Kurt BARNES - Australia - International Final Qualifying – Australasia Thomas BJORN - Denmark - International Final Qualifying – Europe Laurie CANTER - England - Local Final Qualifying – Fairmont St Andrews Danny CHIA - Malaysia - International Final Qualifying – Asia Eric CHUN - South Korea - International Final Qualifying – Asia Gary CLARK - England - Local Final Qualifying - Scotscraig Josh CUNLIFFE - South Africa - International Final Qualifying – Africa Glen DAY - USA - International Final Qualifying – America Tano GOYA - Argentina - International Final Qualifying – Europe Jean HUGO - South Africa - International Final Qualifying – Africa Martin LAIRD - cotland - International Final Qualifying – America Shane LOWRY - Republic of Ireland - International Final Qualifying – Europe Gareth MAYBIN - Northern Ireland - International Final Qualifying – Europe Colm MORIARTY - Republic of Ireland - Local Final Qualifying – Kingsbarns Links Seung-Yul NOH - South Korea - International Final Qualifying – Asia Cameron PERCY - Australia - International Final Qualifying – America Tim PETROVIC - USA - International Final Qualifying – America DA POINTS - USA - International Final Qualifying – America Ewan PORTER - Australia - International Final Qualifying – Australasia Zane SCOTLAND - England - Local Final Qualifying – Fairmont St Andrews Peter SENIOR - Australia - International Final Qualifying – Australasia Marcel SIEM - Germany - International Final Qualifying – Europe Steven TILEY - England - Local Final Qualifying - Scotscraig Bo VAN PELT - USA - International Final Qualifying – America
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The first Open Championship was played over three rounds of Prestwick’s 12-hole course in October 1860. The event was inspired by the Earl of Eglinton and Colonel James Fairlie and at their instigation the members of Prestwick Golf Club contributed funds for an extravagant belt of red leather adorned with silver buckle and decorations.  It was only at the beginning of the month that letters were sent to leading clubs inviting them to send up to three of their best caddies, who were the first professionals, to take part in the event. Just eight men played in that first challenge and Willie Park of Musselburgh beat Tom Morris by two strokes with a score of 174 to become the first Open Champion. No prizes were awarded until 1873 when Willie Park again triumphed and received £10.
Although the following year's championship was declared “open to the whole world” the number of contestants rose to only 12, and this time Tom Morris took the honours. He and his son, Young Tom Morris, were to dominate the event, winning four times each by 1872.  Young Tom was awarded the belt outright after winning three in a row from 1868, achieved with ever decreasing scores. His 36-hole total in 1870 was 149 - 13 strokes better than any other champion’s winning score. The event had always been played at Prestwick until this point, but in raising funds for a new trophy the Royal and Ancient Golf Club and the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (Musselburgh) were invited to contribute and to stage the championship in turn. It was at this point that the famous silver claret jug replaced the belt as the Open trophy.
It was not until 1894 that other venues were added to the rota and Royal St George’s, at Sandwich in Kent, became the first non-Scottish club to enter the history of the Open, followed in 1897 by the Royal Liverpool Golf Club at Hoylake in Cheshire. Source: http://www.standrewsopen.com
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Category:
Crown Golf
CROWN GOLF’S ‘DISCOVER GOLF’ WILL REVOLUTIONISE BEGINNER LESSONS
Award-winning golf operator Crown Golf has launched a new golf coaching programme, intended to revolutionise the way beginners take golf lessons at its network of Academies across the south of England. And the new scheme – which starts with a seven day free trial – marks the group’s largest-ever initiative to boost the number of golfers in the UK, with the resulting influx set to bring an additional £1 million new revenue to the sport by the end of this year. In the new scheme, called Discover Golf, golfers pay a monthly subscription rather than buying a set package of lessons. They then qualify for unlimited access to group coaching sessions during their subscription, with a minimum of 20 hours of coaching available every month. The programme, which costs £49.99 per month, also gives golfers a 10% discount on all food and beverages within the clubhouse, plus free range balls and free play on the golf course during the programme’s sessions. Discover Golf is now on offer at the company’s twelve-strong Crown Golf Academies network, at venues ranging from St Mellion International in the west, to South Essex in the east of England. Designed to attract complete beginners to the sport, the scheme is intended to create the simplest possible route towards becoming a golfer, giving advice on etiquette, rules, and general golf club culture, as well as instruction. “Many people have no idea how to become ‘a golfer’,” said Rob Spurrier, Crown Golf’s Group Academy Manager. “They know that you can go to a PGA pro for lessons, but learning to hit the ball is only part of it, as we all know. “Discover Golf helps you to become a true golfer, rather than simply someone who can hit a golf ball. A true golfer knows not only the rules of the sport, but he or she also knows golf’s potentially daunting traditions and rules of etiquette, and also knows how to get the most out of the social aspects of a golf club. “It’s a fun and very easy way to truly discover golf. We take a person from raw beginner to someone who can play on a full size golf course with complete confidence – and it gives you the flexibility to choose when and what to learn.” The scheme is open to all ages, and gives subscribers two clear milestones: Learning To Swing, containing the programme’s tuition content; and Learning To Play, where subscribers learn about putting their skills into practice on the golf course, and also learn about the other aspects of being a golfer. “At a conservative estimate,” said Spurrier, “Discover Golf subscribers will inject an additional £1 million into the UK’s golf economy in 2010, with that number rising far higher in 2011 and beyond. The lifetime financial value of introducing a complete beginner to golf – and ensuring that they stay in the sport - is immeasurable, and critical for the long term future of the game in this country. “When you consider that in 2009 alone, we coached over 30,000 children at our Crown Golf Academies, you can begin to see the enormous potential of a programme which truly turns people into life-long golfers – rather than leaving them with a few skills which they may, or may not, use over a long period. “Discover Golf de-mystifies not just the how-to part of golf, but also helps people see why those of us who are already golfers think that it is the greatest sport in the world.” CONTACTS About Crown Golf Crown Golf Academies are a growing network within the award-winning Crown Golf group (www.crown-golf.co.uk), which has 30 UK golf facilities and 50 golf courses in its portfolio. With pride in customer service and innovation, Crown Golf (established in 1994) aims to provide an outstanding golf experience for its members and visitors, tailor-made to suit the lifestyles and needs of a wide range of golfers.
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Imaginative ‘Old and New’ golf event hailed as success by participants Ian Gaunt, Assistant Director of Sport at St Andrews University, staged a superb finish to win the first hickory-only PowerPlay Golf event held at Kingarrock Golf Club on 4th June. David Anderson (Kingarrock) and Peter McEvoy OBE (PowerPlay Golf) at the inaugural PowerPlay Golf Kingarrock Hickory Cup golf event, on Friday 4th June 2010, at the Kingarrock golf course in Cupar, near St Andrews in Scotland. Gaunt, who played professional football for Walsall FC, scored an amazing 22 Stableford points over the last 4 holes to total 29 points in winning the 9-hole ‘PowerPlay Golf Kingarrock Hickory Cup’ tournament. His spectacular finish, which included three successful PowerPlays, edged Neil Paton, Head Pro at St Andrews Old Course Hotel, and 13 year-old Douglas McEvoy, son of PowerPlay Golf founder Peter McEvoy, into joint second place on 25 points apiece. All entry fees for the event were divided between two Scottish charities: Erskine House, and The Bill McLaren Foundation. Heralded as a meeting of the old and the new, 40 golfers played golf’s new global ‘two flag’, risk-and-reward format using hickory-shafted clubs around the beautiful Kingarrock course at Cupar, near St Andrews. Kingarrock only allows hickories to be played and provides golfers with an experience of how golf was played in the past – and the juxtaposition of golf’s newest global format with equipment from eighty years ago certainly impressed winner Gaunt. “I loved the experience”, said Gaunt. “It took me a few holes to get the hang of it but once I got into my stride I used my PowerPlays well and had a very exciting finish. It was a great concept to combine the two ideas”. Neil Paton agreed “As a teaching pro I think that players will learn a lot by playing hickories: it’s great fun, the smaller sweet spot requires a more accurate strike, and you need a more disciplined golf swing. By adding PowerPlay Golf’s extra demands on course management and decision-making, Kingarrock created a fascinating test of golf”. Kingarrock Hickory Golf owner David Anderson said: “When I ran the idea to stage a PowerPlay Golf event at Kingarrock past Peter, he immediately saw its potential, and the reactions we received from those who played vindicated our decision to combine these two elements at different ends of golf’s historical time line. We certainly hope to stage more PowerPlay Golf events here in the future”. PowerPlay Golf co-founder and ex Walker Cup Captain Peter McEvoy OBE said: “Just like on the golf course, where you need to combine imagination with playing skill, those of us involved in running the game must also think creatively – if we are to ensure that the game continues to grow and adapt to the demands of modern life. “Our two-flag format is now in 29 countries, and has gained countless devotees at almost 400 Official venues – but Kingarrock is unique in the world of golf, and I am delighted that our inaugural PowerPlay Golf Kingarrock Hickory Cup was such a success”. ABOUT POWERPLAY GOLF® In PowerPlay Golf®, a 9-hole format which takes half the time of a normal round of golf, golfers choose to aim for one of two flags on the green – a White Flag and a Black Flag. Players score extra points for birdies or better when playing to the Black (or ‘PowerPlay’) Flag, thereby creating extra pressure. Golfers can go online after their game, registering to earn PowerPlay Golf® Dollars, climbing World Rankings and competing in user-generated PowerPlay Golf® Leagues both locally and around the world. The format is known for its ‘risk and reward’ ethos, and for the levels of excitement which it creates. PowerPlay Golf®’s made-for-TV ‘PowerPlay Shootout’ format, which offers a complete golf tournament in less than two and a half hours, offers global broadcasters the opportunity to televise golf in a more compressed time-frame, thus increasing golfing TV audiences. The Kingarrock Golf Course opened for the first time in over 70 years on the 28th June 2008. The course closes for Winter on the 1st November and opens again each year on the first Saturday in April. The 9-hole, 2,022 yard course is available to visitors 7 days a week, weather permitting. All players are provided with original hickory clubs, an original canvas and leather bag, together with balls and tees that represent the early 20th century golfing experience. The size of the hole remains four and a half inches and the thrill of competition is as great as ever.
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Category:
Crown Golf
20 x Crown Golf clubs are offering a 'Play Now, Pay Later' deal - but hurry, it expires at the end of July. Join one of these 20 clubs before the end of July 2010, and your fees don't start until September. So the sooner you join, the more free golf you get this summer! Plus, all who join go into a prize draw to win one of 4 x pairs of tickets to see this year's Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor. T&Cs apply, contact your local Crown Golf club for more info. www.crown-golf.co.uk
'CROWN GOLF "PLAY NOW, PAY LATER' CLUBS - SUMMER 2010 (join before 31st July 2010 to qualify)
AVON
The Bristol Golf Club (http://www.bristolgolfclub.co.uk/)
CORNWALL
St Mellion International Resort (http://www.st-mellion.co.uk/)
ESSEX
Stapleford Abbots (http://www.staplefordabbottsgolf.co.uk/)
HAMPSHIRE
Cams Hall Estate (http://www.camshallgolf.co.uk/) Sherfield Oaks (http://www.sherfieldoaksgolf.co.uk/)
South Winchester (http://www.southwinchestergolf.co.uk/)
Wickham Park (http://www.wickhamparkgolf.co.uk/)
HERTFORDSHIRE
Chesfield Downs (http://www.chesfielddownsgolf.co.uk/)
Mill Green (http://www.millgreengolf.co.uk/)
The Hertfordshire (http://www.thehertfordshiregolf.co.uk/)
KENT
Broke Hill (http://www.brokehillgolfclub.co.uk/)
MERSEYSIDE
Eccleston Park (http://www.ecclestonparkgolf.co.uk/)
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Cotgrave Place (http://www.cotgraveplacegolf.co.uk/)
SURREY
Hampton Court (http://www.hamptoncourtgolf.co.uk/)
Merrist Wood (http://www.merristwood-golfclub.co.uk/)
Milford (http://www.milfordgolf.co.uk/)
Oak Park (http://www.oakparkgolf.co.uk/)
Pyrford (http://www.pyrfordgolf.co.uk/)
WEST SUSSEX
Cottesmore (http://www.cottesmoregolf.co.uk/)
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Category:
Innovation
ICONIC GOLF BRAND LAUNCHES UGG ENERGY SHOT Urban Golf Gear is launching its exciting new innovative product, UGG Energy “Healthy Energy...All Day” (without the calories). UGG Energy is a new line of energy shots launched by Urban Golf Gear scientifically formulated following a 12 month research and development program. UGG Energy is designed to help you improve each round of golf. We all know: Golf clubs are only as talented as the golfer using them. Taking just one 60ml shot of UGG Energy before a game will give golfers 18 holes of consistent energy and a rapid reduction in stress and anxiety. Golfers can relax, confidently coordinating each swing while counting on playing at the top of their game. Noticeable improvement in focus and concentration offers golfers a calming and enjoyable game each and every time. UGG Energy contains no sugar or sodium so it does not give thecrash that’s associated with drinks with high sugar contentthese are also fattening and unhealthy. UGG Energy is specially developed for golfers to give sustained, no jitter, and no crash energy throughout the day in a shot size bottle that fits into your pocket. UGG Energy has been scientifically developed with a unique combination of B Vitamins, Amino Acids, antioxidants and herbs – it is a stimulating range of liquid energy products designed for Golfers who could benefit from heightened alertness, focus and energy. “UGG Energy has been carefully blended to provide a natural energy kick when people need it most. Some energy drinks contain up to 13 teaspoons of sugar, however UGG Energy contains zero sugar, zero sodium and is low in calories, so it delivers the boost without the crash. “Our energy shots draw on the invigorating properties of herbs like Green Tea, Siberian Ginseng and Guarana, to help increase your energy levels and focus naturally. They contain a big boost of vitamin B Complex to enhance energy production, amino acids for focus and stamina, glucose polymers to help restore energy levels and powerful anti-oxidants that neutralise toxins and improve health.” 96% of participants in an Energy Survey reported experiencing significant increases in energy levels over a five hour period and said they would definitely purchase the product. The survey was conducted in the development stages and participants ranged from 18 – 50 years with varying lifestyles and occupations. UGG Energy is available in original and Decaff- Acai berry flavour; it provides the consumer with a distinct taste and pleasant after-taste, unlike many other products. UGG EnergyAll Day Original also achieved the highest taste score in the Energy Survey. UGG Energy Decaff- is the first zero caffeine energy shot in the UK Golfing market and is available in Acai Berry flavour. Highly attractive and minimalist, UGG Energy branding and packaging have been developed using the latest technology and trends, including a matt black surface finish, reflecting its quality and consumer appeal. UGG Energy is produced in the UK offering flexibility and full UK technical support, with multiple location warehousing. For more information please contact Rob Dickens on: Mobile: 07798761922 Fax: +44 844 357 6933
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Category:
Innovation
Looking to setup and aim correctly on every shot? Look no further. Aim-Mate is a new innovative and simple to use training aid to improve your golf alignment : off the tee, on the fairway and on the putting green. Because of its light, flexible rubber construction, you can always have it with you for a pre round warm up, training session or a practice round. Aim-Mate makes practice convenient and painless. Suitable for all ages and levels of golfer, whether left or right handed. Simple, effective, affordable. Aim-Mate is the must have training aid. Visit our website to learn more.
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Category:
Innovation
KANGARILA is a revolutionary new golf game where the ball acts as a dice to determine what club the next shot must be played with.  In our KANGARILA laboratory we took a standard white golf ball, a coloured lottery ball and a dice. We put them in our KANGARILA mixing machine, switched it on, and watched to see what happened next. What came out amazed us all, a gleaming white golf ball with a handful of symbols on it, each representing a particular club – a wood, long iron and short iron, wedge and putter. The first generation of KANGARILA golf balls had been born. We then took the results of our experiment out on the course and developed some really cool rules until we were happy that we had created a real and exciting new challenge, worthy of the world of golf. KANGARILA Ltd is a British company, launched to promote and develop the game of KANGARILA. During research and development of the rules, it became apparent that the game is extremely well received by all golfing demographics and is applicable to all golfing occasions whether corporate or society golf days, tournaments or informal rounds. KANGARILA’s rules are easy to understand and the shot scenarios that ensue add variety, excitement, and fun to your golfing life. It is social, interactive, tactical, and introduces an element of real luck. The game also acts as a great training aid, requiring players to learn a broader range of shots with each club, therefore increasing their versatility and resourcefulness. Golf pros have been very excited by the additional levels of interest that KANGARILA can generate for them, and those who run golf academies feel it’s a great way of getting kids into golf, as well as enticing non-golfers into the game. It’s a real development for golf, which will bring benefit to all of us who love the game. Come and see for yourself what KANGARILA is all about by visiting www.KANGARILA.com and watch the game being played on a golf course at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pU4c5MRvl0 SO GO ON – LET THE BALLS DECIDE!
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ST MELLION LAUNCHES 2010 MEMBERSHIP DEAL Are St Mellion International’s Members the most pampered golfers in the UK? With this week’s announcement that Members at the £20m Saltash-based St Mellion International Resort now have their own exclusive tee times, a huge new fleet of golf buggies to ride on, more competition tee times, and not one but two European Tour courses to play this season, some might say that their putting cup runneth over. And with many existing St Mellion Members having enjoyed complimentary golf lessons during the winter, the message to local golf clubs is clear – watch out for St Mellion golfers, they are raring to go for the new season! The St Mellion International Resort (www.st-mellion.co.uk), which hit the headlines recently by securing the rights to The English Open golf tournament from 2011 onwards, will celebrate the relaunch of its second golf course, The Kernow, with a special event in June 2010. Alongside the recent £2.45m investment in refurbishing its golf courses, the popular Cornwall golf and leisure resort has announced an improved package of benefits for golfers who become Members there. Among these are new Member-only tee times at weekends, new tee times for club competitions, and an exciting new “grandstand finish” to The Kernow Course. Over the winter the resort also boosted its fleet of golf buggies to sixty. Members can use these free of charge as they play through the famously undulating valleys which saw St Mellion’s Nicklaus Signature Course recently named as one of GB & Ireland’s Top 100 Golf Courses. “We really have pushed the boat out this year for our Members,” said Resort Director Stephen Towers. “They enjoy an amazing range of benefits already, but in 2010 we have added more depth than ever before to what was already one of the UK’s best membership deals. “Throughout winter many of our Members have had complimentary golf lessons from our pros, and have worked out in our luxury leisure facilities to get fit for the coming golf season – so we hope that they will be especially sharp when representing the club in local league matches. “But the final piece of the jigsaw will be the grand reopening of our Members golf course, The Kernow Course, in June of this year. This course has been completely refurbished, with nine brand new holes. With only the 17th hole to complete and with the 18th now finishing right by our spectacular new hotel and clubhouse, every Member at St Mellion International has a right to feel especially privileged this year!” The scale of facilities at St Mellion dwarfs those at most golf clubs. With 36 holes of Championship golf on offer, Members have full playing rights on two European Tour courses; The Nicklaus Signature Course and The Kernow Course. They also have full access to golf practice facilities and to the Aero Leisure Club (which has three swimming pools plus a large fitness studio), plus three restaurants, a full calendar of social events, and – just around the corner – the excitement of being a Member when The European Tour hits town in summer 2011 for the return of The English Open. In a move which is a sign of current times, St Mellion International also allows golfers to temporarily suspend their membership if they are made redundant. Memberships can also be transferred to a friend if a golfer’s personal circumstances change. “This is the best ever year to join St Mellion International,” said Regan Bailey, Membership & Operations Manager at the resort. “These days people are looking for an extraordinary deal, so how’s this: as well as all of the other benefits, Members here at St Mellion also have reciprocal playing rights at 50 other Crown Golf courses throughout the UK, preferential rates at dozens of golf courses in France and Spain, and discounts on tickets to see European Tour golf events. “We would like to hear from anyone who thinks there is any golf club, anywhere in the UK, where golfers get more for their Membership!” For more details contact Regan Bailey at St Mellion International.
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Category:
Charity
This request for help for the people of Haiti was sent to us at Fairways2play by African American Golfers Digest in New York. They are a reliable source, although neither they nor Fairways2play are responsible for the content of this message.
 Jack Geers, Author of "Plumb Bob Correctly" is making this special effort available and your support is appreciated. Please open your hearts and provide your prayers and action for Haiti. For additional information about this effort or the book that is being made available please contact Jack Geers at 919-768-8468. PLUMB BOB CORRECTLY IS THE ONLY DEFINITIVE LESSON BOOK THAT TEACHES THE EASY AND CORRECT WAY TO USE THE PLUMB BOB METHOD TO READ THE BREAK ON GREENS. EASY TO READ AND WITH ILLUSTRATED PICTURES THAT WILL GET YOU TO READ GREENS BETTER THAN EVER. REMEMBER ALL THOSE PUTTS THAT WENT ON THE UNKNOWN PATH? AND YOU WONDERED WHAT WAS I THINKING, AFTER IT CAME TO REST WAY OFF LINE? MOST PUTTS ARE MISSED, BECAUSE YOU NEVER READ ENOUGH BREAK. WATCH THE PROFESSIONALS ON TV AND SEE HOW MANY OF THEIR PUTTS END UP ON THE LOW SIDE. END THE THREE PUTTS. END THE MISERY AND BUY THE BOOK. WHERE ELSE CAN YOU BUY DIRECT FROM THE AUTHOR.
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Category:
European Tour
European Tour 2010 Schedule 7th - 10th Jan Africa Open East London GC, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa 14th - 17th Jan Joburg Open Royal Johannesburg & Kensington GC, Johannesburg, South Africa 21st - Jan Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Abu Dhabi GC, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 28th - 31st Jan Commercial Bank Qatar Masters - Presented by Dolphin Energy Doha GC, Doha, Qatar 4th - 7th Feb Omega Dubai Desert Classic Emirates GC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 11th - 14th Feb Avantha Masters DLF G&CC, New Delhi, India 4th - 7th Mar Maybank Malaysian Open Kuala Lumpur G&CC, Kuala Lumpur 18th - 21st Mar Hassan II Golf Trophy Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, Rabat, Morocco 25th - 28th Mar Open de Andalucia de Golf Parador de Malaga Golf, Malaga, Spain 1st - 4th Apr Estoril Open de Portugal Penha Longa GC, Linho Sintra, Estoril, Portugal 8th - 11th Apr The Masters Tournament Augusta National, Georgia, USA 8th - 11th Apr Madeira Islands Open BPI Porto Santo Golfe, Madeira, Portugal 22nd - 25th Apr Ballantine’s Championship Pinx GC, Jeju Island, South Korea 29th Apr - 2nd May Open de Espana Rael Club de Golf de Sevilla, Seville, Spain 20th - 23rd May BMW PGA Championship Wentworth Club, Surrey, England 27th - 30th May Madrid Masters Venue tbc 3rd - 6th Jun Celtic Manor Wales Open Celtic Manor Resort, City of Newport, Wales 10th - 13th Jun Austrian Golf Open Fontana GC, Vienna, Austria 17th - 20th Jun US Open Championship Pebble Beach Golf Links, California, USA 17th - 20th Jun Saint-Omer Open - presented by Neuflize OBC 24th - 27th Jun BMW International Open Golfclub Munchen Eichenreid, Munchen, Germany 1st - 4th Jul Alston Open de France Le Golf National, Paris, France 8th - 11th Jul The Barclays Scottish Open Loch Lomond GC, Glasgow, Scotland 15th - 18th Jul The 139th OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP Old Course St Andrews, Fife, Scotland 22nd - 25th Jul Nordea Scandinavean Masters Bro Hof Slott GC, Stockholm, Sweden 29th - 1st Aug 3rd Irish Open Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland 12th - 15th Aug US PGA Championship Whistling Straits, Kohler, Wisconsin, USA 19th - 22nd Aug Celadna Czech Open 2010 Prosper Golf Resort, Celadna, Czech Republic 26th - 29th Aug Johnnie Walker Championship Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland 2nd - 5th Sept Omega European Masters Crans-sur-Sierre, Crans Montana, Switzerland 9th - 12th Sep KLM Open Hilverschumsche GC, Hilversum, Netherlands 23rd - 26th Sep The Vivendi Venue tbc 1st - 3rd Oct The Ryder Cup The Celtic Manor Resort, City of Newport, Wales 7th - 10th Oct Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Old Course St Andrews, Carnoustie & Kingsbarns, Scotland 14th - 17th Oct Portugal Masters Oceanico Victoria GC, Vilamoura, Portugal 21st - 24th Oct Castello Masters Costa Azahar Club de Campo del Mediterraneo, Castellon, Valencia, Spain 28th - 31st Oct Andalucia Masters Valderrama GC, Sotogrande, Andalucia, Spain 11th - 14th Nov Barclays Singapore Open The Tanjong & The Serapong, Sentosa GC, Singapore 18th - 21st Nov Hong Kong Open Hong Kong GC, Fanling, Hong Kong 25th - 28th Nov Dubai World Championship Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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GOLF MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release Press Contact: Raelle Goates 5th January 2010 Tel: 07826 794 530 Fairways2play launches golf travel in partnership with Nevada Bob’s Golf Holidays Nevada Bob's Golf Holidays, a major player within the golf industry and a brand which is respected and recognised worldwide, has been chosen as the partner to launch and develop a golf travel section in partnership with the online golf social network Fairways2play. There are exclusive golf holiday offers available on the Fairways2play website at the wide range of destinations that are offered by Nevada Bob’s Golf Holidays including coaching and improvement activity in the UK, Majorca and Portugal. Fairways2play was launched in June 2009 as a social network for golfers and golf clubs alike and enables golf clubs to communicate directly with golfers throughout the UK and beyond. The golf clubs are able to use the site as an additional marketing tool to promote their club and its deals and services to both the individual golfer and to societies by adding events, photo’s and promotional information. In addition to the social network is the Course Explorer, a directory with a difference, allowing the golfer to search for courses throughout the UK based upon the specific club facilities that are of interest to them as an individual golfer or society. Tourist information for each county within the UK is also available to those golfers searching for a golf venue whilst away on a family break or business. Raelle Goates, Marketing Director of Fairways2play, said: “Jason and I are delighted to have teamed up with such a large and well respected global brand and very pleased to be able to offer some fantastic exclusive travel deals to our members through the partnership. We are confident that as our working relationship with Nevada Bob’s Golf Holidays develops we will bring more and more exciting deals to the site over the coming months.” Boyd Robathan, Managing Director of Nevada Bob’s Golf Holidays said “ Myself and the Nevada Bob’s Golf Holidays team are pleased to have been chosen as the official travel partner of Fairways2play and we are looking forward to developing a working relationship with Raelle and Jason and offering exclusive travel offers to registered members of Fairways2play. For Fairways2play information see www.fairways2play.co.uk or call 07826 794 530. Editor’s Note: Please contact Raelle Goates for more information. Email: raelle@fairways2play.co.uk or call: 07826 794 530.
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Category:
Powerplay Golf
SIR BOB CHARLES WINS POWERPLAY GOLF® CHARITY EXHIBITION MATCH AT CLEARWATER GC, NEW ZEALAND 1963 Open Champion masters two-flag game in Samoa Tsunami and Earthquake event In a superb display of golf in cold easterly winds, 1963 Open Champion and Golf Hall Of Fame member Sir Bob Charles showed younger competitors he still has what it takes by winning the PowerPlay Golf® Charity Exhibition Match, on Sunday 29th November 2009, at Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch, New Zealand. Charles carded 26 PowerPlay Golf® points to win the event by a single point from Clearwater GC marketing manager Karen Delatour – who is currently New Zealand’s highest-ranked female PowerPlay Golfer. The event was staged to raise money for the New Zealand Red Cross Samoa Earthquake and Tsunami Fund. Sir Bob Charles’ partners for his round were three generous donors to the Fund, all of whom had won their playing spots by bidding on TradeMe, New Zealand’s online auction website. Geoff Harmon and Simon Coote had each travelled three hours from Kaikoura and Waimate respectively, whilst Doug Spence of Christchurch only found out 48 hours earlier that his son had set him up for a game of golf with the New Zealand sporting legend. Harmon scored 22 points to take third place in the event. The exciting nine-hole ‘risk and reward’ PowerPlay Golf® was praised by all competitors. Event organiser Andrew Bell, from PowerPlay Golf® in New Zealand, said: “The opportunity to play and talk informally with Sir Bob Charles at any time is a great privilege and his willingness to donate his time, as well as turn on a golfing master-class in a format he had never played before, made this PowerPlay Golf® event very special for everyone involved. “All funds raised today have been donated in full to The New Zealand Red Cross, and we are proud to use the attraction of PowerPlay Golf® to raise money for this very worthy cause.”
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DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC VENUES ADOPT POWERPLAY GOLF®
Two-flag game now at Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club After the thrilling conclusion to this year’s inaugural Race To Dubai, another exciting development in golf is coming to the region, with two world-class golf facilities in Dubai confirming their intention to become Official Venues for PowerPlay Golf® – the two-flag, nine-hole golfing format which has attracted comparisons with Twenty20 Cricket. Dubai Golf, owners and operators of Emirates Golf Club – the current home of the Dubai Desert Classic – and the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club – which has twice hosted the tournament – announces today that it will be adopting PowerPlay Golf® in 2010. With a total of three championship-standard 18-hole layouts, plus two floodlit 9-hole par-3 courses, the clubs offer some of the world’s most spectacular golf. Dubai Golf has plans to run PowerPlay Golf® events for members, visitors and corporate guests at both venues. PowerPlay Golf® is sending multiple sets of flags to Dubai, so club organisers there can run simultaneous events. Plans are afoot to turn the Faldo-designed Par 3 course at the Emirates Golf Club, potentially, into a permanent PowerPlay Golf ‘Super Venue’, where the two flags will fly on the greens all year round. “We were attracted by reports of PowerPlay Golf® in play at other golf courses in the Middle East,” said Julian Danby, Commercial Manager at Dubai Golf. “And we were also interested in how PowerPlay Golf® offers a wide range of online and digital options for both golfers and clubs. “We look forward to staging PowerPlay Golf® events at our prestige venues next year.” PowerPlay Golf® co-founder David Piggins commented: “To deliver a global programme of televised PowerPlay Golf® events, as is our plan, you need prestigious golf clubs to showcase the format and to provide exciting venues where Tour pros can compete in events such as the future PowerPlay Golf® World Series. “The championship golf courses at the Emirates and Dubai Creek regularly feature in World Top 100 lists, and we are delighted that these world-class venues will be playing PowerPlay Golf® in 2010 and beyond. “We are looking forward to working with Dubai Golf to maximise the benefits which we believe PowerPlay Golf® can bring to their business.
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PowerPlay golf set to take Asia by stormA few weeks ago golf went Bollywood. Under a banner of "the bold and the beautiful" a short version of golf, PowerPlay, was sold to India.By Mark Reason - Daily Telegraph
Published: 10:06PM GMT 02 Nov 2009 A whisky company sponsored, India's Des Lynam hosted, Sunil Gavaskar's company promoted and a Bollywood actress struck a series of poses like a subcontinental Marilyn Monroe. The promo all took place in the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai. Less than a year ago hostages were being held in the Taj and bombs were causing panic and carnage on the streets. Now the Taj is the host for golf's attempt to learn the extremely lucrative lesson of Twenty20 cricket. Life moves on very quickly there. For years we talked about Asia being golf's new America, but it never happened. Now the storm is gathering out at sea. In the space of a few weeks a male Asian - Y.E. Yang - won a major for the first time and golf was awarded a place in the Olympics. This week a World Golf Championships event with Tiger Woods in the field will be played in China. Jack Nicklaus says 90 per cent of his golf course design business is now in Asia. Will golf become as commercially successful as cricket in Asia? The Twenty20 world cricket final between Pakistan and India in 2007 played out to a television audience of 400 million. A shortened version of golf may not achieve those numbers, but Asia reacts very quickly to the right product. PowerPlay golf – a format that started over six holes, but has evolved into a nine hole shoot-out – is aggressively trying to tap into the market. Founder Peter McEvoy says: "Go forward 30 years and we will still have the Open Championship, but who knows how big golf could be in Asia and eastern Europe? Now that golf is in the Olympics, governments are more willing to provide funding. "But the resistance to golf will come from the environmental movement. The world will be short of food. The funds will be available, but will there be the will to build golf courses? PowerPlay courses [there is already one in Bahrain] require 50 per cent of the resources." Ah, the eco-sell. There has always been a touch of the entrepreneur about McEvoy, one of life's great enthusiasts. He also knows that you cannot sell a product without celebrity, so the next stage in the PowerPlay plan is to hold three television events next year, in America, Britain and Asia. PowerPlay golf is already in talks with media company IMG and the World Golf Foundation about next year's planned events. Provided they achieve the funding, the show will look like this: a 16-man field will consist of eight 'blue-collar' golfers and eight top professionals. The blue collars will be club pros who have come through qualifying events and other diverse golfers such as the world long-driving champion and the junior champion. The targeted pros are golfers of the calibre of Phil Mickelson, Ryo Ishikawa, Rory McIlroy, Michelle Wie and John Daly. The American show will last 2½ hours and be filmed on one of the practice days of a major PGA Tour event. The British show is aimed at Wentworth before the BMW Championship. The first prize of £150,000 is neither here nor there for the top pros, so most of the cost will be appearance fees. The PowerPlay format consists of a stableford-like scoring method. Over the first eight holes each player can gamble three times on going at the harder black flag which doubles the points return for birdies and eagles. The top six points scorers then play the ninth hole (probably a driveable par four) in reverse order in what will amount to a black flag shoot-out. It will be filmed under lights in front of a big crowd. That's the plan. Asia is the market of mass participation, the top pros are the TV salesmen. It will be a lucrative double if they can pull it off.
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Golf's #1 rangefinder SkyCaddie has become Official GPS Supplier to the UK's
largest buying group Foremost Golf.
The announcement comes as SkyCaddie cements its status as the UK's
best-selling golf rangefinder with two new products and a range of
technology upgrades for users.
And the company will exhibit for the first time at November's GTEC golf
trade show.
"It's always exciting when two market leaders join forces," said SkyHawke
Technologies Managing Director, Jackie Hitchcock. "We're delighted to be
joining Foremost as its official GPS supplier: we recognise the group's
strength with over 1,000 on-course PGA Golf Professionals, and we're pleased
that Foremost also recognises the strength of the SkyCaddie brand.
"SkyCaddie's ethos is to push maximum business to green grass retailers and
PGA professionals. We pride ourselves in giving the industry's best
after-sales support, and of course in giving golfers the very best
technology available - which all creates the best possible selling
conditions for the PGA pro."
"Absolute accuracy is what golfers want, and we believe that only SkyCaddie
offers this," said Foremost's Supplier Services Director, Andy Martin.
"Foremost retailers want to build long term relationships, both with brands
and with their own customers. We believe that the investment SkyCaddie has
made in mapping technology marks them clearly out in front, not only in
sales volumes but also as regards the quality of their product. They have
some exciting new additions to their range this autumn, with even bigger
news to come in 2010. I feel that Foremost retailers will find great success
by stocking SkyCaddie".
"Most golfers recognise that SkyCaddie is the brand which sets the targets
for all others to follow, and we look forward to a long relationship with
the company - starting in Harrogate next week at GTEC!"
Hitchcock believes that the company's mapping techniques are the key to its
success. "We go to extraordinary lengths to ensure that a SkyCaddie yardage
sets the accuracy benchmark. We have mapped 98% of the UK's golf courses on
foot, and this year alone we have already re-mapped 480 UK golf courses due
to alterations. Nobody else in the industry does this, on anywhere near this
scale. And we use the best possible mapping equipment, with well-trained
staff - all expert golfers - using the most meticulous methods to ensure
that we never miss an important feature on a hole.
"With exciting new technology such as IntelliGreen Pro, Hole Vue and Quick
Vue available as free downloads to SkyCaddie customers, and with the new
SG2.5Lite and SG3.5 joining the top-of-the-range SG5 in our product line-up,
I feel that Foremost retailers have a superb selling story for their
customers with SkyCaddie.
"And wait until you see what we have lined up for you in 2010.!"
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SCOTT DRUMMOND TO REPRESENT ST MELLION ON PGA EUROPEAN TOUR St Mellion International Resort is pleased to announce that Scott Drummond, 2004 PGA Championship winner and former PGA European Tour Rookie Of The Year, will represent the resort – which recently completed a £20 million refurbishment – on the PGA European Tour for the rest of the 2009 season. The agreement, which started at the Mercedes-Benz Championship in September, means that Drummond will show the resort’s logo on his golf bag, and will wear St Mellion International logo clothing for the rest of the season. Drummond will be also writing a weekly Tour Diary style blog on the St Mellion website, as will his caddy Kevin Jones. The 35-year old professional golfer has career earnings of almost £1.5m since he broke through on the main PGA European Tour in 2004. In the two tournaments immediately after signing the St Mellion International deal, Drummond secured his best two finishes of the 2009 season so far, with 26th place in the Austrian Golf Open, and an excellent 15th place in the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Championship in Germany, where a final-day 68 saw the Shropshire-born golfer finish ahead of world-ranked Tour stars such as Ross Fisher, Colin Montgomerie, Graeme McDowell and Alvaro Quiros. Plymouth-based Drummond practises regularly at the popular Cornwall golf resort. “St Mellion International Resort is a fantastic venue, with two great golf courses,” he said. “The newly-improved Nicklaus Signature Course is one of Europe’s toughest tests, and I think that it will set an excellent challenge for PGA European Tour golfers when The English Open is played here from 2011. “St Mellion is in such a great location; it’s always a pleasure to come here, and I thoroughly enjoy using its superb facilities. I look forward to representing this great golf destination as its official Tour Professional, as I play around the world.” Stephen Towers, Resort Director at St Mellion International Resort, said: “We’re excited to have Scott representing us on Tour, even more so given that his form has been so good since we made our arrangement! “He is a popular figure at St Mellion when he comes to play here, and our members will be keenly following Scott’s progress on the PGA European Tour for the rest of the year." The St Mellion International Resort (www.st-mellion.co.uk) recently underwent a £20 million re-development project, transforming it into a world-class golf and leisure resort based around the brand new four-star 80-bedroom hotel complex at its heart. The work also saw a major refurbishment of the existing clubhouse and improvements to both golf courses - including The Nicklaus Signature Course, which was the first to be designed in the UK by legendary American golfer Jack Nicklaus. The complex is part of the Crown Golf group, the UK's largest golf club owner/operator with 31 properties and 54 golf courses in its portfolio. With pride in customer service and innovation, it aims to provide an outstanding golf experience for its members and visitors, tailor-made to suit the lifestyles and needs of a wide range of golfers. ST MELLION INTERNATIONAL RESORT PRESS RELEASE
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Category:
Powerplay Golf
 POWERPLAY GOLF® PRESS RELEASE POWERPLAY GOLF® WELCOMES GOLF OLYMPIC VOTE PowerPlay Golf® (www.powerplay-golf.com), the two-flag nine-hole golfing format, has issued the following statements in response to today’s news that The International Olympic Committee’s executive board has voted to include Golf and Rugby Sevens into the programme for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro: “It is of course fantastic news for the sport. I believe that all of us in the golf industry will benefit. We at PowerPlay Golf are certainly very excited by the opportunities which this will present both ourselves, and the hundreds of Official Venues which host PowerPlay Golf events around the world.” David Hardy, Chief Executive, PowerPlay Golf ® "This is a tremendous boost for the game worldwide, particularly in developing countries. They will now have greater facility to access government funding, and to develop the sport within their own territories. I believe that the effect will be enormous, and one manifestation of this will be the internationalisation of future leaderboards in the Majors and indeed in The Olympic Games themselves." Peter McEvoy OBE, co-founder, PowerPlay Golf ® “This is great news, and I believe that this will stimulate larger TV audiences for golf – which is where the oxygen is for all sport these days.” David Piggins, co-founder, PowerPlay Golf ® For further comment and interviews, please contact: About PowerPlay Golf® In PowerPlay Golf® (www.powerplay-golf.com) , a 9-hole format which takes half the time of a normal round of golf, golfers choose to aim for one of two flags on the green – a White Flag and a Black Flag. Players score extra points for birdies or better when playing to the Black (or ‘PowerPlay’) Flag, which is generally in a difficult position on the green, thereby creating extra pressure. Golfers can go online after their game, registering to earn PowerPlay Golf® Dollars, climbing World Rankings and competing in user-generated PowerPlay Golf® Leagues both locally and around the world. The format is known for its ‘risk and reward’ ethos, and for the levels of excitement which it creates. PowerPlay Golf®’s made-for-TV ‘PowerPlay Shootout’ format, which offers a complete golf tournament in less than two and a half hours, offers global broadcasters the opportunity to televise golf in a more compressed time-frame, thus increasing golfing TV audiences. POWERPLAY GOLF® PRESS RELEASE
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