PGA Tour, Arnold and Winner Palmer Foundation, and Mastercard Extend Relationship to Enhance Fan Experience

Mastercard, The Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation and the PGA TOUR have announced a multi-year extension to their longstanding sponsorship. Mastercard will maintain title sponsorship of the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational, remain the “Official Payment System of the PGA TOUR” and continue its impactful work with the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation.

Dating back to 1995, the PGA TOUR and Mastercard will continue to provide Mastercard cardholders with access to select PGA TOUR tournaments and properties, as well as Priceless® Experiences at these events. Mastercard cardholders will also enjoy exclusive access to a new ticket portal, powered by Mastercard’s Click to Pay, where they can purchase tickets to more than 20 tournaments across the 2022-23 PGA TOUR season at a preferred price.

FootJoy Releases the New HyperFlex And HyperFlex Carbon Golf Shoes

FootJoy is the undisputed #1 Shoe in Golf, a brand that has been trusted by players at all levels of the game for 100 years because of a singular dedication to the game of golf and a relentless commitment to performance innovation, style, comfort and quality.

As part of this unwavering commitment, FootJoy is introducing the new HyperFlex and HyperFlex Carbon golf shoes. Finely tuned to empower the golfer athlete, HyperFlex delivers hyper power, hyper control and hyper fit for men and women.

Newell, Myhrum Named USA Captains for 2023 World Amateur Team Championships

The United States Golf Association (USGA) today named past USGA President Mark Newell and USGA Executive Committee member Courtney Myhrum as captains of the men’s and women’s USA Teams, respectively, for the 2023 World Amateur Team Championships. The 33rd men’s championship will be held Oct. 18-21, followed by the 30th women’s championship Oct. 25-28, at Abu Dhabi Golf Club (National Course) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

“Mark and Courtney are extraordinary leaders, and we are proud to have them captain our teams in Abu Dhabi,” said Kevin Hammer, USGA Championship Committee chair. “The World Amateur Team Championships are a global celebration of the game we love, and I know that Mark, Courtney and their players will do a wonderful job representing the USGA and our country.”

Indian Wells Golf Resort Honored as ‘GM Platinum Award Winner

Indian Wells Golf Resort – the world-class public golf, vacation, culinary and events destination located in the picturesque Coachella Valley – earned the coveted 2023 “Platinum Award” by the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) recognizing premier golf shops worldwide.

Recipients of this prestigious award consistently demonstrate efficacious business practices in their retail operations. To be considered for a Platinum Award, courses were invited to submit golf shop nominations with entries judged by an impartial panel in a number of categories including customer satisfaction initiatives, creative use of space, inventory control practices, revenue-generating initiatives, promotions and visual displays.

PXG Launches 2023 Spring Apparel Collection

PXG is pleased to announce the launch of the PXG Apparel Spring 2023 Collection. Celebrating the basics, PXG has reimagined golf essentials with updated silhouettes, new technical fabrics, vibrant neon colors, and contemporary detailing to deliver versatile, performance-driven styles fit for the modern golfer.

Designed to move you and your game ahead, the PXG Spring 2023 Collection is inspired by the golf lifestyle in its purest form, providing both familiarity and comfort within each piece. PXG’s well-known black, gray, and white color palette is elevated with the introduction of bold neon pink and green accents while traditional golf silhouettes are enhanced with cutting edge performance fabrications and detailing.

The Arnold and Winnie Palmer Foundation Launches Sincerely, Arnold Palmer - The Latrobe Legacy Campaign

The Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation is launching “Sincerely, Arnold Palmer – the Latrobe Legacy Campaign” campaign, inviting the world of golf to carry forward Mr. Palmer’s legacy in Latrobe, Pa. so that new generations may experience and enjoy Latrobe just as he did.

For more than 50 years, Arnold Palmer has been part of golf’s daily conversation. The Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation’s objective is to make sure that 50 years from now, Mr. Palmer remains a central part of that conversation.  The legacy campaign will share stories from Latrobe, Bay Hill, and everywhere the Palmers mattered.

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.