Monday, September 16, 2024
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Golf, Bourbon, and the Kentucky State Parks

By
David Theoret
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What do you get when you mix golf and bourbon? For most players, it’s a forgettable score, but in Kentucky, it’s a winning combination for tourists! Here, you can mix the golf courses at several Kentucky State Parks with nearby members of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and create memorable results.

The Kentucky State Parks have a lot to offer golfers with challenging and scenic golf courses all over the state. Many offer lodging and several are within easy driving distance of each other. The Kentucky State Parks website has made it easy for you to plan your next round of golf at one of these facilities or even book a cabin and make it a buddies or couples golf trip. They have separated the parks into three regions, East, Central, and West.

The Central region is home to four fantastic golf courses, Dale Hollow in Burkesville, My Old Kentucky Home in Bardstown, Barren River Lake in Lucas, and Lincoln Homestead in Springfield. While Dale Hollow seems to grab most of the spotlight, the other three are definite considerations when putting together a multi-round trip.

If you’re going to indulge in such an excursion why not start at the top? My Old Kentucky Home State Park is located in Bardstown, KY which is considered by many to be the heart of the Bourbon Trail. The golf course underwent a complete reconstruction and redesign several years ago, and the results are quite impressive. In 2008-09, My Old Kentucky Home Golf Course was recognized by Golf Digest, receiving four stars as a “Best Places to Play.” The scenery, playability, and challenge make it well worth a visit.

Senior golfers seem to favor My Old Kentucky Home because from Tee 3, the course plays 5,008 yards with a slope of 109. From the back tees, it plays 6,413 yards with a course rating of 71.2 and a slope of 129. Move up to Tee 2 and the yardage drops significantly but the slope remains relatively high (5,749/122).

According to Andrew Wolfe from the Kentucky Department of Parks, they are nearing completion of the Better Billy Bunkering project that the Parks Department started several years ago. The Bentgrass greens are in incredible condition, they are well-undulated and roll true.

The front nine at My Old Kentucky Home Golf Course is a perfect blend of bomb it off the tee, target golf, and finesse shots. Several holes are wide open off the tee, but as you get closer to the green, the fairways narrow, putting an emphasis on accuracy.

The back nine is amazing;  especially the par 3, 14th and par 3 16th holes. From the back tees, they play 171 and 210 yards, respectively. Don’t let the length intimidate you, each hole plays straight downhill, making it considerably shorter. Par is still a great score on either one.

Now for the good news: There are several large and small distilleries within a 25-minute drive of My Old Kentucky Home Golf Club including Heaven Hill, Barton, Jim Beam, Makers Mark, Bardstown Distilling Company, Lux Row, Preservation, and Willet.  Hit a big slice on the 5th hole and you’re in the parking lot of Heaven Hill!

My Old Kentucky Home offers bourbon tastings throughout the year. The 1792 Guided Bourbon Tasting includes 4 of Barton Distilleries’ finest selections from the 1792 lineup.  Other tasting experiences can be found at the park in a beautiful and historical setting. The nearby Volstead Bourbon Lounge and the famous Talbot Tavern are wonderful places to sample several select bourbons, all in one location.

Lincoln Homestead Golf Course may be slightly off the beaten path but it’s still only 30 minutes away from My Old Kentucky Home. The course was designed by world-renowned architect Perry Maxwell and his son, J. Press Maxwell. As you make your way around the course you’ll encounter rolling fairways with modest elevation changes, beautiful lakes, an abundance of wildlife, and terrific views. The small, Bentgrass greens are incredible with subtle undulations and roll smooth and true.

There are five par 3 holes on this par 71 golf course and are all challenging. The 5th hole plays 195 yards from Tee #2 and is all carry over a grassy valley. Number 8 is a carbon copy of the 5th, although it plays about 35 yards shorter. The back nine starts with another par 3 that plays 205 yards and at 204 yards, the 14th hole is a mirror image, that plays in the opposite direction. It’s dead straight so pick the right club and swing away.

A couple of holes had alternate greens, which was an interesting twist. No matter your skill level, the course is fun and challenging, and with extremely affordable – some might say downright cheap – greens fees Monday – Friday it’s one of the best golf bargains around!

Bourbon enthusiasts will find several famous distilleries near the golf course:  Four Roses, Wild Turkey, and Buffalo Trace, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. Lincoln Homestead is an ideal stopping point between the Frankfort/Lawrenceburg area and Bardstown, KY.

With two State Park golf courses within an easy drive of each other, they make for a great weekend getaway with the guys, gals, or significant others. Although neither Lincoln Homestead nor My Old Kentucky Home State Parks offer accommodations (other than campsites), there are a myriad of hotel options, VRBOs, and quaint bed and breakfasts.

Even though Barren River Lake State Resort Park in Lucas, KY is a water lovers’ paradise, the golf course offers a great challenge in a relaxing setting. The course winds its way around forests and rolling hills and through valleys near the shore of Barren River Lake. Although the course doesn’t have nearly the elevation changes you’ll find at My Old Kentucky Home, it more than makes up for in sloping fairways. Holes 3 – 8 offer fantastic views of the lake and the back nine is carved out of the surrounding forest. Head Golf Professional Cody Goodwin refers to the first three holes as qualifying holes, preparing him to take on his favorite hole, the par 5, 4th. At 464 yards from the back tees, it’s a short par 5 by today’s standards. The fairway slopes severely from right to left so a good drive down the right side will leave the best angle into the green and the chance to play the same ball again. It becomes a moot point if you can carry your tee shot 260 yards. The green sits about 30 feet above the lowest point of the fairway with a huge mound just to the left, which can wreak havoc should you hit it on your approach shot. Double bogeys are more common than birdies on this “short” par 5!

After your round, take a tour of the Dueling Grounds Distillery in nearby Franklin, KY. Car enthusiasts can make the short drive to Bowling Green, KY, and visit the Corvette Museum. There’s always Mammoth Cave National Park, the world’s longest cave system.

Barren River Lake State Park offers both lodge rooms and cottages that are perfect for foursomes and smaller groups. There is also a full-service bar and restaurant in the main lodge building making it a great place to stay, play golf, enjoy the lake, and commune with nature!

For more information on these or any other Kentucky State Park golf facility, visit their website at www.parks.ky.gov/golf.

Indian Spring Country Club – A Return to Days Gone By

By
David Theoret
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The community of Indian Spring in Boynton Beach, Florida has been a popular community for golfers and recreation seekers since the 1990s. Indian Spring Country Club features two championship golf courses, 26 Har-Tru™ tennis courts, an Olympic-size pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a modern 52,000-square-foot Clubhouse with a dining room that can seat up to 450. What else do you need?

Development of this 55+ gated golf community of Indian Spring in Boynton Beach, Florida began in 1981 and wasn’t completed until 1998. Within the gates are 1,901 homes nestled within 24 neighborhoods, many with their own outdoor pool and small clubhouse. Each community has a wide variety of home styles including single-family homes, attached villas, townhomes, and condos.

For years, membership was strong, and the club flourished. Over time, competition became fierce as more and more private, gated golf communities were built in the area. As time passed, Indian Spring Country Club faced a common problem: while residents were aging and club membership was dwindling, maintenance costs were rising, and debt payments remained steady. This happened to several communities in the area and many golf courses were being sold to real estate developers.

Rather than let things continue to play out, the leaders and members of Indian Spring Country Club took a proactive approach. In 2017, club members voted 221-2 to sell the country club and all of its assets to Concert Golf Partners. Concert Golf then started to do what they do best: turn around floundering private clubs. Since the golf courses needed very little, Concert Golf started with improvements to other amenities such as expanding and renovating the fitness center and upgrading the reception area and outdoor dining space.

The golf courses were designed by the team of Robert von Hagge and Bruce Devlin. Both courses opened for play around 1980 and went through a redesign by South Florida native Kip Schulties in 2004 and 2005.

The West Course at Indian Spring Country Club offers golfers 5 sets of tees with yardages ranging from 6,555 yards for more accomplished golfers to 4,464 yards for juniors, seniors, and ladies. Water comes into play on 13 holes and can wreak havoc on what may have been a good round!

The 9th hole is the course’s #1 handicap for both men and women. From the Blue Tees, it plays 414 yards and offers both the easiest tee shot on the course followed by the most difficult approach shot. The landing area off the tee is extremely generous and playing it as close as you can to the fairway bunker on the left will leave your best angle into the green. Your approach shot will require a mid to long-iron or hybrid into a narrow and well-undulated green protected by sand short of the green and on either side as well as water on the right.

The East Course is over 500 yards longer from the back (Gold/Championship) tees, playing 7,070 yards. Juniors, seniors, and ladies can play the course as short as 4,482 yards. Pick the distance that best suits your game and you’re sure to enjoy yourself!

Number 3 on the East Course is a 358-yard par 4, dogleg left that is handicapped #1. There’s all kinds of trouble on this hole in the form of water, sand, trees, and houses if you push your drive too far right. It also requires accuracy off the tee and, if you can hit your tee shot in the middle of the fairway and short of the water, you should do OK. Water crosses the fairway about 90 yards short of the elevated green.

The par 3, 9th hole may be the East Course’s signature hole. From the White Tees, it plays 148 yards and is all carry over water. There’s a large sand trap between the water and the elevated green and a second back left. It’s as beautiful as it is challenging.

In addition to 36 holes of fun, challenging golf, Indian Springs Country Club also has a great practice facility. There’s a full-length driving range, a large chipping green adjacent to the 18th tee, and a large practice putting green.

The staff of golf professionals at Indian Spring CC are dedicated to seeing that you get everything you want out of your golf game. If you just want to use your golf membership to play an occasional round of golf and meet other members, the staff will see to it that you are paired with like-minded members. If you want to improve your game, they are available for one-on-one and group golf lessons and club fittings to help you achieve your goals.  The staff oversees programs for ladies, men, seniors, and couples to ensure Members and guests make the most of Indian Spring’s golf amenities.

The Golf Shop is the place for all of your logoed apparel, equipment, and golf accessory needs from several of the industry’s most popular names. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just ask, and they can probably special order it for you.

When it comes to dining, the club offers a dining atmosphere to fit everyone’s taste. Yin either a casual or elegant dining venue you’ll find a full menu of daily specials and delectable desserts, all with panoramic golf course and lakeside views.

Indian Spring also has a full social calendar throughout the year with new themed dinners and entertainers each season. Other social activities include watercolor and sculpting classes, guided day trips, dinner dances, and a wide variety of card games in the Men’s or Ladies’ card room.

Indian Spring Country Club’s Olympic-size swimming pool is the perfect place to relax after a workout or round of golf. The pool is heated during the cooler months and features a dedicated lap lane for those who are serious about their swimming. Water aerobics classes are popular too and offer a great way to stay in shape and get to know your fellow members.

As I mentioned, one of the first improvements Concert Golf made to the club was to overhaul the Fitness Center which is now state-of-the-art. As a member, you can participate in aerobics, strength training, stretching classes, and more at no additional charge. Star Trac equipment includes stationary bikes, treadmills, elliptical cross trainers, and treadmills. You can also strength train on their full line of Nautilus equipment and free weights. If you’re serious about getting in shape, you can work with one of the club’s certified personal trainers who are available to help you design a workout program and meet your fitness goals.

Like most clubs, Indian Spring offers a variety of memberships, actually more than most. Although membership is not required to live within the Indian Spring community, it is necessary if you want to use any of the amenities at Indian Spring Country Club. As an added bonus, a membership in Indian Spring automatically makes you a member at The Fountains Country Club, about 6 miles away. And that’s not all; you’ll also receive full member benefits at all 30 (and growing) Concert properties as well as more than 600 properties worldwide through Concert’s partnerships with The Executive Golfer and Links2Golf.

Membership categories include a Dual All-Inclusive Membership, Dual Full Golf Membership, and a Dual Afternoon Golf Membership which allows you to book tees times after 11 AM. There’s also a little-known Rental Membership which allows you to rent a unit on property and take advantage of everything the Country Club has to offer at a monthly rate. You can only participate in this program twice before having to make a purchasing decision. Social, Junior, and Corporate Memberships are also available. Give them a call for more information.

According to General Manager Lauren Kuhl, the club has a lot of Canadian members because Indian Spring offers the best “value” of any club in the area. Kuhl adds, “These people have done their research and found that even though they are only down for 6 months at a time, an annual membership at Indian Valley Country Club is more equitable than other clubs in the area that require huge initiation fees upfront. That’s what makes us the best value in the market!”

Indian Spring is located between Highway 95 and the Florida Turnpike, providing easy access to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. You can make a day of it and visit one of the many beaches along Florida’s Atlantic Coast and Palm Beach International Airport is only a half-hour away. For more information on everything Indian Spring Country Club has to offer, give them a call at (561) 737-5544 or visit them online, www.indianspringcc.com. Here you can download their Lifestyle brochure which details everything going on at the club for the upcoming year. See for yourself what this value-rich club has for you.

Another Noteefy Plaudit

By
Rich Katz
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You may wonder why I occasionally report about Noteefy.

It’s largely because, after 30-plus years helping lead one of the world’s largest operators of golf courses, country clubs and resorts, I wish Noteefy was at my disposal.

Unfortunately for me, it launched only a year ago.  Fortunately, for today’s generation of course owner-operators, it’s a marketing and operational lifesaver that’s here to stay.

The easy description:  Noteefy is the OpenTable and Resy product for golfers.

Summarily, golfers seeking tee times which are already reserved or not yet available, receive personalized, real-time text and e-mail alerts when their desired slots open due to cancellations or availability releases.  They then promptly book tee times online, so they don’t miss opportunities to play.

Thanks to Noteefy, daily-fee courses which are full, remain full.  Courses with less traffic don’t lose tee times they can’t afford to lose.  Country clubs show members what real service-orientation is, mitigating past disappointments of not being able to play when they want to play.

Automation practicality and revenue generation 101.

Noteefy serves most of the 10 largest multi-course operators across America.  The latest is Touchstone Golf that is rolling out Noteefy’s cutting-edge, automated tee time waitlist solution portfolio wide.

More than 500 golf course and resort operators engage gofers to book tee times that otherwise would have gone unsold.  They include “neighborhood” courses as well as Cabot Citrus Farms, Chambers Bay, Whistling Straits, Streamsong, TPC Scottsdale and other destination properties.  Many operations realize a $250,000-plus boost from Noteefy in its first six months with the product.

Folks, that’s a lot of courses succeeding with Noteefy in a short period of time.

Back to Touchstone Golf: “Our mission is to be outstanding for our valued customers, and Noteefy helps us achieve that,” said company Vice President of Marketing Ashley Van Dissel.  “Increased accessibility for golfers leads to better business performance for our courses.”

The Noteefy booking assistant is seamlessly integrated with Touchstone courses’ branding and point-of-sale / tee sheet systems.  This automation eliminates the manual nature of re-booking tee times, allowing staff to focus on other high-priority tasks.

“We are excited to support Touchstone by facilitating the tee time booking process, enabling customers to play more and search online and call pro shops less,” said Jake Gordon, Founder and CEO of Noteefy.  “It’s rewarding to see courses fill a substantial number of tee times that would’ve otherwise perished.”

Research indicates up to 20% of tee times are canceled and not re-booked, resulting in an average of $50,000 in lost revenue annually per course. Optimizing topline potential is the ticket.

Where were you, Noteefy, during my prime years?

PXG Xtreme Tour and Tour X Balls

By
Ed Travis
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Two new urethane-cover three-piece golf balls from PXG have been introduced in the premium price category, the PXG Xtreme Tour and PXG Xtreme Tour X.

Fast Facts PXG Xtreme Tour and Tour X Golf Balls
Premium price category
Three-piece construction
Polybutadiene Core
Ionomer mantle
Urethane Cover
338 dimples
Xtreme Tour choice of white or yellow
$50 per dozen

WYNTK
As when buying clubs players are looking to fit their golf balls to the needs of their game and PXG’s second entry into the golf ball market is in the premium-price “tour ball” category.

Both the Tour and Tour X are three-piece urethane cover models with high rebound center and a more rigid mantle encased in a urethane cover of 338 dimples. The difference between the two is the Tour X has about 3% more spin off the driver and the tendency to produce a couple yards more carry plus a firmer feel compared with than the Tour.

“The launch of our first golf ball was a huge success,” said PXG Founder and CEO Bob Parsons. “Now, we’re taking it to the next level with the introduction of the new PXG Tour and Tour X golf balls. With these options, golfers can confidently be fitted for and choose the ball that best fits their playing style and performance goals.”

Zebra is the New Leopard

By
Rich Katz
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Lady golfers, take notice:  The LOHLA SPORT Mayfair capsule, as part of the brand’s autumn-winter Londontown collection of golf-lifestyle apparel, is now available.

Succinctly, zebra is the new leopard.  Let me explain:

Mayfair celebrates its namesake upscale Central London district that boasts world-famous bespoke tailors on Savile Row and designer fashions on Bond Street.  The capsule is rich in appearance, combining navy, khaki and white with highlights of herringbone and zebra, finished with rose gold touches.

On-trend to the max, no other ladies’ apparel brand comes close to such distinctiveness.  Get ready for your foursome and fancy coffee shop friends to compliment you up and down.

Mayfair is an encore to LOHLA SPORT’s Notting Hill capsule that dropped to rave reviews in July.  Quirky and unexpected like the charm of the 3.5-mile Notting Hill boutique shopping district, styles center around glow (lime) that’s tamed by slate (grey) alongside the most beautiful snow-leopard print.  Don’t fret, leopard is hardly passe.

With Londontown, company Founder and CEO Lisa O’Hurley – along with London-based designer Paul Rees of Burberry and Aquascutum fame – brilliantly deliver tops, bottoms, skorts, outerwear and accessories with tastemaker appeal.  Colorful with bright prints and timeless British looks, the collection dodges stereotypical London rain, trench coats and umbrellas.  Grey skies have cleared up, thanks to O’Hurley and Rees.

Still, you can see the influence of legendary London designers Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney.

LOHLA SPORT will unveil Chelsea, Knightsbridge and Richmond capsules, all named after and designed in accordance with London neighborhood vibes, later this month, October and November, respectively.  They, too, are hip, edgy, liberating and luxe.

And from what we hear on the links, in the locker rooms and elsewhere, a new Londontown core piece is especially a smash hit.  Fittingly, it’s the Pippa long sleeve quarter-zip top that personifies fashion-forward Pippa Middleton, the British socialite and sister of Princess of Wales Kate Middleton.  Did you know she’s a member of the golf club at Bradfield College?

All LOHLA SPORT styles promote chic, made-for-play comfort that’s catapulted its creation of a massive “Golfleisure” movement akin to Lululemon’s “Athleisure” craze.  Available in XXS to XXL, they are made of fine-quality fabrics sourced worldwide and optimize athletic movements.

London is America’s forever ally on the world’s geo-political stage.  Londontown is lady golfers’ forever ally in looking great and feeling great on and off the golf course with utmost aplomb.

 

 

Off The Fringe—The Next King

By
Ed Travis
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September 25 marks the eighth anniversary of Arnold Palmer’s death and looking at the state of modern professional golf one could wish for The King’s presence today.

Palmer loved everything about golf. He once told me when I asked the state of his game after he had played in the Masters for the last time, “Ed, where there’s a club and a ball there’s hope.”

He was not only talking about his play but how he wanted more people enjoy our sport and expand the reach of the most maddening game man has ever devised.

He wasn’t afraid to pitch in and get things done either such as in 1968 joining with Gardner Dickinson and Jack Nicklaus to start the PGA Tour by engineering the split of tour players from the PGA of America club professionals. Or there was the jump into the driver-distance controversy by recommending back in 2001 that Callaway’s ERC II should be allowed for recreational players even though it had more face rebound than the Rules of Golf allowed, seemingly in contradiction of his role as a longtime spokesman for the USGA.

His and wife Winnie’s charitable work was and is ongoing including the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies and the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children plus the Arnold and Winne Palmer Foundation which still works with Arnie’s Army on the Arnold Palmer Invitational tournament.

So, if one were to start looking for the next Arnold Palmer what qualities would be appropriate?

First, the next King would have to flat out be able to play. Palmer had 62 Tour wins including seven major championships. Secondly, he should liked and respected by his fellow professionals and the media but there’s one overwhelming quality everyone who ever met Palmer knows…his charisma.

The King’s influence on the game was immense. His father had been a groundskeeper and never let Arnie forget the separation between members and employees. However, Palmer had the ability to connect with people regardless of their status. He bridged the chasm between what had been thought of as an elite rich-man’s sport to a pastime enjoyed by ordinary weekend warriors.

My father and I were behind the ropes when The King walked up for his tee time at Sawgrass Country Club during the Players Championship with journeyman Allen Miller who Palmer greeted with something like, “Allen, how the heck are you—good to see you,” making Miller feel welcome even though he wasn’t anywhere in the same league as Palmer. The King next smiled at the crowd and happened to pick out my father to make eye contact and gave him a nod of the head like they were old friends. Dad was floored that Palmer would acknowledge him in such a special way, but The King did that with galleries all the time.

That was Palmer’s impact. He was the same with Presidents and Kings and locker room attendants.

Who of the current professionals can do the same? Any nominees?

Golf will be better if someone can step up and fill the role.

PROTOCONCEPT GOLF

By
Barry Lotz,J.D.,Ph.D.
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Proto Wedges

Japanese consumers are known for their willingness to spend, with club prices often triple or quadruple those in other markets. They are discerning customers who demand the best for their yen. The fierce competition among brands ensures that no expense is spared in design, materials, and manufacturing, which is reflected in the prices. This commitment to excellence gives rise to premium lines and brands in Japan. One such premium brand, which many outside of Japan may not yet know, is PROTOCONCEPT GOLF.

Top US manufacturers like Taylormade, Titleist, Callaway, and others recognize the buying power of Japanese consumers and continue to produce high-end, Japan-exclusive products that compete with local brands. This results in a vast array of choices for consumers, evidenced by over 100 driver models from more than 40 brands.

Golf manufacturers traditionally create and develop equipment tailored for golf professionals. These specialized clubs and designs, initially offered as prototypes solely for professionals, are not available to amateur golfers. This exclusivity led to the creation of PROTOCONCEPT GOLF.

PROTOCONCEPT GOLF is not designed to operate in a mass market.  PROTOCONCEPT’s idea of “incorporating all possible functions, materials, and techniques” in low-volume production is their mantra.

PROTOCONCEPT GOLF produces golf equipment that features classic, artistic, and timeless designs with premium materials and are finished with the highest level of craftsmanship possible. Their TOUR inspired line of golf equipment helps golfers to improve at any level.

The term “PROTO” in PROTOCONCEPT stands for “PROTOTYPE.” Now, amateurs at all skill levels can play with the same equipment or prototypes previously reserved for golf professionals.

Launched in 2019, PROTOCONCEPT GOLF is a prestigious luxury Japanese golf club designer and manufacturer that has shifted its resources and management to North America, under the stewardship of Smiling Ducks, Inc.

Their USP (Unique Sales Proposition) is their clubs utilize the golfer’s sensibilities and provide them an edge in the game of golf. And PROTOCONCEPT GOLF prioritizes quality over price. When you require advanced designs, precise specifications, and high-grade materials from one of the industry’s top forging houses, price becomes a secondary concern, not a competitive advantage.

Aside from their stunning irons ($419.99 per club) and driver ($1200+), their wedges are high-performance dart throwers. They offer exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and specification tolerances typically reserved for Tour players.

Beyond the basic shaping and purported benefits, there are two distinct features. The first is Face Dot Milling. According to PROTOCONCEPT GOLF, their precision face score line forging process is more accurate than machining. Additionally, a series of mini-dots is milled into the horizontal areas between the grooves to help produce more consistent launch and spin in various lies and weather conditions.

One more important feature is that there are three different grinds available: Standard, Wide Sole, and Cut Down. What makes them even better is that these options are available for all lofts. This detail is important for a variety of reasons, but mainly because of what they offer to diverse player types. It essentially allows for a difference of attacking the turf with the way the club is set up and is swung.

The “Standard” sole provides the optimal amount of bounce. Usually, falling within the “middle ground” of the three sole categories, mainline grinds are designed to serve as satisfactory all-around performers. That mid-bounce category encompasses the workhorse of the three groups.

PROTOCONCEPT GOLF’s moderate sole grind, the Wide Sole, might be somewhat perplexing to some consumers. Usually, a wide sole protrudes much further from the leading to the trailing edge of the clubface and is typically found in conjunction with either very little or a whole lot of bounce. In the case of this wedge, it has a medium sole thickness, around 13 millimeters at its thickest point. This makes it good for an average angle of attack.

The most limited rebound sole configuration is called the Cut Down Sole. This designation reflects the design of this particular wedge, which has portions of the sole ground away to allow for a kind of artistic shot-making. In particular, the heel of the Cut Down sole is ground away. This enables a golfer to “stitch” an up-and-down shot by just easing up on the cock of the wrist.

Our testing group was wholly enamored with the feel and accuracy of the wedges. PROTOCONCEPT GOLF uses the Endo forging house, the industry benchmark, that many manufacturers such as Callaway, Titleist, Srixon, Yamaha, Mizuno, Honma, Bridgestone (Tourstage-Japan), S-Yard Golf, Daiwa, have all, at times, relied on Endo  forging house to forge their premium lines of golf irons and wedges.

PROTOCONCEPT GOLF’s forged irons have earned the esteemed Golf Digest “Hot List” award annually since the brand’s establishment. The PROTOCONCEPT GOLF professional team includes Haeji Kang, Ryuji Imada, Lydia Ko, and Chia Cheng.

Their artisanal range of forged golf clubs can be found at all True Spec Golf Stores, the premier chain of fitting stores, True Spec Golf – Golf Fitting Locations | Worldwide, as well at select retailers such as Cool Clubs, Urban Golf Performance, and online through Fairway Jockey.

Lofts: 48/50/52/54/56/58/60 with varying bounce options in all 3 models.

$399.99 per wedge

For more information, visit www.protoconceptgolf.com

Off the Fringe—The Winning Clubs

By
Ed Travis
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The regular season is over, and golf fans now can look forward to the Presidents Cup and then the FedEx Cup Fall series, eight events for those not making the top 70 in the regular season to improve their standing and eligibility for 2025.

For several years we have been tracking the winning clubs on the regular schedule which of course means nothing except perhaps bragging rights for some of the manufacturers. Note that TaylorMade did very well since Scotty Scheffler, with seven victories is on their staff though. He plays their clubs but Titleist’s Pro V1 rather than the TaylorMade TP5. Also, some companies are at a disadvantage since they have a relatively small endorsement staff. Compare Titleist who at last count has 216 on their pro staff with Callaway’s 32, Ping 28 and TaylorMade seven.

Drivers:
Callaway 6
Krank 1
Mizuno 1
Ping 7
Srixon 3
Titleist 10
TaylorMade 12

Irons:
Avoda 1
Callaway 7
Mizuno 2
Ping 3
PXG 1
Srixon 5
Titleist 9
TaylorMade 12

Putters:
LAB 2
Odyssey 13
Ping 3
Scotty Cameron 5
SIK 1
TaylorMade 16

Balls:
Bridgestone 1
Callaway 4
Srixon 5
Titleist 28
TaylorMade 2

The Allen Putter from PXG

By
Ed Travis
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The Allen Putter from PXG is designed to reduce torque in the putting stroke keeping the face square throughout using an S-shaft and a hollow body filled with polymer plus there’s a unique ball pick up construction on the sole.

FAST FACTS

PXG Allen Putter
303 Stainless steel polymer filled body
6061 aluminum sole
S-shaped hosel
Thin face 0.055 inches
Pyramid face grooves
Weight 375g
Stock loft: 5°
Stock grip: 52g PXG Pistol I
$449

WYNTK

PXG already has an extensive line of putters but the new Allen model, named for PXG founder Bob Parson’s brother, is a zero-torque design in order to maintain the face square to the line of the entire stroke through impact.

Weighting is key of course but upon first seeing the Allen golfers will remark on the S-shaped hosel which keeps the axis of the shaft above the putter’s center of gravity in a toe-up balance. Stability is improved and face twisting in relation to the stroke path is eliminated.

The Allen’s loft is also a hefty 2° more than usual that allows for a natural forward press due to the shaft orientation.

PXG also found the body shape and rear frame made a handy ball pickup pocket which is useful for us older players so we don’t have to bend over to pick up the ball.

“If you are tired of dropping coin after a bad round of missed putts, you need to try the PXG Allan Putter,” said PXG Founder & CEO Bob Parsons. “It is so fun and easy to hit; it feels like magic. In fact, I am so impressed with how well the technology works that I named the putter for my little brother Allan. He was a hell of a golfer, and I know he would have loved it.”

New Mizuno JPX925 Irons

By
Ed Travis
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A broad range of players will find something to like in the new Mizuno family of irons, the JPX925 Hot Metal, Hot Metal Pro, Hot Metal HL models each featuring tungsten internal weighting and a thinner face.

FAST FACTS
Mizuno Hot Metal Irons
Stainless steel variable thickness cup face
Variable sole thickness
Cast Nickel Chromoly 4335 body
Internal tungsten weighting
Stock shafts: Nippon N.S. Pro 950 NEO, Dynamic Gold 95 R300
Stock grip: Lamkin UT+
Preorder: Sept. 5
At retail: Sept. 19
$150 per club
JPZ925 Hot Metal Irons
Game-improvement category
Cavity back design
Stock lofts: 5-iron 22°, pitching wedge 42°
JPZ925 Hot Metal Pro Irons
Better players distance category
Slimmer design cavity back
Stock lofts: 5-iron 22°, pitching wedge 42°
JPZ925 Hot Metal HL Irons
Super game-improvement category
Max cavity back design
Stock lofts: 5-iron 25°, pitching wedge 45°

WYNTK
An update of Mizuno’s middle of the road iron family was due since the previous version, the JPX923s came out two years ago.

The face of the JPX925s is their elliptical shaped Cortech design and 30% thinner than previously in a cup-type construction engineered for more ball speed. The 4-7 irons of each model have internal tungsten weighting placed near the sole which both lowers the sweet spot and aids in producing a higher launch. Soles are constructed in a variable thickness design to improve face flex at impact.

Note the stock lofts in the Hot Metal standard and the Pro version are the same which facilitates a mixed or combo set of standard long irons and Pro middle and short irons.

David Llewellyn Mizuno’s Director of R&D was quoted in the announcement of the new series, “The new Hot Metal iron family introduces a multi-material design, strategically incorporating tungsten into our Nickel Chromoly designs, enhancing distance with impressive height and spin. With three distinct models to choose from, each offering extensive custom fitting options, we uphold the quality and craftsmanship Mizuno is renowned for. We are dedicated to continually setting new standards of performance in the industry.”

Off The Fringe—2025 Tour No LIV

By
Ed Travis
-

The most remarkable thing about the 2025 PGA Tour schedule is not that it is essentially the same as this year’s but there is no accommodation for LIV Golf.

When Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan announced it before start of play at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, he stressed the year-to-year continuity. Questioned about a deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund backed rival circuit he said one had not been struck, nor did it seem likely in the near future.

Monahan said, “As it relates to times and timeframes and where we are, I’ll just say we’re in a good place with the conversations. That’s the most important thing.” The Commissioner also indicated no deal was possible until after the 2026 season.

Unfortunately, that’s not the most important thing; putting professional golf on a stable long-term basis and removing the uncertainty for fans is.

Also to be resolved are the possibility of more PGAT members following Jon Rahm and others signing with LIV and how the $3 billion investment in the PGAT by the Strategic Sports Group affect negotiations with PIF/LIV.

In the more than 14 months since the announcement of the PIF/LIV talks and the dropping of lawsuits between the two nothing substantial has happened.

If the PGAT has a long-term strategy it is not apparent.

Round One of Playoffs
The FedExCup has is a season long points accumulation ending with three playoff events. The final is the Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club outside Atlanta on Sept. 1, just in time to prevent competing with the NFL for the attention of fans and sports media.

The first round was the 70-players FedEx St. Jude Championship won by Hideki Matsuyama yesterday paring the field to 50 players who now move on to the BMW Championship, the result will be the top 30 players in points going to East Lake. It’s even likely to have a winner of the East Lake event and someone else take the overall year points total.

Scottie Scheffler, who is leading in FedEx Cup points and ranked world number one, calls the whole process “silly.” Cumbersome is another apt word to describe this quadruple tiered format which fans often find confusing.

Another wrinkle is the first six slots on the Presidents Cup team are based on FedEx Cup point standings after the BMW Championship with the final six places filled by the team captain after the Tour Championship. The Presidents Cup this year is at Royal Montreal GC Sept. 26-29.

It’s a wonder golf fans, much less the media can stay awake.

Short Putts
Aaron Rai won the final regular season event, the Wyndham Championship, with a five-year-old TaylorMade M6 driver. Makes you wonder about all the hype over the latest and greatest.

The 2025 PGA Tour schedule reflected Jack Nicklaus’ complaint by the putting his Memorial Tournament back to two weeks before U.S. Open as it had been. The Golden Bear had accommodated the Tour in 2024 by moving it to the week before our national championship but pointed out during his career to properly prepare he seldom played the week before a major. The Bear roared and the Tour listened.

Sharpe-eyed fans at the FedEx St. Jude Championship especially those from other parts of the country watching on television noted the “Hush Y’all” paddles not the usual “Quiet Please” seen at other Tour stops. The paddles are uniquely Memphis and on sale as souvenirs in the tournament merchandise tent.

Callaway Apex TiFusion Irons

By
Ed Travis
-

Callaway’s concept iron super premium model Apex TiFusion for 2024, the 10th anniversary of the first Apex model.

Fast Facts Callaway TiFusion Irons
Better player category
Titanium forged face cup
Patented brazed steel to titanium
Forged steel hollow body
Urethane filled interior
High launch, high spin
Diamond-Like Coating finish (DLC)
Stock lofts: 5-iron 26.5°, pitching wedge 43ׄ
Stock shaft: True Temper DG Mid Gunmetal, MCA MMT
Stock grip: Golf Pride Z Grip
Pre-sale Aug.15
At retail Aug. 23
Price: $2100 for 7 piece set ($300 per iron)

WYNTK
Callaway says they pulled out all the stops with this new, top of the line model. Especially interesting is the use of a titanium Ai Smart Face with a steel body. Titanium and steel have very different properties and titanium is great for club faces as evidenced by its use in many current model drivers. But has a drawback.

Titanium doesn’t weld to steel easily, so Callaway invented and patented a new brazing technique to attach the two metals while retaining the large amount flexibility of the titanium face and the high strength of the steel body.

“Titanium, like in drivers, is flexible and allows for high deflection with rebound, which is great for energy transfer and ball speeds,” said Brian Williams – VP of R&D. “We also knew we could leverage it for unique spin control. However, fusing titanium with steel, which don’t naturally join, required a new fusion methodology. Conventional methods like brazing or swaging had trade-offs, so we had to innovate to make this work without compromises.”

The titanium face also is backed in the head interior by urethane microspheres which help to give a feel similar to a conventional single-piece iron. The combination of materials produces excellent ball speed and consistency with less dispersion.

Players also will like the black DLC finish which is much more durable than the usual PVD.

Myrtle Beach Area Golf Courses Welcome Players Back After Tropical Storm Debby Passes

By
Chris King
-

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Myrtle Beach area golf courses quickly reopened after a brush with Tropical Storm Debby, welcoming players back to the Golf Capital of the World.

The Grand Strand, which stretches from Pawleys Island to just across the state line in Brunswick County, N.C., is home to over 65 golf courses that are members of Golf Tourism Solutions. As of Tuesday, August 6, every course had closed to prepare for the storm. Fortunately, nearly every course was able to reopen for play by Saturday, August 10.

“We are grateful to have avoided the worst of Tropical Storm Debby, and our member golf courses were able to open so soon,” said Ryan Cannon, Executive Director of GTS. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have not been as fortunate.”

With the 41st annual Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Handicap Championship (August 26-30) and the area’s peak fall season on the immediate horizon, players can expect to find their favorite golf course in typically outstanding condition, continuing a banner year for the area.

Myrtle Beach’s fall season tees off in mid-September as players from around the world flock to the area to enjoy the outstanding golf, weather, and good times on and off the course that have long made the Grand Strand the game’s most popular destination.

For real-time updates on area golf courses, follow Play Golf Myrtle Beach on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or Twitter.

Visit PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com for the latest news, pictures, videos and the area’s hottest golf package deals.

About Golf Tourism Solutions
We believe there’s magic in a Myrtle Beach golf experience. Through progressive marketing, world-class events, innovative technology, industry research, and our membership, we collectively promote, elevate, and advance golf on The Grand Strand. For more information, go to PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com or engage with us on Facebook @PlayGolfMyrtleBeach, Instagram @PlayGolfMyrtleBeach, Tik Tok @PlayGolfMyrtleBeach, and X @MyrtleBeachGolf.

Callaway Apex Ai200 & Apex Ai300 Irons

By
Ed Travis
-

The new Callaway Apex Ai200 and Apex Ai300 the company says, were constructed with an elevated look and feel featuring premium performance and consistency.

Fast Facts
Callaway Apex Ai Series Irons 2024
Forged hollow 1020 steel body
Forged 455 steel variable thickness face cup
Pre-Sale  August 15th
At retail August 23rd
Price: $1400/7 piece set ($200per club)
Apex Ai200
Player’s distance category
Thin topline & sole
Stock lofts: 5-iron 23°, pitching wedge 43°
Stock shafts: True Temper DG Mid 100, UST Mamiya HDC Dart 80
Stock grip: Golf Pride Z-Grip
Apex Ai300
Game-improvement category
Cavity back
Thicker topline& sole
Stock lofts: 5-iron 22°, pitching wedge 42°
Stock shafts: True Temper DG Mid 90, UST Mamiya HDC Recoil Dart 70
Stock grip: Golf Pride Z-Grip

WYNTK
Callaway’s redo of the Apex iron line was targeted at providing greater consistency in distances and spin rates while providing better distance for players having a range of skill levels. One of the keys is the Ai Smart Face with their supercomputer analyzing data gathered from “real golfers” which means presumably a better fit for the way we swing.

Both iron models make use of metal injection molding or MIM for exact placement of the internal weighting and have Callaway’s Dynamic Sole to give less turf interaction.

Visually the two models are similar with the Ai200 having a slightly shorter blade and the Ai300 more offset. Lofts of the Ai200 are one degree weaker so it would be possible to build a mixed set of Ai300 long irons and Ai200 short irons.

Zack Oakley, the Senior Product Manager at Callaway said during the announcement, “The AI 200 is that core players’ distance iron that’s going to be for a player who wants the look of a player’s iron, the feel of a player’s iron but doesn’t want to sacrifice distance, doesn’t want to sacrifice feel or consistency. This is going to be a little bit more of a compact version of a players’ distance iron, a little bit thinner top line and sole width, hollow body construction, and it’s going to give you kind of that nice mid-launch.”

Oakley continued, “The AI 300 is going to be that game improvement iron, a little bit higher launch, a little bit more forgiveness, going to have a lot of the same tech as you’re going to see across the platform here but in a more forgiving profile.”

Off The Fringe—Warm Fuzzy Feelings

By
Ed Travis
-

With professional golf being the beneficiary of all the warm fuzzy feelings coming out of the Olympics it is realistic to remember the divisive situation facing all of us who care about men’s pro golf future. In case it needs reminding, the problem is the agreement between the PGA Tour/DP World Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund LIV Golf.

Since the announcement of the potential agreement 14 months ago there seems to have been no progress and in fact, digression since PGAT stars, namely Jon Rahm, were recruited by PIF/LIV for a reported $300 million.

Defecting players such as Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson knew they would be suspended from the PGAT and were jeopardy of being able to qualify for major championships and international competitions such as the Presidents Cup, Ryder Cup and Olympics.

They took the money instead, perhaps assuming something could be worked out or the traditional tours bought off or they felt the inexorability of the billions behind the PIF would win in the end.

LIV Golf Slap Down
Automatic qualification for the European 2025 Ryder Cup team will be based on points earned on the DP World and PGA Tours only. World ranking will no longer be considered. Many LIV golfers were formerly on DP World Tour and relinquished Tour membership or have refused to pay fines for playing unsanctioned competing events. With the new policy automatic selection would appear to be impossible.

This means the likes of Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia and Tyrell Haddon must hope for a pick by team captain Luke Donald. Qualification for the 2025 European Ryder Cup team begins the end of Aug. at the Betfred British Masters.

Short Putts
If Scottie Scheffler was flying high after six wins on the PGA Tour his spectacular come from behind victory in the Olympics put him into interstellar space. For the record the Gold Medal did not earn him official prize nor is it considered a win by the Tour however the U.S. Olympic Committee did pay him $37,500 which about the same Buddy Allin got for winning last week’s Wyndham Championship, then the Greater Greensboro Open, in 1971. Oh, and before I forget Scheffler also earned 55 Official World Ranking Points and received a commemorative poster.

Speaking of Scottie Scheffler, in addition to having a commanding lead in victories, prize money and Olympic medals this season he will bank $8 million and did not have to play in the Wyndham Championship this past week. The reason is his unassailable lead in the Comcast Business Tour Top-10, a nice pay day that will happen as soon as the regular season is in the books. The leader—Scheffler—will bank 40% of the $20 million purse which is up from $10 million in 2023.

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