New Mexico’s Rockwind Community Links Offers a First-Class Golf Experience at Exceptional Rates

New 27-Hole Municipal Facility in Hobbs Attracts National Recognition

(Hobbs, NM) — Rockwind Community Links in Hobbs, New Mexico, is on a mission to introduce golf at affordable rates that likely are unmatched by any municipal facility of its caliber in the country.  Rockwind, which opened for play in May, was praised at its grand opening celebrations by PGA TOUR star and Hall of Famer Fred Couples as “a fantastic course with unbelievable facilities, a homerun especially for the youth in Hobbs.”  Couples, who learned to play golf on a public course, also stated that “you’re not going to see many public facilities like this in the country—it’s just phenomenal.”

With a significant emphasis on welcoming families, youngsters and adult beginners, the rates for a round on the championship 18-hole course for residents range from only $15 for adults to $12 for seniors and $6 for juniors. Non-resident adults are charged a nominal $30. Twilight rates after 2 p.m. are priced at a low $10 for adults.  The engaging par-3 “Li’l Rock” course which has no formal tee markers offers fees at a low $6 for adults, $3 for children playing on their own, or if up to three youngsters come with a paying adult the kids play for free.

Rockwind Community Links, designed by Scottsdale’s Andy Staples, is being considered by the leading golf magazines as a candidate for the “best new golf course” of 2015.  The facility is considered a trailblazer in uniting golf with the local community. “Community Links” is a concept introduced by Staples where the focus of the entire project was to link the golf course to the fabric of life in Hobbs.  A special feature is a surrounding trail system complete with multiple trail heads, various outdoor seating areas, picnic spaces and multiple scenic viewing points, including access to the site’s five acre lake that overlooks the golf course.

“The City of Hobbs had a vision to bring golf to the community,” said J.J. Murphy, the City of Hobbs City Manager.  “What architect Andy Staples has done here is ground breaking.“

For more information or to book a tee time online visit www.rockwindgolfcourse.com or call the golf pro shop at (575) 397-9297.

Product Review: OGIO Silencer Cart Bag

The Silencer keeps clubs from clanging and banging

Every once in a while a product comes along that I didn’t know I needed until I had it. For example, the chocolate-covered potato chip. The combination of sweet and salty is unbelievably delicious.

Insulated Hydration Pocket

As for the golf industry, I was recently introduced to the Silencer cart bag by OGIO, and don’t know how I’ve played so many outings without it.

Why the Silencer? From a purely anal perspective, your clubs won’t clang together as you're rolling/bouncing down the undulating fairways and bumpy cart paths. While that noise is incredibly annoying, imagine what all that banging is doing to your clubs.

How does the bag eliminate the clanging? Security from both top and bottom. The 14-Way Silencer Club Management System (above, left) features a molded top with polymer membranes to hold clubs snug. The bottom is molded with “flex grab teeth” grabbing the grips to eliminate movement.

Another feature I love is the cart-strap channel (above, right). A huge pet peeve of mine while playing golf with a cart is the bag twisting - making it difficult to get to pockets for tees and balls. Face it, if you’re digging for a ball, you’ve just lost the one you’re playing and are in no mood to fight the twisted bag.

Fleece-Lined Valuables Pocket

Add fleece-lined valuables pocket and Velcro glove attachment patch to the list of features I originally didn’t know I needed. An individual pen sleeve puts your Sharpie in an easy-to-access spot and the insulated hydration pocket helps keep your cold beverage cold.

For better or for worse, the use of carts is widespread throughout the industry. Many people won’t or can’t walk 18 holes and some courses mandate cart use - for pace-of-play purposes or because of their expansive layout. If you’re going to use a cart, do so in style. The Silencer by OGIO is at the top of the class in terms of cart bags.

For more information, visit www.ogio.com.

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Hilton Head Golf Island Unveils 2015 Fall Golf Packages

Group Getaways Available at Multiple Leading On-Island Golf Facilities

(HILTON HEAD, S.C.) – Hilton Head Golf Island (HHGI) – a collection of premier resorts and courses in one of the world’s greatest golf destinations – announces numerous golf group packages for the fall.

Exclusive offers, exceptional values and awe-inspiring Lowcountry scenery are all available for groups through these golf packages. Two national publications recently recognized HHGI with prestigious honors. Golf Digest ranked HHGI in the top 10 in seven categories including “Best Courses” and “Best Weather,” and GOLF.com’s inaugural “Golfers’ Choice Awards” tabbed it a Top 10 Most Dreamed About U.S. Golf Destination.

A sampling of packages offered at www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com:

* The Heritage Golf Collection “Fore” Golf Package – Golfers stay four nights in villa accommodations and select four rounds from Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club, Shipyard, Palmetto Hall Plantation and Oyster Reef with complimentary range balls, all starting at $155 per person/per night (based on quad occupancy). The package also includes a welcome tee gift, breakfast at the golf clubs, a Heritage Golf Collection VIP discount card, and all taxes and fees. Available Sept. 8 – Nov. 7, the package is not valid on previous purchases, and availability and pricing are subject to change.

   - Palmetto Dunes “President’s Cup Group Golf Package” – Valid daily through Dec. 31 for groups of 12 or more, guests enjoy four days/three nights accommodations and three rounds of golf on the resort’s championship courses: Robert Trent Jones Oceanfront, Arthur Hills and George Fazio. Starting at $138 per golfer/per night, the promotion includes team shirts, an on-site group golf coordinator, breakfast prior to each round, two hours of tennis or Pickleball court time at the Tennis Center and other discounts and inclusions. Subject to availability, some restrictions may apply. The offer is not valid on existing reservations and may not be combined with any other offer.

* The Sea Pines Resort “Pete Dye Signature Group Golf Package” – Starting at $225 per golfer/per night, this getaway features deluxe villa accommodations for three nights and three rounds of Pete Dye golf, including at the famed Harbour Town Golf Links, site of the PGA TOUR’s RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. The offer also includes a complimentary gift card and the group organizer plays for free. Other restrictions may apply.

“Coming off our successful summer golf promotions, the fall packages offer great opportunities for golf groups to experience Hilton Head Golf Island at incredible rates,” says Cary Corbitt, President of the Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association and Vice President of Sports and Operations at Sea Pines Resort. “Pristine conditions, mild temperatures and exceptional incentives – the fall is an ideal time of year for golf in the Lowcountry.”

For additional information about rates, restrictions and other package inclusions, or to receive a quote: www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com, 800.523.3373.

Product Review: Tru-Roll Putters

You’ve missed putt after putt and tried just about every style putter on the market - blade, mallet, anchored, titanium insert, etc. About to give up the search and accept that you’re a bad putter? Don’t do that until you’ve given Tru-Roll Putter a chance.

Tru-Roll’s cylindrical shape is the first clue to its unique qualities. Aside from being different, what are the advantages of this design? For one, it provides a consistent roll. Traditional putters cause the ball to hop off the face and leave with back spin. The skidding that occurs when it makes contact with the green can make it more difficult to garner consistent distance control. The theory behind Tru-Roll eliminates back spin and skidding - allowing the ball to start on its intended line and more easily achieving proper distance control.

Also, where are your hands when the putter makes contact with the ball? Traditional putters can punish golfers who aren’t consistently striking the ball. Hands behind at impact increases loft. Hands too far forward decreases loft. Tru-Roll’s cylindrical shape means the loft is the same regardless of hand position.

Scuffing the green during the stroke also wreaks havoc on putts. The round face of Tru-Roll all-but eliminates this issue. Even if you make contact with the green, you’ll get more of a “bounce” than a scuff - leading to less of a slow down and leaving a shorter second putt.

Regardless of what style putter you play, the goal is the same - get the ball in the hole in the fewest amount of strokes. In order to be successful, you need to effectively partner speed and line. If skidding or hopping take you a fraction of an inch off line, you’re not going to make the putt.

I went into testing with an open mind. Even though I’m a traditionalist with the putter (standard length blade), I was impressed with the Tru-Roll putter’s feel. User error aside, distance control was consistent from both 10 and 30 feet. And I was pleasantly surprised by the feel. The “sweet spot” was considerable.

Putting is a very individual aspect of the game. Opinions on style - flat vs. cylindrical - will surely be debated. Even if you’re a traditionalist, you can expect the Tru-Roll putter to get your ball rolling on line upon contact, while an inherent skid or hop is expected with common putters.

Visit www.tru-rollputters.com to learn more about Tru-Roll Putters.

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Product Review: Nike Method Matter Putters

Blade or mallet? Mallet or blade? I’ve been golfing long enough to try many (MANY) of each. I might like the look of one, but not the feel ... or the weight of another, but not the look.

It’s basically comparing apples and oranges with so many differences. Every putter is so unique. Because I’ve traditionally putted with blades, that’s what I tend to stick with. Have I really given mallets an honest chance?

Thanks to Nike Golf, I finally tested the “same” putter - one blade and one mallet - and have come to a conclusion (more on that later).

The test subjects ... Nike Method Matter M5-12 and B2-01 (“M” for mallet and “B” for blade).

First, the similarities:
* Both putters feature an RZN groove insert. This softens feel and delivers faster forward roll;
* Both heads are made from 304 stainless steel - also known as A2 stainless steel. This also softens the feel;
* Also, a length-specific head weight relocates weight to the perimeter, further increasing stability; and
* Lastly, both feature a Matter Midsize grip

In the “same-but-different” category comes Nike Golf’s RTS system that aids in selecting a putter that will "return to square" at impact based on your stoke type.

My stroke type? I had never really thought about that. I’ve always played K.I.S.S. golf (Keep It Simple, Stupid) ... See ball, hit ball. Find ball, hit ball again. They’re referring to whether you putt with an arc or straight down the line.

RTS for the M5-12 (L) and B2-01 (R)

That brings me to the differences:
* The M5-12 is designed for straight stroke type and it has a double bend steel shaft; and
* The B2-01 is designed for slight arc stroke type and has a straight steel shaft

My conclusion: I love the look and feel of the M5-12, but I’m not confident in the straight stroke required to get the most out of this mallet. While I was making plenty of putts on the practice green, my “new” stroke didn’t hold up under pressure. The B2-01, however, felt great from beginning to end. The alignment was a breeze and the ball came off the face consistently.

In the end, there’s probably a good reason I tent to gravitate toward blade putters and always will ... until the next mallet catches my eye.

Check out the complete line of Method Matter putters HERE. There are six models from which to choose, each coming with a $129 price point.

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Atlantic City: Birdies on the Boardwalk

Bolstered by a majority of the finest golf experiences in New Jersey and unlimited activities away from the course, Atlantic City is fast becoming known as one of the East Coast’s most sought-after destinations

(ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.) — Incorporating the area’s proper parlance, it would be a safe bet to call Atlantic City one of the finest midsized golf destinations east of the Mississippi: A “Shore Thing” if you will.

An easy driving distance from most of the East Coast’s major metropolitan areas, today Atlantic City regularly boasts half or more of the Top 10 New Jersey golf experiences, according to Golfweek magazine, representing a wide range of style, design and history — including golf courses to suit most any budget or expectation regarding conditions and amenities.

Atlantic City has the advantage of being able to offer golfers a wide variety of accommodations — from budget rooms to full-scale suites, casinos, more than 150 restaurants and bars, nightclubs, 24/7 entertainment, beach, boardwalk — literally more off-course activities than any golf destination in the Eastern Time Zone.

Golf history buffs should visit venerable Atlantic City Country Club — most recently restored by renowned designer Tom Doak around its 100th birthday — one of the nation’s great-granddaddies of clubs. ACCC’s rich background alone makes it a bucket list play, as does its spectacular setting along Lakes Bay overlooking the Atlantic City skyline. And the golf experience only improves in 2015 with newly restored greenside bunkers on Holes 4, 6, 8, 12, 15 and 17, a new halfway house and a significant clubhouse renovation.

Atlantic City Country Club has played host to six USGA events, our country’s national championships, and the term "birdie" famously originated there.

Not to be outdone, Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club is the site where Sam Snead’s won his first PGA Championship title and is also currently host to the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer. Brigantine Golf Links is where Harry Vardon and Walter Hagen would tune up their games before heading over to play the British Open.

Meanwhile, Twisted Dune Golf Club stands as quite possibly the most visually striking golf course in the Atlantic City golf arsenal. With its inland links representation, if one was sent blindfolded to any course in the state, this is the one that they’d recognize by its name most readily. That’s because every hole is so dramatic, you have nowhere to turn but in circles.

One local pro described Twisted Dune as the spot where “Phoenix meets Scotland.” Designer Archie Struthers moved two million cubic yards of earth to bring this remarkable course to fruition; creating a true taste of the Scottish Coast, right along the Jersey Shore.

Shore Gate Golf Club is the area’s only layout designed by a California architect firm, that of Ron Fream and David Dale. Though only a couple of miles from the beach, the landscape at Shore Gate is remarkably rolling and diverse. It also has a “vibe,” to put it more Jersey terms, that is similar to the state’s internationally renowned jewel, Pine Valley.

“Everything (Fream and Dale) have done, they’ve done well,” said general manager Harry Bittner said of the design team. “The whole goal was to build a golf course that was pretty dramatic and different to give people something special — something they will remember. They had a really great piece of land with which to work.”

A bit closer to AC, golfers at Blue Heron Pines Golf Club enjoy the new 7 Tap & Tavern. The name of the new establishment originates from owner Ron Jaworski’s jersey number worn during his long and distinguished NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, and the friendly new neighborhood tavern features craft beers, an exciting menu and an abundance of large screen televisions

Site of the Jaws Celebrity Golf Challenge, Blue Heron Pines is renowned for having not one, but two replica holes from the aforementioned Pine Valley, the New Jersey icon consistently ranked among the world’s best. Architect Stephen Kay patterned Blue Heron’s No. 14 off Pine Valley’s seventh and he similarly replicated a PV hole on his No. 10 offering. Kay also planned Blue Heron as a good walker’s course — more like a private club experience.

A very popular spot for golf groups, Resorts Casino Hotel was the first casino hotel inside of Atlantic City, and the first legal casino outside of Nevada. Buzzing with activity after the recent opening of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, its LandShark Bar & Grill is the only year-round full-service bar and restaurant on the sand side of the Boardwalk located on prime beach frontage at the site of the Old Steeplechase Pier. Resorts also features the world-class Gallagher’s Steakhouse.

Another golfer mainstay, Tropicana Atlantic City completed a recent $50 million renovation. The revitalization includes far-reaching upgrades to its North Tower hotel rooms, a completely revamped casino featuring new games, an all-new AtlantiCare LifeCenter Fitness center and the spectacular must-see Tropicana Multimedia Light and Sound Show.

“From the vibrant and exciting multimedia light and sound show on the boardwalk façade to the elegant upgrades we’ve made to the casino floor, we’ve taken the guest experience to a new level,” said General Manager Steve Callender. “We’ve even decided to introduce a brand new resort logo.”

In its first major renovation since 2008, early last year Bally’s Atlantic City unveiled its $5.6 million renovation and reconfiguration project to the casino floor. The overhaul included fresh carpeting throughout the gaming area, new chairs at table games and mirrored accents throughout the casino.

Of course, the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk features four miles of sun and fun just steps away from free, clean sandy beaches, and thanks to an expanded Ambassador program, visitors to the city are treated to a safe, informative and pleasurable experience. Visitors can also find an eclectic mix of amenities and activities along the Boardwalk from bicycle rentals, free volleyball courts and miniature golf to world-class casino hotels, dining, shopping and entertainment.

Indeed, word is quickly spreading that golf groups can visit Atlantic City and expect top-rated golf courses, hotels and casinos options, along with the best nightlife and fantastic restaurants. Learn more about all 17 Atlantic City courses and book your golf getaway at www.PlayACGolf.com.

PlayAC Golf in 2015
For all the glitz and glimmer of the high-rise gambling casinos that light up the night across this unique Atlantic Ocean-side city, there’s another side to the destination — a daylight version beyond the reimagined world-famous boardwalk and beaches. An easy drive from the major metropolitan areas along the East Coast, Atlantic City caters to golfers with a wide variety of accommodations from economy rooms to full-scale suites, casinos, more than 150 restaurants and bars, world-class spas, top name concerts and comedy shows, innovative nightlife, designer shopping, the beach, the boardwalk and pulsating casino games. These layouts range from links style to parkland style to classic gems to out-of-control modern marvels. Whatever your passion, every golf course within the Atlantic City arsenal has been ordered to deliver an experience that you will not soon forget.

PlayACGolf social media access available at:
· Facebook – www.facebook.com/playacgolf
· Twitter – www.twitter.com/playacgolf                                                                          
· Instagram – www.instagram.com/playacgolf

Troy Merritt Wins First PGA Tour Event

(CHICAGO) – Wilson Advisory Staff member Troy Merritt (@TROYMERRITT_PGA) captured his first PGA TOUR win at the Quicken Loans National today, an accomplishment that qualifies him to compete in the PGA Championship next week.

Merritt leaped up the leaderboard early in the third round with five consecutive birdies on the first five holes. He proceeded to finish with eleven total birdies, setting the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club course record at 61.

Merritt joined the Wilson Advisory Staff in January of this year, switching to the FG Tour V4 irons, FG Tour V4 utility irons, and three FG Tour TC wedges (50*, 54*, 58*). At the Humana Challenge, his first tournament playing Wilson Staff equipment, he was the leader heading into the weekend rounds. He also claimed his first top-five finish at the RBC Heritage in April.

“Obviously I am very pleased with my equipment change this year,” commented Merritt. “These irons have given me the ability to set myself up for birdies and tap-in pars that allow me to do things like secure my first win on tour. I am looking forward to many possibilities to come.”

“We are proud to congratulate Merritt on his first PGA TOUR win,” said Tim Clarke, President of Wilson Golf. “Since he has switched to our brand, he has been an extremely helpful addition to our Wilson Advisory Staff, with constant feedback and interest in developing prototypes.

What’s in Merritt’s Pro Tour Bag:
- FG Tour V4 5-PW irons // FG Tour V4 Utility 2 and 4 irons
- FG Tour TC 50*, 54*, 58* wedges