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Friday, August 31, 2018

Major Champion Jimmy Walker Joins Season Finale of "Feherty," Monday at 9 p.m. ET

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – Major champion and six-time PGA TOUR winner Jimmy Walker will join David Feherty on the season eight finale of his self-titled, Emmy-nominated series Feherty presented by Farmers Insurance, Monday at 9 p.m. ET on Golf Channel.

Filmed at Walker’s home in Boerne, Texas earlier this month, the episode will focus on a number of topics, including:
· Walker talking about getting diagnosed, and living with Lyme disease.
· Recalling the 2016 PGA Championship, and enduring a 36-hole Sunday finish to win.
· Reflecting on the impact swing instructor Butch Harmon has made on his career.
· Discussing his affinity for astrophotography, and how he puts it into practice.
· Recounting his struggles as a professional golfer in 2007, and how he dug himself out.

A two-time Emmy-nominated host (Outstanding Sports Personality – Studio Host) Feherty has been described as “golf’s iconoclast,” by Rolling Stone, and “the last unscripted man on TV,” by Men’s Journal. His all-star lineup of golf-enthused and culturally relevant guests feature celebrities from across entertainment, sports and politics. To date, Feherty has sat down with four U.S. Presidents (Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump); sports legends Charles Barkley, Nick Saban, Stephen Curry and Bobby Knight; Hollywood icons Matthew McConaughey, Larry David and Samuel L. Jackson; World Golf of Fame members Nancy Lopez, Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam, Lee Trevino and Tom Watson; and a host of current golf superstars including Paula Creamer, Jason Day, Rickie Fowler, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Michelle Wie. Feherty is produced by Golf Channel’s original productions group, which also oversees production for Driver vs. Driver, Golf Films as well as the network’s instruction platforms.

The Abaco Club on Winding Bay in the Bahamas Featured in September Episode of Traveling Golfer

(PHILADELPHIA, Pa.) – The ultimate pipe dream might be to own your private tropical island. Secluded beaches. Seductive sunrises and sunsets. Blue ocean waters.

Throw in a world-class golf course and some of the greatest sport fishing in the world and it sounds like an accurate description of The Abaco Club on Winding Bay in the Bahamas. All of visual sensations of a trip to this island paradise are the focal point of the September episode of The Traveling Golfer television show.

The spectacular golf course designed by renowned architect Pete Dye may be the focus of golfers who visit this laid-back island in the Bahamas chain, but there is so much more to a visit to The Abaco Club on Winding Bay. Whether gathering for breakfast at Flippers Beach Bar, cocktails on the pool deck at The Cliff House or dressing up for an elegant dinner in the dining room, luxury awaits visitors at every turn.

“We clearly did find paradise here,” says David Southworth, founder of Southworth Development, which owns The Abaco Club on Winding Bay. “I always like the fact that you pull through the gate, arrive at the Welcome Center, you get into your cart, you cascade over the hill and you see all of this – you see Winding Bay, the waters of the Atlantic and beyond. And it’s just magical.”

The magic of The Abaco Club on Winding Bay was not lost on Tony Leodora, host of the Traveling Golfer television show.

“My first visit to the Bahamas was in 1971,” comments Leodora, who has been back to all parts the Bahamas many times over the years. “I fell in love with the natural beauty and laid back pace of the islands. Obviously, so much has changed since then … except on Abaco. This island has preserved the natural beauty of the Bahamas. And they have enhanced it by creating a private resort that is dedicated to the purest forms of relaxation. Adding a great golf course wasn’t a bad idea either. It is one of the finest courses in any of the islands in the Atlantic or Caribbean.”

The September episode runs throughout the month on the Traveling Golfer network of websites … including The Golf Director Network (see full list of sites on travelinggolfervideo.com). It also will air once a week during the month of September on HTC-4 in Myrtle Beach. The Traveling Golfer also airs as a scheduled weekly feature show on NBC Sports and NBC Sports + throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. NBC Sports airings are 10:30 a.m. Sundays, 11 p.m. on Tuesdays and 11 a.m. Thursdays. NBC Sports + airs the show at 6 p.m. Mondays and Fridays.

As part of every Traveling Golfer show there is the additional feature, “Tech Talk”, hosted by Tour Edge Golf experts, such as President Dave Glod. With years of experience as a club maker, Glod presents an inside look at the research and development of high-quality golf equipment.

Responding to golfers’ never-ending demands to learn more about interesting golf courses and golf resorts across the country and around the world, well-traveled host Tony Leodora created the Traveling Golfer so he could take viewers on video trips to some of the most exciting golf locations. The show repeated for an unprecedented third straight year as the No. 1 Golf Television Show in America in the prestigious International Network of Golf Awards, presented at the PGA Merchandise Show in January.

The Traveling Golfer is a series of monthly shows hosted by Leodora, who has 17 years of experience in televised golf. The featured destination stays on the website for one month, before being replaced by a new show. Alternate shows also air in a two-month rotation. All old shows are archived for continued viewing on the YouTube Network and on the home website, www.travelinggolfervideo.com.

P3ProSwing Expands Product Offerings for Golfers

(BETHEL, Maine) – P3ProSwing (P3ProSwing.com), a leading golf-swing analyzer, simulator and practice aid, has expanded its range of product offerings for its state-of-the-art indoor system. By teaming up with Cimarron Sports, a sporting goods company based in Tulsa, Okla.,  P3ProSwing now provides golfers more choices in hitting centers, frames and netting.

“We are pleased to offer our customers a wider array of selections to fit their needs,” said Les Otten, founder and president of Sports Vision Technologies, of which P3ProSwing is a subsidiary. “Net sizing, for example, now can be tailored even more specifically to each golfer’s space specifications.”

P3ProSwing is in use by many avid golfers in their homes as well as by an increasing number of golf professionals for indoor instruction and club fitting, and for recreational and competitive play. P3ProSwing’s product expansion is designed to fulfill its goal of satisfying the exact requirements of every P3ProSwing user. Previously-featured products will remain available.

View all P3ProSwing packages here: https://www.p3proswing.com/site3/hitting-centers/category

To inquire about P3ProSwing, including the recently-introduced ProLaunch, please contact Kevin Rosenberg, director of sales and marketing for P3ProSwing, at krosenberg@p3proswing.com or directly at 207-824-7437.

For more information, visit www.p3proswing.com.

Charlotte's Providence Country Club Unveils Freshly Renovated Golf Course on August 31

Raleigh-based McConnell Golf purchased Providence CC in early 2016 and has invested more than $5 million in capital improvements

(CHARLOTTE, NC) — Providence Country Club in Charlotte is prepared to unveil its newly restored golf course on Friday, August 31.

Greensboro-based golf course architect Kris Spence oversaw the renovation work, which began in February and was completed ahead of schedule. The Providence golf course was originally designed by Dan Maples and tweaked in 2006 by Mike Gleason.

Raleigh-based McConnell Golf purchased Providence CC in early 2016 and immediately announced it would spend the next few years providing substantial improvements around the club and renovating Providence’s golf course. Spence was hired to function dually as the architect for the project, as well as the construction manager.

Spence’s comprehensive renovation project at Providence CC focused on bunkers, new and expanded irrigation for better course conditioning, transitioning the green complexes from bent grass to Champion Bermuda grass — reworking the green complexes without rebuilding them, especially the surrounds — along with fashioning new, dramatic views from the fairways.

“The Providence project was a unique opportunity for me in that I was able to express a wider range of creativity versus most of my restoration efforts,” Spence said. “Mr. (John) McConnell wanted a golf course that was fun to play, aesthetically pleasing, strategic, interesting with variety, difficult when it needs to be but, first and foremost, one that the membership could be proud of. We delivered on that front.

“It was a great team effort between the Spence Golf and McConnell Golf maintenance guys at Providence Country Club. We worked through some tough weather conditions and pulled it off. I think the members will also be pleasantly surprised at the opening day conditions.”

Spence incorporated the Capillary Concrete liner system during the complete redesign and reconstruction of the bunkering. The new bunkers feature a combination of high sand flashed faces and slightly irregular rolled grass edges.

“These are some of the most beautiful and functional bunkers I’ve done in my career,” Spence said. “Every bunker serves a strategic purpose or sets an angle moving the hole from side to side. Providence was somewhat flat and straight

before. Now, the holes sashay from side to side around through the bunkering creating tons of options.”

Providence features five par-3 holes. “One of my goals was to make them as different as possible with a wider variance in lengths and dramatically different looks,” Spence said. “The most dramatic among them is the ‘Redan’ style fourth with a back yardage of 240 yards, maybe the best par 3 I’ve designed to date.”

Among Spence’s previous renovation work is a pair of McConnell Golf properties — Greensboro’s Sedgefield Country Club Ross Course and Brook Valley Country Club in Greenville, NC — as well as Country Club of North Carolina’s Dogwood Course and Roaring Gap Golf Club. Spence worked on the Brook Valley renovation with Chris Parham, who is now the superintendent at Providence.

A neighborhood club with a younger membership established in southeast Charlotte in 1989, Providence has earned a reputation as one of the Queen City’s premier family country clubs. Providence’s extensive amenities include 14 tennis courts and state-of-the-art aquatic facilities with three swimming pools, as well as a newly constructed outdoor bar and dining area with a fire pit.

At 800 families strong, Providence’s avid golfing membership played 28,000-plus rounds in 2017.

“Kris Spence has delivered a golf course that is totally unique from the course we had before,” said McConnell Golf Founder and CEO John McConnell. “I am truly impressed with the new look, as he took a very flat golf course and made it feel much more dramatic to play. All players will immediately notice the visual appeal and new strategy required. I think he retained the playability for all levels of golfers. but they will totally be impressed with the new greens and bunkers that have been created.”

Spence has earned a reputation as one of the country’s top restorers of Donald Ross courses and other classically designed layouts. His firm, Spence Golf Design, which he opened in 2000, now boasts nearly two-dozen employees and has carved out a productive niche around the southeast.

“I’ve been asked many times leading up to the work whether Providence would have a Ross look similar to my restorations,” Spence said. “I want Providence to be unique unto itself, have a style and character all its own. The members will find that they have a course that they can be proud to show their friends and guests that is significantly different than their neighbors in the Charlotte market.”

Renovation work is also being performed on the Providence clubhouse. The club’s Dining Room and Members Lounge are being reversed and fully updated with new furnishings and decor. In addition, there will be a new front entrance to the restaurant.

In the past two years, McConnell Golf has performed $1.3 million in renovation work on the Providence clubhouse including an enlarged Fitness Center, renovated Golf Shop, a new bag-drop location and cart staging area, while the entire back lawn of the clubhouse was re-landscaped. Lastly, McConnell Golf added an all-new “Providence Playhouse” kids’ activity center.

With the golf course renovation and clubhouse upgrade, McConnell Golf will have invested more than $5 million in capital improvements to enhance the Providence membership experience.

“I am very pleased with the outcome that Kris Spence has provided,” said McConnell. “We have a course today that our members will enjoy playing on a frequent basis.”

Nexbelt Tour Staff Professionals capture two Wins and a Top 5 on Tour

(Rancho Cucamonga) - Nexbelt, The Fastest Growing Belt in Golf, captured two wins and a Top 5 on the Champions, Web.com and LPGA Tours this past weekend.

At the Boeing Classic, Scott Parel birdied the last six holes of the front nine at the TPC Snoqualmie Ridge outside Seattle to grab a three stroke lead and held on to capture his first PGA Tour Champions victory in this his 57th start. He shot a nine-under par 63, a career best on the PGA Tour Champions. "Very special, obviously," said Parel. "It's so new. I've been playing so well I've been thinking I was able to win. I was hoping I could put it together. Like I [said] after Friday, it's like a dream out here. I pinch myself when I'm out here, and to actually win is a blessing."

After capturing the 36-hole lead at the Web.com Tour's Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship, Robert Streb appeared calm and confident, remarking to media that he knew he had what it took to capture the title at the end of the week. Streb backed up his claim with strong play in the final two rounds in Columbus, carding rounds of 68 and 71 on the weekend to finish the tournament at 12-under 272 and force a playoff with fellow PGA TOUR winner Peter Malnati. Streb defeated Malnati on the first hole in sudden death and secured his card on the PGA TOUR for the 2018-19 season. "It's really nice," Streb remarked. "It's been a pretty big struggle all year. I played a lot and was not playing well, so it's really nice to get that knocked out the first week. (Now I'm) just going to work on improving and get ready for next year."

On the LPGA Tour, at the CP Women's Open in Canada, Austin Ernst recorded rounds of 66, 69, 70 and 69 to finish at 14 under par and a T-4th Place Finish. This is her fourth Top 10 Finish of the season. She is currently ranked 35th in the Rolex Ranking and 19th in the Race to the CME Globe.

With over 40 players now wearing Nexbelt on the Professional Golf Tours, it's considered "The Fastest Growing Belt in Golf". Its team of PGA TOUR Staff Professionals for 2018 includes Tour Players Jim Furyk, Kevin Na, William McGirt, Jason Bohn and many more.

Nexbelt is known for its innovative technology and providing golfers with the maximum comfort and minimal adjusting. The unique ratcheting system called PreciseFitTM allows the wearer to adjust the belt in ¼ inch increments, providing the golfer with the best fit, feel, and fashion available.

Nexbelt is 100% committed to offering its customers superior customer service and the most innovative and technologically advanced products available.

Nexbelt's DRIVE Vision ...
Deliver what we Promise with Integrity.
Retain the Human touch
Invest in Good People generously.
Value our Customers Unconditionally.
Embrace Change with Innovation.

For more information about Nexbelt, visit www.Nexbelt.com.

Getting to Know: Ricky Potts, Director of Marketing at Tiburón in Naples, Florida

Photo Credit: Dave Sansom Photography
American Golfer: When did you start playing golf?
Ricky Potts: I started playing as a kid. I played baseball growing up and thanks to Tiger Woods, I made the transition to golf. I played in high school and college and have been working in the golf business ever since. I figured the best way to practice and play more was to work at a golf course! I did spend three years in the Troon corporate office, which I miss. But for my career plans, I needed to be “in the field” and that is what brought me to Naples and Tiburón Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples.

AG: Why did you choose a career in the golf industry?
RP: I went to Purdue University and got a degree in engineering … But I hate math, so I got a job at Troon! It made sense living in Scottsdale to work for the world’s largest management company. I spent a lot of time at facilities and eventually realized I wanted to be a general manager. When the opportunity came to take a job in the field, working under a general manager that had a lot of experience, I couldn’t resist. So we packed our bags and moved to Naples.

Ricky Potts
AG: Describe a typical day in your role at Tiburón.
RP: As the Director of Marketing, I wear a lot of hats. I am also responsible for member communication. We also have a full service restaurant here at Tiburón. I am responsible for driving rounds and revenue, helping sell memberships, and promoting this property to the local, regional and national media. We host an LPGA and PGA TOUR event here, so the fall/winter time is busy. We also have an active membership here. I manage all of our social media channels, handle all website content, email marketing, etc. One thing we recently introduced is an Associate Newsletter. I work with our Executive Assistant on that and we have had some success with it. We have 36 holes here at Tiburón, and are a busy property. There is always something to see/do. I am also a member of the CMAA (Club Management Association of America), so I spend a lot of time networking, watching webinars, attending local chapter meetings, etc.

AG: You host both the LPGA and PGA Tours at Tiburón ... What are those weeks like on property?
RP: To be honest, we don’t do much. The LPGA and PGA TOUR pretty much run the events. For me the focus is content creation and social media engagement. We have a booth in expo alley for each event where we promote Tiburón Golf Club and Troon Rewards. We are always doing a giveaway in an effort to drive awareness and grow our database. Last year we had event attendees guess the number of tees in a jar. Not sure what we will do this year, but it will be fun. I haven’t had the chance to play in a Pro-Am yet, but am hoping my boss will ask me one of these years. That would be fun!

AG: What are members and guests saying about the newly remastered Black Course?
RP: They love it! The golf course is in amazing shape, Greg Norman approved the addition of conventional rough, and our team continues to make improvements to the golf course daily. I actually prefer the layout of The Black Course, but it is the harder of the two golf courses. Our members and guests rave about the course conditions, even during the summer, and just can’t get enough of the golf course. The Gold Course was remastered in 2016, but we continue to make improvements there, too. Just when you think it doesn’t get any better, we make it that much more appealing. We also added Family Tees to The Black Course. They measure 4,000 yards and are a hoot to play from. There is a par 5 on the back that with a good drive will leave you a wedge in. Still have to hit the ball and make the putt, though!

AG: How does Tiburón attract new members and retain existing members?
RP: We have 9 HOAs within Tiburón. So that is a good place to start when attracting new members. But we attract and retain them by providing world class playing conditions, a professional staff, and creating an experience that can’t be beat. We also have two Ritz-Carlton towers on property with representation in each hotel. We have a modern website, an active social media footprint and are always responding to golfers whether online or on the phone. We are one of the best golf courses in SW Florida, if not the country, and we invite everyone to come visit us and preview The Ultimate Golf Experience.

AG: What’s the most common mistake amateur golfers make on the course?
RP: I started taking lessons earlier this year, and I was doing a lot of the things that I might mention here. I was rushed, I didn’t practice properly, I didn’t breath … The list goes on. I also think that guys try to hit the ball as hard and as far as they see guys on TOUR do it. I hit the ball 255-265 and that is fine. I don’t need to hit the ball 325 yards to have a good time. With that in mind, I don’t think golfers play the right set of tees. I love playing overseas where your handicap is what dictates what tees you play. I wish they would do that here in the United States. Sure, you want to play from where the pros play. But why? Unless you hit the ball that far, what’s the point? Golf is hard enough the way it is. Play the right set of tees and enjoy your day on the links.

AG: What’s your “dream foursome” (living or dead, golfer or non-golfer)?
RP: I don’t need four … Tiger. I would rather spend the time talking to him than worrying about anyone else. Since there are only two of us, can we play 36?

AG: What course tops your “bucket list” to play?
RP: I never had a bucket list until I played the Old Course. My buddy Steve invited me to play there with him and a member last year. Words simply can’t describe the experience. I also got the chance to play Royal Portrush Golf Club recently. To be honest, the next course I want to play is the next course I am going to play. I love seeing new layouts and love getting the chance to visit other properties. I could say something like Pebble Beach or Augusta National, but it is only a matter of time before I play those.

To learn more about Ricky, check out his blog at rickyleepotts.com.

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Wilson Claims Elusive USGA Title with U.S. Senior Amateur Triumph

(Eugene, Ore.) - Jeff Wilson no longer has to answer questions about not winning a USGA championship.

On an overcast Thursday at Eugene Country Club, Wilson, 55, of Fairfield, Calif., became the first medalist in 31 years to win the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship, claiming the 64th edition with a 2-and-1 victory over defending champion Sean Knapp, 56, of Oakmont, Pa.

Wilson played the equivalent of 4-under-par golf – with the usual match-play concessions – over the final eight holes to beat Knapp, who was vying to become the first repeat champion since William C. Campbell in 1979-1980.

“How is this his first [USGA] win?” a gracious Knapp asked rhetorically near the 17th green. “Anybody that’s played amateur golf at a high level has known Jeff Wilson. He’s a superstar. You did not see a senior golfer out there. You saw one of the best amateur golfers in the country.”

For Wilson, this was the culmination of a journey that began in the late 1970s with the U.S. Junior Amateur and progressed to four U.S. Open appearances, including 2000 at Pebble Beach, where he earned low-amateur honors. He is the only golfer in USGA history to earn medalist honors in the U.S. Amateur, the U.S. Mid-Amateur and the U.S. Senior Amateur, and earlier this summer he was the low amateur in the U.S. Senior Open, joining two-time USGA champion Marvin “Vinny” Giles III as the only competitors to earn that distinction in a U.S. Open and U.S. Senior Open.

Wilson had come close to winning USGA titles before, reaching the semifinals of the U.S. Mid-Amateur in consecutive years (2001-2002) and the quarterfinals of that championship on three other occasions. But when he turned 55 in June, he could compete in the U.S. Senior Amateur and he joined Knapp as players to have won the title in their first year of eligibility.

At 55 years, 2 months and 16 days, he is the third-youngest to win the U.S. Senior Amateur behind Stan Lee and his brother, Louis Lee.

“I think Sean said it best [at the prize ceremony], it’s really hard to win one of these things,” said Wilson, the owner of a car dealership. “First you’ve got to get over yourself and then you have to beat the guy playing with you. And it’s difficult.

“I always thought I was good enough to be a USGA champion, but I never work put the work in. And that shows up when the matches are on the line. This year, I put the work in.”

Enjoying as much as a 30-yard advantage off the tee, Wilson took advantage of that power on the two second-nine par 5s at Eugene, nearly reaching both in two. He won the 13th to go 1 up and after winning the par-4 14th when Knapp three-putted, Wilson’s second shot from the right rough on the 522-yard 16th hole stopped 5 yards short of the green. With Knapp already inside 4 feet following a perfect wedge approach, Wilson eschewed his wedge and putted the ball from the fairway. It came up 9 feet short, but he managed to convert the birdie putt to maintain his 2-up lead.

On the 17th hole, both players hit their wedge approaches within 12 feet of the flagstick. When Knapp’s birdie attempt drifted past the hole, all Wilson had to do was cozy his birdie putt to within concession range, which he did to take the title.

QUOTABLE:
Jeff Wilson, of Fairfield, Calif., on his overall performance:
“Holes 4, 5, 6, 7, there was a stretch of holes in there on the front nine where I was pretty scrappy, and I just tried to get myself to settle down and not think ahead and just keep hitting shots, and I played a pretty good back nine. I was 4 under for the last eight holes or something like that.”

Wilson on getting a featured pairing in the 2019 U.S. Senior Open with reigning champion David Toms and Senior British Open champion Miguel Angel Jimenez:
“Oh, that’ll be really cool, but I was already in it, so can I just take my normal time?”

Wilson on how playing in the recent U.S. Amateur at Pebble Beach helped him prepare for this championship:
“The U.S. Amateur was really eye-opening for me because I can’t practice like those kids do, but I sat on the range and I watched these kids, and they hit it hard, and there’s no real thought of the result afterward. So, I watched the way they play, and I just go, ‘I can do that.’ And that’s kind of the way they play. They hit it really hard, and then they go run it down. And I said, you know, there might be something to that.’”

Sean Knapp, of Oakmont, Pa., on his mindset after going 1 up after nine holes:
“He comes right back at 10 [with a birdie], I come right back at 11. We were playing great golf. I make a great save on the next hole (No. 12). What is there to say? Sometimes you lose. I don’t think that there’s any offense to that. You know, how many players do you take in this situation and this environment under this course setup and tell them, take even par, 1 under around here and then you lose, 2 and 1? I think that’s more of a testament to Jeff. I gave him what I could give him today. I wasn’t as tight, but I was pretty tight. I think all the credit goes to him.”

Knapp discussing if he heard from several of his friends, including five-time USGA champion Nathan Smith, prior to the championship match:
“Not enough people (smiling). I needed to hear from higher powers in order to win this match, and I think I heard from that, but it just … wasn’t meant to be today.”

Knapp summing up his experience this week, improving to 11-1 in match play over his two Senior Amateur appearances:
“Well, I’m very thankful. I’m blessed, and this has been a year that’s been great. You know, I’m going to get to do some great things next year. Maybe not as many as Jeff will. But I don’t have any regrets. You know, sure, it’s a little painful. It hurts right now. I’m not happy and all that stuff. But at the end of the day, I just look at golf, and I’ve seen enough golf, and sometimes you lose and sometimes you’re beaten, and I was beaten today, and all the credit to Jeff again.”

NOTABLE:
Runner-up Sean Knapp received a silver medal and exemptions into the 2019 U.S. Senior Open, the 2019 U.S. Amateur and next month’s U.S. Mid-Amateur.

This was the fifth USGA championship hosted by Eugene Country Club. Four times, the medalist or co-medalist has advanced to the championship match. The 1993 U.S. Mid-Amateur, won by the late Jeff Thomas, is the only instance in which the medalist failed to reach the final. Medalist Johnny Miller won the 1964 U.S. Junior Amateur, Amanda Blumenherst won the 2008 U.S. Women’s Amateur and now Jeff Wilson has won the U.S. Senior Amateur. Co-medalist Ellen Port lost in the 2002 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur final to Kathy Hartwiger.

Before Thursday’s final, John Richardson had been the last medalist to win the U.S. Senior Amateur, doing so at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa. His son, Kemp Richardson, later won titles in 2001 and 2003, making them the only father-son tandem to win a USGA championship.

Knapp is the fifth player in U.S. Senior Amateur history to win a U.S. Senior Amateur title and lose in the championship match the following year. The other four are J. Clark Espie (1956-1957), Lewis Oehmig (1976-1977), Ed Updegraff (1981-1982) and Mark Bemowski (2004-2005)

Jeff Wilson’s 84-year-old father, Jack, took a break from a fly-fishing trip on the nearby McKenzie River in Oregon to watch his son play the final match.

Wilson’s caddie this week was childhood friend Bobby Periera. In a bit of irony, Pereira was wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers cap, which happens to be the team Knapp roots for. Knapp resides in the Pittsburgh suburbs.

Dynamic Brands Makes Several New Hires at Monroe, North Carolina Production Facility

(Richmond, VA) – Dynamic Brands, parent company for a portfolio of premium golf and leisure accessory brands, is excited to announce a series of new hires in Monroe, North Carolina. This facility supports Dynamic Brands with production and warehouse operations including customer service, sales, storage, assembly, packaging and shipping.

Candace Windham started as a Customer Service Representative, while Cheryl McFalda began as the newest Assembler. Fabiola Brown came on as a Shipper and Jerry Winthrow was introduced as a Machinist. Tangela Carelock recently joined as a part-time Customer Service Coordinator as well as Danny Hinson as the new Warehouse Clerk.

"We are proud to continue expanding our employee base at Dynamic Brands with the addition of these individuals," said Eddie Savage, Director of Operations for the Monroe, North Carolina production facility. "These new hires will help grow our Bag Boy, Devant Sport Towels, FLAGPOLE-TO-GO, IGOTCHA and SEARCH’N RESCUE brands by bringing in a diverse set of skills to our Monroe location.”

Dynamic Brands employs approximately 31 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees at the Monroe, North Carolina location in customer service, sales, production and operations. This Dynamic Brands operation will be moving into a larger facility in Pageland, South Carolina in the first quarter of 2019.

For more information, visit www.dynamicbrands.com.

Woods, Johnson, DeChambeau Headline Friday’s ESPN+ PGA TOUR Featured Group Coverage

(RELEASE) - Two Days of Live Action from Dell Technologies Championship Airing on ESPN+ as FedExCup Playoffs Continue

Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau will be among the stars in featured group action airing on ESPN+ Friday morning from the Dell Technologies Championship, the second event of the FedExCup Playoffs.

Friday will be the first of two days of live PGA TOUR play from the tournament at TPC Boston on ESPN+. Golf fans will be able to watch ESPN+ for coverage throughout the FedExCup Playoffs.

Woods, grouped with Marc Leishman and Chez Reavie, tees off at 8:51 a.m. ET on Friday and fans can see his full round on ESPN+.

DeChambeau, who won the first event of the playoffs last week in New Jersey, tees off at 9:03 a.m. in a star-studded group that also includes World No. 1 Dustin Johnson and World No. 3 Justin Thomas, the defending FedExCup champion. Featured group coverage on ESPN+ begins at 8:30 a.m.

ESPN+ viewers also will be able to watch featured hole coverage from the Par 3 No. 16, as well as the Par 5 No. 18, beginning at 3 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.

ESPN+ is offering golf fans 50 days of coverage from 20 PGA TOUR events this season, including the FedExCup Playoffs.

Honours Golf Selected to Manage Eagle Landing at Oakleaf Plantation

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Honours Golf, a division of Troon the leader in golf course management, development, and marketing, has been selected to manage Eagle Landing at Oakleaf Plantation, a semi-private club located southwest of Jacksonville in Orange Park, Florida. Honours Golf will manage all aspects of Eagle Landing’s golf operations, including agronomy, retail, food and beverage, and golf-related sales and marketing.

Eagle Landing at Oakleaf Plantation is an East West Communities developed master-planned community comprised of approximately 1,300 homes providing resort-style golf and family living adjacent to the Jennings State Forest. The community offers an incredible array of amenities including but not limited to an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Clyde Johnston; a kid’s club; full gymnasium; an aquatic center; an expansive tennis center; hiking and biking trails; fitness center; amphitheater; lake house; and village store. Eagle Landing’s par-72 course is an open links-style design that winds its way through southern pine and palmetto palm trees.

“Honours Golf is proud to be associated with Eagle Landing,” said Bob Barrett, CEO, Honours Golf. “This unique property provides a diverse range of amenities for residents and members that are considerably more varied than most communities – there’s truly something to suit every aspiration. Our Honours team will now look to further advance Eagle Landing’s service levels, agronomy standards and overall club operations.”

Eagle Landing at Oakleaf Plantation is a vibrant upscale community located in Clay County.  Clay County is noted for having excellent schools and is an easy commute to and from Jacksonville.  The clubhouse and amenities have just undergone a $1.4 million renovation, making Eagle Landing at Oakleaf Plantation a great venue for weddings and banquets.

“We are excited to have Honours Golf assume responsibility for all our community amenities and bring the world-class standards of Honours Golf and Troon are known for,” said Vice Chairman of South Village CDD, Grant Krueger.

For more information on Eagle Landing at Oakleaf Plantation, visit www.eaglelandingfl.com or call (904) 291-7200.

For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Pitchfix USA Partners with Folds of Honor to Celebrate Military Families

(NEW YORK) - Pitchfix USA, the world leader in divot tool golf accessories, has partnered with Folds of Honor to produce sleek and durable  golf tools to benefit the organization’s fundraising efforts.  Pitchfix will donate a percentage of all Folds of Honor (FOH) branded sales to help fund educational scholarships to the children and spouses of fallen and disabled service members.

The newly released Pitchfix tools come in three model choices and several color options, including red, white or blue.  Each tool sports the white stars and the blue Folds of Honor logo to demonstrate appreciation for the honorable and faithful service of our military members.  There is a model and packaging option that enables event sponsors to place their brand on the product alongside The Folds of Honor image.

The product is a great choice for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, or any other occasion. Information about Pitchfix Folds of Honor items, including exclusive pricing for Patriots Day events and tournaments, can be found at http://foldsofhonor.mrpromo.com/.

“It’s a privilege to partner with Folds of Honor and to support an outstanding organization that does so much for so many deserving American patriots,” said Bart Fokke, Pitchfix CEO. “We look forward to changing lives by making a significant contribution to the families of fallen and disabled service members.”

“We are excited to align with an outstanding company like Pitchfix that takes pride in its high standards and quality,” said Major Dan Rooney, CEO/Founder of Folds of Honor. “We thank them for supporting Folds of Honor and encourage all golf outings to purchase these premium quality divot tools for their events. “

For further information, go to www.pitchfixusa.com. To donate to the Folds of Honor, visit:  www.foldsofhonor.org.

U.S. Golf Industry Unites to Launch #inviteHER Campaign

WE ARE GOLF, LPGA Women’s Network Encourage Female Participation Through ‘Power of Invitation’

(ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla.) – The U.S. golf industry – driven by WE ARE GOLF, a coalition of leading organizations working together to communicate the game’s economic, charitable, environmental and fitness benefits – launches its #inviteHER campaign for current golfers to encourage the women in their lives to start playing.

Powered by the LPGA Women’s Network and WE ARE GOLF’s Women’s Task Force, golfers – men and women alike – are encouraged to bring friends, colleagues and family to join them on the course through online resources and social media assets. The #inviteHER movement seeks to create an enjoyable, welcoming experience for those interested in trying the game or picking it back up – whether through a group lesson, complimentary clinic, driving range session or on-course experience.

“The appetite for golf is at a historic level with a latent demand of 38 million Americans,” says Steve Mona, CEO of World Golf Foundation, administrator of WE ARE GOLF. “Last year, 35 percent of the game’s 2.6 million new players were female and we are confident #inviteHER is a huge step in the right direction to continue increasing this number while making the game more inclusive.”

#inviteHER’s primary objective is to grow awareness and participation among women and girls through the power of an invitation from one of the 24 million American golfers. The game should more closely mirror U.S. demographics as only 24 percent of the current golf population is female.

“Women want to be invited to the game and it’s our duty to give them that opportunity at one of our nation’s 15,000 local facilities,” says Jane Geddes, Executive Director of the LPGA Amateur Golf Association and Chair of WE ARE GOLF’s Women’s Task Force. “We are committed to promoting an environment that makes all females feel more comfortable on the course so they develop into lifetime golfers.”

Want to get involved? #inviteHER encourages all golfers to support the movement by posting on social media about how they plan to encourage women to take up the game.

To join the conversation, visit the LPGA Women’s Network social media hub. Use #inviteHER and tag @wearegolf (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), @LPGAWomen (Twitter) and @LPGAWomensNetwork (Facebook, Instagram).

For more information on #inviteHER, click HERE.

PGA TOUR Apparel Brand Ambassador Robert Streb Wins Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship

(Miami, FL) — Perry Ellis International, Inc. would like to congratulate Robert Streb on his playoff victory at the Web.com Tour’s Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship.

“We applaud Robert for his excellent play and securing his PGA Tour card for the 2018-2019 season,” stated Jack Voith, president of the Golf Division at Perry Ellis International. “Robert is the consummate professional and has been an ideal representative for Perry Ellis International Golf and PGA TOUR Apparel.”

“I achieved this week what I was trying to achieve, to secure my TOUR card for next year, so it was nice and rewarding to come out on top,” said Streb  after his victory. “I’ll just work on improving and to get ready for next year.”

Streb is now in his sixth consecutive season on the PGA TOUR and has gained a reputation as a steady and consistent player.  “The PGA TOUR is home to the world’s most accomplished golfers,” added Streb. “The PGA TOUR line of apparel, and the Pro Series, reflects the TOUR’s commitment to excellence, performance and achievement and I am thrilled to represent the only apparel line that is worthy enough to carry the PGA TOUR name.”

PGA TOUR apparel is licensed by Perry Ellis International, Inc., a global leader in fashion apparel and is available at select retailers worldwide.

Additional information on the company is available at www.pery.com.

NCAA Golf National Champions to Headline Field at East Lake Cup Collegiate Match Play Championship

Men: Oklahoma State, Alabama, Auburn, Duke
Women: Arizona, Alabama, Stanford, USC

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – Golf Channel announced the field for the 2018 East Lake Cup collegiate match play championship at historic East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Oct. 29-31. This elite field of the country’s top collegiate golf programs each earned an invitation by advancing to the semifinals of team match play at the 2018 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships in May.

“Now approaching the tournament’s fourth year, the East Lake Cup has become one of college golf’s marquee events each fall,” said Molly Solomon, Golf Channel executive producer. “This championship anchors Golf Channel’s year-round commitment to college golf and introduces viewers to golf’s future stars for both the men’s and women’s game.”

Headlined by the reigning NCAA national champions – Oklahoma State (men) and Arizona (women) – the field features the eight NCAA Golf Championship semifinalists returning to compete head-to-head. The East Lake Cup will take place Monday-Wednesday, Oct. 29-31, with live tournament coverage on Golf Channel all three days.

MEN’S DIVISION:
- Oklahoma State University - Reigning NCAA national champions.
- University of Alabama - NCAA national championship runners-up; 2013-14 NCAA national champions.
- Auburn University - 2018 SEC conference champions; 2018 national championship semifinalists.
- Duke University – 2018 NCAA national championship semifinalists.

“We are excited for our first trip to the East Lake Cup and appreciate the Golf Channel and East Lake for presenting us with such an incredible opportunity,” said Oklahoma State men’s golf coach Alan Bratton. “What a treat it is for us to be able to compete at such a historic venue."

WOMEN’S DIVISION:
- University of Arizona - Reigning NCAA national champions.
- University of Alabama - NCAA national championship runners-up.
- Stanford University - 2015 NCAA National Champions.
- University of Southern California - 2017 East Lake Cup champions.

“We are thrilled to be competing at the 2018 East Lake Cup, the most prestigious golf tournament of the fall season,” said Arizona women’s golf coach Laura Ianello. “This will be our first time playing in the event, which is an incredible honor for our program. I want to thank everyone at Golf Channel for everything they have done and continue to do in growing the collegiate game. Our experience winning the 2018 national championship was phenomenal and we’re looking forward to another opportunity to showcase our program on Golf Channel at the East Lake Cup.”

EAST LAKE CUP FORMAT:
The East Lake Cup will be contested over three days, following the format from the final three days of the NCAA men’s and women’s golf national championships. On Monday, Oct. 29, the eight teams will compete in individual stroke play competition to determine the individual champion and to seed for two days of match-play competition. Tuesday-Wednesday, Oct. 30-31, two match-play tournaments will be hosted simultaneously for the men’s and women’s divisions, with the semifinals taking place on Tuesday and the finals and consolation matches on Wednesday.

Teams for the East Lake Cup will compete on the championship golf course at East Lake Golf Club, home of the TOUR Championship, the season-ending event of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup Playoffs. The East Lake Cup benefits the East Lake Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to helping families build better lives and children reach their highest potential through its holistic approach to community revitalization incorporating mixed-income housing, cradle-to-college education and community wellness. The East Lake Cup has raised nearly $1.5 million for the East Lake Foundation since its inception in 2015. Mercedes-Benz, CSX and Bridgestone Golf are sponsors for the East Lake Cup in 2018.

TOM COUSINS AWARD:
The East Lake Cup also features the Tom Cousins Award, an annual recognition presented to an outstanding male and female golfer who exemplify the values of the East Lake Foundation: excels in academics, engaged in his or her community and has overcome adversity. This award is named for Tom Cousins, founder of the East Lake Foundation, which transformed a community in despair into a thriving neighborhood, now a national model for community redevelopment through Purpose Built Communities. Divya Manthena (USC) and Will Gordon (Vanderbilt) were the recipients of the 2017 Tom Cousins Award.

Viewers and fans can stay connected with the championship on Twitter via @GolfChannel using hashtag #EastLakeCup.

Additional information is available at www.eastlakefoundation.org and www.eastlakegolfclub.com.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Original Penguin Brand Ambassador Cameron Smith T-3 at The Northern Trust

Strong Finish Propels Smith up to 16th in the FedExCup Playoff Race

(Miami, FL) — Original Penguin Golf a division of Perry Ellis International, Inc., would like to congratulate brand ambassador Cameron Smith for his T-3 finish at The Northern Trust, the first leg of the FedExCup playoffs.

With his T-3 finish Smith moved up to 16th in the FedExCup standings.

“Cameron Smith is a proven winner on the PGA Tour and we are excited to watch his strong play as he pushes on towards the TOUR Championship,” said Jack Voith, president of the Golf Division at Perry Ellis International, Inc. “Cameron is a very talented player and his track record after just three years on tour shows how bright his golfing future is. We look forward to seeing him in the winner’s circle again soon.”

“This was a really solid week,” stated Smith. “I am happy with the way I played and am looking forward to the next couple of weeks. The goal all year has been to get to Atlanta and the World Cup and that won’t change.”

Building on its appeal to youth culture, Original Penguin by Munsingwear leverages the brand’s mantra to “Be An Original.” Original Penguin pays homage to its rich brand heritage, having been adored by countless icons for more than 60 years. A strong influence of humor, fun and attention to detail can be seen in its products. The brand reworks its archive of mid-century classics with seasonal updates to reflect a modern lifestyle.

“I am thrilled and honored to wear the same iconic brand that the sport’s greatest players introduced to the golf world some 60 years ago,” added Smith. “Original Penguin blends the perfect combination of style and performance with its classic design and attention to detail. I feel great each day showing up at the course in my new gear.”

Original Penguin Golf apparel is owned by Perry Ellis International, Inc. a global leader in fashion apparel, and is available at www.OriginalPenguin.com, select retailers and golf courses worldwide.

Reserva Conchal Announces Updates to Llama del Bosque Neighborhood

Lot Sales Continue to Surge, Additional Residential Construction Underway

(PLAYA CONCHAL, Costa Rica) – Reserva Conchal – the gated resort community in picturesque Guanacaste – announces updates to the Llama del Bosque neighborhood, including the increasing sales of the remaining lots and ongoing residential construction.

Offering tantalizing views of the surrounding landscape and Reserva Conchal’s famed golf course, the Llama Del Bosque community remains popular with over two-thirds of its 41 secluded and private homesites sold. Starting in the $200s, each single-family lot is tucked inside the lush forest, providing privacy and a sense of historical connection with the land.

Lot owners can custom-build their home within property parameters, and against no timeframe. Additional benefits of living within the community include three- and five-year term financing through Reserva Conchal with low, fixed interest rates and payments calculated based on 15 years, and assistance in finding and working with local contractors throughout the construction process. Currently, seven homes are built, with three others under construction.

“We’re elated with the tremendous growth and progress of Llama del Bosque,” says Maria Poddie Valencia, director of sales and marketing for Reserva Conchal. “With lot sales rising and residents building their dream homes, the community is taking shape beautifully. It truly is an outdoor paradise.”

Complementing Llama Del Bosque are more than 200 luxury condominiums and villas that have been developed in Reserva Conchal. Designed for complete privacy, each condominium and villa offers private balconies or terraces, and expansive windows welcoming in the beauty of Costa Rica’s northern coast. The fully-furnished interiors inside each residence features contemporary design, elegant color palettes and family-friendly touches.

The luxurious Aromo town homes are nearing sell-out, just months after they were first unveiled. Starting at $629,000, Aromo boasts three- and four-bedroom town homes with spacious floorplans (2,335 and 2,539 square feet). Each two-story town home offers contemporary, modern architecture with comfortable master suites and traditional terrazas celebrating nature. Additional amenities include a two-car covered driveway and a private pool with panoramic ocean and golf course views.

Set within the resort’s vast 2,300 acres is the all-inclusive Westin Golf Resort & Spa, featuring the 60,000-square-foot Reserva Conchal Beach Club. Highlights of the resort include an extensive swimming pavilion, modern workout facilities, fine dining, an exquisite spa and a Robert Trent Jones II-designed championship golf course. Later this year, the W Costa Rica, Reserva Conchal will open and offer 150 guestrooms and luxurious amenities.

Residents of Reserva Conchal can be as busy or carefree as they desire – and this “Pura Vida” lifestyle that embodies Costa Rica also characterizes the community. Property owners have access to Reserva Conchal’s Beach Club facilities – pool, gym, restaurants and spa.

Weekly social events occur at the Beach Club, and nearby activities for the entire family include hiking the numerous trails found inside the community, partaking in many events and happenings at the resort, or enjoying the nearby white-sand beaches and tranquil waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Reserva Conchal is ideal for both primary and vacation home ownership. Only 40 minutes from Liberia International Airport (LIR), it is close to exemplary schools, quaint restaurants, supermarkets, hospitals and endless outdoor activities. The famed beach towns of Guanacaste – Tamarindo and Flamingo – are just minutes away, and World Property Journal recently named Costa Rica the “Best Place to Live and Retire in 2018.”

Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Pukka

Visit pukkainc.com/golf to show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Through October 1, a portion of all Breast Cancer Awareness sales will be donated to breast cancer research.

Inaugural Amata Friendship Cup presented by Toyota Announced

Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Thongchai Jaidee, Ariya & Moriya Jutanugarn, Satoshi Kodaira, Hideto Tanihara and Nasa Hataoka head star-studded teams for unique event concept at Amata Spring Country Club

(Bangkok, Thailand) - An innovative new event was unveiled today by representatives of Amata Spring Country Club; The Amata Friendship Cup presented by Toyota. The new tournament will see a team of Thailand’s top men and women professional and amateur golfers, take on an equal team of Japan’s top players. The event will be hosted at Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi, Thailand on December 21st - 23rd 2018, adding to the club’s rich heritage in bringing headline events to the nation and enhancing its position as one of the region’s most prominent clubs.

"Our vision has focused on creating a new dynamic event that will positively impact golf in Thailand. The narrative behind men and women, professionals and amateurs competing together in their national colours is a compelling one in our minds," commented Khun Arsa Sarasin, Chairman of the Tournament Committee and Chairman of the Board of Amata Spring Country Club. "Our ambition is threefold; celebrate and embrace the special relationship between Thailand and Japan; provide an exciting opportunity for young up and coming golfers to compete side by side with their heroes; and, finally, allow Asia's best men and women to compete together for the same prize."

During the official announcement the team captains were introduced; Boonchu Ruangkit and Virada Nirapathpongporn from Thailand, and Naomichi “Joe” Ozaki and Miho Koga from Japan.

Sarasin continued; “We are grateful to our Captains for accepting the challenge of bringing together their teams and representing their respective nations. Each in their own right is a great champion and we are honoured that they have joined us for this inaugural competition.”

The Captains will be responsible for team selection, managing pairings and representing the best interests of their respective nations.

"This is one of the proudest days of my career and one I believe will have a great impact for golf, bringing together mixed teams in this exciting nation vs. nation team format," commented Ruangkit.

“We have some of the most exciting players on all tours around the world right now and to bring them together as one team will be something every golf and sports fan in Thailand and Japan will love seeing,” commented Virada Nirapathpongporn.

The Thailand Captains first picks were unveiled at the press conference: Kiradech Aphibarnrat, world #33, who took the time from his busy schedule to attend in person; Thongchai Jaidee; World #2, Ariya Jutanugarn and her sister, world #12 Moriya, recent runner-up at the Ricoh Women’s British Open; Pornanong Phatlum; and amateur sensation, Atthaya Thitikul.

Ozaki and Koya unveiled a powerful team, including world #40, Satoshi Kodaira, along with Japan’s top female and world #15 player Nasa Hataoka. They will be joined by the current #1 and #3 players on the Japan Tour in Ryuko Tokimatsu and Kodai Ichihara, and PGA and European Tour regular, Hideto Tanihara.

“We are ready for this exciting challenge and will be doing all we can to ensure we do our country proud and put up a strong performance,” commented Joe Ozaki, the 32-time winner on the Japan Golf Tour.

Toyota Motors Thailand was also announced as the Presenting Partner, continuing not only their long association with Championship golf, but their position as an innovator of major sports and entertainment events in Thailand. Mr. Vudhigorn Suriyachantananont, Executive Vice President Toyota Motor Thailand Co. Ltd., was in attendance and joined the top table of the press conference to introduce the event to attending media and special guests.

Other sponsorship partners that have already committed to being a part of the event include: Amata Corporation, SCB, SCG, Singha, Ricoh.

The event format will follow that of the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup; a 3-day competition comprising of team-based and individual sessions, with each team amassing points based on the outcome of each match. The event will also be accompanied by on-site entertainment available to all members of the community. A dedicated website was also introduced where the general public will be able to find further details of the event, as well as insights on the competitors, ticketing and the schedule of events.

“The opportunity to see men and women, professionals and amateurs competing on the same teams will make for compelling viewing," commented David Townend, Tournament Director and General Manager of Amata Spring Country Club. "The equality narrative the event carries and the feel-good factor of celebrating a superb friendship between great nations, and the togetherness golf events bring, will mark the occasion as one of the most progressive events in recent times.”

For further details, visit www.amatafriendshipcup.com and follow @AmataFriendsCup on Twitter, and @AmataFriendshipCup on Facebook and Instagram.

Troon Expands, Opens New Office in Irvine, California to Accommodate Regional Growth

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – To accommodate regional growth interests and opportunities, Troon, the world-wide leader in club management, development, and marketing, has expanded and opened a corporate office in Irvine, Calif. Troon Vice President Bill O’Brien, a 20+ year golf and hospitality industry veteran, will lead Troon’s Orange County office operations.

The new Orange County office is located minutes from the John Wayne/Orange County Airport at 17875 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 225 in Irvine. The office location was thoughtfully selected for its proximity to the airport, potential for portfolio growth in the region and associate career opportunities.

“The offices are situated within a campus that features indoor-outdoor workspaces and common areas,” said O’Brien. “The office reflects much of what makes the West Coast a remarkable place and serves as an example of the types of inviting spaces we encourage our clubs to integrate into their overall experience.”

Through its Troon Golf, Troon Privé and Cliff Drysdale Management divisions, Troon operates 32 facilities in California, Oregon and Washington, including Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells, Calif.; The Saticoy Club in Somis, Calif.; Pronghorn in Bend, Ore.; Fairwood Golf and Country Club in Renton, Wash.; and the In-Shape Tennis Center: Stockton Marina in Stockton, Calif.

“We continue to see tremendous growth in partnerships and management agreements throughout California, Oregon and Washington,” said Troon President Tim Schantz. “Our Orange County office will help service current and future facilities throughout the West, while providing an ideal environment for our Troon associates to live, work and play.”

In addition to its headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon now has offices in Irvine, Calif.; Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; Birmingham, Ala.; Jacksonville, Fla; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and with the recent acquisition of Cliff Drysdale Management, in Austin, Texas.

For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.

Callaway Apparel Launches Fall 2018 Collections

(Miami, FL) — Callaway Apparel announces the launch of the men’s and women’s Fall 2018 fashion collections. The Fall 2018 collections combine the perfect combination of heritage, flair, and function, fusing a traditional golf aesthetic with advanced performance technologies to make it easily adaptable to the elements.

“Versatility and comfort are important components to the overall design and we’ve incorporated stretch materials, performance details and finishes for a ‘must have’ cross-functional wardrobe,” said Lupe Benitez, Vice President of Product Design for Callaway Apparel.

Men’s Collection: Featuring a multi layering concept of base, all season, mid layers and outer layers, the Fall 2018 collection gives golfers the ability to seamlessly layer up or down in style, allowing them to easily conquer the various elements they may face in the Fall season. High performing garments that feature zonal engineering and branded technologies such as Outlast, Thermore, and Thermolite, the Fall 2018 collection provides golfers with optimal temperature control and comfort. Complete with strategic seams and insets, ergonomic cuffs, and stretch panels, the Fall 18 collection marries classic designs with increased attention to modern day details. Fashion-forward color palettes include:

Bittersweet (above): Based in navy and white, the intense bittersweet orange lends an eclectic accent with a hint of sports nostalgia.
Hawaiian Ocean: In this group, white and navy provide a strong background to highlight the bold pops of Hawaiian ocean.

Women’s Collection: The elegant and sporty Fall 2018 women’s collection features cross functional garments that can be worn from the course to the clubhouse. Showcasing dazzling blue and burst of energy prints and solids, the women’s collection can be mixed and matched to create a myriad of classic looks. Engineered for comfort, breathability and extended range of motion. Ventilated panels, lightweight fabrics and Swing-Tech Series fabrics “bring improvement to every movement.”
Website: www.callawayapparel.com

Heritage Links Working on Comprehensive Renovation of Renegade Course at Desert Mountain

(Houston, Texas) — Heritage Links, one of the world’s foremost golf course construction companies, is involved with an encompassing 18-hole renovation of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Renegade Course at Desert Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona.  The extensive work includes new greens, bunkers, tees, cart paths, drainage, irrigation, lake construction and grassing.  The highly regarded Nicklaus design, which opened in 1987, was the first of six Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses at Desert Mountain.

Few improvements, however, had been made to the Renegade Course since it opened.  Nicklaus Design created a new master plan which Heritage Links is in the process of implementing.  As a signature design, Jack Nicklaus has been personally involved with the project and has conducted site visits and provided critical oversight about the renovation.

Once described by GOLF Magazine as “the most versatile course in the world,” the Renegade is unique for its original dual-green layout concept where each golf hole has either two individual greens or one large double green.  Combined with a variety of tees, the golf course offers an exceptional number of options for set-up and play.

The renovation is on track for a mid-December completion.  The construction work is being managed for Heritage by Mark Maldonado with project management provided by Heritage Links Vice President, Oscar Rodriguez.

For information, call (281) 866-0909 or visit www.heritage-links.com.

Getting to Know: Andrew Harvie and His Quest for the PGA Tour

American Golfer: When did you start playing golf?
Andrew Harvie: I’ve kind of been playing all my life. My grandparents are big into golf, and both my parents are pretty good athletes, so we’d go hit balls from time to time or play three holes. I didn’t start actually playing consistently until age 12 or 13.

AG: How would you describe your collegiate career?
AH: I would say it was short lived, but a great learning experience. I went to two schools within a year, and while both schools are great, I didn’t really get what I was looking for, so I left to try and pursue pro golf the old fashioned way.

Andrew Harvie
AG: Describe a typical day in your life working toward the PGA Tour.
AH: I don’t have a set routine, but my days loosely follow the same pattern. I’ll get up, eat, then go practice and/or play, depending on the day. I’ll come home, do chores (those seem to never end) and eat again. Afternoon will be dedicated to my website and reading. If I don’t work that day, I’ll go practice again and if I didn’t play in the morning I’ll go play in the afternoon, and then I’ll come home and either hangout with friends or cool down time (which involves either The Office or Fortnite). I like to end the day with a run in the summer as well.

AG: In addition to golf, what else occupies your time?
AH: I do work full time, so between golf and working, I don’t have a ton of spare time. Anything extra is allotted to my website or my personal life.

AG: Do you pattern your game after any past or current professionals?
AH: I wouldn’t say I do, but I do use a lot of professionals as references. For example, Steve Stricker’s chipping technique is something I’ll watch if I’m struggling, or Peter Uhlien’s swing if I’m releasing the club too fast. Kelly Kraft is probably the swing I admire the most, though, and would like to get to something similar within he near future.

AG: How can the industry grow the game of golf?
AH: I think the biggest thing we can do to grow the game is come off as inviting to all. Golf comes off as very exclusive and elitist, and while that’s fine in some capacity, there needs to be more options to play.

Par 3 courses are great, as are shorter courses. We need more quality 9 hole courses too, because they tend to be cheaper and take less time. Some of those places could put an emphasis on fun, too. Bowling alleys have music playing, so why not have a 9 hole course with speakers scattered throughout the course so you have tunes bumping during your round?

Another good idea would be for private clubs and high-end public courses in the area to bring back caddie programs. Caddie programs are great for the community because it gets kids active, and most of them out there now give you access to the course. They learn the game of golf, meet people, and fall in love with it. It is making a comeback with resorts like Sand Valley, Cabot, Bandon, Streamsong etc, and a lot of high end private clubs do have caddies, but wouldn’t it be fun if one or two of the muni’s in your city had a caddie program that was $30 a bag (or something close to that) and you could walk instead of cart?

AG: What’s the most common mistake high-handicap golfers make on the course?
AH: I think the most common mistake high handicappers make is not developing a solid putting stroke. I see a lot of these players hit it ok, and chip it ok, but they never make anything. Putting is the one thing that literally anyone, whether you’re a 6 year old, 22 year old college student, 85 year old great grandma, whatever, anyone can be good at, and so few high handicappers have a sound stroke.

AG: What’s your “dream foursome” (living or dead, golfer or non-golfer)?
AH: Dream foursome for me would be Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Tom Doak. I don’t think you could have a more interesting grouping than that.

AG: What course tops your “bucket list” to play?
AH: I don’t really have one course that tops my list. The typical answer I guess would be Augusta National, Cypress Point or Pine Valley, but I actually have a bigger interest in courses with only a one or a handful of members. Places like Domaine LaForest in Quebec, Porcupine Creek in Palm Springs, James Island in British Columbia, The Institute in California or Morefar on the border of Connecticut and New York. All of those have no more than maybe five members, and those would be fun to check off.

AG: You’re a golf course design aficionado. What's your favorite course you've played and why?
AH: Right now my favorite course I’ve played is Pacific Dunes. The ocean helps, but the architecture is really solid. Tom Doak really used the land well, and it’s the first course I’ve played that I felt like there wasn’t a bad hole here.

AG: Do you have a Plan B if you don't become a Tour pro?
AH: No, I don’t. I could see myself doing a lot of other stuff, though, such as running a golf program, a club pro or trying to blog/write for a living, but as of right now I haven’t put much more than a passing thought into it!

Follow Andrew's quest for the PGA Tour at drewharvie.com.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Sailfish Point Real Estate Sales Soar to Nearly $69 Million in Fiscal Year 2017

Treasure Coast’s Premier Oceanfront Community Continues to Thrive
 
(STUART, Fla.) – Sailfish Point – the 532-acre oceanfront luxury community on Hutchinson Island 45 minutes north of Florida’s Palm Beaches – reports a surge in fiscal year 2017 home sales, solidifying its position as the Treasure Coast’s top waterfront community.
 
Almost entirely surrounded by water, the member-owned enclave offers stunning and secluded properties with exclusive waterfront access to the Atlantic Ocean, Indian River and St. Lucie Inlet. The community’s latest fiscal year saw almost $69 million in property sales, an average of $1.53 million per home.
 
“Sailfish Point continues to flourish as the premier golf and boating community on Florida’s Atlantic Coast,” says Kristen Cheskaty, managing partner of Sailfish Point Realty. “Luxury coastal real estate demand remains high along the Treasure Coast, putting the property in an ideal position with its stunning island location, five-star amenities and exceptional residences.”
 
Over the past three years, Sailfish Point has generated $245 million in real estate sales with fiscal year 2018 off to a fast start with 13 real estate transactions totaling nearly $17 million.
 
Nearby Witham Field airport, one of the top FBOs in the state, recently opened an official U.S. Customs Facility for processing international travelers via water and air, the state’s first intermodal location of its kind. The facility, in addition to the area’s low taxes and practical cost of living, is expected to accommodate the current drive in demand of south Florida’s luxury real estate.
 
Sailfish Point offers a myriad of move-in ready options, ideal for primary and vacation homes alike. The island features 520 homes, including spacious beachfront estates, low-maintenance condos, villas and townhomes with private boat slips.
 
Member amenities include a newly-renovated 60,000-square-foot clubhouse with multiple dining options, a fitness center, multiple pools, tennis courts, a full-service spa, five miles of pristine beach and a nationally-ranked Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Residents enjoy access to a full-service marina and yacht club, offering 77 wet slips and 45 dry slips while accommodating vessels up to 125 feet. Organized events such as casino nights, wine tastings, themed dinners and golf outings keep homeowners social calendars bustling year-round.
 
Located on Hutchinson Island, Sailfish Point enjoys easy access to Stuart, Florida, a vibrant seaside town rich with cafes, fine dining, a bustling art scene, upscale boutiques and top-notch health care. For more information, visit www.sailfishpoint.com or 772.225.6200.

Northern Trust Open Champion Trusts TPT Golf in Dominating Victory

(RENENS, SWITZERLAND) - The Northern Trust Open Champion trusted a TPT Golf shaft for his dominating four-shot victory in the first event of the PGA Tour's FedExCup Playoffs.

The three-time PGA Tour winner averaged 297.6 yards off the tee at Ridgewood Country Club with a TPT Golf Prototype shaft in his driver, tied for fifth longest in the field. The 24-year-old also finished 10th in Strokes Gained Off The Tee en route to his second PGA Tour win of 2018.

"Congratulations to the winner of the Northern Trust Open on his runaway victory," says TPT Golf Director Sebastian Sebayang. "As a company that was founded to push the known boundaries of shaft technology and performance, we tip our hat to the champion and the spark of innovation he's brought to the game of golf."

TPT Golf also earned two other top-25 finishes at the Northern Trust Open; one from the 2018 Masters Champion, who debuted a TPT Golf 15 LKP-LT-LW shaft in his driver and hit 14 of 14 fairways in Round 1 of the championship.

Despite launching its revolutionary line of golf shafts less than two years ago, TPT Golf has already earned eight professional victories on six different tours. The company also scored its first major amateur victory just two weeks ago at the 2018 U.S. Women's Amateur, where the champion trusted a TPT Golf 17 LKP-MT-SW in her driver.

TPT Golf's Eight Professional Wins
● August 26, 2018: Northern Trust Open (PGA Tour, FedExCup Playoffs Event)
● July 22, 2018: Century 21 Ladies Golf Tournament (LPGA of Japan)
● May 6, 2018: Wells Fargo Championship (PGA Tour)
● March 11, 2018: Toshiba Classic (Champions Tour)
● January 29, 2018: Farmers Insurance Open (PGA Tour)
● December 17, 2017: Indonesian Masters (Asian Tour)
● November 5, 2017: Turkish Airlines Open (European Tour)
● October 29, 2017: WGC-HSBC Champions (World Golf Championships)

TPT Golf shafts are created with a patent-pending, automated manufacturing process that creates a more precise, higher-performing golf shaft, as well as a perfectly consistent golf shaft each and every time.

The company's innovative shaft technology was developed from the ground up with the knowledge of its parent company, NTPT, a Switzerland-based technology and composites firm that's renowned for developing cutting-edge materials that have led to innovations in multiple high-performance industries.

With a properly fit TPT Golf shaft, golfers are able to contact the sweet spot more often due to the shaft's more axially consistent design. They will also likely swing TPT Golf shafts a little faster because of their optimized bend profiles. It's this combination of more consistent impacts and TPT Golf's optimized bending profiles that results in significant distance gains and a tighter dispersion.

In fittings around the world, TPT Golf shafts have been proven to provide golfers of all abilities with additional club head speed and ball speed. Golfers can locate a TPT Golf Authorized Fitter near them.  Use this link: https://tptgolf.com/where-to-buy/

For more information on TPT Golf, visit tptgolf.com.

Braden Thornberry Earns Mark H. McCormack Medal as World’s Top Male Amateur Player

(LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. and ST. ANDREWS, SCOTLAND) – Braden Thornberry, 21, of Olive Branch, Miss., has won the Mark H. McCormack Medal as the leading men’s player in the 2018 World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). As the McCormack Medal recipient, Thornberry will earn exemptions into the 2019 U.S. Open Championship and 2019 Open Championship, conducted by The R&A, provided he remains an amateur.

Thornberry was chosen second-team All-American as a junior at the University of Mississippi in 2017-18 and became the third player in Ole Miss history to be selected to an All-America team multiple times. He also earned All-Southeast Region and All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) recognition for the second consecutive year. Thornberry, who was the world No. 1 player for 11 weeks, posted nine top-10 finishes, including four wins, and was 15th in the NCAA in stroke average (70.28). He is the program’s career leader with 11 tournament victories.

“This is a prestigious award and I am honored to be among the group of past recipients,” Thornberry said. “There are many people who have made this possible along the way, and I am grateful to everyone. I am really excited about my future in the game of golf and I hope to keep representing my country, my state and the University of Mississippi in the best way possible.”

Thornberry, who recently advanced to match play in the U.S. Amateur at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links, qualified for this year’s U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. Thornberry, who became the first Ole Miss player to be named a Ben Hogan Award finalist, made the 36-hole cut in two PGA Tour events – tied for 26th in the FedEx St. Jude Classic and tied for 61st in the RSM Classic – and tied for 22nd in the Web.com Tour’s North Mississippi Classic.

In 2017, Thornberry won the NCAA Division I individual title by four strokes with a 72-hole score of 11-under 277 and received the Fred Haskins Award as the top collegiate golfer. He registered two singles victories in helping the USA win the Walker Cup Match at Los Angeles (Calif.) Country Club last September. Additionally, he was a key figure in Team USA capturing the 2018 Palmer Cup in France.

“On behalf of the USGA, I wish to extend our congratulations to Braden Thornberry on being awarded the McCormack Medal,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA senior managing director of Championships. “Braden has had a fine college career, as evidenced by his 2017 NCAA championship, and he has represented the USA with distinction in international competition, including his role on the victorious 2017 USA Walker Cup Team in Los Angeles.”

The USGA and The R&A co-award the McCormack Medal annually. It is named after Mark H. McCormack, who founded sports marketing company IMG and was a great supporter of amateur golf.

“Braden has joined the likes of Joaquin Niemann, Maverick McNealy, Jon Rahm and Matthew Fitzpatrick as a winner of the McCormack Medal and we congratulate him on this fantastic achievement,” said Duncan Weir, Executive Director – Golf Development at The R&A. “He has delivered a number of outstanding results this season and is a deserving recipient of this award.”

The World Amateur Golf Ranking, which is supported by Rolex, was established in 2007 when the men’s ranking was launched. The men’s ranking encompasses more than 2,700 counting events, ranking 6,200 players from 106 countries. The women’s ranking was launched in 2011 and has a calendar of more than 1,850 counting events with more than 2,850 ranked players from 78 countries.

About WAGRTM
The World Amateur Golf Ranking, which comprises a women’s ranking and a men’s ranking for elite amateur players, is offered by The R&A and the USGA as a global service to golf. Through incorporation and assessment worldwide of both amateur and professional events, WAGR encourages the international development of the competitive game. The ranking endeavors to be the most comprehensive and accurate ranking in golf by effectively comparing players from around the world who may never directly compete against one another. It is available to national federations and organizers of amateur and professional events and tours as a criterion for tournament field selection and for purposes of exemptions, national team selection, and orders of merit.

About The Mark H. McCormack Medal
The award is named after Mark H. McCormack, the late founder of sports marketing company IMG and an avid supporter of amateur golf. The Mark H. McCormack Medal is awarded to the player ranked No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking after the U.S. Amateur Championship or the European Amateur Championship, whichever concludes last. Established in 2007, the same award goes to the player leading the women’s ranking after the European Ladies’ Amateur Championship or U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, whichever concludes last.

Previous Winners
Women: 2018 Jennifer Kupcho (USA), 2017, 2016, 2015 Leona Maguire (IRL), 2014 Minjee Lee (AUS), 2013, 2012, 2011 Lydia Ko (NZL)

Men: 2017 Joaquin Niemann (CHI), 2016 Maverick McNealy (USA), 2015 Jon Rahm-Rodriguez (ESP), 2014 Oliver Schniederjans (USA), 2013 Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG), 2012 Chris Williams (USA), 2011 Patrick Cantlay (USA), 2010 Peter Uihlein (USA), 2009 Nick Taylor (CAN), 2008 Danny Lee (NZL), 2007 Colt Knost (USA)

To learn more, visit usga.org and www.randa.org.