PGAPappas Golf Stimulus Package (Wave 2): Stay Safe with Tour Edge EXS 220

Staying safe during this pandemic is the most important thing we can all do, for ourselves and others.  Washing our hands frequently, not touching our faces, and practicing social distancing has become a new way of life. 

 

I'll continue doing my part for all of you with my PGAPappas Golf Stimulus Packages, and this week we have a second wave that will help you stay safe in another way.  I'm calling it Stay Safe with Tour Edge EXS 220. 

Club Champion Introduces Gift Card Promotion

 In an effort to bolster excitement and hope for the 2020 golf season, the nation's #1 club fitter and builder has introduced a new gift card promotion. The promotion offers a $50 bonus card to anyone who purchases $100 - $500 in Club Champion gift cards. 

 

Purchases over $500 will be entitled to a bonus card in the amount of 10-percent of their gift card purchase (i.e. a $1,000 gift card would earn a $100 bonus card). This is a limited-time offer and the bonus card expires June 30, 2021. 

Duca Del Cosma Golf Shoes Launch into U.S. Market

I've been singing the praises of Duca del Cosma golf shoes for a few years now.  And at the PGA Show last December I told you Duca is coming to the U.S. market. 

 

And now it's official.  The golf fashion brand launches with a vibrant new range of shoes for men and women golfers, supported by an experienced team led by former Reebok and Ashworth regional sales manager Steve Gray. 

Sun Mountain Expands Waterproof Golf Bag Collection

In 2007, after playing one too many tournaments in the rain, the innovators at Sun Mountain applied their rainwear expertise to building a waterproof golf bag.  For 2020, that H2NO collection of waterproof golf bags includes a cart bag and two carry bags, each constructed with waterproof fabric, taped seams, and waterproof zippers. 

 

Sun Mountain's waterproof golf carry bag options include the H2NO Lite 14-way and the H2NO Superlight.  H2NO Lite 14-way offers a 10.5" diameter top with 14 individual club dividers, the E-Z Lite Dual Strap System shoulder straps and six pockets including a hydration sleeve, velour-lined valuables pocket, and full-length clothing pocket. 

Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company introduces ICON Irons: Traditional Forged Muscle Back Blades

Nearly seven decades after Ben Hogan, the man renowned for the greatest swing in golf, founded his equipment brand, Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company has launched the ICON Irons, a set of forged muscle back blades featuring many of Mr. Hogan's design philosophies. 

 

Developed for better players accomplished at working the ball, the ICON Irons combine traditional styling with modern performance.  Better yet, given the company's innovative Direct-To-Consumer business model which minimizes operational costs and completely eliminates retail mark-up, ICON irons will be sold at www.BenHoganGolf.com and www.BenHoganGolf.eu for  $770 (chrome) and $800 (black) for a 7-piece set. 

Adidas Offers a Glimpse into the Future for More Sustainable Golf Apparel and Footwear

The next stop showcasing adidas' journey to END PLASTIC WASTE is the golf course.  And Adidas athletes who competed in THE PLAYERS Championship earlier this month wore select apparel and footwear made from upcycled plastic waste, a first in the sport. 

 

This environment-friendly capsule of apparel and footwear for both men and women is made from Adidas' new PRIMEBLUE material made in part with Parley Ocean Plastic. Upcycled plastic waste is intercepted on remote islands, beaches, coastal communities and shorelines, preventing it from polluting our ocean, and then then turned into high-performance polyester yarn used in apparel and footwear. 

Bridgestone Unveils New 2020 Tiger Woods Edition Golf Balls

On the heels of the most-talked about golf ball launch at the 2020 PGA Merchandise Show, Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, has unveiled its highly anticipated new version of the popular TOUR B XS - Tiger Woods edition balls.  

 

The new TOUR B XS-TW balls, a strong collaboration between Tiger and Bridgestone, deliver a game-changing combination of driver distance and greenside control unlike anything ever before, thanks to Bridgestone's new REACTIV Urethane cover.  From a performance perspective, the TOUR B XS-TW edition balls are identical to the standard TOUR B XS model that Woods currently is using in all professional competitions. 

PGAPappas Golf Stimulus Package: Bridgestone Golf New Tour B Balls for Everyone

These are trying times we're all facing now.  We're staying at home more than usual, taking precautions to ensure we all remain healthy, and really hoping for the best while everything plays out. 

 

Eventually we'll get back to our regular routines, and that means getting on the course again frequently.  So to help you guys get through this all, and hit the ground running when it's passed, I'm introducing the PGAPappas Golf Stimulus Package. 

Sea Pines Resort Director of Golf John Farrell to be Inducted in Lowcountry Golf Hall of Fame

John Farrell, Director of Golf at The Sea Pines Resort, has been named to the Lowcountry Golf Hall of Fame and will be inducted in an awards ceremony at Berkeley Hall on May 8. 

 

Over a 30-year-long career, Farrell has been honored many times, including five-time PGA Golf Professional of the Year of the Hilton Head Chapter of the Carolina's PGA Section; two-time Carolina PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year; and Presidents Plaque Award winner. T oday, as Director of Golf and host golf professional of the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, he oversees Atlantic Dunes, Heron Point, and Harbour Town Golf Links, plus on-course food and beverage, as well as tennis, at The Sea Pines Resort. 

Daphne’s Headcovers Celebrates its 40th Year in Golf

Daphne's Headcovers, the original animal headcover company, announced that it is celebrating its 40th year creating and supplying the top quality Headcovers to the world. 

 

In the 40th year since the first headcover was sold, Daphne's Headcovers are now available in more than 80 countries internationally.  Their products are carried in the bags of hundreds of TOUR professionals including Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, John Daly, Jessica Korda, Nellie Korda, Lydia Ko, Brittany Lincicome, and more. 

Club Champion Expands to More Than 45,000 Hittable Combinations

To better serve its customers, the nation’s #1 club fitter is now offering clubs from Ben Hogan Golf Equipment and Sacks Parente along with expanded offerings fromVega, Miura and PXG.  These new additions, along with new releases and existing offerings, brings the total number of hittable head and shaft combinations to more than 45,000. 

 

Already the #1 fitter in the country for top golf brands, Club Champion has now upped the ante to include hundreds of additional combinations. "It was a no-brainer to us to bring in brands like Ben Hogan and to work closely with others like PXG," said Nick Sherburne, Club Champion founder. "We pride ourselves on finding the perfect match for each golfer, and these new and revamped partnerships allow us to stand by that promise." 

Win a Round of Golf with Charles Howell III in Reynolds Lake Oconee Sweepstakes

Think your game compares with the pros?  Someone will find out by winning the "3 for 4" sweepstakes offered by Reynolds Lake Oconee with a prize package that includes 3 unique activities for 4 guests over 3 nights and 4 days.  

 

The experiences include playing a round of golf with long-time PGA Tour professional and three-time champion, Charles Howell III; fishing on Lake Oconee with avid sportsman and PGA Tour professional Blake Adams; and a sporting clays experience with professional shooting expert, Justin Jones. 

PUMA Golf and Rickie Fowler Team Up with Arnie's Army to Pay Homage to The King at The Arnold Palmer Invitational

To honor one of golf's greats, COBRA PUMA Golf athlete Rickie Fowler will once again don a limited-edition collection of gear at the upcoming Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard. 

 

Throughout the week, Fowler will wear accessories and use gear that was inspired by the life of his friend and mentor, Arnold Palmer, including a new API COBRA x Vessel Stand Bag, special headwear, and a pair of IGNITE PROADAPT PALMER shoes. 

From Many, One: USGA Unveils New U.S. Open Brand Platform

As part of the United States Golf Association's ongoing commitment to invest in the U.S. Open and elevate the championship experience for players and fans, the Association today proudly unveiled its new U.S. Open brand platform, “From Many, One.” 

 

USGA Chief Brand Officer Craig Annis said, 

"Our goal was to develop a distinct and powerful brand platform that allows us to celebrate what makes our championship unique and to tell the stories that drive our audiences to attend, watch and engage with the U.S. Open year-round.  Given that the U.S. Open drives nearly 75 percent of the USGA's revenue, the success of the championship directly impacts the work we do to support millions of golfers who enjoy the game."

The 74th Western Intercollegiate at Pasatiempo to be Televised on Golf Channel

The 74th annual Western Intercollegiate at Pasatiempo will be televised on Golf Channel on April 13th to April 15th. 

 

To learn more about the players and teams competing, check out the Western Intercollegiate website here. 

Ben Hogan Golf Unveils 2020 Golf Bag Line

Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company has added two options to its 2020 line-up of golf bags; a midsize staff bag and a Sunday bag, joining the existing and highly acclaimed BH-1 stand bag.  The expanded product line will provide multiple size and style bag options for all types of golfers, including those who walk, ride or pull their bag on the golf course. 

 

Highlighted by the famed signature of the Company's founder, Ben Hogan, the man renowned for the greatest swing in golf, the new golf bag line is the first of a number of new product introduction planned by the Company in 2020. 

Finn Gets an App

Finn, the new electric golf cycle that's adding fun and speeding up pace of play, now has its own app for scan & ride ease. S imply download the app to your smartphone, scan the QR code on the Finn Cycle, and away you go. 

 

Developed by Rick Reimers, founder and owner of the long-pioneering golf equipment company Sun Mountain Sports, Finn Cycle is a two-wheeled, single-rider cycle with an electric motor and lithium battery that offers a comfortable and stable ride that leaves all who ride it smiling. 

Golf Rounds Played Increase Slightly in 2019 Despite Second-Wettest Year on Record

The golf gods can be a fickle bunch but they have nothing on Mother Nature, producer of the one element general managers or course superintendents can’t control. 

 

The good news?  Rounds played in the U.S. were up 1.5-percent last year over 2018, with an estimated 440 million overall rounds played on the books.  The New England, Middle Atlantic and East North Central regions, which extend from Massachusetts to Michigan and accounts for almost half of national golf facilities and rounds, fared slightly better weather-wise in 2019.  It's a good indicator that the location of precipitation often matters more than the amount. 

Club Champion Hits Business Milestone

Tour-level fittings are an experience like no other, just ask the tens of thousands of custom-fit Club Champion customers who dialed their game in with the fitter last year.  

 

Over 100,000 appointments were recorded from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. 

Topgolf Augusta to Debut During Masters Week with One Floor, 36 Bays, Mini Golf and Backyard Games

Topgolf is unveiling a new venue concept in Augusta, Georgia, during this year's Masters Tournament, a single-floor location with an open-space backyard area. 

 

In addition to hitting golf balls on the 36-bay range, guests have the option to listen to live music, play mini golf and cornhole, socialize around fire pits, and eat together at communal picnic tables.