Miura Golf Ships Highly Anticipated Jack Nicklaus Commemorative Irons

The latest collaboration from Miura marks Nicklaus’ return to the equipment space

(Scottsdale, AZ) — After months of anticipation, Miura Golf today, on schedule, announced it has begun shipping limited edition Nicklaus-Miura Commemorative Irons to customers. The historic collaboration from the Japanese manufacturer and the 18-major winner are the first clubs to bear the Nicklaus name in more than a decade. The limited series of hand-forged Miura blades reflecting Jack’s preferred specifications will be shipped to collectors who prize both beauty and function. 

Jack and Miura patriarch Katsuhiro Miura both epitomize timeless class, exacting attention to detail and unrivaled performance. The living legends have produced a modern version of the classic Nicklaus blade that captures the essence of their lifelong commitment to perfection. 

The Nicklaus-Miura Commemorative Irons sold out within a week of first being announced during Jack’s Memorial Tournament in July 2020. 

“The overwhelming response to the Nicklaus-Miura Commemorative Irons illustrates the demand for selectively incorporating Miura’s legendary standard of excellence into collaborations that produce exquisite results,” Miura Golf CEO Hoyt McGarity said. “This is the best way to reintroduce Nicklaus irons to a new generation of golfers, and that’s by pairing the greatest golfer with the greatest forger for an iron that truly is worth the wait. This artisanal adaption of the Nicklaus blade represents the long-sought revival of the Golden Bear.”

Crafted with input from Jack to match his preferred club design and functionality, the irons were forged in the Himeji, Japan factory to produce the unmistakable Miura feel. Forged from premium S20C soft carbon steel and finished in satin chrome, the most defining characteristics of the Commemorative Irons are its unique look and sole. Through subtle grinding techniques, the center of gravity is a bit closer to the toe, while making certain that the distribution of weight in the head followed the design specifications Nicklaus preferred and used while on Tour.

Learn more about the Nicklaus-Miura collaboration at www.miuragolf.com/Nicklaus

College Golf Experience Launches with Exclusive Endorsement from Golf Coaches Association of America

Entities unite to connect college coaches and junior golfers

(LOS ANGELES, CA) – Newly-launched College Golf Experience (CGE) and the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) have combined forces for a first of its kind endorsement, leading to junior golfers having unprecedented access to learning what collegiate golf is like directly from coaches and players. Through this innovative partnership, coaches will showcase their programs via camps and unique events presented by CGE and participating college and university golf teams.

CGE was formed by golf industry leader Joshua Jacobs, founder and CEO of TGA Premier Golf, the top provider of after school introductory and camp-based junior golf programs. TGA is on pace to register its 1,000,000th junior golfer in 2022 and engages 50,000+ juniors per year through its golf programs.

“College Golf Experience is committed to building value for college coaches and creating unique and transformational opportunities for junior golfers at all stages of development with an emphasis on aspiring collegiate student athletes,” stated Jacobs. “CGE is a tremendous opportunity for young men and women, regardless of their playing level, to learn, compete and showcase their talents while interacting with college coaches and players in an immersive, fun, and educational setting. Having played college golf, I wish I’d had the chance to ask collegiate coaches and players about life as a college golfer, setting expectations and achieving my goals. Our participants will leave the CGE with a clearer vision of college golf and the road that leads there.”

CGE establishes opportunities to prepare young athletes for the future and allows coaches to connect with potential recruits. CGE represents a logical progression that advances the junior golf Player Pathway.

“The GCAA is excited about the additional opportunities for its member coaches that the College Golf Experience (CGE) is going to provide,” said GCAA CEO Gregg Grost. “The exposure that collegiate golf camps provide junior golfers is in many cases the first opportunity to meet a college coach, interact with college players and experience a college campus.  The commitment that CGE has to assisting coaches with their camps and making sure that the instruction level, curriculum and information pertinent to college golf is first class is why this endorsement makes so much sense for the GCAA.”

The partnership will provide flexibility for college coaches to participate in camps and other transformational experiences. All events cut directly to the core of detailing life as a college golfer, promote skill progression, and educate about the jump from junior to college golf. Participants receive professional skill-based instruction at top-tier golf facilities directed by collegiate coaches.

"I am excited for both coaches and juniors to work with College Golf Experience," said GCAA President John Kennaday. "We are endorsing this service to aid coaches who otherwise may not be able work with a trusted partner for their camp. In turn, we are proud to say juniors will be given more opportunities to interact with actual college coaches and receive the most up to date information regarding recruitment to college golf."

Campers engage in seminars related to: formatting communications to college coaches, learning what it takes to play golf at the collegiate level, life of a collegiate golfer, and learning how to separate from other recruits; as well as skill contests, simulated practice round and tournament experiences, Q&A discussions with their parents, and coach to junior player evaluations.  

Additional information is available at www.collegegolfx.com. Locations and dates for CGE camps at college campuses nationwide and other unique experiences will be announced this spring.

Sir Nick Faldo Announces New Golf Course Design in Vietnam

(Windsor, UK) — Sir Nick Faldo has revealed his latest golf course design with a new peninsula layout near Hanoi, Vietnam – Thanh Lanh Golf Club – wowing golfers with lakeside views and mountain horizons.

The unique setting is celebrated from all angles of the design with the site’s returning nines routing reimagining the peninsula layout and inviting the landscape into the playing experience across every hole. 

Away from the surrounding views, the design harnesses the natural context of the course and responds to it through the detailing of features, most notably using unique bunker shaping to mirror the overlooking mountain skyline.

Having recently adapted to remote working and virtual design direction in the latter stages of construction, the six-time Major Champion and World Golf Hall of Famer is set to complete work this summer on the new 18-hole course in Vinh Phuc Province near Hanoi. 

Sir Nick Faldo commented: “This is a special site and presents us with an opportunity to create a memorable, world-class golf course.  In addition to 9 lakeside holes, our design features spectacular mountain and lake views from all 18 holes.  We are also very fortunate to be working with a client who shares the same vision as we do in terms of incorporating the existing natural landscape into a high-quality strategic golf course and development.”

The course will measure at over 7,000 yards and present a strategic challenge using preserved local features, such as natural streams and relief, to create interest and shot variation around all 18-holes. However, with five sets of tees, the design offers an inviting playing experience for all golfing abilities with generous tee shots and downhill run offs supporting shorter hitters.  

Inspired by the local surroundings, Faldo Design Lead Architect, Andrew Haggar, said: “From the start of design to the completion of construction we have looked to be creative and innovative on this project. Establishing returning nines which both play out and back, and which share in the beauty of the lakeside, really set the foundation for maximising the site’s surrounding assets.”

“The closing stretch, I think quite fittingly, encompasses much of what we’ve tried to achieve by returning players along the shoreline of the lake to the new clubhouse with a magnificent mountain backdrop.  This place certainly has memorability and once visited players will definitely want to return.”

Sustainable practices have also remained at the forefront of the design’s decision making, implementing a comprehensive planting programme to support an ongoing thriving environment in addition to the ‘cut and fill’ practice used during the course’s construction phases to eliminate any earthmoving waste at the site. 

For more information on Faldo Design, go to www.nickfaldodesign.com.

Fits with the Founder Podcast Is Now Available

Club Champion’s newest content endeavor explores the golf industry at-large

(Willowbrook, IL) — Club Champion, the country’s top premium club fitter and builder, has launched their first podcast! Fits with the Founder, hosted by Master Fitter and the company’s founder Nick Sherburne, is now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and a variety of other podcast platforms. 

“This new endeavor is a great way for us to give an unaltered look into the golf equipment world,” said Cassandra Bausch, Club Champion’s Marketing Manager and Sherburne’s partner on the podcast. “It’ll be a more personal take from Nick and will allow us to explore things that traditional content mediums do not.”

The bi-weekly show will feature discussions on trending golf topics and interviews with everyone from athletes and influencers to equipment manufacturers from around the industry. It also has segments dedicated to listener questions, giving golfers one-on-one time with Sherburne or the episode’s guest to talk about a wide range of topics. So far, everything from gambling on the golf course to the emergence of new technology for club fitting has been covered and there are endless possibilities for future episodes. 

“Fits with the Founder is the perfect opportunity to not only entertain an audience, but also field a discussion between us and golfers everywhere,” said Bausch. “We’re excited to step into the podcasting world!”

As of publishing, two episodes have already launched and new content will be available every other Friday. To listen and subscribe, visit the show’s page on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Anchor.

For more information about Club Champion, visit www.clubchampiongolf.com.

Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company Debuts 2021 Precision Milled Forged Putter Line with New Model and Finish Options

The Company introduced the highly acclaimed line in 2019; now offers more selections for golfers demanding the feel only a forged putter can provide

(Fort Worth, Texas) – The Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company has long been known for crafting some of the finest forged golf clubs in the world.  In fact, their entire product line -including irons, wedges, hybrids, utility irons, drivers and even fairway woods -are constructed using a forging process that has been perfected over many years.  That’s because only a forged golf club can provide the feel and feedback discerning golfers demand. Ben Hogan himself once said the blissful sensation of hitting a pure shot would “... run through your hands, up your arms, and into your heart”; something nearly impossible to experience with harsh feeling investment cast golf equipment.

Today, Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company, introduced an enhanced 2021 line of  Precision Milled Forged Putters, based on strong consumer demand. The four (4) original models including three (3) blade-style offerings and one (1) mallet will be joined by a second mallet design called the BHM02.  The BHM02 is a highly contemporary, multi-material design comprised of a forged-milled aluminum face attached to a forged-milled 304SS body. The multi-material construction allowed our designers the ability to move more mass backwards and to the perimeter which resulted in the most forgiving putter in the Ben Hogan lineup. The BHM02 putter boasts a sleek double bend shaft and is face balanced for those players who prefer a straight back / straight through putting stroke.

According to Scott White, CEO of BenHogan Golf Equipment Company, “Feel is especially important on the putting green. That’s why the original Precision Milled Forged Putter line from Ben Hogan, which debuted in 2019, was crafted from soft, 1025 carbon steel, as the forging process strengthens and purifies the molecular structure of the steel to refine and tighten the grain structure of the head which, in turn, provides for uniform density across the entire clubface.”

White adds, “Though significantly more expensive and difficult to manufacture, when compared to inexpensive investment cast putters, all Precision Milled Forged Putters from Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company deliver unparalleled feel for more distance control and a truer roll because hot spots and, conversely, dead spots have been eliminated.”

Other popular models in the line will now be offered with a new finish option. A highly durable Platinum Nickel finish option will be available on the BHB01, BHB03 and BHM01 models.

“Serious golfers love the classic styling and feel of our putters” adds White. “The only negative feedback we’ve received over the past couple of years was that they were only available with our proprietary Diamond Black Metal finish. Some golfers really wanted a more traditional, yet extremely durable option.  The new Platinum Nickel option is the answer to those requests.” 

The enhanced 2021 line of Precision Milled Forged Putters from Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company includes: 

BHB01

Plumber’s neck blade design

1 shaft offset; 1.5 degrees loft

355 gram head with 43 degrees toe hand to promote active gate-swing putting stroke

RH only; available in Diamond Black Metal (DBM) or Platinum Nickel (PtNi) finish 

BHB02

Player’s blade with double bend shaft

1 shaft offset; 1.5 degrees loft

355 gram head; face balanced for those who putt with a straight back / straight through stroke

RH only; DBM finish only 

BHB03

Iconic player’ blade with flowing necl

1 shaft offset; 1.5 degrees loft

355 gram head weight with 50 degrees toe hang; ideal for and active open / close stroke

RH only; available in DBM or PtNi finishes 

BHM01

Classic player’s mallet

Single bend shaft with ½ shaft offset; 1.5 degrees loft

370 gram head; face balanced for those who putt with a straight back / straight through stroke

RH only; available in DBM or PtNi finishes 

BHM02 (new)

Contemporary player’s multi-material mallet

Double bend shaft with ½ shaft offset; 1.5 degrees loft

Face Balanced

370 gram head weight; face balanced for those who putt with a straight back / straight through putting stoke

RH only; Black DBM finish on the face and Platinum Nickel finish on the rails

As always, all Precision Milled Forged Putters will be built to the golfer’s individual specifications. The standard length for all Ben Hogan putters is 35.0”, but they can be lengthened up to 36.5” or shortened to 33.5” depending on customer preference. Standard lie on all putters is 70.0 degrees, but the Company will adjust up to 2.0 degrees flat of upright at no additional charge. All Ben Hogan Precision Milled Forged putters are sold on www.BenHoganGolf.com for $195.00 with choice of four (4) SuperStroke grip styles: SuperStroke Traxion Flatso 1.0, SuperStroke Traxion MidSlim 2.0, SuperStroke Traxion Slim 3.0 and SuperStroke Pistol GT 1.0

The Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company offers a number of consumer-centric programs, including free domestic shipping on orders over $750.00, flat-rate international shipping and a low or no-cost financing program. And, recognizing that many golfers want to personally experience equipment before they purchase, the Company offers a simple, risk-free Demo program, as well as a Trade-UP program where golfers can offset the cost of their purchase by selling used equipment back to the Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company. Keep up-to-date with all of the latest Ben Hogan Golf news on social media: Twitter @BenHoganGolf, Facebook @BenHoganGolfEquipmentCompany and Instagram @BenHoganGolf.

“The Dye” National Junior Invitational Announces 2021 Tournament Dates and Field

2020 Champions: John Marshall Butler and Laney Frye

Crooked Stick Golf Club – home to Pete and Alice Dye and their “firstborn” championship design – to stage 2021 edition on June 6-8

(CARMEL, IND.) – Members of Crooked Stick Golf Club today announced they will stage the Pete and Alice Dye Junior Invitational at their club on June 6-8, 2021. The national event, inaugurated in 2020, honors Crooked Stick’s founders – champion golfers and world-renowned golf course designers Pete and Alice Dye. “The Dye” field for 2021, announced today, showcases top-ranked national and international boy and girl competitors facing off in 54-holes of medal play at Crooked Stick – the Dye’s earliest championship design, dating from 1964.

About the Championship

The Dye is the only invitational where elite boy and girl golfers play for a national title on the same Top 100 course at the same time. The 33 boy/33 girl field also competes for points from World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), National Junior Golf Scoreboard (NJGS) and Golfweek Sagarin Junior Rankings.

Last year’s boy’s winner John Marshall Butler (now at Auburn University) took the crown at even par 216, finishing a stroke ahead of runners-up John Daly II, Jordan Gilkison and Drew Wrightson. Laney Frye (now at University of Kentucky) captured the girl’s title with a 2-under, 214 – finishing five strokes ahead of runner-up Kynadie Adams. Players returning in 2021 include top-five finishers from last year – boys: Daly, Gilkison and Wrightson, along with girls: Adams, Bailey Shoemaker and Reagan Zibilski.

Tournament Chairman Wayne Timberman said success and national media coverage of last year’s inaugural event exceeded expectations. “The strong field…the aura of Pete and Alice Dye and their beloved Crooked Stick…it all came together,” said Timberman, their life-long friend. “Pete and Alice took me under their ‘golfing wings’ when I was a junior player. Today, with this tournament, the Dyes are inspiring a whole new generation of junior golfers,” he said.

Live-stream and TV Broadcast

A live TV and internet audience – from 20 countries – tuned into watch the 2020 Dye Junior. “Once again, we will broadcast the final round,” said Tournament Media Director Chris Wirthwein. “Families, friends and fans everywhere in the world can see every player – boy and girl – compete at Crooked Stick,” he added. “Live TV coverage is one more thing that makes ‘The Dye’ special for players and fans.”

For more information – Details about the Pete and Alice Dye Junior Invitational, including the announced field for 2021 can be found at the championship’s website www.dyejuniorinvitational.com and social media: @TheDyeJunior (Twitter), thedyejuniorinvitational (Instagram) and @TheDyeJuniorInvitational (Facebook).

USGA Adds to World-Leading Collection with Pete and Alice Dye Artifact Donation

USGA partners with Crooked Stick Golf Club in preservation of couple’s unique legacy 

(LIBERTY CORNER, N.J.) – The United States Golf Association (USGA), at the invitation of Crooked Stick Golf Club members Joe and Marcia Luigs, along with Tony Pancake, the club’s director of golf, has acquired a selection of artifacts and ephemera from the estate of Pete and Alice Dye.

The collection, which is to be preserved at the USGA Golf Museum and Library, includes more than 50 items from the Dyes’ life and career together and was obtained from their home on the grounds of Crooked Stick in Carmel, Ind., which served as their summer residence for many years. Pete and Alice Dye designed Crooked Stick, which was founded in 1964 and has gone on to host six USGA championships, most recently the 2009 U.S. Senior Open.

Highlights of the collection include:

- Trophies from Alice’s illustrious amateur golf career

- Accolades and awards related to Alice’s career and service to the game

- Alice’s gavel from the American Society of Golf Course Architects, of which she was the first female president

- Alice’s blazers from the USGA Women’s Committee, the Women’s World Amateur Team Championship, and the Women’s Western Golf Association

- A selection of Pete’s architectural plans and course drawings

- Personal photographs, correspondence and documents

To view photos of the collection, visit usga.org.

“Pete and Alice Dye were longstanding pillars of the golf community, contributing to the game through their inventive golf course designs and mentoring those who followed in their footsteps,” said Hilary Cronheim, director of the USGA Golf Museum and Library. “This donation will allow us to more fully share their story with future generations. We are very fortunate to be continually entrusted with legacies such as the Dyes’.”

At the invitation of Crooked Stick, the USGA will share the important responsibility of preserving the legacy of Alice and Pete Dye, who passed away in 2019 and 2020, respectively. This donation ensures their storied partnership will be celebrated alongsideDye image for press release.png golf’s most impactful contributors at the USGA Golf Museum. The Dyes enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the club that will continue through its commitment to commemorating the couple’s legacy. In addition, Dye courses have hosted dozens of USGA championships, and Alice Dye had a long association with the USGA through her competitive and volunteer career, including two U.S. Senior Women's Amateur titles.

The Dyes’ approach to golf course design balanced innovation, challenge and accessibility. After marrying in 1950, the two became a dynamic duo in golf course architecture, amassing an impressive repertoire of championship courses, including Crooked Stick and The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tenn., which will host its sixth USGA championship in 2024, with two additional championships on the docket. Among the noteworthy Dye design collaborations are TPC Sawgrass (Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.), The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island (S.C.) Resort, the Teeth of the Dog Course at Casa de Campo (Dominican Republic), and Whistling Straits (Kohler, Wis.). In addition, several notable course designers, including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Doak, Bill Coore, the Dyes’ two sons, Perry and P.B., and their niece, Cynthia Dye McGarey, collaborated with or were mentored by the couple.

Throughout their partnership, Pete produced the initial designs, paying close attention to agronomy and layout, while Alice edited and amended Pete’s ideas. She is credited with suggesting some of the most innovative aspects of Dye designs, such as the island-green 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass.

In the 1980s, Alice presented her “Two-Tee System” as a solution for female golfers of varying skill levels who typically were afforded only one teeing ground option. Alice was voted president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects in 1997. As the first female to serve in that role, she strongly advocated for more women to be accepted as ASGCA members. Alice was most recently featured in the USGA Museum’s 2017-19 exhibit, “Breaking New Ground: Women and Golf Course Architecture.”

The USGA Golf Museum and Library is the nation’s oldest sports museum and the world’s leading institution for the collection, preservation, interpretation and dissemination of golf history. It is the most trusted repository for preserving the legacies of the game’s greatest figures.