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Fall Golf Gear Guide

By
Shane Sharp
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Football has finally arrived, the kids are back in school, and the days are growing shorter and shorter. Fall is almost here, and with its arrival, we turn our attention to one of our favorite seasons for golf. Polos give way to quarter zips, and golf pants typically make their debut at some point in October. So why wait until the holiday season to refresh your links-look or restock your golf bag? Here’s a roundup of cool golf gear we’re digging on this autumn.

TRUE Linkswear FS-01

Walking golf shoe brand TRUE linkswear is introducing its Future Staples line this fall with the debut of the FS-01. Featuring a timeless, minimalist style with what the company describes as “hidden technology,” the FS-01 is hitting the ground running with six colorways in men’s sizes 7-15 and women’s 5.5-12. TRUE’s Future Staples line is inspired by classic sneaker looks infused with the company’s legendary technology. If you need a pair of TRUEs ASAP, the Original 1.2s are optimized for fall golf – super supportive and fully waterproof.

MSRP: $175 (FS-01), $170 (Original 1.2)

Website: www.truelinkswear.com

RADMOR Higgins Bobrad Loop Terry Hoodie

Fall is prime golf hoodie season, and no brand does hoodies quite like Seattle-based RADMOR Golf. The Higgins Bobrad Loop Terry Hoodie is made from 100% sustainable cotton and features an athletic fit and range of motion stitching that allows golfers to swing freely. It’s offered in six colors, including classics like Navy and Heather Grey, and sizes small through XXL. Pair your Higgins Hoodie with a pair of RADMOR’s Five-O Knit Performance Pants, the closest thing to wearing pajamas on the course.

MSRP: $120 (Higgins), $128 (Five-O)

Website: www.radmorgolf.com

OnCore Golf 2022 ELIXR

The 2022 ELIXR from OnCore provides golfers with perimeter weighting for greater accuracy and reduced side spin off the driver. A unique polybutadiene core delivers an outstanding coefficient of restitution (CoR) for higher ball speed, resulting in more carry and roll. A slightly firmer cover with a 350-dimple pattern and mid-compression rating (85) delivers a pure feel off the club face and gives the ELIXR superior greenside control, durability and unmatched performance in its category. Golfers should also be on the lookout for the new VERO X2, dropping this fall. This four-piece Tour-level offering is a follow-up to the wildly popular VERO X1, which topped several big names in launch monitor and on-course testing.

MSRP: $29.99 per dozen (ELIXR), $50 (VERO X2)

Website: www.oncoregolf.com

PXG Sugar Daddy II Wedges

PXG’s Sugar Daddy II wedges are the brainchild of Mike Nicolette, the company’s director of product creation since 2013. Nicolette spent 24 years with PING and developed a relentless passion for wedge design. The Sugar Daddy IIs feature 100% CNC-milled construction on top of a 3X forged base, making them one of the most beautifully wrought wedges on the market. Full-face groves and high-toe weighting combine with two grinds – BP and C – for soft or firm turf conditions.

MSRP: $449

Website: www.pxg.com

PXG 0311 Irons

Yes, we are doubling down on PXG this fall. The Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company owned by GoDaddy founder Bob Parsons made a name for itself upon launching in 2014 with its technologically superior irons. Fast-forward to 2022, and the GEN 5 0311 series carries on that tradition and then some. The 0311s are offered in three clubhead options, T (minimal offset), P (moderate offset) and XP (significant offset), for golfers of varying skill levels.

MSRP: $449

Website: www.pxg.com

Bushnell Tour V5 Patriot

The Tour V5 Patriot is Bushnell at its category-leading best. Easy to unbox, simple to start up and sporting a sleek-yet-powerful design that will get more than a few looks from your playing partners. Aesthetics notwithstanding, avid golfers want two things out of their rangefinder: speed and accuracy. The Tour V5 delivers both in abundance.

MSRP: $299.99

Website: www.bushnellgolf.com

Cleveland CBX Zipcore

The CBX Zipcore is a cavity-back wedge that offers many of the same benefits of a player-improvement iron. Its decidedly larger profile delivers a high level of comfort as golfers set up for full, pitch and chip shots. The club’s ultra-wide sole helps the clubhead slide through the grass like a knife through butter and reduces both chunks and skulls, according to Cleveland.

MSRP: $149.99 – $159.99

Website: www.clevelandgolf.com

Golf Forever Swing Trainer

Golf Forever has surged to the head of the golf fitness class over the past two years, buoyed not only by Justin Leonard, Scottie Scheffler and Ryan Palmer’s involvement but also by its undeniable results. In 2022, the company rolled out its new Swing Trainer, taking the entire system to new heights by offering dozens of new warm-up routines and drills. The full kit includes a bevy of helpful stuff designed to make you a better, stronger golfer within a few weeks.

MSRP: $199

Website: www.golforever.com

Sun Mountain Pushcarts

Sun Mountain’s PX3 and PX4 push carts have made a big splash with members of #pushcartmafia. Offering improvements on the company’s past Pathfinder models, PX3 and PX4 feature advancements like a new handle and accessory tray while retaining the main benefits of smaller folded size and easy opening. Both models include a continuous handle for pushing with one hand, an accessory console, a mobile phone holder with a slot for a charging plug, dual umbrella holders, and a mesh basket and velour-lined pouch for additional storage.

MSRP: PX3 $249, PX4 $259.

Website: www.sunmountain.com

PuttView Yardage & Green Maps

Technology isn’t just reserved for smartphones and wearable GPS devices. PuttView’s yardage and greens maps have become staples for serious golfers of all skill levels, and the upstart company continues to improve upon the original each year. Tournament organizers relish PuttView’s new Event Books, which are customizable for charitable events and other outings.

MSRP: $49.99 (yardage + green map)

Website: www.puttviewbooks.com

Kalea Premier by TaylorMade

By
Ed Travis
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Kalea, the women-specific brand from TaylorMade Golf, has added updated models tagged Kalea Premier being sold as an 11-piece set including a cart bag with a 14-way top.

Fast Facts Kalea Premier
Driver
C4 swing weight, 12.5° loft
44.25 inches length
Carbon fiber crown & sole
22g steel rear back weight
Fairway wood
20° loft
37% larger face than previous model
Low center of gravity
Rescues
5 Rescue 27° loft
6 Rescue 31° loft
High launch weighting
Irons 7-iron through sand wedge
Cavity back–Cap Back design
Lofts: 7-iron 32°, pitching wedge 45°
Putter
Mallet style
Pure Roll face
3° loft
Kalea Premier Cart Bag
14-way top
Seven pockets
Choice of light grey, navy/light grey, black

WYNTK
TaylorMade has been quick to recognize the female segment of the golf equipment market as both significant and quickly growing and has updated their Kalea brand for women with the new Premier models. Price for the set of 10 clubs plus a cart bag is $1699.99 placing it in the mid-range for top-of-the-line clubs and $200 more than the older (2020) Kalea set.

Tomo Bystedt, Senior Director for TaylorMade for Carbonwoods & Metalwoods said in the announcement, “Kalea Premier is a combination of proven TaylorMade technologies, which are tuned specifically to give women in these segments the best performance, and the most visually stunning designs on the market. Our research has shown that women will no longer accept a half-hearted approach to product design in any industry. We’ve been continuously mindful of this and have created a design language that utilizes a combination of rich colors and refined textures with premium materials to create a sophisticated and elegant product line for women.”

It’s refreshing to see a major company introduce quality club models into the women’s market that are not men’s clubs from two years ago with pink trim. Kalea Premier will be in stores October 14, 2022.

Great Golf Players in the 21st Century

By
Brian Weis
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Golf is a fabulous game, played and beloved by millions of people around the world. The origins of the game, as many might now, can be traced to the Highlands of Scotland, dating all the way back to the 18th century. However, it was the expansion of the Great British Empire that helped spread the game around the world. Today, it is the Scots, the Irish, the English, the Americans, the Canadians and the Japanese that play golf the most. However, the sport is hugely popular all over the world, especially in the betting scene.

Golf and Betting

Golf’s popularity when it comes to betting might surprise some. After all, it is not really a sport that is associated with betting, especially among those who are not a part of the scene. Seasoned bettors, on the other hand, will know that the game enjoys quite a heavy coverage on various betting websites such as www.novibet.ie, where it is very popular.

The reason for golf’s popularity when it comes to betting comes from the fact that golf games are not played in seasons. Rather, there is some golf game or tournament being played somewhere around the world at any point in time.

Spectacular Players

The world of golf has seen some truly spectacular players throughout the game’s history. Of course, everyone will be familiar with certain names, such as Tiger Woods. Regarded by many as the greatest player of all time, Mr. Woods holds a number of records in the golfing world. He is tied for the most amount of PGA Tour Wins and is ranked second in terms of major championships.

If not Woods, then people believe Nicklaus to be the greatest golfer. Jack Nicklaus holds the record for most major championships, with 18 under his belt (3 more than Woods’ 15). During his long career, the so-called Golden Bear won over 100 tournaments, and competed in 160 major tournaments. He finished his career with over 70 PGA Tours.

However, these people’s popularity has reached outside the golf sphere. In this article, we would like to focus on a few players active today, who have shown to be the cream of the crop.

Great Golf Players Active Today

Standing on the backs of the aforementioned giants is the talented Rory McIlroy. Hailing from Northern Ireland, Rory is the only other player, apart from Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, who managed to win four golf majors before the age of 25. Rory began his career in 2007, and has since had a stellar career, playing at the Ryder Cup for Europe against the United States on several different occasions, most recently in 2021.

Another player to show he has what it takes to topple the old masters is Jordan Spieth, who managed to tie Tiger Woods’ 72-hole record and became the second youngest player (next to Tiger Woods) to win the Masters. He began his professional career in 2013, and since then has seen a plethora of achievements, including winning the U.S. Open, the Tour Championship and the FedEx cup in 2015.

KINONA Women’s Golf Apparel Adds New Styles and Prints To Their 2022 Collections

By
David Theoret
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Want to add flair and style to your golf wardrobe and look good at the same time? It’s a yes with KINONA’s Smooth Your Waist Crop Pants. These pants are stylish and provide a perfect shape flattering fit. These pants are sewn from their Italian fabric with a nylon/lycra blend that finds the thin line between compression and comfort as you move. They’re fashionable enough for a day on the links or for everyday activities. The UPF 50+ sun protection keeps the sun’s harmful rays at bay and the moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties keep you dry and fresh as a daisy. The Smooth Your Waist Crop Golf Pants are currently available in sizes XXS – XXL and in Navy Blue, Black, or an eye-popping Picnic Plaid.

KINONA’s On Par line has been around for a while; after all, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! The latest iteration of this classic sleeveless golf top has a great sporty look with a high V-neck and johnny collar that looks great on its own or layered under your favorite long sleeve top. The top features KINONA’s Italian fabric with 4-way stretch and all of the great garment technology you’ve come to expect from KINONA along with some sporty piping detail. The On Par Sleeveless Golf Top is currently available in sizes XXS-XXL and in Lemon Yellow, Navy Blue, and Go Go Gingham.

Looking for a super flattering easy-to-wear dress? Sculpting and comfortable describes KINONA’s new Walk in the Park sleeveless golf dress. The dress is made from KINONA’s Italian fabric with 4-way stretch, and is antimicrobial, has UPF 50+ protection, and is moisture-wicking. It also features a 1/4 zip closure and two zippered pockets with built-in tee holders. All KINONA golf dresses come with a mesh shortie in grey or white with leg grippers to keep everything where it should be, and a built-in ball pocket. The Walk in the Park Sleeveless Golf Dress is currently available in sizes XXS _ XXL and in Go Go Gingham and Navy Blue.

KINONA’s new Tough in the Rough Short Sleeve Golf Shirt has a snap front closure and can be worn tucked in or out. The princess seaming gives you great shape and the 4-way stretch of KINONA’s Italian fabric moves with you through every phase of your golf swing. It will also help keep you smelling fresh, dry, and protected from the sun The Tough in the Rough Short Sleeve Golf Shirt is currently available in sizes XXS – XXL and in the Vinca Print and Picnic Plaid.

If you prefer to be a bit more buttoned up, the Tailored and Trim Golf Shorts are a perfect match. The 8″ inseam on these golf shorts look like classic fly-front shorts but are actually a pull-on design. The 4-way stretch fabric moves with you and has all of the garment technology you’d expect from KINONA. The crisp seam down the front will have you looking great and feeling put-together, even on the hottest days. The Tailored and Trim Golf Shorts are currently available in sizes XXS – XXL and in Go Go Gingham, Cherry Red, Lattice Navy Blue, Navy Blue, and Black.

With its 1/4 zip collar and Navy Blue trim detail, KINONA’s Gimme Putt Golf Top presents a great alternative to that every day, run-of-the-mill golf polo. Made from KINONA’s Italian fabric with 4-way stretch, the top has built-in UPF 50+ sun protection, is antimicrobial, and is moisture wicking. The top is currently available in sizes XXS – XXL and in Fairway Green and White.

These are just a few of the new pieces available this year from KINONA. To see the entire collection, visit them online at www.kinonasport.com.

Hilton Head Golf Island Expands with Palmetto Hall Golf and Country Club

By
Shane Sharp
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After a multi-year hiatus under Brown Golf ownership, Palmetto Hall Golf Club is rejoining Hilton Head Golf Island, a collective of 26 courses across Beaufort, Bluffton and Jasper counties that helps promote the area as one of the world’s premier golf destinations.

The Heritage Golf Group, which owns and operates Hilton Head Island-based Oyster Reef, Port Royal and Shipyard Golf Clubs, recently acquired Palmetto Golf and Country Club, expanding its island folio to 117 total holes of golf.

Opened in the early 90s, the 36-hole venue features layouts designed by Arthur Hills and Robert Cupp. The Arthur Hills Course was the first to welcome golfers in 1991 and was named one of Golf Digest’s “Best New Courses.” The Robert Cupp Course followed in 1993 with a slope rating of 152 – the highest in the state at the time – and a series of geometrically shaped bunkers Cupp designed via CAD (computer-aided design).

“With the resurgence in golf travel and the number of choices golfers have for golf getaways, it’s crucial we promote our region’s amazing golf, lodging and culinary assets,” says Mark Burnett, President and CEO of Heritage Golf Group. “We are thrilled with the recent addition of Palmetto Hall Golf and Country Club to our portfolio and excited for its inclusion in Hilton Head Golf Island alongside Oyster Reef, Port Royal and Shipyard.”

Robert Cupp Course

As part of the acquisition, Heritage Golf Group has committed to a multi-million-dollar golf course improvement project scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. The Arthur Hills and Robert Cupp courses were long considered among the Lowcountry’s best layouts, and Heritage Golf Group’s clear-cut objective is to return them to their 90s glory.

As a pairing, the courses present a compelling contrast – the traditional look and feel of the Arthur Hills Course juxtaposed against the ultra-modern shaping and geometric bunkers of the Robert Cupp Course. Both have been continually praised for their ingenuity, shot values, playability and conditioning.

“It’s an exciting day when we can welcome one of the area’s iconic golf brands back to Hilton Head Golf Island,” says Lowcountry Golf Course Owner’s Association President Brad Mara. “The addition of Palmetto Hall Golf and Country Club increases our marketing collective to 28 courses, including world-renown properties such as The Sea Pines Resort and Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. With our wide-array of accommodation types and world-class restaurants, there’s never been a better time to visit Golf Island.”

And getting to Golf Island has never been easier.

Hilton Head Island Airport (HHH) on the island’s north end offers non-stop and one-stop service from multiple hub cities and connections via American Airlines, Delta and United. American offers daily non-stop flights from Charlotte and seasonal service from Dallas / Ft. Worth, Philadelphia and Washington National (DCA). Delta has daily flights to Atlanta and United provides daily non-stop service to Newark (EWR) and Washington Dulles (IAD).

Golfers can also utilize Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV), with direct flights from numerous East Coast, Midwest and Texas airports on several major and discount airlines. For golfers who prefer to hit the open road, major metro areas in the Carolinas, Georgia and north Florida are under a half-day’s drive, while several Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern cities are seven to nine hours away.

Once there, golf aficionados will appreciate the lineup of world-class venues sculpted by vaunted architects Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, George Fazio, Arthur Hills, Rees Jones, Robert Trent Jones, Willard Byrd, Davis Love III and Clyde Johnston. Hilton Head Island is home to The Sea Pines Resort where the PGA TOUR makes its only regular South Carolina stop each April at Harbour Town Golf Links for the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing.

For more information, visit www.hiltonheadgolfisland.com.

TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedges

By
Ed Travis
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TaylorMade Golf has designed the Hi-Toe 3 wedges to be a versatile solution for up and downs around the green with a wide four-way cambered sole and aggressive spin generation featuring raised ribs between full face grooves.

Fast Facts TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedges
8620 Carbon steel
Larger toe design with high center of gravity
Four-way camber sole
Full face grooves on higher lofts
Raised smaller ribs between grooves
Unfinished face rusts for added grip
Aged copper finish
Four bounce options
Stock lofts: 50° to 60° two degree increments
Stock shaft: KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 (115g)
Stock grip: Lamkin Crossline 360 Round (52g)
$179.99

WYNTK
Having the proper wedge in the bag for the required shot is important and easily make the difference between a par and bogey or worse. TaylorMade of course knows this and has redone the Hi-Toe line to provide more latitude for more types of scoring shots.

Not only does the weight distribution higher in the head help provide a more controllable lower launch but in combination with the raw finish face and groove pattern offers added spin. The sole is fairly wide with the trailing edge having some relief allowing flop shots more readily doable from an open face setup.

Extensive customization is also available including three finishes plus personalized text, logos and paint fills.

Bill Price, of the Product Creation, Wedges and Putters department said at the introduction, “Our athletes all offered great input individually, but collectively everyone wanted something versatile. They wanted a single wedge that could perform around the greens from deep rough, thick fescue, bunkers with different sands, in wet conditions and from tight lies. That’s a lot to fit into a single design, but with Hi-Toe 3 we’ve done it.”

Rumbling Bald Late Fall, Early Winter Golf Packages

By
Shane Sharp
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Rumbling
Minolta DSC

Rumbling Bald, the 36-hole golf retreat on Lake Lure an hour east of Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains, has released its late fall and early winter golf packages amid high shoulder season demand.

Starting at $300 per golfer for two nights and two rounds on Rumbling Bald’s marquee course, Apple Valley, late fall and early winter package rates are offered from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31. Three-night, three-round and four-night, four-round options are also available for $400 and $514 per golfer, respectively. Rates include all taxes and fees and are based on full occupancy in a villa or studio (blackout dates apply). Bald Mountain, Rumbling Bald’s mountain style-course will be closed from Nov. 7 through Dec. 31 and reopens on Jan. 1, 2023.

Lodging options include the Apple Valley Studios (across from Apple Valley) and two- and four-bedroom Fairway Villas situated along Bald Mountain just steps from its first tee. Via its wide variety of spacious vacation rentals, Rumbling Bald can accommodate golf groups of all sizes. Luxury vacation homes are also available for extended stays and golf rounds can be added a la carte.

“Late fall or early winter is a great time to visit to enjoy Rumbling Bald when things are a little less busy than the peak fall season,” says Rumbling Bald General Manager Jeff Geisler. “The package rates are a tremendous value, and golfers can expect high temps in the 60s in November and 50s in December.”

Rumbling Bald continues to extend complimentary golf rounds to leaders of groups of 12 or more when booking their first trip to the property. The Large Groups 12+ Comp is ideal for PGA Professional-member trips, small tournaments, or large golf buddy trips. The shoulder- and off-seasons are ideal for group play, with ample value and typically a faster pace of play than the peak spring and fall periods.

For golfers who want to experience both courses in the early fall, golf packages are still available to book for select dates between Sept. 18 and Oct. 31, starting at $347, $477 and $608 for two, three and four-night / round options, respectively. Additional nights and rounds can be added, subject to availability.

Tucked along scenic Lake Lure and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rumbling Bald is secluded yet eminently accessible from numerous metro areas. Charlotte, Asheville and Raleigh, N.C., Knoxville and Nashville, Tenn. and Greenville and Spartanburg, S.C. are all one to five hours away. The idyllic retreat features two contrasting 18-hole layouts: W.B. Lewis-designed Bald Mountain and Dan Maples-designed Apple Valley.

Rumbling Bald’s marquee course, Apple Valley, stretches to nearly 6,800 yards and features expansive views of Bald Mountain and the surrounding Lake Lure area. Maples estimated 75% of shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill, virtually unheard of for a mountain course. Shimmering mountain lakes adorn 12 holes, but water only occasionally comes into play.

Bald Mountain, at 6,300 yards, is renowned for its unique configuration of five par 5s and five par 3s. Movie buffs appreciate the 16th green, the backdrop of a scene from “Dirty Dancing.”  A protégé of golf course architect George Cobb, Lewis is known for his traditional approach to course design. This philosophy is reflected in Bald Mountain’s playability from tee to green.

The property’s 150 vacation rental homes, condos and studios are ideal for golf groups of various sizes and feature golf course and mountain views. Post round, golfers can relax at Legends on the Lake, casual dining along the shores of Lake Lure.

Rumbling Bald is rich with amenities and activities, including scenic Lake Lure boat tours, boat rentals, tennis, pickleball, a full-service spa and hiking trails. Families enjoy the Trout Stream Pool and Lazy River, winding its way through the outdoor pool area where guests relax under fan-cooled covered seating. It’s the perfect basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

To learn more about Rumbling Bald’s golf courses and packages, visit www.rumblingbald.com. To book packages directly, or to speak with a golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072. Golfers are advised to call, email or check the website for course maintenance and closure schedules. Rates include all taxes and fees and are based on full occupancy (four players in a two-bedroom villa or two in a one-bedroom studio).

Wilson Triad Golf Balls

By
Ed Travis
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Wilson Golf’s Triad is a three-piece urethane cover mid-price ball for players looking for the advantage of a ball with greater control around the greens without sacrificing distance.

Fast Fact Wilson Triad Golf Balls
3-piece construction
Cast urethane cover
Increased MOI
85 compression
$39.99 dozen

WYNTK
Wilson has slotted a new model in their ball lineup between the Duo Soft+ ($22.99 dozen) and Staff Model ($44.99 dozen). Priced at $39.99, the Triad is worth a look for those wanting a urethane cover product that offers control around the greens as well as those wanting one with features similar to a premium ball at a lower price.

Triad’s design moves weight from the core to the mantle to improve in ball’s stability in flight, in effect raising the resistance to twisting or MOI just as is done in designing a driver for additional forgiveness.

“Wilson Golf has strong heritage in building premier products for golfers at all levels. We are very excited to introduce this innovative golf ball for a growing community of competitive players who want to take their game to the next level,” said Tim Clarke, General Manager, Wilson Golf. “The competitive golfer striving to break 80 is who Wilson Labs had in mind while engineering the T3 Technology of Triad, allowing for pinpoint accuracy from anywhere on the course.”

Kenny Perry’s Country Creek Golf Course: Fun, Challenging, and Enjoyed By All Who Play Here

By
David Theoret
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Most golfers who have followed the PGA TOUR for any length of time are familiar with the name Kenny Perry, after all, he’s won more than 20 professional tournaments on the PGA and PGA Champions Tours. What they may not be aware of is a golf course that Kenny designed and built; he still owns it to this day. I’m talking about Kenny Perry’s Country Creek Golf Course in his hometown of Franklin, KY.

Perry literally grew up at Franklin Country Club; his family lived on the golf course. While it was great to have easy access to the course, it frustrated Kenny that it was a private club, which prevented him from inviting friends that weren’t members. He vowed that if he ever made it as a professional golfer, he was going to build a public golf course in Franklin KY where everyone would be welcome.

Kenny spent his high school years golfing at Paxton Park in Paducah, KY, a local municipal course that he loved. When building Country Creek, his goal was to create a course like Paxton Park in Franklin, KY. Perry intentionally designed a friendly, enjoyable course that the average golfer could play in a reasonable amount of time.

Construction of the golf course began in 1992 and it officially opened for play in 1995. Country Creek is built on 300 acres of rolling Kentucky hillside in Franklin, KY. Fairways and greens are vibrant green, lush, and healthy. As Perry says, “There are some tough holes, some drivable holes, and some easy holes. The golf course won’t beat you up; at least it’s not designed to.” Because it is designed for high handicappers in the 15 – 30 range, there is very little trouble on the right side of most holes, making it very slicer friendly.  He accomplished his goal of making the course affordable and accessible to everyone with a weekend rate of only $42.00 and an average 18-hole play time of 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Country Creek offers golfers three sets of tees. From the Blue Tees, Country Creek plays 6,633 yards with a course rating of 71.3 and a slope of 122. The White Tees play 5,870 yards (67.8/116) and the Red Tees play 4,901 yards (67.7/113). No matter your level of talent, you’re sure to find a yardage that will make your round enjoyable.

Kenny Perry’s Country Creek Golf Couse has several memorable holes. If I were naming holes, Number 2 would be called “Deception.” It’s a short, 294-yard par 4. The thing about this hole is that the fairway slopes to the right and there are several trees in the landing area; trees that tend to keep golf balls. Keep your ball in play off the tee and you’ll be looking at a short pitch shot into a well-elevated green. There are only a few bunkers on the entire course and two of them guard the right side of this green!

Number 7 is a short, 470-yard par 5 dogleg left. Most amateur golfers will be best suited to play their tee shot down the right side of the fairway. That will leave a downhill approach shot with a long to mid-iron into a green that slopes front to back. There is a lake behind the green so going long is not an option. From the White Tees, the hole is short and will give up low numbers.

Course knowledge is everything. When I finally caught up with Kenny Perry, he was heading to the 7th tee. To the left of the fairway are a lot of large trees and a barn that has been there since before he bought the property. For most players, your tee shot is a blind shot – unless you’re the guy who built the course and knows where to hit it. Perry took a line directly over the barn and the trees and after he hit it, he knew it was somewhere up around the green. It was a line that the average golfer wouldn’t consider – let alone try and pull off!

The par 3 8th hole plays 199 yards from the Blue Tees. From back here there doesn’t seem to be anything between you and the green; it’s just a long tee shot. Move up to the White Tees (137 yards) and the lake in front of the green comes into full view. Regardless of where you play from, hit a good tee shot and you’ll be saying “What water?” The green is shallow, so distance control is important. Par is a good score here.

Number 10 is a legitimate par 5. This 473-yard (White Tees) dogleg left starts with a tee shot over a ravine, then it’s two more shots straight away to the green. Hit it straight, keep the ball in play and you can score well.

Number 12 is an interesting tee shot from an elevated tee over a ravine and downhill to a wide-open fairway. From there it’s a short chip shot to an elevated green.

The finishing hole is a 399-yard par 4 that’s a slight dogleg left. Your tee shot plays slightly downhill and then your approach is slightly uphill into a large green that slopes back to front. It’s a fitting end to a great day and also rated the toughest hole on the backside.

Director of Golf Operations, Marty Sharer, is who Perry credits with resurrecting the golf course when they were going through some lean times. Sharer also serves on the County’s Tourism board. The Franklin area is primarily known for three things: The Mint Gaming Hall, which also features a horse racing track, the Dueling Grounds Bourbon Distillery, and Kenny Perry’s Country Creek Golf Course.

People come from all over to play this golf course and why not? It’s a lot of fun for the average golfer. According to Sharer, they get a lot of play in the spring from northerners who are looking to get on a course after being cooped up for the winter without having to drive to Florida. And with gas prices the way they are these days, who can blame them?

Sharer is often asked about the stay and play packages, but unfortunately, they are not aligned with any other courses or hotels at this time. But look for that to change in the future. Sharer’s parents own The Arling, a wedding and event venue next door, and they plan on building a few cottages for their wedding business. Golf packages could help keep them occupied during the week.

The golf course is open year-round, excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas, weather permitting. Winter golfers are typically Canadians and those from the northern states that drive south just far enough to play golf without making the pilgrimage to Florida. The course is right off Interstate 65 about 45 minutes from downtown Nashville.

For more information on Kenny Perry’s Country Creek Golf Course or to book your next round of golf, visit them online at www.kpcountrycreek.com.

Now Playing: OnCore’s Tour-Level VERO X2

By
Shane Sharp
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OnCore Golf released its critically-acclaimed 2022 ELIXR in May, and now the Buffalo, N.Y.-based technology company is at it again. This month it unveils the highly-anticipated VERO X2, and early results and reviews indicate it’s a Tour-caliber ball to be reckoned with. It’s already landed on Golf Digest’s vaunted “Hot List,” while venerable Golf Monthly says it “delivers impressive performance throughout the bag.”

The VERO X2 is the second iteration of OnCore’s VERO X1, one of the most awarded direct-to-consumer golf balls in recent years. Engineered using a proprietary formulation and manufacturing process, it boasts a high modulus, metal-infused mantle connected to a thin, cast urethane cover by a nano-engineered transition layer. The VERO X2 has a higher compression rating than the VERO X1 – 95 vs. 85 – and firmer feel optimal for players with high swing speeds.

Leveraging the same unique core, mantle and cover integration as the VERO X1, the VERO X2 delivers low driver spin and a high, wind-penetrating trajectory for even greater distance and accuracy. This combination brings an optimized spin profile with irons and a trajectory engineered for stopping power on firm greens.

VERO X2 features OnCore’s proprietary perimeter-weighting that significantly reduces sidespin and bores through headwinds and crosswinds. This same patented technological advancement led to the VERO X1 topping Titleist’s Pro V1 and Pro V1x in several categories in independent testing by Golf EQ in 2021.

OnCore has cultivated a loyal stable of professional golfers, including PGA TOUR / Korn Ferry Tour player Erik Compton, who originally switched to the VERO X1 after extensive testing and numerous practice rounds. Compton, who put the VERO X2 in play at several Korn Ferry Tour events, has described the ball as “crazy hot, baby!”

Members of “Club OnCore” – the company’s VIP rewards membership – get the first crack at the VERO X2 this month (August), followed by a release to the general golfing public in late August or early September. Club OnCore affords members free shipping, free customization, early access to new products and free golf balls for signing up.

As a true direct-to-consumer golf ball brand, OnCore is on a mission to make premium balls more affordable for the playing public. The company offers free shipping on purchases of $100 or more, and its wildly popular loyal program offers product discount tiers ranging from 10% up to 25%.

Visit www.oncoregolf.com for more information or to purchase OnCore golf balls.

Grande Dunes Resort Course On Pace To Reopen Sept. 15 Following Renovation Project

By
Chris King
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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – A comprehensive greens, bunkers and clubhouse renovation project at the Grande Dunes Resort Course is progressing smoothly as one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular properties approaches its September 15 reopening date.

The 4-month project began on May 16 and architect John A. Harvey and his team have worked diligently to ensure Grande Dunes, which has been ranked among America’s top 100 public courses, is in pristine condition for the area’s peak fall season.

As part of the effort, Harvey is overseeing the restoration of Grande Dunes’ greens to their original specifications, an effort that will reclaim nearly 40,000-square-feet of putting surface. The new TifEagle ultradwarf bermudagrass greens have been sprigged and are growing in beautifully.

Harvey’s team is regularly top-dressing, rolling and cutting the greens. With more than five weeks remaining until Grande Dunes reopens, golfers can look forward to smooth, fast putting surfaces.

Work on the bunkers, which includes coring out the floors and the installation of Capillary Concrete bunker liners is on schedule as well.

The enhancements to the course will be matched by the overhaul of the Grande Dunes clubhouse, which is being renovated to include a new restaurant, greatly expanded outdoor seating, and a larger pro shop.

“We are delighted with the progress in all three phases of the Grande Dunes renovation,” said Founders Group International president Steve Mays. “We allowed four months for the completion of the project, ensuring the course will be in spectacular condition from the moment we welcome players back. As we enter the homestretch and you see the grass growing on the greens and the work being done on the bunkers, it only heightens our anticipation. I can’t wait to play the course again, and hopefully the golfers who flock to the area this fall feel the same way.”

Grande Dunes, which opened in 2001, has been ranked among America’s top 100 public courses and has long been regarded as one Myrtle Beach’s premier layouts. The course features five holes that play along the Intracoastal Waterway, including the unforgettable, par 3 14th.

The fairways and greens at Grande Dunes are among the area’s largest, providing a cushion for mid to high handicappers while challenging more skilled players. Designed by Roger Rulewich, the course has long been one of Myrtle Beach’s most sought after tee times.

Founders Group International owns 21 Myrtle Beach golf courses, making it one of the largest management companies in the Southeast, and FGI has aggressively reinvested in its courses in recent years. FGI has also undertaken significant capital improvement projects at Pine Lakes, Aberdeen Country Club, River Hills, Tradition Club and the PineHills and Palmetto courses at Myrtlewood over the last four years.

With additional capital improvement projects on the horizon, FGI is reinforcing its commitment to providing golfers with the best golf vacation experience possible.

For more information on Grande Dunes, visit www.GrandeDunesGolf.com.

For more information on FGI, visit www.FoundersGolf.com.

Salem Glen Country Club: Come Play the Only Jack Nicklaus Course In the Triad Area

By
David Theoret
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Salem Glen Country Club is one of Central North Carolina’s premier golf destinations and home to the only Jack Nicklaus Design in the Triad area. Over the years Salem Glen has garnered national acclaim by earning a prestigious 4-star ranking as one of Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play. Year after year local golfers and visitors alike rate it as one of the best golf courses in the area.

Nicklaus had a beautiful piece of property to work with and took full advantage of the natural terrain, including over 150 feet of elevation changes, four and a half miles of creeks, and nine lakes. The front nine is more of a links-style layout with five holes set in the Yadkin River basin. As you make your way around the outward nine, you’ll find generous fairways and strategically placed water hazards.

The first hole plays 395 yards and begins with a blind tee shot followed by an approach that plays significantly downhill into a green that is a lot wider than it is deep. If you hit it long, you may get lucky and get a kick back down the hill onto the putting surface.

The 4th hole is Salem Glen’s signature hole and features the most significant elevation change of any hole on the course. It’s a 529-yard par 5 that starts from an elevated tee box and requires you to avoid a creek that meanders down the left side as well as trees on the left. Play your tee shot out towards the fairway bunkers on the right. Your next shot requires a decision to try and carry the lake or layup short of it. The wise play for most is to layup and leave yourself around a 100-yard approach shot.

The back nine is more of what you’d expect from a golf course in this part of the country. Holes are tree-lined and mountainous with dramatic elevation changes including a tee shot that must carry a 70-foot-deep ravine.

Number 11 is a very picturesque hole, especially from the elevated back tees. It’s a short, 328-yard par 4 with hills and trees on the left and a pond, sand, and lone pine tree on the right to frame the fairway. The hills on the left side can be carried by long-ball hitters. Shorter hitters will find that these hills can also push your tee shot back into the fairway. You want to keep your tee shot left to take the water and fairway bunker on the right out of play and give yourself a clear approach shot to the green. The green slopes right to left.

The 13th hole is a breathtaking 355-yard par 4 that starts from an extremely elevated tee box and plays downhill. Your approach shot plays uphill and at least one extra club. A bunker guards the left side of the green which slopes right to left and is one of the smallest putting surfaces on the course.

What goes up must come down and after an uphill climb on the 13th hole, Number 14 is a 550-yard par 5 that plays downhill, over a ravine. Since it does play downhill, a good drive will leave a decision whether to go for the green on your 2nd shot. Should you decide to gamble, you’ll need to carry the wetlands that front this shallow green cut into the hillside.

The 17th hole is a scenic and difficult par 3 that plays 172 yards from the Blue tees. The hole plays slightly downhill and is flanked by creeks in front and behind the large green. It seems to be the Member’s favorite.

Salem Glen is a course designed for players who love the game and offers fun and excitement for players of all skill levels.

There are five sets of tees ranging from the Gold Tees which play 6,714 yards with a course rating of 73.1 and a slope of 138 to the Red Tees (4,606/68/118). The Blue Tees (6,297/71.2/134) provided a good test of golf and still let me leave with a little dignity.

Salem Glen is just a short drive from several North Carolina metropolitan areas including Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point, and Lexington.

Salem Glen is becoming a popular place to host events because they can accommodate events from 8 to 200 people regardless of the time of year. Indoor and outdoor event space is available year-round and is the perfect venue for weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, golf outings, or family gatherings. The golf facility is quickly becoming the area’s number one choice for golf outings large and small. Each year they host hundreds of corporate outings, charitable and non-profit fund-raisers, and get-togethers for small businesses or groups of friends. Whether you’re looking to put together a golf event for you and your buddies or you are wanting to construct a charity event, Salem Glen’s professional and dedicated staff will help ensure that your day is enjoyable and fondly remembered by all who attend.

The Golf Shop carries a wide selection of all the latest and greatest golf apparel, shoes, equipment, and accessories. Choose from top brands and models from Callaway, TaylorMade, and Titleist. If you time it just right, you may just catch a Demo Day and hit one of these fine companies’ new gear. And Salem Glen’s Director of Instruction, Jimmy McMullen can help you fine-tune every aspect of your game. He has been helping golfers from across the Carolinas play better golf and have more fun.

If you live in the area and want to take full advantage of everything Salem Glen has to offer, consider becoming a member. And, since Salem Glen Golf and Country Club is privately owned, members are never assessed any operating or capital assessments expenses.

Jack’s Grille and The Grille at the Glen are perfect venues for everything food and drink-related; from a romantic dinner with that special person to hanging out with friends. Both offer a bright and inviting atmosphere, delicious cuisine, full bar service, and an extensive wine list. For golfers on the go, the Quick Turn Menu offers hot dogs, wraps, and sandwiches including an all-time family favorite, the Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich. After your round come in and fuel up on a full lunch menu that includes appetizers such as Loaded Potato Chips and entrees that include salads, pizzas, and burgers. Dinner is served Wednesday – Sunday and includes dishes such as Pan Seared Grouper and Grilled Angus Filet Mignon. No matter what you order you won’t leave hungry.

Salem Glen offers a variety of memberships including Full Golf, Junior Golf, Senior Golf, Pool, and Social Memberships. As a Member, you’ll be entitled to unlimited access to the practice facility and golf course with green fees, discounts on food and beverages and in the pro shop, complete access to the swimming pool, access to member-only events, and the Member’s Only Locker Room, and much more. Monthly dues are extremely affordable for both individuals and families. Check with General Manager Guy Carroll for more information or visit their website, www.salemglen.com.

Tidewater Golf Club Named South Carolina’s Golf Course Of The Year

By
Chris King
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CHERRY GROVE, S.C. – Tidewater Golf Club, one of Myrtle Beach’s most acclaimed designs, has been named Golf Course of the Year by the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association.

The SCGCOA evaluated Golf Course of the Year nominees on four criteria: exceptional quality of the golf course, exceptional quality of the ownership and management, outstanding contribution to the community, and significant contribution to the game.

The Palmetto State is home to more than 350 courses and golf generates approximately $3 billion in economic impact, highlighting the game’s importance throughout the state. Tidewater became eligible to win state honors after being recently named the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association Course of the Year.

“It’s incredibly exciting and humbling to be named South Carolina’s Golf Course of the Year,” Tidewater General Manager Chris Cooper said. “There are so many great courses throughout the state and being honored by the Golf Course Owners Association – the people who have their finger on the pulse of the industry – makes the award even more significant. At Tidewater, our goal is to provide every player with an experience that leaves them looking forward to their next trip to the course, and the award is validation of that effort.

“This honor is also a testament to our owner, Mr. William Cassels, who provides us the resources to ensure Tidewater delivers on its promise, and our entire staff, all of whom work tirelessly to exceed the expectations of golfers.”

By virtue of winning South Carolina Golf Course of the Year honors, Tidewater advances to compete for the National Golf Course Owners Association’s National Course of the Year award. The National Course of the Year award winner will be announced at the annual Golf Business Conference, which will be held Jan. 23-25, 2023 in Orlando, Fla.

Tidewater has been ranked among the nation’s top 100 public courses and is consistently listed among South Carolina’s premier layouts. With nine holes that play along the Intracoastal Waterway or Cherry Grove Inlet, the course’s beauty is unforgettable.

The four holes that play along Cherry Grove – Nos. 3, 4, 12 and 13 – are breathtaking, but the layout’s inland holes, a memorable collection of challenges that test every aspect of a player’s game, are essential to the experience as well.

Tidewater’s scenery, combined with its commitment to customer service, course conditions and charity, helped propel it to the award. Another vital component of Tidewater’s success is the continuity of its staff. The course employs 37 people, 20 of whom have worked there for at least seven years.

For more information or to book a tee time, visit the course’s new-look website at TidewaterGolf.com.

Bag Boy T-10 Travel Cover

By
Ed Travis
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The Bag Boy division of Dynamic Brands has introduced the T-10 golf club travel cover with an ABS thermoplastic polymer top to protect clubs in transit.

Fast Facts Bag Boy T-10 Travel Cover
All-weather polyester fabric
Rigid ABS top and base
In-line wheels
Lockable wrap around zipper
Two external & two internal pockets
Shoe storage
3 color combinations
$220

WYNTK
Summer travel season is upon us and anyone who has done any amount of air travel taking along their golf clubs knows baggage handlers are anything but gentle. This makes a safe travel cover for clubs a must, just ask anyone who has arrived at their destination only to find their clubs arrived in more pieces than when they left home.

Bag Boy’s approach is to give the T-10 travel cover a strong, crush resistance top of ABS thermoplastic to protection the heads sticking up in the bag and though the cover is not bulky it is large enough to handle a full-size bag. There are also some nice touches like interior protection for a stand bag’s legs and two wheels on the bottom to make going and coming easy. The two outside pockets have zipper closures and two mesh pockets on the inside.

When in use or in the off season the T-10’s fabric body folds neatly up for storage inside the hard-shell top.

Three color combination are offered: black/red, black/charcoal, and black/royal blue.

Pat Gallagher, Product Manager at Bag Boy said of the new travel cover, “The T-10 combines ABS hard-top protection with a lightweight soft body. Together, these features provide unparalleled protection and superior usability that are ideal for golfers traveling both short and long distances.”

GolfLogix, the Number 1 app in Golf, Raises the Bar Once Again with New 3D Flyover and Slope Distance Features

By
Brian Weis
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GolfLogix, the Number 1 app in Golf, Raises the Bar Once Again with New 3D Flyover and Slope Distance Features Adding to GolfLogix’s industry leading GPS technology, two new features arm golfers of all skill levels with even more valuable information designed to lower scores and increase performance

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (August 2, 2022) – GolfLogix, already the world leader in app technology for golfers, once again sets new boundaries with two extraordinary new features: 3D Flyovers, which allows the user to see the shape and elevation of every hole from tee to green and GPS Distances with Slope that utilizes elevation data for accurate slope distance to any point on the course.

The drone-like 3D Flyover component offers golfers the opportunity to strategize on how to best attack any given hole, based on ability level, by showing a true representation of their ball in flight, using their own personal club distances for their tee shots and then their approach shots, so that they can see what lies ahead before they address the ball. The birds-eye flight perspective will remind users of the computer-generated renderings they have become accustomed to seeing on television during professional golf events.

In addition to the ground-breaking GPS based distance capabilities GolfLogix users have already become accustomed to, the new version showing slope truly takes all the guesswork out of determining shot selection and landing areas by using detailed elevation data to show “Plays Like” distances for uphill and downhill shots. The innovative new feature was created by measuring millions of elevation points on thousands of courses worldwide.

“As part of our core mission, we continually challenge ourselves to break barriers with our capabilities,” said GolfLogix President and Co-Founder Pete Charleston. “With the new dynamic aerial perspectives and even greater detailed elevation and slope measurements we’ve added, GolfLogix users have access to the most advanced data available at over 38,000 courses around the world.”

As with all existing capabilities on the GolfLogix app, both new features can be muted in order to remain compliant with USGA rules.

For more information, visit GolfLogix.com.

About GolfLogix

The Number 1 App for Golf, over 5 million golfers have downloaded GolfLogix on the world’s top-selling smartphones. Dedicated to offering consumers the most advanced green mapping and GPS solutions with the most useful features at accessible prices, GolfLogix helps improve individual performance.

Founded in May 1999, GolfLogix was the first to introduce handheld GPS to the golf industry and holds a U.S. patent for its unique GPS and Internet-based club tracking application. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, the company has been professionally mapping courses for more than 20 years and owns the largest, most up-to-date golf course database in the world.

In 2009, the rapid advance of smartphone technology led GolfLogix to develop and quickly capture the market with an easy-to-use application providing precise GPS distances. In addition, the software manages scorekeeping and stat tracking, then uploads them to an online clubhouse community where golfers can interact and compete with millions of other players worldwide.

About 8AM Golf

GolfLogix is a part of the 8AM Golf family. 8AM Golf was created by golf entrepreneur and philanthropist Howard Milstein as the holding company that oversees his golf companies—all of which help golfers at every level to enjoy the game more. In addition to GolfLogix, other 8AM Golf companies include GOLF Magazine and the Golf.com website; the Nicklaus Companies; legendary club maker Miura Golf; True Spec Golf, a brand-agnostic club-fitting company that stocks more than 50,000 combinations of clubheads and shafts; Club Conex, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of adjustable golf club adapter systems; Fairway Jockey, which provides golfers with the ability to shop for custom clubs online, and Chirp, a free-to-play gaming app that lets golfers wager on the outcome of pro golf tournaments, rounds and shots.

# # # # #
For more information contact Mary Beth Lacy at:
Email: mb@mblacy.com
Phone: (760) 346-6942

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