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Weekend Tv Schedule

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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!

Weekend Tv Schedule

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!

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

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

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.