PXG Wedge and Putter Fitting Review (Detroit, Michigan) - PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas Letters from Santa Guest Review

You've seen the PXG commercials.  You can't look away really.  Whether it's about PXG clubs or PXG fittings the hype is immense.  And the craziest thing?  If you've played PXG clubs or went through a PXG fitting you know the reality actually exceeds even the hype.

You can add Darren (@steelstate18 on twitter) to the growing list of PXG Troops.  Darren won my PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas (Letters from Santa) PXG Sugar Daddy II wedges and Battle Ready putter fitting and was blown away by the entire experience.

Marriott Golf Global Getaways Offering Great Deals in Alabama and Arizona

Marriott Golf Global Getaways has a couple of great deals going on right now in Alabama and Arizona.

And if you've always wanted to play the courses at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, Alabama, or the Westin Kierland Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona there hasn't ever been a better time than now.

Club Champion Opens New Fitting Studio in Glasgow Scotland

The motherland of golf is joining the Club Champion family in 2023. The globe’s top club fitter and builder announced the opening of a new fitting studio located at Unit 2, 14 Buccleuch Av, Hillington, Glasgow, Scotland. The store is open and accepting fitting appointments.

This is the first location in Scotland for Club Champion, who also has partnered affiliations in Canada, England, and Australia. Club Champion acquired the UK-based club fitter Golf Principles in early 2022.

PUMA Golf Shows Off New IGNITE ELEVATE and Alphacat NITRO Shoes at 2023 PGA Show

PUMA Golf showed off two new golf shoes at the 2023 PGA Show, the IGNITE ELEVATE and Alphacat NITRO.

The main story with both the IGNITE ELEVATE and Alphacat NITRO is improved comfort and traction.

LA Golf Introduces New Bel Air and Malibu Putter Models and Customization Options at 2023 PGA Show

LA Golf introduced two new putter models and customization options at the 2023 PGA Show as demand for their unique (and high-priced) carbon composite putters continues trending upward.

Bel Air is the new blade model and Malibu the new mallet, and LA Golf told me they've increased MOI with both models to even higher levels than before.

Club Champion Iron Fitting Review (Columbus, Ohio) - PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas Guest Review

The first guest review of the year is a good one.  A really, really good one actually.  Rich (@golfafter60 on twitter) won the Club Champion iron fitting in my PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas Golf Giveaway and had an amazing day at his fitting.

I've been fit multiple times for clubs at Club Champion, including most recently for irons.  And every single time it's been educational, eye-opening, and ultimately one of the best fitting experiences I could have possibly have.  Rich was fit at Club Champion - Columbus, and in his own words, "the whole experience couldn’t have been better, and I’m extremely happy with the clubs I ended up with."

Galvin Green 2023 Part 1 Collection Reflects Joy of Top Performance

The 2023 Part One collection launching this month from leading high-performance apparel brand Galvin Green ensures golfers can focus on playing each round of golf in confidence and style knowing the garments will stand the test in all weather conditions to help achieve the joy of top performance.

Offering the most extensive choice of long-lasting sustainable apparel on the market, the latest range for men, women and juniors comprises almost 90 pieces in a selection of vibrant color combinations and size options. Innovative fabric technologies crafted into performance-driven designs give golfers the edge to get the most out of their game and enjoy it to the fullest. From exposure to cold and rain, to wind and sun, Galvin Green designers have ensured the eye-catching styles can be worn all-year round.

PUMA Golf Introduces New IGNITE ELEVATE Shoes

PUMA GOLF announced their all-new update to their IGNITE footwear franchise, the IGNITE ELEVATE. The shoes are designed to raise the level of function, comfort, and style for players looking for the ultimate in spikeless performance. Combining four distinct design elements, the IGNITE ELEVATE line aims to provide outstanding comfort in a variety of conditions with progressive PUMA styling that will boost any player’s confidence.

To ensure the new IGNITE ELEVATE shoes are as comfortable and functional as possible, the PUMA design team utilized IGNITE Foam in the midsole. Proprietary to PUMA, IGNITE FOAM not only provides exceptional cushioning throughout a round, both while swinging and walking, it also provides energy return for reduced foot fatigue. IGNITE Foam significantly contributes to the new IGNITE ELEVATE shoe’s level of step-in comfort, eliminating the need for a break in period before being ready for a trip to the course or practice range.

Original Penguin Signs Nico Echavarria as Brand Ambassador

Original Penguin Golf, a division of Perry Ellis International, is excited to announce the signing of PGA TOUR® Player Nico Echavarria as a brand ambassador. Echavarria is making his PGA Tour debut this season wearing Original Penguin’s Spring 2023 collection.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nico as our next Original Penguin brand ambassador,” said Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO of Perry Ellis International. “Nico is a very talented player whose style, personality and international background makes him a perfect fit for our Original Penguin team.”

Brooks Koepka Set to Join Stellar Field at the International Series Oman

Four-time major champion Brooks Koepka will join an elite field at Al Mouj Golf, Muscat on 9-12 February at the International Series Oman.

The 32-year-old American will be making his debut in the Asian Tour’s enhanced tournament series, which features 10 events in 2023 with a minimum prize fund of US $2M.

Dubai Desert Champion Uses Fujikura Ventus for Win

Fujikura, the leader in performance golf shafts, was honored to be winning driver and wood shaft on the DP World Tour this week. The three-time Dubai Desert Classic champion used all VENTUS in his woods and driver shaft on his way to his first win in 2023. The eventual winner and current World Number One used the VENTUS 6X Black in his driver and the VENTUS 9X Black in his 5-wood on his way to victory.

Over on the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open, Fujikura was once again the #1 driver and wood shaft for the week. Over 32% of the field used a Fujikura driver shaft, with another 29% of the field using a Fujikura wood shaft. The winner at Torrey Pines was also included in this, using the VENTUS TR Blue 8X in his 3-wood on his way to victory in California.

Santa María Golf Club of Panamá to host 2024 Latin America Amateur Championship

The Masters Tournament, The R&A and the USGA have announced that the ninth edition of the Latin America Amateur Championship (LAAC) will be contested at Santa María Golf Club in Panamá City, Panamá, January 18-21, 2024. The LAAC will return to Panamá for the second time in the event’s history and make its debut at Santa María Golf Club.

“It is an honor to host the top men’s Latin American amateurs at our beautiful venue for the 2024 Latin America Amateur Championship,” said José Ignacio Olea, General Manager of Santa María Golf Club. “Santa María Golf Club will provide a quality backdrop to showcase some of the best players in our region.”

Wilson Adds Two More Players to Professional Golf Advisory Staff

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. today announced that professional golfers Willie Mack III and Alex Knappe have joined its professional Golf Advisory Staff. Mack joins Wilson’s PGA TOUR roster that includes John Augenstein, Kevin Chappell, Quade Cummins, Padraig Harrington, Kevin Kisner, Trey Mullinax, Brendan Steele, Kevin Streelman, Martin Trainer and Kevin Tway; and LPGA Tour player Sophia Schubert.

“Wilson’s momentum and player adoption on worldwide tours highlights the quality, consistency and, most of all, the performance of our premium golf equipment,” said Tim Clarke, President, Wilson Golf. “Having up-and-coming players like Willie and Alex choose to play our products mirrors what’s happening on golf courses around the world: better players are trusting Wilson Golf equipment.”

Duca del Cosma Wows Retailers and Attendees at the 2023 PGA Show

Duca del Cosma, the luxury Italian fashion brand that sells its distinctive handcrafted golf shoes in 46 countries worldwide, wowed American retailers attending the PGA Show last week to secure a record number of forward orders for its latest collection that offers something completely different from any other brand on the market.

Exhibiting in Orlando for the sixth successive year to an audience of nearly 7,000 PGA professionals and more than 800 media, Duca del Cosma unveiled its most advanced range in a host of vibrant colorways, including its feature-packed PRO SPIKE collection offering Tour-level performance and stability to both men and women golfers.

Reynolds Lake Oconee Honored on Golfweek Best List of 2023

Reynolds Lake Oconee has been recognized on two of Golfweek’s Best lists for 2023: Top 200 residential golf courses in the U.S. and the Top 200 resort courses in the U.S.

Reynolds Lake Oconee boasts some of the most diverse golf experiences in the southeast with courses designed by legendary architects: Great Waters by Jack Nicklaus, The National by Tom Fazio, The Oconee by Rees Jones, The Landing and The Preserve by Bob Cupp, as well as the members-only Creek Club by Jim Engh.

Sacks Parente Releases New Fang Shape Drac Putter

Sacks Parente Golf (SPG), is delivering a shiver in the golf industry by introducing the newest addition to its innovative putter portfolio – the DRAC, a fang-shaped mallet putter built for golfers who want to make more putts. SPG is the creator of exceptional putting instruments and a growing portfolio of golf shafts, grips and other golf related products.

Short for Dracula, the Series 02 DRAC boasts a striking silhouette that delivers stability on every stroke; a straighter roll, even on off-center hits; a square putter face at impact; and the distinctive feel that all SPG putters provide – all resulting in more putts made.

USGA Annual Awards Celebrate Volunteerism, Turfgrass Research and Literature

Recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional efforts in volunteerism, innovation and golf literature, the USGA has announced the 2023 recipients of its Annual Awards, including the Joe Dey Award, the Herbert Warren Wind Award and the Green Section Award.

Robin Farran is the recipient of this year’s Joe Dey Award in recognition of nearly 30 years of meritorious service to the game as a volunteer. “Bless•ed One,” by James Roth, has been selected as the winner of the USGA’s Herbert Warren Wind Award. Roch Gaussoin is the Green Section Award honoree for introducing new technologies and processes that advance putting green construction and management.

Padraig Harrington Set to Tee it Up at the 2023 Ras Al Khaimah Championship

Major winner and 2020 European Ryder Cup Captain Padraig Harrington is set to tee it up at the upcoming Ras Al Khaimah Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club from February 2-5, 2023.

The 15-time DP World Tour winner joins an already-impressive field which includes defending champion Nicolai Højgaard, his twin brother Rasmus and New Zealand's Ryan Fox, who finished second in the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex last season.

The International Series Kicks Off the 2023 Asian Tour Season with a Blockbuster Field in Oman

The International Series returns in 2023, making its Middle Eastern debut at Al Mouj Golf, Oman, from 9-12 February with the Asian Tour’s enhanced tournament series’ strongest field to date.

The 132-player field including golfers from 23 countries across 6 continents is headlined by major winners Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen, and Charl Schwartzel.

Bridgestone Golf Introduces New e9 Long Drive Golf Ball

Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, has announced the new e9 Long Drive, a new golf ball designed in conjunction with World Long Drive professionals.  The new e9, the Official Ball of World Long Drive, will be used in all WLD competitions and is the longest ball in the Bridgestone Golf portfolio.

The new ball, which is aimed at players looking for maximum carry and the ultimate in overall distance, features a two-piece construction with injection molded seamless Surlyn cover and Bridgestone’s Tour-proven 330 dimple pattern. An extreme gradational core (softer in the center, firmer toward the exterior) promotes extreme ball speed and lower long game spin. The uniquely-designed e9 Long Drive also offers higher launch, more carry, and more overall efficiency.

Cleveland Golf Announces New Frontline Elite Putters with One of a Kind Tungsten Face

The all-new Frontline Elite Putter line from CLEVELAND GOLF features eight carefully crafted models with improved forward weighting and face technology, all designed to help golfers hit straighter putts with consistent speed and distance. The Frontline Elite Putters are slated to launch Feb. 22.

Frontline Elite Putters were carefully designed to reduce adverse effects of off-center strikes and help players sink more putts, regardless of stroke type.

Arccos Golf Announces New Features and Platform Extensions for 2023

Arccos – the pioneer of big data and Artificial Intelligence for golf – has announced a series of product innovations and platform extensions as it continues to leverage the power of its unrivalled and largest on-course dataset that now includes 700 billion data points and more than 625 million shots taken by Arccos users during over 13.5 million rounds.

Geared to help golfers and golf businesses harness the power of data to perform their best, Arccos releases for Q1 2023 will include the following.

Adidas x Burning Cart Society Collection Reminds Golfers of the Importance of Nature in the Sport

Since golf is primarily played outdoors, the natural setting is as much a part of the round as the golf shots that move players along. With nature in mind, adidas is focused on continuing a material revolution that puts athletes – and the planet – first. Today, adidas’ journey to a world beyond plastic continues by introducing a special collection of adicross products with Burning Cart Society that are Made with Nature.

The adidas x Burning Cart Society collection is one of the ways adidas is teaming up with eco-partners – like Burning Cart Society – to start closing the loop. Built within the adicross range, this product is made in part with natural and renewable materials as part of adidas’ journey to design out finite resources and help end plastic waste.

The New e6 Bridgestone Golf Ball Provides Enhanced Feel and Longer Distance

Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, announced today that the new e6, the longest running and historically biggest selling model in the company’s lineup, is now redesigned to provide a softer, more pleasing feel at impact with maximum distance for value-minded players.

After 15 years of success, the e6 is still going strong, with a new design aimed at players that want an exceptionally soft feel and pleasing sound at impact without giving up any distance off the tee. In the case of the new e6, those that don’t have Tour-level swing speed will greatly benefit from the soft, extremely large gradient core and Bridgestone’s advanced dimple technology and aerodynamics. As always, a seamless Surlyn cover helps provide a combination of speed, distance, and exceptional durability.

Streamsong Set to Begin Construction on The Chain Fourth Course

Streamsong Golf Resort revealed the highly anticipated construction schedule for “The Chain,” nearly one year to the day since the concept of the new golf offering was first announced. Construction on the course will begin in early March with hopes of a fall 2023 grand opening. “The Bucket,” a two acre putting course that is part of the new concept also steps from the Lodge entrance, will follow The Chain timeline.

Since Streamsong announced the name, logo and initial routing last spring, the Coore and Crenshaw design team have returned to the roughly 100 acre site on several occasions and are taking advantage of every opportunity to showcase the unexpected elevation changes and live oak groves, water features, and sandscapes throughout to create a compelling layout. The legendary duo who also designed Streamsong Red, which opened in 2012 with “Best New U.S. Course” honors and is perennially ranked among the top 30 courses in the U.S. by Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Golfweek, have made several changes and additions to the original routing.  Most notably, the 3,000 yard walking layout now includes 19 holes ranging from 90 to over 275 yards, with a six- and 13- hole loop.

Lamkin Grips Announce 2023 New Product Line

Lamkin Grips announced today its new additions to the product lineup for 2023. The Sonar+ Black, UTX Green and UTX Blue, and Crossline 360 models have been added to build upon the equity built in the brand’s core products.

Lamkin CEO Bob Lamkin shared that he is “very enthusiastic about the new products we’ve added to this year’s product lineup. We’ve doubled down on what golfers really like about our products and have extended both the Sonar, UTX, and Crossline 360 product families to provide our customers even more feel, performance, and confidence each time they step onto the golf course.”

Golf Datatech and Yano Research Institure Unveil 2023 World Golf Report on Study of Golf Equipment and Apparel Sales

Golf Datatech, LLC, and Yano Research Institute Ltd., the golf industry’s two leading independent research and data firms, have introduced the “World Golf Report 2023,” the industry’s only global golf retail study. The 2023 edition of the report, the 5th edition since 2015, provides an in-depth global retail market summary based upon geography, size and economic significance of the now $20 billion worldwide golf equipment and apparel market, which encompass the $11.1 billion equipment and the $8.9 billion apparel sectors, respectively.

Among the key highlights of the study, worldwide golf equipment and apparel sales exploded to all-time highs in 2021 following the pandemic, surging more than $5 billon.

Three Troon International Venues Host Three Different Tour Events in Three Different Countries All in Same Week

Troon’s international properties are braced for the staging of multiple top tier events over the coming days. Within the next week, three Tour events will take place at three Troon International locales; with MENA Tour back-to-back events at the Madinaty Golf Club, Royal Greens Golf & Country Club will host the Asian Tour’s Saudi International tournament, as well as Al Hamra Golf Club which prepares for the second instalment of the Ras al Khaimah Championship on the DP World Tour.

As the leader in golf course management, development and marketing, Troon continues to support host facilities across agronomy, operations and marketing to ensure they have the tools in place to effectively showcase their golf courses when welcoming some of the world’s best golfers.

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Begins Renovation of Famed Champions Course

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa has broken ground on the renovation of its famed Champions Course, one of its two 18-hole courses, as it prepares to host three consecutive NCAA Division I Women’s and Men’s Golf Championships beginning in May 2024.

The renovation and ensuing NCAA Championships mark the beginning of a new chapter at one of the country’s most-iconic golf resorts. The golf course work will be led by Hanse Golf Course Design, founded by acclaimed architect Gil Hanse, who recently designed Fields Ranch East at the soon-to-open Omni PGA Frisco Resort in Frisco, Texas.

Aon Risk Reward Challenge at AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am

At one of the signature closing holes in all of golf, winners of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am have used informed insights to take a better approach on the path to victory. In final rounds, winners have taken a risk-averse strategy.

Just two of the last 19 winners here have gone for the 18th green in two in the final round. The numbers say taking the ocean left out of play is the better decision: over the last 5 years, players are more likely to make bogey or worse with a tee shot to the left side.

70th PGA Show Closes and Signals Big Year Ahead for Golf

Nearly 30,000 PGA Professionals, golf leaders, industry executives and retailers from more than 86 countries came together to meet with more than 800 golf companies at the 70th PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, Jan. 24-27, 2023. Following two years of business disruptions by the global pandemic, the PGA Show was a clear sign of a bullish year ahead for the continued growth of the sport and the $84 billion golf industry.

The PGA Show, organized by PGA Golf Exhibitions and the PGA of America, began in the trunks of cars at a winter golf tournament in 1954 and has grown into golf’s longest running and largest global business gathering. Among the tens of thousands of attendees were nearly 7,000 PGA, LPGA and international PGA Professionals and more than 800 media reporting from the annual event.

Titleist Introduces Ultra Lightweight TSR1 Drivers, Fairway Woods, and Hybrids

Titleist introduces the final additions to its breakthrough TSR metalwood family with the launch of the new TSR1 driver, fairway and hybrid. Engineered for the moderate swing speed player – those with driver swing speeds less than 90 mph – TSR1 promotes optimal launch conditions through an ultra-lightweight design, enhanced aerodynamics and strategically placed Center of Gravity (CG). The line is designed to bring these players effortless speed, distance and high launch without sacrificing forgiveness, looks or feel.

TSR1 metals will be available for fittings and presale on Feb. 2 and in golf shops worldwide on Feb. 23.

Titleist Introduces New Scotty Cameron Super Select Putters

For the latest evolution of the world’s finest milled putters, Scotty Cameron builds upon the tour-proven success of 2020's Special Select line and introduces 10 new Super Select models in 2023, which will be launched in two worldwide releases.

Scotty has pushed his blade and mid-mallet designs even further with better performance, new milling techniques, refined shapes, improved multi-material construction and cutting-edge weight distribution to deliver a Select line superior to any before it. The result – Super Select.

Titleist Introduces Limited T100, T100S, and T200 Irons in Tour Inspired Black Finish

The precision, feel and playability of Titleist T100, T100•S and T200 irons are now available in an all-black Titanium Carbide Vapor finish, bringing a new look to the most played irons on the PGA TOUR.

Available for pre-sale beginning Feb. 23 and in golf shops worldwide on March 3, the new T-Series Black irons utilize an improved heat-treated binding process to deliver a stylish, tour-inspired look that players love with an even more durable, long-lasting finish.

A Record-Breaking 2022 for Club Champion

Club Champion experienced a memorable 2022.  There were many new store openings, record setting fittings, and all time highs in available club combinations to name just a few of the milestones.

And Club Champion is entering 2023 inspired to continue helping golfers all around the world play their best golf.

Galvin Green Delivers Sustainability Report at PGA Show

To coincide with exhibiting at the 2023 PGA Show this month (#7253), leading golf apparel brand Galvin Green has published a Sustainability Report that sets out its green credentials and goals, plus the thoughts of retail partners, industry experts, suppliers, Tour players and staff members.

The report charts the brand’s relentless quest to produce long-lasting garments since 2013, when it first used globally recognized bluesign® approved fabric in its rainwear. It also incorporates independent research* commissioned by Galvin Green among North American golfers last year on the subject of sustainability in golf. Around 70% of the latest collection displayed in Orlando is made from responsibly sourced fabric, including sweaters derived from recycled plastic bottles.

Mizuno Adds PGA Tour Star Ben Griffin and Korn Ferry Tour's Jacob Bergeron to Growing Roster of Talent

Mizuno, the Japanese equipment manufacturer long renowned for its technically advanced golf equipment, has announced the signings of two talented players – Ben Griffin and Jacob Bergeron – as the company continues to expand its team and look to the future.

Continuing its recent tour regeneration and recruitment of exciting, emerging talent, Mizuno has announced that PGA Tour player Ben Griffin (pictured above) has joined Team Mizuno.

Couples, Els, Furyk, and Stricker Commit to Play in the Inaugural Galleri Classic at Mission Hills Country Club

Blazing a trail towards a new era of professional golf in the Coachella Valley, The Galleri Classic began to unveil its blueprint in building the best field that PGA TOUR Champions golf has to offer by announcing its initial playing commitments. Fred Couples, the 1992 Masters champion, four-time major champion Ernie Els, 2003 U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk and 12-time PGA TOUR winner and 2021 United States Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker have all committed to play in The Galleri Classic.

The Galleri Classic, named after title sponsor GRAIL’s multi-cancer early detection test, debuts March 22-26 on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course at the renowned Mission Hills Country Club.

Vantage Tag Systems Debuts Industry's First 10+ HD Display with Orientable Viewing Modes

Vantage Tag Systems a wholly owned subsidiary of DSG Global is pleased to announce the debut of their new 10” High Definition Display with a unique feature that allows the operator to choose their mounting preference from either steering column (portrait) or roof mount (landscape) without sacrificing the golfer’s viewing experience.

The Infinity 10” HD Display provides the golfer with vivid hole graphics, 3D hole flyovers, F&B ordering, individual & tournament scoring, Pace of Play notifications, Cart ahead displayed with distance to improve player safety, 2 way messaging with clubhouse, Pro Tips, Programmatic Advertising, all from an intuitive touch menu with an anti-glare screen and Bluetooth connectivity so they can make and receive phone calls.

Edel Golf Adds New Players Style Grind to Award Winning SMS Wedges

Introducing the next great grind in the SMS (Swing Match System) wedge line, the new low bounce, multi-tool, P-Grind. The SMS wedge line has been a smashing success globally for Edel Golf. Designed from the swing back, the SMS wedges are built to fit every golfer’s unique swing with their revolutionary Swing Match Weighting Technology.

A true player’s grind…The P-Grind is a wider sole, low bounce wedge that is incredibly versatile. Offered only in 58 and 60 degree lofts, it’s a great sole for opening up and hitting all the shots around the green and especially in bunkers. Because of the wider sole and low bounce, it’s versatile through all condition types and excels in those tight, nippy lies around the green.

Edel Golf Launches Major Technological Advancement in Pro Style Irons

Introducing the Edel Golf SMS (Swing Match System) Pro Irons, the most advanced players iron golf has ever seen. The SMS Pro Irons blend beauty, precision, and performance, featuring our revolutionary Swing Match weighting technology, which allows players to dial in their irons with more precision and accuracy than ever before.

The SMS irons are also created through a multi-step Precision Grain Forging process, which enhances consistency, feel, and durability. In addition, the Tour Inspired Tri-Stepped Sole Design optimizes turf interaction for enhanced performance.

Bridgestone Golf Continues to Innovate with New e12 Contact Balls for 2023

Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, announced today the all new e12 CONTACT golf ball, featuring a FLEXATIV cover, the fourth generation of Contact Science that helps create 46% more surface contact at impact.

Borrowed from Bridgestone Tire, Contact Science optimizes the moment of impact, yielding faster speeds on more powerful contact and higher spin rates on less powerful contact.

Omni La Costa and Hanse Golf Course Design Begins Champions Course Renovation Project

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa has broken ground on the renovation of its famed Champions Course, one of its two 18-hole courses, as it prepares to host three consecutive NCAA Division I Women’s and Men’s Golf Championships beginning in May 2024.

The renovation and ensuing NCAA Championships mark the beginning of a new chapter at one of the country’s most-iconic golf resorts. The golf course work will be led by Hanse Golf Course Design, founded by acclaimed architect Gil Hanse, who recently designed Fields Ranch East at the soon-to-open Omni PGA Frisco Resort in Frisco, Texas.

Bag Boy Announces Release of New ZTF Stand Bag

Bag Boy is pleased to announce the release of its highly anticipated ZTF Stand Bag.

Hitting the market February 1st, the ZTF Stand Bag is equipped with Zip-to-Fit™ functionality, a proprietary technology that allows users to easily unzip and remove larger exterior pockets that reveal smaller, yet functional, secondary pockets on the bag.

Honma Golf Debuts Next Generation Beres Nx Family of Woods and Irons

Honma Golf, the leader in beautifully crafted performance golf equipment,  announces the North American introduction of the new BERES Nx line of drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons. This Next Generation of BERES makes the renowned luxury brand more accessible to golfers who seek ultimate craftsmanship and luxury equipment without the ultra-premium price point of the brand’s marquee BERES 3-, 4- and 5-star models.

BERES Nx resides in the game-improvement category but appeals to a younger player than traditional BERES clubs. It can also be played by a broad handicap range, including better players needing stiffer shaft flexes. This new line features Honma’s lightweight holistic design that brings together speed and game improvement performance through its traditional integration of head and shafts being designed in tandem. Golfers will be thrilled by the reliable and consistent ball flight they get from BERES Nx.

True Linkswear to Debut True Apparel Collection at 2023 PGA Show

TRUE linkswear (TRUE), purveyors of ultra-comfortable, modern golf footwear designed for the rigors of walking amid the elements, will debut its Apparel Collection at the 2023 PGA Show Jan. 24-27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Including TRUE’s previously released All Day Chino and 5-Pocket Pant, the Collection of elevated essentials features the All Day Jogger, Hybrid Jogger, All Day Hoodie, Quarter Zip, Crew Neck, Three Unique Polos, a Refreshed Custom Hat Program and New Performance Socks.

Titleist Introduces New Vokey Design SM9 Wedge Lightweight Options for 2023

Vokey Design SM9 wedges featuring lightweight steel and graphite shafts will be available at retail beginning March 10 worldwide, providing more in-store options for moderate swing speed players.

The SM9 lightweight featured shaft program is aimed at players who may gain better control around the greens with a shaft profile consistent throughout their bag. For golfers who prefer lightweight shafts in their irons, having wedge shaft options at retail is a critical part of finding the right wedge and improving their wedge play.

Bridgestone Golf Partners with FlightScope for New and Improved Autonomous Ball Fitting Technology OTTO GEN2

Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, today introduced OTTO GEN2, the new, more portable version of their autonomous ball fitting technology. Designed to provide the simplistic interface and entertainment factor of the original OTTO, OTTO GEN2 provides the most engaging way yet for players to find the right Bridgestone Golf ball for their game.

When it comes to ball fitting, Bridgestone Golf has been the clear leader for nearly two decades, with close to four million fittings completed since 2006. The data from these fittings, all of which was gathered from a combination of live and online sessions (including with the original OTTO), has allowed Bridgestone engineers to tighten up the fitting algorithm in the new OTTO GEN2. The results are not only greater accuracy for a wider range of players but also the inclusion of Bridgestone’s new golf ball models for 2023.

GolfPass Reveals 2023 Golfers Choice List of Recreational Golfers Best Courses

The ninth edition of the highly anticipated Golfers' Choice lists were revealed this week by NBC Sports Next’s GolfPass, which include 69 categories generated by golfer reviews to determine the best golf courses played by recreational golfers in 2022. The lists are headlined by the “Top 50” courses in America and can be found within dedicated pages on GolfPass.

Relied on by recreational golfers for its user-generated golf course reviews and expert travel content, GolfPass creates the Golfers’ Choice lists every January to recognize top courses as determined by golfers who shared more than 315,000 reviews the previous year through NBC Sports Next’s leading online tee-time service, GolfNow. The pandemic golf boom continued to bring in more reviews than ever before.

First Tee Naples/Collier Hosts Swing Fore the Future Featuring Golf Legends

February 13th will be a hole-in-one for kids and golfers at the First Tee-Naples/Collier gala, “Swing Fore the Future.” The event will take place at Arthrex, Inc. in Naples, Florida. Arthrex is also the presenting sponsor. Golf Channel Host Rich Lerner will moderate a fireside chat with PGA Tour and Champions Tour Legends Peter Jacobsen, Bernhard Langer, Padraig Harrington, and Jeff Maggert. Proceeds will fund First Tee’s new Learning Center.

“Having a Learning Center will give kids a much-needed head start on understanding the fundamentals and disciplines of the swing but, more importantly, the opportunity to build life skills and leadership skills along the way,” says Jacobsen, a Bonita Springs resident.