SkyGolf Announces a Spring Promotion of $50 Off the Award-Winning Products

Promotion includes SX400 and SX500 GPS Rangefinders and both LX5 GPS Smart Watch Models

(RIDGELAND, MS) — SkyGolf, maker of SkyCaddie, the most-trusted rangefinders in Golf, is offering a special spring promotion of $50 off the award-winning SkyCaddie SX500 and SX400 rangefinders and the LX5 and LX5 with ceramic bezel smart watches. The promotion runs through April 12, 2021.

“We’re thrilled that the Masters Tournament will be taking place at its regularly scheduled time again this year and we’re looking forward to some sort of normalcy returning to golf,” said Jacqui Surman, SkyGolf Senior VP and COO. “In celebration of this, we are offering this special $50 discount on all of our SkyCaddie models for a limited time.”

The SX500 features the fastest processor, best battery life and the largest and most vivid display in the industry and has been recognized for its outstanding functionality and powerful features. My Golf Spy awarded the SX500 its “Most Wanted” status in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and it was validated by tour professionals with five wins and several top ten finishes on the European Senior Staysure Tour in 2019.

The SX500’s little brother, the SkyCaddie SX400, gives golfers the same powerful features found in the award-winning, tour-proven SX500 model, in a more compact size. With a full high-definition 4-inch touch screen driven by an ultra-fast multi-core processor, the SkyCaddie SX400 joins the SX500 to deliver the most powerful way to measure yardage while providing the very “best view” in golf. The SX400 was also recognized as one of the top Handheld GPS devices in the MyGolfSpy 2020 GPS Buyers Guide.

Using the same next generation technology found in the SX family of rangefinders, the SkyCaddie LX5 GPS watch was introduced in 2020. The LX5 watch features the industry’s largest and most-brilliant color touch screen at 1.39 inches and includes most of the dynamic features that golfers rave about in the award-winning SX500 and SX400 handhelds, giving golfers the most accurate information conveniently located on their wrist.

The SX500, SX400 and LX5 are all preloaded with over 35,000 best-in-class courses and feature Wi-Fi connectivity to streamline application updates and getting the latest course updates without connecting to a computer. IntelliGreen and HoleVue are presented in high definition with stunning imagery to deliver the best graphics in both the handheld and the watch. Use zooming and panning to get all the details and distances you need to play your best golf. A responsive and easy-to-use interface makes navigating during play almost touch free.

Simple wireless connectivity is included in the SX500, SX400 and LX5 to collect and store critical performance data in the SkyGolf 360 Cloud Service, making it available instantly to the user, instructors or friends.

The SkyCaddie Spring promotion ends April 12, 2021 and is subject to availability. The discount is only available on new SkyCaddie products, not pre-owned, open box or refurbished products. The offer is open only to U.S. residents and U.S. shipping addresses.

For more information, visit www.skygolf.com.

USGA and WGT Launch eSports Grand Slam Presented by Lexus

Qualifying begins April 1 for new Virtual Open at The Olympic Club 

(LIBERTY CORNER, N.J.) – The USGA and World Golf Tour (WGT) by Topgolf have launched the USGA eSports Grand Slam Presented by Lexus, a series of four live eSports championships offering contestants an opportunity to compete for a variety of prizes, including a grand prize VIP trip to the 2022 U.S. Open Championship at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass.

Through the support of Lexus, the USGA and WGT will host four events on WGT platforms throughout the year for the first time ever. The eSports Grand Slam will include the Virtual U.S. Open and Match Play Challenge, both of which have been held in previous years, and will introduce the Virtual Open at The Olympic Club and the Grand Slam Series Finale.

The USGA eSports Grand Slam leads off with the Virtual Open at The Olympic Club. Contestants can play unlimited qualifying rounds of 18-hole stroke play from now through April 30. The top 10 scorers from the qualifier will advance to a livestreamed, 18-hole stroke play championship event on Monday, June 7.

“We are thrilled to launch the USGA eSports Grand Slam presented by Lexus, particularly since our fans have been clamoring for more ways to engage with our championships,” said Navin Singh, chief commercial officer of the USGA. “The increased number of events and renowned courses that will be featured this season is a reflection of our shared commitment to providing fans the unique experience of competing online on the same golf courses that will host our championships.”

The series offers fans a chance to compete on four iconic USGA championship venues, three of which are hosting a USGA championship in 2021.

The Olympic Club, the site of the 76th U.S. Women’s Open Championship from June 3-6, is the host venue for the first event in the eSports Grand Slam. Located in the southwestern corner of San Francisco, Calif., The Olympic Club’s Lake Course has hosted five U.S. Opens and three U.S. Amateur championships. It is hosting its first U.S. Women’s Open.

The South Course at Torrey Pines Golf Course, in San Diego, Calif., is the host of this year’s Virtual U.S. Open, with qualifying to take place in May and June leading to a live championship event on Saturday, July 17. Torrey Pines will host its second U.S. Open from June 17-20, having hosted Tiger Woods’ unforgettable Monday playoff victory over Rocco Mediate in 2008.

Oakmont Country Club is the venue of the Match Play Challenge at Oakmont, the third event in the USGA eSports Grand Slam. Oakmont’s illustrious USGA history features 16 past USGA championships, including nine U.S. Opens and two U.S. Women’s Opens. The Pennsylvania club will host the 121st U.S. Amateur Championship on Aug. 9-15.

WGT players will compete in a bracket-style match play format for the Match Play Challenge at Oakmont following the stroke-play qualifying round. The top 64 finishers from the qualifier will be placed in four 16-player brackets, where competitors will square off in head-to-head rounds. The winner from each bracket will earn a spot in the 4-player live finale on Saturday, Sept. 18.

The 2021 USGA eSports Grand Slam schedule is as follows:

Event #1 – Virtual Open at The Olympic Club: Monday, June 7

Qualifying Rounds: April 1-30

Event #2 – Virtual U.S. Open: Saturday, July 17 (Torrey Pines)

Qualifying Rounds: May 1-June 30

Event #3 – Match Play Challenge at Oakmont: Saturday, Sept. 18

Qualifying Rounds: Aug. 9-Sept. 5

Event #4 – Grand Slam Series Finale: Saturday, Dec. 11 (Pinehurst)

Qualifying Rounds: Oct. 25-Nov. 22

The Grand Slam Series Finale will be played on Course No. 2 at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club. Best known for undulating, crowned greens, Pinehurst No. 2 has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in USGA history, hosting three U.S. Opens, two U.S. Amateurs and one U.S. Women’s Open. In 2014, it became the first course to host the U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open Championships in consecutive weeks.

The Grand Slam Series Finale will consist of the same format as the Match Play Challenge at Oakmont following the 18-hole stroke play qualifying round. The live 4-player championship event will feature two semifinal matches and championship match with the winner to receive a VIP trip to the 2022 U.S. Open at The Country Club at Brookline.

The first-place prize for each of the four events includes a $1,000 prepaid gift card, $500 USGA Shop card, an engraved championship trophy and a custom cornhole set. The runner-up in all four events will receive a custom cornhole set as well, along with a $500 prepaid gift card and $250 USGA Shop card. Third- and fourth-place finishers will also receive prepaid gift cards and USGA Shop cards.

All four championship events will be streamed live on the USGA YouTube, Twitch and Twitter channels. In 2020, the USGA Match Play Challenge livestream received 317,000 views, with more than 2.5 million total minutes watched. The 2020 Virtual Open accepted 128,830 player entries totaling over 790,000 rounds played.

All USGA eSports Grand Slam events are free to enter. Download the WGT Golf app on iOS, Android or Amazon devices, or play the desktop version, all available free at https://m.wgt.com/.

PerfectMotion Adds New “Grooving” Feature to Help Golfers Maximize Their Personal Bests

(BOSTON, MASS.) — The PerfectMotion, the industry-leading AI-powered mobile app platform that teaches golfers to develop efficient body motion by providing instant feedback and expert instruction on every swing, announces an innovative new addition within its user experience. PerfectMotion users can now train like elite players, selecting their best shots as a model to groove consistent results and elevate their games to higher levels.

PerfectMotion’s new Grooving feature allows users to save any swing with a desirable result as a model to match in a future training session. Designed with more accomplished players in mind, and inspired by professionals’ who “bank” swings for future reference when they’re performing well, Grooving helps golfers to develop their own successful, repeatable motion. Utilizing a proprietary instant match score from 0 to 100 percent on every swing, this feedback-driven method is highly personalized and engaging. 

“Grooving helps all golfers master shots and achieve their own personal best,” says PerfectMotion CEO and founder Rich Kosowsky. “If you like the result from a swing (ball flight, contact, distance), you simply nod your head to mark it and later save it by tapping the star icon on the MotionMap. To Groove, select that swing and start a training session. The feedback does the rest.”

PerfectMotion, a 2021 Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Award Winner, is a self-directed golf training system that also allows users to work with top instructors to speed improvement. Joe Hallett, Jake Thurm, former PGA TOUR winner Chip Beck, Kevin Sprecher and Mike Sullivan are currently some of the elite teachers helping students through PerfectMotion’s remote coaching capabilities.

“The new Grooving feature on the PerfectMotion app is the kind of technology and motivator I wish I had when I was playing on the PGA TOUR,” Beck says. “Golfers are always chasing the perfect swing and right sequence of motion that enables them to play their absolute best.  Grooving with PerfectMotion® gives them the ability to repeat their best moves and results.” 

Grooving is also available in PerfectMotion’s putting mode. While in a practice putting session, users receive feedback on head tilt and body motion and can use video snapshots and the built-in metronome to dial in tempo. Kosowsky says trying the Grooving mode for putting is a great way to try the new feature. “Putting has fewer body motions, so earning a higher Grooving Match Score is a bit more achievable and a great way to learn how this continuous feedback loop creates more productive, engaging practice sessions.”

To learn more, visit PerfectMotion.io.

Sir Nick Faldo Honored by Silver Celebrations with Faldo Series

Sir Nick Faldo celebrates the Faldo Series’ silver anniversary as the junior golf development pathway embarks on a highly anticipated 25th Series

(UK, Windsor) — Sir Nick Faldo celebrates 25 years of growing the game as the Faldo Series announces its global schedules for the 2021 season. 

Following last year’s record-breaking season in Europe, the 25th Faldo Series Europe is set to kick off on 12th July at Brocket Hall, staging 10 events through the summer with winners competing for a coveted invite to the 25th Faldo Series Europe Grand Final hosted at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, Abu Dhabi this November.  

The new season celebrates a significant milestone for the six time Major champion, who founded the Series after his final green jacket in 1996 with a vision to create a junior golf legacy that lasts a lifetime and develops tomorrow’s champions. 25 years on, the Series’ achievements now include:

• Hosted over 45,000 aspiring junior golfers across the boys’ and girls’ categories 

• Staged over 750 Faldo Series events worldwide

• Visited 45 countries across 6 continents 

• Produced over 70 Professional Faldo Series Alumni on global Tours

• Celebrated a total of 84 European Tour and Ladies European Tour Faldo Series Alumni wins

• Pledged support to an equal playing field as a R&A Women in Golf Charter signatory

Looking back on 25 years of growing the game, Faldo Series Founder, Sir Nick Faldo, said: “The Series has been my way of giving back to golf and celebrating just how great the game is. From day one it has been about creating unique experiences for juniors to be competitive, learn through competition and have fun while doing so, and I’m honoured by the players who have made a huge effort to play in the events with great ambition every year.”

“It has been a huge privilege to have played a part in supporting the game to grow all around the world and to now be able to look back and celebrate how far we have come is hugely rewarding. In true Series form, we are excited about what’s to come and we look forward to many more competitive seasons ahead with tomorrow’s champions.”  

This year the Faldo Series has stepped up its North America Series following the announcement of the Faldo Hurricane Series; a junior golf partnership formed between the Faldo Series and the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour. The 26-event Series will give juniors the opportunity to play on America’s finest golf courses and compete for an invite to the North America Grand Final at Barefoot Resort and Golf, which will air on CBS Sports.

Whilst the 2021 season is set to continue momentum for the Asia Series, which has supercharged the Faldo Series’ efforts to grow golf globally since launching in 2006, with a full calendar of events planned to run from August to November, culminating at Laguna Lang Co for the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final. 

With eyes on a consecutive historic season ahead, Faldo Series Director, Matthew Faldo, said, “2020’s recording-breaking year will be a tough act to follow, but the upcoming season promises to be our biggest and best in all 25 years of the Series. We can’t wait to get back to the action after such a difficult year for everyone.” 

“To launch the Faldo Hurricane Series this year too is game-changing and presents great opportunities for young players in North America to experience the Series and take their game to the next level, whilst a return of a full calendar of events for Europe and Asia Series sets up an exciting summer of junior golf ahead.” 

The full schedule of each Faldo Series Europe and Asia can be found at www.faldoseries.com and for the Faldo Hurricane Series schedule head to www.faldohurricane.com. 

As Golf Returns In England, Shot Scope Enjoys Biggest Day Ever on March 29

Shot Scope GPS Smart Watches Recorded the Largest Amount of Shots on a Single Day in England, Resulting in 4,788 Rounds Played and Eclipsing the Previous Daily Record in the Country by over 2,500; Shot Scope Watches Were Used to Track Performance at over 75% of the Courses Across England 

(Edinburgh, Scotland) – Shot Scope (www.shotscope.com), a leading international manufacturer of GPS-based game management systems and laser rangefinders, enjoyed its biggest product-usage day ever, as the game finally returned in England following the pandemic shutdown, and masses of golfers headed to the course for the first time this year.

On March 29th, 446,000 shots were recorded by Shot Scope GPS Smart Watches; a figure that represents the largest amount of tracked shots on a single day in England. This correlated to 4,788 rounds played, eclipsing the previous daily record in the country by over 2,500, while a Shot Scope watch was used to track performance at over 75% of courses. The mass tracking of shots speaks volumes to the popularity of Shot Scope technology and products around the world, including the V3 Smart Golf Watch, PRO L1 Laser Rangefinder, and suite of game management, performance tracking and distance measuring technologies.

“Golfers in England exploded onto golf courses this week and we are thrilled that so many players were outfitted in Shot Scope technology, as we continue to track not only player performance, but trends in the game,” said David Hunter, CEO, Shot Scope. “Game management technology, including performance tracking and distancing measuring, is as popular as ever and Shot Scope continues to provide advanced technology that is helping golfers improve every day.”

Based on Shot Scope’s game tracking technology, the majority of golfers heading back out to play in England were rusty, with the average score coming in at +21.71, compared to an average of +14.35 last year. This resulted in a score average +/- against handicap of +5.23. Only 30% of users managed to successfully find the first fairway, down 18% on the average, and a staggering 39% appeared to have suffered from the dreaded first tee slice to the right. 

Additionally, it appears that driver was the club of the day from the first tee for many golfers on Monday (for those who played a Par 4 or Par 5), with an incredible 94% of players opting for the big stick.

Using Shot Scope’s new strokes gained platform, the Company’s data determined that while the majority of users found trouble from the tee more often in comparison to 2020, it was on the greens that they saw the biggest dip in performance. Golfers lost over 40% more shots due to poor putting performance against the Shot Scope average for 2020, with strokes gained putting stats against a scratch golfer dropping from an average of -3.52 to -5.08.

Promisingly, the statistics show that there is hope. The average score recorded on the back nine, for golfers that completed all 18 holes, dropped by 4.03 strokes, showing a marked improvement as they settled into the round. 

One of 2020’s breakthrough golf innovations with an industry-leading $219 price, Shot Scope’s V3 Smart Golf Watch features artificial intelligence that makes real-time swing performance tracking and distance measuring easier, faster and more accurate than ever before. 

Backed by patented Power-Sense AI strap technology that captures data on every shot, V3 delivers golfers instant feedback to better understand their swing and reach optimal performance. The technology creates an ever-increasing volume and accuracy of data collected from the golfer during play, leading to more insights and statistics that help the player understand their game better, improve on-course strategy and shoot lower scores. The more rounds the golfer plays with V3, the smarter the AI technology becomes - eventually producing highly refined settings that are personal to that individual.

The V3 is complemented by Shot Scope’s new high-performance laser rangefinder, the PRO L1, also offered an unbeatable $199.99 price. A lightweight, easy-to-use device, the PRO L1 offers the perfect combination of size, accuracy and innovation. It is highlighted by Advanced Slope Technology, which provides golfers with compensated distance whether a target is uphill or downhill from their location, and accurate up to 3.6 inches. This function can easily be toggled on and off if being used for tournament play.

The PRO L1 also offers a Precision Clear Lens which allows users to seamlessly switch between the laser’s black and red dual optics, with the option to view distances in either yards or meters. With these options, regardless of lighting on the course, golfers will be able to capture the target and be confident in the number. And, with six-times magnification, the PRO L1 has a range of up to 875 yards, meaning the flagstick is always within reach. The rangefinder also features Target Lock Vibration so it knows when the target is hit. The water-resistant laser was developed to play in all weather conditions, carrying conveniently positioned grip patches to prevent slipping from the hand.

Keep up-to-date with all of the Shot Scope visit www.shotscope.com.

Arcis Golf Amplifies Partnership with Els for Autism in April

Round Up 4 Els for Autism Rolls Out Nationwide

(Dallas, TX) — Arcis Golf—the second largest owner-operator of private, resort, and daily fee clubs in the United States—will launch “Round Up 4 Els for Autism” at nearly 60 Arcis Golf clubs starting April 1, in conjunction with World Autism Month.

An extension of Arcis’s partnership with legendary golfer Ernie Els and the Els for Autism Foundation, April’s program has two components.  Purchases—including merchandise, food and beverage, and golf—made by Arcis Golf club members, guests, and patrons are “rounded up” to the nearest dollar with the round-up amounts donated to the charity.   Additionally, each facility is free to stage its own affiliate events such as a golf tournament, fun run, casino night, or fashion show to raise funds in support of autism research. 

“Arcis Golf is proud to support the Els for Autism initiative through the participation of our generous members and guests,” said Blake Walker, Founder and CEO of Dallas-based Arcis Golf. “Our goal is to promote the tremendous work of the foundation, as well as raise funds for programs that create a better future for people with autism spectrum disorder, as one in every 54 children in the United States is affected by autism.”

Additional financial contributions will be accepted through September, either through an Arcis Golf Club or via an online donation.  Clubs or individuals raising or donating $15,000 or more will be invited to send a two-person team to play in October’s Els for Autism Golf Challenge Grand Finale event in the Bahamas. 

"The support and partnership of Arcis Golf is truly appreciated,” said Els, who established the Els for Autism Foundation in 2009 with his wife, Liezl, after their son Ben was diagnosed. “By rounding up and engaging golfers in this simplest of actions, we can generate funds to make the world a better place for people with autism.”

Els for Autism is committed to helping those with autism fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive, and rewarding lives. Currently, a major capital campaign is underway to fund construction of an Adult Services Center, Medical & Research Facility, and Sports Complex at the Els Center of Excellence, a world-class facility created by the Els family to host leading-edge autism programs and services located in Jupiter, Florida. 

The partnership with the Els Foundation is one of numerous ways Arcis Golf supports national philanthropic organizations, including United States Adaptive Golf Alliance, Love Hope Strength Foundation, and ClubsHelp, in addition to local charities in the communities it serves.

To learn more about Arcis Golf, visit www.arcisgolf.com.

PerfectMotion Receives Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Award among Industry’s Best Golf Swing and Game Analyzers

(BOSTON, MASS.) — PerfectMotion, developer of the industry-leading A.I.-powered, body-motion-training mobile app, is pleased to announce that it has received the prestigious Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Awards for 2020 for “Best Golf Swing and Game Analyzers.”

Launched in 2016, the Editors’ Choice Awards honors the best of the best in the golf industry ranging from golf courses and resorts to products and services. “This is Year 6 of our annual Editors’ Choice Awards package, offering once again an assortment of products that can help golfers play better, smarter and healthier in 2021,” says Golf Digest Deputy Digital Editor Ryan Herrington. The Golf Digest Editors’ Choice article says “The PerfectMotion app is an AI-powered platform that teaches golfers to groove efficient body motion by providing instant feedback and expert instruction on every swing. Users can also opt into personalized remote coaching with a top instructor to speed improvement of their games.”

The PerfectMotion app allows golfers to train efficiently, with or without a ball, while receiving expert guidance on every swing and putt. The app uses proprietary artificial intelligence to track the golfer’s body motion and instantly determine their key swing fault. The app then provides a custom video fix to help eliminate it. App subscribers who want to accelerate their improvement can choose from a list of top instructors worldwide, like Joe Hallett, Kevin Sprecher, Jake Thurm, PGA TOUR winner Chip Beck, Sarah Stone and Mike Sullivan to work with remotely in a uniquely personalized and effective way.

“It’s a huge honor to have PerfectMotion singled out as a part of Golf Digest’s prestigious Editors’ Choice Awards in just our first year of making the app available to golfers” says PerfectMotion founder and CEO Rich Kosowsky. “We hope this exposes the benefit of the app and the innovative continuous feedback it employs to help golfers achieve their personal best.”

PerfectMotion’s new Grooving feature allows users to save any swing with a desirable result as a model to match in a future training session. Designed with more accomplished players in mind, and inspired by professionals’ who “bank” swings for future reference when they’re performing well, Grooving helps golfers to develop their own successful, repeatable motion.  Utilizing a proprietary instant match score from 0 to 100 percent on every swing, this feedback-driven method is highly personalized and engaging.

Coupled with PPI, the PerfectMotion Performance Index, a numerical measure of motion efficiency from 0 to 100, Grooving advances the way golfers measure their performance and overall improvement. The PPI is a moving average, similar to a handicap, computed as an overall measure of a golfer’s motion efficiency over their last 200 swings and putts, and also individually, for BALL and NO BALL training sessions for each club.

The PerfectMotion app can be downloaded for the Apple iPhone in the iOS app store and for Android devices in the Google Play Store. The app comes with a 14-day free trial. After the trial, the Pro version costs $5.99 a month or a $59.99 annually.

For more information, visit PerfectMotion.io.