TaylorMade Golf Company Rockets into 2012

President and CEO Mark King Says “The Best is yet to Come” for Tri-Branded Golf Equipment, Apparel and Footwear Company

(CARLSBAD, Calif.) – On the heels of a record-breaking sales year that was fueled by the introduction of white metalwoods, TaylorMade Golf Company President and CEO Mark King predicted more momentum in the golf marketplace and an even bigger sales year for the company’s three brands: TaylorMade, adidas Golf and Ashworth.

Eager to surpass benchmarks achieved in 2011, TaylorMade Golf Company was at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando last week to officially launch its 2012 offerings – which included the much anticipated R11S and RocketBallz equipment lines – to the golf world. In addition, show attendees were abuzz about the new adidas Golf line of footwear including the all new crossflex, a spikeless, performance golf shoe.  Ashworth Golf also made news by introducing its new 2012 PGA Tour roster, anchored by golf icon Fred Couples, Johnson Wagner, Justin Leonard and more.

“This was one of the most electrifying PGA Shows that I can remember and my immediate takeaway was that the best is yet to come for not only our brands, but the entire industry,” said Mark King. “The weather was perfect, the foot traffic and buzz on our showroom floor was incredible. It just feels like this could be the rebound year for golf.”

TaylorMade Golf Company is already on track to sell over one million white metalwoods by end of first quarter, a significant milestone that wasn’t reached until well into the second quarter last year.  The company’s 30,000 square foot booth in the Orlando Convention Center, which included 10 hitting bays, a large putting green, a live concert from George Thorogood and special appearances from Paula Creamer, Jim Flick, Mike Malaska and Hank Haney ignited the early momentum giving a substantial boost to sales. Click here to see highlights from the show.

“We had a record year last year with TaylorMade’s brands and we’re excited to see what they were going to bring in 2012,” said Al Morris, President Worldwide Golf Shops. “We think RocketBallz is going to be an absolute game-changer.”

According to Golf Datatech, a U.S.-based organization that charts golf industry sales, TaylorMade’s metalwood market share for the month of December 2011 exceeded 42%,* fueled by the fully adjustable, white R11, the top-selling model in the U.S. and most played driver model in the PGA Tour.

This year on Tour, TaylorMade has been the No. 1 played driver, fairway and hybrid in four out of the five PGA Tour events thanks to the availability of the R11S and RocketBallz products.

“Tour players are going crazy about the performance of the R11S and RocketBallz metalwoods,” said Keith Sbarbaro, TaylorMade vice president of tour operations. “In all of my years out here, I haven’t seen products that perform this good with the amount of buzz from the Tour players. At the Humana Challenge, we ran out of heads on the van because everyone wants one. I thought last year was crazy with white and R11, but this feels like the buzz is 10 times greater.”

All of the new TaylorMade products including its new line of R11S and RocketBallz metalwoods and irons are available at retail now.

*Golf Datatech – TaylorMade On / Off Course dollar share for December was 42.36%. The R11 was the #1 selling driver in 2011 based off of unit share and dollar share in the combined On and Off Course channels.

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Kaua'i Golf Courses Announce Special Packages, Free Golf to Junior Players

(KAUA'I, Hawaii) - The golf destination cooperative "Kaua'i: Discover Golf's Ultimate Island Green" is welcoming in the new year with the re-opening of Princeville's Prince Course on March 1, following an extensive 13-month renovation. In addition, member courses have unveiled value-laden golf packages and free golf programs for juniors.

Tee times are now available at www.princeville.com for the highly anticipated opening of "The Prince," which has been ranked Hawaii's No. 1 course and is included on Golf Digest's "America's 100 Greatest Courses."

The refurbishment was overseen by Robert Trent Jones II - the original designer - and included the reconstruction and reconfiguring of green contours as well as widening the fairway mowing patterns to promote a more enjoyable experience for players of all levels.

"Princeville 's Prince course is the latest of many enhancements our golf courses and resorts have undergone in the very recent past, all enriching the visitor experience on Kaua'i," said Sue Kanoho, Executive Director of the Kaua'i Visitors Bureau. "Golf is one of many popular activities on Kaua'i, and the courses here collectively are second to none."

Three of these Kaua'i courses -- Makai Golf Club at The St.Regis Princeville Resort, Kaua'i Lagoons Golf Club and Puakea Golf Course -- are offering free golf to junior players.

Kaua'i Lagoons -- which opened the new Kiele Moana (Ocean) Course in May of 2011, featuring the longest stretch of ocean holes in Hawaii -- is allowing golfers between ages 6 and 17 to play for free with a paid adult on the 9-hole inland Waikahe Course, particularly suited to juniors and beginners. Truly avid golfers can become a Kaua'i Lagoons "Member For A Week" and receive an entire week of unlimited golf on the 18-hole Kiele championship course, a Kaua'i Lagoons logo golf polo shirt and an engraved bag tag for just $495. Additional weeks of unlimited golf can be purchased for $445.

Makai Golf Club, which introduced Seashore Paspalum turf grass on all fairways and greens in 2010, is waiving green fees for players age 15 and under any time, seven days a week with a paying adult. If an adult accompanies two or three juniors, one plays for free while the other players receive 50% off. Juniors ages 16 and 17 receive a 50% discount. Complimentary Callaway rental clubs are also available.

Puakea Golf Course offers free golf to juniors ages 7 to 17 with a paying adult seven days a week. An under sung, local favorite, Puakea has been ranked among the Top-15 courses in Hawaii by both GOLF Magazine and Golfweek.

The savings continue at Poipu Bay Golf Course, where a new "Grand Slam Package" has been created in honor of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, which was played on this RTJ II design from 1994 to 2006. Poipu Bay, along with the adjacent Grand Hyatt Kaua'i Resort & Spa, has been named one of the top golf resorts in the world. The course re-opened in December 2010 to rave reviews after installing the eco-friendly Seashore Paspalum turf on all greens.

The "Grand Slam Package" offers a savings of nearly $300 and includes three rounds of golf, a shared golf cart with GPS and use of the driving range for $425, plus tax. For guests staying at the Grand Hyatt Kaua'i, the cost is $367, plus tax. All three rounds must be played within 10 days of purchasing the package.

For more information about golf on the Garden Isle visit www.kauaidiscovery.com/activities/golfing/, or call 800-262-1400.

You can also follow Kauai Golf on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kauaiGolf, or "Like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Kauai-Golf/204271937068.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

SeeMore Putter on a Roll with PGA Tour's First Three Full Events

(Franklin, TN) - In first 3 full field events on the PGA Tour, players using SeeMore have come out on a roll, with top 10 finishes at the Sony, at the Humana, and at the Farmers. This to go along with a top 12 finish at the season opening Hyundai Tournament of Champions ... or in other words - $626,862.50 in prize money.

"Whether the PGA Tour, or professional and amateurs playing at all levels of the game, players that have made a commitment to use a SeeMore putter in practice and in play are finding great success, said Ted Gallina, PGA Tour Instructor. "These players believe that by implementing the SeeMore system, that is "Hiding the Red Dot" of SeeMore's patented RifleScope Technology, the simple fundamentals of a putting stroke grooved by the SeeMore putting system will give them their best chance to compete and win. And the results prove that," added Gallina.

SeeMore Putter Institute
SeeMore in 2012 is introducing the same Tour level putting instruction that has been developed on the PGA tour, to a team of SeeMore certified golf instructors. The program, called SPi (SeeMore Putter Institute), is where golfers and instructors will be able to come together in person and online to share these fundamental ideas about how to improve putting performance, including the new discussion about belly putters.

SPi is a learning system based on the simple fundamentals of finding proper grip, alignment, stance, and posture that allow a natural, free, and simple putting stroke on each and every putt.

"SeeMore has been working on the roll out of the SPi idea for several years now, and in fact had a soft launch of the program during 2011 with a global team of instructors, where we really ironed this out to be a program that first and foremost worked for the needs of the hundreds of teaching instructors who told us they had a real void when it came to putting instruction," stated Jim Grundberg, SeeMore's CEO. "It is based on the teachings of our key global teaching and tour instructors, and the input of many of the tour players they work with, who have used SeeMore putters and the SeeMore system for years to improve putting performance in practice and in play on all tours."

Becoming SPi Certified will help golf teachers formulate a complete teaching plan to help their existing students and recruit new students to become great putters using the SeeMore system that has won 2 Major Championships and set numerous putting records on the PGA Tour. It is a complete game plan, which will give any golf instructor a new level of confidence in the proper teaching and fitting involved in putting instruction. Becoming certified to teach the system initially consists of online training and personal coaching. For more interest, contact Ted@SeeMore.com.

RST Technology
SeeMore's patented RST, known by a visible gun sight on the top line, allows the golfer to set up the putter perfectly each and every time in relation to the intended target line. This is accomplished by lining up the black bottom portion of the shaft between two white lines and covering a signature red dot on the heel of the top line. The process is like locking radar onto a target. The two parallel white sight lines frame the shaft and serve as an indicator that the golfer is in perfect position to make a consistent and reliable stroke.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Social Network For Golfers, DuckHooked.com Launches Nationwide

(Houston, Texas) - DuckHook Media LLC announces the launch of DuckHooked.com, a niche social networking site for golfers of all ages and skill levels. While the website revolves around the interactive social network, DuckHooked.com also has many other additional features. DuckHooked.com's other core feature is a robust directory for golf courses, driving ranges and golf retail stores. In addition, DuckHooked.com also includes online tee times; handicap tracker & scoring analysis; news & weather; articles and videos with tips; golf reviews; groups to network with other golfers; classified ads for golf equipment; forums and more - DuckHooked.com is jam-packed with features.

Created and developed by golfers for golfers, DuckHooked.com hopes to allow golfers to come together on a national basis, regardless of age, experience levels or location to discuss and further expand the world of golf. "In today's society, the act of sharing has become a norm - so why not take this to the next level and allow a large distribution pool of information to flow from golfer to golfer", says Founder/CEO Travis French. "There is such a wealth of knowledge and information we hold as a golfing community, it's a shame we don't share it more often. With so many great golf courses, stories, experiences and knowledge being held by current golfers, in order for the game to grow and flourish this information needs to be shared and easily accessible - DuckHooked.com is the perfect platform for just that."

DuckHooked.com is excited to announce open registration and is now available for anyone to visit and create an account. The website can be accessed without creating an account; however, some features can only be utilized by registered members. Creating an account is easy and free, and as a benefit the user receives free shipping on all qualified purchases made through the online store featuring top golf equipment. There is also a premium membership that costs $4.99 per month, which includes expanded features on the site, free shipping on qualified purchases, as well as 10% off all qualified purchases made on DuckHooked.com.

With many more great features to come, be sure to follow us on Twitter @DuckHooked_com and most importantly create an account today.

Wilson Golf Commits to Supporting The Ricky Barnes Foundation

Ricky Barnes, PGA Tour professional and Wilson Staff advisory member establishes charity to support a variety of causes

(CHICAGO) - Wilson Golf, a Chicago-based company with 61 Major victories, more than any other golf club manufacturer, today announced its dedication to support the launch of The Ricky Barnes Foundation. Administered by the Arizona Community Foundation, The Ricky Barnes Foundation will help support a variety of causes, including childhood obesity and golf programs for youth.

In the foundation's inaugural year, Wilson Golf has committed to donating $10,000 in golf equipment. The foundation focuses on golf programs for youth and helps encourage young players to get involved in their community and be active.

"We are excited to be a part of the launch of The Ricky Barnes Foundation," said Tim Clarke, general manager at Wilson Golf. "We are proud to support Ricky's vision. He is a valued member of the Wilson Staff team and we will support him in all that he does."

Through this foundation, Ricky Barnes and wife Suzanne Barnes will continue their charitable traditions while increasing their support for the community.

"The Ricky Barnes Foundation is the realization of our continuing focus on helping the community in as many ways as possible," said Barnes. "I greatly appreciate the support that Wilson Golf has provided to me both on and off the golf course."

Ricky Barnes has been a Wilson Staff Advisory Member for nearly four years and has had success on the PGA Tour. Barnes has seen some of his greatest success while playing Wilson Staff equipment, predominantly in Major championships. His best finish was at the 2009 U.S. Open where he was runner-up and in 2010 he finished T10 at The Masters. Barnes plays Wilson Staff FG Tour V2 irons and FG Tour wedges. He carries the Wilson Staff red and white signature Tour Staff bag, and proudly wears the Wilson Staff headwear. Wilson Golf is thrilled to continue its successful partnership with Ricky Barnes by supporting this extraordinary foundation.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Ashworth Golf Unveils Expanded 2012 Tour Roster

Fred Couples re-signs with Ashworth along with the addition of 30 Tour Athletes

(Carlsbad, CA) - Ashworth Golf, a division of TaylorMade-adidas Golf, announced that Fred Couples has re-signed for his 24th year, helping lead a massive expansion of their 2012 tour roster.  Signing more than 30 new brand ambassadors from the PGA, Nationwide and Champions Tours, Ashworth has added a vast array of talent, personality and style to its already impactful team with notable newcomers that include Justin Leonard, Rory Sabbatini and Johnson Wagner.

All Ashworth ambassadors identify themselves first and foremost as "golfers", having a unique passion for the game and the lifestyle of golf.  15-time PGA Tour winner and 6-time Champions Tour winner Fred Couples is most recognizable for his laid-back style both on and off the course and wore Ashworth 20 years ago when he won The Masters in 1992.  “I have been wearing Ashworth on the professional stage since the introduction to the Ashworth brand because of the comfort and style,” said Couples. “Each year they improve the quality and look; I am excited to continue being a part of such a popular golf brand.”

Like Couples, Justin Leonard has a unique history with the brand and is excited to be back with his heritage.  "I wore Ashworth back in college and it feels great to be back with the brand I started with”, said Leonard.  “Ashworth has come such a long way and the new apparel is phenomenal in the way it performs, fits and feels.” Leonard, a 12-time PGA Tour winner, 1997 Open Champion and 1998 Players Champion, began his 2012 PGA season wearing the latest Ashworth apparel in Hawaii at the Sony Open.

"Over the past year we've seen a huge increase in demand for Ashworth on tour," said Chuck Presto, Sr. VP, Sports Marketing. "We are extremely excited to have so many great players join the Ashworth team. The 2012 collections illustrate modern golf fashion and on-course style with the performance benefits that today’s athletes need to play their best.”

Newcomer Johnson Wagner, debuted his Ashworth sponsorship while securing his first win of year at the Sony Open in Hawaii.

Black Butte Ranch Unveils 'Unlimited Golf Package'

After Memorial Day weekend, newly renovated Glaze Meadow GC will be on display

(BLACK BUTTE RANCH, Ore.) — If the re-opening of its Glaze Meadow Golf Course after a dramatic $3.75 million renovation wasn’t enough, Black Butte Ranch this week unveiled an “Unlimited Golf Package” that if booked by April 30 includes a $100 dining card to be used at any restaurant on the Central Oregon-based destination family resort property.

The attractively priced package – with rates starting at just $99 per person – includes unlimited golf at both of Black Butte Ranch’s championship courses, Glaze Meadow and Big Meadow.  Carts and range balls are included with the package, which is available beginning April 1 through the end of the 2012 golf season.

For golfers itching to get their first look at the “new” Glaze Meadow Golf Course, closed since September 2010 for a major renovation carried out by noted architect John Fought, the course will re-open open in two phases: the front nine will be ready for play after Memorial Day weekend, while all 18 holes will be available to the public in late June.

At 7,000 yards, Glaze Meadow will play longer by more than 400 yards and will feature many striking changes, including the rebuilding of all 18 greens and tee boxes and greatly improved sightlines and shotmaking options.

For those who take advantage of the package prior to Memorial Day weekend, unlimited play will take place on the popular Big Meadow Golf Course, a par-72, Robert Muir Graves-designed layout that re-opened in 2008 after a complete renovation. Providing a classic mountain golf experience, Big Meadow has played host to numerous Oregon golf championships since its debut more than 30 years ago.

There are more than 100 lodging properties at Black Butte Ranch to choose from, ranging from two-person hotel-style rooms to luxurious six-bedroom residences.

From April 1 through May 24, and again beginning Oct. 1 through the end of the season, the package requires a two-night minimum stay and is valid any day of the week. From June 1 through Sept. 30, there is a three-night minimum stay required and the package is available for Sunday through Thursday night stays.  The Unlimited Golf Package is unavailable Memorial Day weekend, June 28 to July 7 and Labor Day weekend.

Package rates are based on double occupancy, and range from $99/person to $159/person depending on the dates and lodging accommodations selected.  At the time the package is booked, the guests’ first golf round will be confirmed in advance, with additional tee times eligible to be booked at the conclusion of the first round played.

To receive the free $100 dining card, the package must be booked by April 30.  The card can be used at any restaurant on the property, including the widely acclaimed Lodge Restaurant and Robert’s Pub.

To book the Unlimited Golf Package, visit www.blackbutteranch.com or call 877.917.4576.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com