Talamore Resort's Dual Threats

Pinehurst’s Talamore Resort is renowned for offering a pair of unique and outstanding golf experiences

(SOUTHERN PINES, NC) — Around the Sandhills of North Carolina, visitors to the renowned Talamore Resort stay and play two of the area’s finest courses, Talamore Golf Club and its sister course Mid South Club, both located on Midland Road midway between the Pinehurst Resort and Mid Pines/Pine Needles.

Once again in 2016, Talamore GC and Mid South have been recognized as among the state’s best. In North Carolina’s prestigious Top 100, which includes both private and public accessible courses, Mid South was ranked No. 57 in 2016, up from No. 71 last year. Talamore also broke into the Top 100 at No. 94.

North Carolina’s Top 100 courses are determined by a scoring system where panelists consider among these factors: routing, design, strategy, memorability, fairness, variety and aesthetics — all detailed in the April issue of Business North Carolina magazine and at NCGolfPanel.com.

Also in 2016 for the first time, the NC Golf Panel Rankings included a “Top 50 Courses You Can Play” in the Tar Heel State. On that list, Mid South ranked No. 16, while Talamore checked in at No. 33. In the panel’s “Top 5 Hidden Gems in the Sandhills,” Mid South was ranked No. 3 followed by Talamore at No. 4.

The North Carolina Golf Panel is comprised of golf media including some of the top daily newspapers in the state, as well as golf club professionals, noted amateurs, college golf coaches and business leaders. Each year, the Panel provides a well-researched list of the top golf courses in the state.

“We are thrilled to receive further recognition for our two outstanding golf courses,” said Matt Hausser, General Manager at Talamore Golf Resort “Talamore Golf Club will be better than ever following the upcoming conversion to Champion Bermuda greens and other enhancements to include improvements to golf cart access and general course playability.”

Talamore Golf Club has been ranked in the forefront of outstanding courses since opening in 1991. Architect Rees Jones, who helped fine-tune Pinehurst No. 2 for the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Opens, designed a course that is both visually striking and exceptionally enjoyable. The 7,020-yard layout was also made famous by instituting the first llama caddie program, which makes for an unforgettable day.

The greens project is expected to be complete by mid July — in time for the annual U.S. Kids World Golf Championship held throughout Pinehurst, and for which Talamore is a host golf and lodging facility.

At the Mid South Club & Lodge, 545 acres of longleaf pine forests, lakes and gently rolling hillsides provide a backdrop for a place of beauty and serenity. Formerly known as Pinehurst Plantation, Mid South was designed by the renowned team of Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay in 1993, and stands as one of the Carolinas’ most attractive private residential golf communities and a favorite for resort guests.

For information call (800) 552-6292 or visit www.TalamoreGolfResort.com.

Knuth Golf’s High Heat Driver Tops the Charts of Media Website Testing

(BONITA, CA) – Another media outlet has ordained Knuth Golf’s High Heat Driver THE club to own for amateur golfers.

The High Heat Driver rated tops in every category by participants in the Go Time Golf test, conducted earlier this month. The website summarized the detailed test results by saying: “The High Heat Driver has a unique drive-crushing sound of power! Their products are full of game changing technology. . .

“Knuth Golf advertises that its High Heat is LONGER, STRAIGHTER & MORE FORGIVING! All of which I found to be 100% TRUE! We highly recommend the High Heat Driver and are confident that you will fall in love with the performance of this driver.”

The High Heat Driver was designed by former USGA Senior Director Dean Knuth specifically with amateurs in mind because amateur golfers have much difference performance needs than the Tour pros. High Heat with its 25% deeper and 18% lower CG than major brands was launched at the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show to rave reviews for its Optimal CG Changer and Fire Zone Face technologies. It was called by Sports Illustrated Golf Writer Gary Van Sickle “the most significant technological innovation in golf equipment from the PGA Show, and an advantage for amateur golfers” and was named the “Best” driver by major media.

High Heat fairway woods and hybrids were introduced at this year’s PGA Show with the same driver technologies and They were also named the “Best” of the Show by major media.

"High Heat's much deeper and lower CG is very important," said Knuth. "Amateurs need a much deeper CG than the major brands to provide them with a higher ball flight without have to play with a high loft and more forgiveness. They also need a lower CG because they regularly hit in the area above High Heat's CG which is below the major brands' average CG location. Tests have proven that drives are longer when hit above a driver's CG compared to hitting below the CG."

Knuth Golf's Fire Zone Face Technology includes a unique face with a combination of seven different zones of variable thickness, including patented "parabolic" lobes at the top of the toe and heel of the face. This increases spring-like effect across the entire sweet spot zone while still conforming to USGA Rules and increasing the accuracy of High Heat.

In the Go Time Golf testing, the High Heat Driver received sparkling ratings in every category of the test. Here are some of the comments from the publisher of the website.

--“The first thing you will notice about Knuth Golf 's High Heat Driver is the metallic blue head and super polished face. It's extremely good looking at address and presents itself as an exotic looking high performance driver.”

--“The first ball I hit had the sound of a "Bombed" drive and a number of players on the range all turned around thinking: What Was That? The result of the first drive.... BOMBED, STRAIGHT and on TARGET with a baby draw. The ball just explodes off the clubface and this driver delivers a smooth but powerful feel throughout the swing.”

-- “On the range, overall, the High Heat averaged 5-10 yards longer (occasionally more) than my current M1 driver with my upgraded Fubuki shaft on every drive. I also found that this driver was virtually impossible to "over cook" left, which is my typical miss. . . .On to the course.   I hit 12/14 fairways with 7 drives being at least 1-2 clubs closer to the green than ever before. The 2 fairways missed were in the first cut of the rough”

Comments from testers were also supportive of the website’s conclusion and recommendation:
PING G Driver Owner: The High Heat is awesome. All drives were 20 Yards farther and much straighter (no slices) than what I am playing. Would definitely consider buying this driver.

Taylormade SLDR Driver Owner: Even though it doesn't have the adjustability of my driver it is by far longer and more forgiving. I will check out their site.

Adams Driver Owner: I Love this driver. I may need a senior shaft and more loft but even this set up is much longer than my Adams.

Callaway Driver Owner: WOW awesome performance, very forgiving and the sound has me sold! I will visit their site when I get done with my vacation. I should get one sooner as I have 16 more rounds to play before I get home!

The website summarized the detailed test results by saying: “We highly recommend the High Heat Driver and are confident that you will fall in love with the performance of this driver.”

 “These test results are very satisfying, and fall right in line with the positive comments we have heard from dozens of writers and broadcasters,” said Knuth. “Our chief goal is to assist amateur golfers of all skill levels in their quest to get better and gain more enjoyment from golf. These test results tell us we are accomplishing that objective.”

For more information about Knuth Golf, visit www.knuthgolf.com or call 410-353-0446.

Tidewater Golf Club Anchors Fall Elite Package, One of Myrtle Beach’s Best Multi-Round Deals

All-Star Package Features Golf at Tidewater, Prestwick Thistle and Arrowhead

(Myrtle Beach, S.C.) – The Fall Elite package, a four-round, golf-only deal anchored by Tidewater Golf Club, one of America’s best and most scenic courses, is available to savvy golfers, starting at $243.

The popular package includes golf at a quartet of 4+ star courses – Arrowhead Country Club, Prestwick Country Club, Thistle and Tidewater – and can be booked by all of the Grand Strand’s leading package providers.

Tidewater has long been regarded as one of Myrtle Beach’s most scenic layouts. The course has eight holes that play along either the Intracoastal Waterway or the marshy waters of Cherry Grove, highlighted by the par 5 13th, which offers a distant view of the Atlantic Ocean.

The par 3 third and 12th holes are arguably the best pair of one-shotters along the Grand Strand, as each brings the salty waters of Cherry Grove into play. Both tee shots feature a combination of challenge and beauty that leave golfers talking long after they’ve left Myrtle Beach.

Thistle Golf Club is home to the area’s nicest clubhouse, which features golf memorabilia that dates back to the early 19th century. The 27-hole facility is a links-inspired design that has drawn raves from Golf Channel’s travel portal, GolfAdvisor.com, where it was ranked No. 2 nationally in the site’s course power rankings by readers.

Arrowhead Country Club is another superb 27-hole facility. Home of the Lakes, Cypress and Waterway nines, Arrowhead is one of just seven Myrtle Beach area golf courses that play along the Intracoastal Waterway, leaving golfers looking forward to their next round.

A Pete and P.B. Dye design, Prestwick Country Club is one of the Grand Strand’s best and most underrated courses. A 4.5-star layout, the back nine at Prestwick, highlighted by the closing three holes, is as good as any in the area.

For more information on the Strand Elite package, go to www.TidewaterGolf.com.

Golf Channel, PGA of America Partner for 'National Instruction Day'

Eight Live Hours of Clinics to Feature Renowned PGA Professionals: Breed, Hall, Haney, Harmon, Leadbetter, McCormick, McLean & Utley

                                                 
(ORLANDO, Fla.) – Golf Channel – in partnership with the PGA of America – announced its plans for the inaugural “National Instruction Day,” airing on Wednesday, May 4, and featuring a dedicated day of live programming devoted to helping golfers improve their game. National Instruction Day will bring together several of the most respected and recognized PGA Professionals in the game – a culmination of a 100-day campaign celebrating the PGA of America’s Centennial – staging live clinics on Golf Channel, originating from golf courses around the United States, and spanning across four time zones, beginning at 10 a.m. ET.

“National Instruction Day may be the most impactful instruction initiative we’ve ever engaged in at Golf Channel,” said Kevin Schultz, senior director of lifestyle content for Golf Channel. “And that’s significant, given that instruction has been a pillar of our brand from the very beginning. With the support of the PGA of America and its Professionals, for the first time ever, we’ll be able to assemble the game’s most distinguished instructors on one given day, with one goal in mind: to help golfers play better and have more fun.”

“When the PGA of America’s founders gathered a century ago, they made it their mission to elevate the golf profession. The cornerstone of their plans was teaching the game,” said PGA President Derek Sprague. “We’re thrilled to partner with Golf Channel to present National Instruction Day, which will be celebrated from coast-to-coast and dedicated to the generations of PGA members who have ensured that all may enjoy the game of a lifetime.”

Each of the six golf course locations participating in National Instruction Day will feature a lead PGA Professional, along with two guest instructors working in collaboration on a live, one-hour clinic from their respective location. Participating PGA Professionals include: Michael Breed, Martin Hall, Hank Haney, Craig Harmon, David Leadbetter, Cameron McCormick, Jim McLean, Stan Utley, along with several others, including PGA President Sprague and PGA Secretary Suzy Whaley. The schedule of programming airing throughout the day, as well as corresponding instructors at each site includes:
 7 a.m.-10 a.m.  Golf Channel’s Morning Drive (Orlando, Fla.)
                          Special Guests: Pete Bevacqua, CEO, PGA of America (in-studio);
                          Blair O’Neal & Jeff Ritter (in-studio co-hosts for National Instruction Day)

10 a.m.-11 a.m. Baltusrol Golf Club (Springfield Township, N.J.)
                          Lead Instructor: Michael Breed
                          Guest Instructors: Lou Guzzi, Tom Henderson
                          Special Guest: Derek Sprague, President, PGA of America                                
                                                               
11 a.m.-Noon    Ibis Golf & Country Club (West Palm Beach, Fla.)
                          Lead Instructor: Martin Hall
                          Guest Instructors: Jim McLean, Craig Harmon
                          Golf Channel Host: Sara Brown

2 p.m.-3 p.m.    Keeton Park Golf Course (Dallas)
                         Lead Instructor: Cameron McCormick
                         Guest Instructors: Tony Martinez, Randy Smith
                         Golf Channel Host: Matt Adams

4 p.m.-5 p.m.   Cog Hill Golf & Country Club (Lemont Township, Ill.)
                         Lead Instructor: Stan Utley
                         Guest Instructors: Todd Sones, Kevin Weeks
                         Golf Channel Host: Charlie Rymer

6 p.m.-7 p.m.     Golf Channel’s Golf Central (Orlando, Fla.)
                          Special Guests: National Instruction Day instructors

7 p.m.-8 p.m.    Fossil Trace Golf Club (Golden, Colo.)
                         Lead Instructor: Hank Haney
                         Guest Instructors: Trent Wearner, Sandy LaBauve
                         Golf Channel Host: Brian Crowell

8 p.m.-9 p.m.    TPC Harding Park (San Francisco)
                         Lead Instructor: David Leadbetter
                         Guest Instructors: Suzy Whaley, Secretary, PGA of America; Josh Zander
                         Golf Channel Host: Lisa Cornwell

9 p.m.-11 p.m.  Golf Channel Studio A (Orlando, Fla.)
                         Lead Instructors: Michael Breed, Martin Hall
                         Guest Instructors: Mike Bender, Cheryl Anderson

Blair O’Neal and PGA Professional Jeff Ritter will participate in National Instruction Day, as hosts throughout the day from Studio A at Golf Channel’s World Headquarters in Orlando. O’Neal and Ritter will help viewers transition from one live clinic location to the next, expanding upon tips and themes offered at each clinic location leading up to the live, in-studio two-hour primetime show airing at 9 p.m. ET. Golf Channel’s Morning Drive will prepare viewers for the day of instruction ahead, welcoming O’Neal and Ritter in-studio for an overview of the clinics. Additionally, Pete Bevacqua, CEO of the PGA of America, is expected to join Morning Drive that day, along with Breed and Hall, who will offer a preview of their respective clinics.

National Instruction Day also will serve as an exclamation point on the PGA of America’s celebration of its Centennial in 2016. The 100-day celebration campaign began with a tribute from the PGA’s “Outdoor Demo Day” during its annual PGA Merchandise Show in January, which featured ceremonial tee shots with PGA Professionals from each of the 41 PGA Sections, along with members of PGA Junior League Golf. National Instruction Day on Wednesday, May 4, will mark the 100th day of the campaign. Since January, Golf Channel has been airing PGA Section spotlights on Morning Drive, profiling a charitable, social or educational program initiative taking place within each of the 41 PGA Sections.

Golfbreaks.com British Invasion

The recent success of Masters champion Danny Willett and a host of other English golfers have swung golf’s spotlight back to jolly ole England

(CHARLESTON, SC) — Englishman Danny Willett made headlines around the world with his remarkable Masters victory, while a quartet of his countrymen also recorded impressive top-10 finishes at Augusta National. Lee Westwood tied Jordan Spieth for second place. Paul Casey was fourth, Matthew Fitzpatrick ended in a three-way tie for seventh and Justin Rose tied for 10th.

This past weekend, another Englishman, former world No. 1 Luke Donald led through 61 holes before being overtaken by Branden Grace and eventually finishing tied for runner-up honors at the RBC Heritage on Hilton Head Island.

The recent British Invasion has swung the golf spotlight back to America’s jolly old neighbor across the pond. One of the best elements of a golfing trip to England is the chance to explore the nation’s rich history and cultural heritage. After a round, golfing groups can motor through the countryside’s rolling hills and pasturelands, visiting stately castles and ancient mansions along their route. Plus, the on-going strength of the dollar to the pound means now is a perfect time for American golfers to enjoy some of the great courses around England and throughout the British Isles.

Nearly two decades ago, the golf packaging website Golfbreaks.com made its debut in London working exclusively in the United Kingdom — sending British golfers on vacations around the British Isles playing some of the finest golf courses, as well as the hidden gems. No one is more familiar with the outstanding golf around England than the experts at Golfbreaks.com.

Today, Golfbreaks.com handles approximately 30,000 bookings a year averaging six golfers per group — or more than 200,000 individual customers. Last year, Golfbreaks.com launched a website called USA.Golfbreaks.com, designed for American golfers wishing to make a golf trip to the British Isles.

England’s premier golf courses rank among the best in world and are found in three distinct clusters: in the southeast hard by the English Channel, in the northwest outside the cities of Liverpool and Southport, and to the west and south of London.

An easy day-trip from London and known as the Garden of England, the Kent Coast is a veritable golfing hotbed that includes offers some magnificent parkland and links courses, plentiful accommodation and some truly breathtaking scenery. The stretch of coastline between Deal and Ramsgate is home to Prince's, Royal St George’s and Royal Cinque Ports, a trio of venerable Open venues within a few miles of each other and all considered Top 100 golf courses of the British Isles. Add to these the Nick Faldo-designed Chart Hills, the premium London Golf Club and the classic links of Littlestone, Kent is a great choice for a golf tour.

In the North of England, within an hour and a half of the international airport in Manchester, golfers enjoy a trio of incomparable links Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool (a.k.a. Hoylake) and Royal Lytham & St. Anne’s. Blessed with magnificent golf courses, glorious landscapes and vibrant towns and cities, a golf break in the North of England is always a terrific prospect with some outstanding venues that are among the best around. From Slaley Hall in the far north, down to Carden Park in Cheshire, Formby Hall in Lancashire and West Yorkshire duo Hollins Hall and Oulton Hall golfers enjoy great offers, championship golf and four-star luxury.

Golfbreaks.com does far more than simply providing a wealth of English expertise. Through the decades, Golfbreaks.com’s brand and identity have been solidified by saving golfers time and money by putting their trips together: Booking their tee times, doing all the running around for them. Golfbreaks.com saves golfers money by assuring the best possible prices — not only better than the competition, but also better than the prices golfers would pay if they tried to book the trip themselves.

At the end of every trip, Golfbreaks.com sends each individual trip organizer a detailed survey regarding their experience and the Golfbreaks.com service. More than 98 percent return with a very good/excellent rating of the overall service — and say they would book with Golfbreaks.com again.

Mickelson, DeChambeau Headline Field at Valero Texas Open

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – The PGA TOUR returns to the Lone Star state for the Valero Texas Open, as Phil Mickelson headlines the field, along with Bryson DeChambeau, who earned a top-5 finish last week in his first PGA TOUR event competing as a professional.

PGA TOUR
Valero Texas Open
Dates: April 21-24
Venue: JW Marriott, TPC San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas

Tournament Airtimes on Golf Channel (Eastern):
Thursday 3-6 p.m. (Live) / 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. (Replay)
Friday 3-6 p.m. (Live) / 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. (Replay)
Saturday 1-2:30 p.m. (Live) / 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. (Replay)
Sunday 1-2:30 p.m. (Live) / 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. (Replay)

Broadcast Notes:
- Walker defends: Jimmy Walker finished four shots ahead of fellow Texan Jordan Spieth for his fifth PGA TOUR win.

- Headlining the field: Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Branden Grace, Patrick Reed, Zach Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Matt Kuchar, Brandt Snedeker, Ernie Els and Jimmy Walker.

Golf Channel Broadcast Team:
- Play by Play: Steve Sands
- Analyst: Frank Nobilo
- Tower: Matt Gogel / Craig Perks
- On-Course: Billy Ray Brown
- Interviews: Scott Walker

Other Tours
The LPGA Tour is in San Francisco for the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic, where world No. 1 Lydia Ko defends.

World Golf Hall-of-Famers Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player lead the Legends division competing in the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri, where they’ll compete in teams of two.

Bubba Watson headlines the field at the Shenzhen International on the European Tour in China.

Troon Selected To Manage Rio Verde Country Club

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in golf course management, development, and marketing has been selected to manage Rio Verde Country Club in Rio Verde, Arizona, just minutes from Scottsdale.

Located in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains along the edge of the Tonto National Forest, Rio Verde is a private member-owned country club and is the centerpiece of the Rio Verde active adult community. Rio Verde features two 18-hole, Tom Lehman-designed golf courses (Quail Run and White Wing) and a 9-hole par-3 short course. Rio Verde’s Quail Run course opened in 1973 and was originally designed by Milt Coggins.  The White Wing course debuted in 1983 and was a Greg Nash and Jeff Hardin design. In 2007 and 2008, The Lehman Design Group completely redesigned and modernized Quail Run and White Wing. Quail Run now plays to a par of 72 and can be played from 4,806 to 6,602 yards.  White Wing is a par 71 layout and ranges from 4,672 to 6,535 yards.

“Rio Verde is one Arizona’s original active-adult communities,” said Jim McLaughlin, senior vice president, Troon Privé Operations. “Rio Verde’s location is absolutely stunning with mountain and desert views encompassing the property. A few years ago, The Lehman Group’s redesign of Quail Run and White Wing modernized the courses. Our Troon Privé team will now look to further elevate the club and increase memberships.”

Rio Verde’s 27,000 square-foot southwest-style clubhouse has multiple dining venues, including The Copper Room for elegant dining, the Verde Pub for casual fare, the Rio Verde Starbucks to start the day, and the Sundance Room for parties, dances and banquets. The Rio Verde community has all the amenities one needs for an active adult lifestyle including, tennis and pickleball courts, an art studio, fitness center, community church, library, hiking trails, biking and more.

“We are excited about hiring Troon as our management company,” said Lucy Lucas, president of Rio Verde Country Club.  “After an extensive search for the ‘right’ management company we strongly believe Troon’s expertise and depth of resources will give our members superior golf and dining experiences while realizing strong financial performance and the continued ability to attract and retain members.”

For more information on Rio Verde Country Club, visit www.rioverdearizona.com or call (877) 746-8373.

For additional news and information, visit www.Troon.com.