Virtual Watch Parties and Network Programming Highlight 2020 US Open "Week Of" Schedule

The USGA announced today a variety of week-of activities designed for sports fans to celebrate and relive iconic U.S. Open Championship moments while building excitement for the championship’s return in September. 

 

The 2020 championship was originally scheduled for June 18-21 at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y., but now will be contested Sept. 17-20. 

Give Dad a Tour Experience with Club Champion Custom Fittings

Shopping for Father’s Day gifts is tough — what do you get the man who has almost everything? The answer: a custom golf club fitting experience from Club Champion, the #1 premium club fitter, builder and retailer of the best brands in golf. They offer more than 45,000 hittable head and shaft combinations — a true, professional-level experience for golfers of any ability. 

 

Ranked by Golf Digest among the 100 best club fitters eight times in a row, Club Champion’s unique coupling system allows them to combine any head and shaft together. The equipment available for demo is far more expansive than what’s offered at other fitting venues, and the variety allows the master fitter to find exactly the right combination to optimize a golfer’s swing. Dad won’t have to wait to test the suggested clubs; he’ll get to hit the exact club that will be custom built for him. 

PUMA Golf X Arnold Palmer Collection Blends the King's Iconic Style with Modern Technology and Comfort for an Elevated Look On and Off the Course

PUMA Golf has revealed its highly anticipated collaboration with Arnold Palmer Enterprises, the PUMA Golf x Arnold Palmer Collection, delivering head-to-toe style and comfort fit for a King.  Blending his trademark cool with modern technologies and fabrics, PUMA x Arnold Palmer offers a complete range of tops, bottoms, headwear and footwear that pays homage to golf’s global icon. 

 

Drawing inspiration from the pride of Latrobe, PA’s ‘Life Well Played,’ the PUMA x Arnold Palmer collection delivers the classic styles that Mr. Palmer wore during his career on and off the course, using a blend of modern and heritage materials authentic to Mr. Palmer’s style. This exclusive partnership celebrates the life and excellence of Mr. Palmer through nostalgic color palettes, storied prints, and personal detailing on every piece. From Bay Hill to each golfer’s own favorite 19th hole, this collection will bring out the Palmer in all of us. 

PUMA Golf Unveils New IGNITE NXT CRAFTED Footwear

PUMA Golf has unveiled its new IGNITE NXT CRAFTED footwear, blending comfort and function in a stunning, premium package that fits perfectly on or off the course. The IGNITE NXT CRAFTED shoes deliver the artistry and look of handmade premium footwear blended with the technology of PUMA’s NXT golf shoes. 

 

Building off the success of the popular IGNITE NXT family, NXT CRAFTED is a premium take on the style, utilizing a natural leather saddle for a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind look.  Additionally, just like the rest of the NXT family, these shoes are built from the ground up using PUMA’s Pro-Form TPU outsole with an organically-altered traction pattern, featuring over 100 strategically placed directional hexagon lugs in proper zones, for maximum stability and traction. In addition, a full-length IGNITE Foam midsole, wrapped in SOLESHIELD for added durability, delivers unparalleled comfort and energy return to help golfers play their best all day long.  SOLESHIELD is a micro-thin TPU film that is vacuum-formed around the midsole to make cleaning off dirt and debris a breeze. The upper features a premium leather saddle wrapped around PWRFRAME reinforcement. The PWRFRAME TPU is an ultra-thin frame that is strategically placed in high stress areas of the upper for lightweight support and increased stability. 

Cobra Golf Extends the Popular King MIM Wedge Family with New MIM in Standard and ONE Length Offerings

COBRA® Golf, a leader in golf club innovation, unveiled its new KING MIM Black Wedges, a fully Metal-Injection-Molded (MIM) 304 stainless steel head construction that is now offered in a glare-reducing QPQ (Quench Polish Quench) black finish.  The MIM process represents a significant advancement in wedge manufacturing, delivering the most precise shape possible for truly exceptional feel and turf interaction in every wedge COBRA manufactures. 

 

Unlike cast wedges, MIM manufacturing reduces the amount of post-process polishing, where in the past, there was a heavy reliance on skilled machinists to grind consistent wedge shapes by hand.  Each wedge is created using a mixture of 304 stainless steel metal powder, which is then heated and injected into a mold.  Using a sintering process, the metal is heated to a higher temperature than forging (1340°C vs. 1200°C), resulting in a smoother grain flow structure versus forged and cast wedges, and the softest feel the industry’s ever seen.  The KING MIM Wedge family is the first in golf to utilize a fully robotic polishing process where the robot is pre-programmed to polish each wedge to exact specifications – a sharp contrast to the variability found in the traditional manual hand-polishing process.  This fully automated process eliminates variance in head weight and thickness and creates more precise grind shapes and more repeatable bounce in each wedge. 

Cobra Delivers Heightened Long Iron Performance with King Utility Variable and One Length Irons

COBRA Golf®, a leader in golf club innovation has introduced its new KING Utility irons, delivering improved distance with a classic look and modern technology. The KING Utility iron is designed for players who seek maximum control and precision on tee shots and longer approach shots on par 5’s. A classic, muscle-back iron shape delivers the feeling of controlled ball flights, while a wider sole and hollow body provides stability, power, and a low centered CG for trajectories that are high and penetrating.  A PWRSHELL™ face insert adds to the performance by expanding the sweet zone for improved ball speeds on off-center hits and launch efficiency for improved trajectory. 

 

Normally only found in Metalwoods, COBRA engineers integrated into the Utility design the trusted COBRA MyFly8™ technology, a series of eight adjustable loft settings that give users the ability to manage trajectory and launch for proper distance gapping. Additionally, the KING Utility irons are geared with COBRA CONNECT™ Powered by Arccos Caddie, an artificial intelligence system that utilizes Smart Grips with embedded sensors to track and record distance and accuracy data on the Arccos Caddie app.  COBRA blends a classic design with cutting-edge engineering, including a hollow-body design, forged PWRSHELL Face, and Tungsten Weighting, to deliver superior performance that users can track and analyze using the in-depth data provided by the Arccos Caddie system. 

SkyGolf Introduces New SkyCaddie LX5 Smart Watch with Touchscreen

SkyGolf®, maker of SkyCaddie®, the most-trusted rangefinders in Golf, announces the new SkyCaddie LX5 Smart Watch with the industry’s largest and most-brilliant color touch screen at 1.39 inches. Now available for order, the new LX5 features next generation technology to provide the closest thing to the award-winning SkyCaddie SX500 on your wrist. 

 

“The LX5 is packed with stroke-saving technology and delivered with the largest and most-brilliant color display in a golf watch today,” said Jacqui Surman, SkyGolf Senior VP and COO. “The LX5 includes most of the dynamic features that golfers rave about in our award-winning SX500 and SX400 handhelds, giving you the most accurate information conveniently located on your wrist. It’s also light weight and looks great, making it a versatile watch for everyday use both on and off the course.” 

USGA Finalizes 2020 Championship Schedule

The USGA announced several updates to its 2020 championship schedule as the organization continues to reconfigure its season due to uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.  

 

The 120th U.S. Women’s Amateur, scheduled for Aug. 3-9 at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Md., and the 120th U.S. Amateur, scheduled for Aug. 10-16 at Bandon (Ore.) Dunes Golf Resort, will be conducted as scheduled, provided that CDC recommendations and state and local government guidelines make it possible to do so. 

SkyCaddie Offers $50 off the Award Winning SX500 and SX400 Rangefinders for Fathers Day

SkyGolf®, maker of SkyCaddie®, the most-trusted rangefinders in golf, is offering a special Father’s Day promotion of $50 off the award-winning SkyCaddie SX500 and SX400 rangefinders through July 6, 2020. 

“With more golf courses opening during this pandemic, golf is a great way to have fun, get fresh air, and exercise, all while maintaining proper social distancing,” said Jacqui Surman, SkyGolf SVP, International Sales & Marketing. “We’d like to help you give your dad the gift of better golf with a SkyCaddie rangefinder this Father’s Day. Your dad will thank you for helping improve his game with accurate golf course information. Take advantage of our special promotion and receive $50 off a brand new SkyCaddie SX500 or SX400, the most powerful and visually dynamic golf course GPS products on the market today.” 

NGF COVID-19 Update: Golfer Anxiety About Return to Retail Lessens as Stores Reopen

As the percentage of golf retail stores open to foot traffic continues to increase, a growing number of golfers indicate their concern for visiting physical store locations is subsiding, according to the National Golf Foundation’s latest industry-wide surveys. 

 

Approximately 80% of off-course golf retail stores are open to customers, up from 61% two weeks ago. All but 4% of the 6.5 million square feet of total off-course golf specialty space had been closed to in-store traffic in early April, even as more than 40% of courses remained open for play. 

Tour Edge Announced Limited Edition “Straight From the Tour Van” Exotics EXS Pro Forged Irons, EXS Blade Irons/Blade Wedges

Tour Edge officially introduces the Exotics EXS Pro Forged Irons, EXS Blade Irons and EXS Blade Wedges featuring forged designs with CNC milling. 

 

The tour-inspired irons feature the very latest in golf club design innovation for the highest levels of ultra-premium performance from the company that has earned 22 victories and over 150 different players using their equipment on the PGA Tours. 

Volvik Offers ViMAX Soft Special

Volvik USA (volvik.com), a rapidly-growing, premium high-performance golf ball company, is offering a special on its ViMAX Soft golf balls. Now through July 6, a bundle of two dozen balls can be purchased for $35. High-visibility matte color options include green, red, orange and yellow. 

 

“This is a good opportunity for golfers to try the Volvik ViMAX Soft golf ball, which provides superior distance along with soft feel,” said Wes Whittingham, vice president of sales for Volvik USA. “Players will notice improved focus with the super-visibility matte colors that enhance concentration.” 

Bag Boy Unveils Patriotic Limited Edition USA Bags

Bag Boy is excited to announce they have released two new USA Limited Edition bags. The cart bag and the hybrid bag both have an allover patriotic print and feature Top-Lok technology. 

 

“USA-themed golf products always go over very well with our customers,” said Perry Hilbert, Sales Manager at Bag Boy. “These bags are perfect for the upcoming July 4th holiday.” 

USGA Welcomes Class of 2020 P.J. Boatwright Interns

The USGA continues its commitment to cultivating future leaders in the golf industry by funding more than 125 paid internships in 2020 through the P.J. Boatwright Internship Program. 

 

Since the program’s inception in 1991, the USGA has invested nearly $30 million to provide college students and other qualified applicants with hands-on experience as staff members at the USGA’s network of Allied Golf Associations (AGAs). The value of the internship funding in 2020 totals $1.7 million. 

2020 John Deere Classic Canceled Due To Area Restrictions and Related Concerns

Citing ongoing local and state-related challenges related to gathering restrictions, the John Deere Classic, title sponsor John Deere and the PGA TOUR announced today that the 2020 tournament, scheduled for July 9-12, has been canceled. It is set to return to the PGA TOUR schedule in 2021 with its 50th playing. 

 

As a result of this decision, the PGA TOUR announced that it will fill the week vacated by the John Deere Classic with a new tournament. The TOUR will provide details in the near future on the venue and location. 

PGA TOUR 2K21 Tees Off Worldwide on August 21

2K crushed a long drive this week with the announcement that PGA TOUR® 2K21, its forthcoming, officially licensed golf simulation video game, is currently scheduled for worldwide release on Friday, August 21, 2020 for the PlayStation®4 system, the Xbox One family of devices, including the Xbox One X and Windows PC via Steam, Nintendo Switch™ system*and Stadia. 

 

Featuring decorated PGA TOUR pro Justin Thomas as the cover athlete, PGA TOUR 2K21 heralds the return of the great golf video game that fans have been missing. Developed by HB Studios, the studio behind The Golf Club 2019 Featuring PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR 2K21 marks the evolution of The Golf Club franchise and will include 15 licensed PGA TOUR courses, each of which was scanned using cutting-edge technology to bring the fairways, greens, bunkers, trees, lakes and ponds to life. Players can also trick out their own greens and fairways with thousands of custom options in the Course Designer. Fans can reserve their tee time now by pre-ordering PGA TOUR 2K21 at participating retailers. 

NGF COVID-19 Update: Golf Retail Store Openings Jump to 75-Percent

The percentage of off-course golf specialty stores open to foot traffic jumped from 61% to 75% last week in the National Golf Foundation’s latest industry-wide surveys. On-course pro shops are following close behind with 63% now open, up from 52% the prior week. 

 

Even with some occupancy limitations not unlike restaurants, this reopening for business comes just in time for an important equipment buying period – mid-May to mid-June. NGF’s ongoing customer research shows personal financial outlooks are inching optimistically upward, while golf equipment-related searches on Google have begun to resemble “normal” for this time of year. 

Club Champion Reopening Nationwide In Phases With Promotion

Custom club fitter and builder Club Champion is in the midst of a phased store reopening program as retailers are being allowed to resume operations. To ensure golfers are ready for the season, the company is offering a free, Tour-level custom club fitting with an equipment purchase of $500 or more for a limited time only. 

 

Like other retailers, Club Champion experienced significant closures as state and local mandates required residents to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic. At one time in April, all but five stores were closed, including their Chicagoland operations facility. Though able to continue assembling custom clubs from remote locations, Club Champion’s fitting services were limited by stay-at-home mandates and inventory restrictions due to manufacturer closures. Now, the company is hoping as many as 55 of their 74 locations will be open by Memorial Day. Locations remaining closed will reopen per local retail guidelines; however, booking future appointments is encouraged. 

NGF COVID-19 Update: Golf Course Openings Top 90-Percent as Retail Continues Comeback

The National Golf Foundation’s seventh week of nationwide surveys found that 91% of U.S. golf courses were open last week amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with all 50 states now allowing golf to be played. 

 

Since the last week of April, a dozen states have lifted statewide bans on golf while others – most notably California and Florida – have eased significant local restrictions. There are still some local government orders keeping golf closed in metro areas like New York City, Washington D.C. and Chicago, but the latest projection from NGF researchers indicate 95% of courses will be open for at least some level of play by next week. In early April, only 44% of courses were open and as many as 19 states had noteworthy limitations on golf operations last month. 

Travis Mathew Launches New Omni Channel Customer Experience - Cuater Golf Belt Giveaway

You may have noticed the Travis Mathew website was down for a few days.  Well that's because they were working on the launch of an all-new, omni-channel shopping experience.  And the resulting multi-brand website is just loaded with new features, content, and incredible perks. 

 

And to celebrate the exciting improvements, I'm giving away two Cuater by Travis Mathew golf belts.  The VooDoo (Black) and The Central (Grey), are both stretch, rope weaves for a flexible fit.  We'll get to how you can enter to win these below, but first let's hit on some of the great benefits and more connected shopping experience you'll have at Travis Mathew, both on-line and in store.