Puerto Rico Set to Host PGA Tour First Week of March

The PGA TOUR has arrived for the 15th playing of the Puerto Rico Open this week, when many of the world’s top players – including six Puerto Rican players (Boricua) – will compete for shares of the $3.8 prize money on the Championship Course at Grand Reserve Golf Club in Rio Grande.

As if having the PGA TOUR make its annual stop here isn’t exciting enough, this year the Puerto Rico Open comes on the heels of the Island hosting the Latin America Amateur Championship last month, when the winner earned invitations to play in this year’s Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, and the Open Championship (three of golf’s four major championships). Further, last spring Puerto Rico and Grand Reserve held the first United States Golf Association championship to be played outside the mainland (Women’s Amateur Four-Ball).

PGA Tour and Pacific Life Announce Five Year Partnership

Pacific Life, a leading global life insurance and retirement solutions company, today announced a new five-year partnership with the PGA TOUR as part of its Official Marketing Program.

The agreement, which runs through 2027, gives Pacific Life the designation of “Official Life Insurance Sponsor of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions.”

Langer, Singh, Alker, Jimenez, Funk Commit to Inaugural Galleri Classic at Mission Hills Country Club

The Galleri Classic’s assembly of golf’s legends is trending towards producing the PGA TOUR Champions’ strongest possible professional field.

Bernhard Langer, tied atop the PGA TOUR Champions’ all-time win list with 45 titles, and 34-time PGA TOUR winner Vijay Singh – World Golf Hall of Famers and past World No. 1 players – have committed to the inaugural tournament alongside reigning PGA TOUR Champions Player of the Year Steven Alker, 13-time PGA TOUR Champions winner Miguel Angel Jimenez and three-time PGA TOUR Champions major winner Fred Funk.

Long Hitting Chris Gotterup Joins Bridgestone Golf Tour Staff

Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, announced today the signing of former college star Chris Gotterup to its Tour staff. Joining the likes of Tiger Woods, Jason Day, Fred Couples, Lexi Thompson, and Matt Kuchar, Gotterup brings youth, fire, and a ton of power to the Bridgestone lineup.

Gotterup first started turning heads during his time at Rutgers University, breaking numerous school records before going on to the University of Oklahoma for his senior year.  While part of the Sooner team, Gotterup won the Haskins and Nicklaus awards as well as Big 12 Golfer of the year.  He finished first in both the East Lake Cup and Puerto Rico Classic and finished runner up at the Big 12 Championship.

Fujikura Golf Wins Honda Classic and Top Spot on PGA and LPGA Tour for Driver and Wood Count

 Fujikura, the leader in performance golf shafts, was honored to be the #1 driver, wood and hybrid shaft on the PGA Tour in Florida, including the PGA Tour winner who claimed his victory with all VENTUS driver and wood shafts in the bag.

At the Honda Classic, Fujikura took the top spot in the driver, wood and hybrid shaft manufacturers count. In total, over 39.6% of the field used a Fujikura driver shaft during the week, with another 36.1% of players using a Fujikura wood shaft. The eventual winner was also included in these figures, using the VENTUS Blue 6X in his driver, the VENTUS Blue 8 X in his 3-wood and the VENTUS Blue 8X in his 5-wood.

First Tee-Naples/Collier Swing Fore the Future Gala Brings in $1.3 M for Learning Center

First Tee Naples/Collier has reached the halfway mark on the capital campaign for its new Learning Center thanks to the patrons who attended the “Swing Fore the Future” Gala on February 13th at Arthrex in Naples. The sold-out event featured 13 one-of-a-kind auction items including artwork by local pop golf artist Christopher “CR” Obetz. The evening included a fireside chat with PGA and Champions Golf Legends Bernhard Langer, Peter Jacobsen and Jeff Maggert, moderated by Golf Channel Host Rich Lerner.

“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.

Thai Golfers Look Ahead to Home Fixture for International Series Thailand at Black Mountain GC

As the Asian Tour gears up for the third International Series event of 2023 at Black Mountain GC in Thailand, 9-12 March, professionals have been united in praise for the season openers in the Middle East.

161 players representing 31 different countries have teed up in The International Series 2023 to date at tournaments in Oman and Qatar.

California Ranks as the World's Number 1 Playground for Arccos Members

Playing sunlit California golf courses and benefiting from the latest shot-tracking data and Artificial Intelligence to improve their scoring has proved an irresistible combination for Arccos members, according to rounds recorded using the award-winning Arccos platform in 2022.

Courses in California dominated the ‘Most Played’ rankings for Arccos members playing 18-hole rounds with Arccos smart sensors in 2022, with eight of the top 10 facilities located in the Golden State, the majority of which are situated in the San Francisco area. Only the Jumeirah Estates’ Earth and Fire Courses in Dubai proved the exception on a global basis.

Aon Risk Reward Challenge at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club and Lodge

With the difficult two closing holes ahead of it, the 16th at Bay Hill is an important scoring opportunity for players down the stretch. At least 80% of the field has gone for this green in two each of the last eight years, a decision that yields an advantage of more than half a stroke over laying up.

No hole played a larger role in Scottie Scheffler’s ability to contend and ultimately win here in 2022, as he became the first to eagle 16 twice the week of a Bay Hill victory since Tiger Woods in 2013.

Charles Howell III Gives L.A.B Golf LINK.1 its First Tour Win

Charles Howell III is known as one of the nicest guys on tour. And last week, he was one of the best putters in the world.

Howell III put on a clinic at the LIV Golf Mayakoba to win for the first time since 2018. And there was never a doubt on Sunday, as he recorded just 22 putts in the final round with his L.A.B. Golf LINK.1 Custom putter to finish at 16-under par, four shots clear of the field.

USGA Announces Opening of Entries, Exemptions for 2nd U.S. Adaptive Open

The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced that entries are open for the 2nd U.S. Adaptive Open Championship, to be contested July 10-12, 2023 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club’s Course No. 6 in the Village of Pinehurst, N.C.

 

Entries for the second playing of the U.S. Adaptive Open – a national championship that debuted last year and showcases the world’s best adaptive players – will close on Wednesday, May 3 at 5 p.m. EDT, with the final field to be posted on approximately May 22.

Ogletree Bidding to Scale New Peaks at Black Mountain

In-form Andy Ogletree will be aiming to continue his rich vein of form when he spearheads a strong entry for the second edition of the International Series Thailand.

Six of the top-seven from the current Asian Tour Order of Merit have confirmed their participation in the event at Hua Hin’s Black Mountain Golf Club which will carry a purse of US$2 million, a 25% increase on last year’s prize money.

Marriott Announces 22 Locations for Annual Family Golf Festival

Golfers of all ages and abilities are invited to join their family members to experience a day on the golf course at one of twenty-two scheduled Marriott International Family Golf Festivals in 2023. The first event will kick off on March 4, 2023, at La Iguana Golf Course at the beautiful Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort in Costa Rica and will continue across the U.S. through December 6, 2023.

The Marriott International Family Golf Festival is an important annual component of Marriott’s commitment to player development programs.  Families are invited to Marriott Golf properties for a day of fun-filled activities, including complimentary golf instruction, clinics, interactive golf games, contests, family golf programs, prizes, giveaways and more. Under the guidance of PGA/LPGA Professionals, each resort location offers a welcoming environment where families can learn and play the game together.

Major Champions and Top World Players Headline Early Commitments to the DIO Implant LA Open

Tournament officials announced the preliminary field list for the 2023 DIO Implant LA Open at Palos Verdes Golf Club on March 30-April 2, the first of two LPGA Tour events taking place this spring in the greater Los Angeles area. The tournament is expected to feature a strong international field, with eight of the top-10 players in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings currently slated to play in the event.

World No. 1 Lydia Ko, Nelly Korda (2), Minjee Lee (3), Jin Young Ko (5), Brooke Henderson (7), In Gee Chun (8), Hyo-Joo Kim (9), and Nasa Hataoka (10) headline early commitments. Additionally, all four past champions; Moriya Jutanugarn (2018), Minjee Lee (2019), Brooke Henderson (2021), and Hataoka (2022), are set to return for the event’s fifth year on the LPGA Tour. Los Angeles-area residents Andrea Lee, Lilia Vu, Alison Lee, Lizette Salas, and Angel Yin are also entered into the championship.

Montcalm Golf Club Announces March Membership Madness Promotion

Montcalm Golf Club in Enfield NH is running a March Membership Madness sweepstakes for a chance to win a 2023 membership at its award-winning golf course. The promotion which begins March 1 will also include three runner-up prizes with winners being rewarded a free foursome of play.

All winners will be randomly selected.  Click here to enter. The promotion begins March 1 and runs through midnight on March 31, 2022. No purchase is necessary to enter. Please see official entry rules for details.

AboutGOLF Spring Series Competition Tees Off in March

Following on the heels of its popular 2022-23 Ryder Cup Sim Series, officials at aboutGOLF today announced the details of the 2023 aboutGOLF Spring Series, another free competition available to anyone with access to a public or personal aboutGOLF simulator. The three-month contest includes nine-hole stroke play and closest to the pin competitions on three prestigious courses available on aboutGOLF simulators.

The competition will open with Myrtle Beach favorite Caledonia Golf & Fish Club as the featured course for March. Annually ranked in Golf, Golf Digest and Golfweek “Top 100” lists since opening in 1994, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club has been recognized for both its design and incredible beauty.

Fred Perpall Elected as USGA President

Fred Perpall of Dallas, Texas, was elected to serve as the 67th president of the USGA today at the Association’s Annual Meeting in Napa, Calif.

Perpall will serve a three-year term leading the USGA Executive Committee, the all-volunteer policy-making board that provides strategic direction and oversight to the Association’s full-time staff.

USGA Launches U.S. National Development Program to Strengthen American Golf Pipeline and Foster Top Junior Talent

The United States Golf Association (USGA) today launched the U.S. National Development Program, creating the country’s first unified pathway to nurture the potential of America’s top players, starting in competitive junior golf and progressing to the pinnacles of the sport.

The U.S. National Development Program will identify, train, develop, fund and support the nation’s most promising junior players – regardless of cultural, geographical or financial background – to ensure that American golf is the global leader in the game. The program’s elite juniors, amateurs and young professionals will be invited to join one of three national teams with dedicated staff and resources and compete internationally under the U.S. flag.

Austin Country Club Unveils Newly Renovated Clubhouse

Austin Country Club in Austin, Minn., recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of its clubhouse renovation project. Ceremony attendees included Austin Chamber of Commerce leadership and ambassadors, as well as Austin Country Club members, associates, and its board of directors. The H. Chambers Company of Baltimore, Maryland oversaw the three-phase project, while the Joseph Company of Austin completed the renovations.

The $5 million clubhouse renovation project began in September 2020 and addressed many areas of the facility, including dining, retail, event space and deferred maintenance. The newly renovated facilities feature modern colors and décor where members can come relax and enjoy their home away from home. The club’s new restaurant and bar named “Bunkers” has a casual/modern feel and includes a state-of-the-art golf simulator and lounge area adjacent to the space. The HD Golf Simulator hosts leagues, challenges as well as provides for practice or lessons on a year-round basis.

PING Announces Power Fitter Award Winners

To recognize custom fitters who distinguish themselves by elevating the custom-fitting experience and demonstrating how properly fit clubs translate to better and measurable results on the course, PING has announced its PING Power Fitter Award winners for 2022.

Formerly known as the Top 100 Fitters of the Year, PING evolved the honor in 2022 to bring even more recognition to its growing list of fitting experts who consistently deliver the best fitting experience in the industry.