Author: John Duval

  • Softspikes Strike Back

    Softspikes Strike Back

    I’m here to report that spiked golf shoes are making a comeback! Well, technically they never left, depending on where you play. You see, on the PGA Tour where every shot matters and one bad drive can cost you millions, spiked golf shoes are still dominant. PrideSports, makers of the Softspikes brand, reported that all four major winners this year wore Softspikes, 100 percent of the World’s Top 10 and 86% of 2022 PGA Tour winners wore replaceable spikes in their golf shoes.

    I remember when the spikeless shoe revolution started. In 2010 at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai in Hawaii, Fred Couples showed up wearing casual-looking spikeless golf shoes made by Ecco, and even though he shot 21-under in three rounds and lost to Tom Watson in a playoff, all everyone wanted to talk about was his shoes. A few months later he showed up for a Monday practice round with Tiger at the 2010 Masters Tournament wearing the same shoes and lit the world on fire. The spikeless golf sneaker revolution had begun.

    I admit, I was a sucker to the casual street/skater look and comfort that these new shoes offered, but the biggest attraction for me was not having to change shoes in the parking lot or locker room before playing golf. I could just wear my shoes out of the house, to the course and to the bar afterwards. In fact, I frequently wear my spikeless Puma Golf shoes to work. For years I’ve worn spikeless shoes knowing I’m sacrificing traction for comfort, but what I didn’t know was I was also giving up distance.

    In a study performed by Dr. Bob Christina (Prof. of Kinesiology at the University of NC Greensboro) & Eric Alpenfels (Director of Instruction and Golf Academy at Pinehurst Resorts), they found that wearing spiked golf shoes can result in an average gain of 6 yards of carry with a driver compared to spikeless shoes. 6 yards doesn’t sound like much, but in many cases that’s enough to hit one less club into the green, or to carry that fairway bunker you always find yourself in on the corner of that one dogleg par 5.

    The bottom line is, traction positively impacts performance. The pros know this. Softspikes has seen a steady uptick in usage among professionals since last year. We don’t know the percentage of amateur golfers that wear spiked shoes vs spikeless, but I suspect most amateurs are wearing spikeless shoes. For almost a decade I’ve worn spikeless shoes almost exclusively, but I’ll be switching back to spiked shoes and replacing the spikes in the few pairs I have with new Softspikes cleats.

    Replacement Softspikes and CHAMP cleats can be purchased in the golf section of most large retailers, sporting goods stores, golf specialty and golf course pro shops. Cleats can also be purchased online from any of these locations, your favorite online store or directly from www.softspikes.com.  

    PrideSports is the undisputed leader in the golf cleat segment with its CHAMP and Softspikes brands. The company recommends golfers change their cleats every six to eight months – or even more frequently based on use – to ensure golfers get the maximum performance out of their footwear. In my experience, twice a year seems like a good interval.

    CHAMP’s Helix®, Zarma Tour® and Stinger® cleats, as well as Softspikes’ Pivix®, Pulsar®, Silver Tornado™ and Stealth® cleats, dominate the OEM and secondary market in terms of performance and sales. More information can be found at www.champspikes.com and www.Softspikes.com, or follow @softspikesgolf and @PrideSportsUs on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

  • 6 Last Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas

    6 Last Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas

    GolfTrainingAids.com

    GolfTrainingAids.com

    The company was founded in 1984 by PGA Master Professional Dr. Gary Wiren as a resource to provide training aids to teaching and touring professionals. The internet era has allowed GolfTrainingAids.com to expand and now offers the largest selection of golf teaching and training aids in the world. Serving the golf industry for over 35 years, they are the most knowledgeable one stop shop for all of your training needs.

    GolfTraininaAids.com has something for everyone, including a product on this list – Golf Forever’s Swing Trainer. Whatever you and your golf pro are trying to work on, there will be a tool that can help you feel the proper movement or help you get there. Just go to www.golftrainingaids.com and happy shopping!

    Activated You – Morning Complete

    Morning Complete is a powerful daily wellness drink featuring a custom-selected blend of nutrients designed to support regular digestive function, daily energy levels, and overall wellness. This delicious, apple cinnamon flavored drink is perfect for anyone who wants to start each day on a healthy note, and enjoy optimized health throughout their lives, thanks to the potent blend of nutrients included in each glass: *

    • Prebiotics are like the fertilizer for your microbiome. Without prebiotics, the probiotic bacteria that your gut relies on for regularity and wellbeing can’t function.
    • Probiotics to replenish and nourish the naturally occuring good bacteria in your gut, for enhanced digestive function and overall health.
    • Energy nutrients from leafy greens — the kind of nutrients your system needs to help you sail through even the busiest days without energy crashes.

    Plus, Morning Complete features five additional hand selected nutrient blends, designed to rev up your metabolism, keep your spirit lifted, help your body protect itself against oxidative stressors, support healthy liver and cellular functioning, and support healthy blood sugar levels already within the normal range.

    *Individual results can and will vary.

    Radmor Golf Apparel

    Radmor snow-white Colby multi-stripe
    Radmor Olivia Bobrad Stretch Sleeveless Jersey
    Radmor Five-O Knit Performance short

    Most high-performance golf shirts these days are made with polyester. Polyester is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the most common type of oil based plastic in the world. Polyester clothing takes decades, if not centuries to decompose in a landfill and is considered harmful to the environment. By comparison, cellulose fibers like cotton, lyocell, modal, bamboo, all breakdown in a fraction of the time and are considered regenerative for the environment.

    Radmor Golf is the first brand in the golf industry to focus on the elimination of using “virgin” polyester on a garment level. They’ve also limited the amount of recycled ocean polyester and recycled nylon they use to less than 10% of the collection. The the vast majority of Radmor’s garments are made from either BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) organic cotton or extra-long staple Pima cotton. It’s more expensive, but it’s stronger, lighter, and lasts longer than other cottons.

    True Linkswear Shoes

    TRUE All Day Knit II (4)
    TRUE All Day Knit II (1)
    TRUE All Day Knit II (3)

    I recently tried a pair of TRUE Linkwear’s All Day Knit shoes and found them to be one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. Good thing it just so happens to be a golf shoe that I can also wear to work, so they’ll get a lot of use. TRUE Linkswear has a very nice selection of styles, colors and sizes, so jump over to truelinkswear.com and check them out! https://truelinkswear.com/collections/shop-all-footwear

    Honma’s TW Family

    HonmaTW757_FamilyB
    Honma TW 757 woods
    Honma TW757 Irons

    When Honma tradition meets modern tech, the result is TW757. With the world’s first carbon-slot technology and a family of multi-material irons—TW757 delivers high speed, stability, spin control, and long-distance performance. Honma Golf isn’t as well known in the US as some other brands, but they’ve been making some of the best quality golf clubs in the world for over 60 years. I have a set of their older forged cavity backs and would love to get my hands on a set of their latest offerings from the TW757 “Tour World” collection. There’s not a better looking or performing forged iron available in my opinion. Take a look at the TW757 collection here and see for yourself, then schedule a fitting for the ultimate experience!

    Golf Forever

    Golf Forever Scotty Scheffler

    GOLF FOREVER is the first digital program to bring together biomechanical and medical expertise with a customized program for your body. Our team of certified professionals will safely guide you every step of the way, giving you complete confidence every time you log in.

    Whether you rarely exercise or work out on a daily basis, this program has been designed to help you play your best and feel your best, both on and off the course. As I get older, I have noticed my swing slowing down and as a result I’m losing distance. I signed up with Golf Forever to rebuild some of the strength I’ve lost and regain flexibility to remain competitive at golf well into my 50s, and for my overall fitness as well. It just helps me to know I’ll be targeting my golf game specifically. The program has had some notable PGA Pros get on board too. Most notably Scotty Scheffler, the #1 ranked player in the world!

    Take a look at what the program has to offer on their website – www.golfforever.com

  • TRUE Linkswear – All Day Knit II

    TRUE Linkswear – All Day Knit II

    TRUE Linkswear has come a long way from their first generation golf shoes I tried in 2012. They have always been known for making supremely comfortable golf shoes, but back in 2012 the design of the shoes wasn’t as polished, and while the shoes were amazingly comfortable, they also looked a bit like clown shoes. With a low to the ground design to mimic walking barefoot to the gaping wide toe box, the shoes provided amazing comfort at the expense of some style.

    Compromising style for comfort isn’t a problem anymore with TRUE Linkswear. With over a decade of experience and 500,000+ happy customers to show for it, TRUE Linkswear has matured and their current lineup is a representation of that maturity, with a blend of classic styles and modern materials, TRUE Linkswear has a shoe for just about every golfer. The one thing all their shoes still have in common is comfort. A great example of that is their most popular model – The All Day Knit II.

    Simply put – The TRUE Linkswear All Day Knit II golf shoe is one of the most comfortable shoes (not just golf shoes) I’ve ever worn. It sits low to the ground and the breathable upper takes the shape of your foot and allows perspiration to escape, keeping your feet happy and dry on those hot summer days. There’s just enough cushioning for all day wear, and paired with a pair of thin no-show socks these are a walker’s best friend on the golf course – as long as it’s not too wet out, because the All Day Knit II isn’t waterproof. As long as you stay away from the puddles you should be fine. If they do get a little wet or dirty, no problem. Just toss them in the laundry. That’s right – The All Day Knit II are machine washable! The only real tradeoff these shoes make is in stability. While they offer some support, if you need lots of lateral stability in a golf shoe these won’t be a good choice, but in my experience stability and comfort in a golf shoe are often at odds with each other. For most golfers, these will be great everyday performers that you can wear right out of the house and to apres-golf activities alike. Heck, I even wear them to work sometimes.

    The All Day Knit II is available in 12 different colorways, and if you are like most people you’ll want 2 or 3 pairs in different colors to match outfits. MSPR is $145 direct on TRUE’s website and they run in sizes 7 to 15 and fit widths D to EE.

    All Day Knit II – Features

    • TRUEknit Fully Breathable One-Piece Upper (90% Polyester, 10% Spandex)
    • Full Sock Fit Flexible Opening for Slide-In Comfort
    • One-Piece TRUEknit Upper Flexibly Conforms to Most Foot Shapes (D-EE)
    • New Open Cell Footbed for Increased Breathability and Comfort on Warmer Days
    • NEW Wanderlux Midsole for Increased Comfort and Rebound
    • TOUR Tested & Approved Outsole Cushion & Tread
    • Extremely Lightweight – 9.1 oz. (Size 9 M)
    • Cross-Life Tread for Maximum Versatility
    • Transitional Drop (~6 mm)
    • Comfortably Fits up to EE Width
    • Machine Washable

  • First Look: Honma T//World 757 Collection

    First Look: Honma T//World 757 Collection

    Honma has been one of our favorite brands for a while now. What’s not to like abut premium forged Japanese steel? While they aren’t the most well known brand in the USA, they are a market leader in Asia, and have been in the golf business for over 60 years. Honma’s Tour World (TW) collection are designed for Honma’s tour staff, low to mid handicap players and people that prefer a more traditional look and feel. The new TW 757 collection continues their legacy of amazing looking and performing clubs, and I can’t wait to get my hands on them and try them out. Without further delay, let’s let Honma’s marketing team fill you in on the new stuff with the press release below:

    Honma Golf Announces New T//World TW757 Collection

    Created in Honma’s renowned Sakata, Japan Design Studio, and paired with the hand-rolled VIZARD graphite shafts, the artfully designed TW757 line is set to make its way into the bags of Tour Professionals and aspiring players around the globe. 

    “We are extremely excited to get the long-awaited T//World 757 line in the hands of golfers across North America,” says COO of Honma North America, Janeann Lanning. “It’s a handsome product line loaded with performance-improving characteristics. The use of carbon in these two new driver models helps produce exceptional speed that’s going to catch a lot of people’s attention. And the three new iron models — built for mid to low handicappers — perform brilliantly in their respective categories.” 

    To learn more, visit https://us.honmagolf.com/collections/tworld.

    DRIVERS

    GOLF’S FIRST CARBON SLOT: The TW757 Driver features a new, patent-pending “Carbon Slot” to activate and optimize the performance of the lower half of the face at impact. By using a thinner layer of titanium, which is supported by a lighter and more responsive carbon insert, TW757 Drivers deliver higher launch conditions and lower spin to maximize distance, while yielding the highest initial ball speed in Honma Golf’s history.

    Ti-CARBON FAST FRAME

    Coupled with the Carbon Slot, the TW757’s Carbon Crown further increases discretionary weight savings, enabling low-deep CG placement in tandem with a Keel Sole design first used in the Honma GS line, and now enhanced in the new TW757’s high MOI 6-4 Titanium body.

    Honma engineers also added two thick and long crown ribs to maintain rigidity around the clubface in conjunction with Honma’s unique, variable thickness, vertical groove clubface to transfer energy more efficiently at impact to maximize ball-speed. As an added benefit, the carbon elements of the TW757 also help to optimize the sound and feel preferred by better players around the world, a hallmark of Honma T//World products.

    TWO DRIVERS FOR OPTIMAL BALL FLIGHT – D and S

    The TW757 line is a custom fit dream, offering two distinctly different drivers, each specifically designed to cover a wide array of ball flight preferences. Both drivers come in 9° and 10.5° and are adjustable for loft (+/- 1°) and face-angle (+/- 1.5°) via Honma’s P-SAT Sleeve and torque wrench.

    The modern 460CC D Driver has two weight-ports in the sole, one each in the back-heel and front-toe for “Directional Control.” Placing the 9gr. weight in the back-heel will create a higher launching draw-bias, and for players looking for a flatter and more fade-biased ball-flight, simply move the heavier 9gr. weight into the front-toe weight port.

    The traditional pear-shaped 450CC S Driver also has two weight-ports strategically located in the front and back of the sole for “Spin and Stability.” Placing the heavier 9gr. weight to the rear of the head creates higher launch conditions and increased MOI, while moving the heavier weight forward, the additional mass behind the sweet-spot creates a flatter trajectory with lower spin for hot ball-flight.

    Both D and S models come standard with 9gr. and 3gr. weights, however weights are also available in 6gr., 12gr. and 15gr.

    P-SAT (Precision Spine Alignment Technology) Sleeve and Non-Rotational Hosel System

    Proprietary to Honma, the P-SAT sleeve and hosel system allows Honma VIZARD shafts to keep the shaft’s spine, as well as shaft graphics and grip markings consistently aligned, while not sacrificing the ability to adjust the TW757 driver for both loft and face-angle to optimize ball-flight.

    All graphite shafts naturally have a slightly harder side or “spine,” which is created during the manufacturing process; hence all shafts are not always created or perform equal.

    As a result, all Vizard shafts are factory tested during the quality control process so that the spine can be isolated and correspondingly marked in the 6 o’clock position, which helps to mitigate downward shaft deflection through impact, leading to more consistent strike patterns.

    Retail pricing for Honma’s new TW757 D and S drivers starts at $719 and varies based on customizations and shaft selection.

    Honma TW 757 woods

    FAIRWAYS AND HYBRIDS

    Classically styled with a player approved compact footprint, the TW757 fairway woods and hybrids provide everything the player demands, and nothing they don’t.

    All models feature a sole slot for higher launch and added speed and are built with an SUS630 stainless steel body paired with a 455-carpenter steel face. These premium materials also support a new Vertical Slot Face Insert to more effectively manage both centered and mishit shots alike.

    In the lower lofted models, the TW757 3-Wood features a carbon crown to save weight and to generate higher launch conditions. While a cup face insert design in the 3-Wood and #3 Utility also helps increase initial ball speed to help players get home in two. 

    Playable from a variety of lies, the TW757 Fairway Woods and Hybrids/Utilities are designed with progressive internal sole weighting to generate consistently long carry distances. As an added benefit, the Fairway Woods feature an adjustable sole weight to fine-tune swing weight.

    Retail pricing for Honma’s new TW757 Fairways starts at $415 and varies based on customizations and shaft selection. TW757 Hybrids retail for $350 with custom shaft options available for a slight upcharge.

    Honma TW757 Irons

    IRONS: Three models of the tour driven TW757 irons meet the needs of the best players.

    P Irons 

    The multi-material TW757P Player’s Distance irons are designed for players in pursuit of consistent distance and added control, while still demanding the look and feel of a traditional iron only Honma’s experienced Takumi (Master Craftsmen) can deliver.

    Inlaid 12gr. Tungsten sole weights along with an undercut pocket cavity creates a low-and-deep CG in a relatively compact iron, which generates high trajectory in conjunction with a modern spec loft package.

    The steel body also houses a 6gr. toe-weight to precisely center the sweet-spot, and a 2.2mm thin L-cup face insert generates consistently fast ball speed across the face for the better player looking for added distance with a measure of forgiveness. Honma’s new P irons retail for $1,272 (5–PW) in NS950 NEO steel shafts and $1,392 with Vizard TW757 graphite shafts.

    Vx Irons 

    Forged from the softest premium S20C carbon steel, the TW757Vx Iron is a true players iron. The beautiful, tour-approved address profile in the one-piece cavity back forging features a 7gr. tungsten weight in the toe. The tungsten toe-weight serves to pull the CG towards the dead-center of the face (#4–#8 iron) for consistency throughout the bag. Optimal heel and toe weighting inside the cavity reduces energy loss on off-center hits, and generates high launch windows, with optimal spin and exquisite feel Honma T//World irons are known for. Honma’s new Vx irons retail for $1,272 (5–PW) in TW757 Modus Tour 105 steel shafts and $1,500 with Vizard TW757 IB-WF composite-material shafts.

    B Irons 

    The TW757B is Honma’s advanced next-gen muscle back blade design. Featuring a thin top-line in a traditional-shaped blade, ideal CG placement is achieved by inserting a 7gr. Tungsten weight and resin insert into a strategically placed port in the toe (#3–#7 iron). With additional material removed to lighten the heel to further optimize CG placement, the TW757B iron presents an ideal balance of performance and feel to let the best players in the world dictate their preferred trajectory and distance control. Honma Takumi have crafted the TW757 blades from the softest 8620 carbon steel for the ultimate in player feedback with tighter tolerances than any previous muscle back blades in the company’s history.

    Honma’s new TW757 B irons retail for $1,272 with TW757 Dynamic Gold Steel shafts.

    VIZARD SHAFTS, MADE IN JAPAN, SAKATA

    The exclusive VIZARD for 757 50 Shaft was holistically designed to synergize the TW757 Driver and Fairway Woods from grip to tip. The strong mid-section in conjunction with a sub 5.0° torque value stabilizes club delivery and maximizes energy transfer at impact, while a softer tip provides for high launch and optimal spin. This versatile shaft has a smooth feel and is playable for a wide variety of players looking for a premium ultra-lightweight shaft. As with all VIZARD shafts, this proprietary shaft is spine aligned at 6 o’clock for added stability and Made in Japan.

    To complement the standard VIZARD for 757 50 Shaft, Honma produces some of the very best shafts in the world for players looking to take their game to the next level through Sakata’s world-renowned Custom Department. Produced in-house in Honma’s Sakata factory to the industry’s tightest tolerances, the VIZARD MA, MP, FZ and Platinum hold their own on professional tours around the world.

    VIZARD MA is designed for High Trajectory and Mid Spin. Well suited for players who prefer a firmer handle or tend to have a descending attack angle or struggle to release the golf club, the VIZARD MA features Ni-Ti alloy for shape retention in the tip-section to allow for higher launch and easy release while still maintaining ample control. Offered in 40-, 50-, 60-, and 70-gram weight classes.

    VIZARD MP is built for the player with a neutral delivery looking for a shaft offering High Launch and Low Spin in a smooth feeling shaft. This shaft’s slight draw bias is achieved by extensive layering of ultra-high strength TORAYCA® T1100G materials to provide stability and feel in this popular custom shaft. Offered in 40-, 50-, 60-, and 70-gram weight classes.

    VIZARD FZ was born to accommodate the strongest swings on tour and is now available to players around the world. The rigid tip-section of the FZ shaft is created by layering the high-strength and elastic TORAYCA M40X carbon fiber material in the tip area. This shaft creates a mid-launch condition and very low spin. Offered in 50-, 60-, and 70-gram weight classes.

    VIZARD PT (Platinum) is an exciting new concept in ultra-premium custom shafts that helps players maximize clubhead speed. This shaft contains ultra-elastic carbon TORAYCAM40X in the bias layer for added tip reinforcement, and the ultra-high strength and elastic TORAYCAT1100G in all layers. This unique shaft features a stiff tip and butt section with very low torque, paired with an active mid-section to help increase swing speed. Offered in 40-, 50-, and 60-gr. weight classes in a single uniflex profile targeted at players with current clubhead speeds of 82–116 mph.

    About Honma Golf

    Honma is a prestigious and iconic golf brand. Founded in 1959, the Company utilizes the latest innovative technologies and traditional Japanese craftsmanship to provide golfers across the globe with premium, high-tech, and top-performing golf clubs with state-of-the-art heads and proprietary shafts built by master artisans to perform together holistically. Renowned for creating the world’s highest quality and most beautiful clubs, Honma offers equipment (including balls, apparel, and accessories) to fit all golfers, with the families aligned to suit the preferences and abilities of various segments of golfers: the world-renowned “Ultra-Premium” BERES luxury line and the Tour-validated “Premium Performance” T//World TW757 and game improvement GS lines. The premium club manufacturer and lifestyle brand was founded inside a small Yokohama workshop six decades ago and now holistically designs all products in Sakata, Japan. Honma operates as the only company that handles every step from design to final production in-house to create the highest-quality golf products on the market today. Honma’s products are sold in approximately 50 countries worldwide, primarily in Asia and across North America, Europe, and other regions. To learn more, visit https://us.honmagolf.com

  • Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure

    Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure

    I have to be honest – My expectations were not very high for my visit to Rumbling Bald late last year. It’s not because the resort doesn’t measure up to some lofty personal standard, but because my visit came the week before Thanksgiving when the entire area is in holiday mode and most of the tourists are gone. This time of year the town of Lake Lure is as quiet and uncrowded as it is all year. The water level of this man-made lake was down about 5 feet from normal so they could perform annual maintenance of the almost 100 year old hydroelectric dam and everyone was getting ready for Thanksgiving, but that didn’t take away from my experience at all. In fact, I benefitted from the lack of crowds and the feeling that I had the whole place to myself!

    The town of Lake Lure has a full time population of only 1100 people, but in the summer season, that number swells to over 12,000. I found the timing of my visit in mid-November to be fortuitous, because the weather was pretty good and there were no crowds at the resort’s golf courses or traffic on the twisty mountain roads that surround the area. This was important to me because I drove up to the Blue Ridge Mountains in my sports car with every intention of tossing it around on the legendary driving roads of western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.

    When it comes to the northern shores of Lake Lure however, all roads lead to Rumbling Bald. Sitting on over 3000 acres of land on the northern edges of the lake, the resort has a little something for everyone, but family vacations are where this place shines. The 720 acres of Lake Lure are available to resort guests for all kinds of activities including boating, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and swimming at the resort’s beach. If the weather turns bad, the wellness center’s indoor pool will keep the kids busy while mom and dad enjoy a spa treatment or take a fitness class.

    When the weather breaks, head outside again and take a stroll on one of the hiking trails that surround the area. There are over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails to choose from. Rumbling Bald also offers lighted hard surface courts to play tennis, pickleball, basketball and more. There’s a .9 mile fitness trail that starts just outside the wellness center, and of course the 36 holes are golf are just steps away or a short drive down the road.

    Speaking of golf – That’s where Rumbling Bald really shines. Of course I would say that, because I’m a golfer, but I believe most golfers will agree with me that this place delivers. The Bald Mountain Golf Course, located across the parking lot from the guest check-in and restaurant, is a unique layout with five par-5s and five par-3s. Designed by W.B. Lewis, the course measures only about 6300 yards from the back tees, but this is mountain golf, so throw out the yardage book. You’ll have to play shots here to score. Interesting Fact: The 16th hole was a shooting location for the movie “Dirty Dancing.”

    The second course at Rumbling Bald is the Dan Maples designed Apple Valley Golf Course. Stretching to almost 6800 yards, this course has a great mix of holes that weave up and down the valley, with one of its defining features being that about three-quarters of all the shots at Apple Valley are either level or downhill, which is pretty hard to do when designing a course in the mountains. Most of the elevation changes on this course takes place on the back nine, where you descend into a valley and cross a pond that is fed by mountain streams, both of which will come into play a few times on your way back up to the clubhouse. Apple Valley is infinitely playable and a lot of fun, especially on a beautiful sunny, crisp November afternoon like I had. I was fortunate enough to be playing with the club champion, so I had someone showing me how you are SUPPOSED to play it as opposed to the way I was navigating the course. The playing conditions at Apple Valley, like the Bald Mountain course, were impeccable, even in this “shoulder” season as they call it.

    There is a lot to do in the mountains of North Carolina. There is a seemingly endless list of resorts, attractions, destinations, parks and quaint little towns to visit, and planning out your trip can be a bit overwhelming. In my opinion, Lake Lure and Rumbling Bald make a perfect home base to explore this amazing area. It’s close to major city centers like Asheville, Spartanburg, Greenville, Charlotte and Atlanta and serviced by several major interstate highways I-40 and I-26. Lake Lure is a great place to disconnect because it’s remote enough to feel like you left civilization behind, but still within reach of all the big box stores and services you need. My first visit to Rumbling Bald and Lake Lure was a relaxing off-season getaway, but I suspect it won’t be my last.

    For more information about Rumbling Bald and Lake Lure visit https://rumblingbald.com/ and https://www.townoflakelure.com/

  • Champion Hills – Fazio’s Mountain Masterpiece

    Champion Hills – Fazio’s Mountain Masterpiece

    Legendary golf course designer Tom Fazio has signed his name to over 200 golf courses, and many of them are recognized on “best of” lists at state and national levels. Among his most acclaimed designs are several in the state of North Carolina, including BrightsCreek, Quail Hollow, Wade Hampton, and of course Pinehurst #8. But in the hills just outside of Hendersonville, NC and only minutes from his office is perhaps Fazio’s best design that you haven’t heard of.

    Voted one of the best residential golf communities in the United States, Champion Hills Club has 730 acres nestled on the eastern edges of the Blue Ridge Mountains just eight minutes from downtown Hendersonville, 30 minutes from Asheville and about an hour from Greenville, SC. This ideal location affords members the ability to play golf year-round, while still experiencing seasonal changes in weather like frosty mornings in the fall while the colors change and warm, humid summer nights by the fire pit. The course was even rated the No. 1 year-round course in North Carolina.

    His design company’s offices being less than six miles away, Tom Fazio was a natural choice to design a course on this amazing piece of property. Land that features such dramatic changes in elevation as this site does can make it very challenging to lay out a playable golf course, but making it friendly to play for all abilities, genders and age groups is even harder. After all, this is a member’s course. Fazio’s mastery of course routing resulted in a par 71 layout that doesn’t feel like mountain golf, while being in the mountains.

    By using some clever routing and creating what Fazio calls “playing platforms” in the landing areas from tee to green, the course has only six holes that play uphill despite almost 350 feet of elevation change on the property. The majority of the holes play downhill, and a few of the drops are quite dramatic, such as the par three 9th hole that drops almost 125 feet from tee to green. This results in a very fair and playable course without missing out on those amazing mountain views. Fazio calls Champion Hills a “golf course in the mountains, not a mountain golf course.”

    While the golf course may be the centerpiece of this community, it is far from the only thing going on at this active club. There are over 17 miles of maintained trails around the property, which helped Champion Hills get voted Best Hiking Community of the Year by Real Estate Scorecard in 2017. Champion Hills is also an active tennis club with lessons, clinics and leagues (Pickleball is coming soon), and they have a well-equipped, modern fitness center with two personal trainers and a professional staff to help you get in the best shape of your life, or just work off that big meal you ate last night.

    Speaking of meals… The Mountain View Room is the highlight of the magnificent 25,000 square-foot clubhouse and Champion Hills’ main dining room, with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a country club casual atmosphere. The culinary team brings creative ideas to classic recipes and are committed to approachability and service. Next door to the main dining room is the Fazio Pub, for lighter fare or to enjoy the game on TV and and a few beers after playing golf.

    Champion Hills Club is managed by Troon Golf, the world’s largest golf management company. As such, full members at Champion Hills have access to Troon Privé Privileges, which gives them access to over 100 Troon private courses and amenities at Troon Privé member rates, as well as opportunities to experience 150+ resort and daily fee locations at preferred rates. Plus, all members of Troon Privé clubs receive special discounts with Avis Rental Cars, Ship Sticks, Entertainment, Marinas and more. tennis players also enjoy preferred access, rates and benefits at Cliff Drysdale Tennis clubs and resorts throughout the United States and Bermuda.

    The Blue Ridge Mountains of North and South Carolina are among the most desirable places to raise a family or retire in the eastern United States. Among the many places to see, things to do and experiences to be had, Champion Hills Club stands out as one of the finest places to live and play in the region. Having spent a day there in the fall, I learned quickly how this residential community seems to be doing so many things right. From the immaculately conditioned golf course, to the gorgeous clubhouse and facilities, to the warm, welcoming staff and the active and diverse membership, Champion Hills Club has found a winning formula and deserves your attention.

    To plan your visit and get more details about Real Estate, golf, memberships and more, visit www.championhills.com for more information.

  • Cherokee Valley Club – Greenville’s Hidden Gem

    Cherokee Valley Club – Greenville’s Hidden Gem

    In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains north of Greenville, South Carolina lies the Cherokee Valley Course and Club. If you want mountain views but still need to be close to town, this hidden gem of a community is ideally located to satisfy all your needs. Sitting just 30 minutes north of downtown Greenville and less than an hour from Ashville, North Carolina, the Cherokee Valley Course and Club offers a relaxed environment with plenty to do.

    This 450 acre development sits adjacent to North Greenville University and offers an outstanding array of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fly fishing, white water rafting, boating and more. Cherokee Valley enjoys a mild four season climate which permits outdoor recreation all year long. It is this wealth of activities and climate that make the area such a popular destination for families and retirees alike.

    The wonderful 6,728-yard, par 72 P.B. Dye designed golf course is the centerpiece amenity at Cherokee Valley and has everything you want in a mountain golf course – dramatic elevation changes, scenic vistas, great playing conditions, smooth fast greens and plenty of opportunities to score with a properly struck shot. Other amenities include a modern 4,000 square foot fitness center, tennis courts, outdoor pool, putting green, driving range w/ indoor golf academy and the innovative Core 450 restaurant on the top floor of the clubhouse, overlooking the 9th and 19th greens.

    The golf course starts out with a forgiving downhill tee shot, but you quickly discover that this is a true test of mountain golf. The greens are smallish in size, and are often perched on ledges or plateaus with huge drops on one side or more. Things really get interesting on the 226-yard par three 6th hole, with amazing views and a more than 70 foot drop from tee to green. Another 70-plus foot drop awaits on the 387-yard par four 7th hole. My high, drawing tee shot hit the downslope and jumped forward, bouncing and rolling down the hill and ending up almost pin high. From there however, I was faced with a flop shot to a tight pin on the green that was at least 10 feet above me. Number 11 is another picturesque hole, and then you get into some devilish short holes with a blind tee shot on 13 followed by the tricky par four 14th that has a creek flowing on both sides of the fairway and in front of the green. Climbing back up the hill on the par five 16th hole leaves you with a risk-reward downhill approach shot over water to the green. You may have managed to successfully navigate your way around the first 16 holes, but don’t get too cocky, because you are left with two of the toughest holes on the course (both long par fours) to end your round.

    Cherokee Valley isn’t just a great residential community and golf club, but it’s also a perfect golf getaway for a group. The club owns and maintains several spacious, well appointed Cottage homes right on the golf course. The cottages vary in size, but the one I stayed in sleeps 8+ in four large master suites, a huge great room, full kitchen and a fantastic wrap-around porch to relax on and watch the world go by. The Cottages are just a short walk from the clubhouse, restaurant and practice facilities. Honestly, I don’t think you can do much better as a destination for a 3 or 4 day stay & play package. The rates are amazingly affordable – For example, bring 8 people and everyone can stay in Cottage #1 for $600 per night + $45 per player for golf (Weekends). That’s only $120 per player, per day for golf and accommodations!

    Whether you are looking for a place to settle down and raise a family, an active community to retire to or a place for your next buddy trip, Cherokee Valley Course and Club will not disappoint!

    Key Mileage Figures

    14 Miles to Furman University

    18 Miles to Greenville, SC 

    20 Miles to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)

    35 Miles to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)

    48 Miles to Asheville, NC 

    50 Miles to Clemson University

    102 Miles to Charlotte, NC

  • 2021 Holiday Gift Guide – Apparel Ideas

    2021 Holiday Gift Guide – Apparel Ideas

    Galway Bay Rain Gear

    Galway Bay White Rain Jacket
    Galway Bay All-Weather Short Sleeve Jacket

    Golf is an outdoor sport and sometimes it rains, so why not be prepared with the best rain gear available? You never know when it’ll rain in Florida, but when it does you better be ready! Galway Bay’s awesome waterproof jacket is always in the trunk of my car or golf bag, ready to deploy at a moments notice. I prefer the sleeveless model, but they have something for everyone. Check them out on their website, or Amazon.

    DVRX Performance Pants

    Devereux is a men’s golf brand that brings a fresh take to the sometimes stale world of golf. The line aids a lifestyle that will allow for golf to be more inclusive, inviting and straight-up less boring. They design and deliver apparel that the world of golf not only wants, but needs, welcoming the next generation of golfers who are breaking stigmas and outdated standards. As one of the only direct-to-consumer golf apparel brands, they have the freedom to create apparel for the kind of golf we like, the kind where you untuck your shirt, wear your hat backwards and leave your belt at home, but utilizing the functional fabrics of golf clothing. 

    For more information, visit dvrxthreads.com

    TRUE linkswear + Foray X + Sport

    The walking-focused golf shoe brand headed up by Jason Moore and his brother / PGA TOUR player Ryan Moore debuted several new lines this year including its wildly popular TRUE Pebble and Dead Golfer collections. Rounding into the final stretch of 2021, these Pacific Northwest pioneers are bolstered by an $11.25 million investment from private equity firm KarpReilly.

    TRUE linkswear Foray Street
    TRUE Linkswear Foray Street

    Recently, TRUE debuted the limited-edition Queen of Clubs Foray X True Knit II ($175), its first collaboration with the women’s golf apparel brand Foray Golf. The shoes come wrapped in a Foray-designed carry bag perfect for travel or just storing the shoes at home. Foray has also added several unique finishes to the shoe, including a translucent sole under which sits the Queen of Clubs artwork.

    The Moore brothers are all about comfort and performance, and TRUE’s Sport Series was just unveiled in November to rave reviews. Engineered for the eternal pursuit of par and the grinders and early risers, as the TRUE crew likes to say, the Sport’s adaptive upper is both breathable and waterproof, a one-two punch any diehard golfer would relish. It’s offered in two models, OG ($165) and Lux ($175).

    TRUE is planning a Black Friday sale with killer “final sale” deals on older models, big-time savings on top-selling collections and free gift cards with certain levels of spending.

    Shop: www.truelinkswear.com.

    TravisMathew Apparel

    Coming off the heels of a successful Cloud Collection launch and just in time for the holiday season, performance and lifestyle brand TravisMathew, launched their His + Hers Cloud Collection which features their first ever women’s products. Perfect for cozy nights in or busy days running errands, the line consists of seven different items, including a hoodie, crewneck, and lounger pant for both men and women – along with a throw blanket in the same soft, micro-fleece fabric.

    Click here for more info and gift ideas!

    G-Tech Apparel – Heated Pouches

    I’ve always wondered what those sleeves were that NFL quarterbacks and coaches were using, and now everyone can get one to keep their hands warm in any situation. G-tech’s hand warmers have been used in the NFL, CFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA, PGA Tour, and LPGA Tour. A heated hand warmer is an invaluable piece of gear for those chilly days outdoors, especially for golf. It’s really difficult to play good golf with cold, stiff hands. G-tech keeps your hands toasty for better grip and feel. Their battery powered sleeves feature a patented technology that keeps your hands warm by heating a sort of gel bar in the center of the sleeve. I’ve tested it myself and it really works!

    For more info, check out G-tech’s website here, or buy on Amazon here!

    Puma Cloudspun WRMLBL Vest

    PUMA Golf- Cloudspun WRMLBL Vest
    PUMA Golf- Cloudspun WRMLBL Vest

    I love a nice vest, especially because it allows me to swing freely without restriction while still keeping me warm. Being a huge fan of Puma and their stylish and functional golf apparel, it was only fitting that I fall in love with their new Cloudspun WRMLBL Vest. The Cloudspun WRMLBL Vest elevates a course classic with soft Cloudspun fabric and a subtle, Dassler-inspired quilted pattern. With a woven internal label that reads “Stay Warm, Enjoy Golf” you will be reminded to keep smiling no matter how the course is playing.

    Radmor Golf Fall + Fall & Winter Collection

    Saving the planet one piece of golf apparel at a time is an ambitious resolution. But that’s just what Radmor Golf has set out to do. The Seattle-based golf apparel company is the only brand in the golf industry to eliminate the use of “virgin” polyester at the garment level – a harmful material used in the vast majority of “stretch” and “moisture wicking” fabrics.

    In doing so, Radmor Golf has reduced the amount of recycled ocean polyester and recycled nylon to just 10%, almost unheard of in the apparel business. Instead, founders Scott Morrison and Bob Conrad rely primarily on BCI organic and extra-long-staple Pima cotton, two of the softest, most durable cottons available.

    Radmor’s new fall and winter collection features a curated assortment of high-performance, refreshingly casual polo shirts, corduroy and knit pants and t-shirts in fall colors like sage and blue graphite. And as golfers battle the elements this winter, or just want to stay toasty, Radmor’s hoodies, sweatshirts are popular plays, and its weather-resistant Moscrip Jacket is perfect for rainy or blustery days.

    For Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Radmor is planning a “site-wide” sale with savings ranging from 30 to 50%.

    Shop: www.radmorgolf.com

  • 2021 Holiday Gift Guide – Accessories

    2021 Holiday Gift Guide – Accessories

    DriveForce Nutrition – DF-18 Drink Blend

    Ever lose your focus or have an energy crash on the back nine? DriveForce, a newly formed sports nutrition company specializing in creating functional health products, is proud to introduce DF-18 – a premium pre-round performance blend that sustains a golfer’s focus, hydration, and stamina for hours while playing golf. The innovative powdered formula, available in single-serving packets, contains no added sugar or caffeine, but rather a multitude of health promoting ingredients designed to be mixed with a bottle of water and consumed before a round.

    Old Trapper Meat Snacks

    Old Trapper Beef Jerky

    Old Trapper has been a staple in my golf bag for a while. I like to eat something when playing golf to maintain energy and replenish lost nutrients, and on hot summer days in Florida you sweat a lot, so the salty, low fat, protein filled beef sticks and jerky from Old Trapper are the perfect snack to keep you going strong. Beef jerky is a great golf course snack also because it’s not messy, keeps for a long time and comes in a resealable package you can stuff in your golf bag. Give Old Trapper a try! I believe they make the best store-bought jerky you can get. I get the variety packs on Amazon to save money and get it faster with Prime.

    Flightscope Mevo & Mevo+

    Flightscope MEVO Plus

    I have had my Flightscope MEVO for a few years and use it all the time on the range to see how newer clubs stack up against older ones, and to see how much club head speed I’ve lost over the years from getting old and fat. All kidding aside, a Flightscope MEVO or MEVO+ is an invaluable tool to get much of the same launch data you get from the super expensive versions you see out on the tour and professional fitting studios, without the huge price tag. The MEVO+ adds a golf simulator feature for indoor use and measures even more data parameters for serious golf enthusiasts and club fitters. Check out their website now for holiday specials, or get the MEVO+ on Amazon here!

    Perfect Practice Putting Mat

    Perfect Practice Putting Mat

    There probably isn’t one piece of golf gear that I use more than my Perfect Practice Putting Mat. I use it almost every day, rolling putts, trying different putters, stances and grips, searching for the right combination that will help me make more putts and shoot lower scores. The alignment lines are hugely helpful and ensure I’m aiming properly, and rolling putts on the mat helps build muscle memory. For $139.98 on Amazon you can’t really get better value for a golf training aid.

    Big Max Blade IP

    Big Max Golf Blade IP Pushcart

    The Big Max Blade IP is simply the best manual push cart on the market today in my opinion. The Austrian company doesn’t skimp on quality, and the Blade IP is built like a tank, but the clever engineering allows it to fold up nice and flat for easy storage. The process to open and close the Blade IP takes only a few seconds, and the Quick Fix mounting points allow the attachment of and easy access to popular accessories like a rangefinder, smartphone, umbrella and more. Priced at $349, the Big Max Golf Blade IP isn’t the cheapest push cart on the market, but I think the value is there for a solid trolley that won’t let you down.

    Precision Pro R1 Smart Rangefinder

    precision-pro-r1-rangefinder

    The Precision Pro R1 rangefinder is the next step in smart rangefinder technology. By pairing to your phone via Bluetooth and the Precision Pro App, the R1 can access real time weather data to tell you wind strength and direction, access GPS distances and a new feature called MySlope that combines a player’s unique ball data with environmental variables. like launch angle, spin rate, altitude, ball speed, temperature & humidity to provide more accurate information to the golfer. Perhaps the best feature you hope to never use, the app also helps you locate your rangefinder if it ever gets lost. Combine all this technology for around $300 and you have a winning combination!

    Bushnell Wingman Speaker

    Bushnell Wingman - In hand

    Bushnell’s Wingman speaker has been a smash hit since its introduction a few years ago. A powerful magnet allows it to be attached to any metal surface, like the supports on a golf cart, push cart, even in your garage. It’s also a great tailgate option because of the powerful sound and compact size. The Bushnell app lets you play around with some snarky voice-to-text and get GPS distances spoken through the speaker at the push of a button. It’s quite simply the perfect multipurpose Bluetooth speaker on the market.

    PowerPlate Mini+ Massage Gun

    Handheld percussion massagers have become all the rage lately and there are dozens out there on sites like Amazon, but it’s hard to tell which are quality made and which are cheap knockoffs. PowerPlate’s Mini+ massage gun is one of the good ones! It weighs just under 1 pound and is very portable. It’s easy to bring it to the gym, golf course or even the office. I use one to greatly reduce warm up time at the golf course by massaging my shoulders and arms to increase blood flow and get my body ready to play. I also use it after playing to speed recovery and relieve pain and soreness. AT $179. it’s also one of the more affordable massage guns out there.

    Ballwash Products

    Ballsy Grooming Products

    Look, when your company is called Ballsy, you are expected to make products that have provocative names. Men’s grooming products don’t have to be taken so seriously, right? With taglines like “We’ve got your sack” and “Keep your jewels jolly” clearly they’re not taking themselves too seriously. But they do take their cleaning products seriously. From head to toe they’ve got men covered with products like Ballwash (shower gel), Nut Rub (solid cologne), Sack Spray (deodorant spray) and Ball Balm (soothing cream). Having tested their products on my own [clears throat] jewels, I can say they have a winning collection! Take a look for yourselves and save 20% with the special promo code on their website!

  • Pro Tips From Golf’s Best Players

    Pro Tips From Golf’s Best Players

    Every player across the world is constantly looking to improve their game, no matter if they’re a regular player or just enjoy a weekly round at the local course. When watching the professionals take to the course on TV, or if you’re lucky enough to go to a live tournament, it’s awe inspiring to see them play.

    We can all learn something from the world’s best golfers. Below we take a look at some of their best hints and tips to get you striking the ball, and holing your putts, better than ever before.

    Short game supremacy

    One of the most memorable victors this year was Japanese player, Hideki Matsuyama. The 29-year-old became the first player from Japan to win a major when he won the 2021 Masters by one shot.

    Matsuyama’s mastery from around the green is a real feature of his play. But how does he do it? You will see him try to keep his clubface level when chipping. Keeping his right wrist straight, the left bends and allows a better angle to create a shot which has a high trajectory and a soft landing. Matsuyama also keeps his knees flexed throughout the swing, ensuring that he doesn’t bob up and down, that could be a real approach shot killer.

    Hit the greens with envy

    Tiger Woods is obviously synonymous with success, even when he’s not playing. He recently gave support to the US Ryder Cup team as they dominated their opponents from Europe. So, who better to get the inside track to finish each hole confidently? Woods says preparation is absolutely vital and not only in practicing the putting action itself. Although not the most glamorous of training regimes, it’s helpful to know the greens. By having advance awareness of things like hole placement, breaks on the surface and even the direction of the grain. It gives players an extra confidence ahead of walking to the green. Allowing you to be fully prepared and concentrating on your putt.

    Delivering with the driver

    Jon Rahm’s strength and ability with the driver sets him apart from his contemporaries. Coming off his first major victory at the U.S. Open, he’s already been tabbed as a favorite for the Masters when the 2022 major season kicks off. Though it’s quite early as of this writing, the sports betting section on Ladbrokes has already posted official odds for the 2022 Masters, and Rahm is out in front.

    The key to the Spaniard’s growing success is in his short and powerful swing. By not thinking what his hands are doing, he concentrates on moving his torso, arms and club together. Knowing instantly if it’s a good backswing by feeling it in his right hip, Rahm then loads up the weight on his right foot and thigh. Following that with a hard push into the ground on his downswing, Rahm generates the power to unleash the drives that so many want to replicate.

    Photo Credit: Forbes

    Avoiding the bunker blues

    Rickie Fowler has been known to hit some spectacular shots from the green-side sand, arguably none more so than the one which saw him hole out from 50 yards at the 2016 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. So, how does the flamboyant Californian do it?

    He recommends having a wide stance, placing your feet shoulder-width or further apart. Then with an open clubface, and 60-70% of your weight on the front foot, swing through the ball and keep going a little more. Fowler keeps his right knuckles facing the ground throughout the shot, helping the club glide through – rather than digging into the sand.

    Photo Credit: Golf Digest

    There you have it, thank you for reading. Don’t forget to keep an eye on our home page here at intothegrain.com for news, reviews and more tips to help you improve your game.

  • Fall 2021 Golf Packages in the Carolinas

    Fall 2021 Golf Packages in the Carolinas

    The end of the golf season may be just a few months away in the Northern states & Canada, but in North & South Carolina the season is still going strong! The arrival of Autumn in the Carolinas means the hot, humid conditions typical of summer in the Southeast give way to cool nights, sunny days and moderate temperatures. The Blue Ridge Mountains are the perfect place to spend a week or two relaxing, playing golf and enjoying the numerous outdoor activities the region has to offer before gearing up for the holiday season.

    Two of the better choices for a fall golf trip in the Carolinas are Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, North Carolina and Cherokee Valley Course and Club in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. These two gems are worth a serious look any time of year, but the fall season is a particularly great time of year in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here’s some details about the resorts, and the fall vacation packages they have to offer.

    Rumbling Bald

    Tucked along scenic Lake Lure and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Rumbling Bald is secluded yet eminently accessible from myriad metro areas. Charlotte, Asheville and Raleigh, N.C., Knoxville and Nashville, Tenn. and Greenville and Spartanburg, S.C. are all between one and 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.

    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.

    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, or grab a hearty sandwich and cold drink at Pinnacle Southern Kitchen at the Apple Valley clubhouse.

    Fall Vacation Packages at Rumbling Bald

    Starting at $313 per person, the popular “Hole-in-One” package features a two-night stay, two rounds of golf on the Apple Valley and Bald Mountain courses and unlimited range balls at both course’s recently upgraded practice areas. Lodging options abound, including the Apple Valley Studios (across from Apple Valley) and two- and four-bedroom Fairway Villas situated along Bald Mountain just steps from the first tee.

    With a nod to the long-awaited 2021 Ryder Cup at Destination Kohler’s famed Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, Rumbling Bald continues to offer its limited availability “Ryder Cup Package” this fall. Expert golf vacation planners are available to design an exciting, Ryder Cup team formatted event for golf groups in search of an unforgettable experience.

    The Ryder Cup Package starts at $541 per person and includes: three nights’ lodging; three rounds of golf scored and handicapped; complimentary replays on either course; a team shirt and hat; private, one-hour opening reception with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres and unlimited use of the practice facilities. With the Ryder Cup played in the Central Time Zone, golfers compete against their buddies in the morning with plenty of time to catch the action from Whistling Straits in the afternoon.

    For groups of 12 or more, Rumbling Bald offers gratis golf for group leaders upon booking their first trip to the property. The “12+ Comp” is ideal for PGA Professional-member trips, tournaments, or large golf buddy trips.

    To learn more about Rumbling Bald’s golf courses and packages, visit www.rumblingbald.com, or email jdoran@rumblingbald.com. To book packages directly, or to speak with a golf vacation planner, call (828) 694.3072.

    Cherokee Valley Course and Club

    Cherokee Valley Course and Club is situated amid the rolling foothills of Upstate South Carolina’s scenic Blue Ridge region adjacent to North Greenville University. It features the region’s only P.B. Dye-designed golf course, a mountain-style gem winding through rolling hills and deep dales, sprinkled with ample stretches of gently rolling fairways and trademark Dye green complexes.

    A round of golf on Cherokee’s P.B. Dye-designed mountain-style layout can be added for $35 on weekdays (Mon. – Thurs.), $45 on weekends (Fri. – Sun.) or $60 for “all you can play,” subject to availability. Golfers have a choice of playing on an exciting Finn Cycle electric scooter or the new E-Z-GO RXV golf carts equipped with high-resolution GPS screens and Bluetooth speakers. All For more information on cottage rates, configurations, availability or to book visit the course and club’s Accommodations Page.

    Cherokee Valley’s cottage collection features three elegantly appointed homes along the golf course. Each is equipped with four bed-and-bath suites offering privacy and ample room. Rates start at $130 a night for one room with one bed, $600 for a four-bedroom cottage with two beds per room, and $1,000 for “Cottage Six,” a two-story home with four bedrooms upstairs and a king bed master suite, one bedroom with four queens, two bathrooms and a game / theater room downstairs.

    Golfers enjoying a golf package at Cherokee Valley can now walk from their cottage to the course and club’s new full-service restaurant and gathering place, Core 450. Opened in May, Core 450 overlooks the ninth and 18th greens evoking memories of a classic mountain retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and the expansive outdoor patio is the perfect place to dine or sip a drink while taking in the mountain air and Carolina sunshine.

    Cherokee Valley has also partnered with the historic Westin Poinsett in beautiful downtown Greenville to offer value-laden packages. Located in the heart of one of America’s most acclaimed cities, the AAA Four Diamond hotel is an easy 30-minute drive from the course. Packages include a 350-square-foot guest room with one king or two queen beds, 42-inch flat screen, mini-fridge, 24-hour Westin Workout Fitness Studio and a round of golf with cart. Rates vary by season and can be obtained via our Partners Page.

    For more information on golf packages and memberships, visit www.cherokeevalleyclub.com.

  • First Look – Callaway JAWS Full Toe Wedges

    First Look – Callaway JAWS Full Toe Wedges

    Callaway Golf has been a solid player in the wedge market for years, especially since adding legendary wedge designed Roger Cleveland to their staff. It would be easy to rest on your laurels after releasing a popular wedge line like the JAWS MD5 and PM Grind series wedges, but they continue to work on new designs and technologies to give golfers more options.

    Callaway’s new JAWS Full Toe wedges are designed to give you control on all types of wedge shots, from chips, pitches, flops,
    bunker shots, and full shots into the green. The JAWS Full Toe wedges combine four technologies to maximize spin.

    • JAWS grooves – The most aggressive groove in golf. These JAWS grooves are extended across the face to provide spin anywhere that you make contact.
    • To increase surface roughness of the clubface, Callaway added offset groove-in-groove technology and then combined it with a raw face, a first for Callaway. The wedges give you the spin and control you need to approach any shot with confidence, and the raw face will rust over time to reduce glare and give you that worn look many players prefer.
    • The Full Toe shape and a specialized C-Grind make bunker shots, high flop shots, and short pitches and chips easy to hit, from any lie you face on the course.
    • The JAWS Full Toe Wedges also provide enhanced control on full wedge shots. The JAWS toe pad moves weight and pushes the CG higher, for a design that creates a lower, more controlled trajectory. The Variable Weight Port System moves the CG away from the hosel for solid contact and enhanced feel.
    • The JAWS Full Toe wedges come stock with a premium Lamkin UTX grip, True Temper’s newest Dynamic Gold Spinner shaft in steel, or a Project X Catalyst wedge shaft in graphite. Available in two finishes: Raw Face Chrome and Raw Black.

    Features & Benefits

    Spin Machine – Jaws Full Toe wedges combine full face JAWS grooves, offset groove-in-groove technology and an allnew raw face, giving you the spin and control you need to pull off every shot around the greens.

    Confidence and Versatility – The Full Toe shape provides more face area with an enhanced toe peak. The shaping works with the specialized C-Grind to make short shots around the green easy to hit, especially bunker shots and high flops. This wedge is built to perform on mid and full wedge shots too, with great turf interaction through the ball so you can stick it close.

    Enhanced Control – The Full Toe pushes the CG higher, for a design that creates a lower, more controlled trajectory. Our Variable Weight Port System helps us locate the CG away from the heel, for solid contact and enhanced feel.

    Premium Components and Finishes – JAWS Full Toe Wedges come stock with a premium Lamkin UTX grip, True Temper’s newest Dynamic Gold Spinner shaft in steel, or a Project X Catalyst wedge shaft in graphite. Available in two finishes: Raw Face Chrome and Raw Black.

    The JAWS Full Toe wedges will be available for pre-order on 8/26/2021 and in retail stores on 9/9/2021. MSRP will be $169.99 each.

  • First Look – Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 Series

    First Look – Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 Series

    For years, Tour Edge’s “Exotics” brand was well known for producing some of the hottest, best performing metal woods on the planet, but in recent years that all changed. Now, Tour Edge’s Exotics line are simply some of the hottest and best performing CLUBS on the market. The new Exotics E721 and C721 series of spin-reducing and distance-enhancing irons and woods have taken the PGA Tour Champions by storm, and now Tour Edge is releasing a limited edition “tour van” lineup of woods for further spin reduction called the Exotics Pro 721 series. Here are the details:

    Summary

    • Only 1000 of each will be made available to the end consumer in this special small batch “Straight from the Tour Van” series.
    • The more forward Center of Gravity Pro 721 metals were designed for the players with faster clubhead speed to produce low-spinning, penetrating shots.
    • The all-new designs feature more compact heads and with deeper faces that sit open at address for the driver/fairway and perfectly square at address for the hybrid.
    • The tour-inspired metalwoods showcase the extremely popular and highly effective Ridgeback support system in a new matte finish on the driver and fairway metals, while the hybrid features a matte finish stainless steel crown.
    • Diamond Face 2.0 technology is utilized on all three of the metals.
    • The Pro 721 metals were designed with the feedback from the 120 PGA Tour professionals who have played Tour Edge over the past few seasons, including over 25 players choosing to play Exotics drivers in tournament play.
    • The Pro 721 series will range from $449.99 for the Pro 721 Driver, $299.99 for the Pro 721 Fairway and $249.99 for the Pro 721 Hybrid.
    • The metals will be available to purchase by the end consumer at select retail locations and online on August 13th.
    • Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 Driver Face
    • Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 Driver
    • Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 Driver
    • Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 Driver
    • Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 Fairway
    • Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 fairway
    • Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 Headcover
    • Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 Hybrid
    • Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 Hybrid
    • Tour Edge Exotics Pro 721 hybrid

    More Info & Technical Details

    Exotics Pro 721 Driver

    Tour -Inspired Shape – The deeper face, shorter heel to toe and compact front to back ensures low spin and a penetrating ball flight. The more compact 440cc classic pear shape head the ideal shape and size for tour players and those who produce faster club head speeds.

    Extreme Heel and Toe Flight Tuning System – The clubhead features a Flight Tuning System (F.T.S.) adjustable heel (3 grams) and toe weights on the sole (12 grams). Adjusting the F.T.S. dual weights in these ports that are placed to the extreme heel and toe of the clubhead can drastically affect ball flight and shaping shots in this compact, low-spin design.

    Ridgeback Support System and Dual Carbon Wings – The Ridgeback spine within the Carbon Fiber crown acts as a brace to produce more power on center hit and allows for greater face flex in the heel and toe, meaning off-center hits achieve greater power and ball speed.

    Ridgeback replaces extra titanium from the crown and sole with wrap-around Dual Carbon Wings that allowed for a precise and strategically placed Tour-level CG location, moving as much weight as possible to a low-forward position that produces the lowest possible amount of spin for faster swing speeds.

    Diamond Face 2.0 Technology – The Pro 721 Driver utilizes Diamond Face 2.0 technology on its high-strength Beta Titanium face. This major breakthrough in face technology features 43 different thick and thin diamond shapes or “mini-trampolines” behind the face, producing full-face forgiveness with faster ball speeds and better performance on off-center hits.

    Diamond Face also contributes to the reduction of spin in the driver head, with the 721 Pro Driver spinning less than the Exotics C721 Driver by 400 RPM’s on average.

    Sound Diffusion Panels – Five different Sound Diffusion Panels placed strategically inside the club head vastly improves the acoustic properties of the clubhead.

    Adjustable Hosel – An adjustable hosel allows adjusting the loft Plus/Minus 2 degrees.

    Stock Shaft Options

    The stock shaft for the Exotics Pro 721 Driver is the TENSEI AV RAW series from Mitsubishi.

    All three RAW versions feature a RAW finish that reveals the Aluminum Vapor (AV) Coated Weave in the butt section, a visible look at the added stability this unique weave provides.

    • TENSEI™ AV RAW Blue features the softest mid-section and the most action of the three RAW shafts, leading to a smooth feel without a big hinge and kick.
    • The TENSEI™ AV RAW Orange is a Counter-Balanced shaft with more weight placed near the grip and hands for greater stability and control and is a slightly softer offering than the RAW White in the mid/tip section.
    • The TENSEI™ AV RAW White features the stiffest tip section and lowest spin of the trio of RAW shaft offerings, while still offering smooth action that doesn’t feel boardy.

    Exotics Pro 721 Fairway

    The “straight from the tour van” Exotics Pro 721 Fairway is a Limited-Edition small batch production of three 3-Wood lofts that is being offered to the public in only 1000 total pieces.

    The Pro 721 was designed to be a low-spinning rocket for faster swingers seeking a more compact head with a deeper face.

    The Exotics Pro 721 Fairway features tour-inspired shape with a tour-prototype look and feel that features a new matte finish Ridgeback support system on the crown.

    Exotics clubs have been in play by over 120 different PGA TOUR players with over 1,600 Exotics clubs in play on the three PGA Tours over the past few seasons.

    The Pro 721 metals were designed with the feedback from those PGA TOUR professionals.

    Tour-Inspired Shape – The deeper face, shorter heel to toe and compact front to back is the ideal shape for the best players in the world. Designed for maximum workability, the Pro 721 Fairway features a slightly smaller 155cc tour preferred head size on the three lofts of 3-Wood offered. The compact head ensures a low spin, penetrating ball flight.

    Extreme Heel and Toe Flight Tuning System – The clubhead features a Flight Tuning System (F.T.S.) adjustable heel (3 grams) and toe (15 grams) weights on the sole. Adjusting the F.T.S. dual weights in these ports that are placed to the extreme heel and toe of the clubhead can drastically affect ball flight and shaping shots in this compact, low-spin design.

    Ridgeback Support System and Dual Carbon Wings – The Ridgeback spine within the Carbon Fiber crown acts as a brace to produce more power on center hit and allows for greater face flex in the heel and toe, meaning off-center hits achieve greater power and ball speed.

    Ridgeback replaces extra titanium from the crown and sole with wrap-around Dual Carbon Wings that allowed for a precise and strategically placed Tour-level CG location, moving as much weight as possible to a low-forward position that produces the lowest possible amount of spin for faster swing speeds.

    Diamond Face 2.0 Technology – The Pro 721 Fairway utilizes Diamond Face 2.0 technology, a major breakthrough in face technology that features 43 different thick and thin diamond shapes or “mini-trampolines” behind the face. This produces full-face forgiveness with faster ball speeds on off-center hits. Diamond Face also contributes to the reduction of spin in the club head.

    Sound Diffusion Panels – Sound Diffusion Panels are placed strategically inside the club head vastly improves the acoustic engineering of the entire new Pro 721 metalwood line up.

    Stock Shaft Options

    The stock shaft for the Exotics Pro 721 Fairway is the TENSEI AV RAW series from Mitsubishi.

    All three RAW versions feature a RAW finish that reveals the Aluminum Vapor (AV) Coated Weave in the butt section, a visible look at the added stability this unique weave provides.

    • TENSEI™ AV RAW Blue features the softest mid-section and the most action of the three RAW shafts, leading to a smooth feel without a big hinge and kick.
    • The TENSEI™ AV RAW Orange is a Counter-Balanced shaft with more weight placed near the grip and hands for greater stability and control and is a slightly softer offering than the RAW White in the mid/tip section.
    • The TENSEI™ AV RAW White features the stiffest tip section and lowest spin of the trio of RAW shaft offerings, while still offering smooth action that doesn’t feel boardy.

    Exotics Pro 721 Hybrid

    The “straight from the tour van” Exotics Pro 721 Hybrid is a Limited-Edition small batch production that is being offered to the public in only 1000 total pieces.

    The Exotics Pro 721 Hybrid ultra-compact shape was designed to be the most iron-like hybrid on the market. It features tour-inspired shape with a tour-prototype look and feel that features a new matte finish on the crown.

    Exotics clubs have been in play by over 120 different PGA TOUR players with over 1,600 Exotics clubs in play on the three PGA Tours over the past few seasons.

    The Pro 721 hybrid was designed with the feedback from those PGA TOUR professionals

    Tour-Inspired Shape – The limited-edition Pro 721 Hybrid features tour-inspired ultra-compact shape with a deeper square-face. Ball strikers with faster swing speeds tend to gravitate towards smaller, more compact hybrid designs that they can swing with an iron-like swing.

    Extreme Heel and Toe Flight Tuning System – The clubhead features a Flight Tuning System (F.T.S.) adjustable heel (3 grams) and toe (15 grams) weights on the sole. Adjusting the F.T.S. dual weights in these ports that are placed to the extreme heel and toe of the clubhead can drastically affect ball flight and shaping shots in this compact design.

    Diamond Face 2.0 Technology – Different diamond shapes of variable face thickness behind the face act as mini-trampolines to create faster ball speeds and expand the sweet spot to outer areas of the face. There are a total of 41 total Diamond shapes featured on Diamond Face 2.0 on the Pro 721 Hybrid.

    Sound Diffusion Panels – Sound Diffusion Panels are placed strategically inside the club head vastly improves the acoustic engineering of the entire new Pro 721 metalwood line up.

    TrueLoft System – A TrueLoft System ensures extra quality control in the bending process of unfinished Pro 721 hybrid heads and includes an extensive triple-check on loft and lie in the final stages of the manufacturing process. This commitment to making sure that each club head fits the exact intended loft helps players expertly dial in their preferred distances.

    The Tour Edge R&D team expects an average of six to eight yards in between each loft, giving the Pro 721 a 24–36-yard distance gap from 17-degree to 20-degree.

    Stock Shaft Options

    The stock shaft for the Exotics Pro 721 Hybrid is the TENSEI AV RAW hybrid series from Mitsubishi.

    Both of these RAW hybrid shafts feature a RAW finish that reveals the Aluminum Vapor (AV) Coated Weave in the butt section, a visible look at the added stability this unique weave provides.

    • TENSEI™ AV RAW Blue hybrid shaft provides Mid-Launch, Mid-Spin properties.
    • TENSEI™ AV RAW White hybrid shaft is the heavier option of the two and provides Low-Spin and Low-Launch.
  • 6 Last Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas

    6 Last Minute Father’s Day Gift Ideas

    We’re less than a week away from Father’s Day, and this year more than most is a year to celebrate what we all hope is the return of family gatherings and outdoor activities without restrictions. If you haven’t figured out what to get dear old dad on Father’s Day, here are a few last minute suggestions.

    Try an Arm Lock Putter!

    SIK DW2.0 Arm Lock Putter
    SIK DW2.0 Arm Lock Putter
    SIK DW2.0 Arm Lock Putter
    L.A.B. Golf DF2.1 Arm Lock Putter
    L.A.B. Golf DF2.1 Arm Lock Putter
    putters-2021-2-ball-ten-arm-lock___2
    putters-2021-2-ball-ten-arm-lock___1

    Let’s face it – If you are here, you and dad are probably golfers, and you both probably suck at putting. Why not try an arm lock putter? Several companies fit them and custom make them, and the style helps eliminate left wrist breakdown, which causes missed putts. I know, because I’ve switched and my putts per round stat has dropped by almost 1.5 putts in 4 months!

    Odyssey has a new model called the Arm Lock 2-Ball Ten, SIK putters have a few models and a custom fitting program for those local to Orlando. I was recently fitted for my SIK (Study In Kinematics) arm lock putter and the experience was eye opening! Also, Bryson DeChambeau won the US Open with a SIK arm lock putter, and he’s statistically one of the best putters on the planet. Another great option is the Directed Force 2.1 putter from LAB Golf. LAB stands for lie angle balancing, which is a technology that prevents the face of the putter from opening and closing during the stroke. It just wants to stay square. Pair this tech with the arm lock style and you have the makings of a very accurate putter!

    Recommendation: Book a fitting in Orlando with Greg Harrison from SIK golf to explore every nuance of dad’s putting stroke under a high-speed camera, and they’ll not only fix your stroke, but they’ll build you a putter to make more putts by fitting it to your new improved putting stroke. That’s a win – win if you ask me!

    Walk The Course

    18 months of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions has kept many of us indoors, and that means many of us also got fat or fatter! There’s an easy fix to get rid of those extra pounds – Get out of that golf cart and walk the course! Grab one of Big Max Golf’s Dri Lite Hybrid Bags and the Cape model push cart from Walker Trolleys and you’ll be ready to go in style. You’ll get years and years of use from both because they are built like tanks!

    Dri_Lite_Hybrid_white_navy_red
    Walker Trolleys Cape Model

    Big Max Golf has been selling top quality golf bags and accessories in Europe for years and now they are available in the USA. The Big Max Dri Lite Hybrid stand bag fits all push & pull carts, is 100% waterproof and weighs only 4.4 pounds. That’s what I call versatility. Paired with the solidly built and classic styled Cape pushcart from Walker Trolleys, you’ll be ready for anything the golf course (and Mother Nature) can throw at you.

    Cleveland RTX Full Face Wedges

    Who doesn’t need new wedges? We can always use new wedges. Some PGA Tour pros get new wedges every few weeks! While we common folk don’t have the luxury of having new wedges built for us each week, once per year we can keep our short game sharp with fresh grooves and take advantage of new designs like the new Cleveland RTX Full face Wedges. These clubs feature a high-toe profile and full face grooves, along with Cleveland’s Zipcore technology to reposition the center of gravity for more spin and control. You can also custom order your wedges with several custom shafts and grips, or even personalize the paint fill and add engraving.

    RTX Full-Face
    RTX_Full-Face_Tour_Satin_lrg_V2
    RTX_Full-Face_Tour_Satin_lrg_V4

    Let’s Go Racing!

    Lexus, the official vehicle of Pebble Beach Resorts, is offering a full-day racing experience at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Dad can drive this thrilling, iconic circuit while building his driving skills and confidence – on and off the track. Summer school dates include June 25, 26 or 27, and Aug. 20, 21 or 22, 2021. Fall and winter dates are also available. The experience is $995. To order a gift certificate or to register a participant as a gift, contact the Lexus Concierge at 888-211-8522 or Concierge@LexusPerformanceDrivingSchool.com

    Must Have Accessories

    Most golfers wear a glove when they play, but why not ditch the boring white or black color and add some personality with something from Bender Gloves? They have all kinds of fun designs for gloves that will make you and dad stand out on the course while helping you get a grip. Check out their limited time deals before Father’s Day here: https://www.bendergloves.com/

    Bender Gloved USA Flag
    Bushnell Pro XE

    Bushnell range finders are being used by 98% of professionals on the PGA Tour. In fact, they invented laser rangefinders for use on the golf course. To say they are the industry leader would be a bit of an understatement to say the least. With a full range of devices at every price point and technology like Elements Compensation that adjusts distances based on factors like elevation, temperature and barometric pressure, Bushnell makes the best golf rangefinders on the market. Get more info here: https://www.bushnellgolf.com/golf-laser-rangefinders/#

  • Golf Legend Phil Mickelson Chases Elusive Grand Slam

    Golf Legend Phil Mickelson Chases Elusive Grand Slam

    Phil Mickelson is a legend of the golf world, a five-time major winner and Hall of Famer. His record is the envy of many players on the tour, with an Open Championship, two PGA Championships and three Masters to his name in a career going back almost 30 years. It was 1992 when the San Diego native first turned professional after graduating from ASU, but it took 12 years for him to lift his first major, despite some strong finishes. The 50-year-old is still pounding the fairways, desperate to add that one elusive title that would give him a Grand Slam: The US Open.

    Mickelson and the Open have something of a love/hate relationship. As his career begins to wind down it is the only tournament still to evade his clutches, but he has finished as runner up on six occasions, firstly in 1999 and latterly in 2013. This year, at Torrey Pines, he will once again be looking to make history and become a Grand Slam champion.

    Mickelson almost missed out on the tournament altogether. ESPN reports there was talk of him having to qualify in the 36-hole sectional qualifier on June 7 in Columbus, Ohio but instead he recently accepted a special exemption from the United States Golf Association on Friday to play in the 121st tournament bearing the US Open name. Torrey Pines is close to his hometown of San Diego and that certainly has had a bearing on his decision, as he revealed in a statement.

    “Winning the U.S. Open has been a lifelong and elusive dream, and I’ve come close so many times,” Mickelson said in a statement. “You can’t win if you don’t play. I’m honored and appreciative of the USGA for the opportunity and look forward to playing in my hometown on a golf course I grew up on.”

    Despite the obvious romance surrounding the story, it is not going to be easy for Mickelson to take home the prestigious trophy, and write himself into the history books. He is ranked as an outsider with Bwin, behind 20 other golfers. Dustin Johnson is the favorite, with Brooks Koepka and last year’s winner, Bryson DeChambeau. Odds mean little though, as Mickelson has already proven this year.

    Mickelson is ranked 116th in the world heading into the tournament and has uniquely never been World Number One, having played second fiddle to Tiger Woods for much of his career. However, he did surprise the world in May when he lifted the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island, becoming the oldest player in the history of the game to take a major title. Could that be the start of the US Open fairytale? After his win, he refused to rule it out.

    “I just love this game of golf and I love what I do and I love the challenge of competing against such great players,” USA Today reports Mickelson as saying after defeating Koepka in an emotional final round. “This might be my last win, but I also might go on a bit of a run.

    Whilst he made history at Kiawah Island, another win at Torrey Pines really would be a fairytale conclusion to a stellar career which is an inspiration to many golfers today, old and young.

    Phil Mickelson. David J Phillip/AP/Shutterstock
  • Off Season Golf at Pinehurst – Play More, Spend Less

    Off Season Golf at Pinehurst – Play More, Spend Less

    2020 was a crazy year. While COVID-19 was a huge downer for the economy, it hit the tourism industry especially hard as people’s travel plans had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. But golf didn’t seem to take as much of a beating. In many places, golf was one of the more popular outdoor activities that you could safely participate in during the lockdown, thanks to the game’s built-in social distancing.

    According to the National Golf Foundation, Golf rounds in June 2020 were up in every state in the continental U.S., including an increase of at least 20% in golf-rich states like Arizona (+29%), Florida (+25%), Georgia (+24%), Texas (+23%), Pennsylvania (+22%) and Ohio (+21%).

    The results of this increase in golf led to a boom in golf club & accessory sales also. According to research firm Golf Datatech, sales of all categories of golf equipment set new records in July 2020. Golf equipment and accessory numbers were the highest for a single month since the company began tracking information in 1997. Sales at on and off-course retailers were $388.6 million, which easily surpassed the previous best two months (June 2007 at $368.1 million and June 2006 at $364.0 million).

    Pinehurst Resort – Offseason Play in the Cradle of American Golf

    I witnessed this mini boom in golf firsthand when I visited Pinehurst Resort in July 2020. Bookings at the resort were through the roof, with near 100% occupancy at the resort’s hotels and tee sheets that were booked solid at all 9 courses. With a packed house and people everywhere, I thought the resort did a really nice job with social distancing and found a good balance between safety, sanitation and hospitality. With ten courses (9 courses + The Cradle short course), three hotels, villas & condos and 10 restaurants, it’s pretty easy to spread people out, and nothing ever feels crowded except at peak meal times.

    Pinehurst - Carolina Hotel
    The Carolina Hotel

    Pinehurst is a special place, and with some time off and nothing better to do, I decided to return and spend Thanksgiving week in the sandhills of North Carolina on a solo pilgrimage. Not only are the crowds light at this time of year, but the Village of Pinehurst and the surrounding area were in full holiday mode when I arrived, which adds to the overall experience. The resort is just a 7 hour drive from home, so I was able to avoid the rush of holiday travelers at the airport.

    The weather was ideal for a holiday golf getaway, with daytime highs in the 70s and evening lows in the high 40s for perfect “sweater weather.” The area was noticeably less crowded than my first trip four months prior in July. It almost felt like I had the whole place to myself. In fact, one morning when I showed up for an early tee time on Pinehurst #4, I literally had the entire practice tee, chipping area and putting green to myself for a while. It was an a amazing sight, given how busy that same area was the first time I was there.

    Pinehurst - early morning
    Pinehurst at Dawn

    For several reasons I think a Thanksgiving visit to Pinehurst is very much worth considering for a family trip or solo getaway. Not only is the weather great and the crowds light, the cost is way cheaper too. For example, from November through February the rates for Pinehurst Resort’s popular Donald Ross Package drop more than 50%!

    The weather cools off in the winter, but most golfers (and especially those living north of the Mason Dixon line) will not be dissuaded, with December and January highs usually in the 50s and February highs climbing into the 60s. Of course there can be big swings in highs and lows, so be sure to check the weather before packing.

    Beyond Pinehurst Resort – North Carolina’s Sandhills

    Pinehurst Resort may be the crown jewel and the center of attention for the region, but there are plenty of other options near by that add to the experience of golf in the Sandhills of North Carolina. My Thanksgiving trip included warm-up stops at Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club and Pine Needles, both fantastic Donald Ross designs that have tons of character and history. The best part? Tee times at both courses were only $85 – A steal if you ask me. Mid Pines is a classic Ross design that is meticulously maintained and virtually unchanged from the original 1921 design, making it an absolute blast to play. Pine Needles will soon be the first course in the nation to host four U.S. Women’s Opens and is the #4 rated course in NC by Golfweek.

    • Tobacco Road #1
      Tobacco Road GC #1
    • Tobacco Road #8
      Tobacco Road GC #8
    • Tobacco Road #9
      Tobacco Road GC #9
    • Tobacco Road #13
      Tobacco Road GC #13
    • Tobacco Road #14
      Tobacco Road GC #14
    • Tobacco Road #18
      Tobacco Road GC #18

    30 minutes north of Pinehurst Village is a golf experience that is unlike anywhere in the world. In 1998, the late Mike Strantz crafted a masterpiece of golf design called Tobacco Road Golf Club. Challenging yet playable, this unique design can be visually overwhelming and playing it can feel a little like riding a roller coaster. It’s not long by modern standards at just over 6500 yards from the longest tees, but it’s very fair. Good shots will be rewarded, but bad shots will be severely punished. I think it must be played to really understand the mystique of the place. In my experience, you either love it or hate it, but most love it. Personally, I think Tobacco Road is in my top 5 golf courses I’ve played in the world. Rates during the winter months vary, but most are under $100 and get cheaper when booked as a package.

    Conclusions

    The sandhills of North Carolina are a mecca for golf in the Eastern United States, and there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the cradle of American golf year-round. The weather may not always be perfect, but with golf there’s never a guarantee of perfect weather, even at the peak times in spring and early summer. The biggest benefits of visiting Pinehurst in the late fall and winter are twofold – There are less people, and it’s as much as 50% cheaper. My solo trip for Thanksgiving 2020 was fantastic. I enjoyed good weather, uncrowded courses that were still in fantastic shape, equally uncrowded restaurants, and prices that made the entire experience feel like I was stealing.

    BMW X5 M550i

    Pro Tip: During your stay at Pinehurst, be sure to take advantage of the BMW Guest Drive Program that allows guests of the resort to choose any vehicle from a fleet of new BMWs for a free 3-hour test drive. I spent one very entertaining evening in the fantastic 550 horsepower, twin-turbo V8 powered BMW X5 M550i.

  • 12 Days of Christmas Gift Guide – Last Minute Ideas

    12 Days of Christmas Gift Guide – Last Minute Ideas

    Our 12 days of Christmas gift guide series was off to a great start, but unfortunately got derailed last week due to a family emergency. With just a few days left until Christmas, we still have a few last minute gift ideas for you!

    V1 Sports – V1 Golf App

    V1’s free golf swing analysis and instruction app helps golfers play their best by capturing and reviewing your swing with powerful analysis and playback tools. The V1 golf swing app also allows you to connect with one of thousands of instructors who teach with V1 Sports.

    I recently connected with perennial Top 100 instructor Brian Mogg using the V1 app. I sent him 2 videos of my swing for analysis and in a few days he responded with his feedback and some drills to work on what I needed to improve upon. The results were immediate. Now I can send follow-up videos to make sure I’m progressing well and we plan on getting together in person at some point to reinforce what I’ve learned.

    The V1 app really is the perfect way to improve your game, contact free, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Did I mention the app is free? OK, your lessons won’t be free obviously – That’s between you and your pro, but you can use the V1 app for free as long as you want to capture swing videos and use it to analyze your own swing videos.

    For those of you that want more (who doesn’t), there’s the premium upgrade that costs $6.99 per month, or $59.99 per year. The premium version removes ads and adds a huge HD model swing library, allows you to compare two swings side by side in slow motion, overlay two videos for close inspection, and you get priority in-app support should something go wrong.

    GolfLogix Green Books & App

    We’ve written about GolfLogix before, and their golf GPS app has been one of the most complete and popular GPS apps available for several years, with over 5 million users worldwide. With the introduction of their Green Books, they’ve taken things to the next level.

    GolfLogix Green Books provide yardage guides, but the real star of the show are the detailed heat maps and putting break maps of each green for over 14,000 golf courses. I brought one of the books to Pinehurst and they were especially useful on the famed #2 course with their extreme upside-down bowl greens.

    For those that prefer to take advantage of more modern technology, GolfLogix also has their aforementioned phone app that provides accurate GPS distances, in-round pro-level stat tracking, approach view and the new Putt Line feature. It’s basically like having the green books on your phone. Membership for GolfLogix Plus is only $49.99 per year.

    Bushnell Wingman GPS Speaker

    If you are one of the lucky ones that can still find them in stores, the Bushnell Wingman is one of the most sought after golf gifts in all the land. Bushnell is already well known for their industry leading golf GPS and laser rangefinders, but the Bushnell Wingman was one of the most attention getting products introduced at the 2020 PGA Merchandise show, and it has lived up to the hype as they have been having trouble keeping it in stock all year!

    The Bushnell Wingman is a high quality bluetooth speaker combined with a golf GPS that works with the Bushnell Golf app on your phone to briefly mute your music while speaking out distances to the front, middle and back of the greens, as well as water hazards. It’s all controlled by a little magnetic remote. You can even program it to spout sarcastic comments for your buddies. The Wingman also has a powerful magnet to stick it to any metal surface without falling off. Now the only thing you have to worry about is not offending your playing partners with your selection of music on the course! the Bushnell Wingman retails for around $149.99 and is available at most golf retailers, big box stores and Amazon.

  • 12 Days of Christmas Gift Guide – Day 4 – Club Champion Fitting

    12 Days of Christmas Gift Guide – Day 4 – Club Champion Fitting

    Day four of our 12 Days of Christmas Gift Guide features a company that leads the industry in one of our biggest passions in golf, and that is our mission to share the importance of club fitting with every golfer, no matter what your handicap. Whether you normally shoot scores in the 100s or in the 70s, we’re all trying to improve, and having your clubs properly fit is critical to playing your best.

    Club Champion 45,000 choices

    When it comes to club fitting, one of the undisputed leaders in the USA is Club Champion. With more than 70 locations nationwide and a network of highly experienced and educated fitters with some of the most advanced fitting tools available, they can fit any golfer for any club. In fact, because Club Champion is brand agnostic, they have over 45,000 different head, shaft and grip combinations to choose from. Their selection of equipment truly is mind blowing.

    So what are you waiting for? Until January 31, 2021, all fittings are 50% off with a $500 equipment purchase. Let’s face it, $500 doesn’t go as far as it used to for golf equipment. These days, when is a golf purchase not $500 or more? This is a no brainer for anyone in the market for a new driver or irons, and the club you thought you wanted might not be the one you end up with! The fitting process at Club Champion will identify club & shaft combo that works best for you.

    Find your nearest Club Champion location here, or visit this website to purchase a gift card!

  • 12 Days of Christmas Gift Guide – Day 3 – Old Trapper Jerky

    12 Days of Christmas Gift Guide – Day 3 – Old Trapper Jerky

    We continue our 12 days of Christmas Gift Guide series with something a little different. Old Trapper Jerky is a great stocking stuffer and won’t break the bank. Most golfers eat something on the golf course to help them keep energy levels up, and beef jerky is the perfect snack. Old Trapper smoked meat snacks are low in carbs, high in protein, easy to pack and have a long shelf (or golf bag pocket) life.

    Old Trapper was born 50 years ago in the back of a small roadside grocery store on the outskirts of Tillamook, Oregon, and now they are the second-largest beef jerky manufacturer in the country, operating out of their 80,000 square foot facility in Forest Grove, Oregon.

    With Old Trapper, the real beef jerky enthusiasts out there can sign up for a subscription service that will deliver Old Trapper meat products to you on a regular basis. Just choose from their selection of beef jerky, snack sticks or beef steaks and select your delivery schedule. You can choose to have product delivered to you every 15, 30, 60 or 90 days.

    I tried their new Teriyaki flavor snack sticks and became addicted. They combine the delicious spice of Old Trapper’s famous smoked beef with the tangy flavor of soy sauce. The result is arguably the world’s best tasting teriyaki beef stick, according to them, and I won’t argue that! The Jalapeno Deli-Style Beef Sticks start with the same wood-fire smoked beef with the added bonus of jalapeno spiciness.

    Each 15-ounce bag of Old Trapper Deli-Style Beef Sticks retails for around $14. Each serving of both new flavors contains only 2 grams of total carbohydrates with 9 grams of protein making them a keto-friendly snack. These are also great for on-the-go snacking once things open up – perfect for boats, hunt packs, travel and general portable snacking. Go to oldtrapper.com to see all their products and place your holiday orders, and happy shopping!

  • 12 Days of Christmas Gift Guide – Day 2 – Walker Trolley

    12 Days of Christmas Gift Guide – Day 2 – Walker Trolley

    Day two of our 12 days of Christmas Gift Guide is featuring the Walker Trolleys golf pushcarts. These throwback designs combine modern engineering with traditional designs and a classic look and feel, the Walker Trolley Cape model is perfect for traditionalist that prefer to walk the course and do it in style.

    The Walker Trolley is made with premium materials – waxed canvas, leather, and anodized aluminum – And that means it is built to last.  

    Specifications:

    Weight: 19lbs

    Folded: 33”(h) x 19″(w at base, 12″ at top) x 24″ (d at base, 5″ at top) 

    Unfolded: 39″ height of handle (ideally suited for golfers 5’5″ and taller – shorter golfers may struggle with the height of the handle)

    Tires: Air filled rubber (option to purchase foam filled tires separately in early 2021)

    Storage Accessory: Standard waxed canvas comes with the trolley

    MSRP: $399

    **December 13th is the last day for orders to guarantee Christmas delivery**

    Go to https://walkertrolleys.com/ for more info and to place an order!