Greg Norman, who is investing in PlaySight technology for instant golf swing playback as well as developing connected golf carts with “Shark Experience,” is banking on the role smart tech will play in the game’s future. “We see a lot of advantage in bringing technology into the game,” Norman says. For the golf course of the…
PGA Championship to Move to May in 2019
The PGA of America is moving its major championship to May for the first time in 70 years when it goes to Bethpage State Park Black Course in Farmingdale, N.Y., as part of a major shift in the golf calendar. The catalyst behind the move was golf’s return to the Olympics, along with the desire…
Group Forms KOVA Golf Management
A group of executive leaders with extensive golf and hospitality industry experiences has created KOVA Golf Management to deliver long-term benefits to club owners, their guests, and associates. The firm plays a role in membership engagement, offering customized marketing solutions while managing multi-platform content.
Norman, Dye Courses in Florida Set for Overhauls
The Greg Norman-designed Black Course at Tiburon GC at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Fla. has been closed until November for a complete “remastering.” In Estero, Fla., members of the West Bay Club have approved a $4 million renovation of the Pete Dye-designed championship course; the project will begin in April 2018, with expected completion by November 2018.
Bayou Oaks Draws Impressive Comparisons After Official Opening
The new championship golf course in New Orleans’ City Park evoked mentions of top public venues such as Torrey Pines and Bethpage Black when it was officially unveiled on April 21. The course is the centerpiece of a $26 million public-private project that is being hailed as a symbol of the rebuilding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Augusta National GC Continues Ban on Cell Phones During Masters
While all other major golf tournaments allow fans to carry their mobile devices, the Augusta, Ga., property strictly prohibits cell phones, allowing their use only in the locker room and media center. The property does provide 24 land-line phones for those who need to place a call.
‘Topgolf for Good’ Youth Initiative is Launched
On March 19, five of the company’s venues offered free game play, golf instruction and food-and-beverage amenities, as part of a collaboration with The First Tee and LPGA-USGA Girls Golf that launched a year-round program, through which similar benefits will now be offered to charitable organizations and high-school golf teams.
Public Meeting To Gauge Support for Chicago South Side Golf Project
One of the first public discussions of the $30 million-plus plan to have Tiger Woods design a championship course that has the backing of President Obama and Bandon Dunes owner Mike Keiser is scheduled for January 9th. Community activists are expressing concern over the closed-door nature of the planning to date and whether there will truly be a broad benefit for the sections of the city that have been plagued by unemployment and violence.
Friday Filmfest: One-Armed Golfer Shows Up the Pros
Tommy Morrissey, who is just five years old and is missing part of his right arm, squared off against Colt Knost, Graeme McDowell, Billy Horschel, and James Hahn at the Shriners Open at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, with each of the pros attempting to mimic Morrissey’s own unique swing.
Tiger Woods Launches “Next Chapter” with TGR
Woods officially launched his post-playing career this week with the unveiling of TGR, which consolidates all of his businesses, including TGR Live, the new name of the arm of his corporation that organizes tour events; TGR Design, his golf course design company; his charity, the Tiger Woods Foundation; The Woods restaurant; and future businesses.
TPC Names First Southeast Asian Golf Facility to Join Network
Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club in Malaysia, now named TPC Kuala Lumpur, will be Southeast Asia’s first TPC-branded facility to ever host an official PGA TOUR event. Members of TPC Kuala Lumpur will enjoy access to 34 TPC facilities around the world.
ClubCorp Sponsors Austin Connelly on PGA Tour
The 19-year-old who is now in his first year as a professional learned the game as a junior golfer at Hackberry Creek CC in Irving, Texas, a ClubCorp property. The player sponsorship is the first for the management firm.
The Greenbrier Classic Canceled Due to Flood Damage
Devastating flooding caused by record rainfall has prompted the cancellation of the tournament, scheduled for July 7-10 at the White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., property. To help the flood’s victims get back on their feet, the resort’s Neighbors Loving Neighbors campaign is collecting food and money.
PGA Moves Tournament from Trump National Doral
And of all places, the event’s new location, effective in 2017, will be Mexico. But the Tour said the move wasn’t political, just that it had to be made to secure sufficient sponsorship dollars. “I hope they have kidnapping insurance,” Donald Trump said in reacting to the announcement.
Rust-Oleum Championship Moving to Ivanhoe Club
The Web.com Tour event, played for its first two years at Lakewood CC in Westlake, Ohio, will now be held at the club in the northwest Chicago suburbs, near the sponsor’s corporate headquarters. A three-year agreement is in place, starting with this year’s event from June 6-12. A new event, the DAP Championship, will be played at Canterbury GC in Cleveland.