Wilson Golf Extends Partnership with Padraig Harrington

Three-Time Major Champion Looking to Continue Success with Wilson Golf equipment 

(CHICAGO) - Wilson Golf, the company with more Major victories than any other golf club manufacturer (61), has re-signed Padraig Harrington as a Wilson Staff Advisory Member. The contract was finalized as Harrington finished his sixth season as a PGA Tour member and 16th season as a European Tour member. Harrington finished the 2011 PGA Tour season ranked 78th in the world and 89th in the FedEx Cup standings.

“I have been with Wilson Golf most of my professional career,” said Harrington. “I work very closely with the Wilson R&D team and I count on them to continue to develop great golf clubs that can help me win Majors. Wilson is a brand I can trust.”

Since joining the Wilson Staff team in 1998, Harrington has been passionately involved in the development of Wilson Staff equipment. Alongside fellow Wilson Staff Advisory members, such as Ricky Barnes and Kevin Streelman, Harrington will continue to provide invaluable feedback to the Wilson Staff R&D team to enhance the design and development of Wilson Staff golf equipment.

“Wilson Golf is excited about continuing its relationship with Padraig Harrington,” said Tim Clarke, general manager of Wilson Golf. “Harrington has been the face of Wilson Golf for many years during his successful career and we hope to see him in the winner’s circle in 2012.”

Harrington’s best finishes in 2011 include a T8 at the Shell Houston Open at Redstone Golf Club, 8th at the Dunhill Links Championship, 9th at the Shanghai Masters, a T9 at the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club, and a T10 at the WGC-Cadillac Championship at TPC Blue Monster at Doral.

Harrington has become a household name in golf by winning three Major championships and 23 other tournaments (on the PGA Tour and European Tour) since turning professional in 1995. After winning The Open Championship and PGA Championship in 2008, Padraig was honored as the European Tour Player of the Year, PGA Player of the Year and PGA Tour Player of the Year.


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Innovex Golf's Award-Winning V-Motion, E-Motion Golf Balls Now Available at Retailers in Oregon, Washington, Idaho

(Medina, WA) - Innovex Golf (www.innovexgolf.com) announced recently that its 2011 Golf Digest Hot List award winning performance golf balls are now available at several new retail locations in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

Innovex Golf's V-Motion and E-Motion TOUR golf balls are now available at, all four Puetz Golf retail locations in the state of Washington. In Oregon, at Fiddlers Green, the Largest On-Course pro shop in the U.S. as well as Golf Etc., Crestview Golf Club, and Eagle Point Golf Course, and at The Foxtail Golf Course in Idaho.

"The word is spreading quickly across the nation about the performance and playability of our 3-piece V-Motion and E-Motion TOUR golf balls," said Robby Hipp, Director of Development for Innovex Golf. "The performance and value that these two balls provide far exceeds what any other golf ball in the industry has to offer right now."

Innovex Golf started out with one goal in mind - to design the holy grail of golf balls. After launching the new V-Motion Tour and E-Motion Tour golf balls in early 2011, it became quickly apparent that they had achieved their goal. With the V-Motion and E-Motion golf balls from Innovex Golf, Extreme Performance meets Extreme Value.

The V-Motion Tour is a 3-piece premium ball designed for golfers who demand Tour Level performance and playability. It has a cast urethane cover for high spin along with a compensating speed core for distance. It is built to compete with the best golf balls on the market and it does. The V-Motion received a 2011 Golf Digest Hot List Award including 4 stars in the Performance and Innovation categories. The target audience of the V-motion is lower handicap golfers looking to improve their game and to reduce their costs as well as mid handicap golfers who want a better ball at a mid-price point.

The E-Motion Tour is a 3-piece surlyn performance ball, designed with a Progressive Motion Dual Core to fly farther, spin faster, and feel softer all while offering great durability. The proprietary Aeroblend Cover features Aerocontrol parallel dimple dividers that smooth airflow for increased flight distance and stability while roll promoting dimples enhance putter feel and confidence. Innovex Golf's engineering team has designed this ball to be the best ball for all weather conditions and to offer you a tour caliber ball with excellent durability.

For more information about Innovex Golf, visit www.innovexgolf.com.

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Former Arrowhead Golf Club Reopens with New Name

Green Way Golf selected as the golf course operator and renamed completely redesigned golf course Davie Golf and Country Club

(DAVIE, FLORIDA) — Out of commission since December 2008 as part of an Interstate 595 expansion, the former Arrowhead Golf and Country Club near Ft. Lauderdale has reopened following a complete redesign by golf course architect Harrison Minchew. The course’s new owner, The Town of Davie, announced the course will now be called Davie Golf and Country Club.

The 10.5-mile, I-595 corridor in the highly urbanized and congested Broward County is being reconstructed as part of one of the state's first ever public-private partnerships, with three tolled reversible express lanes in the median and additional auxiliary lanes.

To minimize right-of-way acquisition and avoid impacts for nearby residents and businesses throughout the $1.2 billion project, its engineers, Reynolds Smith and Hill (RS&H), designed shared-use drainage facilities by partnering with three privately owned golf courses adjacent to the corridor: Lago Mar Country Club, Pine Island Ridge Country Club and the former Arrowhead — now Davie Golf and Country Club.

The maximum storm water stages identified in existing condition calculations provided the baseline for the proposed conditions, which involved expanding the golf course ponds and modifying storm water control structures to provide the required treatment volume and limit the discharge rates to those of the existing conditions.

The Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) then commissioned the Ponte Vedra-based architect Minchew to direct an approximately $4.75 million redesign of the nearly 40-year-old course for its reopening.

“The use of these golf courses to provide storm water retention and filtration system for I-595 and reduce costs for the FDOT is a perfect example of the golf industry’s promotion of 'The Value of A Golf Course,'” said Minchew. "The initiative describes the three key beneficial aspects provided by golf courses — economic, environmental and social. The FDOT hit a home run in this creative solution, which saved the state of Florida $60 million dollars, protected the environment and enhanced the strong golf community in southeast Florida.”

At Davie Golf and Country Club, Minchew and RS&H began design and permitting in October 2009, and the I-595 project required that the lake system be constructed by November 30, 2010 — a very aggressive schedule that had to be followed because the company who owned and constructed the I-595 corridor had an agreement with the FDOT that all retention lakes had to be on line by that date, otherwise they could receive millions of dollars in liquidated damages.

Once Minchew's work began, the entire golf course from property line to property line was totally rebuilt, with several holes rerouted and more than 900 trees, thousands of aquatic and xeroscape plantings installed — along with new greens, bunkers, cart paths, irrigation system and new grass. The new course now has four sets of tees playing from 6,398 to 4,900 yards with a par of 70. There is also a lighted driving range.

In Minchew, the FDOT and RS&H found the ideal golf course architect for the complex Davie Golf and Country Club job. During 27 years with Arnold Palmer from the early 1980s into the 2000s, Minchew was the lead golf course architect intricately involved in planning, permitting, designing and inspecting construction of 75 innovative golf courses and developments internationally.

A member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) for 28 years, Minchew has experienced design trends over four decades of golf courses and master-planned communities and is well versed in delivering economically viable projects. He has worked with the very best master planners, civil engineers and environmental scientists, and collaborated and assisted these design disciplines in creating practical solutions to storm water drainage, mass earth moving and environmental issues in large developments.

The innovative shared-use drainage system developed by RS&H and the Florida DOT presents a win-win-win scenario for the traveling public, community and environment. Among the awards and recognitions already captured for the I-595 Shared Use Drainage Project are:

• 2010 ACEC Engineering Excellence Award National Finalist Recipient for Water Resources Category.

• 2010 FICE Engineering Excellence Award Grand Award Recipient for Water Resources Category.

• Southeast Construction’s Best of 2010 – Award of Excellence in Civil/Public Works.

• Project of the Year from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Broward Branch (2010).

• Storm Water Solutions Top Projects in 2010.

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Famed La Costa Unveils Renovated "Champions" Golf Course

(CARLSBAD, Calif.) - The completely renovated Champions Course atLa Costa Resort and Spa makes its debut this week, restoring the character of an iconic golf venue that once again is a true reflection of the resort's rich golf history and tradition.

The dramatic renovation project, under the direction of Pascuzzo & Pate Golf Course Design, embraces the integrity of the original Dick Wilson design, which challenged the greatest names in the game for more than 40 years. Yet the new layout captures La Costa's timeless appeal.

The remodel modified all18 holes on what was formerly named the North Course. The new Champions Course features strategically designed and repositioned bunkering, refined fairway routing, expanded native grass areas, and subtle elevation changes that contribute to a challenging and engaging golf experience. Four holes on the Champions Course are completely new designs.

"We are excited to begin a new chapter in La Costa's legacy," said Paul McCormick, vice president and general manager of La Costa Resort and Spa. "La Costa has been synonymous with the top echelon of golf for more than 40 years, hosting 37 PGA Tour events. It is important that we keep its championship spirit alive."

In restoring the legendary destination to world-class standards, every green on the Champions Course has been replaced, while all of the bunkering has been repositioned.

Significant alterations to the contours of the Champions Course fairways - which have been capped by 3,000 truckloads of sand - along with advanced drainage technology have improved water flow throughout the entire 36-hole venue, significant to maintaining world-class playing conditions year round.

More than 30 acres of turfgrass was eliminated from the Champions Course to conserve water use, with the remodel incorporating more native grasses. Fairways have been planted in 419 Bermuda, while paspalum, a drought and salt-water tolerant turf, is planted in roughs and native areas. Greens are bentgrass.

"We have a lot of respect for La Costa's original design and have maintained its integrity," said Damian Pascuzzo, who teamed with partner Steve Pate, in association with former ASGCA president Jeff Brauer, on the project. "We did a lot of research before starting work on this historical golf site."

Wilson designed La Costa's first 18 holes in 1965 and his design partner Joe Lee added nine holes in 1973 and the final nine holes in 1984. Since it opened in the coastal foothills north of San Diego, La Costa Resort and Spa has a long, distinguished history with the greatest players in golf, dating back to the Tournament Of Champions in 1969. La Costa's list of winners includes legends from various eras, from Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player to Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. La Costa hosted the Match Play Championships for seven years until 2006, and in 2010 was home of the inaugural Kia Classic on the LPGA Tour.

Pate, who won the 1988 Tournament of Champions at La Costa, is well placed to reflect on the legacy of La Costa.

"I always thought La Costa was one of the greatest places in the world," said Pate, who grew up in Santa Barbara, played collegiate golf at UCLA and actually saw his first professional golf tournament at La Costa. "I know that this project will do justice to Dick Wilson's work here and it will be a fitting tribute to La Costa's legacy."

Expanding to six sets of tees on the Champions Course, La Costa is even more family friendly, presenting golf that is suitable for champions and children alike.

"This was a technically complex project," Pascuzzo said. "We have been able to accomplish our goal, to give La Costa an ideal combination of championship challenges within a user-friendly golf facility appealing to members and resort guests."

The golf course renovation project is part of an overall $50 million investment by its owners, KSL Capital Partners. The year-long project also included modifications to four holes on the South Course, where the routing remains the same, but is enhanced by a variety of structural and strategic changes to the first, ninth, 10th and 18th holes.

"Unlike many courses in today's climate, we're actually investing in the property," McCormick remarked. "There are very few new courses being built or renovated this year, so from our standpoint, this is a great opportunity to restore the luster to La Costa's courses during a down business cycle and when things turn around, we'll be ready with a fresh new product."

For additional information on golf packages, tee times or room reservations, call (800) 854-5000 or visit www.lacosta.com.

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Humana Challenge Names Peter Millar Official Apparel Provider

(La Quinta, CA) - The Humana Challenge announced today that Peter Millar, a leader in the luxury apparel market, has been chosen as the Official Apparel Provider for the PGA TOUR event. The Humana Challenge will be played Jan. 16-22, 2012 at PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club in La Quinta, Calif.

As part of a multi-year agreement, Peter Millar will supply apparel for all of the pro-am events, tournament board members, executive committee, volunteers, logistical staff and tournament committee members.

"We are honored to partner with Humana and the PGA TOUR for the 2012 Humana Challenge and in the years to come," said Todd Martin, president, Golf Division of Peter Millar. "The history and pedigree of this tournament is one of the finest on tour, and we're thrilled to be a part of it as it moves into the next chapter."

"Peter Millar's product line offers the perfect blend of golf and lifestyle items that will allow us to provide our tournament partners and volunteers with the absolute best in class product," said Larry Thiel, tournament chairman of the Humana Challenge. "We're thrilled to have a brand that's as well admired and respected as Peter Millar as our official apparel provider."

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TaylorMade-adidas Golf Employee Keith Sbarbaro to Caddy for Dustin Johnson at 2011 Presidents Cup

Sbarbaro to Chronicle the Experience on TaylorMade’s Twitter Account (@taylormadegc)

(CARLSBAD, Calif.) – TaylorMade-adidas Golf Tour Staff professional and No. 4-ranked golfer in the world Dustin Johnson won’t be the only one making his Presidents Cup debut next month. Johnson, who is between caddies, asked TaylorMade Vice President of Tour Operations, Keith Sbarbaro, to handle bag duties at the 2011 Presidents Cup Matches at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, November 14-20.

Traveling alongside Johnson, Sbarbaro will use TaylorMade Golf’s official Twitter handle, @taylormadegc, to share unique content about the experience.

Sbarbaro, whose been with TaylorMade since the year 2000, travels to more than 25 PGA Tour events per year, building and fitting equipment, managing player relationships and conveying critical communication from the tour to company headquarters.

“Over the course of a year, our tour team spends a lot of time with our PGA Tour athletes,” Sbarbaro said. “We build our players’ equipment and see them week in and week out, so we have definitely created friendships. Dustin has become a great friend and I was honored when he asked me to caddy for him.”

Johnson is coming off another successful year on Tour, notching six top 10s, including a win at The Barclay’s to kick-off the 2011 FedEx Cup Playoffs. The victory marked Johnson’s fifth win since joining the PGA Tour in 2008.

"It was an easy decision to have Keith on my bag in Australia," Johnson said. "We’re friends off the course, I trust him to build my clubs and he knows my game as well as anyone. I look forward to working with him as I continue searching for a full-time caddy."

Sbarbaro, who has twice previously caddied for Johnson, will also be on his bag at the Australian Open at The Lakes Golf Club (November 10-13). Both previous instances on the European Tour, first at the Ballantine’s Championship in Seoul, Korea and most recently the BMW International Open in Munich.

Sbarbaro played golf at Arizona State University from 1989-1993 and helped the Sun Devils to a NCAA National Championship in 1990. He competed in a handful of PGA Tour events in the early 1990s before entering the golf equipment industry.

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Bridgestone's Hurley Wins Hard-Fought Victory: From Persian Gulf to PGA Tour

Former Navy Lieutenant Finishes 25th On 2011 Nationwide Tour Money List, Earns PGA Tour Card

                                                                                                    

(Covington, Ga.) — In Charleston, South Carolina, this weekend, Billy Hurley III fulfilled a lifelong dream, using his T18 finish at the Nationwide Tour Championship to secure the 25th spot on the 2011 Nationwide money list and a monumental reward: his 2012 PGA TOUR card. As he had done all year, Hurley relied on a deft putting touch and accurate tee shots to earn $13,040 to hold off the #26 Money List finisher by a mere $6,000.      

Hurley’s path to the biggest stage in golf was one seldom traveled these days.  After a highly decorated collegiate golf career (that included a spot on the 2004 U.S. Walker Cup Team) and graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2004, Hurleyserved a mandatory 5-years in the United States Navy.  Hurley’s service included a stint as Lieutenant aboard the destroyer USS Chung-Hoon in the Persian Gulf.  Hurley’s duty while aboard the Chung-Hoon was safeguarding two of the world’s largest oil platforms during the Iraq War.

Throughout his amateur career, his Military service and his career in golf’s minor leagues, sponsor Bridgestone Golf has stood proudly with Hurley.  Now with his journey to the PGA TOUR complete, Hurley becomes part of one of the most well-established teams on TOUR, joining Fred Couples, Davis Love III, Matt Kuchar, Brandt Snedeker and fellow 2011 Nationwide Tour graduate Matt Every.  

“We are incredibly excited for Billy -- his perseverance and determination have paid off with PGA TOUR membership,” said Dan Murphy, Vice President of Marketing – Bridgestone Golf, Inc.  “Billy will be a great addition to the PGATOUR in 2012, as his strong play, engaging personality and service to his country will all make him easy to root for.”  

In his ascent to the PGA TOUR, Hurley relied on Bridgestone’s J40 Cavity Back irons, J38 Wedges and Tour B330-S golf ball.  For more information on Hurley and the rest of the Bridgestone Golf Tour Team visit www.bridgestonegolf.com.

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