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Bart Johnson Named New Leader at
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
Long-term MMI Hotel Group leader accepts position as Resort General Manager
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Bart Johnson
Resort General Manager |
Flowood, MS- June 2019 – The King and Prince has a new leader at the historic beach and golf resort. Bart Johnson, no relation to recently retired Resort GM Michael Johnson, has accepted the position of Resort General Manager effective May 2019.
Bart is not new the organization or the community. Over the last 26 years, Bart has led MMI Hotel Group owned and operated properties across the Southeast with experience specifically in full-service and independent hotels. “We know that The King and Prince will welcome the energy and engagement that Bart is known for. Our on-property team is excited about the experience they will create for travelers and the community alike with Bart Johnson as Resort General Manager,” stated Micajah Sturdivant, President of MMI Hotel Group. (READ MORE...)
WHY TIGER'S COMMITMENT TO
PLAYING THE ZOZO MATTERS
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Tiger Woods is heading to Japan. The freshly minted Masters champion will headline the ZOZO Championship, which is to be Japan’s first ever PGA Tour event. The tournament, which boasts a $9.75 million purse, is set to replace Malaysia's CIMB Classic on the tour, and will be held from October 24-27 at Narashino Country Club. Woods committed to playing just a few weeks after his comeback-for-the-ages victory at Augusta, and in doing so brought the kind of star power no other golfer could.
The Narashino Country Club course is located in the Chiba Prefecture just outside of Tokyo. It spans 7,598 meters and features a quartet of par-5s and a trio of par-3s. In these respects, the course isn't actually unlike Augusta, which spans 7,475 yards and has four each of par-5s and par-3s. The key difference is that Narashino, despite being slightly longer, is more straightforward, and devoid of the infamously tricky approaches one finds at Augusta (like "Amen Corner" or Rae's Creek). It's a fairly unassuming course, which should make for some impressive scoring come October, from Woods and others alike. (READ THE FULL STORY...)
Argentario Golf Resort & Spa in Italy
Opens Stylish New Club House in Time for 2019 Golf Season
Tuscany, Italy, March 2019: The Argentario Golf Resort & Spa (www.argentarioresort.com), one of the most highly-regarded golf destinations in Tuscany, Italy, has opened a stylish new Club House in time for the 2019 golf season.
The new structure is home to the Pro Shop, Golf Secretary’s office and the Club House Restaurant & Bar, which boasts an extensive wooden terrace offering stunning views over the golf course and surrounding hills, the Orbetello Lagoon, often awash with flamingos, and the Gulf of Talamone in the distance.
The cutting-edge design of the Club House reflects the dramatic architecture of the nearby resort hotel that is characterized by its magnificent, light-filled atrium reception, its sleek, modern communal spaces and the super-chic furnishings in its rooms, suites and apartments. The impressive entrance to the Club House, for example, has been created by the installation of a striking decked walkway and gazebo created using natural materials. (READ MORE OF THIS STORY...)
CANADIAN NATIONAL GOLF COURSE OWNERS ASSOCIATION
ELECTS FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT AT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Some history was made in Calgary last November when the National Golf Course Owners Association of Canada gathered for their Annual General Meeting.
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Lesley McMahon
First Woman President of Canadian National Golf Course Owners Association |
Lesley McMahon, a golf course owner in Red Deer, Alberta was elected as president of the country-wide association making her the first female president in the not-for-profit group’s history.
McMahon, who was NGCOA Vice President the past two years says she was honoured to take over the helm.
“I honestly never thought in a million years I would be the president of this board. I am proud that they have the confidence in me to lead this organization.”
There are about 1,200 golf courses under the NGCOA Canada umbrella with 187 of those in Alberta where McMahon was Chapter President since 2008. This appointment carries some weight and makes her one of the people who can enact change in the game of golf in our country. (READ MORE OF THE STORY...)
Pheonix Golf Review...Via The Media Classic Tour
There may be a few golfers out there who are of the opinion desert golf is basically the same from course to course with some slight change in the number of saguaro with golf ball holes in them. To them I say, au contraire mon ami.
Just hop on a plane and head to the Valley of the Sun (Phoenix if you prefer) and you will see what I speak of.
This hot spot (pun intended) of golf has as much variety in the game as it does communities which populate the Sonoran Desert. (READ THE FULL REVIEW...)
I REMEMBER ARNOLD PALMER
By Bill Hensley
I was a junior at Wake Forest in 1948 when Arnold Palmer enrolled on a golf scholarship.
He was accompanied by Marvin (Buddy) Worsham, his friend and golfing pal. Since I was sports editor of the student newspaper, I was in contact often with Palmer and other members of the team, covering some classic matches involving such fine players as Mike Souchak and Art Wall of Duke and Harvie Ward of North Carolina. (READ THE FULL STORY...)
TPT Golf™ Expands Distribution to Malaysia with MST Golf
RENENS, SWITZERLAND -- TPT Golf is launching its much-anticipated line of revolutionary golf shafts to golfers in Malaysia through MST Golf, the country's largest golf retail specialist.
MST Golf will be the exclusive retailer of TPT Golf shafts in Malaysia, offering TPT Golf shaft fittings at its Technical Centers located at TPC Kuala Lumpur, the Intermark Mall in Kuala Lumpur, and at its Petaling Jaya Superstore, the largest fitting and service center in Malaysia. MST Golf will also make TPT Golf shafts available to golfers through mobile fitting events located throughout the country.
"We're excited to partner with MST Golf in Malaysia where demand for TPT Golf shafts has been incredibly high," says TPT Golf Director Sebastian Sebayang. "Each time we enter a new market, we strive to ensure we're partnering with a company that shares our vision of offering golfers not only the best experience and technology currently available, but also the highest level of fitting expertise. With MST Golf, we've found a perfect fit." (READ MORE...)
Breakthrough Golf Technology Has Three Top 10 Finishes on Tour
Dallas, TX -- Breakthrough Golf Technology announces that its Stability putter shaft helped capture three Top 10 tour finishes this past weekend.
On the PGA Tour, one of the top pros used it and bested most of the field at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, S.C, finishing in 10th place. And at the PGA Tour Champions event at TPC Sugarloaf in Duluth, Ga., two players -- finishing second and 10th, respectively -- trusted their putters to the Stability shaft.
(READ MORE...)
THE DEMISE OF PUTTING ON TOUR...
While perusing the improvements in golf equipment over the years, I came across data analysis that caused several rereads! Using Shotlink data, I looked at putting stats on Tour from 2003 to now. Using putts made at specific distances, the make percentage is LOWER today than 2003! Given the advances over the last 15 years, better, more consistent greens, millions of dollars invested in putter head designs, contour books showing every break every grain pattern and not the least, the arrival of sophisticated putting instruction, my first reaction was "this can't be right." (READ MORE OF THIS ARTICLE...)
French Lick Resort Embarks on $17 Million Addition
Including New Guestrooms and Sports Bar
FRENCH LICK, IN (September 17, 2018) ̶ ̶ As French Lick Resort continues to expand its reach and invest in the community, another addition to the resort landscape is coming soon.
French Lick Resort is launching construction on a $17 million project that will add 56 guestrooms and a new sports bar, with both being erected in the vicinity of the Event Center and French Lick Casino. The first phases of construction are underway, with both the six-story guestroom addition and sports bar slated for completion in the fall of 2019.
The sports bar and additional guestrooms are the latest major capital investment the resort has made over the past 12 years, following the opening of French Lick Casino in 2006; the adjacent Event Center that underwent a $20 million expansion in 2015; the nearby Exhibition Hall that is nearing completion of an extensive renovation; and the current renovation of the former Billiards and Bowling Pavilion into an upscale venue for weddings and other special functions. (READ MORE...)
Mosaic Clubs Announces Exciting Company Rebrand to Bobby Jones Links
Prominent Club Management Company Unveils
New Name and Plans to Expand Services and Offerings
Atlanta, Ga. – Atlanta-based Mosaic Clubs is excited to announce the company’s official transition to a new, reinvigorated brand celebrated by the highly anticipated adoption of a new name, Bobby Jones Links. The transition from Mosaic Clubs to Bobby Jones Links is part of an overarching mission to offer expanded services throughout the club management business. (READ MORE...)
GolfLogix Reaches 10,000–Course Milestone with Its Putt Breaks Feature
SCOTTSDALE, AZ -- GolfLogix, the complete game improvement app, has mapped a milestone 10,000 courses across the United States with its Putt Breaks feature
The game-changing feature provides golfers with intelligent green maps that auto-orient based the user’s position. It gives an accurate green read with one touch, showing every slope and undulation on the green’s topography and how putts will break. A bird’s-eye view of the green’s contours also helps golfers easily plan their approach and chart out chip shots. No other golf app provides golfers with this level of detail on the putting surface. GolfLogix has also created a light sensitivity mode that allows you to see green details under any light condition.
(READ MORE...)
Bag Boy Launches Electronic Tech Accessories
Richmond, VA – The Bag Boy Company is proud to announce a new line of five electronic tech accessories featuring the Mini Soundbar, Electronic Hand Warmer, 3-in-1 Fan, Bluetooth Speaker and Solar Charger. “Our goal was to transform our push cart into the ultimate walking machine,” said Pat Gallagher, Dynamic Brands Product Manager. “Then, we took it a step further and made universal attachments, so these accessories are portable and can be used in any setting.” (READ MORE...)
According to Golf Digest:
Bay Harbor among Best Resorts in the Americas
Boyne Resorts flagship property recognized by Golf Digest editors
Petoskey, MI – The Inn at Bay Harbor, the flagship property for Boyne Resorts, one of largest golf and resort attractions in North America, has received an Editor’s Choice Award by Golf Digest as one of the Best Golf Resorts in the Americas.
The publication's annual review of "The Best Things in Golf" by its editors appears in the May 2018 issue and online at Golfdigest.com. The listing recognizes resorts throughout the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Canada.
The scenic Inn at Bay Harbor and Bay Harbor Golf Club, located along a seven-mile stretch of Lake Michigan in Northern Michigan, was recognized by the editors as one of the best resorts in the Midwest region. Bay Harbor joined other elite destinations from the Midwest including The American Club, Erin Hills, Forest Dunes, French Lick Resort, Giants Ridge, and Sand Valley. (READ MORE...)
True Spec Golf Opens Fitting Facility
at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
CARLSBAD, CA - Custom club fitting leader True Spec Golf has officially opened a state-of-the-art shipping container fitting facility at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa's Golf Performance Institute in Carlsbad, Calif. Located just north of San Diego, within the iconic world-class resort, this is their first shipping container fitting studio stocked with a full studio fitting matrix, blueprint station, loft and lie machine, and Trackman.
"We are thrilled to partner with Omni La Costa to open True Spec," says Tim Briand, Director of Fitting and Sales at True Spec Golf. "It's an amazing learning environment for golfers in one of the world's best golf settings. With two championship courses on site, it was an easy decision to bring True Spec to La Costa." (READ MORE..)
MONTHLY SUSCRIPTION GOODIE BOX FOR GOLFERS
At GoGolfandTravel.com, we receive a lot of products for testing and reviewing. When the iGC package arrived, we were surprised at the quality of very useful golf items in the attractive gift box. So, we took each item out one-by-one and gave them the test of usefulness, quality and value. They all met the test with high marks. There’s something in the package that every golfer can use.
The iGC provided us with the following:
- Six (6) golf balls with urethane cover, three piece,
- One (1) cabretta leather golf with magnetic ball marker,
- Two (2) izzo “flatball” training aids,
- Ten (10) golf tees (high durability, star pattern), and
- One (1) ballmark/on course game sample from Vegas Golf the Game.
This is only a sample of the kinds of products a golfer receives with either a seasonal (March – September) or year-round subscription to the iGC package plan. The cost is the same for either subscription, $19 per month, plus $2.95 for shipping. (READ MORE TO ORDER...)
SkyTrak Releases Version 3.0 of the SkyTrak App
Winston-Salem, NC, – SkyTrak LLC, a joint venture of SkyGolf and SportTrak, announces the release of Version 3.0 of the SkyTrak app. Version 3.0 features an updated look and a variety of performance enhancements.
“We are always looking to improve the experience golfers have with SkyTrak,” said Andy Allen, SportTrak Managing Director of Golf. “Version 3.0 updates the look and performance across all platforms and allows users to get the most out of their SkyTrak launch monitor. We recommend that all of our users update to Version 3.0 today!”
Version 3.0 software updates include:
• Newly re-designed user interface
• Enhanced practice range 3D environment
• Complete rewrite and migration to UGUI system
• Optimizations for all platforms
• Miscellaneous bug fixes and improvements
Bag Boy Introduces 3 New Golf Bags for 2018 Season
Richmond, VA – The Bag Boy Company, a golf industry leader since 1946, is proud to announce their 2018 bag line featuring 2 new cart bags – the Defender and the Revolver FX, along with a new stand bag, the TL Stand Bag. New colorways are also introduced in the Chiller Hybrid and Chiller Cart Bags. “We are excited to announce our new bag line, all 5 models include our innovative attachment system, TOP-LOK™ Technology,” said Pat Gallagher, Bag Boy Product Manager.
“TOP-LOK™ Technology is a patented bag-to-cart attachment system designed to securely lock a Bag Boy bag onto a Bag Boy push cart preventing the bag from twisting or turning, eliminating the need for cart straps,” said Gallagher. “We created a secure attachment that was lacking in the traditional brackets and straps method. The benefit with TOP-LOK™ is your bag will no longer twist and turn, requiring readjustment in the middle of your round.” (READ MORE...)
GULL LAKE VIEW GOLF CLUB & RESORT
ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW STOATIN BRAE GOLF CLUB
Renaissance Golf Design's Course is Attracting National Attention
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AUGUSTA, MI – Golf designers are transitioning into a much-anticipated phase that puts the sheer enjoyment of the game – the fun of golf – at the forefront. Not long ago, the buzzword in new course construction was minimalist. Today, it’s maximizing the joy of the game. The new Stoatin Brae golf course at Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort in southwest Michigan takes this concept to heart. After a partial opening last fall, Stoatin Brae is ready to hit the ground running with 18 holes opening this spring. It’s charm and beauty is sure to resonate with golfers, and Stoatin Brae has everything a premier golf destination course needs – rolling topography, spectacular views and pure, uncompromising golf where the secret to a good round is hitting good golf shots. (READ MORE...)
Miura Golf Debuts Hayate Driver and Fairway Woods
Miura Golf has introduced its new Hayate driver and fairway woods. Pronounced "hi yaw tay", Hayate directly translates to "the sound of the wind", says Bill Holowaty, COO of Miura Golf. "The Miura family has worked long and hard to create models that offer forged excellence to golfers who don't strike the ball consistently. The same can now be said with the Hayate line of woods. The patience and attention to detail of Shinei Miura - son of company founder and legendary clubmaker Katsuhiro Miura -- have resulted in a driver and fairway woods that are worthy of the Miura name." (READ MORE...)
SILVIES VALLEY RANCH IN OREGON OPENS NEW FRONTIER
RETREAT DEEP IN THE PURE WEST
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Silvies Valley Ranch Resort, a unique boutique vacation destination in Oregon
is NOW open.
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The development and design of new golf courses and resorts in today’s market are becoming few and far between. Silvies Valley Ranch is named for a French trapper, Antonine Sylvaille who discovered the valley in the early 1800's. The 140,000 acre working ranch is located in the central eastern section of Oregon. This new family resort offers two 18-hole reversible golf courses, a 9-hole par-3 course, a 7-hole “gauntlet” course and authentic experiences of the Old West. You ask, “When you have 140,000 acres, why build reversible courses? Why not two typical 18-hole courses?” Well, that’s why this is a good story for both the golfer and the family looking for a unique vacation experience.
We caught up with Dan Hixson recently and he answered our questions. Hixson is the golf course architect from just outside of Portland and one of only two high-powered golf course designers from that state. He grew up in the Cottage Grove area and attended Oregon State College. Dan is the son of a club professional, raised on the golf course and a former golf professional. He decided to form his own design business in 1999. Dan designed a couple of notable courses in the Northwest such as Bandon Crossings in Bandon, Oregon and Wine Valley in Walla Walla, Washington. The other Oregonian star golf course architect is David McKay Kidd who designed the Bandon Dunes Course and Tetherow Golf Course in Bend. (READ MORE...)
POIPU BAY GOLF COURSE LAUNCHES NEW "OCEAN ELEVEN" GOLF PROGRAM
Golfers play holes 8-18 with early morning tee times
POIPU, Kauai, Hawaii – With sun-soaked days on an island known for its wealth of activities, Kauai visitors have a lot to fit into their schedule. Poipu Bay Golf Course’s new “Ocean Eleven” program allows golfers to take in the island’s best holes while still leaving time for other experiences.
Providing an early start to the day, the “Ocean Eleven” golf program at Poipu Bay Golf Course includes just 11 holes with tee times between 7-8 a.m. Golfers play holes 8-18, with the green fee, cart fee, GPS and bottled water included in the program rate. Price is $115 per person. Special club rentals available at $35. Tee times can be booked at 800-858-6300 or 808-742-8711. (READ MORE...)
ON AND OFF THE COURSE RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY AT SELECT
OMNI HOTELS & RESORTS GOLF DESTINATIONS
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| The Omni Homestead is enhancing its Cascades Course, regarded as the finest mountain course in the country, designed by architect William S. Flynn in the 1920s. |
DALLAS, Texas – Three courses and one clubhouse in the Omni Hotels & Resorts Golf Collection are undergoing improvements as part of Omni’s commitment to its premier golf destinations coast to coast, including two of Omni’s most historic properties — the Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA. and Omni Bedford Springs in Bedford, PA.
A new clubhouse will be unveiled at Omni Bedford Springs in summer 2017 which will feature an architectural design that reflects the integrity of the resort, a National Historic Landmark established in 1804. The 5,000-square-foot clubhouse will be home to a restaurant, golf shop, and both indoor and outdoor viewing areas overlooking the Old Course, an American classic designed by Spencer Oldham (1895), A.W. Tillinghast (1912), and Donald Ross (1923). (READ MORE...)
OMNI HOTELS & RESORTS HIT THE SWEET SPOT
| Golf professionals also offer help solving sticky situations on the course |
DALLAS – Omni Hotels & Resorts have hit the sweet spot with its “Magic of Maple” promotion that features mouthwatering libations and menu items created from maple, being showcased this summer at its properties across the country. And at the 12 Omni Golf Resorts, golf professionals are sharing a sweet series of golf tips so golfers can handle “sticky situations” on their world-class golf courses.
Whether it’s dealing with a water hazard, handling a tricky lie around the green, or facing an impossible shot to save par – Omni’s professionals can help…before, during and after the round.
Omni golf professionals know what to do when things really get sticky (To see the full text for escaping these sticky situations on the golf course, visit https://www.omnihotels.com/blog/golf-sticky-situations:
“Playing out of a water hazard”
Simon Andres, Director of Golf at The Omni Grove Park Inn
If a shot winds up in a water hazard and you want to play it, you can. It all depends on the lie. … Pull on your rain pants, particularly if it’s one of the first holes of the day. You don’t want to spend all day in wet pants … Limit the damage – to your score and to your clothes. (READ MORE...)
PRIVATE VILLA, SPECTACULAR GOLF, PERSONAL CHEF,
AND MORE AWAIT AT PUEBLO BONITO’S MONTECRISTO ESTATES
All-inclusive package features unlimited golf at spectacular Quivira Golf Club
Los Cabos, Mexico - Avidgolfers who want to savor the luxury of a private villa with friends and family while teeing it up to their heart’s content at Quivira Golf Club, the dazzling world-class course at Land’s End, can take advantage of an exclusive new package.
Designed for sophisticated travelers who demand the best, the ‘Ultimate Golf Package’ is a four-night, five-day experience offering plush, spacious accommodations at a Montecristo Estates villa, each with a private infinity pool, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi, maid and butler service. The richly furnished, beautifully appointed villas, set within an exclusive gated resort community, are designed in a Spanish Colonial revival style and feature panoramic ocean views. The Montecristo Unlimited Golf Package includes food and beverage at on-property restaurants and convenient shuttle access and transfers to the restaurants, bars and facilities of all four Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas in Los Cabos.
For golfers, the cornerstone of the program is unlimited play at Quivira Golf Club, a spectacular Jack Nicklaus-designed layout opened to acclaim in 2014. The 7,139-yard, par-72 course commences at sea level, scales sheer cliffs high above the foaming surf, meanders through massive dunes, rambles through desert foothills, and returns players to the thatched-roof clubhouse on the beach at the finish. With a view of the sea from every hole, Quivira has more oceanfront exposure than any other course in Los Cabos. (READ MORE...)
NEWLY LAUNCHED AIR FORCE ONE - AFX PRO SERIES IRONS
PALM DESERT, CA - Air Force One introduces the AFX Pro Series.
The AFX Pro Series replaces the AFO Players Series' irons, featuring less offset and a thinner top line. The AFX Pro Series features Nitrogen Charged technology in the 3- and 4-iron, and an undercut cavity in the 5-iron thru PW. In addition, the AFX Pro Series has matching muscleback 52-, 56- and 60-degree wedges. The irons are soft cast, which produces a soft impact feel and workability.
Nitrogen Charged Technology uses nitrogen gas inside a hollow-back iron supported by 50 pounds of pressure. This allows Air Force One to create a super-thin face with no internal bracing -- creating an enormous sweet spot with no hot or dead spots. It creates incredibly consistent ball flight and distance from club to club. (READ MORE...)
Miura Debuts Left-Handed Models
Miura Golf is now offering a new Y Grind option in its popular left handed models while also introducing a LH putter model for the first time.
"With our operations based in Canada, where recent statistics indicate that some 30 percent of new golfers are lefties, we're always looking to better serve left-handers," says Bill Holowaty, Executive Vice President, Product Strategies of Miura Golf. "We are thrilled to offer some more options for those golfers -- first with our LH KM 006 putter in which Mr. Miura has delivered a LH Forged Putter that feels as good as it looks. Secondly, the Y Grind version of our LH Blade and Cavity Back models allows golfers to benefit from a refined leading edge and sole design that leads to better turf interaction and therefore produces more solid shots." (READ MORE...)