Saturday, May 14, 2022

Inaugural LIV Golf Invitational London to Feature Array of Immersive Fan Activities

LIV Golf has unveiled initial details on the array of fan activities taking place June 9-11 at Centurion Club, site of the first-ever LIV Golf Invitational Series tournament. All General Admission tickets will be all-inclusive of the unique activations that will engage fans of all ages in celebration of the game of golf.

Gates will open at 11 a.m. all three days of tournament play in advance of the 2 p.m. shotgun start, so guests can enjoy and take part in all of the interactive activities onsite. Grounds passes will allow fans to walk the course, view the tournament from select viewing platforms and grant entry to the massive Fan Village. This immersive area will celebrate the spirit of London with Covent Garden-style street performers and a food and drink festival atmosphere inspired by the best of Borough Market. A specially designed Kids Zone will also engage youth with children’s entertainers, face painting, soft play equipment for climbing, ‘crazy golf’ putting challenges, and educational activations based on STEM lessons.

Club Champion Opens 100th Fitting Studio

Fresh off of international expansion news, the globe’s top custom golf club fitter, Club Champion, is celebrating another massive achievement: 100 stores. With the addition of five international studios and a flurry of domestic openings, the brand is now on track to have 115 studios worldwide by the end of the year.

Now considered the premier custom club fitter worldwide, Club Champion offers Tour-quality club fittings and custom-built clubs for every level of golfer. Each state-of-the-art fitting studio houses over 50,000 hittable head and shaft combinations from over 60 golf manufacturers, alongside the best technology and talent the industry has to offer. Club Champion’s brand-agnostic approach has propelled them from a regional Chicagoland business to an award-winning international chain on an unprecedented growth trajectory.

Arccos Launches New Wearable Gen 2 Arccos Link

Hot on the heels of releasing its next generation Smart Sensors, Arccos Golf– pioneer of big data and Artificial Intelligence for golf – has today launched a new and improved Link to meet growing demand for its automatic shot tracking wearable first introduced two years ago.

Designed to be worn on a player’s belt, waistband or pocket the new Arccos Link (Gen2) offers golfers the next level tech for the next level of performance, thanks to the capacity to automatically record shots without having to carry a phone on the course. As well as its sleeker look and improved clip functionality, the new device incorporates advanced microphone enhancements with GORE® protective vents to deliver the most reliable, high quality shot tracking performance in golf.

LIV Golf Announces 2023-2025 Expanded Event Schedule

LIV Golf has announced an ongoing commitment to golf’s global growth via an expanded 2023-2025 event schedule, highlighted by a $2 billion investment that promises to unlock the sport’s untapped worldwide potential and grow the game’s audience for the next generation. The investment will be used to fund ongoing expansion and prize purses for the new LIV Golf schedule.

The new schedule includes 10 events in 2023 followed by a full season of 14 events in 2024 and 2025. Tournaments will take place across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and North America.

Shot Scope Introduces Game Analysis Tool for V3 Smart Watch and Pro LX+ GPS Powered Rangefinder

Shot Scope (www.shotscope.com), a leading international manufacturer of GPS-based distance tracking and game performance systems, continues to push technological boundaries with the introduction of a new course and hole analysis tool for golfers. The new feature provides golfers with course-specific statistics along with a comprehensive map of how they typically perform at any given course. The new innovation will be most beneficial for a golfer’s home course, where they traditionally track multiple rounds that can be broken down into useful data.

The new game analysis feature is available as a FREE download to all Shot Scope customers who are currently using a product with shot tracking technology, including the award-winning V3 Smart Watch, the PRO LX+ — golf’s first laser rangefinder to feature GPS-powered distances and artificial intelligence for personalized performance tracking – and the new H4 game tracker. It is accessible on Shot Scope’s online dashboard and through the mobile app.

Sunday, May 8, 2022

Harbour Town Adds Fresnel Lens to Iconic Lighthouse

The iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse at The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island has added an exciting chapter to its storied history with the installation of a genuine Fresnel lens to further the power of the light that blossoms from the top.

Just over five decades old, the red-and-white striped Lighthouse — featured prominently in CBS’ coverage last month of the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage golf tournament — serves not only as a beacon to the many ships that reside in the Yacht Basin but also as a landmark that symbolizes the region and the resort.

Nicklaus Company Appoints Phil Cotton as Chief Executive Officer

The board of Nicklaus Companies have announced the appointment of Phil Cotton as Chief Executive Officer. An experienced sports industry business leader, Phil will succeed John Reese, who is transitioning to Vice Chairman at Nicklaus Companies after more than 10 years as CEO.

Reporting to Executive Chairman, Howard Milstein, Phil will oversee the existing businesses and teams of Nicklaus Brands, Nicklaus Design as well as all corporate relationships and new business opportunities. Phil will work closely with business heads Andy O’Brien, President of Nicklaus Brands, and Paul Stringer, President of Nicklaus Design.

BGT Introduces Commemorative Stability Tour American

For over 130 years golfers from across the world come to the United States to play in one of the oldest golf events held.

In honor of this year’s US Open in Brookline, Mass. BGT introduces a commemorative putter shaft. The Stability Tour American is available only for a short time.

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Aerotech SteelFiber Private Reserve Shafts Review - PGAPappas Giveaway Winner Guest Review

I've been telling you guys about Aerotech SteelFiber golf shafts for a long time now.  They're long, great feeling, and incredibly stable.  In a nutshell the kind of shafts that can legitimately improve your game immediately.  I have SteelFiber shafts in multiple iron sets and absolutely love em.

Aerotech SteelFiber shafts have more PGA Tour wins than any graphite iron shaft in history, and are used by many players (including World No. 2 Nelly Korda).  And Todd won his own full set of Aerotech SteelFiber Private Reserve shafts in my PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas Letters from Santa Giveaway.  Todd says they've given him "less dispersion, great feel, and consistent distance."

Monday, May 2, 2022

Srixon ZX5 Driver Review - PGAPappas Giveaway Winner Guest Review

When I review particular equipment and gear you guys know these are products I've tested that ultimately stand out as special.  We also have chats in DMs and in posts about the reviews and gear and it's always incredibly gratifying to help you find new equipment and gear that works best for you.

And this guest review of the new Srixon ZX5 driver by Jon Ahlgrim makes me smile ear to ear.  Jon won this driver in my PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas - Letters from Santa, and has gained "15 more yards" in distance from his old driver, and also "mishits that are more accurate."

Seminole Legacy Golf Club to Host 2022 NCAA Division I Women's Golf Regional

Florida State University’s Seminole Legacy Golf Club in Tallahassee, Florida is set to host an NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Regional, May 9-11, 2022.

Each of the six regional sites will feature 12 teams and six individuals, with the top four teams and top two individuals (not already on an advancing team) qualifying for the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championships to be played in Scottsdale, Ariz. May 20-25.

Folds of Honor and PGA of America Joined by USGA, PGA Tour, and LPGA in Support of Patriot Golf Days

Folds of Honor and the PGA of America announced today that they will be joined by the USGA, PGA Tour and LPGA in providing assistance and awareness for Patriot Golf Days this Memorial Day Weekend. Patriot Golf Days provides funding in support of Veterans and military families through Folds of Honor and PGA HOPE, the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America.

Patriot Golf Days began as a grassroots fundraising celebration in 2007, and over the last 15 years, it has grown to encompass a variety of fundraising efforts led by PGA Professionals and golfers in all 50 states.

True Spec Golf Opens New Facility at Metedeconk National Golf Club in New Jersey

True Spec Golf, the global leader in custom club fitting and club building, today announced its newest outdoor facility, True Spec New Jersey, at Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson.

The new facility will have its grand opening on May 24 and will be the company’s first ever location in New Jersey. It is the latest in a growing number of partnerships that brings True Spec’s bespoke fittings and best-in-class customer service to prominent courses around the country.

Reynolds Lake Oconee Offers Unnique Blake Adams Experience

When Reynolds Lake Oconee guests sign up for the “Blake Adams Kingdom Experience,” their most difficult decisions will be whether they want to play golf, fish, shoot clays, or socialize with the former PGA Tour professional.  Or they can select several since the versatile Adams is a perfect fit for any event.

Golf is Adams’ strongest suit. When the director of player development at The Kingdom at Reynolds Lake Oconee tees it up with an individual or a group, he’ll share tips and offer instruction as well as entertain with stories from his 20 years on Tour, which included numerous Top 25 finishes in PGA Tour tournaments and other events like The U.S. Open, The PGA Championship and The Players Championship.

PXG Throws Knockout Grand Opening Party in Philadelphia

PXG reigned supreme this weekend, knocking it out of the park with the grand opening celebration of its new PXG Philadelphia store. Notables, athletes, and clients alike, joined PXG Founder and CEO, Bob Parsons and President and Executive Creative Director of Apparel, Renee Parsons, for an epic celebration of the new retail store.

Opening a storefront in Philadelphia was a natural choice for PXG, seeing as the sports loving city boasts 92 golf courses within a 20-mile radius. Located at 555 S Henderson Road, King of Prussia, PA, 19406, the state-of-the-art facility supports an unparalleled shopping experience for golfers and non-golfers alike.

Tour Edge Golf in the Bag for 17th Win on Champions Tour with Red Hot Player

Tour Edge, the pound-for-pound industry leader in performance and innovation, was a part of their third win of the young PGA TOUR Champions season Sunday at the Insperity Invitational in The Woodlands, TX.

So far in 2022 after eight events, Tour Edge has been a part of three victories, four runner-up finishes, 13 Top 5’s and 18 Top 10 finishes.

ClubCorp Rebrands to Invited

ClubCorp’s lifestyle hospitality brand was founded in 1957 on the traditions and values of acceptance. With these founding principles in mind, ClubCorp officials announced a company rebrand rolling out in the coming months with the name and fundamental belief that everyone is “Invited.”

“Invited is not just a name. It’s everything we are,” said Invited CEO David Pillsbury. “We are Invited because, from the golf courses to the tennis courts, from fine dining to family hang time, we connect and create communities attracting members from diverse backgrounds that share similar passions and pursuits. We create clubs and experiences that combine exceptional amenities and unmatched service with a friendly and welcoming spirit. We want our members, guests, and team members to know that Invited is where they belong.”

Casa De Campo Resort and Villas Announce Summer Golf Packages

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – home to the Caribbean’s premier, luxury golf experiences, including its iconic “World Top 100” Teeth of the Dog – announces an array of exceptional summer stay-and-play packages ideal for family and golf buddy getaways.

The “Unlimited Golf with All-Inclusive” package starts at $1,259 (per room, per night). Resort guests can tee it up to their heart’s content on two renowned Pete Dye-designed gems: Dye Fore (27 holes) and The Links (18). Play on the legendary Teeth of the Dog has a preferred rate of $199 per round (plus taxes). All golf rounds are based on availability and include play on arrival and departure days.

Omni Hotels and Resorts Names Buffalo Agency as Golf Public Relations Agency of Record

Omni Hotels & Resorts has selected Buffalo Agency (Buffalo) as its golf public relations agency of record.

Calling upon its deep knowledge of branding and the business of golf, Buffalo will help Omni Hotels & Resorts build a clearer identity for its nationwide collection of 25 golf courses spread across 11 resorts. This identity will be informed by elements such as Omni’s market positioning, competitor analysis, audience insights, proof points from its golf properties, and current trends in golf travel.

Charlie Mechem Announces New Book Arnie and Jack, Now Available Through USGA Publications Website

Charlie Mechem’s latest book, Arnie and Jack: Stories of My Long Friendship with Two Remarkable Men, is now available for purchase on the USGA publications website.

“I’ve always had a great relationship with the USGA,” said Mechem. “I’m pleased that they added my book to their shop. It’s a great fit for both of us.”