PGA National Resort & Spa Reveals Stunning Revitalization

Legendary South Florida Destination’s Comprehensive $100 Million Renovation Complete
 

(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) – PGA National Resort & Spa – home of the PGA TOUR Honda Classic, five outstanding golf courses and world-class amenities – announces the reveal of its $100 million comprehensive revitalization.

The stunning unveiling features myriad enhancements to the legendary South Florida destination:

• A floor-to-ceiling makeover of its 379 guest rooms featuring stylish bedding, headboards, wall coverings and carpet; spacious, modern work desks with multiple plug-in options; atmospheric lighting; and elegant furnishings. Suite bathrooms have walk-in showers. State-of-the-art, high-definition, 42-inch flat-panel televisions have been installed.
   
• Guest room corridors showcase eye-catching carpeting; tastefully subdued lighting; and distinctive artwork and wall treatments.
   
• The Lakeside Lawn – a new permanent venue created due to increased popularity of its outdoor wedding settings. It offers a stunning vista of the tranquil lake and panoramic view of PGA National’s golf courses.  
   
• “Bar 91”  – a complete renovation of its 19^th hole bar and grill – presents the latest in clubhouse furnishings, high-definition televisions and expanded outdoor dining surveying one of the great vistas in golf. The new kitchen offers a redesigned menu ideal for après golf and casual dining.
   
• “The Fazio Course” – a complete Tom Fazio II remodel of “The Haig” – PGA National’s original 18-hole course designed by his father and uncle has its grand opening on Nov. 1.
   
• “Palm Terrace” – a full remake of its Citrus Tree Café – continues the renowned breakfast buffet of its predecessor and is now additionally available as a poolside location for evening events.
   
• The refreshed 40,000 square-foot European Spa with 32 treatment areas and the exclusive "Waters of the World" outdoor mineral pools now fully complements the motif of the resort’s fashionably cool, hip décor.

These renovations follow previous substantial revitalization to PGA National’s member / guest clubhouse, golf courses, spa, health and racquet club, conference and meeting space, striking zero-entry pool, chef-driven Ironwood Steak & Seafood restaurant and chic iBAR in its glamorous lobby.

“The unveiling of our $100 million investment showcases our total commitment to sit at the pinnacle of the world’s elite golf, resort and meeting destinations,” says Joel Paige, vice president and managing director. “Whether seeking an idyllic wedding, successful conference, supreme golf experience or a getaway to long savor we have all the ingredients needed and more.”

“Few destinations in the world offer as wide a range of incomparable amenities as PGA National,” says Frank Calaguire, principal of SCS Advisors – owner / operating partners of PGA National Resort & Spa. “Through our timely investment, we’re now fully poised to continue offering an unparalleled South Florida experience for our guests and members.”

For more information about PGA National visit www.pgaresort.com or call (800) 533.9386.

About PGA National Resort & Spa

PGA National Resort & Spa is a premier golf, vacation and meeting destination. The South Florida locale offers 90 holes of championship golf on five courses, including the famed Champion course, home to the PGA TOUR Honda Classic and past host of the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship and a litany of other prized professional golf tournaments.

Other distinguishing features include a world-class 33,000 square-foot health-and-racquet club with 19 Har Tru tennis courts, 40,000 square feet of self-contained conference space and nine on-site restaurants and lounges.

PGA National Resort & Spa’s myriad accolades include:

• AAA--Four Diamond Resort (2011)
• Golfweek -- Best You Can Play State by State (No. 5, 2012)
• Golfweek -- Best Tour Courses You Can Play (No. 28, 2011)
• Golfing Magazine – “World’s Top 5 Multi-Course Venues” (2011)
• About.com -- “No. 1 Golf Resort in Florida” (2011)
• GOLF Magazine -- Top 100 Premier Resorts -- Silver Award Winner (2011)
• GOLF Magazine -- Premier Resorts Green Award Winner (2011)
• Golf World -- Top 50 Resorts (2010)
• Successful Meetings -- Pinnacle Award Winner (2011)
• The Knot -- Best of Weddings  (2012)

Conveniently located within easy driving distances of major Florida population centers, the AAA Four Diamond resort is a 15-minute drive from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), one hour from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and 90 minutes from Miami International Airport (MIA).

GoBe Introduces The Pride Golf Shoe

Austin, Minn., January 09, 2013 - GoBe Golf is pleased to introduce the Pride golf shoe for men. It joins GoBe's full line of high performance footwear with a game-changing tread designed for ideal traction and maximum grip throughout the golf swing. The Pride is guaranteed to turn heads on the fairways with its bright white upper and vibrant accent color options for a retro-athletic appeal. "Since GoBe's launch in early fall, we are overjoyed by the interest in the marketplace," said Joe Allen, President, GoBe Golf. "The Pride shoes are my personal favorite with their sporty, casual appeal."   The Pride features GoBe's innovative, patent-pending Talon™ tread sole design for the ultimate traction on the course without the need for cleats for a "go anywhere" design. It uses a molded 5-point star traction pattern to provide maximum grip throughout the golf swing. The points of each star grip the grass, creating superior traction without damaging the turf. The stars are strategically placed on the sole to keep dirt and debris from building up. The sole's non-slip vertical and horizontal traction stripes complement the star treads and stabilize the golfer during the powerful motion of the swing. The Talon™ sole is made of single density, Grade A TPU, which is as flexible as rubber but far more durable.    GoBe's PurTEC© upper is specifically designed to be roughly 20 times more water resistant than treated leathers. It breathes, keeps its color and shape, resists stains and is extremely durable in hot or wet conditions.     The GoBe Dry™ shoe liner has a patent-pending interior moisture management system; with drainage channels, aeration holes at flex points and notches above the toe area to drain perspiration away from f eet. The moisture-wicking fiber lining also aerates, and has anti-microbial and anti-odor properties to keep feet cool, dry and fresh. The liner has an EVA soft, core center for extra padding at the ball and heel of the foot to provide three times more shock absorption than a standard shoe liner.   To extend the life of their shoes, customers can order an additional pair of shoe liners at no charge through www.gobegolf.com. GoBe Golf footwear is built on a European last with a deep heel cup to keep the foot in place and a wide toe area for a natural, comfortable fit. The Pride is available in white with four accent colors - black, forest green, burnt orange and blue. GoBe shoes are sold through golf course pro shops, specialty stores and online at www.gobegolf.com for a suggested retail price of $159. PRIDE GOLF SHOE HIGHLIGHTS UPPER GoBe PurTEC© sports performance material is breathable, extremely durable, retains its color, and never shrinks or wrinkles PurTEC© is roughly 20 times more water resistant than treated leather Gusseted tongue keeps water and debris out Cotton laces stay tied Metal eyelets help the upper keep its shape even when laces are pulled tight IN-SHOE GoBe Dry™ shoe liner, with its moisture management system has drainage channels, aeration holes at flex points and notches above the toe area, so moisture drains away from feet Removable liner has a dual density EVA soft, core center for extra padding at ball and heel with three times more shock absorption than a standard shoe liner Moisture-wicking fiber provides anti-microbial and anti-odor properties to keep feet cool, dry and fresh Built on a European last with a deep heel cup to keep foot in place, and a wide toe area for a natural, comfortable fit OUTSOLE Patent-pending Talon™ tread sole design, made of single density Grade A TPU, which is more durable than rubber, with the same bounce and flexibility as rubber 5-point star molded traction pattern to maximize grip Non-slip traction stripes stabilize the golfer from slipping during the swing motion Two-year warranty                           Colors: White with four accent colors to choose from - black, forest green, burnt orange and blue. Suggested Retail: $159 Size Range: USA sizing 7 thru 12, Euro sizing 41 thru 46  About GoBe Golf  GoBe Golf, headquartered in Austin, Minn., was founded by industry footwear veterans and PGA Professionals for the sole purpose of creating the best shoes for playing golf. GoBe Golf manufacturers high performance footwear for men and women. The shoes are built from the ground up using innovative materials derived from advanced footwear technology to specifically provide better traction, comfort and support for golfers. For more information about GoBe Golf call507.437.0058, or visit www.gobegolf.com.

THE MUTTONTOWN CLUB ANNOUNCES FRIEDRICH EDER AS NEW GENERAL MANAGER

Eder Brings More Than 25 Years of Experience With Premier Country Clubs and 

Golf Resort Properties From Around The World

Long Island, N.Y. (January 10, 2013) – Friedrich Eder, who has more than 25 years of experience working and managing premier country clubs and golf resort properties throughout the world, has been named general manager of The Muttontown Club in Long Island, N. Y.
Eder most recently served as general manager of Brynwood Golf & Country Club in Armonk, N.Y., and before that, was the director of club operations and club manager of Desert Mountain Club, Inc., in Scottsdale, Ariz., one of the most prestigious private club and residential communities in the United States.

During his seven-year tenure at Desert Mountain Club, Eder oversaw all aspects of operations for each of the six clubhouses and respective food and beverage operations. Among his many achievements there, he significantly increased the club’s overall membership satisfaction. Previous to Desert Mountain Club, Eder was director of club operations and food and beverage for The Club at Mediterra/Bonita Bay Group in Naples, Fla., where he played a role in the club’s design and construction of two Tom Fazio golf courses and in establishing Mediterra’s esteemed reputation and success.

After arriving in the United States in 1993 from his native Austria, Eder spent more than seven years with the renowned Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, with assignments in Boston, Cleveland, Palm Beach, Naples, and St. Louis, as well as in Sydney, Australia. He has also served as director of catering and conventions at Hilton Hotel International in Mainz, Germany, and as director of banquets at Hotel Inter*Continental in Luxembourg. Eder, who has been an active member of the Club Managers Association of America since 2001, is a Certified Club Manager (CCM).

“We feel very fortunate to welcome Friedrich Eder as our new general manager,” says The Muttontown club president, Robert Anton. “He brings a wealth of experience from all over the world to this important position, and we are confident that his expertise will positively impact the experience our members have here at The Muttontown Club.”

The Muttontown Club’s 18-hole, Alfred H. Tull-designed golf course stretches over 6,500 yards, and features intricate greens and a double-sided driving range. With plenty of opportunity for competitive and casual play for men and women alike, the golf course is impeccably maintained. Other amenities include an engaging social calendar, and a tennis and free-form pool complex with kiddie playground. Although it is typical for clubs in the area to close (or substantially restrict services) over the winter, The Muttontown Club is open 12 months of the year, provides high quality dining at fair prices, and has an indoor golf simulator for year-round enjoyment. In yet another way to distinguish The Muttontown Club in the marketplace and provide value to its membership, the children (and their spouses), grandchildren, parents, and grandparents of a Regular Member (those with full privileges) are welcome to golf, dine and otherwise enjoy the club with no guest charges.

The Muttontown Club is managed by Troon Privé, the private club division of Troon Golf. Members at Troon Privé managed clubs enjoy reciprocal play at over 30 private clubs around the world, as well as preferred rates at Troon Golf-managed daily fee and resort facilities. The Troon Privé portfolio includes such private clubs of distinction as BallenIsles in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; Fieldstone in Greenville, Delaware; Silver Creek Valley in San Jose, California; St. James Plantation in Southport, North Carolina; Pronghorn in Bend, Oregon; Ocean Club in Paradise Island, Bahamas; Settlers Run in Cranbourne South, Victoria, Australia; and Bearwood Lakes in London, England. 

For details about The Muttontown Club call 516.922.7500 or visit www.TheMuttontownClub.com. For more information on Troon Privé, please visit www.TroonGolf.com.

Jeffrey Poplarski Completes 12-Hour Training Course

In Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Dr. Jeffrey Poplarski of Amityville, New York recently completed Graston Technique^® Module 1 Basic Training and is now treating patients with GT at his practice in Amityville. 

The Technique uses specially designed stainless steel instruments to detect and treat areas exhibiting scar tissue or chronic inflammation.

Clinicians use the instruments with varying shapes to comb over and "catch" on fibrotic tissue, which immediately identifies areas of restriction. Once the tissue has been identified, the instruments break up scar tissue so the body can absorb it.

The Technique reduces pain and increases range of motion. It also:

• Improves diagnostic treatment
• Increases patient satisfaction by achieving notably better outcomes
• Speeds rehabilitation and recovery
• Reduces the need for anti-inflammatory medication
• Allows the patient to continue to engage in everyday activities.

The instruments are not meant to replace a clinician's hands, but to complement them. M1–Basic Training offers participants a comprehensive overview of the GT treatment approach with extensive laboratory practice.

More than 7,500 leading health care providers, more than 30 colleges and universities, major corporations and more than 125 professional/amateur sports organizations in the U.S. and around the world currently use Graston Technique^®.  Trainers and clinicians at these organizations are treating elite athletes, patients and employees every day to get them injury free to function at the highest level.

The Technique provides patients with a new option in the treatment of musculoskeletal complaints. For further information contact Dr. Jeff Poplarski at 631-598-7034.

For more information, go to GrastonTechnique.com.

The Graston Technique^® instruments, while enhancing the clinician's ability to detect fascial adhesions and restrictions, have been clinically proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions, including:

Achilles Tendinitis/osis (ankle pain)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)

Cervical Sprain/Strain (neck pain)

Fibromyalgia

Lateral Epicondylitis/osis (tennis elbow)

Lumbar Sprain/Strain (back pain)

Medial Epicondylitis/osis (golfer's elbow)

Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain)

Plantar Fasciitis/osis (foot pain)

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis/osis (shoulder pain)

Scar Tissue

Shin Splints

Trigger Finger

Women’s Health (post-mastectomy and Caesarean scarring)

Vietnam Veteran Butch Harmon and Friends, Reach Out to Help Wounded Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan

Butch Harmon is renowned for his profession as a golf coach working with some of the biggest names in the sport. Past pupils include Greg Norman and Tiger Woods. Currently, he works with Phil Mickelson, Nick Watney, Dustin Johnson, Gary Woodland and Natlie Gulbis, and he has recently released an instructional DVD earlier this year titled "Butch Harmon About Golf", www.ButchHarmonDVD.com.

  

However, it is Harmon's steadfast and loyal passion in giving back to veterans of the military that is grabbing even more attention. Harmon, who is Vietnam Veteran, reaches out directly to combat-wounded soldiers through Harmon's Heroes, a foundation that encourages the well-being of these veterans and to provide financial assistance to those with a qualifying need.

Butch Harmon and friends with wounded veterans at this year's Harmon's Heroes Golf Classic that took place during Veteran's Day weekend at the Bali Hai Golf Course on the Las Vegas Strip.

 

Since the founding of Harmon's Heroes in 2009, the organization has now evolved into an annual fund-raising golf tournament, with proceeds going toward making grants for wounded veterans to obtain homes.  Eleven wounded veterans participated in  this year's Harmon's Heroes Golf Classic that took place during Veteran's Day weekend at the Bali Hai Golf Course on the Las Vegas Strip.

Also in attendence was a select group of people who donated between $10,000-$25,000 per foursome, with 100% of the funds raised going to the Harmon's Heroes Foundation.

"Many of us have no idea what these veterans face once they get home," said the 69 year-old Harmon, whose father, Claude Harmon, was a long-time golf professional at Winged Foot Golf Club in New York and also the winner of the 1948 Masters.

"Dealing with physical wounds is bad enough, but the financial hardships they face are absolutely mind-boggling - and we want to help. And assisting them in owning their own home is one of our priorities," said Harmon.

  

As of September 2012, at least two wounded veterans were able to secure a home; one in Boston and the other in Texas. Plans are well underway to help a veteran from Las Vegas get his or her own home.

In addition, a portion of DVD sales from Harmon's comprehensive golf instructional two-DVD set titled "Butch Harmon About Golf presented by Titleist" is donated to the Harmon's Heroes Foundation.

The two-DVD set contains more than 250 specific tips from the man voted #1 in Golf Digest's annual ranking of America's Best Teachers for the past 11 consecutive years.

Those who have worked with Harmon all agree that the keys to his success are his keen eye for the strengths and weaknesses of each individual player's swing; his comprehensive understanding of the game; his ability to communicate; his toughness; his enthusiasm for his players to succeed; and his relationship and rapport with his players, making their work about teamwork rather than individual accomplishment.

The "Butch Harmon About Golf presented by Titleist" DVD set is sponsored by Titleist, Winn Grips, Rolex, Golf Digest and JMA and is available for $79.95 on-line at www.ButchHarmonDVD.com.

About Butch Harmon

The son of 1948 Masters champion Claude Harmon, Butch Harmon has been involved in the golf arena for over 40 years. He was a PGA Tour player from 1969 to 1971, with one win - the 1971 Broome County Open - to his name on the Tour. He became best-known, however, through his work as a teacher and instructor, beginning with Greg Norman in the early 1990s followed by a ten year association with Tiger Woods from 1993 to 2004. Since his early experience with Norman, he has worked with more than 100 PGA, LPGA, and European Tour players, including 21 Major winners and recent former Official World Golf Rankings number one Lee Westwood. The Butch Harmon School of Golf currently has five signature locations throughout the United States, Macau, and Dubai, and is one of the top golf academies in the world. The signature locations include Rio Secco Golf Club in Henderson, Nevada, Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City, Florida, Loon Golf Club in Gaylord, Michigan and international locations in Macau and Dubai.

For more information regarding Harmon's Heroes please visit www.harmonsheroesfoundation.org or by calling Kyle Helms at 973-714-4810.

Sunice Introduces the Albany GORE-TEX® Jacket For 2013

Sunice®, Canada's No. 1 outerwear brand, is pleased to announce its 2013 Albany jacket from the Hurricane Collection.  

The Albany is new to the 2013 Sunice Hurricane Collection and is a Classic Gore-Tex jacket. Combined with other features that Sunice outerwear is known for, the Albany jacket includes full stretch the X-Static® Silver lining, ergonomically designed shoulder inserts, the Sunice patented V-collar and the 2 Way front zipper.   

The Albany jacket is 25% lighter with 25% more stretch than other jackets in it category.   The Albany comes with a Lifetime Waterproof Guarantee and is backed by the GORE-TEX® "Guaranteed to keep you dry™" promise.

"We are excited about this one-of-a-kind jacket that sets a new standard in the performance waterproof category", says Mark Fletcher, president of Sunice. "No other jacket in this price range combines the GORE-TEX® performance shell lifetime waterproof fabric with the X-Static® thermodynamic lining, ergonomically designed stretch GORE-TEX® shoulder inserts, the Pro-Trim™ cinching system and lycra cuffs in a complete package weighing just over 1 pound".

Combined with other features that Sunice outerwear is known for, the Albany jacket includes full stretch the X-Static® Silver lining, ergonomically designed shoulder inserts, the Sunice patented V-collar and the 2 Way front zipper.

About Sunice

Sunice®, founded in 1976 in Alberta, Canada as a skiwear brand, successfully transcended its technical outerwear capabilities into the golf market in the early 1990s as the golf industry gravitated towards designing sport-specific garments that truly helped enhance the game. Thus, it's no surprise Sunice® - owned and run by Montreal, Canada-based Fletcher Leisure Group Inc., a company with 42 years of golf industry experience - meets the demands of the most discerning golfer. Sunice® golf outerwear is a chosen favorite by many PGA and LPGA Tour players around the world.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SuniceGolf

Twitter: www.twitter.com/SuniceGolf 

ING Writers Brainstorm Ways to Improve Golf

By Katharine Dyson -- According to Kenneth H. Blanchard, author of “One Minute Manager” and 23 other best-selling motivational books, “None of us is as smart as all of us.” So Michael Jamison, Executive Director of ING (International Network of Golf) was right on when he charged 30 or so golf writers to come up with innovative ways to improve the golf scene.

The writers had come from all over the United States to Mesquite, Nevada for ING’s Fall Forum, where they stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, played several fine area courses and participated in social events and workshops. During a couple morning sessions participants were broken into three brainstorming groups and asked, “If you were King for a Day what five things would you implement to grow the game.”

After spirited presentations by each group, a number of innovative ideas were proposed proving once again the wisdom of Blanchard who has also said,  “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”  Here are the winners, the result of a vigorous verbal feeding frenzy.

• Provide universal yardages between tees
Distance between all tee markers should be consistent. Too often the distance from the forward tee to the next one back is 1,000 yards or more while subsequent tees have more realistic increments of less than 500 yards. When there is a discrepancy, create combo tees to add up to the desired yardage. Thus those wishing to play 5,400 yards instead of 4,900 yards or 6,000 yards would be able to follow the Red/Green tees, sometimes playing red, sometimes moving back to green. Rate at least the two forward tees for women.

• Pay more to play back 
If your handicap according to the Tee it Forward recommendations requires you to play a tee forward of where you want to play, you’ll be charged a supplement.  Not everyone is an expert golfer capable of playing from the tips, but if that’s what you like, you just need to pay a little extra to play them.  This should speed up play. If you don’t have a current handicap, a color-coded driving range could be used to determine how far you hit the ball and thus which tee you should use.

• Assign mentors to new golfers
Assign club members to mentor new golfers. Mentors could invite non-golfers to join them at the course and introduce them to the pro. The mentor should encourage new golfers to take lessons and/or join a clinic, talk with them about good course etiquette, what to wear etc. and offer to play a few holes with them when they’re ready. Follow-up also most important.

• Pro participation
At some courses, pros are so busy in their shop, they don’t get out on the course with their members. It would be helpful if they could devote some time each week, perhaps joining some golfers for a hole or two, joining them on the range and making it a point to welcome new members.

 • Offer shorter options for play
Time constraints are huge deterrents for today’s potential golfers. To attract those who don’t have four hours to play there should be more nine-hole rates and courses could be routed so players could play nine holes and end up back at the clubhouse. Consider designing new courses in a cloverleaf to permit play of 6,12 or 18 holes returning to the clubhouse in the middle (6,6,6 or “the Devil’s Loop!”).  More “pitch n’ putt” facilities lit for night play would also build interest in the game.

• Simplify rules for amateurs
Rules, especially for beginners, can be intimidating and confusing.  Create a new set of simplified rules for beginners and those who are not participating in tournaments.

• Develop Skills Scoring Game
For new golfers, instead of using the stroke play system that can be a mind-blower when you get a double-digit score on a hole, create a new way of scoring based on skills with its own card.  Award points for skills i.e. points for hitting fairway on drive, getting out of bunker in one, one putting, two putting, etc.

• Encourage more Stableford play
Whereas stoke play can be discouraging, especially for inconsistent golfers, Stableford, popular in Europe, throws out any score higher than a double bogey but awards points for bogeys, pars, birdies and eagles. The golfer with the most points wins and a handicap system levels the playing field.

• Player’s Club
Designed for single players, clubs could set aside a block of time inviting those with a Players Card (available for a fee) to show up and play with other singles.