Jamaica's Acclaimed Cinnamon Hill Golf Course Announces Enhancements

Five Greens Enlarged, 18th Hole Lengthened to Amplify Strategic Options

(MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica) - Cinnamon Hill Golf Course - adjacent to the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa on Jamaica's famed Rose Hall Plantation - has improved five greens on its front nine and created a longer par-5 18th hole.

Putting surfaces on Holes 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 were enlarged, restoring several pin positions from the original 1969 design and 2001 renovation by Robert von Hagge. Several were also re-contoured to better accommodate modern green speeds.

Work included:
• Expanding the right-front portion of the first green to create a flatter, fairer pin position, and widening the back half to more appropriately reward players attacking the par 5 with second shots

• Stretching the back of the par-4 fifth green to the edge of the Caribbean Sea, bringing water into play on three sides and returning the "bite" to one of Cinnamon Hill's signature holes

• Introducing a challenging front-right pin position only steps from the ocean on the par-3 sixth

• Extending the front- and back-right sections of the par-4 seventh green to enhance the defense afforded by a tall almond tree and bunkers

• Moving the green on the par-4 eighth closer to a bunker left and short forcing players to think twice about firing at a flag tucked just over the hazard

On the back nine, a new white tee was built on the par-5 18th hole. The 30 extra yards have revived its "risk-reward" features, as a putt for eagle now requires an aggressive line off the tee and solid second shot to carry a ravine protecting the green.

"Our modifications to Cinnamon Hill have further improved its already impressive shot values and overall playing experience," says Robbie Ames, Director of Golf. "Come join us to see how Cinnamon Hill captures Jamaica's unique vibe and creates a 'must play' for golfers of all abilities."

"Stay and play" packages that include golf at Cinnamon Hill and accommodations at the neighboring, all-inclusive Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa are available. Rates begin at $953 per person (based on double occupancy).

To book or for more information, please contact Sherri-Ann Leslie: sleslie@luxuryresorts.com, 876.953.2650.

Getting There: The Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa and Cinnamon Hill Golf Course are only 15 minutes from Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport (MBJ). It is serviced by frequent non-stop flights from New York, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Washington, Detroit, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Orlando, Toronto, Montreal and other major cities.

Re-designed by celebrated architect Robert von Hagge in 2001, the 6,828-yard, par-72 Cinnamon Hill Golf Course - highly ranked by Golf Digest and Golfweek - excites low-handicap and resort golfers alike. The open, windswept front nine features several holes just steps from the azure Caribbean Sea. It is complemented by a tight back nine that gently climbs 300 feet into the Jamaican hills. Notable landmarks include ancient aqueducts and famous waterfall behind the 15th green, site of the James Bond movie "Live and Let Die."

For more information: www.cinnamonhilljamaica.com, cinnamonhill@rosehall.com, 876.953.2984 or 876.953.9381.

Nestled between turquoise Caribbean waters and Jamaica's lush Blue Mountains, the all-inclusive, 489-room Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa boasts a premier ocean-front location in Montego Bay. Its 1,800-foot ribbon of private, white-sand beach headlines 30,000 square feet of unique outdoor venues. Other highlights include the acclaimed Cinnamon Hill Golf Course, Sugar Mill Falls Water Park (Jamaica's largest), full-service signature spa, water sports center, six lighted tennis courts, diverse restaurants and meeting and banquet facilities.

For more information: www.rosehallresort.com, 866.799.3661.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Kaenon Releases New Sunglass Style: Hutch

The newest, polarized sunglass from Kaenon is available now

(Newport Beach, CA) - July, 2012 -Kaenon, the Newport Beach-based lifestyle eyewear brand, proudly introduces the new sunglass style, Hutch, as part of celebrating 10 years of premium optics. The new style, which features the proprietary SR-91 polarized lens, is available now through Kaenon's authorized dealer network and online.

Hutch: Suitable for a wide variety of face shapes and sizes, Hutch features a "relaxed" 8 base wrapped design for maximum peripheral coverage from the sun and the elements. As expected, Hutch grasps the wearer with lightweight comfort, clean lines and thin temples. Equipped with our SR-91 polarized lens, Hutch is a no-brainer when it comes to ultimate glare-reduction and clarity in an easy-to-wear frame design. Available in Black, Matte Black and Matte Tobacco.

Constructed of lightweight TR-90, each frame maintains its shape for the life of the sunglass and naturally adapts to the wearer's facial features. Custom hinges and non-corrosive, metal inlaid icons maintain the understated appeal and class found in all Kaenon products.

Kaenon continues to lead the premium sunglass market with the SR-91 polarized lens. This proprietary lens material is standard in all pieces and is the only polarized lens that combines superior optical clarity, impact-resistance and glare reduction in one ultra-lightweight lens. Kaenon SR-91 polarized lenses are available in a variety of lens tints for personalized vision. Every frame in the company's broad collection of sunglasses can be fitted with prescription SR-91 lenses - for both men and women.

For more information visit Kaenon.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Slammin’ Sam Beer Company Launches Craft-Brewed Premium American Lager at The Greenbrier Resort

Smoothest Beer in Golf Inspired by Legendary Sam Snead

(PINEHURST, NC) – Slammin’ Sam Beer Company announces the introduction of Slammin’ Sam, a craft-brewed premium American lager inspired by the late Sam Snead, one of golf’s greatest gentlemen and champions.

Debuting this week at The Greenbrier Resort in conjunction with the centennial of Snead’s birth, Slammin’ Sam features a refreshing taste with an exceptionally balanced finish that makes it the Smoothest Beer in Golf. It showcases a proprietary recipe developed by Ray Klimovitz, recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Life Service Award from the Master Brewers Association of the Americas.

“Mr. Snead is an international sports icon, and our first priority was to create an amazing beer that honors his legacy,” says Casey Bierer, Founder and CEO of Slammin’ Sam Beer Company and a former producer-reporter with Golf Channel. “Through the assistance of a beer industry legend and remarkable craft brewery, we’re proud to present a thirst-quenching premium lager that golfers and all active lifestyle consumers will truly enjoy.”

Made in Wisconsin by Stevens Point Brewery – a World Beer Cup multiple Gold Medal award winner – Slammin’ Sam is available in cans, bottles and kegs. Launching soon at other renowned resorts throughout North America, as well as golf courses, restaurants, bars and everywhere beer is sold, the line’s packaging and marketing depict famous images of Snead from the 1950’s and ‘60’s.

“It makes sense for Slammin’ Sam beer to be introduced here,” said Jeff Kmiec, President and Managing Director of The Greenbrier Resort. “Sam Snead called The Greenbrier his professional home for more than 60 years and I think he’d be happy to know guests will savor a beer that bears his nickname.”

Possessor of a prodigious, self-taught swing, Snead captured seven major championships and an all-time record 82 PGA Tour titles during a professional career spanning from 1934 to 1987. A player on seven and captain of three U.S. Ryder Cup teams, his countless honors include winning PGA Player of the Year (1949) and the Vardon Trophy (1938, ’49, ’50 and ‘55). Snead, who passed away in 2002 at age 89, is also a member of the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame and World Golf Hall of Fame.

“Dad considered The Greenbrier his home away from home,” says Snead’s son, Jack. “He’d be real proud of Slammin’ Sam Beer, I can tell you that.”

For more information: www.Facebook.com/SlamminSamBeer or @SlamminSamBeer.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

You Again?

Bionic launches first-ever nationwide awareness campaign on golf courses

(Louisville, KY) - Bionic Gloves, the leader in golf glove technology, is now leading the way with innovation in marketing.

In what's believed to be a first in golf, Bionic is placing signs in bunkers, behind trees, by water hazards, and out-of-bounds on courses across the U.S. The signs have humorous messages intended to remind golfers that bad shots are signals their game needs help and that Bionic Gloves can give them a "Better Grip for a Better Game."

The witty on-course signs have messages like, "You Again?", "How Embarrassing!", and "If you hit me...You need me."

"It's a lighthearted campaign, intended to gently poke fun at golfers who send a ball screaming into the woods, splashing into the water, or slicing O-B," said Cheryl Fink, Bionic's marketing director, "and we've all been there, so we can all laugh about it."

Fink says Bionic's unique on-course 'Get the Grip' campaign is a great way to directly place the brand in front of consumers.

"We're putting our message exactly where golfers use the product; on the golf course," she said.

The overall message is simple - "Bionic Gloves. Better Grip for a Better Game." Golf pros whose courses have the signs say Bionic's messages are making golfers chuckle and, more importantly, also ask for the Bionic Golf Glove in the pro shop.

"We are really enjoying the reactions so far!" said Jack Shoenfelt, PGA Pro & owner at Oriole Golf Club in Margate Florida. "In the pro shop we have overheard golfers commenting on the signs, saying it gave them a good laugh after a rough hit. Bionic has done a nice job with this clever campaign and we're glad golfers appreciate the humor."

Bionic continues to lead the way in technology and growth in golf gloves. The unique patented pad system on every glove gives golfers a more relaxed and stable grip.

"Our gloves have more technology than any other golf gloves," Fink said. "That technology is why all of our gloves provide a comfortable grip and increased durability."

Fink says the "Get the Grip" campaign describes Bionic's primary benefit of a relaxed, comfortable, and controlled grip and separates it from all other glove brands, as will this one-of-a-kind campaign.

Bionic's unique "Get the Grip" national golf course campaign launched in June and will continue through the 2012 golf season. Currently, over 130 courses and driving ranges have the signage, with more to come.

For more information, visit www.bionicgloves.com.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

CHAMP Spikes Used by Winners of AT&T National and Irish Open

(MARLBOROUGH, MA) – CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide – The World Leader in Sport Cleat Technology and maker of innovative CHAMP spikes, high-performance golf tees and accessories – confirms the winners of the AT&T National, according to Darrell Survey, and Irish Open relied on its renowned spikes.

Securing his 74th career win, the AT&T National champion trusted the unique blend of metal and plastic traction technology in the acclaimed ProStinger model at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. On the European Tour, the victor at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland was among 12 top-10 finishers who trusted the company’s industry leading spikes.

“Around the world, professionals and amateurs alike have discovered the performance-enhancing qualities provided by our spikes,” says Harris MacNeill, President and CEO of CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide. “This fact is validated each week by the legions of Tour players that trust the superior traction, stability and comfort inherent to CHAMP products.”

The #1 Brand on Tour, CHAMP also offers a wide range of products beyond the cleat category. These include the recently launched MyHite Zarma FLYtee. Drawing from MacNeill Engineering’s unrivalled 80-year heritage, the FLYtee line has quickly become one of the most-used tees by leading professionals worldwide. Made with durable, environmentally-friendly materials, its six-pronged head and shallow cup reduces friction, increases distance and improves accuracy.

With more than 100 active distributors, CHAMP is the world’s largest manufacturer of replaceable spikes. The company produces more than 140 million spikes annually and is the dominant global brand in football, soccer, golf, baseball, cricket, rugby and other sports.

For more information: www.champspikes.com, 1-800-OK-CHAMP.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Column: Tiger Woods at AT&T National

Tiger Woods is in the hunt at the AT&T National. Going into the final round, he's in a second-place tie, one stroke behind Brendon de Jonge.

Reason for cheer? Cause for optimism? Sure. But let us not get too far ahead of ourselves.

Before we read another "Tiger's Back!" article, can we all take a step back and just enjoy today's golf landscape?

Tiger may, indeed, return to past form. He may regain the stroke that took him to the top of the world. In the end, he may catch or eclipse Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major championships. But let's not kid ourselves ... Tiger will never be Tiger again.

The Tiger Woods of old struck fear in the hearts of those in the tournament. The fact that he was in the field was generally worth a stroke or two to the best player in the world. If he was in the mix on Sunday, the trophy was his by nightfall. No more.

The Tiger Woods of old had some competition - Phil Mickelson, David Duval and Vijay Singh come to mind. As great as those guys were, they each had some considerable flaws and/or demons that kept them from knocking Tiger off the top of the mountain.

Today's batch of young guns are different. Do you think Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Dustin Johnson, Jason Dufner or even de Jonge care about some old guy with failing knees? While they certainly battle their own nerves on Sunday - like any other golfer - if they play their game, they win. They don't hand over those imaginary "homage"strokes to Tiger.

Tiger may fire a 67 and win going away today. He may shoot 74 and fade early. He may just hang around and lose by a single stroke. Who knows? What we do know is that he's a great golfer who has a chance to win (or lose) every time he tees it up.

If he does win ... Can we all agree to leave the "Tiger's Back!" headlines alone and just enjoy today?

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains Introduces Family Golf Month

(POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA.) - Parents who wish to get their kids out of video-game mode and into outdoor activities can take advantage of area-wide freebies and golf specials through Pocono Mountains' Family Golf Month in July.

Free golf clinics, family-friendly scrambles and golf round discounts are available at many of 30+ golf courses in the four-county region of eastern Pennsylvania throughout the month, giving adult golfers an incentive to bring their children on the course.

"The Pocono Mountains are known for summer family fun, and we wanted to dedicate time to encourage our next generation of golfers to get in the game," said Carl Wilgus, President of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. "By encouraging kids to enjoy an outdoor sport, we help parents and families stay active and enjoy our natural beauty."

Golf specials offered to the public during July include the following:
• In celebration of Take Your Daughter to the Course week, both Buck Hill and Skytop Lodge will offer free golf to daughters when mom or dad pays regular rates, July 8-15.
• Buck Hill has a series of Family Golf Activities in July, including a free Family-Friendly Golf Clinic at 11 am on July 5th, and free Family Golf Scramble Events on July 8 and 27.
• At Pocono Manor, Kids 10 and under play free with a paying adult through July; kids 11-18 pay only a $20 cart fee with a paying parent.
• Kids playing at Woodloch with a paying parent play free after 3 pm every day in July, based on availability. Resort guests can enjoy a $199 per-person, per-night rate through July, including accommodations and three meals daily.
• Mount Airy welcomes kids with a family-friendly rate of $15 for nine holes and $20 for 18 holes after 3 pm daily through July.
• Fernwood Resort welcomes young golfers aged 10 or under to play for free during July when with a paying adult; kids 11-17 pay cart fee only.
• Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort allows kids to play for free after 3 pm when adults pay at twilight rates - $19 weekdays and $29 on the weekend.
• Split Rock Golf Club offers $35 junior rates midweek ($50 Saturday/Sunday) throughout the summer.

Along with the golf specials at individual courses, the Pocono Golf-A-Round card is still available which offers two $25 rounds at eight of the area courses. Families can also enjoy the many Fourth of July activities in the Pocono Mountains with fireworks at Woodloch Resort and golf specials throughout the region.

See www.poconosgolf.com for more specials and information.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com