OB Sports Selected to Manage Monarch Beach Golf Links

(DANA POINT, Calif.) – OB Sports Golf Management has been selected to manage Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point, Calif. Located at The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in South Orange County on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, Monarch Beach Golf Links features a scenic Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed layout that was recently recognized as one of Golf Magazine’s Premier Golf Resorts for 2012. OB Sports is managing all aspects of this dramatic oceanfront golf facility to include golf shop operations, sales, golf memberships, tournament operations, marketing, and agronomy.

OB Sports will also be focused on enhancing the golf and service experiences as well as creating new packages and synergies aimed at creating a first-class guest experience at the adjacent St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort. OB Sports will provide agronomic enhancements to create impeccable playing conditions, and course presentation that highlights the dramatic ocean views for local golfers and resort guests alike.

In 2010, Monarch Beach Golf Links and The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort were acquired by Washington Holdings, a private real estate investment firm that invests in well-positioned commercial real estate assets  throughout the United States. The Washington Holdings acquisition provided long-term stability for the property, which is now benefiting from a commitment to strategic investments in the resort and golf course to take full advantage of the recovering market. “We think that OB Sports’ personalized, hands-on approach to golf management will significantly enhance the golfing experience at our resort,” stated Chad Christensen, Senior Vice President of Washington Holdings. “We are extremely pleased to have OB Sports at the helm of our golf operations and look forward to the new and exciting ‘next chapter’ of Monarch Beach Golf Links,” added Christensen.

“We are excited to work with Washington Holdings in establishing Monarch Beach as the marquee resort golf destination in Southern California,” said Phil Green, Chief Operating Officer of OB Sports Golf Management. “We are excited to enhance the golf, service and agronomic conditioning of this iconic property to be commensurate with a Five Star, Five Diamond resort experience. Guests that come on property to Monarch Beach Golf Links will notice a new image, new attitude and some elegant new touches that will be sure to be appreciated by even the most discriminating golf traveler,” added Green.

For more information on Monarch Beach Golf Links call 949-240-8247 or visit www.monarchbeachgolf.com.

Designed by leading golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr., and opened in 1983, the 18-hole Par-70 Monarch Beach course is a golfer's paradise. Featuring two oceanfront holes, ocean views from several others, play adjacent to "Salt Creek" and four shimmering water features, which come into play on eight other holes.

Currently ranked by Golf Digest, “Best Places To Play” with 4.5 Stars (out of 5), Monarch Beach also features a "Top 100" Golf Retail Shop, Men' s and Ladies Locker Rooms, and the Club 19 restaurant and grill, which features majestic panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Monarch Beach Golf Links is a key amenity to The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, California's only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort. Opened in 2001, the oceanfront hotel features 400 guestrooms and suites, 65,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, award-winning restaurants and the 30,000 square foot Spa Gaucin.

Located in Dana Point, CA in South Orange County, Monarch Beach is just 20 minutes from Orange County’s John Wayne Airport. For more information on the St. Regis Monarch Beach, visit www.stregismb.com or call 949-234-3200.

Product Review: Sunice Silver

Move over gold, silver is making its way to the top of the podium. Sunice Silver - infused with 99.9% pure silver - is taking the golf apparel industry by storm with innovative styles for men and women.

Utilizing X-Static fiber technology in combination with Flow-Dry, the Sunice Silver collection quickly moves moisture away from the skin where it evaporates.

A lot of apparel can keep a golfer dry, but Silver goes another very important step ... it eliminates odor. Far too often, advanced fabrics move moisture away from the skin, but the bacteria gets caught on the surface - leading to an unflattering smell. Thankfully, that is not the case with Silver.

The Bremer Polo, which American Golfer had the opportunity to test, boasts an impressive list of attributes: four-button placket, self fabric collar, fashion contrast stitch, thermodynamic performance, anti-microbial, anti-odor, anti-static, moisture wicking, easy care and UPF rating 20+. It also comes in 16 colors to match the eye of any fashion-forward player. But that’s far from the only Sunice shirt in the Silver collection. For a complete look, click HERE.

Why stop at polos? Sunice didn’t. The Silver collection also includes pants, shorts and socks.

American Golfer recommendation: The Sunice Silver collection will not only help you look great, stay dry and keep fresh, but may also lead to better golf. Better golf? How difficult is it to hit the fairway or green in ideal conditions? Throw a wet, smelly shirt into that equation. Start your round before you get to the course by wearing Sunice Silver.

For more information on Sunice and its innovative products, visit www.sunice.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com.

KemperSports Announces Annual Company Award Winners

(NORTHBROOK, Ill.) – KemperSports, a leading golf course management company, hosted its annual KemperSports Leadership Conference this year at The Glen Club in Glenview, Ill., and announced its 2011 award winners. KemperSports’ leadership team, general managers and special guests gathered for a three-day educational conference to celebrate the company’s accomplishments in the past year, and prepare for future growth in 2012.

Steve Skinner, chief executive officer, and Josh Lesnik, president, hosted the annual event, and distributed the company’s top awards to eight deserving individuals and three outstanding properties for their leading performances in 2011.

“We are very proud of our company award winners, and congratulate the entire KemperSports team for a very successful year in 2011,” said Steve Skinner, chief executive officer of KemperSports. “Our people are what sets our company apart, and we are pleased to recognize their efforts.”

This year, the James S. Kemper Staffer of the Year award, named after KemperSports co-founder, was awarded to Bob “Shoe” Gaspar of Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Bandon, Ore. This award recognizes a KemperSports staff member who delivers exceptional contributions to the company and the community, and exemplifies the highest level of integrity, customer service and genuine concern for others. Gaspar has been an instrumental member of the KemperSports staff for more than 10 years, and began his long tenure with Bandon Dunes as the caddie master in 1998 before the resort opened.

KemperSports Leadership Conference Awards
* Facility of the Year: The Bridges Golf Club, San Ramon, Calif.
* Retailer of the Year: The Governors Club, Brentwood, Tenn.
* James R. Seeley General Manager of the Year: Rich Mogensen, Desert Willow Golf Resort, Palm Desert, Calif.
* Salesperson of the Year: Jamie Vogt, The Governors Club, Brentwood, Tenn.
* Hospitality Professional of the Year: Nicki Walker; Butterfield Trail Golf Club, El Paso, Texas
* Golf Course Superintendent of the Year: Bill Houlihan; Black Gold Golf Course, Yorba Linda, Calif.
* James S. Kemper Staffer of the Year: Bob “Shoe” Gaspar; Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon, Ore.
* Emil Esposito Golf Professional of the Year: Jeff Dayton, Heron Glen Golf Course, Ringoes, N.J.
* Mady Lesnik Home Office Staffer of the Year: Jon Kaull
* Green to a Tee Award: Sand Creek Station Golf Course, Newton, Kan.
* Excellence in Agency Services: Bryce McMichael, KemperLesnik

For more information about KemperSports, and a complete list of its managed properties, visit www.kempersorts.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Antigua Tour Staff Player Stacy Lewis Wins the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic

(PEORIA, ARIZ.) - The Antigua Group, Inc. - one of the nation's leading designers and marketers of genuine sports apparel under its Antigua brand congratulates Stacy Lewis, Antigua Tour Staff Player, on her victory at the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic in Mobile Alabama.

Stacy Lewis finished the final round at 3-under 69, which secured her second LPGA title with a 17-under 271 total score. She won the 2011 Kraft Nabisco Championship, and has finished top 10 in five of the eight events this year.

"We're very proud of Stacy and her outstanding performance," says Ron McPherson, President and CEO of Antigua. "Having Stacy Lewis wear our exciting 2012 apparel on the LPGA tour is a great honor, as well as showcase, for us."

The Spring/Summer 2012 season for Antigua combines outstanding quality, style and value. The new line once again exemplifies why the Antigua brand is one of the nation's leading designers and marketers of genuine golf and sports apparel.

For more information on Antigua, visit www.antigua.com or shop online at shop.antigua.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Fairways + Greens Helps Golfers Plan Their Summer Getaways

(Quincy, Mass.) - Now available on newsstands and showing up in subscriber mailboxes across America, The May-June 2012 issue of Fairways + Greens Magazine gets traveling golfers in gear for a busy summer of exploring some of America's top destinations with an eye toward affordability and fun.

Rather than concentrate on traditional cool-off spots across the country, Fairways + Greens' editors and writers instead sing the praises of nine places that will appeal to "Last-Minute Escape" planners who want quality golf and accommodations on a budget - regions like Destin, Fla., and the Panhandle; Gulf Shores, Ala.; Plumas County and Ventura, Calif.; Georgia's barrier islands; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; and "Jeffersonian" Virginia, including Monticello.

"Sometimes it's good to give one of nation's favorite wintertime getaway locales a shot in summertime, both to turn up the heat on one's golf game but also to save a few bucks," says Fairways + Greens Publisher Vic Williams. "And with everybody's schedules so packed with work, family obligations and such, we figure that giving our readers a few ideas for last-minute vacation options that fit their budgets is a great and refreshing idea."

The issue also ventures into traditional summertime golf destinations such as Western Canada's Okanagan Valley or north-central Michigan to give the reader a well-rounded and rich palate on which to paint his or her next great golf getaway.

"We also feature a story that highlights Maui's Ka'anapali Beach Resort," adds Williams. "It serves to remind our readership that this is the time to get in the running for our Maui Getaway for two, which offers two rounds of golf, accommodations, a luau - and airfare, too."

Other highlights of the issue include:
• Editor Darin Bunch's fascinating profile of late golf architect Mike Strantz, who remains one of the game's most polarizing figures.
• An exclusive with another controversial character, Donald Trump, and a look at his growing golf empire that now extends from Southern California to Scotland.
• A full photo spread showcasing Oakley's hot new golf product line, including a look at the company's No. 1 brand ambassador, Rory McIlroy.
• The magazine's favorite products from this year's PGA Merchandise Show.
• The debut of a brand new Marketplace advertising section featuring travel destinations, products and services.

The next issue of Fairways + Greens, July-August 2012, concentrates on great golf and gambling destinations around the United States, while the September-October issue will dive into "Our Favorite Islands."

Online, the magazine has introduced its completely revamped and reimagined Golf & Travel Directory and is currently building an iPad edition, debuting with two special issues on July 1, followed by the first full issue on Sept. 1. A move to the popular tablet space will put Fairways + Greens' award-winning content at the fingertips of thousands of new readers and give the magazine an exciting new interactive dimension.

For more information about Fairways + Greens, including subscription and advertising contacts, visit www.fairwaysandgreens.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Secret In The Dirt Photo Achive Now Shareable Via Flickr

(Houston, TX) - For the last two years, social networking and learning platform Secret In The Dirt has been creating and amassing a large cartoon and photo archive available to members at Secret In The Dirt. The images and cartoons, published daily are enjoyed by thousands via the Secret In The Dirt website and Steve Elkingtons Tweets via his @elkpga Twitter account.

The company has had interest from multiple major online publishers to use the images. To make the images more widely available Secret In The Dirt has uploaded them to Flickr. This move now makes them available to publishers large and small to supplement their content creation efforts. New cartoons and images will be added daily and will be available to be published free throughout the web through a creative commons license that requires simply that publishers refrain from modifying the images and that they provide a link back to www.secretinthedirt.com in exchange for use.

Secret In The Dirt Flickr page can be found here: www.flickr.com/photos/secret_in_the_dirt/

Specific details of the license can be found here: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/legalcode

Elkington states "We've had great interest in the daily toons that I create with our fantastic artist Calder Chism and now our image vault with photo's of the games top players is creating a stir. As we've done with our video vault which we recently published to YouTube we want to make our images also more accessible to publishers and allow them to be shared more widely throughout the web."

Partner Mike Maves adds "Believing that casual bloggers and major publishers alike should have access to the material we felt that a democratic approach to distribution of the images was the best way to go. Using Flickr helps us to do this. We want to support all who wish to grow interest in the great game of golf."

The company will continue to build and release its cartoons and images through, the Secret In The Dirt main site, Twitter and now for the benefit of publishers via Flickr.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

True Temper Unveils New ShaftFit.com Web Site

(MEMPHIS, Tenn.) - The No. 1 shaft manufacturer in the world, True Temper Sports announced the launch of its redesigned ShaftFit.com web site, a comprehensive online fitting tool that supports the company's larger initiative of educating golfers about the benefits of custom fitting.

The new ShaftFit.com offers a user-friendly interface that allows golfers to identify the iron or wood shaft that is right for them. Through five simple fitting questions, the website analyzes a player's swing characteristics and desired performance to generate shaft recommendations that perfectly match their individual needs and abilities.

A further advance for ShaftFit.com is the site is now mobile compliant and fully accessible on tablet devices and smart phones. Users also have the ability to share their ShaftFit recommendations with friends on Twitter, Facebook and e-mail, and the site also provides instant access to retailers who offer the recommended shafts.

"Playing the proper equipment makes a huge difference in your game, and the new design and functionality of ShaftFit.com gives golfers the perfect tool to streamline the process of finding the right shaft," says Ray Lucas, vice president of global marketing and sales for True Temper Sports. "There's obviously no substitute for being custom fit by a true professional fitter, but we are committed to providing golfers with as much information as possible about their equipment options and ShaftFit.com is helping to educate golfers around the world on the performance benefits of True Temper shafts."

Visit www.ShaftFit.com for an online fitting. For a full comprehensive fitting, visit one of True Temper's Performance Fitting Center professional club fitters at www.PerformanceFittingCenter.com. Also, visit True Temper at www.TrueTemper.com, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/truetempergolf.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com