NGCOA News

MGCOA Launches Government Affairs Initiative

The Michigan Golf Course Owners Association (MGCOA) announces the launch of a strategic initiative designed to combat several items currently being considered by the state legislature.

The initiative was brought on by current legislation that concerns the possibility of golf courses paying an additional amount of money for water usage over the next 10 years. This situation—along with other legislative initiatives currently introduced, which could affect golf course operations—has prompted this proactive initiative. Items such as minimum wage, workers compensation, and liquor and smoking regulation are other areas of concern for golf course operators.

To fund the launch of this grass-roots action plan, the MGCOA has developed a golf passbook, called the Golden Passbook. Proceeds from the coupon book will go directly to fund the government affairs strategic plan.

The strategic plan would call for such things as the creation of a government affairs committee of golf course owners, as well as a government affairs staff position with the MGCOA. Other plans will include budgets for an issue-by-issue lobbyist, if needed, and development of an ongoing lobbying policy. In addition, the association will consider enhancing its Legislative Bulletin, creating a golf course owner/legislator annual event, and developing fundraisers for PAC (Political Action Committee).

Allied Association News

Myers, Luigs Elected To Head USGA Women’s Committee

The USGA announces that after serving two terms as vice chairman, Jeanne Myers, of West Bloomfield, Michigan, has been elected 2003 chairman of the USGA's Women's Committee. Myers is a former chairman of the U.S. Mid-Amateur Champions committee, a rules official at 11 U.S. Women's Opens and vice president of the Golf Association of Michigan's board of governors. She replaces Cora Jane Blanchard, of Edina, Minnesota, who is stepping down from the committee after serving as a member since 1987 and as chair for the last two years.

In other Women's Committee news, Marcia Luigs, of Carmel, Indiana, has been elected vice chairman for the 22-member council, which oversees all matters related to women's amateur golf.

PGA Expands Employment Services

The PGA of America announces it has expanded its employment services by creating National Jobs in Golf Month during February. In 2002, the PGA held National Jobs in Golf Week in February and through its members' Web-based, complimentary employment clearinghouse, posted more than 700 jobs and registered 345,000 hits.

USGA Adds Rules Features To Web Site

The USGA announces it has added two golf rules-centered features to www.usga.org, its official Web site. The Rule of the Day page will feature a different rule each day.

Another addition, The USGA Rules of Golf Vignette, offers an interactive review of golf tournaments and championships dating as far back as the 1957 U.S. Women's Open. Every two weeks the vignettes will feature videos by PGA Tour Productions and graphics to interpret the rules for golfers.

Strategic Initiatives & Acquisitions

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Freedom Golf To Manage Meadow Woods Golf Course

Freedom Golf Services, Inc., announces it has been retained by Meadow Woods Golf Course in Orlando, Florida, to provide turnkey operational management for the 18-hole facility, including clubhouse operations, marketing, agronomy and accounting. This marks the third course under the FGS portfolio.

Billy Casper Golf To Oversee Seven Golf Courses in Cincinnati

Billy Casper Golf announces it has been selected by the City of Cincinnati’s Recreation Commission to manage its entire portfolio of seven golf courses. Under the multi-year engagement, BCG will provide turnkey management services at the courses, including agronomy, staffing and training, clubhouse operations, golf instruction, marketing and public relations, special events, financial management, food and beverage, and merchandising.

Troon To Manage The Grove Estate

Troon Golf announces it has been contracted by Ralph Trustees, Ltd., to help manage golf operations for The Grove, a new country estate and golf resort in London, England. Scheduled to open in July 2003, The Grove has been restored with help from English Heritage into a 227-room resort destination.

In a separate announcement, Troon reports it has been contracted to oversee golf operations for Sierra Nevada Golf Ranch located between Reno and Lake Tahoe.

KemperSports To Oversee Goose Creek Golf Course

KSI Services, Inc., a Virginia-based commercial and residential developer, announces it has selected KemperSports Management to oversee operation of Goose Creek Golf Course in Leesburg, Virginia. The facility features a 6,444-yard layout accented by a tributary of the Potomac River that winds through the course.

Coyote Creek Outfits Fleet With Parview GPS System

Parview announces Coyote Creek in San Jose, California, has installed its GPS system on the golf club’s entire golf car fleet. The systems include full-color, 10.4 inch video display screens.

In a separate announcement, Parview reports that The Golf Resort at Indian Wells, in Indian Wells, California, has installed its system on the resort’s two golf courses.

GolfLogix Inks Deal With Pebble Beach Company

GolfLogix announces it has signed an agreement with the Pebble Beach Company to install its GPS-based xCaddie system at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California. The xCaddie is a small, handheld device that gives golfers distances to the green as well as green depth, distance to major hazards and pro tips.

New Pleasure Island Course To Operate Fore System

Pleasure Island Golf Club in Port Arthur, Texas, announces it has installed the Fore! Reservations golf course management and marketing software system at its facility, which is scheduled to open February 15.

Private Greens To Distribute SofTrack In Europe

United Turf Industries, the Wichita, Kansas-based developer of SofTrack synthetic putting greens, announces it has signed an international agreement with Holland-based Private Greens to be the exclusive distributors of SofTrak in Germany, Holland and Belgium.

Pro Tour Memorabilia Launches New Company Division

Pro Tour Memorabilia, a provider of PGA Tour-licensed golf collectible and memorabilia, announces the launch of its newest division, Classic Collectibles. The new division will feature collectible merchandise for such non-golf personalities as Marilyn Monroe, Babe Ruth, James Dean, Buddy Holly and General George S. Patton, Jr.

Swanson Russell Named Agency of Record For Fairway Golf Cars

Swanson Russell Associates announces it has been selected as the agency of record for Fairway Golf Cars. Under the agreement, SRA will provide public relations, interactive marketing, literature, ad materials development, and media planning and buying for Fairway.

GMP Fitness Retains Jamison Golf Group For Public Relations

GMP Fitness, a company that offers a variety of fitness programs and products for golfers, announces it has selected Jamison Golf Group, an Orlando-based golf specialty firm, to oversee and administer its media and public relations.

Cyclonic Taps Public

Relations Partners

Cyclonic, Inc., a Delaware-based manufacturer of golf shoes, announces it has retained Vibranium Graphic Design and Deatrick Public Relations to support the launch of its 2003 Tour Series golf shoe line. Both companies are based in Orlando, Florida, and will provide marketing support.

Business Openings & Relocations

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Waterhouse Opens Meridian Consulting Firm

Stan Waterhouse, a former executive with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and Club Corporation of America, announces the launch of Meridian Consulting. The company will specialize in strategic planning services for private clubs, golf resorts and golf courses.

For more information, call (540) 364-3997.

Hobbins Unveils Golf Academy

in Manhattan

PGA pro John Hobbins, former director of the Golf Digest Schools, has founded the Greenside Golf Academy in New York City, which is housed in The Sports Club/LA on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Greenside combines 30-minute swing evaluations and multiple lesson packages that include off-site, outdoor lessons so ball flight may be assessed. The staff also can recommend fitness programs.

For more information, call (212) 207-4552.

EZLinks Golf Relocates Office

EZLinks Golf announces that the company’s offices have moved to 401 South La Salle Street, Suite 1601, in Chicago.

For more information, call (312) 913-6900.

New Courses & Renovations

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Country Club of Columbus Reopens

Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest and Associates announces that the Country Club of Columbus in Columbus, Georgia, has reopened following an extensive renovation of the Donald Ross-designed course. Enhancements included improving fairway drainage, a moderate amount of grading and regrassing the fairways, regrassing the greens and enlarging the practice facilities.

For more information, visit www.arthurhills.com.

Ron Garl Teams With

British Developer

Golf course architect Ron Garl announces construction has started on Eagle Creek Golf Club, a 7,100-yard course that serves as the centerpiece of a 1,200-acre development of Emerson International. This marks Emerson International’s first golf course community in the United States.

Internet & Technology

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Golf Illustrated Purchases

E-mail Operation

NatCom, Inc., publisher of Golf Illustrated, announces it has purchased Bettergolf.net, which consists of more than 550,000 opt-in e-mail subscribers who’ve agreed to receive four weekly e-newsletters specifically about golf-related topics. With the merger complete, Golf Illustrated now offers multi-media promotional opportunities (electronic and print) to more than 700,000 golfers. Bettergolf.net currently publishes five golf-related e-mail newsletters: Golf Tip Of The Day, Golf Joke Of The Day, E Tour Preview, Golf Course Preview and Golf Product Review.

For more information, visit www.golfillustrated.com.

Clubhouse, Course & Consumer Equipment

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Cleveland Golf Unveils New Women’s and Juniors’ Models

Cleveland Golf announces the launch of its new TA7 W irons and Launcher W woods for women. Technology from the men’s TA7 micro-cavity irons has been applied to the irons, with additional weight being placed in the sole of the clubhead to help get the ball up quickly and easily. The Launcher 400 driver and fairway woods feature a slightly lighter swing weight, a shorter shaft and more loft.

For juniors, the Cleveland Golf Junior Series is divided into three distinct models based on size. The White Model (for golfers between three to five years old or 36 inches to 45 inches tall) includes a driver/fairway wood combination club, a mid-iron, a putter and a carry bag. The Silver Model is designed for juniors age six to eight or 46 inches to 53 inches tall, while the Gold Model is for pre-teenagers who fall between nine and 12 years of age or 54 inches to 60 inches tall. Both of these sets come complete with a driver/fairway wood combination club, a three-piece iron set that includes 5/6, 7/8 and 9/PW, a putter and a lightweight stand bag. The new Junior Series will be retail from $124.99 to $199.99.

For more information, visit www.clevelandgolf.com.

Ahead Unveils New

Ornamentation Process

Ahead, a designer and marketer of golf headwear and apparel, announces the unveiling of four new ornamentation processes for hats and garments, which include Iron Applique, Ahead Varsity, Ahead Retro and Ahead Ivy. Each ornamentation process will have an array of design options.

Cyclonic Unveils New Shoe Styles

Cyclonic, a manufacturer of golf shoes designed with wider soles for added stability, announces the launch of its 2003 Tour Series line. Styles include: Finley, slip-ons in black, waxy leather accented with grey topstitching; Lennox, a modern version of a classic brogue style, available in two colors; Logan, modern lace-ups with charcoal accent stitching; and Niels, contemporary, full-length, lace-up shoes available in polished burgundy leather or black waxy leather. Cyclonic Tour Series retail for $109 per pair.

For more information, visit www.cyclonicgolf.com.

Adams Introduces Redline Drivers and Fairway Woods

Adams Golf announces the introduction of its Redline titanium drivers and fairway woods, which are scheduled to ship at the end of the month. The 460cc Redline driver ($349) features tungsten perimeter weighting, which is designed to produce maximum moment of inertia, distance and accuracy. The Redline fairway woods ($299) have thin titanium walls designed to allow for the placement of 90 grams of weight in the heel and toe.

For more information, visit www.adamsgolf.com.

Aldila Releases New Shaft Designs

Aldila, a designer and manufacturer of graphite shafts, announces the release of the Aldila One-75 and Aldila One-65 for seniors and ladies. The One features two fully independent shaft segments that are designed to offer more control over launch angle and ball flight. The 75-gram Aldila One-75 is offered with three tip flex options, giving the choice of low, mid or high launches.

For more information, call (619) 682-3407 or visit www.aldila.com.

GreenFix Unveils New Greens Repair Tool

GreenFix Golf, Inc., announces the introduction of a new, three-in-one repair tool designed to help turf maintenance professionals repair ball marks on greens. GreenFix Pro includes a patented GreenFix ball mark repair tool at one end of an aluminum shaft, a roller for smoothing the repaired turf at the other end, and a coring tool that is accessed with the twist of a thumbscrew. This long-handled repair tool allows ball marks to be repaired without bending over.

For more information, visit www.greenfixgolf.com.

Sponsorships, Promotions & Special Recognitions

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Vantage Apparel Selected as Vendor For U.S. Open

Vantage Apparel announces it has been selected by the USGA as a vendor for the Merchandise Pavilion at the 2003 U.S. Open. Six Vantage styles will be offered for sale in the 33,000-square-foot tent, including two fleece silhouettes, a convertible windshirt, a packable nylon pullover and two jackets. In addition to tent sales, the U.S. Open Collection by Vantage is currently featured in the 2003 U.S. Open Corporate Gift Catalog.

For more information, visit www.corpmerch.usga.org.

Monday After the Masters Moves To Myrtle Beach

Hootie and the Blowfish announces plans to move the band’s annual “Monday after the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament” to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, after reaching a long-term agreement with Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday. The event will be held at The Dye Course at Barefoot Landing on April 14. Over the past eight years, the tournament has donated more than $1.5 million dollars to the South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation and the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation, which supports the educational needs of South Carolina.

PerryGolf Offers Special Air Service To British Isles

PerryGolf, a provider of customized and luxury international golf travel, announces its Special Air Services program, which is available on golf itineraries in the British Isles. These Special Air Services utilize private aircraft and helicopter transportation along with PerryGolf’s fleet of VIP golf coaches.

For more information, visit www.PerryGolf.com.

Nike Signs Faldo To Play Equipment

Nike Golf announces it has signed Nick Faldo to a three-year deal to play its Forged Pro Combo irons, 400cc driver and new three-piece TA2 golf ball. Faldo, the three-time British Open and Masters champion who wears Bally Golf apparel and footwear on tour, will also carry the Nike Golf bag.

In addition to using Nike equipment, the deal calls for Nike to become a major partner in the Faldo Junior Series, a European program that identifies and supports young tournament golfers. Details of that part of the agreement were not released.

In related news, Nike reports it has signed England’s John Morgan to its tour staff. Morgan began 2002 as an amateur and finished the year as a pro holding both European Tour and PGA Tour cards.

Acushnet Reaches Endorsement Deal With Els

The Acushnet Company, manufacturer of Titleist and FootJoy, announces that Ernie Els has agreed to an expanded multi-year equipment deal. Under the agreement, Els will play with Titleist golf balls and clubs, wear a Titleist golf glove and FootJoy shoes, and carry a Titleist golf bag. No other terms were disclosed.

Parnevik Inks Deal With Wilson

Wilson Golf announces it has signed Jesper Parnevik to a three-year endorsement contract, marking the company’s return to the PGA Tour after a two-year absence. Parnevik will play Wilson’s new Staff True ball, new Wilson Deep Red II irons, wear the Pro Fit golf glove and carry the company’s staff bag. Terms were not disclosed.

The Hartford Expands Relationship With J.J. Henry

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., announces it has expanded its endorsement partnership with J.J. Henry, a third-year PGA Tour player and Fairfield, Connecticut, native. Under the agreement, Henry will wear The Hartford corporate logo on the front of his headwear in addition to the left chest and left sleeve of his shirt. He will also make special appearances on behalf of The Hartford.

Victoria Park Receives Audubon Certification

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System announces that Victoria Hills Golf Club at Arvida’s Victoria Park in Deland, Florida, has received certification in environmental planning. This international program, which is administered by Audubon International, is designed to help landowners preserve and enhance the environmental quality of their property.

For more information, visit www.audubonintl.org.

Safeway Named Sponsor For LPGA Phoenix Event

Supermarket chain Safeway announces it has signed on as the co-title sponsor for the LPGA Phoenix event. The tournament, which is scheduled for March 17-23 at Moon Valley Country Club, will be renamed the Safeway PING. Banner Health will still produce the event, which benefits cancer programs in Arizona.

Terminix Named Sponsor of Champions Tour Event

Terminix Commercial announces it will be the presenting sponsor of the ACE Group Classic, a Champions Tour event, through 2006. The 2003 ACE Group Classic Presented by Terminix Commercial is scheduled for February 10-16 at The Club at TwinEagles in Naples, Florida.

Cherry Blossom Recognized By

Golf Digest

Clyde Johnston announces that Cherry Blossom Golf & Country Club in Lexington, Kentucky, has been ranked among “America’s Best New Affordable Public Courses for 2002” by Golf Digest panelists. The 6,812-yard design is the centerpiece of Cherry Blossom Village, a 427-acre planned community.

For more information, visit www.clydejohnston.com.

Empire Lakes Offers New

Youth Membership

Empire Lakes Golf Course announces it is offering a new youth membership program designed specifically for golfers under age 17. Annual membership in the youth program at Empire Lakes costs $1,600 and includes no fee at time of play, play seven days a week, a free small bucket of balls on day of play, 20 percent off non-sale golf shop merchandise, invitations to special youth program events and an SCGA index.

For more information, call (909) 481-6663.

Anthony Lafetra Receives Industry Achievement Award

Rain Bird announces that Anthony LaFetra, president and CEO of Rain Bird Corporation, has been awarded the Industry Achievement Award by the Irrigation Association. The association chose LaFetra based on his significant contributions to the irrigation industry and lifetime commitment to water conservation practices. The award was presented during the International Irrigation Show’s Annual Awards & Keynote Breakfast, held in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Branon To Receive Ernie Sabayrac Award From PGA

David Branon, past chairman of Dunlop Slazenger Golf Americas, has been named recipient of the 2002 PGA of America’s Ernie Sabayrac Award for Lifetime Contributions to the Golf Industry. Branon, who recently turned 63, retired in 2001 after 34 years of service in golf, but continues today as a popular motivational speaker and industry consultant.

Tommy Armour Signs Deal With

The Golf Channel

Tommy Armour Golf Company announces it has formed a new sponsorship agreement with The Golf Channel, designating Tommy Armour Golf as a marketing partner for several shows broadcast on the network. The agreement is highlighted by a sponsorship of programming during Masters Week and The Golf Channel’s weekly Thursday Night edition of “Golf Central,” which previews each week’s tour events. In addition, Tommy Armour will sponsor coverage of the European Tour, “Golf Academy Live,” “Inside The PGA Tour” and the “Peter Jacobson Show,” among other Golf Channel properties.

Nike Renews Sponsorship of National Father & Son Team Classic

Nike Golf announces that it has renewed its title sponsorship of the 2003 National Father & Son Team Classic, which will be held July 24-26 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The event, recognized as the largest three-day father and son golf competition in the world, is entering its sixth year, and organizers expect 1,500 golfing families to participate in this year’s event.

For more information, visit www.fathersongolf.com.

Sign Boy To Return To Ads

The Acushnet Company announces that FootJoy’s 2003 ad campaign will once again feature “Sign Boy” in several new television commercials. “Sign Boy” will star with FootJoy endorsers Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, David Toms, Brad Faxon, David Gossett and Ty Tryon in four different spots that will air during telecasts throughout the 2003 season. To help launch the new campaign, “Sign Boy” will make a special guest appearance at Pebble Beach as an honorary standard bearer.

For more information, visit www.footjoy.com.

Robert Wrenn To Endorse

The Trainer

Dynamic Golf Technology, LLC, maker of The Trainer, announces it has signed Robert Wrenn, a PGA Tour player and professional golf announcer, as spokesperson. The Trainer is a line of variable-weight and centripetal force swing training tools that are adjustable to the progression of a golfer’s skills.

For more information, visit www.dgolft.com.

Beem Added To Aldila Staff

Aldila announces it has added Rich Beem to its advisory staff. Beem, winner of the 2002 PGA Championship, plays the company’s Tour Gold wood and iron shafts.

Srixon Signs Allenby To Endorsement Deal

Srixon Sports announces it has signed Robert Allenby to play the company’s Hi-Brid Tour golf ball and I201 forged irons. He will also wear Srixon’s Tour Cabretta glove and visor, and carry a Srixon bag. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Golf Warehouse and The Golf Channel Renew Partnership

The Golf Warehouse and The Golf Channel announce they have renewed their multi-year marketing partnership. The three-year agreement provides for TGW to fulfill The Golf Channel’s online “pro shop,” in return for visibility online and on the air.

Stone Mountain Offers Senior Citizen Discount

Marriott Golf announces a program that offers senior citizens discounted rates at either of the two courses at Stone Mountain Golf Club in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Golfers over age 60 can receive a discounted greens fee Monday through Friday at both the Lakemont and Stonemont courses.

Staff Appointments & Promotions

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Bob Phillips has been hired as corporate sales manager for Ahead.

Steve Bill has been appointed golf course superintendent of The Preserve, the Arthur Hills-designed championship golf course at Shadow Wood Preserve.

Dan Brown has been named vice president of golf operations for 19th Hole Products, LLC.

Robert N. Beck has been hired as chairman and chief strategy officer of Röche Sports, LLC.

Howard May has been appointed senior vice president of operations, for Textron Golf, Turf & Specialty Products’ Charlotte office.

Rachel Williamson has been promoted to vice president of marketing for Troon Golf. Guy Sugden has been promoted to director of revenue management. Tom Bush has been promoted to director of golf course construction. Ryan DeVido has been promoted to direct marketing manager.

Steve Gano and Jim Wells, CGCS, CPA, have been promoted to vice presidents of operation for International Golf Maintenance.

John Collins has been named president of Tommy Armour Golf. Bill Dey has been named senior vice president and director of the golf division. Richard Simms has been named vice president of sales. John Gutelius has been named vice president of marketing and product development.

Chris Paitrick has been named head golf professional at Windwood Golf Course in Watertown, Wisconsin.

Bret Greenwood has been named general manager of The Duke at Rancho El Dorado.

Tony Luczak has been named director of Tega Cay Golf Club.

Judy Fesenmaier has been hired as a sales rep for Baby Golf, a manufacturer of golf-themed infant and toddler apparel, in Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas. Rob Martin has been hired for South Carolina. Jessica DeSilva has been hired for central and north Florida.

Julie Davis, Callaway Golf’s former director of advertising, has been named vice president of marketing for MacGregor Golf.

Dave Wormwood and Rusty Stokes have joined Vantage Golf, a private label apparel company, as independent sales representatives for North and South Carolina.

Gregory W. French has been appointed director of golf operations for Benchmark Golf, a wholly owned subsidiary of Benchmark Hospitality.