John Farrell Named Director of Sports Operations at The Sea Pines Resort

A changing of the guard is underway at one of the country’s best-known golf resorts.  Following a 44-year career at The Sea Pines Resort, Vice President of Sports and Operations Cary Corbitt is passing the reins to long-time Director of Golf John Farrell.  Corbitt’s retirement date is May 14, after which Farrell will assume the duties and become the Resort’s Director of Sports Operations.

“Cary has done an amazing job during the past four decades improving, expanding and enhancing every aspect of our golf and tennis operations.  All three of our championship golf courses have been rebuilt under Cary’s leadership and two new award-winning golf clubhouses have been constructed.  He has also established a great partnership with the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy.  We are so appreciative of Cary’s contributions to our resort and the community during his tenure,” said Steve Birdwell, President of The Sea Pines Resort.

PUMA Golf Releases New Ignite PROADAPT Δ Delta Shoes

PUMA Golf’s new IGNITE PROADAPT Δ (Delta) shoe has it all – Tour-validated stability, precise fit, exceptional traction and extreme comfort, in a sleek, sophisticated package, designed with the world’s best golfers in mind. The PROADAPT Δ shoe features PUMA’s all new ADAPT Foam, delivering stable cushioning, high energy return and excellent ground-feel.

The PROADAPT’s outsole utilizes Dual-Durometer Tornado Cleats which deliver excellent traction, along with torsional stability provided from the full length PROADAPT TPU outsole, ensuing balance and a stable foundation throughout the swing. The shoe also features a premium, full-grain leather upper design, preferred by PGA Tour professional Rickie Fowler.  Fowler debuted these PROADAPT Δ shoes on Tour earlier this season and will continue to wear throughout 2021.

Shot Scope GPS Smart Watches Record Largest Number of Shots on a Single Day Ever

Shot Scope, a leading international manufacturer of GPS-based game management systems and laser rangefinders, enjoyed its biggest product-usage day ever, as the game finally returned in England following the pandemic shutdown, and masses of golfers headed to the course for the first time this year.

On March 29th, 446,000 shots were recorded by Shot Scope GPS Smart Watches; a figure that represents the largest amount of tracked shots on a single day in England. This correlated to 4,788 rounds played, eclipsing the previous daily record in the country by over 2,500, while a Shot Scope watch was used to track performance at over 75% of courses.

Toptracer Launches New Driving Challenge Game at 350 Locations Worldwide

Toptracer, the world’s leading ball-tracing technology, today unveiled “Driving Challenge,” which taps into golfers’ insatiable desire to drive longer and straighter. “Driving Challenge” joins a robust line-up of game options at its 350 Toptracer Range locations worldwide.

Toptracer is on a crusade to grow the game through bold, innovative technology and gamifying the range experience. Toptracer’s “Driving Challenge” allows golfers of all skill levels to “grip it and rip it” in a risk vs. reward nine-hole game scoring both distance and accuracy.

SRIXON Announces New Q-STAR TOUR DIVIDE Golf Balls

SRIXON, a global leader in golf ball technology and innovation, announces the all-new Q-STAR TOUR DIVIDE. This exciting new golf ball offering from Srixon officially launches in North America on April 15, 2021.

“The new Q-STAR TOUR DIVIDE looks great, but it’s so much more than that,” said Brian Schielke, General Manager at Srixon. “Easier putting alignment and increased visual feedback on your chip and pitch shots really adds to the greenside performance. It’s a ball every golfer must try.”

Bushnell Laser Rangefinders Popular on PGA Tour - Used by 98-Percent of Players

Bushnell Golf has been the preferred distance-measuring device on the PGA Tour for the last 15 years. The Darrell Survey Company, the golf industry’s leading independent and impartial arbiter of equipment use, reports 98 percent of the 2021 Players Championship field used a Bushnell laser rangefinder to obtain accurate yardages.

Surveying 154 players during the Players Championship, 151 of those players named Bushnell as their preferred distance measuring device. Bushnell has become the perennial distance measuring device for the PGA Tour player and The 2021 Players Championship solidifies Bushnell as the clear choice for PGA Tour players.

Swag Golf Acquires Ecktron Performance EP Headcovers

Swag Golf has announced it's acquired Ecktron Performance (EP Headcovers), an industry leader in quality golf headcover manufacturing and embroidery. The acquisition of EP Headcovers will ensure Swag Golf remains one step ahead of the competition in their pursuit of producing the highest quality headcovers in all of golf.

“Our collectors have the most discerning eyes in the industry and demand premier products, so it was a no brainer for us to acquire the foremost company in the business and bring manufacturing in house,” said Nick Venson, founder and chief executive officer, Swag Golf. “Our quality will continue to be second to none as EP has been making our headcovers since our launch in 2018, and now they will have the ability to focus solely on Swag.”

Swing into Spring with Club Champion Giveaway: Driver Fitting and Custom Driver of Your Choice

Spring is a rite of passage for golfers.  For most, winter snow is a distant memory.  For others, dormant grass starts becoming greener and greener with each passing day.  Everyone is ready to hit the course and make that first swing of the season again.

And to help you play better than ever before from the tee box, I'm hooking someone up with a free driver fitting at Club Champion and custom driver of your choice!

Virginia’s Kinloch Golf Club to Host 2024 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship

The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced Kinloch Golf Club, in Manakin-Sabot, Va., as the host site for the 43rd U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship. The dates of the championship are Sept. 21-26, 2024. Independence Golf Club, a nearby public facility in Midlothian, Va., will serve as the stroke-play co-host course.

Kinloch Golf Club, which hosted the 2011 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship, was originally slated to host the 2020 U.S. Mid-Amateur, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Callaway Footwear Adds Malibu to Women's 2021 Collection

Callaway Footwear has added the spikeless Malibu to the Women’s Footwear Collection. The Malibu is designed for versatility, style, and all-day comfort.

The Malibu combines lightweight microfiber leather and performance mesh upper with opt-dri™ protection. The athletic silhouette has a welded toe cap water-guard for added protection during the early morning rounds.

Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Debuts 2021 Precision Forged Putter Line

Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company has introduced an enhanced 2021 line of  Precision Milled Forged Putters, based on strong consumer demand.

The four (4) original models including three (3) blade-style offerings and one (1) mallet will be joined by a second mallet design called the BHM02.  The BHM02 is a highly contemporary, multi-material design comprised of a forged-milled aluminum face attached to a forged-milled 304SS body.  The multi-material construction allowed our designers the ability to move more mass backwards and to the perimeter which resulted in the most forgiving putter in the Ben Hogan lineup.  The BHM02 putter boasts a sleek double-bend shaft and is face balanced for those players who prefer a straight back / straight through putting stroke.

USGA Adds to World-Leading Collection with Pete and Alice Dye Artifact Donation

The United States Golf Association (USGA), at the invitation of Crooked Stick Golf Club members Joe and Marcia Luigs, along with Tony Pancake, the club’s director of golf, has acquired a selection of artifacts and ephemera from the estate of Pete and Alice Dye.

The collection, which is to be preserved at the USGA Golf Museum and Library, includes more than 50 items from the Dyes’ life and career together and was obtained from their home on the grounds of Crooked Stick in Carmel, Ind., which served as their summer residence for many years. Pete and Alice Dye designed Crooked Stick, which was founded in 1964 and has gone on to host six USGA championships, most recently the 2009 U.S. Senior Open.

Cobra Golf Announces New KING Cobra Wedges with Snakebite Groove Technology

COBRA® Golf, a leader in golf club innovation, has announced its new KING COBRA Wedge with Snakebite Groove Technology.  The wedge features a nostalgic throwback KING COBRA logo, reminiscent of the rich history and evolution of the brand. The new Snakebite groove design is engineered to maximize spin and fittingly produce more ‘bite’ around the greens.

The Snakebite Groove Technology utilizes a re-engineered cutting method that replaces cutting tools more often to tighten groove tolerances, maximize groove volume, and create the sharpest and most accurate grooves possible.

Troon Country Club to Host 2023 U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur and 2025 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championships

The United States Golf Association has announced that Troon Country Club, in Scottsdale, Ariz., will host a pair of future USGA championships. The club will be the site of the 61st U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship and the 44th U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship.

The U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur, with a starting field of 132 players, is scheduled to be played on Sept. 30-Oct. 5, 2023. The dates of the U.S. Mid-Amateur are Sept. 13-18, 2025. Troon North Golf Club, located 4 miles from Troon Country Club, will serve as the stroke-play co-host course for the 264-player U.S. Mid-Amateur field.

AHEAD and Nicklaus Companies Extend Partnership

AHEAD announced today it has extended its partnership with the Nicklaus Companies and golf legend Jack Nicklaus and will continue to exclusively produce their branded headwear collection worldwide, including the iconic Jack Nicklaus signature and Golden Bear trademarks.

“The Nicklaus Companies is thrilled to continue our successful partnership with AHEAD into our third decade together,” said Andy O’Brien, President of Nicklaus Brands.  “Jack is proud of his relationship with AHEAD and the collaboration’s impact on charities.  The creativity and collaboration we enjoy in working with our friends on the AHEAD team has created a difference in the market.”

True Linkswear Launches Original 1.2 Bulletproof Golf Shoes

Continuing to craft and develop more naturally comfortable, extremely durable and environmentally friendly footwear, TRUE linkswear announces the launch of the new Original 1.2 golf shoe. Staying TRUE to the heritage and style of the Original model, the OG1.2 offers the same fit, feel, and minimalist functionality – with all new sustainable materials engineered to enhance durability while adding fresh aesthetic detailing.

TRUE began by adding all new upper materials to their durable rubber tread outsole and proprietary 2-year waterproof construction. The all new “Bulletproof” Alternative Leather was engineered for peak durability (highly scratch resistant) and waterproofing. The sock fit collar and tongue are composed of high-grade neoprene, which is not only soft to the touch, but also ideal for temperature regulation and water resistance. Add in new reflective rope laces, high breathability cushioned insole, and design updates and you have all new, remastered TRUE Original 1.2.

Golf Datatech and Yano Research Institute Release 2021 World Golf Report

Golf Datatech, LLC, and Yano Research Institute Ltd., the golf industry’s two leading independent research and data firms, have introduced the World Golf Report 2021, the industry’s only global golf retail study. The 2021 report, which marks the 5th overall edition, provides an in-depth global retail market summary based upon geography, size and economic significance of the nearly $14 Billion golf equipment and apparel market.

In 2013 Golf Datatech and Yano Research collaborated to introduce the golf industry’s first-ever worldwide market report, a benchmark study designed to capture the true size and scope of the global golf retail market. Now in 2021, and on the heels of golf’s shutdown in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the two companies have updated and expanded the report, featuring a broader scope of data points while capturing more complete golf retail sales from around the globe.

Shot Scope Announces Global B2B Website with V3 GPS Watch and Pro L1 Rangefinder Popularity Growth

Shot Scope (www.shotscope.com), a leading international manufacturer of GPS-based game management systems and laser rangefinders, has unveiled a new global B2B website that was developed to provide turn-key service for drop-shipping and green grass customers, as worldwide popularity for the Company’s V3 Smart Golf Watch, PRO L1 Laser Rangefinder, and suite of game management, performance tracking and distance measuring technologies surge.

The launch of the new website comes on the heels of Shot Scope being named a “Preferred Retail Partner” of Troon, the world’s largest golf management company that manages golf experiences for thousands of players at 585-plus locations around the globe.

Pronghorn Resort Announces 2021 Stay and Play Packages

In preparation for what experts predict to be a busy travel season, Pronghorn Resort, a leading luxury hotel and residential community in Bend, Ore., has announced its 2021 Stay & Play golf packages.

Packages include luxury accommodations at Pronghorn Resort’s Huntington Lodge, the beautiful 104 guest room and suite hotel which opened on the property in 2019. Surrounded by views of the Cascade Mountains, Pronghorn’s Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and Tom Fazio Championship Course are bucket-list destinations for golfers of all levels.

USGA Distributes $1.8 Million in Golf Course Sustainability Research Grants for 2021

The United States Golf Association (USGA) will invest $1.8 million into more than 70 separate research grants in 2021 through the Green Section’s Turfgrass and Environmental Research Program (TERP).

The annual investment in the program is part of the USGA’s continuous efforts to use science and innovation to support the long-term health and sustainability of golf and saves the industry an estimated $1.8 billion in operating costs annually.