Kentwool Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month With Pink Sock Program

(GREENVILLE, SC) - KENTWOOL - an innovator and maker of premium, performance socks specifically engineered for golfers - announces that it will donate a portion of proceeds on sales of all its pink socks during the month of October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Running in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the program applies to the company's pink Tour Profile sock for men and women - a favorite of staff player and PGA Tour star Bubba Watson - and the Low Profile Skinny offered exclusively for ladies.

"Our pink socks have become a best seller, especially as people worldwide have seen Bubba rocking them on TV and in his social media posts," says Mark Kent, President and CEO of KENTWOOL. "For the second consecutive year we aim to translate that popularity into a donation to the very important cause of combating Breast Cancer."

Available at scores of premium green-grass locations and www.kentwool.com/shop, KENTWOOL Golf Socks are backed by a "blister-free guarantee." Retailing for $19.95 to $24.95, styles include the Low Profile Skinny and Tour Profile for women, as well as Low Profile, Tour Profile and longer Tour Standard for men.

Crafted from a proprietary blend of fine merino wool and high-tech fibers, KENTWOOL Golf Socks create an innovative, micro-climate system for superior moisture management, wicking and odor control. Each pair features the brand's WINDspun technology - infusing the fibers with air - for unrivaled cushioning at micro-stress points along the foot. This maximizes comfort, increases energy levels, reduces the risk of injury and boosts on-course performance.

In addition to Watson, KENTWOOL premium performance golf socks are worn in competition by many Tour players, including Matt Kuchar, Jonathan Byrd, Peter Jacobsen, Duffy Waldorf, Brendon de Jonge, Tom Gillis, Jane Park, Charles Warren, Kevin Johnson, Jenny Suh, Kristy McPherson, Shasta Averyhardt, Sarah Kemp, Jenny Gleason, Meaghan Francella and Jenny Hong.

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U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Teachers Application Available

Applications are now available for the 2011 U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Teachers award. The award, in its eighth year, aims to identify the top junior golf instructors across the world.

Top 50 Kids Teachers have dedicated their careers to developing youth golf in their communities and are known for their overall excellence and commitment to serving youth. They have demonstrated the ability to organize, administer and teach at a high level and are recognized by their peers and students as role models for the youth in their programs.

"U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Teachers represent a group of professionals who are dedicated to helping kids develop their skills and their love of the game," said Dan Van Horn, founder and president of U.S. Kids Golf. "We are pleased to recognize their talents and commitment."

U.S. Kids Golf has implemented a two-phase application process for 2011. Preliminary applications must be submitted online by Nov. 1. After applications are read and evaluated, the top candidates will be selected as finalists and asked to complete an additional online questionnaire by Dec. 1. Finalists will then be further evaluated and the 2011 U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Teachers will be announced by Dec. 31.

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JC Resorts Partners With TGA Premier Junior Golf to Transition Kids from Schools to Courses

(El Segundo, CA) - In a growing effort to transition its students from schools to golf courses across the country, TGA Premier Junior Golf, the only national after school golf enrichment program in the country, announces a partnership with JC Resorts, a leading management company of premium golf and resort properties based in southern California.

"Developing strategic partnerships with golf courses around the country is critical for TGA to create a streamline transition program from schools to courses, which will ultimately evolve into more golfers and revenue for facilities," said Joshua Jacobs, TGA's founder and CEO. "The partnership with JC Resorts creates opportunities for students to have more affordable and accessible access to golf courses."

Erik Johnson, Director of Golf Sales and Marketing for JC Resorts, sees TGA Premier Junior Golf as a unique opportunity to grow the game of golf and build future revenue for its courses.

"TGA has been a wonderful partner to JC Golf. The TGA model is right in line with the JC Golf brand - make golf fun and include the entire family in the process," said Johnson. "After meeting with Joshua Jacobs, we instantly knew that TGA would be a great partner for our facilities. Their programming within the schools already does a fantastic job of getting young people interested in the game of golf, we are happy to provide the next logical step in the process providing affordable access to our golf courses."

The partnership between TGA and JC Resorts will include a variety of initiatives that will impact area schools, students and golf courses. JC Resorts will work closely with TGA territories at area courses developing such programs as TGA family golf days, TGA junior golf memberships, as well as providing greater access to the facilities for TGA to run junior programs and camps. TGA will also promote JC Resorts to their families and develop ongoing programs to transition students from the local schools and community based organizations to the JC Resorts courses.

Founded in 2003, TGA is reaching large numbers of new golfers in a structured environment and has quickly established itself as a leading initiative to grow the game. Transitioning students to golf courses following the five-level enrichment program is a key component in TGA's mission to providing youth with access to the game of golf through programs that build life value, instill confidence through achievement, and offer a fun and educational experience.

Chris Dawkins and Jeff Sampson own the area franchises, TGA North San Diego and TGA of Temecula Valley, which will be directly impacted by the partnership. They are very excited about the opportunities that JC Resorts will provide for their respective territories.

"This new partnership with JC Resorts could not come at a better time for TGA of North San Diego," said Dawkins. "The families that have been with TGA for over two years are very excited to have courses they can now take their kids to and play golf together. Students will have close proximity golf courses to be transitioned to and be able to showcase what they are learning. This will certainly help grow the game."

"We are very excited about the partnership with JC Resorts and the opportunities they are providing Temecula Valley to grow the game," said Sampson. "We already have plans to develop additional TGA camps and other programs in order to continue bringing more kids to the courses. We are looking forward to building a strong long lasting relationship with JC Resorts."

TGA Premier Junior Golf currently partners with over 200 golf courses around the country providing transition programs to get more kids and their families on golf courses. On-course programs include camps, clinics, lessons, and tournaments, which impacts the golf facilities by driving additional revenue in green fees, driving range, merchandise, and food and beverage. In addition, PGA and LPGA Professionals are seeing increased teaching revenue from these programs and courses can receive free advertising in community schools.

"As golf courses across the country search for new ways and ideas to increase business, TGA offers a very simple model that will help them grow," said Jacobs. "The additional revenue and traffic from our transition programs will increase the golf courses market share in their region and ultimately make the pie larger for everyone."

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Brand-New Salish Cliffs Golf Club (Shelton, WA) Announces New October Rates

Homecoming for Salish Cliffs Assistant Pro; Little Creek Casino Resort Pays Out Record $1 Million Jackpot

(SHELTON, WA) – Little Creek Casino Resort today announces that just-opened Salish Cliffs Golf Club has posted its new daily fee rates for October.

Public rates through Oct. 31 are $69 (Monday-Thursday) and $79 (Friday-Sunday) for 18 holes and $40 and $50, respectively, for nine, including green fees and cart (but not applicable tax). MVP Player’s Card Holders will pay $64 (Monday-Thursday) and $74 (Friday-Sunday). Twilight rates, which begin at 3 p.m., are $40 (Monday-Thursday) and $50 (Friday-Sunday).

Since opening in mid-September, the Gene Bates-designed Salish Cliffs has already received national acclaim for its stunning beauty and clever design. It has also received praise for its reasonable rates and was included on Forbes.com’s list of the “12 Best Value Courses in the U.S.”

“We have been thrilled with the response since our Grand Opening and hope the new October rates will encourage golfers to come out and enjoy a course that we feel will someday be ranked among the very best in America,” said Head Professional David Kass, PGA.

Tee times can be booked with a major credit card up to 10 days in advance at www.salish-cliffs.com. Advanced tee-time booking up to 60 days in advance is available for those with confirmed Little Creek Casino Resort hotel reservations by calling the golf shop at 360.462.3673.

Located 20 minutes from Olympia and 75 from Seattle, the Gene Bates-designed Salish Cliffs boasts 360-degree views of the Kamilche Valley and dramatic elevation changes. The course is an amenity of the Little Creek Casino Resort, which is owned and operated by the Squaxin Island Tribe.

Lippold Named Salish Cliffs Assistant Golf Professional: Jacob Lippold, a 29-year-old from nearby Sequim, Wash, has been named assistant golf professional at Salish Cliffs Golf Club.

Previously, the Western Washington University graduate worked at The Cedars at Dungeness in Sequim where he went from performing outside services work to assistant pro.

“I love the golf business and everything has worked out great for me so far,” said Lippold, who works under Head Professional David Kass and First Assistant Chris Koch, who is also a local and hails from Lacey, Wash. “I feel extremely fortunate to be working at a top-notch golf facility like Salish Cliffs right from the very beginning.”

Little Creek Casino Resort Hands Over Record Jackpot: The grand opening of Salish Cliffs Golf Club wasn’t Little Creek Casino Resort’s only big news in September. Marty of Payallup won the resort’s largest slot machine jackpot ever – $1,031,668.98 – on Sept. 4.

Marty won the massive jackpot on the progressive slot “Golden Sunrise®” video game by Rocket Games, which is part of the progressive, networked machines that offer higher payouts and bigger rewards.

Little Creek Casino Resort presented the new millionaire with a jumbo check showing his winnings on the beach-themed Class II game, one of the industry’s most-popular choices.

The award-winning resort recently completed a hotel expansion and enhancement of the casino floor. In addition to an Indian-style gaming casino that showcases more than 1,000 slot machines and table games, the Skookum Creek Event Center regularly hosts top-notch entertainment acts. Upcoming shows include the legendary Kool & The Gang on Saturday, Oct. 15 and Lindsey Buckingham – who earned a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Fleetwood Mac – on Sunday, Oct. 23.

For more information – or to take advantage of the Little Creek’s “Stay Two Nights for the Price of One” special where a two-night stay is just $109 – visit www.little-creek.com or call 800.667.7711.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Pirate Island Adventure Golf at Abbey Hill Golf Centre in England

It'll be swashbuckling fun for everyone when Pirate Island Adventure Golf, an innovative and fun concept designed to encourage families to enjoy the sport, officially opens in Milton Keynes next month.

Abbey Hill Golf Centre (www.abbeyhillgc.co.uk), based in Two Mile Ash, will welcome its first players to enjoy the exciting new activity on Oct. 8.

However, the full bells and whistles official opening of the Pirate Island Adventure Golf park - to be presided over by a soon-to-be-revealed 'special guest' from the movie world - is planned for the weekend of Oct. 15-16.

Work is almost complete on fitting out the thrilling, visually stunning pirate-themed course developed at a cost of £775,000 - the largest investment in the 39-year history of Abbey Hill Golf Centre.
Already in place is Pirate Island Adventure Golf's huge signature Kopia ship - transported to Milton Keynes all the way from Germany - with the final few finishing touches to the new theme park currently being made.

By opening day, the wheelchair-friendly theme park will be festooned with an array of fun features - including waterfalls, lakes, streams and islands, with rafts, treasure chests, cannons, decorative crocodiles, parrots and swords, and various species of plants adding to the swashbuckling landscape.

Pirate Island Adventure Golf - designed to appeal to all age groups - is based around mini golf with players requiring only a putter to navigate their ball around an 18-hole course littered with cunning obstacles.

The new leisure facility is sited within a dedicated 2,500 sq metre part of the public pay-and-play facility - part of Burhill Golf and Leisure, the UK's leading golf course owner and operator - and has created five new jobs for the local area.

Gordon Forster, General Manager of Abbey Hill Golf Centre, commented: "The Pirate Island Adventure Golf Park is bang on schedule and almost finished - it will look truly eye-catching when everything is in place. We are beginning to get extremely excited about the official opening next month in the company of our 'special guest'.

"Pirate Island Adventure Golf offers an ideal introduction to the sport as well as provide the local community with a relaxing and healthy way of enjoying golf. Pirate Island Adventure Golf really will be swashbuckling fun for everyone!"

For further details on Abbey Hill Golf Centre and Pirate Island Adventure Golf, visit www.abbeyhillgc.co.uk.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

"Win Your Golf Trip for Free" Sweepstakes Highlights Gulf Shores' Fall Lineup

(GULF SHORES, ALABAMA) - Powerboat races, seafood festivals and golf packages starting at less than $100 per night provide a gravitational pull to Gulf Shores this fall, where playing conditions are now ideal.

The "Win Your Golf Trip for Free" sweepstakes is also a hot topic of conversation among savvy golf travelers and buddy-trip groups. Each group booking a golf getaway at www.golf.gulfshores.com will be automatically entered into a drawing to have the value of their golf package rebated, up to $4,000.

Stays must conclude no later than Nov. 7 to be eligible; see www.golf.gulfshores.com/plan/quotes/ for the "Win Your Golf Trip for Free" promotion entry/details.

"The weather is consistently beautiful now through November along the Gulf coast," said Duncan Millar, executive director of Golf Gulf Shores. "Attractive rates on our nine courses and a wealth of area events like our Annual Shrimp Festival make for a fun weekend getaway option, long after Northern golf courses close."

Here's a sampling of "starting-at" package prices for family, buddy trip and couples getaways - including all taxes and fees - from a few of Golf Gulf Shores' accommodation partners.

Family Golf and Gulf Trip: 2 Bedroom Gulf Front Condominium
Starting-at Rate: $89.54 per person per night for golf and room
Description: Starting-at rate based on 4 people staying in a two-bedroom condominium with Gulf Coast views, with one king bed, two twin beds and a sleeper sofa. Valid through Nov. 6.

Buddy Trip: 2 Bedroom Golf Course Condominium
Starting-at Rate: $73.31 per person per night for golf and room
Description: Starting-at rate based on 4 people staying in a two-bedroom condominium with golf course views and four queen beds. Valid Nov. 7-Feb. 26, 2012.

Couples Golf Getaway: Double Queen Hotel Room
Starting-at Rate: $81.00 per person per night for golf and room
Description: Starting-at rate based on 2 people staying in one room with two queen beds and a deluxe continental breakfast. Valid Nov. 7-Feb. 26, 2012.

The Unlimited Play Golf Package - available for Golf Gulf Shores' prime fall season - remains a popular choice as well. Golfers need only request unlimited golf through the custom quote form at GolfGulfShores.com.

All packages are based on a group of four golfers staying four nights and playing three rounds of golf at three different pre-determined courses. Visit www.golf.gulfshores.com/stay/allrates.aspx for more information.

Autumn Also Means Plenty of Fun Off the Course: Golfers seeking post-round activities in Gulf Shores will find many diversions, and the fall season offers some huge events - including Thunder on the Gulf 2011, the National Shrimp Festival and The Gulfcoast Golf Expo.

Thunder on the Gulf 2011 - scheduled Oct. 6-9 off Orange Beach at Gulf State Park Pavilion - is rated as one of the Southeast's Top 20 Events, according to the Southeast Tourism Society. Open to the public daily from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., this family friendly event allows race fans to observe the monster race boats and their teams, purchase official race merchandise, check out the vendors, enjoy a boat parade and live entertainment, and lets kids play at the Kids Pavilion. Shuttles will run from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to all racing venues. Admission is free, VIP Passes are $100 each, plus tax. Call 866.954.7223 or visit www.thunderonthegulf.com.

Golfers - and families - are encouraged to head to the 40th Annual National Shrimp Festival, Oct. 13-16, at Gulf Shores' Main Public Beach. The event attracts more than 300,000 people for the great, fresh gulf seafood, live music from major national recording artists and local favorites, more than 300 fine art-and-crafts vendors and a popular Children's Activity Village. Daily hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and admission is free. Visit www.nationalshrimpfestival.com or call 251.968.4237.

The Gulfcoast Golf Expo at the Wharf will provide the perfect off-course diversion Oct. 21-23. For just $99, folks who participate in the Oct. 21 Gulfcoast Golf Expo Tee Off Tournament at Gulf Shores Golf Club receive a spot in the tournament, cart, lunch, surprise grab bag, unlimited range balls and a two-day VIP expo admission ticket to the Expo, which is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at The Orange Beach Event Center at the Wharf. The Expo includes Simulators; manufacturer demo stations; long drive, putting and chipping contests; seminars; and giveaways and door prizes from top manufacturers. Tickets: $8 (door), free (under 14). Parking is free. Visit rvexpo.net/site/orange-beach-golf-show/ for more information or to sign up for the Gulfcoast Golf Expo Tee Off Tournament.

To sign up for a free subscription to the Golf Gulf Shores monthly e-newsletter, visit www.golf.gulfshores.com/plan/enews/default.asp or call 1.888.815.1902. To view up-to-the-minute news, photos, events and special offers, see facebook.com/GolfGulfShores or follow Golf Gulf Shores on Twitter at twitter.com/GolfGulfShores.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Sea Pines Resort Announces Renovation, Revitalization Of Inn At Harbour Town

Acclaimed Lowcountry boutique hotel ideal for golf buddies, couples, meetings

(HILTON HEAD, S.C.) - The Sea Pines Resort - home of iconic Harbour Town Golf Links and 54 holes of championship and resort golf - announces the award-winning Inn at Harbour Town has been completely revitalized and refreshed, creating a truly unforgettable stay-and-play experience for discerning golfers.

Enhancements include:
• Sound and light-proofing of guest rooms for total tranquility and relaxation, stylish new fabrics and furnishings, and spa-like bathrooms;
• Sleek, state-of-the-art media center with 37" flat screen TV, i-pod and laptop docks, and a glass door mini bar;
• Rejuvenation of the lobby with a bright, airy coastal color scheme and seaside motif furnishings, newly installed tropical landscaping and lighting that craft a gracious exterior.

Perfect for a golf-buddy weekend or couples getaway, the boutique hotel is located just a few steps from the Harbour Town clubhouse and first tee, and a short walk to the Yacht Basin and shopping. The 60-room Inn is conveniently situated next to the 10,000-square-foot Harbour Town Conference Center, and is ideal for hosting small to medium-size meetings and events.

"We are thoroughly delighted to reveal The Inn at Harbour Town's stunning new look to our guests," says John Munro, director of marketing and hospitality. "It has a whole new personality, and now, more than ever, staying here is an experience exceeding guest expectations."

Sea Pines offers an eclectic mix of packages featuring the Inn at Harbour Town, including golf packages starting at $209 (per person, per night), "Romance Package" from $289 per night and "Extended Stay 3 Nights" with 10% discount for a three-night stay. Sea Pines also offers "Escape and Getaway" specials with 15% off nightly rates for selected villas and homes.

For resort information: www.seapines.com, 866.561.8802.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com