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Wilson Dynapower Irons for 2024

By
Ed Travis
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Wilson’s new Dynapower irons are designed to aid players wanting consistent solid impact and feature the iconic Wilson feel with added resistance to twisting.

Fast Facts Wilson Dynapower Irons
Game-improvement category
Variable thickness face
Sole Power Holes
Toe-bias weighting
Low center of gravity
Stock lofts: 5-iron 21°, pitching wedge 42°
Stock shafts: KBS Max Ultralite, UST Recoil Dart 65
Stock Grip: Lamkin Crossline 360
Price: 7-club set steel shafts $800 or $900 graphite

WYNTK
The classic Dynapower irons were first made in 1956 and the newest modern model was designed with a tip of the hat to the almost 70-year-old Dynapower tradition.

Wilson built the 2024s for recreational golfers, the majority of whom have swing issues that prevent consistent ball striking. The variable thickness face was created after using artificial intelligence to analyze thousands of face/Power Hole configurations to achieve the maximum result when impact is not in the center of the face.

Power Holes are Wilson label for three slots in the iron sole allowing added face flexing when the ball is struck.

The construction helps to retain ball speed across the face and particularly if the ball is struck near the toe, the tendency of 65% of 10+ handicap players. The head’s toe-biased weighting makes resistance to twisting (MOI) high and the low center of gravity makes for higher launch angles.

Dynapowers also have sufficient hosel and shaft offset to promote another desirable position at impact, having the hands ahead of the ball.

BLUE TEES GOLF RINGER GPS HANDHELD IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

By
Brian Weis
-

-The pocket-sized handheld GPS with touch display provides golfers unprecedented access to their data-

LOS ANGELES, CA. – OCTOBER 18, 2023 – Blue Tees Golf, an innovative, award-winning producer of rangefinders and accessories, is happy to announce that the company’s new Ringer handheld GPS is NOW available for pre-order. This highly engineered device is designed for the modern golfer and comes equipped with over 40K preloaded golf courses, touch screen glass display, built-in magnet, and companion app.

“Golf is a game where knowing your distance is paramount to shooting lower scores. We wanted to innovate in the handheld GPS category that, frankly, seems to have been forgotten about. Welcome, Ringer — a fully functioning touch screen GPS handheld unit that comes ready out of the box with 40,000 golf courses pre-loaded. We’re also doing some very cool things as it relates to Ringer and Blue Tees Game App — think tour-level analytics,” said Blue Tees Golf VP of Sales, Taylor Herbert.

The Ringer uses a touch screen glass display that includes a wide variety of game enhancing features to elevate any round:

  • Front, Center & Back GPS Distances (to green)
  • Basic & Advanced Score Keeping
  • Dynamic Hazards
  • Green View
  • Shot Tracking
  • Driving distance
  • Player+ Music Controller
  • Round summary
  • Time & Date

This Ringer GPS handheld pre-order opportunity secures delivery of the first shipment as the demand for this trend-setting digital device has been enormous since its introduction at the PGA Show. It is available for preorder at www.blueteesgolf.com and the price is set at $199.

About Blue Tees Golf
Blue Tees Golf is a brand for the modern golfer. With our focus on quality, design, and affordability, we make products inclusive of everyone from the casual golfer to the PGA member. The Blue Tees message is simple — have more confidence, have more fun, and play more golf.

All Blue Tees Golf products come with a 60-day money back satisfaction guarantee and a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Join the Blue Tees Golf seamless ecosystem — connecting your GPS and connected devices to the Blue Tees Golf Game App — and unlocking new features and insights that transform any player’s golf game. All members will receive exclusive offers, partnership offers, and more.

For more information: www.blueteesgolf.com / Instagram: @blueteesgolf

MEDIA CONTACT: Vanessa Marie Price, President – Read the Greens, GOLF Media Inc.
(714) 544-6515, readthegreens@aol.com or VanessaMarie@readthegreensgolfmedia.net

SALES CONTACT: Taylor Herber, Vice President of Sales – taylor@blueteesgolf.com

Putter Maker Bettinardi Launches Iron Lines

By
Ed Travis
-

For 30 years Bob Bettinardi has been known for milled putters of the highest quality and now his company has released their first iron line, the co-forged MB24 and CB24 irons.

Fast Facts
Bettinardi MB24 Irons muscleback
Bettinardi CB24 Irons cavity back
Better player category
Co-forged 1025 carbon steel
Tungsten-CMC interior weight
Progressive center of gravity vertically
Stock lofts: 5-iron 26°, pitching wedge 45°
Stock shaft: KBS Tour, True Temper Dynamic Gold
Stock grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Price 7-club set $1,600
Available April 5

WYNTK
Bettinardi’s reputation for innovation in milled putters carries over to the new MB24 muscleback and CB24 cavity back irons and if looks are an indication of performance both with be top grade.

Using a sophisticated co-forging technique the one-piece heads have a tungsten ceramic matrix (CMC) composite weight on the inside with its size and placement loft dependent. This means the center of gravity in the long irons is lower and helps a higher ball launch plus a higher location in the short irons aids in producing more spin.

The cavity back of the CB24s is generous and changes shape from the low lofts to the higher lofts in order to increase the modulus of inertia or resistance to twisting, a long way to say more forgiving. The MB24s and CB24s stock lengths and lofts are identical so mixed sets are easily done as in CB24 long irons and MB24 scoring irons.

FORGE YOUR LEGACY: BETTINARDI GOLF PREMIERES FIRST-GENERATION IRONS – THE MB24 AND CB24

By
Brian Weis
-

TINLEY PARK, IL — Bettinardi Golf, maker of the world’s finest precision-milled putters for over 25 years, proudly introduces the highly anticipated first-generation Bettinardi Irons. This debut line applies Bettinardi’s signature Honeycomb milling and classic design characteristics that deliver superior performance and versatility to meet the diverse needs of golfers worldwide.

Meticulously engineered with unparalleled precision and attention to detail, the first-generation irons showcase two distinct models: the MB24 and the CB24. Co-forged with premium materials to create a solid-body iron, each model is designed to provide golfers with unparalleled feel, control, and forgiveness, elevating their game to new heights.

“Since I founded the company, the focus has been on crafting the finest equipment in the golf industry for professionals and amateurs alike, and our putters have embodied that belief for 25 years,” said Bob Bettinardi, Founder and CEO of Bettinardi Golf. “I’ve always dreamed of expanding beyond the short game, and now that dream has become a reality. You can feel the decades of expertise and the years of research that went into each head, and we can’t wait to finally bring them to market.”

The MB24 Irons

Sculpted for uncompromising control, the MB24 irons blend Tour-proven aesthetics with an exquisite forged feel. Crafted for those who demand precision, these irons empower players to shape every shot with confidence. Characterized by a thinner topline and a differential muscleback designed for precise weighting, the MB24 irons maximize control with added forgiveness and optimal bounce in a player’s profile.

The CB24 Irons

Created for ultimate playability, the CB24 irons combine modern engineering with classic design. Crafted for those who demand both accuracy and distance, these irons seamlessly blend a traditional forged feel with innovative technology. Characterized by an optimal progressive cavity and perimeter weighting for maximum MOI, the optimized design promotes maximum forgiveness and a higher launch trajectory, resulting in enhanced distance on every shot.

Key features of the first-generation irons line include:

One-Piece Co-Forged Solid Body

Engineered to seamlessly co-forge the interior components within the 1025 Carbon Steel chassis, our One-Piece Forging Technology delivers a solid body iron with exceptional feel that gives the player responsive feedback.

Tri-Material Construction

The integration of high-density Tungsten and Military-Grade CMC (Ceramic Matrix Composite) within the forged Carbon Steel body produces weight profiles that maximize forgiveness while maintaining balance and consistency from one iron to the next.

Progressive COG Positioning

Loft-dependent positioning of the Tungsten and CMC components ensures precise COG placement in each iron. This progressive COG shift generates more launch in the long irons, controlled backspin in the scoring irons, and tighter dispersion while maintaining consistent gapping through the set.

The Bettinardi MB24 and CB24 Irons will be available for pre-order on Tuesday, March 26th online at bettinardi.com starting at $1600 for both MB and CB designs. The CB24 will be available in right-handed and left-handed orientations, and both models will offer 24 shaft and 18 grip options.

Authorized Bettinardi dealers and Studio B Oak Brook by Bettinardi will begin fitting customers for MB24 and CB24 orders domestically on Friday April 5th, and internationally in late April. Left-handed CB24s will begin shipping in late June.

For additional product updates, please follow @‌bettinardigolf on Instagram and Twitter.

ABOUT BETTINARDI GOLF

Located just outside Chicago, Illinois, Bettinardi Golf is a family-owned and operated premium golf equipment company that designs, crafts, and mills precision-made golf products, including putters, wedges, irons, headcovers, golf accessories, and more. Since 1998, Bettinardi Golf putters have amassed 100 worldwide Tour victories and counting. For more information, please visit bettinardi.com.

Miura Releases The IC-602

By
Brian Weis
-

Miura Golf is now pleased to announce the release of their new hollow-body iron.

The IC-602 is a multi-material hollow bodied iron delivering both distance and forgiveness. Shinei Miura has seamlessly blended modern technology with the renowned look, feel and sound of a Miura forged iron. Although designed with advanced players in mind, the IC-602 delivers shot making confidence to golfers of all skill levels.

The solid feel and sound of the IC-602 was engineered with golfers of all skill levels in mind— including lower-handicap players who seek maximum compression to the ball regardless of swing path or attack angle. The Miura Versatile Sole (MVS) delivers solid contact with unparalleled turf interaction, allowing golfers to feel the club head release. A perfectly positioned center of gravity leads to maximum ball speed and ideal launch angles throughout the bag. Long irons fly higher and farther, while mid and short irons deliver the optimal ball flight, spin and predictable distance control.

“The feedback we received from our customers regarding the creation of our new hollow body iron, was that they had no expectations about Miura being the longest one around, but rather would be loyal to the brand providing we deliver a sound and feel consistent with our forged models,” said Shinei Miura. “This epiphany allowed my design process on the IC-602 to become laser focused.”

Great iron play has often been defined solely by attack angle, but Miura’s proprietary fitting data has highlighted the correlation between Face Progression (FP) and impact loft angle. Understanding this relationship has enabled the Miura craftsmen to balance those variables in the IC-602. The result is Miura’s most technologically advanced iron ever, delivering consistent club head speed through impact and an ideal launch angle, for every IC-602 iron a player hits.

“Shinei saw an opportunity to design a hollow-bodied iron that could deliver both distance and forgiveness, and believed that he was capable of creating one worthy of the Miura name,” said Bill Holowaty, COO, Miura Golf. “The IC-602 is proof that he was right. Those looking for the coveted performance, look, feel and sound of a Miura iron will not be disappointed.”

“From the confidence that is gained when you see the clean, minimal offset look of the iron, to the top-line thickness and club head length, the IC-602 meets the most discerning needs of golfers at all skill levels. The MVS sole design strikes the perfect balance between bounce angle and sole width, which results in solid contact regardless of a player’s swing plane or turf conditions,” Holowaty added.

The body of the IC-602 is made from 8620 soft carbon steel, which works seamlessly with the durable chromium molybdenum that is used in the 3 to 9 irons. S35C steel, known for its consistency and reliability, is used for the “scoring clubs” — pitching and gap wedges. Inside the hollow-bodied design is a Tungsten weight which promotes a deeper center of gravity and higher launch. Finally, an injected polymer ensures the IC-602 delivers the sound and feel of a Miura iron.

“What impresses me most about the IC-602 is how Shinei merged the legendary, old-world craftsmanship that his family is known for with new advancements in launch technology and materials,” said Hoyt McGarity, CEO of 8AM Golf. “He made his vision a reality and the golfing world is the beneficiary.”

The IC-602 irons are available in 3-GW.

 

Miura IC-602 Irons

By
Ed Travis
-

Miura Golf’s IC-602 irons are designed for both distance and forgiveness with the iconic Miura feel at impact and look at address.

Fast Facts Miura IC-602 Irons
Better player category
Hollow body construction 8620 mild carbon steel
Face: #3-#9 chrome molybdenum, PW GW S35C steel
Toe weight
Tungsten weight insert
Polymer injected interior
Miura Versatile Sole
Stock lofts: 5-iron 25°, pitching wedge 45°
Stock shafts: KBS Tour R, Project X Steel 5.5, True Temper Dynamic Gold
Stock grip: Miura UTX Grey
Available April 16, 2024
Price: $350 each, 7-piece set $2,450

WYNTK
Miura’s new IC-602 irons are another in a long line of well thought out designs manufactured with quality materials to precise performance standards.

Miura’s club designer, the legendary Shinei Miura, wanted an iron for better players that was both forgiving and would produce added distance with a traditional Miura look at address. “

Among the features of the IC-602s are the center of gravity was relocated to give ideal launch angles with the proper spin for control plus the face progression and therefore the dynamic loft were optimized for each iron loft to improve consistency. Players will also like the Miura Versatile Sole, stepped configuration where the leading part is higher than the trailing portion. This minimizes contact with the turf regardless of the attack angle.

“The feedback we received from our customers regarding the creation of our new hollow body iron, was that they had no expectations about Miura being the longest one around, but rather would be loyal to the brand providing we deliver a sound and feel consistent with our forged models,” said Miura. “This epiphany allowed my design process on the IC-602 to become laser focused.”

Miura Golf is part of 8AM Golf, a holding company owned by Howard Milstein, which also includes Golf Magazine, GOLF.com, the Nicklaus Companies, True Spec Golf and six other golf-related companies. Entertainer Justin Timberlake is an investor in 8AM Golf.

ST-MAX 230 Driver from Mizuno

By
Ed Travis
-

Expanding the ST family Mizuno has introduced the ST-MAX 230 driver, fairway woods and hybrids. All are designed for more stability and clubface control.

Fast Facts Mizuno ST-MAX Driver
Game-improvement category
460cc clubhead
Beta- Ti forged variable thickness clubface
CORTECH Chamber
Carbon fiber in sole plate
54g back weighting
Longer 45 ¾” shaft
Adjustable hosel +/- 2°
Seven stock shafts
$500

WYNTK
Mizuno is again using what they call the CORTECH Chamber, a steel weight in the sole behind the face encased in thermoplastic urethane, which they say moves impact stress away from the face, lowers the spin rate and puts more energy into the ball.

They also have made the overall profile lower and wider giving a neutral lie angle at address. The face is a Beta rich LFS Titanium with a varying thickness pattern on the interior to enlarge the sweet spot and preserve ball speed.

Chris Voshall of the company said, “The goal of the ST-MAX project was to engineer the greatest MOI and performance from off center strikes conceivable – but not sacrifice ball speed or make the profile too cumbersome to look at.”

The companion ST-MAX 230 fairway woods are $300 each and ST-MAX 230 hybrids $250 each.

Fred Couples Tests Bettinardi Irons

By
Brian Weis
-

Bettinardi had the distinct privilege of having Hall of Fame golfer Fred Couples test and review their first-ever prototype irons.

Golf Pride Reverse Taper Grips

By
Ed Travis
-

Golf Pride has added three reverse taper putter grips to their lineup, a design to aid in keeping the hands less active and quieter during the stroke.

Fast Facts Golf Pride Reverse Taper Grips
Three cross sections
Lower portion of grip larger
Pistol—64g for left-hand low
Round—62g circular upper section enlarging to lower
Flat—62g oval upper section
Polyurethane construction
Dimpled surface
Available April 15, 2024
$29.99 each

WYNTK
Reverse taper grips help stabilize the hands, i.e., removing hands from putting to improve contact with the ball and provide consistency in line and distance control.

Golf Pride, after extensive testing is marketing the three basic grip shapes with the smaller upper section gradually tapering to a larger lower section. The dimpled polyurethane surface has a soft feel and is slightly tacky. The distinctive color pattern of the grips aids in consistent placement of the hands.

“Within the putter grip category, we observed a trend in which manufacturers were actively trying to design products that removed the hands from the putting process, whereas our research indicates that by optimizing the connection between the hands and grip that players can improve their performance,” says James Ledford, President of Golf Pride. “Through hundreds of concept iterations, our innovation team created Reverse Taper, which has tested quite positively with players of all skill levels.”

PING i530 Irons

By
Ed Travis
-

PING’s new i530 irons are hollow body construction for those wanting more distance from a blade looking iron with higher launch.

Fast Facts PING i530 Irons
Better player distance iron
Hollow construction compact head
Maraging stainless steel forged face
Internal weighting pad
Toe weight screw
Tighter spaced milled grooves
Hydropearl 2.0 finish
Standard lofts: 5-iron 22°, pitching wedge 41°
Optional Power Spec & Retro Spec lofts
Stock shafts: Dynamic Gold Mid 100 & 115, PING Alta CB Black graphite
Stock grip: Golf Pride 360 Tour Velvet
$205 each stock steel shaft & $220 each stock graphite shaft

WYNTK
PING knows just because some players have more skill than average doesn’t mean they aren’t looking for more distance and the premium i530s are built to create more ball speed which translates into added yardage. All the design buttons are pushed in the i530: high flex face, low center of gravity, strong lofts and a polymer layer inside face for more solid feel at impact.

At address the new i530 look like a blade with minimal offset and a thin top line plus the sole is narrow for lesser turf interaction, all features batter players want in their irons.

“The continued popularity of distance irons has been an interesting and fun challenge for our engineers, especially in the players category where there is such an emphasis on the look of the iron,” said John K. Solheim, PING CEO & President. “In the case of the i530 iron, we’ve developed a stunning design that delivers significant distance gains through its innovative face technology along with the added benefit of control. We refer to it as a ‘playable distance’ iron. It appeals to the golfer whose primary goal is more distance who also relies on the precision of a players-style iron. That means longer iron shots with the consistency and predictability to stop the ball closer to the hole.”

PING G730 Irons

By
Ed Travis
-

PING’s new G730 irons are a cavity back construction with confidence-building heads and a large amount offset for those looking for lots of forgiveness plus additional distance from their irons.

Fast Facts PING G730 Irons
Game-improvement category
Cavity back construction
Thin 17-4 stainless steel face
Toe weight screw
Hydropearl finish
Stock lofts; 5-iron 21.5°, pitching wedge 40°
Optional Power Spec & Retro Spec lofts
Stock shafts: Dynamic Gold Mid 100 or 115, PING Alta CB Black
Stock grip: Lamkin Crossline
$185 per club steel shafts, $200 graphite shafts

WYNTK
From the first irons they made PING has always produced clubs for average golfers that could give more fun to this difficult, maddening, addicting game and the G730s are their latest model to deliver easy-to-hit forgiveness with additional distance.

The clubheads are a larger size and have wider soles plus the head has lots of offset from the shaft—over 0.25” in the 5-iron—giving a confidence-inspiring package.

The face has been thinned so there’s more flexing at impact for more yardage and combined with the head’s low center of gravity the ball launches higher.

“Since my grandfather, Karsten Solheim, pioneered forgiveness 65 years ago with the invention of perimeter weighting, golfers have come to expect the highest levels of performance from PING irons,” John K. Solheim PING CEO & President said. “The G730 iron furthers that reputation in a way that would make Karsten proud. Our engineers have applied modern design techniques to his proven theories, bringing golfers the forgiveness and consistency they need to improve their accuracy and lower their scores by hitting more greens.”

Zero Friction—Taking it in Stride

By
Ed Travis
-

Zero Friction has introduced the Stride, a push and electric trolley combination with an integral golf bag plus a remote control and removable wheels for transport and storage.

Fast Facts Zero Friction Stride Electric Bag Trolley
Manual or electric follow-me mode
Two 200w motors
360w rechargeable battery
Autobraking downhill
Remote control
Front and rear wheels
Drive wheels removable
Built-in gyroscope
Full sized PU bag
14-way top with club clips
7 pockets
Side magnets for rangefinder
35 lbs. with battery
Black or grey
Available mid-April
$2,299

WYNTK
I continue to be impressed with John Iacono’s Zero Friction for their innovative ideas about golf gear and the resulting products. Best known for their gloves and golf balls they also make carry and cart bags but what really showed their creative thinking in spades was the Wheel Pro that was introduced in 2021.

Their latest is the Stride and it too is an all-in-one bag and pushcart but has a quantum leap in usefulness. It is an electric trolley as well.

Iacono’s demonstration at the PGA Show showed how well thought out the design is and running the risk of over enthusiasm I was impressed with features such as the drive wheels pop off for transport on an electric cart and the rough terrain gyroscope is built right into the unit. If you’re like me, bags never have enough storage, and the Stride has seven pockets and the cooler pocket has room for a sixpack.

There are also other handy features such as the side magnets to hold a laser rangefinder and the 14-way full length slot top has clips to hold your clubs plus they send a Zero Friction umbrella as part of the package.

For a full explanation of the Stride here’s a video link: Stride Instruction Video on Vimeo

A Cool North Carolina Backstory

By
Rich Katz
-

As post-pandemic golfer participation continues to rise, there’s a slew of new golf courses which are in construction and opened of late.

Several have unapologetically humdrum backstories.  Others come with historical and personal significance of which legends are made.

We came across a cool one in the low-population town of Traphill, N.C.  It’s where the private Contentment Golf Club is being built, and the 800 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains holds special meaning to its developer.

Curt Sidden, a Davidson, N.C. resident, would retreat to find refuge with his late grandfather.  Sidden’s father, Dr. Curtis Sidden, 92, grew up in Traphill and is heavily involved in the planning of Contentment.  Now, Sidden’s vision is to provide the same, quiet, happy-place getaway for city and suburban dwellers alike.

Unsurprisingly, the literal meaning of contentment is “serenity” that defines the breathtaking land on which Contentment resides.

“Contentment is a tribute to my grandparents with whom I spent time here as a boy,” says Curt Sidden.  “My family showed me the benefits of a quiet, uncomplaining and satisfied mind, and we hope Contentment is a true, tranquil haven for the body, mind and soul.”

The club’s grand opening is scheduled for September 25, 2025, 100 years to the day Sidden’s grandparents were married.

“The Contentment property is one of most relaxing, rejuvenating and overall special topographies in our company’s history,” says Jack Morgan, Senior Vice President of Landscapes Unlimited’s Project Development Group.  “No wonder those looking to dodge the hustle-and-bustle are joining Contentment before the first shovel hits the ground.”

Pointedly, we know that when Landscapes Unlimited is involved in planning and bringing golf courses, country clubs, resorts and communities to life, they’ll turn out to be top tier.

For geographical context, Contentment is coveted for its location an hour from Winston Salem, 90 minutes from Charlotte and Greensboro, and a little more than two hours from Asheville and Raleigh-Durham.  This convenience makes for an ideal, worlds-away respite from the grind of everyday life for championship golf and all-around relaxation.

Over the past nearly two years, Landscapes Unlimited has overseen all aspects of site planning, design and engineering, permitting, contractor selection, project administration and budget planning.  The company is set to build an 18-hole, championship golf course and direct clubhouse and amenity development.  Counterpart Landscapes Golf Management is undertaking membership strategies, business and operational planning, on the ground pre-opening activities and will assist with the course grow-in and grand opening.

Lester George’s original golf course design will pay tribute to 1900s legendary architects C.B. McDonald’s and Seth Raynor’s famous templates:  Alps (illusionary approach shots), Redan (narrow, bunker-guarded and sloped greens) and Biarritz (massive greens bisected by a deep middle swale and flanked by narrow bunkers).  Contentment members will repeatedly relish a blend of excitement and fair challenges on each hole.

Plans include cottages and lodging for members and their families and small-group overnights; however, the property will be void of homes to preserve its pure, low-impact, rural character.  A comprehensive golf practice facility, outdoor gathering spaces, lake, hiking trails and reflection sanctuaries are in the works.

Founders, full, corporate and ambassador membership sales are exceeding projections.  That’s hardly a shocker – the sounds of silence at Contentment are just what the doctor ordered.

 

The Epitome of Culture

By
Rich Katz
-

Many businesses suffer from chronic dysfunction.  Leadership is neither visionary, nurturing nor extra motivating.

Then there’s Landscapes Golf Management.  The operator of more than 60 golf courses, country clubs and resorts is the antithesis of a polluted ecosystem rife with infectiously poor attitudes and behaviors, and shortfalls in productivity.

Proof positive is the company’s recent annual conference where team building, education, idea sharing and recognition of its most valuable assets – people! – were in high gear.

If you’re an owner of a public course, private club or resort of any shape and size, you’d want to outsource daily operations to a well-oiled team, one that’s trusted to treat your money with utmost prudency.

So, here we go with winners of Landscapes Golf Management awards announced during its recent annual conference:

  • The Broadlands Golf Course (Broomfield, Colo.) was honored as “Facility of the Year” for all-around achievement in guest services, operations, course conditions, marketing, sales and financial returns. Community relations via hosting a STEM-based learning lab for grade-school science students, refreshing the clubhouse and creating a new outdoor dining program helped The Broadlands realize strong operating profits.
  • Three Crowns Golf Club (Casper, Wyo.) won “Innovator of the Year” for its food-and-beverage creativity. It has become a popular community gathering destination not only on the pristine golf course but at The Refinery, the new restaurant in the remodeled clubhouse.  Three Crowns embodies Landscapes Golf Management’s “Find a Way” core value.
  • Leah Dickerson, Platteview Golf Club (Bellevue, NE.) was named “General Manager of the Year.” Under her leadership, the operation achieved marketing leading status in events, food and beverage and course conditions resulting in record-high membership, revenue and profit.  Dickerson’s longstanding career at Landscapes Golf Management saw her ascend from beverage cart attendant while attending college to assistant F&B manager, membership and event sales director, and ultimately to general manager seven years ago.
  • Doug Hausman, Dakota Dunes Country Club (Dakota Dunes. SD.) is “Superintendent of the Year.”  His 33 years at this operation saw him first assist course designer Arnold Palmer in 1991.  To this day, playing conditions and the property at large are immaculate, earning media-bestowed praise for the “best greens, tees and fairways” despite challenging weather elements.

Other award winners:

  • Ben Nelson Assistant GM of the Year – Melissa Good (River Run C.C.)
  • Golf Professional of the Year – Mike Picciano (Bull Valley G.C.)
  • Sales Professional of the Year – Jeremy Heizelman (Dakota Dunes C.C.)
  • Food and Beverage Director of the Year – Andrew Marco (Sioux Falls Golf)
  • FISH! Service Champions – Terry Lombardi-Nalls (Hillendale C.C.); Ron Jacoby (Crystal Woods G.C.); Jeff Kelly (King’s Deer G.C.)
  • FISH! Facility of the Year – Winchester C.C. (Private); Prairie Green (Public)
  • Safety Showcase – Three Crowns G.C., King’s Dear G.C., G.C. at Devils Tower
  • #Award (Social Media) – G.C. at Devils Tower
  • LGM Ambassadors of the Year – Stacey Bartko (Butler’s G.C.); Cat Clark (Sioux Falls Golf), Bruce Griebler (G.C. at Devils Tower), Jessica Chase (Corporate)
  • “Select” Facility of the Year – Beatrice G.C.
  • Most Improved Facility of the Year – Bull Valley G.C.

“Landscapes Golf Management stands for excellence and a culture-first mantra,” says Tom Everett, President of Landscapes Golf Management.  “Our conference celebrates teamwork, camaraderie, thought leadership and innovation which optimize performance at our golf courses and country clubs.”

In addition to the award presentations, learning and development sessions during the four-day event included wisdom from keynote speakers Bruce Rasmussen, retired Athletic Director at Creighton University and Kirsten Bernthal Booth, women’s volleyball coach at Creighton University and President of the American Volleyball Coaches Association.  The power of listening, caring and accountability were prevailing themes.

Leadership is the ability to achieve results through people.  Way to go, Landscapes Golf Management, way to go.

 

Shot Scope Pro ZR Laser Rangefinder

By
Ed Travis
-

Shot Scope builds on its reputation for quality performance products with the new Pr ZR Laser Rangefinder at a golfer-friendly price.

Fast Facts Shot Scope Pro ZR
Red/black optics
Hardshell water resistant exterior
6x magnification
Slope adjustment on/off
Target lock vibration
1500-yard range
Cart mount magnet on side
CR2 battery
GPS app no charge
Weight 340 grams
Carrying case
$299.99

WYNTK
You can pay a lot more for a laser rangefinder, but the Pro ZR does it all for a cost at the lower end of the market which was made very plain by the attention it received in the Shot Scope booth at the PGA Show.

The heft and feel of the unit are pleasing to the hand and the hard exterior has rubber surfaces to facilitate a firm grip. The laser activation switch on the top of the unit is easy to use and the slope activation on/off switch (to comply with USGA regulations) is prominently placed on the side and large enough so there’s no fumbling.

Purchase of the Pro ZR also allows no charge access to the Shot Scope app for course GPS maps which are automatically updated as you play a hole showing, hazards, front/back/middle of greens and doglegs. As with the software used by the Pro ZR updating of the GPS app is done without a subscription, a nice money saver all by itself.

David Hunter, CEO, said at the introduction of the new unit, “Shot Scope is very excited to innovate the laser rangefinder category once again with a device that provides the best combination of distance and accuracy, with a construction and design that offers unmatched durability for handling harsh conditions on the course. This kind of advanced technology at a $299.99 price point is simply unheard of in golf today.”

Should the coming season mean you are looking for a new laser rangefinder, Shot Scope’s Pro ZR has to be on everyone’s short list.

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