Tuesday, May 9, 2023

8th U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship – Inside the Field

The U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball was first played in 2015. The championship is open to two-player sides (or teams) of female amateurs with individual Handicap Indexes not exceeding 14.4. There are no age restrictions, and partners are not required to be from the same club, state, or country.

Here's a look at the 64 teams (or sides) and 128 golfers in the 2023 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball field.  Play begins this week, May 10th through May 17th at The Home Course in Dupont, Washington.

8th U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship Fact Sheet

The Home Course, in DuPont, Wash., has been chosen by the USGA to host the 8th U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship. The dates of the championship are May 13-17, 2023.

This will be the second USGA championship to be held at The Home Course, which hosted the 2014 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links. The course also served as the stroke-play co-host for the 2010 U.S. Amateur and 2021 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball, each of which was contested at Chambers Bay. The U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship returns to the Pacific Northwest for the first time since the inaugural event was played in 2015 at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, in Bandon, Ore.

So Yeon Ryu Receives Special Exemption into 78th U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links

So Yeon Ryu, the 2011 champion from the Republic of Korea, has accepted a special exemption from the USGA into the field for the 78th U.S. Women’s Open Championship, to be contested July 6-9 at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links. Ryu, whose maiden major victory came in the U.S. Women’s Open at The Broadmoor (East Course) in Colorado Springs, Colo., will be making her 14th consecutive start in the championship.

“I am excited and honored to accept this special exemption into the U.S. Women’s Open,” said Ryu. “This championship means so much to me, and to be able to compete in it again, and to do so at a place as special as Pebble Beach, is thrilling, and I am so grateful to the USGA for this opportunity. I look forward to teeing it up there in July.”

National Golf Day and New Economic Impact Study

The American Golf Industry Coalition, which represents a partnership among golf’s leading organizations, is celebrating the 15th annual National Golf Day today. The event includes hundreds of representatives who have gathered to reinforce golf’s economic, societal, environmental, and health contributions through more than 200 meetings with Members of Congress and their staffs.

The Coalition is also releasing a new national Economic Impact Study, which shows golf’s growth in popularity as a recreational activity with roughly 1 in 7 people participating and a $102 billion direct economic impact in 2022, an increase of 20% over its $84 billion direct impact in 2016.

Father's Day Gift Ideas for the Golfing Dad

Golf Simulators continue to gain popularity in residential and commercial spaces.

And with prices the best they've ever been, this might be the ideal time to splurge on dad and get him something for Father's Day he'll use forever.

Can K.H. Lee Join the Elite PGA Three-Peat Crew

The PGA Tour touches down in McKinney this week for the AT&T Byron Nelson, the final tune-up for players ahead of next week's PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club.

Before we dive into the PGA Championship, history could be made as K.H. Lee won both editions of the tournament held at TPC Craig Ranch, and this week goes for the three-peat.

Cobra PUMA Golf Introduces 2023 Volition America AeroJet Drivers, Apparel, and Footwear

COBRA PUMA GOLF today announced the 2023 Volition America assortment of patriotic apparel, footwear and accessories, along with new, Limited Edition Aerojet Drivers.

The PUMA x Volition America Collection brings red, white and blue to the course in the form of patriotic patterns, hi-tech materials, and innovative designs, all of which are aimed at honoring US military veterans. A portion of the proceeds from the Volition line will go directly to Folds of Honor Foundation to support the families of American military heroes.

PGA National Resort Unveils Spectacular Getaways

PGA National Resort – South Florida’s world-class golf, vacation, culinary, family, events and spa destination now showcasing the luxurious upgrades of its recent $100 million renovation – is offering exceptional summer experiences catered to golf group getaways as well as those planning holiday vacations for Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, the Fourth of July and special summer occasions in the coming months.

Starting at $441 (per person, per day, double occupancy), the wildly popular  “Gold Golf Experience” experience showcases the incredible array of courses at PGA National Resort and includes one round of golf daily on The Fazio, The Match, The Estate, The Champion (with surcharge) or The Palmer (with surcharge) layouts along with luxury accommodations.

True Spec Opens Second Location in New Jersey at Liberty National Golf Club

True Spec Golf, the global leader in custom club fitting and club building, announced that they have partnered with Liberty National Golf Club to open their second location in the Garden State.

Located just three miles across the Hudson River from New York City, True Spec Liberty National will be open to the public on May 23rd. It is the latest undertaking in a series of partnerships that brings True Spec’s bespoke fittings and best-in-class customer service to prominent clubs and resorts across the country, and is now the second location in the state, joining True Spec New Jersey at Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson.

AT&T Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Range: Aon Risk Reward Challenge

The AT&T Byron Nelson has yielded many low scores since moving to TPC Craig Ranch two years ago, with 20 players finishing the tournament 20-under or better in that span. In order to keep pace, players are encouraged to seize upon every birdie opportunity they have – the 14th hole being a good one.

Players who go for the green with their drive at this short par 4 have made birdie or eagle 14% more often than players who lay up. The best finishers have used this insight to their advantage: players in the top-10 at this event go for the green about 73% of the time – the rest of the field, just 52.4%.

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Tom Doak and Pinehurst Resort Release Must See 10th Course Update Video

For those awaiting an update on the 10th course at Pinehurst Resort, the wait is over. To quote Doak, “It is going pretty fast. We’re pretty quick on shaping greens.” Not only shaping greens, but turfing green complexes, fairways, tees boxes and more. But if a picture is worth a thousand words, a 2:30 video might be worth 10,000.

Check out Pinehurst Resort’s just-released video featuring numerous drone shots of the 10th course and invaluable insights from Doak about the front nine, back nine, terrain and timing. Landscape architect Angela Moser is the lead design associate and has been heavily involved in all day-to-day operations. Moser’s impressive credentials include work at the Los Angeles Country Club’s North Course, which will host the 123rd U.S. Open next month.

Korda, Ko, and Eight of the Top 10 Players in the Rolex World Rankings Headline Field in Inaugural Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National Golf Club

Mizuho Americas, the Americas arm of one of the largest financial institutions in the world, and new title sponsor on the LPGA Tour, today announced World #1 Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko and 8 of the top 10 players in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings will headline the field at the inaugural Mizuho Americas Open, taking place May 31 – June 4 at the iconic Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, NJ.

In addition to one of the strongest fields on the LPGA Tour, 24 of the top 26 juniors in the Rolex AJGA Girls Rankings, including New Jersey’s Top-Ranked Junior golfer Katie Li (Basking Ridge), will also be competing at Liberty National, as the Mizuho Americas Open will concurrently host the AJGA (American Junior Golf Association) Invitational.

Bridgestone Golf President and CEO Dan Murphy to Speak at National Club Conference

The National Club Association, representing private clubs throughout the U.S., today announced Dan Murphy, president & CEO of Bridgestone Golf, will speak at its 2023 National Club Conference, May 7-9 in Chicago.

Murphy will address attendees, who are leaders of top private clubs throughout the U.S., on “A Manufacturing View of Golf.”

Firethorne Country Club to Host Grand Opening Celebrating Completion of Renovations

Invited, the worldwide leader in private clubs and formerly known as ClubCorp, is pleased to announce the grand opening of the renovated golf course at Firethorne Country Club on Tuesday, May 9 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The club invested in a significant renovation project for the ninth hole, as well as the creation of a new short game practice area.

The grand opening of the reimagined ninth hole and short game area will feature a collection of contests and clinics for members to participate in, including one where the winner will earn the right to hit the inaugural chip shop in the new practice area. Additionally, there will be a DJ, food stations, beer and wine, a balloon artist and games for children to enhance the experience for members and celebrate a new chapter for the club.

Major Champions and Global Superstars Set Sights on Oklahoma for LIV Golf Tulsa

Fresh off a successful stretch of tournaments in Australia and Singapore that featured massive crowds, multiple holes-in-one, a playoff finish and the first back-to-back individual winner in league history, LIV Golf will bring its star-studded lineup to Cedar Ridge Country Club in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma for LIV Golf Tulsa, May 12-14.

Showcasing many of the sport’s biggest names, LIV Golf’s 12 teams are led by the likes of four-time major winner Brooks Koepka, reigning Open Champion Cameron Smith, World Golf Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson, two-time major winner Dustin Johnson, 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia and 2020 U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau. More than a quarter (13) of the league’s global field are major champions, with 24 major victories amongst them. The field of 48 players represents 16 different nations, includes 18 Olympians, and has made 125 combined appearances in the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, with more than half of the league having competed in the biennial team events. In total, LIV Golf League players have amassed 533 worldwide wins across multiple tours, and four players have held the title of World No. 1.

Only 53 percent of Active Players on PGA Tour have a Hole-In-One

Stepping up to the tee on a par-3, taking dead aim at the flag, and draining a hole-in-one. It’s a dream scenario for the common golfer.

Meanwhile, nearly every week it seems as if there’s a PGA Tour pro hitting a hole-in-one.  But how many Tour golfers actually have a hole-in-one on their resume?

Friday, May 5, 2023

Pasatiempo Golf Course Offering Fantastic Deals on Tee Times During Restoration

Pasatiempo Golf Course restoration project to restore the greens and bunker complexes to their original 1929 Alister MacKenzie design is well underway. Hole Nos. 1 through 9 are set to be restores first.

During this time, Pasatiempo is offering limited availability to play the iconic back nine. Nine hole morning rounds are available at a rate of $150, or the option to play 18 holes in the afternoon at a rate of $275, which is $130 off the standard rate. Both rates include a golf cart.

NBC Sports to Present Nearly 150 Hours of Live USGA Championship Coverage in 2023

NBC Sports will present nearly 150 hours of live USGA championship coverage in 2023 across NBC, Peacock, USA Network and GOLF Channel, beginning Thursday, June 15, with the first round of the 123rd U.S. Open from The Los Angeles Country Club in Los Angeles, Calif.

This year’s USGA championship coverage is also highlighted by the U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links on July 6-9. For the first time ever, NBC will present live primetime coverage of the third and final rounds of the U.S. Women’s Open on Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9.

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Club Champion Launches Military + First Responder Program

Club Champion is celebrating Law Enforcement and Military Appreciation Month by introducing their Military + First Responder program! Military and first responder personnel including police, firefighters, and EMS can now receive 10% off of Club Champion-built clubheads, shafts, and grips at all Club Champion and TXG locations in North America when proof of employment or veteran status is presented.

“We love our frontline workers — we even have veterans and former first responders among the ranks in our stores who have chosen a new career in golf,” said Nick Sherburne, Club Champion’s founder. “May is Law Enforcement and Military Appreciation Month, so I can’t think of a better time to introduce this new program to golfers of all experience levels.”

Tour Edge Exotics in the Bag for 22nd PGA Tour Champions Victory at The Insperity Invitational

Tour Edge, the pound-for-pound industry leader in performance and innovation, experienced their 22nd PGA TOUR Champions victory Sunday at the Insperity Invitational in The Woodlands, TX.

The 2022 Schwab Cup champion had a 22-degree Exotics C721 Hybrid in the bag for the four-shot victory that saw him successfully defend his Insperity title from last year. 

Motocaddy Named UK's Top Selling Electric Caddy Brand

Motocaddy has been named as the top-selling electric caddy brand in 2022, growing its UK market share by over a third (35%) compared to the previous year and selling almost 12% more models than its nearest competitor.

According to sales figures released by golf industry research specialists Golf Datatech*, the world’s leading electric caddy brand also ranked #1 with on-course retailers last year. Reliable high-performance Motocaddy models outsold those of its nearest rival by almost 13% through green grass accounts across the country.

LPGA JM Eagle LA Champion Played Graphite Design Tour AD DI Shaft

Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts, Inc. announced today that the winner of the LPGA JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro tournament held at Wilshire Country Club, Los Angeles, CA was playing a Graphite Design Tour AD DI-6 SR (Stiff Regular) flex wood shaft in her Titleist #5 Fairway metal wood.

“Congratulations to the winner of the JM Eagle LA Championship.  What an awesome playoff victory and we are so excited she plays a Graphite Design Tour AD shaft”, stated Wayne Ageno, President, Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts, Inc.

Callaway Apparel Welcomes New 2023 Brand Ambassadors

Callaway Apparel is pleased to announce the signing of PGA TOUR professionals Harry Hall and Brian Stuard as new brand ambassadors, joining current staffer and LPGA professional Emma Talley.

“We are proud to have these two talented golfers joining Callaway Apparel as brand ambassadors,” said Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO of Perry Ellis International. “Harry and Brian are a perfect combination of a young star on the rise and an established veteran and we look forward to supporting them as they perform on the PGA TOUR.  Along with Emma Talley, Callaway Apparel is also worn by dozens of the world’s best players on the PGA, LPGA, Korn Ferry, PGA TOUR Champions and developmental tours.”

Srixon Golf Independent Robot Testing Driver Results

SRIXON®, a global leader in tour-quality golf equipment and innovation, is pleased to announce the results of independent robot testing run by Golf Labs, confirming Srixon’s ZX5 LS Mk II Driver is an average four yards longer than Callaway, TaylorMade, and Titleist Drivers.

The ZX5 LS Mk II tested nine yards longer than TSR2, six yards longer than Stealth 2, and four yards longer than Paradym.

Rain Or Shine Golf Partners with SkyTrak to Distribute New SkyTrak+ Launch Monitor

Rain or Shine Golf, a leading provider of indoor golf simulators and equipment, is pleased to announce its partnership with SkyTrak, a revolutionary golf launch monitor and simulator platform. As part of this partnership, Rain or Shine Golf has secured the rights to distribute the new SkyTrak+ launch monitor along with the other products SkyTrak has to offer.

“We’re thrilled to partner with SkyTrak and bring the SkyTrak+ launch monitor to our customers,” said Shawn Foley, CEO of Rain or Shine Golf. “We couldn’t be more excited. The price, performance and GOLFTEC integrations should make this one of the best-selling products of the year.”

USGA to Celebrate Monumental "Firsts" at Pebble Beach for 78th U.S. Women's Open

The 78th U.S. Women’s Open marks an historic first for the USGA. This year’s championship, contested from July 6-9, will be the first time the world’s best female players showcase their talents at Pebble Beach Golf Links, and a record number of entrants are vying for a spot in the field.

This unprecedented number of players competing to be the first U.S. Women’s Open champion at Pebble Beach promises to provide an unforgettable experience for fans, who can enjoy the championship through first-of-its-kind broadcast and digital experiences.

Record Number of Entries Accepted for U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links

The United States Golf Association (USGA) has accepted a record total of 2,107 entries, including 13 champions and all top 25 players in the world, for the 78th U.S. Women’s Open Championship. The U.S. Women’s Open will be held for the first time at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links, from July 6-9, 2023.

Entries surpassed the 2,000 mark for the first time; the previous record of 1,874 was established last year at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club, in Southern Pines, N.C. A total of 1,873 entries were filed for the 2015 championship at Lancaster (Pa.) Country Club. The USGA accepted entries for the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open from golfers in 47 U.S. states and 62 foreign countries.

Annika Sorenstam Accepts Special Exemption into 2023 U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links

Three-time U.S. Women’s Open champion Annika Sorenstam, of Sweden, has accepted a special exemption into the 78th U.S. Women’s Open Championship, which will be conducted July 6-9 at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links.

Sorenstam, 52, won the 1995, 1996 and 2006 U.S. Women’s Open Championships as well as seven other major championships and 72 total LPGA victories in her Hall of Fame career before retiring from full-time professional golf in 2008. In 2021, she returned to competitive golf at the 3rd U.S. Senior Women’s Open, where she cruised to an 8-shot victory, securing her place in the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C., site of her 1996 Women’s Open win. The 2022 U.S. Women’s Open was Sorenstam’s first start in the championship in 13 years and 16th overall.

Friday, April 28, 2023

USGA To Invest in LA Golf Community as U.S. Open Approaches

In anticipation of the 123rd U.S. Open Championship this June, the USGA is announcing its plans to leave a lasting impact in Los Angeles, connecting its host community with the organization’s ongoing commitments to champion and advance golf, and to propel a healthier future for the game.

The USGA is collaborating with the community in four distinct areas, highlighted by a $1 million donation to restore the Maggie Hathaway Golf Course, a nine-hole, par-3 public facility operated by Los Angeles County that provides thousands in the area with affordable, accessible golf. In one of the most significant host community investments in U.S. Open history, the USGA is joining forces with the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA), The Los Angeles Country Club (LACC), Los Angeles County and several other organizations and donors to bring the project to life. Acclaimed course architect Gil Hanse will lead the restoration project.

Gamble Sands Announces the Gamble Sands Experience Sweepstakes

Gamble Sands, one of the “Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America” located in Brewster, Wash., and Troon® have teamed up for the Gamble Sands Experience sweepstakes.

One lucky person will a win a four-day, three-night in-season trip or a three-day, two-night out-of-season trip for two people to Gamble Sands. Those interested in entering the sweepstakes can click here by May 31, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be notified via email.

SQAIRZ Ultra Blends Luxury and Performance

SQAIRZ, the fastest growing golf shoe company, has announced the release of their newest performance golf shoes for women: FREEDOM ULTRA, available for pre-order now at sqairz.com.

Building on the proven stability of SQAIRZ’s bestselling FREEDOM shoe, the ULTRA offers the same game changing performance with a polished look that nods to classic golf styling, and a breathable, lightweight, upper.

World’s Most Dangerous Golf Courses

As the golf season gets into full swing in the northern hemisphere thrill-seeking golfers wanting to spice things up have been told where they can head this summer.

Holiday car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have researched the eight most dangerous golf courses in some of the strangest places in the world.

Fujikura Ventus TR Blue Takes the Top Spot in Texas

Fujikura, the leader in performance golf shafts, was honored to be the #1 driver shaft on the LPGA Tour at the first Major of the year. This also included a victory for the first-time Major champion, who used all VENTUS woods during the week.

At the Chevron Championship, Fujikura followed up the previous major success in Augusta, GA with the #1 driver shaft spot in Texas. The eventual winner of her first Major title also claimed her latest victory using all VENTUS driver and wood shafts in the bag. Using the VENTUS TR Blue 5-S in her driver, VENTUS TR Blue 6-S in her 3-wood and VENTUS TR Blue 7-S in her 5-wood, the Chevron Championship winner sealed her play-off victory for her first ever Major win.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas from New Balance and Callaway Footwear

The New Balance Brighton golf shoe features a waterproof microfiber leather upper that is lightweight and breathable. Women will experience comfort in every step with the DynaSoft midsole and CUSH+ insole.

The Ndurance® rubber outsole is designed to move with the natural motion of the foot with flex grooves in key places and maximum durability in high-wear areas. The spiked shoe uses the FastTwist 3.0 system, giving it a lower profile for better comfort.

Galvin Green Unveils G-Force Capsule Collection

Leading high-performance golf apparel brand Galvin Green today unveiled a new premium G-FORCE capsule collection of garments in ultra-modern patterns inspired by the force of the waves that golfers often witness when playing close to the ocean on links courses.

The latest limited-edition range from the environmentally conscious brand features distinctive wavy designs and seascape colorways applied to a windproof and water-resistant jacket, a warm crew-neck sweater, six stylish polo shirts and a matching baseball cap. Many of the garments feature a prominent ‘GG’ logo in a contemporary style intended to make a bold impact on or off the golf course.

PopStroke Announces Expansion Plans for 2023

PopStroke Entertainment Group, a national leader in golf entertainment owned by Greg Bartoli, Tiger Woods’ TGR Ventures, and TaylorMade Golf Company, announced their upcoming venue lineup that will bring the unique experiential putting concept to several new markets across the United States.

The company’s expansion efforts will begin construction this year in major markets, including Nashville, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Myrtle Beach, The Colony, TX, Tuscaloosa, and College Station, TX. They will also extend their footprint in Florida with three additional groundbreakings in Orlando/Winter Garden, Daytona Beach and Wellington.

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Topgolf to Become Global Medaled Event in Special Olympics

Topgolf is beyond excited to share that beginning in 2024, Topgolf will be an officially sanctioned event with Special Olympics, the first time a brand has become a medaled event. That means Special Olympics athletes will be able to compete in Topgolf as an individual or with a team through Special Olympics Unified Sports, which joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team for training and competition.

Modern golf entertainment leader Topgolf is committed to making the game of golf more diverse, inclusive and fun, and with off-course golf participation at an all-time high, the partnership with Special Olympics was an easy “yes!” for Topgolf.

Arccos and TaylorMade Extend Partnership Offer to UK Golfers

Arccos, the pioneer of big data and Artificial Intelligence for golf, today announced the extension of its partnership with TaylorMade Golf, allowing players based in the UK to access the ‘Track Better. Play Better.’ program by registering to receive free Arccos smart sensors and free 45-day trial membership to the award-winning platform.

Accessible at taylormade.arccosgolf.com, this special offer also includes the option to bundle the Arccos Link wearable at a limited-time, 50% discount, further helping TaylorMade customers harness the power of their on-course data to play smarter and shoot lower scores. A nominal shipping and handling fee may apply.

2023 Arizona Summer Troon Card Now on Sale

Troon, the Scottsdale-based golf management firm, has launched its 2023 Arizona Summer Troon Card program, providing preferred rates to cardholders at more than 22 Troon-managed and brand-affiliated facilities, which include 26-plus golf courses throughout the Grand Canyon State. The 2023 Arizona Summer Troon Card is valid May 4th through September 30th and can be purchased for $139 for a TwoSome Card or $179 for a FourSome Card at www.TroonCard.com.

For the fourth consecutive year, Troon will donate funds to St. Mary’s Food Bank for each Arizona Summer Troon Card sold. Previous St. Mary’s Food Bank donations from Summer Troon Card sales have resulted in more than 850,000 meals since 2020, helping to feed the less fortunate. St. Mary’s Food Bank, one of the largest food banks in the United States, distributed more than 102,000,000 pounds of food in 2022 throughout Arizona.

Retro Golf Club Reintroduces Nostalgic Days of Golf to Country Clubs Spanning the East Coast

Golf enthusiasts across the nation yearning for the nostalgic days of yesteryear now have the opportunity to take a step back in time as today marks the launch of Retro Golf Club, a new venture by golf industry veteran Cory Crelan, giving players of all skill levels the chances to use golf clubs made famous in Augusta, Ga., Pebble Beach, Calif., Pinehurst, N.C. and St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland.

Retro Golf Club has the ability to enhance any corporate outing, country club tournament or a golf trip amongst friends with carefully refurbished clubs from the 1970’s and 1980’s when persimmon and laminated woods, and blade irons filled the bags of the top professionals in the world.

The Sea Pines Resort Gives Golfers the Tour Pro Experience

A new champion—Matt Fitzpatrick—has been crowned in the 2023 RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, played at the world-famous Harbour Town Golf Links. Fitzpatrick, who bested 2022 defending champion Jordan Spieth in a three-hole play-off, is a long-time visitor to Hilton Head Island and relished this victory.

“This one is the one that I’ve always wanted to win,” he said in his post-tournament media conference. “My family can tell you that, and my friends can tell you the same thing. This place is just a special place for me, and it means the world to have won it.”

Lee Smith Named Executive Director of The Players Championship

The PGA TOUR announced today that Lee Smith has been named Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship and replaces Jared Rice, who has taken a new role leading business development for the TOUR’s Championship Management portfolio of events.

Smith comes to THE PLAYERS Championship after spending the last five years as General Manager at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he was instrumental in helping the PGA TOUR contest THE NORTHERN TRUST in 2019 and 2021. While overseeing an onsite staff of nearly 150 team members at the club, he secured the LPGA Tour’s Mizuho Americas Open, which will debut at Liberty National in June. Since 2008, Smith has been a key member of the TPC Network, serving as Head Golf Professional at TPC Sugarloaf outside Atlanta; General Manager of TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas; and Regional Director of Operations for TPC Networks, a role he held concurrently with his position at Liberty National. He has been a Class A member of the PGA of America for more than 20 years.

Charlie Mechem Launches Arnie and Jack Audiobook

Charlie Mechem is proud to announce the release of the audiobook version of his popular book, Arnie and Jack: Stories of My Long Friendship with Two Remarkable Men.

In the Arnie and Jack audiobook, you’ll enjoy a front-row seat to many of golf’s cherished moments in locales rich in history, as narrated by 92-year-old Mechem with a combination of wit, humor, and emotion. Through his stories, he’ll take you on the course at pro-golf’s famous Bay Hill, Camargo Club, Muirfield Village, Tradition, and Augusta National and off the course at the Arnold Palmer’s Restaurant, the Captains Club, even the White House and Congress.

Monday, April 24, 2023

Club Champion Arrives in Three New Markets

Club Champion, the globe’s top custom golf club fitter and builder, continued its steady climb into the new year. With three new stores opening so far in 2023, the company is continuing to bolster its identity as the industry leader.

With studios now open in Kingwood and Midland, TX; and Farragut, TN, Club Champion is primed to hit over 125 domestic and international locations by the end of the year. There are now fitting studios in 42 U.S. states and partnered locations in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Edel Golf Under New Ownership

Premium golf equipment manufacturer Edel Golf has been acquired by former CoorsTek executive Doug Coors. Hailing from the Coors Brewing family, his background resides in engineering physics and manufacturing processes. What stands out about Coors is his passion for golf, knowledge of the biomechanics behind the golf swing, and keen sense of club fitting processes.

Coors’ relationship with Edel Golf first started when he was asked to be a manufacturing consultant where he became familiarized with the company, its products, and fitting processes. “I learned so much from my putter and wedge fittings that I was shocked how little the industry shared with the casual golfer,” said Coors. “There is so much to this game, and I wanted to learn everything I could. Acquiring Edel Golf has given me the platform to share what I learned.”

Uneekor Golf Simulator Brand Acquires Evnroll Putters

Uneekor is delighted to announce the acquisition of a controlling interest in US-based premium putter brand Evnroll.

The deal sees Creatz Inc., parent company to the South Korean golf technology company Uneekor, acquire a 70% share and controlling interest in Evnroll putters with immediate effect.

First Nicklaus Heritage Course Breaks Ground in the Bahamas

Nicklaus Design—the world’s leading golf course design company— announced today they have commenced work on an 18-hole championship layout at Jack’s Bay, the one-of-a-kind exclusive resort club and residential community that features four miles of magnificent white sand beaches on the Atlantic coastline on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas.

Jack’s Bay will be the first Nicklaus Heritage® course in the world, as well as include the rare Nicklaus real estate branding rights as a Nicklaus Community—a distinction afforded to only a very select collection of developments around the world and the very first in the Caribbean.

Friday, April 21, 2023

USGA Unveils $30 Million Commitment to Advance Water Resilience Efforts in Golf

The United States Golf Association (USGA) is accelerating its work toward a more sustainable game with the deployment of a multi-year, multi-million-dollar investment toward reducing golf’s use of water.

The organization’s $30 million commitment over the next 15 years will advance underutilized strategies and technologies that golf courses can use to economically reduce their use of water, a vital and increasingly regulated natural resource with near- and long-term cost and availability concerns. The work will focus on irrigation optimization, advanced conservation innovation and water sourcing and storage.

Two USGA Senior Amateur Championships Coming to The Omni Homestead Resort

The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced that The Omni Homestead Resort’s Cascades Course, in Hot Springs, Va., will host the 2025 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur and the 2029 U.S. Senior Amateur. They will be the ninth and 10th USGA championships hosted at the historic resort.

The 63rd U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur is scheduled for Sept. 13-18, 2025; while the 74th U.S. Senior Amateur will be played Aug. 25-30, 2029.

Mizuno Releases Special Edition Black Ion Mizuno Pro 225 Irons

Mizuno, the Japanese manufacturer renowned for crafting the finest and most versatile forged irons, has announced that its Black ION Mizuno Pro 225 irons, showcased in January at the Orlando golf show, will be available globally from April 2023.

A Black ION plating with a striking, lights-out look will match the special edition Mizuno Pro 225 irons with its hybrid cousin, the Mizuno Pro Fli-Hi. The irons will initially be available as standard sets in either 4-GW, 4-PW and 5-GW and with Dynamic Gold 105 Black Onyx S300 shafts (US only) and 4-PW with KBS S-Taper Lite black for EMEA.  Australia will offer the special edition in 4-PW with custom options.