a popular threesome cracking the North Carolina Golf Panel’s Top 100 Courses rankings for the second straight year.

For starters, golfers can stay on the mainland in one of the best golf cottages you will ever enjoy at Kilmarlic Golf Club. Though its upscale Tom Steele design is more heavily wooded than the island courses and thus less impacted by coastal breezes, Kilmarlic challenges golfers with substantially more water hazards. In fact, there are only three holes on the entire course devoid of a wetland or water feature, forcing golfers to think their way around the layout that stretches a modest 6,560 yards in length..

The Pointe, meanwhile across the highway, is a traditional design that spreads out across the rural Carolina mainland. Like Kilmarlic, The Pointe’s greatest defense is in the form of water with 15 holes sporting some sort of wet lateral challenge. Given its player-friendly qualities, many tee off their Outer Bank golf getaway here.

Finally on the mainland, The Carolina Club is a big, brawny layout — particularly in relation to the others in the region — that stretches to within lob wedge distance of 7,000 yards. Designed by popular architects Russell Breeden and Bob Moore, the layout is more open than its mainland brethren making the winds more significant. The signature hole is the 166-yard, par-3 seventh showcasing an island green that can be difficult to hit when the ocean breezes kick up and penetrate the mainland.

Nike Swoosh Elite Staff Member Suzy Whaley is Elected Secretary of the PGA of America

(Beaverton, Ore.) - Through a vote at the PGA of America’s Annual Meeting, Nike Swoosh Elite Staff member Suzy Whaley has been elected the new Secretary of the PGA of America. With Whaley’s appointment she is positioned to become the President of the PGA of America in 2018.

“Suzy’s experience as a PGA Professional, PGA of America Board Member as well as her leadership as Director of Instruction for the Suzy Whaley Golf Academy at TPC River Highlands make her a fantastic pick for Secretary”, said Vitalis Gomes, US Brand Director for Nike Golf.  “Suzy is athletic, progressive and truly believes in pushing the sport of golf forward.”

Whaley, a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate and former LPGA Tour member, was elected to the PGA of America Board of Directors in 2010 and is the second woman ever to be elected to the PGA of America Board. In 2003, Whaley was the first woman to qualify and compete in a PGA Tour event in 58 years.

An accredited teacher of the sport, Whaley will continue to wear the Swoosh from head-to-toe and game Nike equipment. She is a contributor to multiple golf trade publications, is the Director of Instruction for the Suzy Whaley Golf Academy at TPC River Highlands and serves as a Board Member at the First Tee of Connecticut.

For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at www.nike.com/nikegolf. 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 at www.youtube.com/nikegolf.

SwingThought.com Pro Golf Tour to Host $40,000 Guaranteed Purse Event at Disney Magnolia

Designed in classic Tour style, the championship Magnolia course is the longest of the Walt Disney World Resort golf courses and has played host to some of golf’s biggest events

(Orlando, Fla.) – On Dec. 4, one of golf’s rising young stars will have his name added to a list that includes such golf legends as Jack Nicklaus, Payne Stewart, and, yes, even Tiger Woods, who have won a professional tournament on the championship Disney Magnolia course in Orlando, Fla. The SwingThought.com Tour, formerly the NGA/Hooters Tour, will host its third $40,000 guaranteed purse event of the young Winter Series season on December 2nd through 4th at the long-time PGA TOUR host site.

This is the first year a developmental tour has offered a full Winter season of guaranteed minimum purses and the results have been better than expected with previous winners Brian Richey and Andy Pope earning a couple of their biggest paychecks of the year in the first two events. Richey used his win to propel himself through 2nd Stage of Web.com Tour Q School where he earned a spot into Final Stage and guaranteed membership onto the 2015 Web.com Tour. Pope hopes to find the same success as he competes in 2nd Stage this week at Plantation, Fla. With the SwingThought.com Tour Disney Magnolia event taking place the week before Final Stage perhaps a strong finish there will help propel someone to a strong showing at Final Stage and help them earn higher status on golf’s number two tour.

The purse for the SwingThought.com Tour Winter event will be a guaranteed minimum $40,000 but can jump to $50,000 if the field reaches 80 or more players. Entry into the event is $800 for SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series members, $1,100 for nonmembers who wish to compete as professionals. There will be a cut to the low 33% and ties after the completion of the first 36-holes. Players may still join the SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series for only $500. The top 60 members of the SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series will have the opportunity to compete in the Winter Series Tour Championship at an entry fee still to be determined for a guaranteed $50,000 minimum purse. Along with Disney Magnolia, the SwingThought.com Winter Series competes on some of the top golf courses in the Orlando area including the Disney Palm and Lake Buena Vista courses, Shingle Creek Resort, Reunion Resort, Red Tail, Black Bear, Timacuan, Metrowest, former PGA TOUR Q School Final Stage host Orange County National, and PGA TOUR Latinoamerica Q School host Sun N’Lake.

In addition to the 3 day 54-hole event, Disney Magnolia will play host to a special one day 18-hole SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series event on Monday December 1st. This event is open to all SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series members, nonmembers, and amateurs. In addition to the first place prize check, the winner of the one day event will receive free entry into the 3 day guaranteed purse event. Altogether there are 17 events remaining on this year’s SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series schedule making this season’s membership one of the most valuable of all time. For more information on the SwingThought.com Tour Winter Series or to join, visit www.SwingThought.com or call the SwingThought.com Tour offices at 800-992-8748.

Mantis Golf Adds Switzerland to Its Growing Sales Network

(WILTON, Conn.) – Mantis Golf (www.mantisgolfco.com), maker of fine putters with specialized patented qualities to enhance putting success, has added Switzerland to its growing sales-distribution network. Mantis distribution in Switzerland currently is directed mostly to off-course entities, including both retail and wholesale firms.

“We are pleased to extend our distribution to Switzerland,” said Chris Maher, CEO of Mantis Golf. “Mantis putters already are in high demand throughout North America, Japan and other places throughout the world, and now we are beginning to expand into Europe.”

This year Mantis Golf introduced its new Mantis ‘B’ blade putter, which, along with the original Mantis Mallet putter, features superior quality and craftsmanship, including classic design and the signature Mantis patented green finish to avoid distracting the golfer’s eye. The Mantis Mallet and Mantis ‘B’ putters are available in various lengths, are constructed of the finest materials and feature design characteristics of great appeal.

CHAMP Spikes Preferred by The Race to Dubai Champion

Number One Player in the World Continues to Rely on Company’s Traction Solutions

(MARLBOROUGH, MA) - CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide – The World Leader in Sport Cleat Technology and maker of innovative CHAMP spikes, high-performance grips, golf tees and accessories – announces The Race to Dubai champion relied on its renowned spikes to capture the prestigious season long points competition on the European Tour.

Winning two majors, a World Golf Championship and the BMW PGA Championship during the 2014 season, the number one ranked player in the world easily secured The Race to Dubai title for the second time in his career. The 25-year-old from Northern Ireland utilized the ProStinger model, featuring a unique blend of metal and plastic traction technology, en route to a dominating European Tour campaign.

“Year after year we see players march their way to season defining victories and career elevating accomplishments while using our products,” says Harris MacNeill, President and CEO of CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide. “At the end of the day, our spikes and tees are designed to boost the performance capabilities of all players, regardless of skill level.”

The #1 Brand on Tour, CHAMP spikes have been used by nearly 75 percent of all major winners over the past 12 years, including the victors at this year’s Masters, Open Championship and PGA Championship.

Beyond its wide range of technically-advanced cleats and the Zarma FLYtee, the company launched its signature C Grips line. Designed with a strong emphasis on technical innovation and game-improving performance, the C Grips collection consists of five models. It has gained a loyal following among players who recognize its superior feel, durability and performance characteristics.

For more information: www.champspikes.com, 1-800-OK-CHAMP.

Bobby Jones Partners with Dogleg Right to Introduce Limited Edition, Custom Made Putters

New Limited Edition Bobby Jones Putters Deliver Unrivaled Style, Performance and Customization Capabilities

(Atlanta, GA) – Bobby Jones, celebrating the iconic brand’s 25th anniversary in 2014, today unveiled that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Dogleg Right, manufacturers and designers of elegantly styled, premium custom fit and custom made putters. Bobby Jones and Dogleg Right, both characterized by their products’ premium quality and unparalleled attention to detail, will collaborate on a variety of limited edition Bobby Jones-branded putters in a multi-year, worldwide venture.

As part of the initial launch, Dogleg Right is designing and handcrafting three different series of putters, the Silver Anniversary, Grand Slam and Bespoke Art, that all pay homage to the game of golf’s most decorated amateur.  Each of the three series of putters offers innovative designs, patented and patent pending technologies (including adjustable weights, interchangeable necks, adjustable loft, lie and toe hang) and Dogleg Right’s proprietary face mill patterns.  These putters, look, feel and perform at the very highest levels, whether that means winning golf’s greatest events, being the owner’s favorite club in his bag, or a prized piece of any golfer’s equipment collection.

“When you study the history of Bobby Jones, one of the many things that comes to light is Mr. Jones’ passion for the science and art of club making,” said Andy Bell, President/CEO of Jones Global Sports.  “We’ve known since taking over the leadership of the Bobby Jones brand this was an area where we wanted to expand our footprint strategically. This expansion begins with putters and we’re thrilled to partner with Dave Billings and Dogleg Right. They are putter experts and their commitment to custom design, performance, playability and world class service is readily apparent.  We are proud that the first putters bearing Bobby Jones name in 25 years will be produced in partnership with the best in the business.”

“Anyone who loves golf and loves the history of the game, can appreciate what an honor it is to be chosen to create a line of putters that lives up to the Bobby Jones’ name,” said Dave Billings, President/CEO of Dogleg Right, Corp. As Andy noted, Mr. Jones was a real pioneer of new technologies utilized to make superior equipment, and we are committed to continue that great tradition with this new venture.  We are taking great steps to ensure that the models we’ve chosen to offer and quality of design and materials, all live up to the Jones’ standard and pay homage to this great man, while also delivering the finest modern putting instruments available anywhere.  Furthermore, our dedication to providing an unparalleled custom-fitting and custom-manufacturing experience for our customers is in line with the Bobby Jones brand’s own high-standards of service.”

The “Silver Anniversary” line, intended to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Bobby Jones brand, features modern classic designs that are crafted from “American Rustless” 303 Steel with an exquisite multi-faceted satin mist finish on the upper surfaces, hand polished soles and the finest custom options available.  In addition the Silver Anniversary line putters come complete with Bobby Jones logoed grips, head covers and shaft labels.  Prices start at $699.99 for each putter.

The “Grand Slam” line offers a series of 4 commemorative putters that honor Bobby Jones “Impregnable Quadrilateral” in 1930. The four timeless head styles are crafted from the finest metals, offer intricate custom options, and are completed with superb hand finishes.  The Grand Slam models, GS-1, GS-2, GS-3 and GS-4 will come complete with Bobby Jones logoed leather grips, matching head covers and Limited Edition Bobby Jones shaft labels.   The Grand Slam line of putters will be available in super-limited edition quantities with just 10 each of the first four styles available for purchase. Prices start at $799.99 per putter.

Finishing out the Bobby Jones Putters by Dogleg Right’s initial launch is a series of “Bespoke Art” one-of-a-kind models.  The Bobby Jones Bespoke Art pieces start as one of the models from the previous two lines and are transformed into a unique, one-of-a-kind putter by Master Designer and Maker, Dave Billings.  Each Bespoke Art putter is made precisely to the customer’s every specification and aesthetic preference, offering the finest in materials, performance technologies and expert craftsmanship.  Each putter will include a Certificate of Ownership and notes and drawings from Dave to the owner.  The initial Bespoke Art collection will be made up of 10 pieces total for Spring 2015 and will start at $1,499.99. Super exotic materials such as Stainless and Carbon Damascus, Mokume Gane and Titanium Damascus can be selected to make these timeless, one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

Bobby Jones putters will be available through Dogleg Right just in time for the Holidays.  For more information or to place an order, visit www.doglegright.com.

For more information on Bobby Jones, visit www.bobbyjones.com.

Lamkin UTX Grips Trusted by Winner of OHL Classic at Mayakoba

(SAN DIEGO, CA) – Lamkin Corporation – the original manufacturer of premium golf grips – confirms the winner of the PGA Tour’s OHL Classic at Mayakoba relied on its popular UTX grips en route to victory at El Camaleon Golf Club in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Helping the champion capture his third career PGA Tour title, UTX models feature proprietary Tri-Layer Technology designed to optimize feel for enhanced shot-making and provide exceptional all-weather playability. The three functional layers include a foundation made of super tacky and soft ACE 3GEN material for enhanced comfort, a middle layer with a moisture-wicking fabric weave for traction and control in wet weather and a firm outer layer to limit torque and minimize shot dispersion. UTX grips ($8.99) are available in standard or midsize options in three distinct colors.

“When it comes to selecting equipment, professional golfers are among the most discerning athletes in the world, which is why our premium grips are trusted by so many of the game’s elite,” says Bob Lamkin, President and CEO of Lamkin Grips. “We offer a tremendous variety of models to suit the preferences of all players, each specifically designed to maximize on-course performance.”

Offering the widest assortment of performance-enhancing golf grips, Lamkin has been an industry leader for nearly 90 years. The company’s famed products are preferred by PGA Tour superstars Justin Rose, Keegan Bradley, Brandt Snedeker, the legendary Arnold Palmer and many others.

Lamkin grips are unrivaled in quality thanks to world-class engineering, premium materials and handcrafted, repeatable production techniques. Among the popular lines offered by the company are UTX, Crossline, R.E.L ACE and i-Line, among others.

More information: www.LamkinGrips.com or 800-642-7755. Get social: @LamkinGrips.

NBC Sports Group's Coverage of Tiger Woods’ Return at Hero World Challenge

Tiger Woods Scheduled to Return to Competition at Hero World Challenge, Featuring 10 of the Top-15 in the World Golf Rankings in the 18-Player Field

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – Golf Channel and NBC are teaming up in December to deliver comprehensive news and tournament coverage of the game best players – past, present and future – at the Hero World Challenge (Dec. 4-7) and the PNC Father/Son Challenge (Dec. 12-14), both taking place in Orlando, Fla.

HERO WORLD CHALLENGE TO FEATURE TIGER WOODS’ RETURN: The Hero World Challenge will feature the scheduled return to tournament competition of former World No. 1 Tiger Woods after a layoff while recovering from back surgery earlier this year.  Taking place at Isleworth Golf and Country Club, the tournament will feature 18 of the PGA TOUR’s top players competing in a 72-hole, stroke play event for a $1 million prize.  Golf Channel will air live coverage Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5, followed by weekend coverage on both Golf Channel and NBC, Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7.

HERO WORLD CHALLENGE BROADCAST TEAMS: Terry Gannon and Frank Nobilo will call the action for Golf Channel’s live tournament coverage Thursday and Friday, Dec. 4-5 as well as its weekend “lead-in” coverage Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7.  Dan Hicks and Roger Maltbie will anchor NBC’s weekend coverage, with Gary Koch, Notah Begay, Billy Kratzert and Steve Sands reporting for both Golf Channel and NBC’s coverage.

JACK NICKLAUS HEADLINES HALL-OF-FAME FIELD AT PNC FATHER/SON CHALLENGE: Hall-of-Famer Jack Nicklaus and his son, Jack II, headline a 20-team field comprised of World Golf Hall-of-Fame members, golf legends and their children at the PNC Father/Son Challenge, taking place Thursday, Dec. 11 – Sunday, Dec. 14 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Fla.  Golf Channel on NBC analyst and Hall-of-Famer Johnny Miller also will compete in the PNC Father/Son Challenge for the first time in eight years, playing alongside his son, Andy.  The 2014 field boasts 452 victories across the PGA and European Tours, including 59 major championships and 14 World Golf Hall of Fame members.  To qualify for the PNC Father/Son Challenge, participants must have won either a major championship or THE PLAYERS in their career. The professional’s partner must not currently hold a Tour card, and while the majority of partners in the history of the event have been the sons of the golf legends, the family-themed tournament has seen daughters and grandsons participate over the years.  Golf Channel and NBC will carry two days of coverage, Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14.  Golf Channel also will air a special Pro-Am Show on Friday, Dec. 12, taking viewers inside the ropes with the players in the field as they prepare for competition and share instruction tips and insight with viewers.

PNC FATHER/SON CHALLENGE BROADCAST TEAM:  Steve Sands and Gary Koch will anchor Golf Channel and NBC’s weekend coverage of the PNC Father/Son Challenge.  Peter Jacobsen will report from an on-course tower, with Notah Begay and Roger Maltbie reporting from the course.  Jimmy Roberts will deliver his signature essays and conduct post-round interviews.

GOLF CENTRAL AND MORNING DRIVE ON-SITE AT HERO WORLD CHALLENGE AND PNC FATHER/SON CHALLENGE: Golf Central will provide wraparound news coverage of both the Hero World Challenge and the PNC Father/Son Challenge.  Morning Drive, Golf Channel’s daily news and lifestyle show, also will conduct live interviews throughout the week at both the Hero World Challenge and the PNC Father/Son Challenge.

LIVE THURSDAY AND FRIDAY COVERAGE OF THE FRANKLIN TEMPLETON SHOOTOUT: Golf Channel will televise live coverage of the first two days of the Franklin Templeton Shootout on Thursday, Dec. 11 and Friday, Dec. 12 from 1-4 p.m. ET.  The 24-player field (12 two-man teams) features eight of the top-30 players in the world, including reigning FedExCup champion Billy Horschel and six 2014 Ryder Cup participants.  Last year’s champions, Harris English and Matt Kuchar, will defend their title as the teams compete for a piece of the $3.1 million purse.  The format of the tournament will be a Scramble (Thursday), Modified Alternate Shot (Friday) and Better Ball (Saturday).

FRANKLIN TEMPLETON SHOOTOUT BROADCAST TEAM: Rich Lerner and Frank Nobilo anchor Golf Channel’s Thursday and Friday coverage of the Franklin Templeton Shootout, joined by tower announcers Curt Byrum and Tom Abbott.  Phil Parkin and Scott McCarron will report from the course.

Charley Hoffman Wins with Premium Offerings from FJ, Boa Technology

(Fairhaven, MA) - At the OHL Classic at Mayakoba, Charley Hoffman erased a three shot deficit with a 5-under par 65 to win by one for his third PGA Tour victory. In addition to a StaSof glove, Hoffman chose FJ’s D.N.A. golf shoes, which became the top selling category in golf just 90 days after coming to market earlier this year.

Tour players around the world have been wearing D.N.A. shoes this year for the combination of performance features and supreme comfort, including Hoffman, Adam Scott and Hunter Mahan.

The style of D.N.A. shoes Hoffman wears also features the exclusive Boa Closure System from Boa Technology, Inc. The Boa Closure System of steel lace, nylon guides and a mechanical reel, micro-adjusts the fit of the shoe with a simple turn of the knob.

The premium rear-mounted closure position, exclusive to FootJoy, pulls the foot down and back in to the shoe for a truly custom fit, superior comfort and stability.

"I am a big time skier and have worn boots with the Boa system before,” said Charley Hoffman. “Once FootJoy came out with a Boa option, it was an instant fit for me because you never have to worry about your shoe coming undone throughout the round and you have an even fit throughout the shoe.”

“Any shoe I order, I get the Boa model.  Once you tighten them up in the locker room you don’t have to worry about them the rest of the day."

In 2004, FJ was the first brand to bring this innovating fitting technology to the market and has made several improvements in both aesthetics and quality.

"The Boa Closure System is a tremendous technology especially with the premium location of the dial in the heel that is designed to deliver a precise, custom fit,” said Doug Robinson, Vice President Footwear Design and Development Worldwide.

“FJ Tour players have the choice to wear whichever styles suit their game and/or personal style.  The fact that Charley trusts Boa-powered D.N.A. styles speaks volumes about the legitimacy of the system.”

“In addition to Charley and several other tour players, there is a legitimate following by FJ/Boa loyalists around the world.”

“We look forward to continue working closely with the BOA team to deliver additional tour-proven performance golf footwear."

Golf shoes currently available with the Boa Closure System include the highly successful men’s and women’s D.N.A. category, Contour Series, the top selling shoe category of all time, as well as a custom options in its MyJoys program.

For more information on FJ and BOA, visit: www.footjoy.com/fjlegacy/boa.