Golf Capital Magazine

Golf Capital Magazine Reader Survey

2009-11-17T23:12:00.000-08:00

Feel free to take our reader survey to give us a better idea of who our readers are. THANKS!

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Golf Capital Magazine Focuses on Official Website.

2009-11-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

Miss our blog posts? Visit our new and improved official website www.golfcapitalmagazine.com
to stay up-to-date with golf industry and Golf Capital Magazine news and also online exclusive articles!

Weekend Tv Schedule

2009-10-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

Friday, Oct. 30	European: Barclays Singapore Open Round 2	6:00-10:00 a.m.	GOLF
Friday, Oct. 30	European: Volvo World Match Play Day 2	10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.	GOLF
Friday, Oct. 30	PGA Tour: Viking Classic Round 2	2:30-4:30 p.m.	GOLF
Friday, Oct. 30	Champions: Charles Schwab Cup Championship Round 2	4:30-7:00 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 31	European: Barclays Singapore Open Round 3	6:00-10:00 a.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 31	European: Volvo World Match Play Day 3	10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 31	PGA Tour: Viking Classic Round 3	2:30-4:30 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 31	Champions: Charles Schwab Cup Championship Round 3	4:30-7:00 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Nov. 1	European: Barclays Singapore Open Final Round	6:00-9:00 a.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Nov. 1	European: Volvo World Match Play Final Day	9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Nov. 1	PGA Tour: Viking Classic Final Round	2:30-4:30 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Nov. 1	Champions: Charles Schwab Cup Championship Final Round	4:30-7:00 p.m.	GOLF

Start getting ready for the 2010 OutBack Pro-Am now before it is too late!

2009-10-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

After receiving a press release from the Outback Pro-Am about giving local golfers the opportunity to play in the 2010 Outback Pro-Am in April that takes place at the highly recognized TPC Tampa Bay course. I thought now would be a great time to share a few photos and tell everyone a little about the TPC Tampa Bay facilities and the OutBack Pro-Am.
The TPC Tampa Bay driving range is wide open and waiting for you.

When Bobby Weed started playing golf when he was just 10-years-old he probably never even dreamed of designing golf courses. But in 1980 when Weed began working under Pete and Alice Dye at Long Cove Golf Club in Hilton Head, S.C. it was a time that would change Weed's life forever. Two years later in 1982 Weed was appointed superintendent at the Dye-designed TPC at Sawgrass. By 1987 Weed worked his way up the latter to be named chief designer for PGA Design Services.
With help from Chi Chi Rodriguez in 1991, Weed took on the task to design the most respected and challenging sites on the Champions Tour, TPC Tampa Bay.
With green fees starting at $79.00 there is no reason why you shouldn't visit TPC Tampa Bay. TPC Tampa Bay has also recently renovated all of their greens which makes if feel like it is a brand new course.
Since Outback has became the title sponsor five years ago charity contributions have steadily increased and the Outback Pro-Am has contributed over $3 million to area charities.
To make a tee time call or click TPC Tampa Bay today!

Phone: (813) 949-0090
Website: www.tpctampabay.com

Click photos to enlarge.

Box Groove Holiday Give-a-way on Facebook.

2009-10-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

Make sure you visit the www.boxgroove.com Facebook fan page before November 1st and tell them what the worst holiday golf gift you have received. The winner will receive a GREAT GOLF gift. Right now the Clubhouse leader is the “Potty Putter” with Rogaine a close second.

Click HERE for the Box Groove Facebook fan page.

The Glenlivet® Kicks Off Whisky Season on World Golf Tour with a Chance to Win a Trip to Scotland

2009-10-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

The Glenlivet® Kicks Off Whisky Season on World Golf Tour

with a Chance to Win a Trip to Scotland

Free Online Golf Tournament on The Old Course at St Andrews Links gives Whisky and Golf Fans
a Chance to Visit the Birthplace of the Sport and Spirit

SAN FRANCISCO (October 22, 2009) – The Glenlivet®, the number-one selling single malt Scotch whisky in the United States, will kick off whisky season with online golf destination World Golf Tour (WGT) by hosting The Glenlivet Whisky Season Open. Free to enter and available for play on any computer with an Internet connection, The Glenlivet Whisky Season Open will be hosted on the virtual version of The Old Course at St Andrews Links.

Beginning today and through November 30, golf and whisky fans may enter The Glenlivet Whisky Season Open by registering and playing one nine-shot challenge on St Andrews Links at wgt.com. Once the challenge has been completed, eligible players will be entered into a sweepstakes to win a once-in-a-lifetime vacation for two to Scotland, which includes a round of golf at the legendary St Andrews Links and a private tour of the historic The Glenlivet distillery. Thirty other winners will receive The Glenlivet-themed golf bags or a whisky tasting instructional DVD along with branded whisky glasses.

“The Glenlivet and golf have a storied history together, and our partnership with World Golf Tour elevates the way our enthusiasts enjoy these pastimes by creating a unique online experience with the ultimate pay off for the winner – a trip to the Motherland of the Sport and Spirit,” said Ron Zussman, brand director for The Glenlivet. “WGT provides an excellent platform for us to interact with this prestigious community in an immersive and impressive online golf environment, while maintaining our tasteful brand standards.”

“There are few brands out there that have as strong a tie to the sport of golf than The Glenlivet,” said YuChiang Cheng, CEO of World Golf Tour. “Since WGT.com’s launch last year, our site has grown to be one of the most highly trafficked golf sites in the world. We are honored to have such a respected brand sponsor a premium golf tournament for millions of virtual golfers.”

For more information on The Glenlivet Whisky Season Open, players can visit www.wgt.com/tournaments. Players must be 21 or older to enter and prizes are eligible for U.S. residents only (excluding California).

Free-to-play World Golf Tour launched in October of 2008 and has since garnered a dedicated golf community of more than a million members. In just the past six months, it has formed partnerships with companies, such as The Glenlivet, American Express, NBC Sports, TaylorMade and PING.

The online golf site changed the game among online golf offerings by inventing its patented technology that virtually recreates world class courses into an online 3-D format. By capturing and computing HD imagery of its seven world class courses, taking laser scans of topography and gathering actual physical measurements, WGT.com has been able to create the most authentic looking and playing online courses available. Its unique revenue model allows for free play and no install of any special software.

Clutch Weekend for TaylorMade-adidas Tour Staff

2009-10-29T09:09:00.001-07:00

Michael Jonzon's Improbable Victory at Castello Masters
Caps Clutch Weekend for TaylorMade-adidas Tour Staff

Jonzon secures European Tour card for 2010; Phil Blackmar takes
AT&T Championship on Champions' Tour

CARLSBAD, Calif. (October 26, 2009)– Facing the most daunting of ultimatums — finish in the top two or fail to secure your European Tour card for 2010 — TaylorMade-adidas Tour Staff Professional Michael Jonzon came alive at the Castello Masters, determined to make his playing status for next year a certainty by Sunday evening. Ranked 482nd in the world and winless for 12 years running, Jonzon raced to an opening-round 64 and fought off a late charge from the field, needing a birdie on the final hole to close with 67 and edge his way to an improbable one-shot victory.

Desperate to avoid his ninth trip to qualifying school in 16 years on Tour, the 37-year-old Swede took home the hard-earned championship prize of $500,000 after an emotional and exciting final round at Club de Campo del Mediterraneo. Among those chasing Jonzon was Tournament host and fellow TaylorMade staffer Sergio Garcia, who finished three strokes back of Jonzon after a final-round 69.

"It's going to take time to let this sink in, I guess," said Jonzon, who played a full compliment of TaylorMade equipment including the R9 driver. "I'm just so thrilled to have a playing status for next year and I'm so proud of myself, the way I handled these days."

TaylorMade's success on a crucial late-season weekend continued in San Antonio, Texas, where Tour staff Professional Phil Blackmar took home his first Champions' Tour victory at the AT&T Championship. Sparked by five birdies in his first six holes Sunday, Blackmar finished with a seven under-par 64 to win by one stroke despite pressures of his own to maintain a Tour card for 2010. Playing an R9 460 driver, Blackmar's win propelled him forward 27 spots in the Charles Schwab Cup Points Standings, earning him the coveted 30th and final spot in the season-ending Schwab Cup in Sonoma, California.

In Jonzon's winning bag:
TaylorMade R9™ 10.5° driver
TaylorMade R9 15°
Rescue® 09 TP 17°
rac™ TP (3-PW)
TP Red™ LDP Golf Ball
adidas Golf apparel
adidas Golf footwear: TOUR360 3.0

In Blackmar's winning bag:
TaylorMade R9™ 460 9.5° driver
TaylorMade R9 15°
Rescue 09 TP 19°
Tour Preferred® (4-PW)
rac wedges 52°, 54°, 60°
TP Black™ LDP Golf Ball
adidas Golf apparel
adidas Golf footwear

Local Golfers Can Play Their Way Into The 2010 Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am

2009-10-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

Local Golfers Can Play Their Way Into The 2010 Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am

The Bright House

Networks Challenge Golf Series Gives Amateur

Golfer’s a Shot at Official Tournament Play

TAMPA, FL, October 27, 2009 – Today the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am announced that one golfer will win a spot, valued at $12,000, in the 2010 Champions Tour golf tournament by participating in the Bright House Networks Challenge Golf Series. The Bright House Networks Challenge Golf Series offers two different opportunities for golfers to qualify for a final shot at winning a playing spot in the 2010 Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am held April 12-18 at TPC Tampa Bay.

“Golf is the one sport that gives you the unique opportunity to play in a team competition alongside a Champions Tour professional.” said Amy Hawk, tournament director of the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am.

“Thanks to our partnership with Bright House Networks, one lucky participant will win this once in a life-time experience.”

“Bright House Networks is proud to partner once again with the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am to deliver an event so many people can enjoy while also supporting a charitable organization that continually gives back to our community, said Michael Robertson, Bright House Networks Tampa Bay Division President. “It’s efforts like these that support the Bright House Networks commitment to focusing on our community every day and making Tampa Bay a more dynamic place to live, work and play,”

How the Bright House Networks Challenge Golf Series Works

For an entry fee of $195, golfers from Tampa-St. Pete and central Florida can participate in one of two, two-player team format events, allowing advancement into the final event for the top two gross and net twosome teams. The first of the Challenge Golf Series will be at the world-famous Quarry Course at Black Diamond Ranch on January 18, 2010. The second Challenge Golf Series will be played on February 15, 2010 at The Bayou Club, a spectacular Tom Fazio course. The eight twosome teams will then tee-off for an individual stroke play competition on March 8, 2010 at TPC Tampa Bay to compete for the single weekend playing spot in the 2010 Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am. The individual fee of $195 enables you to play in one of the two qualifying events in January or February.

All interested participants must have a verifiable USGA handicap.

“This is one more opportunity to raise money for local Tampa Bay charities,” continued Hawk. “All proceeds will directly benefit the 2010 Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am beneficiaries.”

For more information and to register visit, www.outbackproam.com

Matt Every Plays the TaylorMade R9 Driver to Win Nationwide Tour Championship

2009-10-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

Matt Every Plays the TaylorMade R9 Driver to Win
Nationwide Tour Championship and Earn 2010 PGA
Tour Card

TaylorMade has 15 of the Top 25 Players Graduate from Nationwide
Tour to the PGA Tour

CARLSBAD, Calif. (October 26, 2009)– Matt Every played an R9™ driver, R9 3-wood, Burner® 5-wood and wore adidas Golf footwear en route to winning the season ending Nationwide Tour Championship at the Daniel Island Golf Club in Charleston, South Carolina.

Every, who averaged more than 280 yards off the tee* and fired a course-record 63 Friday, was one of 13 players who played the R9 driver helping it rank as the No. 1 driver model played.**

The win was Every's first of his young career and paid huge dividends for his status, moving him from 49th to 10th on the Nationwide money list and allowing him to earn his 2010 PGA Tour card.

Every was one of 15 players affiliated with TaylorMade-adidas Golf who earned their 2010 PGA Tour card by virtue of their strong play this year on the Nationwide Tour, including: Blake Adams, Josh Teater, Justin Bolli, Garrett Willis, Kevin Johnson, Garth Mulroy, Jeff Gove, Henrik Bjornstead, Chris Baryla, Craig Bowden, Mathias Gronberg and Fran Quinn.

* PGATOUR.com
** Darrell Survey driver model counts, 2009 Nationwide Tour Championship

Ball Brite WINNERS

2009-10-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank all of our readers that took the time out of their busy schedules to take the time and tell us how they think a clean golf ball can help improve their game. We could also like to give a very big thank you to everyone at Ball Brite that made this contest possible. For more information about Ball Brite visit http://www.ballbrite.com

Here is what our winners had to say!

“A clean golf ball is a must! While only certain course conditions allow you to "lift, clean, and play", it's important to have a clean ball throughout play. The dirt/mud, even a blade of grass, will alter the flight of the ball or the roll on the green. Even on a dry day, you should always wipe your balls clean before driving and putting in order to obtain optimum performance.”

Jane B, Colorado

“When I play with a clean golf ball I keep the number of strokes down. When the ball is clean it flies through the air a lot better. It is also better around the greens. “

Ray C, New Jersey

“I have played golf for many years and it was within the last several months I have come to realize something that has knocked anywhere from 3-5 strokes off my score. The better the condition of the ball the better the ball grips the club face. This has cut down on the number of slices I have and reduces the severity of the slice. I have always just wiped the ball with my towel but a ball cleaner. I want one.”

Les S, Florida

“I feel that a clean golf ball can improve my game by keeping my ball flight pure and allowing my approach shots to sit and spin as I desire. As a golfer who never cancels a round due to rain, it is important to have a quick, reliable way to keep my golf balls clean and ready.”

Anson A, Georgia

“A clean ball can help your game in different ways.

B all spin increase
E nhance putting roll
S trike contact better with the club
T rajectory improve.”

Anthony B, Puerto Rico

“Although a clean golf ball radiates a special energy of it own, it is the process of cleaning the ball that has the potential to help improve your game. Golf, like life, offers the situations for the mind to do what it does best: "go and stay in the past or the future." We hold the thought of the missed three-footer or hook in the woods as readily as we imagine on the 10th tee: "I could shoot the round of my life," and then wonder: "how the hell did I get on this bogie carousel? The "Now" or "zone" is thought to be only available to the best in the world. Relief from the stress of the past and the future can be realized by everyone simply by listening to one breath at a time whenever you don't need the mind. A round of golf offers plenty of opportunities for getting in touch with your own energy as you are watching other shots, the time between shots and (I am finally getting to the point!) washing your golf ball. I share an ancient technique for finding the zone in my book, "Peace and Par - Enjoying Golf in the Now". amazon.com.”

Michael S, New Hampshire

“A Clean golf ball is the best kind of golf ball! I just don’t feel right when my golf ball is dirty. It is all mental for me and a clean golf ball gives me the best results for my game.”

Dan L, Florida

“If I don’t have a clean golf ball I never know where it is going to go. Even the slightest amount of debris can cause a golf ball to veer off course and land in a water hazard, sand trap, or even some ones house or car! With a clean ball there is a clean straight flight that I know I can count on.”
Mark T, Kentucky

“Who likes a dirty ball? Seriously…”

Larry R, Florida

“I always keep my clubs, cleats, and golf balls clean because it feels like I am playing with brand new gear every time I am on the golf course. Have you ever played with old gear? It just is not the same.”

Thomas R, Florida

“A clean golf ball can help with optimizing distance, spin, and accuracy because there are so many variables that can bog down your golf game. When you play golf with a clean ball it eliminates some of the variables that can be improved for a lower overall score.”

Dana N, Florida

This is one course that you would rather ride than walk.

2009-10-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Do you have any friends that complain about walking 18 holes? If so you should take them to Nullarbor Links Golf Course in Australia.

The Nullarbor Links Golf Course officially opened on October 22 after its five year building span and is long enough to wear out a new pair of shoes. The course stretches an amazing 848 miles and sits on two Australian states. Nullarbor Links GC gives you a certificate with your scorecard that you can get stamped at each hole.

Thought up over a couple of Australian beers it is hoped that the new golf course will attract tourists to the land that is hardly visited.

Golfers will visit a roadhouse, play a hole, and then drive to the next tee that is 50 miles down the road. In some cases golfers will find they are next to petrol station, an endless highway, and even next to a wombat hole.

The Par-71 course takes three to four days to complete and at the end each golfer is awarded with a certificate of completion.

For more information visit http://www.nullarborlinks.com/

Weekend Tv Schedule

2009-10-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

Friday, Oct. 24	European: Castello Masters Round 2	9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.	GOLF
Friday, Oct. 24	Nationwide: Tour Championship Round 2	2:00-4:30 p.m.	GOLF
Friday, Oct. 24	PGA Tour: Frys.com Open Round 2	4:00-7:00 p.m.	GOLF
Friday, Oct. 24	Champions: AT&T Championship Round 1	7:30-10:00 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 25	European: Castello Masters Round 3	9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 25	Nationwide: Tour Championship Round 3	2:00-4:30 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 25	PGA Tour: Frys.com Open Round 3	4:00-7:00 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 25	Champions: AT&T Championship Round 2	7:30-10:00 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Oct. 26	European: Castello Masters Final Round	9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Oct. 26	Nationwide: Tour Championship Final Round	2:00-4:30 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Oct. 26	PGA Tour: Frys.com Open Final Round	4:00-7:00 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Oct. 26	Champions: AT&T Championship Final Round	7:30-10:00 p.m.	GOLF

The Nationwide Tour adds the Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open to 2010 schedule.

2009-10-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

Next season the Nationwide Tour will add the Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open to their schedule for 2010 and will be played in October on the Dye's Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass.

PGA commissioner Tim Finchem said, "We are excited to welcome Winn-Dixie to the PGA TOUR family and to work with Peter Lynch and his team to build a community event that showcases the next generation of PGA TOUR stars and the TPC Sawgrass Dye's Valley course," and "We view the Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open as a strong complement to THE PLAYERS Championship."

13-time PGA winner and former Nationwide Tour member Jim Furyk stated, "This is great news that the Nationwide Tour will be playing at the home of the PGA TOUR next year and Jacksonville-based Winn- Dixie will be the title sponsor". "I've seen the phenomenal growth of this Tour first-hand, originally as a Nationwide Tour member in 1993, and over the last 16 years, competing on the PGA TOUR." Furyk said.

The Dye's Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass is the sister venue to the Stadium Course and was designed by Pete Dye and Bobby Weed, with Jerry Pate as the player consultant and opened in 1987. The par-72 course features water hazards on every hole and stretches 6,864 yards.

If you can not make it to the event in person you can catch it on the Golf Channel to see who will claim the number one spot to take home $108,000 with a total purse of $600,000.

FOURTEEN GOLF expands their professional marketing and public relations staff.

2009-10-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

IRVINE, CA – OCTOBER 21, 2009 – FOURTEEN GOLF, recognized worldwide amongst top touring golf professionals as the foremost leading wedge designer and manufacturer, announced today that the company has retained golf communication specialists Vanessa Price and Tracy Nackel to provide public relations, marketing, and promotional support services for their wedge and iron divisions.

According to FOURTEEN GOLF COO Marcy Kamoda, “Our wedges are widely accepted on the PGA, LPGA, Champions, and Nationwide Tour. On the different Asian tours, our company and its wedges dominate. We decided it was time to take our technology once only available to the professional to the consumer. After meeting with many firms, we decided the best company to help us reach this objective is Read the Greens. Their ability to assist boutique companies with innovative products is unsurpassed.”

“FOURTEEN GOLF is well known for designing premium golf clubs for Touring Professionals and we are delighted that they have selected Read The Greens to promote their products. We look forward to helping them build their brand in the U.S. golf market and reach golfers who will immediately benefit from using their products,” said Tracy Nackel.

FOURTEEN GOLF understands the importance of the short game, this significant portion of the game has created an unprecedented demand on most tours for their signature series of wedges. The company prides itself on the eight titles won this year using their short game arsenal.

FOURTEEN GOLF in Japan established itself in 1981 as a premier golf equipment design company. The highly successful venture developed exclusive designs for Titleist, Yamaha, Srixon (formerly Dunlop Japan), Wilson, PRGR, and many more. The original team was credited with developing the first hybrid iron and the highly popular “Citation” cavity iron by Power Bilt which was one of the most popular irons of the 1980s. In the year 2000, the business transitioned into branded design and manufacturing company.

The name “Fourteen” is based on the fundamental rule of golf which states that the player can carry up to 14 golf clubs in their bag. FOURTEEN GOLF strives to produce the best 14 clubs ever. FOURTEEN GOLF aims to achieve the ultimate in club characteristics which allow golfers to hit shots they didn’t think possible. These clubs bring out the strength in a player. Like their “feather” moniker which represent the best scores in golf; a birdie, eagle, and albatross, these clubs will bring out the best scores for any golfer, professional or amateur.

“We are SO looking forward to introducing these high performance sticks to the average golfer. Their original MT-28 wedge lets the everyday golfer control the ball like a professional. It actually stops the ball on a dime with backspin. The golfing community is going to love them,” said Price.

For more information on FOURTEEN GOLF call 949-852-8811 or visit the company website at www.fourteengolf.com.

Woods wins the race for the PGA Tour Player Of The Year award.

2009-10-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

Tiger Woods solidifies the player of the year award from the PGA of America after official calculations that took place earlier this week. Tiger's six PGA Tour victories added up to two times more than anyone else and tops the PGA Tour's money list.

This is Tiger's 10th time winning the PGA award and along with it he also wins the Vardon Trophy from the PGA of America for the eighth time and for having the lowest adjusted scoring average at 68.05 he will also take home the Byron Nelson Award.

For winning the money title Woods will receive the Arnold Palmer Award for the 9th time.

First Links Across America project to open in 2010

2009-10-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

First Links Across America project to open in 2010

DUNDEE TOWNSHIP, Ill. — Making golf accessible for non-traditional players is the primary goal of the first-ever Links Across America project, a universally accessible short course and golf practice facility scheduled to open here next summer.

The Links Across America initiative creates new and affordable short courses (from 3 to 9 holes) to provide golfing opportunities to young people, families and adult beginners of all ethnic backgrounds, in addition to individuals with disabilities or injuries.

The Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation (WGCF), philanthropic arm of Wadsworth Golf Construction, funded development of The Links Learning Center at Randall Oaks here in Dundee Township, Ill. Lohmann Golf Designs (LGD) was the course designer and The Bruce Co. the course builder. Following the Links Across America model, both donated large portions of their services to the project’s realization. Construction is complete and grow-in will continue through a summer 2010 grand opening.

“Links Across America took the lead on this, supplying funding and organizational expertise,” explained Todd Quitno, senior project architect for Marengo, Ill.-based LGD. “We donated a portion of our design services and schematic drawings, and we discounted the construction drawings. We were happy to be involved because of our long history at Randall Oaks. But this is our way, the company’s way, to give something back to these long-time clients and the game.”

“The Links Across America project will give us four holes plus a short-game practice area that is accessible to people with disabilities, and we are committed to making this a truly accessible facility,” explained Randall Oaks superintendent Mike Sprouse. “We brought people in from disability groups during construction to make sure everything was accessible. We are creating a chance for people who might never get involved with the game to finally have that opportunity.”

Dundee Township is a member of the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA), whose 13 member agencies and townships direct individuals with special needs into recreational programs and other activities, according to Tom Mammoser, executive director of the Dundee Township Park District. Golfers with disabilities are one such special needs group.

Randall Oaks expects other non-traditional groups to use the new facility. The township has a longstanding relationship with the local Boys’ and Girls’ clubs, which have a combined membership of 1,100 based out of nearby Carpentersville. “We see the Links course as a way to tie in with those clubs and expose the kids to golf,” Mammoser said. “The clubs are 60 percent Hispanic and 26 percent African-American. The Links Course will expose those youngsters to the game, as well, in a comfortable environment that is strong on teaching.”

NISRA has worked closely with groups like Revelation Golf, a local association that has worked with cancer patients and wounded veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. “Golf is a sport that benefits them physically and emotionally,” Mammoser said. “The golf industry is changing and becoming more focused on non-traditional customers.”
The facility’s design, thanks to LGD, is fancifully non-traditional in its own right. Quitno and his colleagues created a short-game area that includes an 8,500-square-foot putting green, a bunker complex and chipping areas. “Nothing unique about that, but within those components we did create special areas where you can teach 8-10 people,” Quitno explained. “The 4-hole routing has no tees. It’s all fairway, so they can create the routing any way they want — they can set it up for little kids, so they never have to play over bunkers; or for more advanced players where all the approaches are forced carries. You can turn it around and play it backwards, and you can play to the chipping green to form a 5^th hole.

“As a practice area, it’s pretty amazing what you can do out there in terms of options. In fact, this area used to be the driving range but we didn’t eliminate its use as a driving range. It’s not full-length but when it’s cleared of kids, it can double as a fine teaching range for young players.”

Mammoser sees tremendous potential for the new Randall Oaks facility to help grow the game in general. For example, about 70 percent of the children in Dundee play soccer and a majority plays basketball and baseball. Only 14 percent play golf.

“Our goal is to make golf a more typical activity, like soccer, and get that participation rate up to 25, 30 percent or more,” Mammoser said. “At Randall Oaks we can help people move along a learning path in golf from the Links Course to the Acorn Course [a 3-hole, par-3 routing] to the 18-hole championship course. They can do it at their own pace and not be intimidated by existing players on the 18-hole course before they are ready to play alongside them. We have a facility correctly sized for new players that can help them learn a lifetime sport like golf.

“It will also give the experienced golfer another place to come practice. This was a win-win for everyone. We could not have moved forward with the project without the Wadsworth Charitable Foundation. We were delighted to receive their grant to develop this facility.”

Links Across America is an ambitious program with national aspirations. In addition to Randall Oaks, the organization has projects in planning or under discussion in Georgia, Arkansas and Wisconsin.

But The Links Learning Center at Randall Oaks is the first facility built under Links Across America auspices. “It has been a learning experience,” said LGD’s Quitno, whose company drew up a master plan roughly 25 years ago for Randall Oaks, and has overseen some type of construction project almost annually at the suburban Chicago course ever since. “Many of the things we learn here should help with the construction process at future Links Across America facilities.”

The interest and willingness of golf companies to collaborate on similar projects has been phenomenal, according to Links Across America spokesman Leon McNair. LGD is among 10 architects that have offered to donate and/or significantly discount their services. Nine course builders have done the same.

“Lohmann Golf Designs and the Bruce Co. understand the need for and believe in what we are doing,” McNair said. “Companies like John Deere, Club Car, Fore Reservations Systems and Wittek Golf have offered to get involved at very low prices. They all want to help provide affordable playing opportunities for youngsters, families and those with disabilities.”

Sprouse said he is honored to be part of a project with such positive and potentially long-reaching effects: “It is exciting to be committed to the philosophy of inclusion. We look forward to helping other facilities build similar projects.”

[For more information on Links Across America, contact the Wadsworth Charitable Foundation at 513-424-3701 or visit www.wadsworthgolffoundation.org. For more information on Lohmann Golf Designs, visit www.lohmanncompanies.com]

FLAWLESS START FOR TOUR360 4.0

2009-10-20T07:59:00.001-07:00

FLAWLESS START FOR TOUR360 4.0

adidas Golf Tour Staff Professional Martin Laird Goes Low and Wins
Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open Playing adidas Golf TOUR360 4.0 with Advanced THiNTech

Carlsbad, Calif. (October 19, 2009) – TaylorMade-adidas Golf Tour Staff Professional Martin Laird completed a perfect launch week for the adidas Golf TOUR360 4.0 in Las Vegas, capturing the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open with a birdie on the third playoff hole to earn his first career PGA Tour victory on Sunday. The 26-year-old Scotsman closed a final-round 68 to earn his spot in the three-way playoff and sank an 11-foot birdie putt to take home an exciting win in the PGA Tour's Fall Series.

"The launch of our new technical flagship — TOUR360 4.0 — signals the beginning of a new era in golf shoe performance – not just for tour athletes but for all golfers who expect more from their footwear," said Dave Ortley, Senior Director of Global Footwear. "Six of eight adidas Golf athletes at The President's Cup and sixteen of nineteen (including Laird) in Vegas chose to switch to the new shoe straight out of the box, the week they received them. This shift speaks volumes about TOUR360 4.0; the first shoe we've released with our breakthrough innovation for 2010, advanced THiNTech low-profile technology."

Laird's victory earned him a crucial two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and a coveted final spot in the World Golf Championship-HSBC Champions event in November. "I feel I have the best equipment and apparel in golf. I especially love my new TOUR360 4.0 golf shoes. I felt lower to the ground this week allowing me to go low and win in Las Vegas", Laird said.

Designed for the avid golfer who seeks every competitive advantage, the TOUR360 4.0 combines next-generation innovations with tour-proven technologies built around delivering more stability and more consistent ball-striking. Understanding that stability, balance and footwork improve the closer you are to the ground, the adidas Golf footwear team worked closely with professional athletes around the world across all sports categories and created a revolutionary system 32% lower than conventional cleat systems.

"For many of the world's best players, switching their shoe is as difficult as putting a new putter in the bag," Ortley said. "They wear these shoes all day – every day, walking up to 40 miles and hitting thousands of balls each week. To see our athletes respond so positively to the new technology is validation that the direction adidas Golf Footwear has been heading with THiNTech is the right one. The TOUR360 4.0 is first, but our entire range of footwear products is set to feature this exclusive new technology in 2010."

In Laird's winning bag:
adidas Golf footwear: TOUR360 4.0
adidas Golf apparel: adidas Golf
TaylorMade Burner™ 10.5° driver
TaylorMade Tour Burner 17.5°
TaylorMade Tour Burner 19°
TaylorMade Tour Preferred™(3-PW)
TaylorMade Rossa Corza® Long Putter

Martin Laird gains victory at Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

2009-10-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

TaylorMade Tour Staff Pro Martin Laird,
125th on the Money List Last Week,
Secures Two-Year Exemption with Victory
at Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open

Carlsbad, Calif. (October 19, 2009) – It's a super-stressful time of year for those PGA Tour pros battling to finish inside the top 125 on the money list to avoid losing their playing privileges. TaylorMade Tour Staff pro Martin Laird ranked 125th – squarely on the bubble – when he arrived in Las Vegas last week for the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. He responded to the pressure by winning, for which he earned a two-year PGA Tour exemption as well as a spot in the field next month's World Golf Championship-HSBC Champions event.

Using a full complement of TaylorMade golf equipment, including a Burner 09 driver and Rossa Corza putter, Laird sank an 11-foot birdie on the third playoff hole to secure victory, which was his first on the PGA Tour in 53 starts. Besides playing TaylorMade equipment, Laird wore adidas Golf's new TOUR360 4.0 footwear, which was officially launched to the PGA Tour and to consumers last week in Las Vegas.

In Laird's winning bag:
TaylorMade Burner™ 10.5° driver
TaylorMade Tour Burner 17.5°
TaylorMade Tour Burner 19°
TaylorMade Tour Preferred™(3-PW)
TaylorMade Rossa Corza® Long Putter
adidas Golf footwear: TOUR360 4.0

Happy Mulligan Day!

2009-10-16T23:29:00.000-07:00

Weekend Tv Schedule

2009-10-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

Friday, Oct. 16	European: Portugal Masters Round 2	10 a.m.-1:00 p.m.	GOLF
Friday, Oct. 16	Nationwide: Miccosukee Championship Round 2	1:30-4:00 p.m.	GOLF
Friday, Oct. 16	PGA Tour: Justin Timberlake Shriners Open Round 2	4:00-7:00 p.m.	GOLF
Friday, Oct. 16	Champions: Administaff Small Business Classic Round 1	7:30-9:30 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 17	European: Portugal Masters Round 3	10 a.m.-1:00 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 17	Nationwide: Miccosukee Championship Round 3	1:30-4:00 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 17	PGA Tour: Justin Timberlake Shriners Open Round 3	4:00-7:00 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 17	Champions: Administaff Small Business Classic Round 2	7:30-9:30 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Oct. 18	European: Portugal Masters Final Round	10 a.m.-1:00 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Oct. 18	Nationwide: Miccosukee Championship Final Round	1:30-4:00 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Oct. 18	PGA Tour: Justin Timberlake Shriners Open Final Round	4:00-7:00 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Oct. 18	Champions: Administaff Small Business Classic Final Round	7:30-9:30 p.m.	GOLF

Golf is in the Olympics once again!

2009-10-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

Straight from Copenhagen, Denmark the news of golf becoming an Olympic sport is official.

Golf was in the Olympics for a short period of time in 1904 but was soon left out. Now the worlds greatest players will have the chance to meet in Rio de Janeiro and compete for something more precious than the FEDEX Cup -- an Olympic gold medal.

More important than a gold medal is that golf will have the chance to catch on in other countries.

An excited Tiger Woods said, ''It's a perfect fit for the Olympics, and I think we are all looking forward to golf getting into the Olympics.''

Jack Nicklas himself said, "Olympic gold would not trump the Green Jacket given the winner of the Masters or the Claret Jug awarded in the British Open, but would be seen as something hugely important in countries where the game now doesn't mean nearly as much."

Michelle Wie tolf the International Olympic Committee that if they put golf into the Olympics it would give young girls something new to aspire to.

''I can dream about doing something that neither Tiger nor Ernie (Els) have ever done, and that is to make the final putt to win an Olympic gold medal,'' Wie said. ''If this dream comes true, somewhere in the world there will be another 4-year-old who sees me on that podium and perhaps starts her own Olympic dream.''

Golf won the vote 63-27 with two abstentions and rugby won by an amazing 81-8 with one one abstention. These sports are the first to be added to the
Olympic games since taekwindo and triathlon back in 2000 for the Sydney Olympics.

Rugby's landslide vote came from their proposal that included that they would be appealing to a much wider audience. Former New Zealand rugby great Jonah Lomu told The Associated Press. ''We were ecstatic and wanted to jump on the table, but we sort of restrained ourselves,'' and 'It was just fantastic for the game.''

When the Olympics roll around Tiger Woods will be 40-years-old and he will play against the best under a traditional format of 72 holes of stroke play for fields of 60 men and 60 women. Tiger said he grew up determined to chase and break the Jack Nicklaus's record of 18 major championship wins. He never even had any thoughts of winning the Olympics because golf was not even an Olympic sport (at the time).

Sean O'Hair said, ''I think it's awesome,'' ''You're going to be able to play for your country at the Olympic level. I think it's huge for the game. I think it's great for the Olympics. You know, I don't see any negatives to it. I think it's fantastic.''

The new Olympic sports had to make some concessions to gain the winning vote, the Rugby Sevens World Cup will be canceled and golf promised the IOC it would not stage any other major championships during the Olympics.

Delegates were more wary about introducing golf into the Olympics because of golf's rich reputation and questioned how it could be successful in most countries because of the high cost that is associated with playing the sport. Some of the IOC Members even pointed out that some of the top clubs don't even allow women members.

''Time will show your decision (on the sports) was very wise,'' IOC President Jacques Rogge told delegates.

''There are some serious problems with some clubs where major events are held, in terms of discrimination,'' American member Anita DeFrantz said, urging the IOC to ''avoid going down a road that may be harmful to our image.''

With golf finally making it back into the Olympics it may lead to bigger TV contracts for tournaments, higher purses for players, and more golf course developments. It would also make golf more available to the masses.

''Anything that grows the game, gets more people playing the game and more people watching the game, impacts all of those things,'' PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem said.

ESPN TEES UP 2009 RE/MAX WORLD LONG DRIVE CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

2009-10-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

ESPN TEES UP 2009 RE/MAX WORLD LONG DRIVE CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

ESPN2 TO FOLLOW WITH
TRADITIONAL DECEMBER 25 AIRINGROANOKE, TEXAS (October 13, 2009) - Long Drivers of America (LDA) announced today that ESPN, the Worldwide Leader in Sports, has scheduled a debut telecast of the 2009 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship finals on Sunday afternoon, December 20.

A 90-minute HDTV highlight package of power golf's premier event will air from 1-2:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

"This is a tremendous time slot to showcase our marquee event," said LDA chief executive officer Art Sellinger, citing the lead-in provided by ESPN's award-winning NFL Sunday Countdown.

ESPN2 will follow with a traditional Christmas Day airing for the 2009 RE/MAX WLDC finals at 2-3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. "We are extremely gratified by these programming decisions," Sellinger added. "Between the airings on ESPN and ESPN2, we anticipate unprecedented exposure for our world championship."

The 2009 RE/MAX WLDC finals take place on Oct. 25-30 at Mesquite Regional Sports and Event Complex in Mesquite, Nevada.

Long drive world championships will be at stake in three divisions - open, senior (45+) and super senior (53+). Canadian sensation Jamie Sadlowski is the defending open division champion.

adidas Golf Unveils Next-Generation TOUR360 4.0

2009-10-12T23:22:00.001-07:00

adidas Golf Unveils Next-Generation TOUR360 4.0
Shoe at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals
for Children Open

Revolutionary New Shoe Gets Golfers Lower to the Ground
for Improved Stability and Overall Performance.

Carlsbad, Calif. (October 9, 2009) – adidas Golf is debuting its newest and most stable golf shoe to date, the TOUR360 4.0, in Las Vegas at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open October 12-18, 2009. The revolutionary new shoe, which is the first to incorporate adidas Golf's Advanced THiNTech low-profile technology, brings golfers lower to the ground for improved overall balance, weight transfer, stability, power and consistency. The new adidas Golf shoe will launch exclusively in Las Vegas with availability in other markets soon after.

WATCH THE VIDEO

Among the PGA Tour players scheduled to wear the new TOUR360 4.0 at the Justin Timberlake include: JIM FURYK, TIM CLARK, NATHAN GREEN, CASEY WITTENBERG, GREG OWEN, MARTIN LAIRD, MATT BETTENCOURT and TIM PETROVIC.

Designed for the avid golfer who seeks every competitive advantage, the TOUR360 4.0 combines next-generation innovations with tour-proven technologies built around delivering more stability and more consistent ball-striking. The new TOUR360 4.0 utilizes a proprietary new low-profile outsole system called Advanced THiNTech with PINS (Performance Insert System). By working closely with professional athletes around the world across all sports categories, the adidas Golf team discovered immediate performance advantages in getting the golfer lower, but was previously limited in how low they could go.

"We felt constrained by the industry standard attachment mechanism," says Dave Ortley, Sr. Director of Global Footwear for adidas Golf. "We couldn't bring our athletes as close to the ground as we wanted, so instead we decided to reengineer the whole system. By collaborating with Pride Sports, the world leader in cleat design and the makers of Fast Twist, we were able to create an entirely-new method which combines an Advanced THiNTech cleat with a new, ultra-thin cleat attachment mechanism called PINS." The end result is a system 32% lower than conventional cleat systems, ultimately allowing golfers to feel a stronger connection with the ground for more consistent ball-striking.

Also new to the next-generation TOUR360 4.0 is unibody-construction that connects the heel counter and 360WRAP technology to the outsole to promote a greater level of stability. Other essential features include:

A reengineered POWERBAND CHASSIS that delivers extraordinary lateral stability for more power through impact
Split outsole with 10-cleat configuration and exclusive low-profile THiNTech cleats
X-STATIC® silver filament fibers woven into the lining help regulate temperature for optimized comfort
adiPRENE® cushioning in the heel for enhanced impact absorption
FitFOAMTM sock liner for added support, cushioning and comfort heel to toe
adiTUFFTM technology to protect the toe from excessive wear
ClimaProof® 100% waterproof protection
TRAXION® secondary lugs for added grip, especially at higher swing speeds

TOUR360 4.0 is offered in medium and wide widths and in a choice of five colorways: Running White/Black/Metallic Silver, Running White/Running White/Black, Running White/Titan Metallic/Scout Metallic, Black/Black/Metallic Silver and Chocolate/Scout Metallic/Cyber Metallic. TOUR360 4.0 includes a two-year waterproof warranty and carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $180.

Trinitas Golf Video

2009-10-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

Trinitas Golf Club - Golf's "Field of Dreams" from Bob Beresh on Vimeo.

HELP!

2009-10-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

SOS…..Golfers around the world, Call to arm’s - one of America’s finest golf courses--- (actually its Golf’s Field of Dreams) is under threat of extinction by left wings activists funded by the TIDES Foundation that have crippled Rural Calaveras County in California and have directed them to tear out what golfers are calling the “Holy Grail of golf dreamers” around the planet.

Full Story: www.golfjunkys.com

www.trinitasgolf.com

Weekend Tv Schedule

2009-10-09T10:36:00.001-07:00

Friday, Oct. 9	European: Madrid Masters Round 2	10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.	GOLF
Friday, Oct. 9	Presidents Cup Day 2	2:00-8:00 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 10	European: Madrid Masters Round 3	9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 10	Presidents Cup Day 3	11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.	NBC
Sunday, Oct. 11	European: Madrid Masters Final Round	9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Oct. 11	Presidents Cup Final Day	12:00-9:00 p.m.	NBC

The One Plane Cut Swing “Hogan’s Secret Angle”

2009-10-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

The One Plane Cut Swing “Hogan’s Secret Angle”

By: Blake Burleson

Description: The One Plane Cut Swing is researched and brought into use by Blake Burleson,

A Professional Golf Instructor.

Beaumont Texas. May, 9th, 2009 – The One Plane Cut Swing “Hogan’s Secret Angle” is a new book about the new and exciting swing that Professional Golf Instructor Blake Burleson has created. Blake Burleson was born and raised in deep southeast Texas and has been involved in the game of golf since a very young age. Blake is married to his wife Nelly who is from (Bulgaria), and they have a beautiful daughter name Kalina. Blake's desire to teach has come from his research of the greatest left to right PGA Tour players ever; such as Ben Hogan, David Duval, Bruce Lietzke, Lee Trevino, and many others. In the years since, Blake has set out to become one of the greatest instructors of the golf swing in his time.

About The Book

To work a golf shot left to right you have several options with different flight patterns, and you really can’t be wrong with any of them if you are happy with what you are doing. You might never be really great, but at least you will know that you are going to be consistent in your shot. That’s all golf really is, the most consistent way to repeat an action as closely as possible each time that will return the club face to a square impact position. Let us move in a new direction though if you are seeking the holy grail of a more perfect left to right shot with a tighter pattern. "The One Plane Cut"

About BurleyGolf.com

Blake created BurleyGolf.com in 2007. Creating a global internet golf academy where anyone in the world can logon, upload their swing, and get affordable instruction. BurleyGolf also offers Golf Trips to give guest a vacation golf experience with instruction and playing tips. Blake Burleson works with his Professional students to develop a plan of improving the balance of their golf swing and their natural plane. Understanding how cause and effect plays in their swing, the student and instructor will have created a relationship that will produce the desired results. Blake has taught professionals from all around the Globe, and wants to pass on his knowledge to you. www.BurleyGolf.com

Angel Cabrera's name will join the list of tour player turned golf course architect.

2009-10-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

Angel Cabrera will be adding his name to the list of the top pros that have transformed from tour player to global golf course designer.

Cabrera will partner with Gary Player to design courses all over the world with his main focus on his home territory of Latin America.

Gary Player Design has a 30-year history with more than 300 courses under the belt and is known world wide for creating championship golf courses.

Cabrera established a friendship with Gary Player while he played for his Presidents Cup teams in 2005 and 2007 and has decided to venture into the golf course design business.

"Through my playing career, I have developed a keen understanding of quality course design techniques and feel very confident in my design vision. Having an organization with the quality of Gary Player Design as a resource was extra important to me as my design business grows. Perhaps, Gary and I may even collaborate on a project in the future," said Cabrera, who is looking forward to vast opportunities in the future for designing golf courses in Argentina and Brazil.

As time goes on Cabrera will look to Gary Player Design to bring marketing, technical design services, and personal expertise to the table. Cabrera will have immediate access to all assets associated with Gary Player Design to make his visions come to life.

"Mr. Player and Angel have formed a relationship, which was the foundation for our business alliance. Given that Angel is at the height of his career and has won multiple major championships, I expect we will be looking at several new projects together, particularly in South America," said Scott Ferrell, president of Gary Player Design.

Cabrera and Player both learned golf at an early age, achieved great success and are credited for expanding the presence of golf in their home countries of South Africa and Argentina.

Over the 30-years of Gary Player Designs existence the firm has worked in over 35 countries and currently has more than 60 projects that are active in Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Gary Player Designs prides itself on growing the game of golf in emerging markets to help with global golf awareness.

And only two sports rise from the fallen.

2009-10-06T05:15:00.000-07:00

This Friday Padraig Harrington of Ireland, Suzann Pettersen of Norway, Michelle Wie of the United States and 16-year-old British Amateur Champion Matteo Manassero of Italy will all come together to push the final presentation to the International Olympic Committee.

The four representatives will join Ty Votaw, Executive Director of the International Golf Foundation's Olympic Golf Committee who has coordinated golf's Olympic bid, as well as Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A and joint secretary of the IGF.

Golf and rugby are two of the recommended sports for the 2016 Olympic Program by the International Olympic Committee Executive Board. Each sport will present their final case to the entire IOC (International Olympic Committee) members before they vote to accept or deny one or both of the sports.

Votaw commented "We have demonstrated to the IOC Executive Board throughout the evaluation process that golf's bid to become an Olympic sport has received unprecedented support from both amateur and professional golf organizations around the world and leading international players," and "Now, we must reaffirm this support before the full IOC membership and we couldn't be more pleased than to have Padraig, Suzann, Matteo and Michelle help to communicate this support during our final presentation."

Friday's vote will end the year-long evaluation which included formal presentations by five other recommended sports and submissions of Detailed Questionnaires and responses to questions raised by both the IOC Program Commission and the IOC Executive Board. On August 13th the seven sports turned into two with golf and rugby rising above the rest.

October 2nd was the date that the IOC agreed that Rio de Janeiro, Brazil will be the setting for the 2016 Olympic Games.

Inside the TaylorMade Trailer at Cog Hill

2009-10-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Golf To Impress, I hope they don't mind me borrowing it.
Original source: sandbox8.com

Weekend Tv Schedule

2009-10-02T13:53:00.001-07:00

Friday, Oct. 2	European: Dunhill Links Championship Round 2	8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.	GOLF
Friday, Oct. 2	Champions: CE Senior Players Championship Round 2	1:30-3:30 p.m.	GOLF
Friday, Oct. 2	PGA Tour: Turning Stone Championship Round 2	4:00-6:00 p.m.	GOLF
Friday, Oct. 2	Nationwide: Soboba Classic Round 2	6:30-8:30 p.m.	GOLF
Friday, Oct. 2	LPGA: Navistar Championship Round 2	8:30-10:30 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 3	European: Dunhill Links Championship Round 3	8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 3	PGA Tour: Turning Stone Championship Round 3	4:00-6:00 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 3	Champions: CE Senior Players Championship Round 3	4:00-6:00 p.m.	NBC
Saturday, Oct. 3	Nationwide: Soboba Classic Round 3	6:30-8:30 p.m.	GOLF
Saturday, Oct. 3	LPGA: Navistar Championship Round 3	8:30-10:30 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Oct. 4	European: Dunhill Links Championship Final Round	7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Oct. 4	PGA Tour: Turning Stone Championship Final Round	4:00-6:00 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Oct. 4	Champions: CE Senior Players Championship Final Round	4:00-6:00 p.m.	NBC
Sunday, Oct. 4	Nationwide: Soboba Classic Final Round	6:30-8:30 p.m.	GOLF
Sunday, Oct. 4	LPGA: Navistar Championship Final Round	8:30-10:30 p.m.	GOLF

Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail bridges gap between Vietnam’s north, south

2009-10-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail bridges gap between Vietnam’s north, south

Ballyhooed golf adventure addresses Central Coast void by adding a pair of prestigious Quang Nam Province properties

The ingeniously designed and award-winning Nam Hai provides guests an inimitable resort experience.

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (Oct.2, 2009) — The Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail, the world’s most exotic and talked-about golfing itinerary, has amplified its appeal by admitting Central Coast tourism bastions The Montgomerie Links golf club and The Nam Hai resort.

The move not only brings the number of Trail courses to six and accommodations to five, it creates a cohesive link between Vietnam’s north and south, until recently the only regions in the country to offer golf.

“We gave the Central Coast its first golf course in August, so it’s only natural that we become the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail’s first Central Coast golf member,” said Jon Tomlinson, general manager of The Montgomerie Links. “Obtaining membership also aligns us with the best clubs in Vietnam. That’s a group we belong in.”

The Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail launched in July 2007 as Southeast Asia’s first integrated, comprehensive golfing itinerary. It matches first-class clubs with some of the most remarkable accommodations in world golf, while connecting golfers themselves to all the Trail's cultural offerings and transport options through its partnership with seasoned tour operator Golfasian.

The Trail has succeeded in generating news coverage in more than 200 different publications worldwide, including the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, a cover feature in the February 2009 edition of GOLF magazine and mention in a September 2009 Newsweek column by Richard Haass, who called the formation of the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail “the clearest evidence of how far things have changed” in Vietnam since the end of the war in 1975.

As if to further reinforce that spirit of détente, The Montgomerie Links recently hosted the Ambassador’s Cup, a golf outing and weekend of festivities for some three dozen influential members of the international business and diplomatic community. Distinguished guests included representatives from Brazil, Germany, Finland, Belgium, Italy, and Argentina, as well as UNESCO and the International Monetary Fund.

Designed by sitting European Ryder Cup captain and eight-time European PGA Tour Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie, the 18-hole Montgomerie Links capitalizes on the natural, dune-strewn topography of the Central Coast for a visually stunning, memorable golfing challenge.

The 70-hectare development also features a state-of-the-art golf academy staffed by a team of international PGA golf professionals and equipped with video swing-analysis technology; and a dramatic 3,000-square-meter clubhouse with breathtaking views of the Marble Mountains and famed China Beach.

Five kilometers south, near UNESCO World Heritage site Hoi An, the ingeniously designed Nam Hai provides guests an inimitable resort experience. Most of the 35-hectare retreat’s 60 one-bedroom villas and 40 pool villas border the East Sea around five horseshoe-shaped spits of sand — a set-up that prompted Travel + Leisure to call it “Best Resort” in the world in its 2008 Design Awards.

Other Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail lodging links include Saigon’s Caravelle Hotel, celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year as one of Vietnam’s most prestigious 5-star hotels; the Emeraude, a posh Halong Bay cruising vessel built as a near-replica of a stern-wheeler that plied the same waters in the early 1900s; Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi, a cool, new, 154-room, 5-star hotel in the heart of Hanoi; and Blue Ocean Resort, a chic, seaside resort in Mui Ne, about 230 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City.

Golfing venues along the Trail include:

* Vietnam Golf & Country Club, a 36-hole facility 30 minutes from downtown Ho Chi Minh City and recent host to the Asian PGA Tour’s Hana Bank Vietnam Masters.

* Long Thanh Golf Club & Residential Estate, a tale of two courses — the older of which was designed by prolific architects at Golfplan — in a tropically bucolic setting, just a few minutes east of VGCC.

* Dalat Palace Golf Club, a mile-high gem laid out in the early 1930s for Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam, and again voted the top course in Vietnam by Asian Golf Monthly in its annual December rankings issue.

* Ocean Dunes Golf Club, a windswept Nick Faldo design, a “tropical links” lapped by the warm waters of the East Sea and perennial home to the GANNON Vietnam Open.

* Kings’ Island Golf, Hanoi’s oldest club and home to two superb 18s that play over some of the finest, most diverse golfing ground in Southeast Asia.

The Montgomerie Links, which unveiled all 18 holes in August, features a dramatic clubhouse with views of the sea and mountains.

For information on the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail, or to book a trip, visit www.hochiminhgolftrail.com, or email golfasian@hochiminhgolftrail.com.

TaylorMade introduces R9 TP irons

2009-10-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

TaylorMade introduces R9 TP irons

Serious Performance Technology in a
Classic Player's Shape and Size

Carlsbad, Calif. (October 1, 2009)– TaylorMade Golf has introduced the R9™ TP, a classically shaped iron that nevertheless incorporates a variety of performance-enhancing technologies. As part of TaylorMade's revered Tour Preferred® product line, R9 TP irons are engineered to, above all, deliver an exceptional degree of distance control and consistency, which is critical to any player who competes at a high level or wants to.

The R9 TP iron's classic shape and size are characterized by a compact head featuring a semi-straight leading edge, semi-square toe, thin topline and thin, cambered, beveled, multi-functional sole. The particular way the hosel blends with the leading edge and the face comes from Nick Faldo's advisement, who believes it's absolutely essential that this connection point be skillfully rendered so as to be pleasing to the player's eye. Adding to the R9 TP's beautiful shape is an attractive mirror nickel-chrome plating topped by a pearl finish.

Velocity Control Chamber in the 2- through 5-iron
In terms of technology, the R9 TP irons offer plenty. The 2- through 5-iron incorporate TaylorMade's Velocity Control Chamber (VCC), a fully enclosed compartment positioned behind the clubface that allows a large area of the 2.0 mm face to exist unsupported, increasing COR to promote more distance. The open space within the VCC is fully filled with a light yet dense foam that manages vibration energy to deliver excellent feel and sound at impact. The VCC allows the re-distribution of mass within the clubhead to give the R9 TP long-irons an exceptionally low CG and high MOI, which combines with the fast clubface to make them easier to launch high and long.

Progressive Face Thickness and Inverted Cone Technology throughout the Set
Progressive face thickness is incorporated throughout the set starting at 2.0 mm in the 2- through 5-iron, 2.3 mm in the 6- and 7-iron, and 2.5 mm in the 8-iron through pitching wedge. The result is progressively higher COR where you need it in the middle-irons and long-irons, and fantastic feel in the short-irons. All R9 TP irons feature TaylorMade's renowned Inverted Cone Technology fabricated (milled in long-irons, cast in short-irons) directly onto the inner side of the clubface, which promotes higher ball speed on off-center hits so that ball speed and distance are consistent across the face to promote constant distance control.

Superior Distance Control and Consistency
Good players want confidence that their irons will behave consistently from shot to shot especially in terms of distance. Hot spots on the face that add yardage and mis-hits that subtract yardage both kill morale and damage scores. Because of that, TaylorMade's R&D department spent hundreds of hours to ensure that the R9 TP irons deliver superior distance control and consistency, and they succeeded. In each individual R9 TP iron, the combination of head size, VCC, Inverted Cone and face thickness has been carefully calibrated to promote optimum distance control and consistency. The result is a club that players can be confident will deliver the expected distance on swing after swing after swing.

Compact Perimeter-weighted Heads
R9 TP heads are similar to the compact shape of the Tour Preferred® irons (which are the most popular and successful irons on the PGA Tour today), yet the R9 TPs offer a larger hittable face area due in part to differences in the way the head blends into the hosel. The top-line is beveled along the back edge to give it a thin and elegant appearance, and the sole is beveled to reduce resistance so it can perform "thinner" when it meets the turf. Each R9 TP head is perimeter-weighted and equipped with a vibration-controlling cavity badge. The 6-iron through pitching wedge feature an undercut cavity that's visible because the cavity badge is smaller than that used in the R9 irons. The undercut cavity allows us to push more weight to the perimeter of the head in order to increase MOI and distance-control.

Easy-to-Hit Long-irons, Exceptionally Accurate Short-irons
As mentioned earlier, we're making an R9 TP 2-iron, and you might wonder why given that so many players have traded their long-irons for hybrids. The reason is because the VCC allows such a thin, fast clubface and the perimeter weighting allows such a low CG that it makes these long-irons exceptionally easy to launch. We expect a lot of players to put the 2- and 3-iron back in their bags once they find out how easy these R9 TP long-irons are to launch and control.

Tour-Proven KBS Steel Shafts
The R9 TP irons come equipped with KBS Tour Series steel shafts, which is currently the fastest growing steel shaft brand on the PGA Tour. Several of our Tour Staff pros are in the same KBS shaft that's in the R9 TP including Kenny Perry, who's won five times with them and Dustin Johnson and Rory Sabbatini who have each used them to win once. Designed for better players, the KBS Tour Series shaft is engineered with "moment of inertia analysis" to increase stability from grip to clubhead, which promotes enhanced results on well-executed swings. Reducing the mass and radius of each step in equal proportions along the shaft’s center line allows the KBS Tour shaft to promote optimum stability, resulting in a more efficient energy transfer from the player’s hands to the clubhead.

New and Conforming Grooves for 2010
The R9 TP irons incorporate a new groove design that conforms to the USGA and R&A ruling that goes into affect in 2010 for high-level competition.

The R9 TP: Another Great TaylorMade Iron
"The new R9 TP iron is a perfect example of how TaylorMade has successfully infused meaningful performance technology into a better player's iron," said Brian Bazzel, TaylorMade's manager of iron creation. "You'll notice that fewer of our Tour Staff players are using muscleback blades anymore because of the benefits of our improved cavity designs, Inverted Cone Technology and now the Velocity Control Chamber and sound-management systems. The R9 TP is also further evidence that TaylorMade should no longer be recognized simply as a metalwood company, but also for our top-notch irons. When considering our recent standouts like the r7®, r7 TP, Tour Preferred® and Burner®, you can be confident that the new R9™ and R9™ TP will be counted among them."

R9 TP irons are available in men's right- and left-handed models, steel shafts only, X, S and R flexes. The standard set consists of 3-iron through pitching wedge; a 2-iron and attack wedge are available separately. R9 TP irons become available starting on November 1, 2009; the manufacturer's suggested retail price for a standard set is $1,125.

TaylorMade introduces R9 irons

2009-10-01T10:43:00.001-07:00

TaylorMade introduces R9 irons

Distance and Control-Enhancing Technologies in a Classic Shape

Carlsbad, Calif. (October 1, 2009)– TaylorMade has introduced the R9™ iron, designed to deliver modern performance and tremendous distance in a more classic package.

"Whereas our Burner irons deliver extraordinary distance in a modern design, the R9 irons are aimed at the technician, and so are rendered in a player's shape with a clean and conventional look," said Harry Arnett, TaylorMade's senior category director of metalwoods, irons and balls. "However, a ridiculous degree of performance-enhancing technology is packaged within each oversized clubhead. The result is an iron that's phenomenally easy to play despite its classic appearance, and extremely controllable and accurate as well."

Like the Burner irons, the new R9 long-irons and middle-irons were designed separately from the short-irons to optimize performance in each club. The result is that the 3-iron through 6-iron are extremely long and easy to hit, and the short-irons are engineered to promote great feel, control and accuracy.

Velocity-Control Chamber in the Long- and Middle-irons
Each R9 long-iron and middle-iron (3- through 6-) houses a large and fully enclosed compartment positioned behind the clubface, underneath the cavity badge. Called the Velocity-Control Chamber (VCC), it makes it possible for an immense area of the ultra-thin (2.0 mm) clubface to exist unsupported. We call it a wrap-around clubface because it acts like a face that wraps around the top-line and the leading edge, which gives the face more freedom to flex and reflex at impact, much like a thin-faced driver.

The VCC makes it easier to launch the ball with the long- and middle-irons, yet TaylorMade engineers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the R9 irons deliver controlled power by incorporating Inverted Cone Technology on the inner side of the clubface. In addition to promoting higher ball speed on off-center hits, the Inverted Cone has been carefully calibrated to eliminate "hot spots" so that ball speed is consistent across the clubface, resulting in keen and consistent distance control in all of the R9 irons.

Although the R9 long- and middle-irons don't immediately appear to be perimeter-weighted they are, given that the VCC is occupied by a nearly weightless foam, as well as a silicone shock absorber positioned directly behind the center of the face; both serve to absorb unwanted impact vibration. The foam starts as a powder sealed within the VCC; heating the clubhead turns the powder to foam that expands to completely fill all open areas of the chamber, ensuring that the sound and feel at impact is soft, agreeable and consistent across the face.

Deep Undercut Cavity, Broad Low-CG Sole and Heel-Toe Weighting in the Short-irons
R9 short-irons are engineered to deliver increased playability, control and feel in the scoring zone. The simple, straightforward teardrop shape and clearly delineated leading edge make it easy for any player to aim these irons target-ward and fire the ball at the flag. Each compact clubhead incorporates a deep undercut cavity and broad, low-CG sole that makes it easy to make solid, spin-inducing contact to get the ball in the air and stop it quickly upon landing. R9 short-irons also incorporate a vibration-quieting layer sandwiched between the backside of the clubface and the thin, protective black badge in the cavity. The vibration-quieting is a visco-elastic adhesive made by 3M that also absorbs unwanted vibration and sound. The result is a solid and satisfying sound and feel, which is critical to good short-iron play. Additionally, at the bottom of each short-iron cavity (hidden behind the badge), more weight has been concentrated at the heel and toe to more stability and forgiveness on mis-hits.

Beveled Sole in Every Iron Promotes Solid Contact and Playability
We've received a lot of praise from golfers for the sole designs of our recent irons, including the Tour Preferred® and Burner®. That's no surprise since our product creation and R&D teams have dialed in a process for working together that's resulted in the finest iron designs in the game. Our depth of understanding allows us to create soles that interact optimally with the turf to promote crisp club-to-ball impact, swing after swing. The trick is in how the edges of the sole are contoured, or "beveled." The sole of every R9 iron is specially beveled to reduce turf resistance, helping the bottom of the club glide through impact and apply maximum force to the ball. There's an art and science to designing a high-performance sole, and we've done our best work in the R9 irons.

New and Conforming Grooves for 2010
The R9 TP irons incorporate a new groove design that conforms to the USGA and R&A ruling that goes into affect in 2010 for high-level competition.

KBS Steel Shafts
R9 irons come equipped with KBS 90-gram steel shafts, available in S and R flexes. KBS, which is quickly growing in popularity on the PGA Tour, incorporates several new enhancements into their steel shafts to promote improved performance. One is that the wall thickness of each shaft increases proportionately as the shaft diameter decreases, which promotes added stability. The KBS steel shafts in the R9 irons are a lighter version of their popular tour shaft to promote greater swing speed, higher launch and increased distance. In addition, the KBS shafts in the R9 irons share a structure and step pattern with the tour shaft that promotes tighter dispersion for greater consistency and control.

The R9 iron is also available in one graphite shaft model, the Fujikura Motore, in 75-grams in S flex, 65-grams in R flex and 55-grams in M flex.

The R9 Irons: Classic Technology-Fueled Distance and Control in a Classic Shape
Each R9 iron combines high COR and high MOI, making them longer and more forgiving than their classic-looking clubhead shape implies. Thus they're ideal for the technician who wants a powerful, easy-to-hit iron that suits his preference for a more classic-looking shape. Adding to their beauty is their nickel chrome-plated stainless steel and pearl finish, which helps make them stand out on the shelf. There's no doubt that these irons are worthy of the name R9 and that they'll serve as a terrific complement to the Burner irons in the marketplace: Two great irons, R9 for the technician, Burner for the bomber.

The standard set of R9 irons includes 3-iron through pitching wedge at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $999 steel and $1,249 graphite. An attack wedge and sand wedge are available separately. R9 irons become available starting on November 1, 2009.

Phil Mickelson set to visit Asia for two weeks.

2009-09-30T14:39:00.000-07:00

Phil Mickelson has agreed to play in the US$5-million Barclays Singapore Open later this month along with already confirmed golfers Padraig Harrington and Ernie Els.

The Barclays Singapore Open is the the richest national championship in Asia and will take place Oct. 29-Nov. 1.

Last year Mickelson placed 9th and will be making his third trip to Asia to claim the number one spot.

After the Singapore Open Mickelson will join Tiger Woods at the World Golf Championship event held in Shanghai, China.

The King returns to the White House

2009-09-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

Arnold Palmer also known as "The King" will be revisiting the White House to receive a Congressional Gold Medal.

The Congressional Gold Medal is an honor that has been around since the American Revolution and recognizes distinguished achievements and contributions.

Besides Palmer's seven major championships he used his hard-charging style to introduce and popularize golf to the masses.

In 1993 Palmer received the National Sports Award from former President Bill Clinton and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from former President George W. Bush in 2004.

The Congressional Gold Medal must be co-sponsored by two-thirds of the House and Senate and Palmer is the second golfer to receive the prestigious award. Ever since the first medal was awarded in 1776 to George Washington the Congressional Gold Medal has been presented 141 times.

"I didn't know George Washington," Palmer said with a grin. "But if I did, I would shake his hand and say, 'You're the first, and I won't be the last.'"

September was definitely a good month for Palmer. From Sept 10th when he turned 80 and had a birthday party that stretched over two weeks to throwing out the first pitch at a Pittsburgh Pirates game and then finishing the month by receiving Congressional Gold Medal.

"I threw an 80 mph fastball right down the center of the plate," Palmer said. "And they took me out."

Acushnet works hard to put an end to the sale of counterfeit golf merchandise.

2009-09-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

Acushnet Company officials have reported that Gary Bellchambers a mastermind behind a large-scale criminal conspiracy that involved selling bootleg golf equipment has plead guilty in a London court to conspiracy, counterfeiting, and other various charges.

Potentially millions of dollars worth of fake golf equipment was moved before a local Trading Standards office conducted an investigation into a fraudulent eBay business. Bellchambers and eight other defendants are all being charged with various crimes.

The 45-year-old Bellchambers will be sentenced in the near future while two of his co-conspirators, Keith Thomas, 49, and Chris Moughton, 56, also admitted guilt, have not been sentenced and six other defendants are currently on trial in Snaresbrook Crown Court in London.

An eBay official reported that this conspiracy is one of the largest counterfeit productions discovered on their web site.

Acushnet, which is the mother company for Titleist, FootJoy and Cobra brands, continues a constant presence online by monitoring multiple platforms where unauthorized dealers sell their products.

Back in 2006, Acushnet found several unauthorized dealers located in the London borough of Havering on eBay and conducted an internal investigation, and alerted local law enforcement.

London law enforcement looked into the complaint and uncovered a network that spread throughout the United Kingdom, Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.

Acushnet Trademark Manager Lisa Rogan released the statement, "This is an historic case not only for the golf manufacturers, but for all brand owners who must combat the increasing global problem of online counterfeit products," and "The sale of fake and unauthorized golf products damages the reputation of our brands and impacts our customers around the world. We have a worldwide team of associates who aggressively attack this growing issue, and we will continue our vigilant commitment to protect our brands and customers by continuously monitoring internet sales and websites."

Acushnet has alerted local and federal authorities around the globe over the past several years which has resulting in arrests, convictions, and the removal of millions of dollars worth of counterfeit products from commerce.

Golf Capital Magazine featured in the Big Golf Discounts newsletter

2009-09-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Golf Capital Magazine was recently featured in the Big Golf Discounts newsletter. The newsletter is for members only and has great information like upcoming events, industry updates, and all kinds of great news to keep all of its readers in the loop of what breaking news is unfolding. I honestly have to say with all of the different golf programs out there Big Golf Discounts is one of the better ones because they have so much to offer for everyone, it is affordable, and it supports junior golf. The way I see it is we are going to golf anyway so why not join Big Golf Discounts and save some money!

<-- Click the image to enlarge and see what you have been missing!

‘Golf in a Kingdom’ makes ‘Unique’ addition

2009-09-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

De Naga Chiang Mai exemplifies the Lanna style of Northern Thailand.

BANGKOK (Sept. 23, 2009) — ‘Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience’ has added three more posh properties to its stable of luxury accommodations: Putahracsa Hua Hin, De Naga Chiang Mai and Palm Grove Resort in Pattaya.

The hotels, which are all part of The Unique Collection of Hotels & Resorts, bring the total number of ‘Golf in a Kingdom’ lodgings to nine while giving the golf travel resource its first in the northern town of Chiang Mai.

“Our proximity to ‘Golf in a Kingdom’ member Chiang Mai Highlands (Golf & Spa Resort) makes us an ideal link here,” said Mr. Vannasont Limprasutr, hotel manager of De Naga Chiang Mai. “What’s more, the levels of luxury are commensurate, which means Kingdom-goers will feel no disconnect between the experience here and the experience at the golf club.”

Also, the Asian Tour has tapped ‘Golf in a Kingdom’ member course Santiburi Country Club Chiang Rai as host venue of the King’s Cup (Dec. 3-6), the final event of the 2009 season. The Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design is a collection of 18 breathtaking, impeccably maintained holes that either skirt a chain of lakes or flow over the low hills of Bang Bor.

“Last year it was the Singha Thailand PGA Championship, this year’s it’s the King’s Cup,” said Folke Nyberg, general manager of Santiburi CC Chiang Rai. “We’ll be ready, and the players will need to be too — only the winner had four rounds in the 60s last year.”

Putahracsa Hua Hin is one of three Kingdom resorts in the charming coastal town of Hua Hin, the preferred holiday retreat of the Thai Royal Family for almost a century. The stylish boutique hideaway boasts 59 contemporary rooms and villas in a seaside residential setting not far from Banyan Golf Club, a new hillside course racking up accolades from the region’s top golf publications.

With steep gabled roofs and an array of traditional decorative details, the 55-room De Naga Chiang Mai exemplifies the Lanna style of Northern Thailand. Fellow ‘Golf in a Kingdom’ member Chiang Mai Highlands Golf & Spa Resort — an inventive Schmidt/Curley design 1,000 feet above sea level — is 20 minutes away by car.

Palm Grove Resort is a low-rise collection of suites and colonial-style villas 15 minutes from the center of Pattaya and as close to a 'home away from home' as it gets. An 'East Meets West' interior design philosophy is constant throughout the resort, which also features winding lanes that connect the village-like layout to unspoiled Baan Ampure Beach.

Among the other first-class accommodations in the ‘Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience’ portfolio are:

Anantara Phuket
Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa
Anantara Golden Triangle
Anantara Hua Hin
Anantara Koh Samui
Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa
Woodlands Hotel & Resort Pattaya

From the majestic hill country of Chiang Rai in the northwest corner of Thailand to the breathtaking beaches of Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand, ‘Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience’ takes in some of the most lush and varied terrain on the planet. In addition to the Banyan Golf Club, Santiburi CC Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai Highlands Resort & Spa, the Kingdom’s stunning golf properties include:

Muang Kaew Golf Club, the closest course to bustling Bangkok, with a par 3 that looks eerily similar to the 12th at Augusta National.
Santiburi Samui Country Club, which deftly traverses a jungle of towering coconut trees that carpets Koh Samui’s picturesque Khao Pom Mountain.
Siam Country Club, a 36-hole, championship venue (its Plantation Course hosted the 2009 Honda LPGA Thailand) in the nightlife capital of Pattaya.
Thai Country Club, site of Tiger Woods’s 1997 Asia Honda Classic victory and the ‘Best Championship Course in Asia’, as voted by Asian Golf Monthly readers in 2008.

'Kingdom' member Santiburi Chiang Rai CC is the fifth Thai course to host an Asian Tour event this year.

To make travel plans for a tour of ‘Golf in a Kingdom: The Thai Golf Experience’, visit www.golfinakingdom.com, or send email to info@golfinakingdom.com

Jim Thorpe is GUILTY

2009-09-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

Jim Thorpe, a 60-year old Lake Mary, FL based professional golfer plead guilty to federal tax evasion.

A case was brought up against Mr. Thorpe at the beginning of the year and his attorney Mark Horwitz insisted that Thorpe could take the case to trial. Horwitz stated "Mr. Thorpe has pleaded not guilty for these misdemeanors for not filing his tax returns timely and not paying his tax timely."

The federal prosecutors say that Thorpe earned more that $5 million from 2002 through 2004 and did not pay a penny in taxes on any of it and charged Thorpe with seven counts of tax evasion.

Since February Thorpe made a deal and plead guilty to two counts of failure to pay income taxes. For each of the two counts Thorpe faces a $25,000.00 fine and a year in prison. Thorpe also owes a little more than $2 million in back taxes.

After the hearing all Thorpe's lawyer had to say was "Mr. Thorpe has entered his plea of guilty uh... we will have other things to say... when sentencing occurs. We anticipate the sentencing uh... sometime in January."

Thorpe's sentencing probably won't happen for at least two to three months and getting back to The Champions Tour is on Thorpe's agenda.

Jim Thorpe is ranked 38th on the Champions Tour money list and has won an estimated $330,000.00 this year and more than $13 million in prize money throughout his career.

TaylorMade Performance Labs Now on Facebook and Twitter

2009-09-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

TaylorMade Performance Labs Now on Facebook and Twitter

Fans and Followers to Receive News, Updates, Fitting Tips, and Special Offers from Golf’s Ultimate Fitting Experience

SAN DIEGO, CA. (September 21, 2009) – TaylorMade Performance Labs, the premier custom golf club fitting company, announced today that it has joined popular social networking sites Facebook and Twitter in an effort to keep golfers abreast of company news, updates and provide fitting tips from their certified PGA professionals. In addition, the company is offering 50% discount on the standard fitting fee through the end of September at any of the six U.S. locations when consumers sign up to follow TMPL at both sites and mention this special social network discount.

TMPL’s twitter name is “taylormadepl” and its Facebook page can be accessed by searching “TaylorMade Performance Labs.”

“Our goal is to streamline our company news and make interesting content specific to custom fitting readily available to the consumer,” said TMPL President Herb Meistrich. “We will also be offering special promotions for discounted fittings and leverage the experience of our master club fitters to provide golfers with instructional and fitting tips to improve their game.”

Since 2004, TaylorMade Performance Lab’s certified professionals will fit men, women and junior golfers of all ages and abilities to a custom set of TaylorMade® golf clubs using an exclusive technology previously available only to Tour professionals.

To date, TaylorMade Performance Labs has six U.S. locations: The International in Boston, The Four Seasons Resort in North San Diego, The Desert Springs Marriott in Palm Springs, The Hyatt Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando, Olympia Fields Country Club in Chicago and Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, GA. There are also two international locations in South Africa and Dubai.

Using motion capture technology – the same technology used to make today’s video games and movies – 34 reflective markers are placed on strategic points of the golfer’s body as well as on the shaft and head of the fitting club to capture a number of swings with the driver, iron , wedge and putter. Six special high-speed cameras detect the reflectors and display a three-dimensional computer-animated image of the customer viewable from every angle, allowing the pro to make accurate critiques and recommendations. The two and one-half hour custom fitting experience includes recommendations for a driver, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, putter and even the correct golf ball.

Following the swing analysis and club recommendations, demo clubs are built on-site with the customer’s correct swing specifications and the player can then validate the system’s recommendations on the driving range.

New custom TaylorMade clubs built to recommended specifications are shipped directly from TaylorMade’s headquarters in as little as 24 hours.

GREG NORMAN COLLECTION DEVELOPS EXCLUSIVE PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY SET TO LAUNCH SPRING 2010

2009-09-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

Greg Norman Collection's new polo will...

improve performance

&
promote an overall sense of physical well being

The revolutionary ION 75 Titanium technology is a result

of the popular "minus ion" belief.

As standard, the new Ion 75 Titanium

GNC polos are made from superior performance fabric,

designed with added luxury and style.

GREG NORMAN COLLECTION DEVELOPS EXCLUSIVE
PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY SET TO LAUNCH SPRING 2010

NEW YORK (September 17, 2009)--Greg Norman Collection, a leader in golf-inspired sportswear, introduces a brand new technical advancement, ION 75 Titanium, available in two of the company's performance polos from the Spring 2010 line.

"ION 75 Titanium is a technology that generates negative ions as a result of a specially designed knitting process, "says Michael J. Setola, CEO/President. "Golfers and non-golfers alike will benefit from a polo that actually balances the ions in the human body and unsurpassed benefits available from a garment."

ION 75 Titanium is unique to the industry largely due to its benefits, which derive from a development process that begins with liquid titanium magnetic crystals. Crystals are naturally embedded into superior microfiber yarn by way of an exact spinning technique that produces a beneficial amount of negative ions, which in turn will balance positive ions in the body-similar to the popular ionic magnetic bracelets. The end result is a performance garment that actively promotes a healthy and natural flow of balanced ions in the human body resulting in increased serotonin levels and overall wellness. Additionally, ION 75 Titanium has moisture-wicking, UPF and anti-microbial characteristics.

While a 100% performance, the technology creates a luxurious garment as well. The new ION 75 Titanium polos are designed with a refined sense of style, available in a solid pin dot and bar stripe. The entire Spring 2010 line, including ION 75 Titanium, will be on display at this year's PGA Merchandise Show in Las Vegas.

In other company news, Greg Norman Collection's Sales Rep Mark Ziminsky was recently named the 2009 Salesman of the Year by the San Diego Chapter of the PGA of Southern California.

Built upon a unique combination of performance, luxury and style, Greg Norman Collection is a leading worldwide marketer of golf-inspired sportswear for men and women, influenced by one of the world's leading golf professionals.

WIN IT!

2009-09-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

We want to give all of our valued readers a chance to win a golf ball cleaner by BallBrite. BallBrite is a great accessory for every golfer and I think it is underrated. BallBrite is easy to use to keep your golf balls and clubs clean of debris to help your shots stay straight on the fairway.

How to win:
Send an email to golfcapitalmagazine (at) gmail (dot) com and tell us how you think a clean golf ball will help your game. SUBJECT I want to win it!

Quantities are limited so act fast!

The excitement never ends!

2009-09-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

Vinnie (on the right) and his team.

A few days ago I received a call from the host of CBS's sports radio show The Sports Explosion, Vinnie Munoz and he asked if I wanted to go on the air as a guest and talk about Golf Capital Magazine. Needless to say I was a little nervous but also excited. Vinnie and his co-hosts were great and very supportive and everything went very smoothly. Before going on the air with Vinnie and The Sports Explosion I never listened to that particular station but now I have it dialed in and am now a frequent listener so I can stay informed on other sports news. If you are in the St. Pete/ Tampa area you can listen on radio station 1010am and if you are located somewhere else but want to listen you can listen live on their website www.thesportsexplosion.com

We are LIVE world wide on the web!

2009-09-15T14:28:00.000-07:00

We finally got the kinks worked out and have successfully launched the digital version of Golf Capital Magazine for prestigious golfers everywhere to read! You can view our latest issue right here on our blog or on our official website www.GolfCapitalMagazine.com

Do not try at home, course.

2009-09-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

I found this video sitting on the phone for 3 hours with my cell phone provider while we tried to activate the WiFi on my mobile phone so I can send an email to myself. To make things a little worse some of the staff members and I got rained out of our tee time and didn't get a chance to play any golf this weekend. After a bum weekend a short video like this is sure to crack a quick smile on your face. Enjoy.

Everything is coming together

2009-09-10T14:41:00.000-07:00

I spoke with our pre press wizards today and they ensured me the virtual magazine will be completed for the weekend and the physical copies of Golf Magazine will ship this weekend and should be landing in shops next week.

TaylorMade introduces Raylor Hybrid: Ultimate Weapon for Escaping the Rough

2009-09-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

TaylorMade introduces Raylor Hybrid

Engineered to be the Ultimate Weapon for Escaping the Rough

Carlsbad, Calif. (September 1, 2009)– Mention the name Raylor® to golfers of a certain age and you'll receive a smile and a nod of the head in return. Introduced in 1988, the TaylorMade Raylor club was one of the most popular and useful utility woods of all time, and especially proficient at getting wayward tee shots out of rough and close to, if not onto, the green. The Raylor club boasted a small, rounded steel head with an extremely low center of gravity (far lower than any persimmon utility wood) and two distinct rails on its sole, which were designed to help the head glide smoothly through tall grass while resisting twisting or stalling. Twenty-one years after the original was introduced, TaylorMade has launched a hybrid called Raylor, and this one is far superior to the first.

"Twenty-one years of making metalwoods has allowed us to engineer the new Raylor to hit the ball higher, longer and straighter from tall grass," said Tom Olsavsky, TaylorMade senior director of metalwood creation. "It's the ultimate weapon for getting out of the rough."

The new Raylor comes in two lofts, 19° and 22°, and incorporates two key features that work in conjunction to make the new Raylor so effective from the rough. 1) A slightly sharp, slightly pointed leading edge that allows you to slide the face down through the grass and onto the back of the ball. 2) A "Raylor sole" shaped like ship's hull, sloping upward at the sides. The Raylor sole separates the blades of grass to allow the clubhead to glide cleanly through instead of slowing down or getting stuck. The Raylor sole and pointed leading edge together reduce by 23% the amount of area in the bottom part of the clubhead that would normally impede the head's progress as it moves through the rough.

The Raylor sole also helps you hit the ball solidly from sidehill lies because of its sole radius. Whereas the sole radius of a Burner® Rescue® hybrid presents an angle of about 10 degrees up from horizontal, the Raylor's angle is 17 degrees. That means that the Raylor hybrid boasts 70% more sole relief on the heel and toe side compared to a typical Rescue club, which makes it dramatically easier to make solid contact with the ball when the ball is above or below your feet.

The Raylor is equipped with a RE*AX® 65-gram shaft that's one inch longer than typical for TaylorMade Rescue clubs of equal lofts, to promote the added clubhead speed and leverage to help get the ball out of thick lies.

Combine the Raylor's pointed leading edge, Raylor sole, exceptionally low CG, compact size from heel to toe and longer shaft and you've got a hybrid born to get the ball out of the rough with extreme ease. Raylor also works nicely from good lies in the fairway as well, and is a great choice to play low, running chips from certain greenside lies, and is especially good for when the ball comes to rest awkwardly against the collar.

Tour-Tested and Tour-Proven
The new Raylor hybrid is tour-tested and tour-proven. Kenny Perry replaced his 3-iron with a 19-degree prototype Raylor to get out of the US Open rough this year at Bethpage Black. During one round, on the 10th hole, he put the ball on the green from deep rough, 220 yards out, and then ran in the birdie putt. It's usually hard for Kenny to hit longer clubs out of heavy rough because he brings the head in on a real shallow approach angle, making it hard to get the head through the thick grass. Most times he would have wedged out in that situation, he said. Thanks to the Raylor, instead of scrambling for par, he made birdie. A big difference made possible by the Raylor.

Who Needs a Raylor?
Who needs a new Raylor hybrid? Everybody from high handicappers to low handicappers to tour pros. "It's an essential part of every player's arsenal, even though you probably won't have it in your bag at all times," said Olsavsky. "It should be kept on hand to replace a long-iron, hybrid or fairway wood when you play a course with significant rough, or maybe an exceptionally undulating track where severe sidehill lies are frequent. Point being that the Raylor isn't necessarily an everyday club, but rather is a great weapon to have on hand when conditions call for it."

The Raylor hybrid becomes available starting on September 4, 2009 at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $229 per club.

TaylorMade Introduces Penta TP: First Five-Layer Tour Ball

2009-09-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

TaylorMade Introduces Penta TP

First Five-Layer Tour Ball Delivers a Superior Balance of
Performance in Five Key Shot Categories

Carlsbad, Calif. (September 1, 2009)– TaylorMade Golf has introduced Penta TP, a new tour ball designed to deliver a superior balance of performance in five key shot categories, the result of three years of research and development.

"We spend a lot of time with tour pros asking questions," said Dean Snell, head of TaylorMade golf ball R&D. "Most think the ball they play is lacking somewhere. Some say their ball performs great in the short game but costs them distance, while other players said the opposite about their ball. Some feel their ball performs great off the middle and short irons but isn't long enough off the tee and doesn't spin enough on short shots.

"The takeaway was simple: If we could create a ball that performed well in all areas we would have a revolutionary product. That's what inspired us to create our newest ball, Penta TP, which is every bit the breakthrough we hoped it would be."

Penta TP is the first tour ball with five solid-layers, with each layer engineered to optimize performance in five key shot categories that skilled players need – driver, long-irons, middle-irons, short-irons and partial wedges. The five layers of Penta TP include the core, inner mantle, middle mantle, outer mantle and cover, and each one plays a critical role in optimizing the performance of each of the five key shots.

Layer 1 – Cover
The soft Urethane Cover promotes a higher than average spin-rate on the all-important partial wedge shots required in the scoring zone, within 100 yards of the flag. These are the types of shots where many current tour balls fail to deliver the goods because they launch too high and don't spin enough. Instead, most tour pros want a ball that launches lower and spins enough to stop fast after one or two bounces, which gives them maximum control over these types of shots. Penta TP's soft, durable Urethane Cover has the necessary characteristics to deliver that coveted combination of lower launch angle and higher spin-rate, while also providing soft tour feel.

Layer 2 – Outer Mantle
The firm and fast Outer Mantle promotes optimum spin off the short-irons to stop the ball quick without sucking it off the front of the green or drawing it back too far from the hole. The Outer Mantle is the fastest mantle in the ball; because it's positioned just beneath the cover it's easily compressed by slower swingers (ball speeds 120 mph and below), helping them to generate higher ball speed for increased distance.

Layer 3 – Middle Mantle
The semi-firm and fast Middle Mantle, which surrounds the Inner Mantle , promotes mid-launch and mid-spin off the middle irons. Mid-launch promotes control; mid-spin keeps the ball from up-shooting, ballooning and falling short of the target. The Middle mantle consists of a fast material, allowing medium-slow swingers (who average from 120 to 140 mph in ball speed) to generate more ball speed and distance, as they will compress only the two outermost mantles underneath the cover.

Layer 4 – Inner Mantle
The soft, fast Inner Mantle, which surrounds the core, promotes soft feel, high launch and low spin off the long-irons for exceptional distance and high, soft-landing flight that helps the ball sit quickly on the green. The Inner Mantle consists of a fast material, which helps players who average from 140 to 160 mph in ball speed to generate more ball speed and distance, because although they don't swing fast enough to activate the core, they are able to activate the three layers between the core and cover including the inner mantle, which is the deepest of the three.

Layer 5 – Core
The extremely soft, low-compression core is the most critical layer to promoting high launch and low spin off the driver, which are well known to be the launch conditions that promote maximum carry and distance. Despite being soft and low-compression, Penta TP's core is still very fast, which allows players who generate fast ball speed -- in the 140 to 180 mph range -- to generate more ball speed. Which means that if long-hitters who play a tour ball will likely be longer with Penta TP.

Progressive Distance Promotes More Yardage at a Variety of Swing Speeds
The layers of Penta TP are configured strategically to promote "Progressive Distance," which allows it to deliver terrific distance to all types of swing speeds. That's because, as mentioned above, each layer is exceptionally fast. Slow swingers who generate only enough clubhead speed to activate the Outer Mantle will benefit. Medium swingers who can activate only the Outer and Middle mantles will benefit. Fast swingers who activate the Outer, Middle and Inner mantles will benefit. And of course, very fast swingers who activate every mantle plus the core will benefit.

Added Spin and Control in the Scoring Zone
The added spin Penta TP promotes in the scoring zone is especially important in light of the groove-change rule that will be implemented in high-level competitions by the USGA and R&Amp;A in 2010. The new grooves will impart less spin depending on the lie (much less out of the rough) and swing type (shallow swingers will lose more than steeper swingers). Penta TP will help some players recover some of the spin likely to be lost because of the new rule.

Recent testing with TaylorMade Tour Staff pros drew rave reviews from Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Retief Goosen and Justin Rose, who complimented Penta TP's all-around performance and singled out for praise the spin and control on the all-important 30- to 75-yard wedge shot. "That's been the biggest shortcoming in today's tour balls," says Dean Snell, head of TaylorMade's golf ball R&Amp;D department.

LDP Technology for Improved Distance on Driver Mis-hits
Penta TP also incorporates TaylorMade's LDP technology, which uses improved aerodynamics to promote increased lift to keep the ball in the air longer for more distance on the most common types of driver mis-hits, which occur on the top half of the clubface. TaylorMade robot testing shows that LDP improves driver distance on mis-hits dramatically, and that TaylorMade balls with LDP are clearly longer on driver mis-hits compared to competitive balls without LDP. Also, Penta TP's dimple configuration delivers the same hold-the-line stability in the wind that the TP Red and TP Black are renowned for.

Three Years in Development, Five-Layer Penta TP Delivers a New Level of Performance
"Penta TP took three years to develop as our golf ball R&D team carefully experimented with different mantle materials, compositions and thicknesses until the ideal combination was defined," said Dr. Benoit Vincent, TaylorMade's chief technical officer. Extensive computer modeling, prototype creation, robot testing and player testing went into creating what we believe is the finest all-around performing golf ball of its kind, a ball that delivers outstanding performance on every key type of shot a golfer has to hit while also delivering tremendously soft and responsive feel off everything from driver to putter."

Penta TP on Tour
Penta TP is already being played on tour, first by Sergio Garcia and Retief Goosen, who switched into it at the PGA Championship. Other players who have switched into Penta TP include Y.E. Yang, Justin Rose and Jason Day. "It usually takes players several weeks or even months of trial before they'll change balls," said Snell. "We're seeing players switch into Penta TP after testing it for nine holes. That's proof that Penta TP offers a dramatic improvement in performance."

A Great Choice for Every Level of Player
Penta TP was created for our tour pros, yet it's a great ball for every level of player. You don't have to be a fast swinger to achieve excellent distance with Penta TP, and it delivers the kind of spin in the scoring zone that a distance ball can't compete with, giving shorter hitters the added control to get up-and-down more often. The same goes for higher handicappers – the extra spin Penta TP promotes will only improve the quality of their short shots, helping them score lower.

Penta TP becomes available starting on December 1, 2009 in the Sunbelt states (Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, southern California and Hawaii) and February 15, 2010 nationwide at a retail price of $45.99 per dozen.

2009 Fall PGA Merchandise Expo

2009-09-05T22:45:00.000-07:00

Visiting Las Vegas for my first time was both exciting and nerve racking because I did not know what to expect from the city as well as the actual trade show. The moments leading up to the show felt like I was placed in Las Vegas for all the right reasons but at the same time was uncertain about the final outcome and what people would think about Golf Capital Magazine. If Golf Capital Magazine fails then so do I and it would be a major upset. It is a reality that business owners must face but in the end you can never win if you don't run the race.
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Day 1: Demo Day at Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort.
Thanks to a delay at LAX I was put behind schedule and really had to hustle to make it to test some of the newest products that will shortly hitting the shelfs and to give our readers a first look at what they can expect in the near future. I checked into my hotel, brushed my teeth, grabbed my camera bag, and hopped in a cab to pick up my badge at the show. The seven foot signs made it easy to navigate through Mandalay Bay and I literally power walked from the front doors to registration to make the last shuttle bus in time.

After a few minutes on the bus I saw a rare sight. Mountains. Las Vegas has beautiful mountain ranges that calm your senses so much I think it would even help lose some of the strokes on the golf course. This is for all the Floridians that have never seen mountains.

After 20 minutes on the bus I was really wondering if we made a wrong turn and knew the clock was ticking.

I was so excited when I saw green turf on the horizon but didn't know if it was a marriage or what. It turned out to be our final destination the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort.

What timing... Just as I arrived everyone else decided to break down and call it a day. I was a little disappointed but there was nothing I could have done. It was nice to do a little exploring and to visit a new destination.

Two good things that came out of the trip were Ball Balm lip balm and a tasty Elations health drink.
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Day 2 & 3: The Show
I have to admit after the trip to the middle of the desert made me pretty thirsty and eager to experience the nightlife of Las Vegas. I must have stayed out until 2am gambling and bar hopping (Yes, I actually won! $70 in my pocket spelled cab fair for the weekend.) but it looks like this fellow had a longer night than I did. Or it just might have been the heat.
I have always thought about going back to school. If I ever do decide to enroll to further my career the Golf Academy of America is defiantly on my list. Golf Academy of America offers campuses in Myrtle Beach, Orlando, Phoenix, and San Diego not only making it easy for travel but also puts you in some of golfs best locations.
PivotPro is one of the newest and most versatile training tools on the market that collaborates with some of the PGA's top pros that made everything possible. The amount of golfers that struggle with their swing is countless and their main flaw is excessive sway or a reverse pivot. What PivotPro dose is help any and every golfer load properly. 90+% of the pros get their club in the right position, load properly, and most importantly pivot properly. If you have problems with swaying or pivoting you can now correct it very easily with PivotPro.

Spherical Blade Putters made the journey all the way from Wales, UK and have been successfully grabbing the attention and respect from golfers since 2004. Spherical Blade Putters also known as S Blade Putters made their United States appearance at the 09 Fall PGA Expo and created quite a buzz. The idea behind the technology is there is a spherical face built into ever club to give a truer forward roll to help eliminate skips and skids that can come from a traditional putter. The curve also a larger sweet spot. If you have a problem with pushing or pulling the spherical face will also help focus for the best point of impact. And if you like variety S Blade putters offers 8 metal putters and 2 wood putters.
Yar Putters help golfers that have trouble completing a full round of 18 holes because of back problems and other physical disabilities by providing an industry breakthrough design that allows golfers to pick up their clubs, ball marker, and golf ball without even bending over. Yar Putters even give back to the golf community by supporting programs geared towards golfers that have seen unforeseen accidents and helps golfers reengage in life and golf. Not only does the Yar Putter putt beautifully but it will help save you from back pains as well as your extra strokes.

CleatSkins are a very new and popular footwear accessory that easily slips over your golf shoes to turn them into a nonslip, no scuff, street shoe that you can wear to and from the golf course and anywhere in between. By wearing CleatSkins you will also greatly improve the life of your cleats to keep your grip for many future rounds to come. No matter if you are a man or a woman CleatSkins offer a size and color to fit your style and preference to match seamlessly with your existing golf shoe.
STX is acknowledged as being the golf industry's foremost authority on insert face technology. Over a quarter century ago, the company introduced the first patented soft face elastomer, creating the "softest legal face in golf." In the mid-90s the company's research and development team introduced the first USGA approved interchangeable face insert and removable weight system. Both these and other innovations have helped create the standards for putter designs today.
Perfect Release is a simple and easy to use training device that allows you to relax your grip and arms which enables your body to move better and have a more fluid swing. When you soften your grip and relax your arms your ball will fly better. Perfect Release is a great chipping tool, wonderful for warm up, and is great for learning how to relax your swing. The Perfect Release has even helped improve the Long Drive Champion's swing in just 5 practice swings to his amazement.
AboutGolf is a high end golf technology company with many golf related tools that helps golfers improve their game. One of the most popular is the PGA Tour simulator that uses a three track technology to track the ball and is the most accurate simulator in the industry. AboutGolf also offers a Three track launch monitor , a portable unit that can be used indoors or out on the range which is perfect for training and club fitting.

Smartee golf tees triple their use as a tee, a divot tool, and a groove cleaner all in one. Smartees are very durable and are guaranteed not to break. They are also great because you always tee your ball at the perfect height. Sorry the watch and ring are not included.
How big is your score card collection?
Looking for a fun and easy way to cruise the course? Look no further than the one of a kind Bike Board.
Trecho golf bags are 3 bags conveniently transformed into one. You can zip it, you can grip it, and you can ship it. The Trecho golf bag is also water proof and can carry your shoes, clubs, golf balls, and can be brought onto any airplane. Trecho is truly the golf bag of the future. Here is a sneak peek at the 2010 Orlando Show and just by looking at the floor plan it look likes a must attend event. We will be there and I hope we see you there too!

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In the beginning I don't know what I was so worried about. I received tons of phenomenal feedback, got some promo gear, and made some great friends. I have a new favorite vacation destination (Las Vegas) and experienced some of the best times of my life in three days. I know one thing. Next time I am staying at the Wynn because it is the only luxury hotel with a beautiful golf course on site. I visited the Wynn to do a little sightseeing and gambling but some of the best sights I saw was when I was on the Las Vegas Monorail and it passed by the Wynn and you could see the golf course. I nearly fell over when I let go of the handrail to take a closer look out of the window and the monorail made a left turn. From what I could see it looks like the golf course at the Wynn has a wide range of water hazards, elevated tee boxes, challenging bunkers, and beautiful fairways that are all sure to please. I truly can not wait to go back.

Viva Las Vegas

2009-08-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

We are packed and ready to goto Las Vegas for the PGA Merchandise Trade Show to work on expanding our sales and distribution. Wish us luck and look forward to a bunch of photos when we return on Thursday.

Throw in the towel!

2009-08-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

The Ball Brite is guaranteed to clean Golf Balls and Irons better than your towel and for a limited time Ball Brite is holding the Ball Brite Challenge and if do do not agree that a Ball Brite cleans your golf balls and clubs better than a dirty towel they will send you a golf towel free.

For more information and guidelines visit the official Ball Brite Challenge website at http://www.ballbritechallenge.com

Tiger Woods the Olympian. Is it possible? Yes.

2009-08-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

Tiger Woods recently said in a press conference that if he is not retired by the time that golf makes it into the Olympics he would be a participant.

The International Olympic Committee executive board recommended golf and rugby for inclusion at the 2016 Games. The final decision wont be made until October when the full 106-member International Olympic Committee meets in Copenhagen, Denmark to cast their final vote.

PGA of America CEO Joe Steranka said "I've said there is no singular decision or singular program that can globalize the game of golf like a nod from the IOC to join the Olympic Games,".

"I think that golf is a truly global sport, and I think it should have been in the Olympics a while ago," Woods said

Golf already has a great history of diversity in 1900 golf was played at the Paris Olympics and was in the 1904 St. Louis Games. Later in this year the World Cup will take place in China and the most recent PGA Championship included players from almost 24 countries.

So far everything is looking good but we cant predict the future so all we can do is wait for October to roll around and keep our fingers crossed and enjoy every game we play.

Mr. Oboma knows how to vacation

2009-08-26T12:10:00.000-07:00

Oboma has been seen working on his golf game at Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts.

Feel Golf Co. purchases Caldwell Golf Co.

2009-08-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

Feel Golf Co. officials announced that they have signed an engagement agreement with Security Research Associates for up to $20 million dollars in financing.

Feel Golf Chairman and CEO Lee Miller said (the agreement) "will assist us in our acquisition plans of other target companies we believe will add significant value to our own overall revenue growth plans," and "With SRA's expertise and experience along with their client base, we look forward to a number of successful transactions over the next 12-18 months that we believe, will add significant shareholder value."

Feel Golf Co. has already purchased Caldwell Golf Co. assets for an undisclosed amount.

Caldwell Golf President and CEO Bruce Caldwell said "I am pleased to report that we have signed a definitive agreement with Feel Golf Company, Inc. for the majority of our assets," and "Feel Golf's USA retail and international distribution partners open up a tremendous amount of new markets for the Caldwell brand. We are excited to have Caldwell's ceramic technology in drivers, fairway woods and putters combined with a known industry leader in technological innovation."

Feel Golf's Lee Miller explained that Caldwell Golf has "very valuable technology" and with a partnership with Feel Golf's distribution channels it opens "attractive opportunities for increased sales and revenues as well as market awareness,".

"This acquisition is part of our overall growth strategy to acquire technologically advanced golf equipment that can significantly improve all golfers' playing performance and experience and increase shareholder value." Said Miller.

Received and approved.

2009-08-19T23:52:00.000-07:00

The proofs for our premier issue have been approved and we will be moving forward with the printing process of Golf Capital Magazine and should ship within a week.

Don't worry about missing out on reading our first issue everyone with internet access will be able to view Golf Capital Magazine online and as soon as we get it up and running we will be sure to let everyone know.

Y.E. Yang Wins PGA Championship

2009-08-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

TaylorMade-adidas Golf Tour Staff Professional
Y.E. Yang Wins PGA Championship

Does What's Never Been Done – Overtakes Third-Round Leader
Tiger Woods to Win a Major Championship

Carlsbad, Calif. (August 17, 2009) – In winning the 2009 PGA Championship, TaylorMade-adidas Golf Tour Staff professional Y.E. Yang completed one of the most difficult and daunting challenges in all of sports, one that no golfer had ever successfully completed: He overtook third-round leader Tiger Woods in the final round of a major championship and held him off. Playing steady, occasionally spectacular golf, Yang showed tremendous courage and control in the face of the largest gallery he'd ever competed before.

Highlights of Yang's final round included a deft chip-in for eagle on the drivable par-four 14th and, with a one-shot lead on the final hole, a laser-like Rescue® TP 3 hybrid to eight feet. He played a TaylorMade® TP Red™ ball and TaylorMade driver, hybrids and irons, and wore a TaylorMade TP glove and adidas Golf TOUR360 3.0 footwear.

It was a stunning, thrilling and popular victory for the affable Yang, who lives in Dallas and is completing his first full year of competition on the PGA Tour. Perhaps he himself delivered the best explanation for the tournament's remarkable outcome during his press conference Saturday after the third round when he said: "You never know in the world of sports and the game of golf. So I'll just try to make every shot, just focus on every shot that I have. And then tomorrow I may end up inside the top 10, top three and even win the PGA Championship. You never know."

The win made Yang the first Asian-born player to win a major championship, elevated him 76 spots in the World Golf Rankings to No. 34, and earned him a berth on the International team in the 2009 Presidents Cup Matches.

"You never know in life," Yang said. "This might be my last win as a golfer, but it sure is a great day. It's going to be a big foundation for me to continue playing at the top level, which is the PGA Tour, and golf in America. And it just means the world right now. It hasn't really sunk in, but I do know the significance of it."

Yang struck the ball particularly well from tee to green throughout the week, and on Sunday found fairway after fairway and green after green on the long, difficult track. He controlled his emotions and golf ball beautifully throughout the day, especially on his final approach, a shot certain to go down in one of the finest under pressure in the history of major championship golf. And after he'd holed his final putt for birdie and the win, Yang exuberantly hoisted his staff bag above his head in a joyous and uplifting expression of emotion and celebration that should go down as one of the most memorable sports images of this or any year.

Additionally, TaylorMade-adidas Golf professional Greg Bisconti of Saint Andrew's in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, earned medalist honors among the 20 PGA Professionals who competed at Hazeltine. It was the third time Bisconti has qualified for the PGA Championship and his best finish. He played a full compliment of TaylorMade equipment, including the TP Red golf ball, R9™ driver and Itsy Bitsy Monza® Spider putter.

For the eight consecutive year, TaylorMade was the No. 1 driver at the PGA Championship.

Golf Capital Magazine cover No. 1

2009-08-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

Did you really think we were going to revile our first cover before it even gets done printing? We want to but that would be like getting a birthday present with out the gift wrap. There is one way you can be one of the first to see Golf Capital Magazine No. 1 in its entirety and that is to sign up for our free digital PDF version. We will be putting that together tonight and emailing it as soon as we finish it. Send an email to golfcapitalmagazine@gmail.com SUBJECT: sign me up and we will save your email and send you our finished product as soon as possible.

Online exclusive interview: Sudden Death author, Michael Balkind

2009-08-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

(1)what is your full name, age, and current place you call home?

My name is Michael Balkind, I’m 48 years of age and live in the suburbs of New York

(2) What got you started writing murder mystery novels and especially one that involves golf?

I have always been a mystery lover and sports nut. My writing career began during a small crisis in my life. I had lost a business to a bad partner. (That’s way too long and boring a story to go into.) Nevertheless, that situation kind of ruined my sleeping pattern at the time. So, what does an aspiring novelist do when he’s awake most of the night? He either worries or he follows his passion and he writes. My first writings were mainly about my terrible business and financial problems, but luckily I happened to be watching a golf tournament on TV one day and the idea for Sudden Death hit me hard. I love playing and watching golf. But since my financial issues keep me from playing enough of the game, I figured writing about it might help quench my hunger for it. I immediately found that once I began mixing my passion for sports and mysteries I couldn’t stop. Now, years later, I’m writing my fourth manuscript and the excitement just keeps escalating.

(3) Where does your inspiration come from?

That’s easy; three college bound kids, and a mortgage. Well not really, although those do qualify in part, my true inspiration comes from an inner need to succeed as an author. I’ve had a successful career in sales and marketing and owned several businesses, but after my business collapse, I kind of needed to prove to myself that my loss was due to my poor judgment of character and not my ability to succeed. The funny thing is the road to success in the publishing business is harder than almost any other business I’ve been in. And although I feel good about my some of the milestones I have achieved, I’m still a novice in the publishing game and have a lot to learn. I guess the best answer to the inspiration question for me is that I won’t accept failure. I have had more than my share of that stuff already and I really don’t like it.

(4) What is your most memorable experience that has came from your writing?

Meeting some of the authors I most respect and getting their endorsements on my novels has been tremendously exciting. James Patterson and Clive Cussler both endorsed Sudden Death and I literally trembled and teared up when I received their quotes about my work. John Lescroart endorsed my new book, Dead Ball, and I love his work. Meeting John Grisham, another author I idolize, was thrilling. Also, being interviewed on ESPN and Sportsnet were very big experiences for me, but probably the most memorable experience so far was when a high school senior boy came up to me at a book signing and asked when my next book was coming out. When he told me his reason for asking was that he had always hated reading and only read what he was assigned in school until he read Sudden Death and realized that he really loved reading as long as it was the right book. Helping a kid realize that he enjoys reading has to top my list of memorable experiences, so far.

Of course, my answer may change soon when I’m doing a book signing seated next to baseball legend, Hank Aaron, as he signs sports memorabilia. I love it when someone tells me they really enjoyed my writing. There are no sweeter words I can hear than “I couldn’t put your book down.” Giving people a few hours of entertainment is a wonderful feeling.

(6) Where can your novels be found for purchase?

Unless they are really lucky, new authors have a really difficult time getting their books onto bookstore shelves. I have yet to fall into the lucky category. Till then, thank goodness for amazon.com, for my publisher’s bookstore and for some local stores in my area. If you want to buy my books try www.sterlinghouse-bookstore.com or if you want signed copies, I have listed a few stores on my website that sell them www.balkindbooks.com

You can also call the Sterlinghouse Bookstore at 1-888-542-BOOK (2665) during business hours.Tell them I told you to call to get a discount.

(7) What is next for Michael Balkind?

I am working on the manuscript for Stealing Gold (an Olympic ski mystery)

The Fix, a manuscript that I co-authored with ESPN Anchor, Ryan Burr, is being evaluated by Hollywood film producers.

I am also working with Stefan Marc, of Marc Entertainment, who optioned my Deadly Sports Mysteries Series for TV.

(8) Last words,

Thank you for the opportunity for this interview. As a new author it is imperative that I spread the word about my work, because if I don’t, no one will.

For those of you who wish to read the first chapters of my books, you’ll find them on my website: www.balkindbooks.com . Be aware that reading Dead Ball or even its first chapter will spoil the suspense of Sudden Death. While Dead Ball can be read on its own, if you plan to read both books then Sudden Death should be first on your list.

Also, I have some great contests on my website. Enter to win signed sports memorabilia and signed books. Or enter to Be Named in one of my upcoming Novels. Have you always wanted to be a sports star, an investigator, a suspect, or maybe even a victim. Good guys/girls and bad are all welcome to enter. Registering is free and easy at www.balkindbooks.com

If you purchase Sudden Death or Dead Ball, thank you for your support. I hope you enjoy my work.

Woods will not face a fine from the PGA

2009-08-11T23:17:00.000-07:00

On Monday an anonymous PGA Tour official told The Associated Press that Tiger Woods would be fined for his critical statement about John Paramor for rushing final group of the Bridgestone Invitational by putting them on the clock.

Woods said, “That was an erroneous report.” and will not be receiving any fines.

Tuesday Woods was asked if he regretted calling out Paramore and he said, “No. Because he's the one who did it.”

The PGA does not make fine public but Ty Votaw a PGA spokesman confirmed there was no fine issued.

“The information that was conveyed to the reporter was inaccurate,” Votaw said. “There has been no process started with respect to any disciplinary action. Based on the reports we have read, Tiger's comments related to the impact of the decision. We did not read them as being an unreasonable attack or disparaging.”

Sixteen is sweet: Ngo Bao Nghi tops field in Faldo Series VN

2009-08-11T23:12:00.000-07:00

Sixteen is sweet: Ngo Bao Nghi tops field in Faldo Series VN

Teen has low gross as five advance to 2010 final in China

PHAN THIET, Vietnam (10 August 2009) – Shooting back-to-back 79s in blustery conditions at Ocean Dunes Golf Club, 16-year-old Ngo Bao Nghi won the Girls Under 21 title in the Faldo Series Asia (FSA) Vietnam Championship. Her 158 total was also three strokes better than Joon Lee, last year’s overall winner, who took Boys Under 21 honors; and five strokes clear of Nguyen Tri Dung, who triumphed in the Boys Under 16 division.

All three advance to the Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen, China, March 2010, to compete against counterparts from 12 Asian nations. Also advancing are the runners-up in the Boys Under 16 and Girls Under 21 flights, respectively, Vu Thien Vinh (81-85-166) and Luu Thi Viet Nga (84-78-162). Nga’s 78 was the lowest single-round score for the tournament, having won the Gannon Vietnam Open Ladies Championship at the same Ocean Dunes Golf Club two weeks ago.

“Being able to play consistently in challenging conditions was very satisfying,” said Nghi, “so I’m really looking forward to Mission Hills and of course to meeting Mr. Faldo,” referring to Nick Faldo, six-time Major winner and founder of FSA, who will serve as master of ceremonies for the final. He also designed both Ocean Dunes and the course at Mission Hills on which the final will be contested.

Hosted for the second consecutive year by Ocean Dunes, the weekend also featured a “tournament within a tournament,” the Vietnam National Junior Championship. Nguyen Thanh Binh (98-93-191) won the Boys Under 21 division, while Dung and Nghi were crowned champions in the Boys Under 16 and Girls Under 16 flights, respectively.

This year’s installment also included 27-hole competitions for Boys Under 12 and Girls Under 12, won by Truong Chi Quan (132) and Pham Hoang Linh Chi (185), respectively. Ho Chi Minh City won the team title.

In all, some 40 youths participated in the official competitions, but they weren’t the only kids hitting golf balls over the weekend: As in the year before, young spectators were welcome to try their hands at the practice range, as Ocean Dunes continues to function as a center for junior-golf development.

“The great thing,” said PGA Professional and Director of Golf Operations Kenny Saunders, “is that you’ll see a kid who last year had never swung a club and this year is actually playing in the tournament.”

Added Kurt Greve, general manager and director of golf at Ocean Dunes Golf Club: “We understand that golf is still relatively new to Vietnam, so our objective is to increase everyone’s interest in playing the game – new players, members, the general public.”

Opened in 1994, Ocean Dunes Golf Club is well known around the world for its close relationship to the sea, windswept dunes and singular holes, including the difficult par-3 9th, which sits hard by the East Sea and has been touted by GOLF (USA) magazine as one of the 500 best golf holes in the world. www.vietnamgolfresorts.com

The FSA Vietnam Championship takes the 2009-'10 schedule to 15 tournaments in 12 different countries across the continent. Supported by UBS, Mission Hills and The R&A, the Faldo Series hosts many leading young golfers, boys and girls aged 12 to 21. www.nickfaldo.com/series

Woods' Bridgestone victory comes with a price

2009-08-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

The PGA Tour will be fining Brigestone Invitational winner Tiger Woods for his public criticism of a rules official after claiming his victory.

In section VI-D of the PGA Tour’s player handbook it states, “It is an obligation of membership to refrain from comments to the news media that unreasonably attack or disparage tournaments, sponsors, fellow members, players of PGA Tour.”

On the par-5 16th hole, European Tour chief referee John Paramor told Woods and Harrington that they were being timed and that bothered Woods.

Paramor said Woods and Padraig Harrington were 17 minutes behind their position on the 16th tee and they were behind for most of the back nine.

Referring to Harrington's 5-iron shot near some trees to an edge of a bunker and over the green to landing into a water hazard Woods said, “I don’t think that Paddy would have hit the pitch shot that way if he was able to take his time, look at it, analyze it,” “But he was on the clock, had to get up there quickly and hit it.”

Harrington agreed that he was rushed, but said it would not be fair be to give the final group preferential treatment.

After the game Woods told Harrington, “I’m sorry that John got in the way of a great battle.”

Bridgestone brings good news to the golf industry.

2009-08-10T02:00:00.000-07:00

Bridgestone is now the fourth title sponsor that has renewed its contract with the PGA Tour this year.

Along with Bridgestone, Travelers, Zurich, and, Accenture have all renewed their contracts through 2014.

Cimmissioner Tim Finchem and a group of Bridgestone officials made an announcement Sunday that the company will support the World Golf Championship at the Firestone Country Club through 2014.

Finchem said, "We seem to be now in a very solid trend as we look out past this downturn of having an increasing number of our sponsors step up and move forward with us over the next half a decade," and "And for that we are delighted."

Mark Emkes the Bridgestone President and CEO said "Even in a down economy, we still need to sell Bridgestone golf balls, clubs and tires and Firestone tires." and it was important to remain linked with golf.

Barack Obama a weekend warrior?

2009-08-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

Is it a surprise that our very own president, Barack Obama plays golf almost every weekend?

It is reported that Obama and Joe Biden have played a round of golf almost every weekend this summer and even up the ante by wagering a bet of a dollar a hole.

The games are serious. There are no mulligans or gimme putts and it is even reported that Oboma will stick in to the very end even if it means putting a 10 or an 11.

Obama is also reported to be a trash-talk enthusiast and tries to get into the head of his opponents. Eugene Kang, a 25-year-old White House special-projects coordinator said "He is very strategic about his use of it," and "It's always fun to make the putt and give him a nice little look at the end."

It is said that Obama has a solid putt but is still working to perfect his hybrid woods. He is also working on his bunker shots that were once an Achilles' heel.

An estimated handicap for Mr. Obama is 16 to 24. Not bad for a weekend warrior.

Amateur golfer turned pro online poker player drops lawsuit against USGA

2009-08-05T22:27:00.000-07:00

A former Southern California junior golfer turned pro online poker player drops lawsuit against the United States Golf Association.

Dusty Schmidt played professional golf for several years until he suffered a heart attack in 2004 when he was only 23 years of age. During Schmidt's recovery from his heart attack he discovered online poker and has even claimed to earning more than $100,000 in good months.

As Schmidt's health improved in 2006 he applied to the USGA to regain his amateur status and was granted it early this year. This past April Schmidt issued a challenge on a web site he co-owns, offering to bet $1 million dollars of his own money against anyone in a combined poker and golf competition.

Even though nobody took Schmidt up on his "Million Dollar Challenge" the USGA said it didn't matter and Schmidt's amateur status was revoked because the self-promotion was "detrimental to the best interests of the amateur game."

Schmidt was considering to sue the USGA to gain his amateur status back but announced Wednesday after consulting with several legal experts he would be unable to produce anything solid to win his case.

The Portland area resident has been training with two-time PGA Tour winner Brian Henninger with the intention of playing in some professional events.

Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail makes waves in Phan Thiet

2009-08-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail makes waves in Phan Thiet

Blue Ocean Resort becomes member as Ocean Dunes GC preps for Faldo Series

PHAN THIET, Vietnam (4 August 2009) – Just in time for this weekend’s Faldo Series Asia tournament at Ocean Dunes Golf Club, Blue Ocean Resort, in nearby Mui Ne, joins the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail, giving Trail-goers an ideal lodging link on the south-central coast.

Blue Ocean Resort, a Life Resorts Management Company property that recently underwent a US$1.8 million renovation, becomes part of a prestigious contingent of up-market hotels and resorts catering to guests enjoying Asia's most talked-about golf experience. The 84-room resort is located in Mui Ne, about 13 kilometers from Phan Thiet City and 230 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City.

Blue Ocean Resort, in Mui Ne, is the latest luxury property to partner with the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail.

Gracing 1.8 hectares of some of the most inviting beachfront property in Southeast Asia, Blue Ocean Resort’s landscaped gardens, shaded by immense coconut trees, provide the ideal complement to the resort’s Balinese-style interiors, which emphasize fluidity between the indoor and outdoor. Indeed, there are even indoor and outdoor iterations of the spa.

“As the expression has it, you’re known by the company you keep,” said Alistair Cooray, general manager of Blue Ocean Resort, “so we’re thrilled to be affiliated with the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail. And many of our guests have long been big fans of Ocean Dunes Golf Club, so our partnership already feels natural.”
Blue Ocean Resort’s guests are not alone in their affection for Ocean Dunes Golf Club. Last weekend saw the completion of the full-to-capacity Gannon Vietnam Open, staged annually since 1996 at the Nick Faldo-designed gem in Phan Thiet. Sponsored for the seventh year in a row by The Gannon Group (www.gannon.com.vn), the tournament raised thousands of dollars for charity, as all net proceeds from the weekend went to the Vietnam chapter of Orbis (www.orbis.org), a nonprofit group dedicated to eliminating avoidable blindness.

Some of the up-and-coming junior golfers who played in the event will also be in the field for this weekend’s Vietnam stop on the Faldo Series Asia (FSA), the second annual installment of the event at Ocean Dunes Golf Club. Inspired by the decade-long success of the Faldo Series in Europe, Faldo launched the equivalent in Asia in 2006.

The FSA Vietnam Championship takes the 2009-'10 schedule to 15 tournaments in 12 different countries across the continent. Supported by UBS, Mission Hills and The R&A, the Faldo Series hosts many leading young golfers, boys and girls aged 12 to 21, as they compete for a place in the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in China, hosted by six-time Major winner Faldo.

Ocean Dunes Golf Club seems the ideal location for the Vietnam stop of the FSA tour, for several reasons. It is consistently rated at the top of places to play in Asia. And along with its sister course, Dalat Palace Golf Club, in Dalat, the club has been a bastion for junior-golf development in Vietnam.

Ocean Dunes Golf Club, which will host the Faldo Series Asia competition Aug. 8-9.

Ocean Dunes Golf Club's multiple tees make it as difficult as necessary for top-flight competitions like the FSA and the Gannon Vietnam Open but playable for the resort golfer and corporate outings. Its accommodating staff and clubhouse facilities make it perfect for handling large groups.

Nick Faldo both founded the competition and designed Ocean Dunes.

“Every event helps further solidify our reputation as a great venue for corporate golf events and for tournaments and large-group events,” said Kurt Greve, general manager and director of golf at Ocean Dunes Golf Club. “We’re also committed on every level to expanding participation and enjoyment of the game in Vietnam, so we’re doubly excited about hosting the Faldo Series competition.”

Currently, Life Resorts (www.life-resorts.com) owns and operates two other properties in Vietnam. Inspired by Cham architecture, the 63-room Life Wellness Resort Quy Nhon is a hideaway boutique on the south-central coast where a 3,000-square-meter landscaped garden overlooks a curvaceous coastline, outdoor spa bungalows and an exquisite stretch of private beach. The 94-room Life Heritage Resort Hoi An evokes the colonial splendor of a bygone era on a quiet stretch of the Thu Bon River, within walking distance of the old trading port’s world-famous downtown. That resort underwent extensive renovation through the spring of 2008.

Opened in 1994, Ocean Dunes Golf Club has garnered worldwide acclaim for its windswept dunes and singular holes, including the notorious par-3 9th, which sits hard by the East Sea and has been hailed by GOLF (USA) magazine as one of the best 500 holes in the world.

Anyone wishing to attend the FSA Vietnam Championship, players or spectators, should contact Ocean Dunes Golf Club on (+84 62) 382-3366 or visit the website at www.vietnamgolfresorts.com.

For information on the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail, or to book a trip, visit www.hochiminhgolftrail.com.

Turks & Caicos – Gobeachfest!

2009-08-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release

08/03/09

Turks & Caicos – Gobeachfest is an event planned for November 7 -14, 2009 as a full athletic retreat and destination vacation targeting athletic, adventurous travelers. Gobeachfest has secured the golf course in Turks and Caicos for the two week event. This allows single or group golfers to attend, play and network with other golfers and other athletes. The event is a full destination vacation that offers all the amenities of a beach resort vacation with the addition of world class athletic training and socializing with people of similar interests. Pro athletes from many disciplines and locations will be featured and will offer daily training sessions to all attendees.

Known for its natural, rugged layout through limestone outcroppings, Provo Golf Club combines a test of golf with the natural flora and fauna of the island. Fairways are lined throughout with native island bush, combining with inland lakes and numerous palm trees to compliment playing surfaces. There is an abundance of birdlife, with the lakes home to an array of colorful native birds including egrets, various types of heron and waterfowl and migratory flamingos. Since 1992 the challenging layout has been enjoyed by club members and resort golfers alike, and attracts many return visitors to tackle the unique ‘target-style’ course.

Gobeachfest is an event born out of Volleyball Vacations that has thrived for the past fifteen years and hosted over 34 events around the world. The Turks & Caicos event in November of 2008 was the largest event in the history of the company and brought the highest caliber of athletes, in the sport of volleyball, including 2008 Olympic Gold Medalists Phil Dalhausser and Kerri Walsh. Expanding upon the Volleyball Vacations concept, Gobeachfest is created to be the ultimate sports and social vacation. Attendees will enjoy outdoor activities and athletics during a week long, all-inclusive vacation at the Club Med Resort in Turks and Caicos.

The GObeachfest mission is to bring together like minded active adults with a passion for sports, health, travel, and socializing through a unique, dynamic vacation experience. GObeachfest provides top professional trainers, innovative activities, famous DJs and bands all at the popular resorts and beaches in the world. The event is attracting active travel enthusiasts from all over the world who are looking to vacation and train with the world class pros signed on to teach at the event. To date there has not been a retreat or opportunity for individuals to train for one week under so many athletic disciplines with such world class athletes. GObeachfest is the only celebrity sports vacation that is for everyone. Active adults can bring their loved ones to try multiple sports from professional coaches and celebrity trainers while they focus on their favorite sport or jump on in and try everything.

Founder and CEO Albert Hannemann is the Director of the AVP, VIP Fan Experience and Juniors Camps and Clinics. He is an Olympic Festival Gold Medalist and professional volleyball player. . “The goal is to strive to provide our participants with a unique experience where they can meet new friends from all over the world in a beautiful setting,” states Albert Hannemann Founder and CEO of Gobeachfest and Volleyball Vacations. “This vacation is exactly what people have been begging me to put together for 15 years and we finally are able to do it,” states Hannemann.

Gobeachfest is currently booking and is close to selling out the first week with 500 people. The addition of the second week will allow more people to participate in the experience. Golfers will receive a $100 discount with the code GOLFCAICOS09 when they register for the trip.

Who: Gobeachfest from Hannemann Events

What: An all inclusive athletic and networking retreat for the active vacationer and athlete.

When: November 7 – 14, 2009

Where: Turks & Caicos

All Inclusive: All sports training, world famous cuisine and top shelf alcohol is included in your package with your room. *Additional fees for golf.

Discount Code: GOLFCAICOS09– $100 discount with this code

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: http://www.GObeachfest.com/

Funk Shatters Scoring Record, Wins U.S. Senior Open

2009-08-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

Major Championship Statement:
Funk Shatters Scoring Record, Wins U.S. Senior Open

Final-round 65 makes Funk first player to finish a USGA championship at 20-under par

Carlsbad, Calif. (August 3, 2009) – TaylorMade Tour Staff professional Fred Funk parlayed a 54-hole lead into a record-breaking finish at the U.S. Senior Open Championship on Sunday, shooting a final-round 65 at Crooked Stick to shatter the tournament scoring record. Funk bettered the previous U.S. Senior Open record by three strokes and became the first player to finish a USGA championship at 20-under par.

Funk, 53, rebounded from last week's playoff loss at the Senior Open Championship to fellow TaylorMade Tour Staffer Loren Roberts to earn his second senior major and fifth win overall on the Champions Tour. Using a Burner 09 driver, Funk was nearly flawless from the tee box, finishing with 84 percent driving accuracy. Critical to his victory was the methodical way he hammered the par-fives throughout the week, playing them in 11-under. Funk's seven birdies on Sunday pushed his championship total to 24, two more than anyone else in the field.

In Funk's winning bag:

Driver: Burner® 9.5°
Fairway: 200 Tour 13.0°
Hybrid: Rescue® Fairway 16.0°, Burner Rescue 19.0°
Irons: Tour Preferred® 4-PW
Wedges: rac™ TP 54°, rac TP 58°
Ball: TP Red LDP
Footwear: adidas Golf

Please keep arms and legs in golf cart at all times while in motion.

2009-08-03T20:55:00.000-07:00

Lions Wide Receiver Bryant Johnson will be sitting on the sidelines for the first part of the football season.

The accident happened in July but it is said that Johnson might not play for a few weeks and has been placed on the active/non-football injury list. Johnson's injuries have no orthopedic issues and are superficial wounds that consist of road rash, cuts, and bruises.

Johnson said: “In the community that I live in, everybody uses golf carts to get around. The golf cart got out of control and it was on two wheels and it fell over. I was driving, and it fell over on my side. It slid about 10 yards. There was a hill, but it wasn’t a steep hill.” And “It really didn’t hurt until the first time I tried to take a shower,”.

Who farted? Laugh your pants off.

2009-08-02T22:59:00.000-07:00

If you were watching the Buick Open while Tiger Woods was on the 18th hole you most likely witnessed one of the funniest moments in golf history. Some people are saying it was Tiger who farted and others are saying it some someone in the crowd who was standing too close to the microphone. We will let you decide.

CBS made You Tube take down a few videos but this one still remains. We will see how long it lasts. Note: We do not support the links in the video.

Dirty Balls Are A Bummer

2009-07-31T08:16:00.001-07:00

Dirty Balls Are A Bummer

Award-Winning Golf Specialty Product Keeps Golfers at the Top of Their Game

(Mission Viejo, California) ---Ball Brite Inc., winner of the “2008 Great Gear of the Year Award” at the PGA Show in Orlando, Florida earlier in 2008, introduces a personal golf ball cleaner for the golfer that dares not putt with a soiled ball. The Ball Brite is an insulated sleeve made of surfer wet suit material. Add water into the sleeve at the start of your round and balls go in dirty and come out clean and dry. Inventor, Brent Hollows, utilized reversed technology of a wet suit and kept the outside dry while the inside remained damp throughout an entire 18-hole round of golf.

LA Sports Broadcaster, Steve Hartman, demonstrates this revolutionary new product on the company’s website, www.ballbrite.com. PGA Tour golfer, Jonathan Kaye states, “Ball Brite gets it! No more dirty towels drying out during my golf round. It's like having a caddy with you all the time. If you're looking to improve your golf game, I recommend using the Ball Brite on your next round. Play the game with a clean ball. I loved it."

Currently, the product is available in five different colors and can be purchased online, at select retail locations, pro shops, wholesale, and by special order for product customization for corporate events and golf tournaments. Please visit the official Ball Brite website at WWW.BALLBRITE.COM

John Daly gets second shot at a reality show.

2009-07-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

In 2006 The Golf Channel aired a 13-part series “The Daly Planet” that featured John Daly's wild and crazy lifestyle.

The much more focused Daly made his return to the PGA Tour earlier this year after his second suspension for his untamed conduct and told The Associated Press “I’m more laid back,”.

Golf Channel senior producer Al Pollock said “He’s a different person,” and “This show will not be as crazy as the last show. But it’s going to show a different side—the real side—of John Daly. He’s lived through a lot of peaks and valleys. Now, he’s got his stuff together."

“I’m practicing a lot and I’m working hard, but it’s not paying off yet,” - “I’m real frustrated with my putting.” Daly said.

Pollock has known Daly since 1994 and has been with him on site during filming of the upcoming show which has yet to been named.

“I think ‘Out of the Rough’ is the perfect title,” Daly said.

Daly said Wednesday an upcoming reality show on the Golf Channel, featuring him, will provide a glimpse of his new-and-improved boring life.

“I’m more laid back,” he said in an interview with The Associated Press between puffs of a cigarette in the parking lot of Warwick Hills, the site of this week’s Buick Open. “It won’t have the hustle and bustle as the last show.”

The first of at least eight episodes of the yet-to-be-named reality show will air in early 2010.

Daly said, “I think ‘Out of the Rough’ is the perfect title,”.

“I’m still having fun, but I’m more serious,” Daly said. “I’m finally the guy so many people have wanted me to be for so many years.”

Nathan Green Switches to R9 460 and notches first PGA Tour Win at RBC Candian Open

2009-07-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

TaylorMade Tour Staff Professional Nathan Green
Switches to R9 460 and Notches First PGA Tour Win
at RBC Canadian Open

Green Wins in Sudden Death Playoff over Fellow TaylorMade Tour Staffer Retief Goosen

Carlsbad, Calif. (July 28, 2009) – TaylorMade Tour Staff professional Nathan Green made par on the second playoff hole at the RBC Canadian Open to capture his first PGA Tour victory, outlasting fellow TaylorMade Tour Staffer Retief Goosen in a Monday finish at Glen Abbey Golf Club. Trailing Green by two, Goosen made a dramatic eagle on the par-five 18th hole to tie for the lead. Green, playing behind Goosen, missed the final green wide left with his second shot and had to work to save par and force a playoff. His par on the second extra hole secured the win after Goosen missed the green and failed to get up and down.

Green, who put the R9™ 460 driver with Flight Control Technology (FCT) in play for the first time last week, led the field in driving accuracy at 78.6 percent on the difficult Glen Abbey layout. Hitting fairways with such frequency allowed him to attack the flag more often, leading to 22 birdies (2nd in the field) including nine in the second round. He was one of 42 players in the field to play an R9 driver, 18 of whom used the new R9 460.

In Green’s winning bag:

Driver: R9 460 10.5°
Fairway wood: Tour Burner® 14.5° 3-wood, Tour Burner® 17.5° 4-wood
Irons: Tour Preferred® 3-PW
Wedge: rac™ TP 54°, rac TP 60°
adidas Golf apparel and footwear

* Darrell Survey driver model count at RBC Canadian Open

TaylorMade Golf Tour Staff Professional Loren Roberts Wins Second Senior Open Championship

2009-07-29T21:11:00.000-07:00

TaylorMade Golf Tour Staff Professional Loren Roberts Wins Second Senior Open Championship
in Four Years

Victory Earns Him a Berth in the 2010 Open Championship at St. Andrews; Solidifies his 2nd Place Position in Charles Schwab Cup Standings

Carlsbad, Calif. (July 27, 2009) – TaylorMade Tour Staff professional Loren Roberts captured his second Senior Open Championship and 10th career Champions Tour victory Sunday at Sunningdale Golf Club. A final-round 67 put Roberts in a three-way, three-hole sudden death playoff that included fellow TaylorMade Tour Staff professional Fred Funk. Funk dropped out after the first hole and Roberts went on to win with a par on the third extra hole.

Sunday's victory was Roberts' fourth senior major championship and made him just the third multiple winner on the Champions Tour this season. The win earned him a berth in the 2010 Open Championship and solidified his second-place position in the Charles Schwab Cup standings.

In Robert’s winning bag:

Driver: r510 8.5
Fairway wood: Burner® Tour Launch 3-wood 14.5°
Hybrid: Rescue® TP 19°
Irons: rac™ LT (3-5); 320 Series (6-PW)
Wedge: Fe203 (56°); rac TP (60°)

Buick Open hits the brakes.

2009-07-27T22:50:00.000-07:00

The 51-year-long run of the Buick Open will come to an end after this year's event. The official word will be announced the week of August 3rd after the Buick Open and, is rumored to unveil the new title sponsor and venue that will replace the PGA Tour's longest partnership.

Nothing has been finalized yet; however Larry Peck, Buick-GMC’s national promotions manager said, “Right now, we’re concentrating on putting on a world-class event.”

GM simply can not afford to hold the title sponsorship after hitting an 80-year low with a loss of close to $31 billion with its U.S. market share. In 2008 Buick severed a nine-year relationship with Tiger Woods one year before the deal was supposed to end.

The 1988 Buick Open champion Scott Verplank heard about the news at the Canadian Open and said “It’s one of my favorite tournaments, and I would hate to lose it,”.

The Buick Open was started to help celebrate GM's 50th birthday in 1958, and was the Tour’s first title sponsor.

Jesper Parnevik's golf season my be cut short.

2009-07-26T21:31:00.000-07:00

The Stockholm born Jesper Parnevik is said to be one of Sweden’s best golfers. Parnevik's golf season may be cut short due to a planned hip surgery next week in a clinic at Vail, Co.

The East Florida-based 44-year-old Swede tied for 17th at the SAS Masters on Sunday and finished second in the 1994 British Open at Turnberry just missing out on becoming Sweden’s first men’s major winner.

"Records are made to be broken," - Mark Calcavecchia at the Candian Open.

2009-07-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

Mark Calcavecchia broke the PGA Tour record at the Canadian Open on Saturday by scoring nine straight birdies.

In the misty Saturday morning at Glen Abbey, Calcavecchia started the delayed second round with two pars, then fired off the record breaking nine straight birdies. The putts that gained him the birdies were from 15 feet or closer.

As Calcavecchia's 15-year-old son Eric served as his caddie, he shot a 7-under 65 to finish two rounds at 8 under. Entering the third round Calcavecchia was five strokes behind the leader Jason Dufner and had to wait until Sunday to continue since heavy rain postponed his round.

``The weather is unfortunate,'' Calcavecchia said. ``Two years in a row here.''

The previous record was set by Bob Goalby in his 1961 St. Petersburg Open victory.

Calcavecchia's streak ended when he landed into a greenside bunker and bogeyed No. 8.

Calcavecchia, the 1989 British Open champion and 2005 Canadian Open winner commented ``I think adrenaline kicked in a little bit, even more than it already was,''.

Calcavecchia later went on to say``Records are made to be broken,'' and``Could somebody make 10 in a row? Sure. ... It wouldn't surprise me if some guy whips out 10 birdies in a row sometime this weekend. Really wouldn't. These guys are good.''

Want to play Banff Springs Golf Club as much as you want for $7.50?

2009-07-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

I am sorry if I got your hopes up, but you can still play the Banff Springs Golf Club in AB, Canada all you want for $7.50 (or 600 Microsoft Points).

The Banff Springs Golf Club, located in Alberta, Canada is now available as a game add-on for PLAYSTATION 3 and Xbox 360 video gaming platforms. Banff Springs Golf Club sits in the heart of Canada’s Rocky Mountains and features stunning layout with elevation changes and holes surrounded by snow capped mountains that will put a big smile on your face. This is the first time Banff Springs has made an appearance in the Tiger Woods PGA TOUR franchise and will give players great graphical detail to this amazing course.

For additional information regarding Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 10 and to see video and more screenshots of Banff Springs Golf Club, go to www.tigerwoods10.com

Photo Op: Countryside CC Clearwater, FL

2009-07-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

"You almost beamed me in the head." Was the first thing I heard as I pulled up to the 9th hole on the Bayhead course. Not my fault she didn't hear Law Reales our Co Chairman yell fore.

The Countryside Country Club is Gary Player layout of 27 holes of golf, 14 lighted tennis courts, two outdoor pools, a wading pool, grill, dining room, bar, snack bar, five private dining rooms, and a 13,000 square foot State-of-the-Art Fitness Center with Full Spa Services.Just recently the Countryside CC finished its 7 year $7 million-dollar renovation project and now offers Champion Dwarf Bermudagrass greens, newly repaved cart paths, and a state-of-the-art irrigation system.

The beverage girl was easy to look at but was only spotted twice. I wish I could have caught up with her for a quick picture and to ask her a few questions about her inside insight of Countryside CC. I think if a course offers more than 18 holes they should offer more than one cart girl. By the 15th hole my water bottle didn't have a drop in it and left our Co Chairman light headed. These hot summer days (and everyday) it is crucial that you stay hydrated to avoid health risks that are not always easy to detect.

Out of the 27 holes we played 18 on their Pine and Bayhead courses sitting out the Lake course. We wanted to play all 27 but the group in front of us was rather slow and killed the excitement.

The practice putting greens was pretty flat but had a pretty waterfall.We got a bag of 20-3o range balls for less than 6 dollars and it got us good and warmed up for what was ahead.Hole 1 on the Pine course is a great starter at 356 yards (from the white) par 4 with a nice water hazard 2/3rds of the way down with 4 sand traps that surround the green.Hole 3 is a little deceiving. It looks like you can shoot over the trees to the right for a little short cut but what you can't see is the sand trap behind it. I took the safe route and stayed on course.Hole 5 was a fun one. An easy par 3 with a green that had more slope than a ski resort. The greens must have been cut 1/8th of an inch because they were fast! The water hazard, three sand traps to the right, and one to the left was enough motivation we needed to land on the green and par this hole.
Hole 6 is the longest at 500 yards (from the white) and at first glimpse looks like a safe long fairway but don't let your guard down. If you don't land in one of these sand traps there are plenty more waiting for you. This is number 4 on the beautiful Bayhead course. Going forward for the next few holes was exciting for me because I found the landscape very tranquil and welcoming. I shut out the sand traps and proceeded to push on.Hole 5 was an exiting one. If you don't hit the ball over the water trap it will be sleeping with the fishes. If you hit the ball too far you risk the chance of landing on the beach. You have to find a perfect medium and land in between.
Hole 6 looks easy par 3 right? For the most part it was. I had to scratch my head and laugh when I saw one of the members of the foursome in front of us threw his club. Hole 7 was nice and mellow and was pared with ease.
Hole 8 was not as easy. To the left was a water hazard and the green had sand traps on the north, east, south, and west sides of the green. This green also had a strong slope making the putt either an up hill battle or a down hill disaster depending on how you play it.Hole 9 is 500 yards (from the white) and is the second par 5 on the Bayhill course. It wide open and has three sand traps mid way with one on the left and two on the right. From the bend you have about 250 yards to the green which has two sand traps that lay in the front right and left side and one that stretches along the back.

Kenny Perry will not attend 5.1 million-dollar PGA Buick Open

2009-07-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

Kenny Perry will not defend his title at the 5.1 million-dollar PGA Buick Open at Grand Blanc, Michigan next week but for good reason. Perry will stick by his mothers side as she fights blood cancer.

Kenny Perry, the Masters runner-up will turn 49 next month and will be with his mother Mildred as she receiving hospice care. Perry considered not attending the British Open but doctors assured him that his mother would be all right while he competed at Turnberry last week.

Our prayers go out to Kenny and his mother for a safe and speedy recovery.

Top Ten Surprising Facts About Stewart Cink - Letterman

2009-07-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

Nike's New Prototype Putter

2009-07-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

My money was on Tom Watson to win the 2009 British Open but at the last hole my investment was looking like it hit the rocks and was sinking fast.

Stewart Cink, the new Open champion took the lead after a four-hole play off after they tied on a two-under-par.

Cink was packing some serious heat on the green and I can't help to think that Stewart's winning putt was partially due to his new top secret Nike Prototype Putter.
From the images we have seen the putter features heel-toe weighting, high tech red grooves to reduce skipping and skids, and also looks like to a touch of carbon on the bumpers.

We also heard that the bottom of Cink's putter there is reference to "The Oven", Nike's club building and testing facility in Ft. Worth, Texas.

It sounds like this putter is just a sample but nothing has officially announced by Nike Golf yet and I would not be surprised if I saw this putter on the shelf sooner than later.

We also read on TheGolfSpace that Nike is attempting to confiscate all of the video footage of Tiger Woods to save him from future embarrassment since he played so poorly at Turnberry.

6 things you didn't know about TaylorMade’s Commemorative 2009 British Open Staff Bag

2009-07-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

1). The four red jewels embedded in the crown represent the years that the Open Championship has been (and will be) played at Turnberry's Ailsa Course: 1977, 1986, 1994 and 2009

2). The initials RB on the crown stand for Robert the Bruce, who was born in Turnberry Castle on the Scottish coast in 1274. Two years before Robert's birth, King Edward I of England, known as the Hammer of the Scots, ascended to his country's throne and embarked upon a ruthless effort to conquer Scotland. While the nations warred in the ensuing years, Bruce was crowned King of Scots in 1306. Eight years later, at Bannockburn, his army shocked and defeated the larger forces of King Edward II, an astonishing victory that vanquished the English, won Scotland's freedom and ensured Bruce's greatness.

3). The image of the sun with rays outstretched and the number 77 near the top of the orb is a nod to Tom Watson's victory in the 1977 Open, the first held at Turnberry. The victory was earned in a thrilling Saturday and Sunday battle with Jack Nicklaus under uncommonly sunny skies that is known as the "Dual in the Sun" in Open golf lore. The two rivals played together on Saturday and separated themselves from the field, setting up a head-to-head battle symbolized by the crossed swords. In the final round, Watson, a shot ahead of Nicklaus as they teed off on the final hole, put his approach to three feet. Nicklaus, who had driven in the rough, scraped his onto the green 50 feet away from the cup, then holed the putt for a birdie. Watson, needing his three-footer to win, rolled it home.

4). The dark mound emerging from the water at the center of the logo represents the Ailsa Craig, a volcanic island 11 miles off the coast of Turnberry in the Irish Sea.

5). The white stripes crossed against a blue background at the logo's bottom refers to the national flag of Scotland, birthplace of golf. According to legend, the first golfers hit pebbles around sand dunes using sticks or clubs during the 15th century, then began to evolve into the game we know today at round 1750.

6). The image on the cloth tag attached to the back of the cap is that of three pointed tines of a gate, which allude to the ancient portcullis that stood guard at the entrance of Turnberry Castle, and which is still found among the old structure's ruins.

Bridgestone keeps rolling forward

2009-07-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

Bridgestone has a new and improved aesthetic appearance that will enhanced flying performance.

Bridgestone recently applied for a patent simply titled "golf ball". I would have never thought of anything like this but I do look forward to giving it a try to see if it holds up to its claims...

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having an improved aesthetic appearance and enhanced flying performance.

To achieve the above object, the present invention provides golf balls as described below. (1) A golf ball on which a plurality of dimples are arranged on the spherical surface thereof, wherein each of the dimples has at least two contour main parts and contour connecting parts; and the at least two contour main parts are connected to each other by the contour connecting parts, and the contour connecting parts are formed so as to be curved toward the inside of the contour main parts from the outermost points. (2) The golf ball described in the item (1), wherein all of the at least two contour main parts each are formed into a circular shape. (3) The golf ball described in the item (1), wherein the at least two contour main parts are formed by combination of a circular shape and a noncircular shape. (4) The golf ball described in the item (1), wherein all of the at least two contour main parts each are formed into a noncircular shape. (5) The golf ball described in the item (1), wherein the number of the dimples is about 150 to 500. The golf ball described in the item (1), wherein the bottom part of the dimple is formed into a flat shape. (7) The golf ball described in the item (1), wherein the bottom part of the dimple is formed into a spherical surface shape. (8) A golf ball on which a plurality of dimples are arranged on the spherical surface thereof, wherein each of the dimples has at least two contour main parts and contour connecting parts; the at least two contour main parts are connected to each other by the contour connecting parts, and the contour connecting parts are formed so as to be curved toward the inside of the contour main parts from the outermost points; and a curved part is provided which is formed so as to be curved toward the center direction of the spherical surface between the contour main parts and contour connecting parts and the bottom part of the dimple. (9) The golf ball described in the item (8), wherein all of the at least two contour main parts each are formed into a circular shape. (10) The golf ball described in the item (8), wherein the at least two contour main parts are formed by combination of a circular shape and a noncircular shape. (11) The golf ball described in the item (8), wherein all of the at least two contour main parts each are formed into a noncircular shape. (12) The golf ball described in the item (8), wherein the number of the dimples is about 150 to 500. (13) The golf ball described in the item (8), wherein the bottom part is formed into a flat shape. (14) The golf ball described in the item (8), wherein the bottom part is formed into a spherical surface shape.

According to the golf ball described in the item (1), the area percentage and volume percentage of the dimples can be changed by the portion surrounded by the contour main parts and the contour connecting parts, so that the lift and the drag can be balanced. Since the contour connecting part has a curved streamline shape, the flow of air can be made smooth between the contour main parts. By changing such a curved shape, the drag etc. can be restrained. Therefore, the lift and the drag acting on the golf ball when the golf ball is flied can be balanced easily. The flying performance of golf ball can be enhanced. The curved contour connecting part has a characteristic shape. By the dimples having the contour connecting parts, the appearance of golf ball can be made characteristic.

According to the golf ball described in the item (2), excellent aerodynamic characteristics are provided, so that the flying performance of golf ball can be enhanced. The dimple has streamline beauty emphasized by the contour main parts formed into a circular shape only and the curved contour connecting parts. By the dimples having such characteristics, the aesthetic appearance of golf ball can be improved further.

According to the golf ball described in the item (3), excellent aerodynamic characteristics are provided, so that the flying performance of golf ball can be enhanced. The dimple has both of a characteristic shape emphasized by the noncircular contour main parts and streamline beauty emphasized by the circular contour main parts and the curved contour connecting parts. By the dimples having such characteristics, the aesthetic appearance of golf ball can be improved further.

According to the golf ball described in the item (4), excellent aerodynamic characteristics are provided, so that the flying performance of golf ball can be enhanced. The dimple has both of a characteristic shape emphasized by the contour main parts formed into a noncircular shape only and streamline beauty emphasized by the curved contour connecting parts. By the dimples having such characteristics, the aesthetic appearance of golf ball can be improved further.

According to the golf ball described in the item (5), the area percentage of the dimples is secured sufficiently, so that the flying performance of golf ball can be enhanced further.

According to the golf ball described in the item (6), the dimple has a characteristic shape due to the flat shaped bottom part. By the dimples having such characteristics, the aesthetic appearance of golf ball can be improved further.

According to the golf ball described in the item (7), further excellent aerodynamic characteristics are provided, so that the flying performance of golf ball can be enhanced. Especially in the case where the bottom part of the dimple is formed into a spherical surface shape of a spherical body having the center at a position approximately equal to the center of the spherical surface, in designing, the volume of the dimple can be changed by adjusting the radius of the spherical surface shape of the bottom part. By adjusting the radius of the spherical surface shape, even if the dimple has an intricate shape as in the present invention, the volume can be adjusted effectively for the golf balls having various structure. Thereby, the lift and the drag acting on the golf ball when the golf ball is flied can be balanced easily, so that the flying performance of the golf ball 1 can be enhanced further.

According to the golf ball described in the item (8), the same effects as those of the golf ball described in the item (1) can be achieved. Further by the curved part curved toward the center direction of the spherical surface between the contour main parts and contour connecting parts and the bottom part, the flow of air on the spherical surface from the dimples is made smooth, so that the drag can be restrained. Therefore, the flying performance of golf ball can be enhanced further. -US PATEN OFFICE