GOLF TAKES CENTER STAGE AT THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY CENTER

 

If you are golfer like me, snowed in, clubs in the garage, watching the pros on TV and yearning to take a few swings, take heart!

 

 On March 8th and 9^th  The Westchester County Center, White Plains, will be transformed into a Golf Wonderland. Try the latest clubs from major manufacturers on the Driving Range. Pick up pre-season bargains in the Pro Shop.  Get free 10 minute lessons with a PGA Pro. Try to sink a 50 foot putt and win a prize while benefitting the MGA Junior Golf Foundation. Learn more about The Game and your swing at hourly demonstrations and question and answer sessions on the Metropolitan Golf Association Let’s Talk Golf Stage. Visit Exhibitors from golf resorts and Destinations, Local and Area Private And Public Courses, and other golf related booths.

 

Parents of High School age golfers will want to hear Frank Darby discuss college golf and scholarships while parents of younger students will want to bring their children to a PGA Pro who will work with juniors and will have soft balls and junior size clubs.

 

There is a special Women’s Learning Area and new this year, the TD Bank Women’s Networking Breakfast on Saturday from 9AM – 11AM both in cooperation with the Executive Women’s Golf Association.

 

The 10^th Annual Golf Show is sponsored by The Journal News and lohud.com in conjunction with Westchester County Parks and their six golf courses. Other sponsors are the Metropolitan Golf Association, Home Green Advantage, TD Bank, Fairview Golf Center, WFAS Radio, Executive Women’s Golf Association and its all powered by Entergy.

 

Tickets are available at the door on Show Days or in advance at lohud.com/golftickets.  Admission is $10 with $1.00 off coupon available at The Journal News and lohud.com. The Journal News Golf Show will take place Saturday, March 8^th from 10AM – 5PM and Sunday, March 9^th from 10AM – 4PM.

SAWGRASS MARRIOTT GOLF RESORT & SPA UNVEILS MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR RESORT-WIDE TRANSFORMATION

 

SAWGRASS MARRIOTT GOLF RESORT & SPA UNVEILS MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR RESORT-WIDE TRANSFORMATION **Newly Renovated package starts at $149 per night through June 30, 2014**   January 30, 2014 (Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida) - Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach has unveiled the stunning results of a multi-million dollar resort-wide renovation designed to enhance the timeless appeal of Florida's premier golf, spa and beach destination resort. The project touched every detail of the 63-acre oceanfront address, and in turn created a resort designed to welcome leisure and business travelers alike. Designed by a collaboration of MLG Architects, Monogram by Callison, Testani Design Troupe and EDSA, the transformation focused on creating a natural beach resort atmosphere that rejuvenates guests throughout their stay. The renovation also celebrates the resort's locale, being next to the championship TPC Sawgrass golf course and giving guests exclusive access. To round out the resort as a leading golf destination, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa added the TPC Connection Cart Path, the first-ever connection from the resort directly to the home of THE PLAYERS championship and Web.com Tournament by golf cart. The resort is also home to two dozen pieces of golf memorabilia from The World Golf Hall of Fame. "The past eight months have taken our guest experience to a new level while further securing our position as a market leader and the resort as the ultimate golf experience on the northeast coast of Florida," said Tom Manno, General Manager of Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. "The revamped Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is more desirable than ever, offering all the amenities of a newly renovated world-class resort, including top-notch meeting facilities and convenient access to five championship golf courses," said Andrew Rosuck, Regional Vice President of Sales & Marketing. "We're looking forward to drawing even more business and leisure travelers who appreciate the resort's endless possibilities and timeless appeal." Revamped Resort Accommodations and New Villas at Sawgrass The resort's 510 guest rooms have been updated with exquisite furnishings and soothing earth tones. Located in the main resort, newly refreshed spacious Suites are decidedly spacious, with separate living areas and large workspaces, sleek ergonomic chairs and expansive bathrooms with chrome fixtures. These include the Presidential Suite, the ultimate in resort accommodation and extravagance. The resort beautifully and meticulously renovated 80 signature The Villas at Sawgrass for golfers, families and executive groups alike. The Villas at Sawgrass are distinct enclaves of resort-style accommodations, including home-like amenities with all the facilities and services of a world-class resort. These two-bedroom, graciously appointed and spacious Villas are ideal for golf buddy groups, family gatherings or a friends' getaway and corporate outings of up to eight people. New Dining Options There is a new spin on the resort's dining scene with the addition of two new signature restaurants and updates to all dining outlets. Alice & Pete's Pub, launched in 2013, is named for golf legends Alice and Pete Dye, architects of the Stadium and Dye's Valley Courses at TPC Sawgrass. With views of the Dyes' celebrated course artistry, diners enjoy appetizers, salads, sandwiches and desserts in a convivial environment reflected in mahogany-hued décor, a large terrace shaded by a wood pergola overlooking the new TPC Connection Cart Path leading to TPC Sawgrass. Vernon's, another new dining spot, is named for former General Manager and President of PGA TOUR, Vernon Kelly. Set before the resort waterfall and lagoon, the restaurant highlights flavors from Florida's First Coast with a raw bar, chowder bar, and daily selections harvested fresh from the ocean. Already in 2014, Vernon's has won six top awards from OpenTable including Diners' Choice Winner Best Overall, Diners' Choice Winner Best Food and Diners' Choice Winner Best Ambiance. The Augustine Grill has been transformed into an expanded Starbucks for visitors to grab refreshments to go. Meetings at Sawgrass Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is the location for successful meetings. With special enhancements throughout 56,000 square feet of flexible and dynamic function space including new wall coverings, seating, light fixtures and carpeting. Carpet patterns through 12 distinct meeting spaces now mimic the trajectory of golf balls; furnishings and fixtures provide an upscale, exclusive golf clubhouse appeal; and all ballrooms, pre-function areas, meeting rooms and boardrooms have been completely revitalized with new artwork and golf memorabilia reflective of the entire resort. The Villas at Sawgrass are also available for meetings and breakout rooms for up to 12 people. The resort's use of Marriott Red Coat Direct program ensures that meeting planners have a seamless event. Marriott's Red Coat Direct provides an application for meeting planners to manage meetings and events at the hotel with the help of a Red Coat Concierge. Red Coat Concierge are assigned to meeting planners to help with requested items from additional chairs, pens and more water, without planners having to leave the event space. Meeting planners can even use the app from the car on the way to the resort to communicate with their Concierge team member prior to the event to tell them what they request or need beforehand. Exclusive Access, Beautiful Location The private Cabana Beach Club, conveniently located along the ocean just a quick shuttle from the resort, has also been updated as a casual destination for diners, active travelers and beachgoers with a new lookincorporating beach-inspired textures, materials and colors, and design touches that tie it back to the golf-centric appeal of the resort. A superb location for meetings, weddings, social occasions and events, the club is fully outfitted with beachfront pool and dining facilities including the Mediterranean-inspired 619 Ocean View restaurant, the beachside Sea Porch Bar & Grill, and the seasonal café Sharkey's. The Newly Renovated package starts at $149 per night valid seven days a week through June 30, 2014. For more information, please visit www.sawgrassmarriott.com. About The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa Located in Northeast Florida, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is an ideal getaway for leisure and family travel. With 510 guest rooms and 24 suites including 80 private villas, the resort offers 9 restaurants and lounge venues, over 56,000-square feet of event space and a 25,000-square foot spa. The resort allows guests and the public to access five championship golf courses and a private beach club. The hotel is the host hotel of THE PLAYERS golf championship. www.sawgrassmarriott.com

LIGUORI NAMED CELEBRITY AMBASSADOR FOR HEATHROW AND LEGACY CLUB ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Sports radio and television personality and author ANN LIGUORI has been named ‘Celebrity Ambassador’ for Heathrow Country Club and The Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes, two Concert-owned properties in Longwood, Florida. “We are extremely pleased and fortunate to have Ann join our Team and provide us with a wealth of media experience and expertise”, said Nate Kalb, Director of Operations of the combined Heathrow and Legacy Clubs.

Ann is the golf and tennis correspondent for WFAN Radio and CBS Sports Radio Network, writes a column for www.cbsny.com and hosts the weekly ‘Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori’ radio show on NPR affiliate WPPB 88.3 FM andwww.peconicpublicbroadcasting.org. Ann serves as Vice President on the Board of the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association. Ann’s book, ‘A Passion for Golf, Celebrity Musings About the Game,’
is out in second edition. Liguori has a lists of ‘firsts’ in the broadcasting world – the first woman to host a call-in sport’s show on WFAN-NY 660 AM, the first all-sports radio station in the U.S., where she hosted a weekly call-in sports show, ‘Hey Liguori. What’s the Story,’ for 23 years; the first woman to host her own prime-time, weekly series on The Golf Channel. ‘Conversation with Ann Liguori’ aired the first five years of TGC’s inception. And Ann Liguori Productions owns and distributes the long-running ‘Sports Innerview’ cable series, hosted and produced by Ann and features over 600 half-hour interviews with top legends in sports and entertainment.

As Celebrity Ambassador for the two properties, Ann will be actively involved in promoting the benefits of membership as well as the unique qualities and facilities each club offers for special events, fund raisers and business gatherings.

The combined Legacy-Heathrow duo offers 36-holes of Tom Fazio and Ron Garl golf via a limited number of dual-access memberships. For some, the pairing combines the top-notch Fazio golf experience, 10,000 sq. ft. clubhouse and luxury men's locker room of Legacy with the full amenities of Heathrow - which include 13 tennis courts, Olympic-sized pool, fitness facility, and much more. The clubs have offerings for the avid low-handicap golfer or the new golfer just learning the game, as well as outstanding junior camps and programs including golf, tennis, and swimming. According to Nate Kalb, "There is now a totally unique offering in the North Orlando market: we have combined the two best private clubs in the Lake Mary, Heathrow, and Longwood areas." Mr. Kalb went on to say that "this is clearly the best private club value in Central Florida - members can get two top-notch clubs for a reasonable price."

About Concert Golf Partners
Concert Golf Partners is an active golf club owner-operator based in Newport Beach, California. The company was formed by Peter Nanula, founder and CEO of Arnold Palmer Golf Management from 1993 to 2000, and has a significant pool of capital to buy and operate large-scale private clubs with over $3 million in annual gross revenues located in major metro areas. Concert Golf has now acquired 7 clubs and mortgages in the last 2 years.

Cutter & Buck’s Fall ’14 Men’s Collection Features
New Deliveries, Introduction of Aquapel by Nano-Tex
Eco-friendly, next-generation water repellent provides advanced protection
 

 

SEATTLE (Jan. 20, 2014) — Cutter & Buck’s Men’s Golf Collection combines superior performance with a clean, modern look that works for an active lifestyle.  For Fall 2014, the company continues to focus on an all-weather wardrobe that transitions seamlessly from summer to fall, and includes sophisticated pieces that move easily from the course to the clubhouse and feature bold, new color anchors.
 
The Fall line is highlighted by three versatile new deliveries – Liberty Bay, Seattle Prep and Mercer Square – the launch of the Summit half-zip, which represents an evolution from the company’s popular Vital Half-Zip, and the introduction of the Nano CB DryTec Coast Half Zip.  Significantly, the Half Zip features the addition of Nano-Tex Aquapel, a next-generation water repellent that provides advanced protection against rain and spills to its outerwear apparel.

According to Jake Rawson, Cutter & Buck’s global director of sales-golf, the Half Zip is a fashion-driven addition to the Fall ’14 collection.  With color blocking, waterproof fabric and raglan sleeves, Rawson predicts the Summit “will become a staple” in the men’s line.

Rawson further anticipates that customers will also embrace Cutter & Buck’s Fall ’14 offerings that feature the Nano-Tex Aquapel technology, which provides protection from the elements without the bulk, packs easily, and dries quickly for lightweight, breathable weather protection.  Instead of using fluorocarbons, Aquapel keeps garments clean and dry with an eco-friendly hydrocarbon polymer, which modifies the fabric on a molecular level.  Garments treated with this water-repellent polymer retain their natural breathability and comfort, and have increased durability for long-lasting wear.

“The Fall ’14 Collection is filled with great transitional layering pieces that double as outerwear and include two fabrications –poly interlock and poly-wool,” Rawson said.

The poly-interlock fabrication is featured in the Coast Half Zip Vest, which is a long-sleeve layer that provides all-weather coverage with Aquapel and 50+ UPF UV protection making it the perfect on-course performance layer, rain or shine.  Featuring clean lines and contrast trim detail, bar tacks, and pop accents in Particle (electric green), the vest is available in Explore (bright purple) and Electric (deep blue).

Poly-wool, Rawson explained, is an all-weather fabric that is soft to the touch and has both wicking and temperature-regulating properties to keep the wearer comfortably cool in the summer months, and cozy warm as the weather cools down.  A key poly-wool piece is the Nano CB DryTec Coast Mercer Island Half Zip, a long-sleeve layer with clean lines, a poly-wool face interlock mesh back, 45+ UPF UV protection and tonal stick detailing, an open bottom and drop-tail hem. It is available in Locker (grey) and Black.


For additional information, contact Cutter & Buck at (800) 713-7810 or visit its web site at www.cutterbuck.com.
 
About Cutter & Buck
Cutter & Buck, the prominent sportswear and active wear company, is a lead apparel partner of the PGA of America for its spectator events and an official licensee for NFL fan gear and lifestyle sportswear. It is also a recipient of the prestigious Quality Certification Alliance (QCA) designation. The company's products are of superior quality and known for distinctive, functional designs suited to an active lifestyle.  Cutter & Buck apparel is available worldwide through golf shops and resorts, specialty retail shops, via an excellent corporate sales program, as well as online at www.cutterbuck.com

AHEAD, Jack Nicklaus Extend Longstanding Headwear Partnership

AHEAD, the innovative headwear, apparel and accessories company, announced today that it has renewed its relationship with golf legend Jack Nicklaus to represent the company's headwear line and license the iconic Jack Nicklaus and Golden trademarks for the exclusive branded collection.
“AHEAD has been a valued partner for 12 years, and they have met and exceeded our demands for creating the highest quality headwear for our collection,” said Jack Nicklaus, globally recognized as Golfer of the Century.  “The true test comes from golfers and the Nicklaus Design golf courses which have chosen AHEAD and enjoyed that association. I have always demanded the best from myself and my partners, which is why I selected AHEAD.”
Nicklaus is considered the most decorated champion in the game’s history with 120 professional victories, including a record 18 professional majors. Nicklaus now spends his time as one of the world’s most acclaimed golf course designers.  His company, Nicklaus Design, is considered the industry leader with close to 380 courses open for play in 36 countries and 39 states. The firm has created more than 75 courses ranked in various national and international top 100 lists, and no fewer than 95 Nicklaus Design courses have hosted a professional tournament or significant national amateur championship.
“To continue our affiliation with Jack Nicklaus is both an honor as well as a tribute to AHEAD as a steward of the Nicklaus marks,” said Anne Broholm, CEO, AHEAD.  “We are proud to be affiliated with a legend whose passion for excellence parallels our pursuits here at AHEAD.  We are thrilled that Jack continues to choose AHEAD as his headwear brand of choice and we look forward to the continuation of this special partnership.”
Nicklaus will continue to appear in AHEAD’s headwear catalog, point-of-sales materials and on the company web site.
Two other golfing legends—Arnold Palmer and Annika Sorenstam—also wear AHEAD products.  Active players representing AHEAD headwear in 2014 are Jim Furyk and Retief Goosen on the PGA Tour, and Brittany Lincicome on the LPGA Tour.
AHEAD has established partnerships with the USGA, PGA of America, and Ryder Cup, as well as  numerous PGA Tour events, PGA Retirement Plus and the ANNIKA Foundation.
For additional information on AHEAD, visit its web site at www.Aheadweb.com.

About AHEAD | www.aheadweb.com
Founded in 1995, AHEAD is a multi-dimensional brand with a proven track record of success distributing headwear, apparel, and accessories to the green grass, resort and corporate markets. Its single focus of providing quality products, with innovative, high-quality design, and merchandising concepts has led to 19 years of continued growth and expansion. AHEAD is a leading supplier of headwear to the USGA, PGA of America, Ryder Cup and numerous PGA Tour events in addition to more than 5,000 green grass and resort shops throughout the world. Among active professional golfers who wear AHEAD gear on the course are Jim Furyk, Sean O’Hair and Brittany Lincicome. Golf legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Annika Sorenstam wear AHEAD exclusively.

BAY HILL NAMED TO PRESTIGIOUS CONDE NAST TRAVELER GOLD LIST (2014)

 

               

ORLANDO, FL (January, 2014) –  Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge is proud to have been named a recipient of the highly regarded 2014 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List Award.   The Gold List is considered to be the authoritative index of the world’s highest ranking hotels, resorts, and cruise lines selected by nearly 70,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers.  It is especially exciting to note the service related aspects of the Bay Hill guest experience received a well-deserved 100% ranking.  For more information or reservations call (888) 422-9445 or visit www.BayHill.com. 

“We are extraordinarily proud to receive this award and be in the company of such highly respected resort destinations throughout the world, shared Ray Easler, Vice President Hospitality and Operations.   Our guests consistently rate our amenities and service among the finest in the industry and we are committed to always providing an unforgettable experience. ”

Bay Hill is the winter home of legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, and the host site of the PGA TOUR’s Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.   Visit this link to see the complete story of this treasured destination:  History of Bay Hill. 

Located just 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge is the site of the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard golf tournament.  The 70-room property features 27-holes of golf, the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy, tennis on four Har-tru courts, a full service spa and salon, fitness center, four dining locations, and 9,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space.  For reservations or membership information, call (888) 422-9445 or (407) 876-2429.

IAGTO awards Costa Rica Golf Destination of the Year 2014

Costa Rica has made a name as a natural paradise in recent years and has become a world leader in sustainable tourism. The small country in Central America achieved another important milestone, receiving the 2014 Golf Destination of the Year Award for Latin America & Caribbean from the prestigious International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).

IAGTO is the organization of global commerce for the industry of the golf tourism. Founded in 1997, members of IAGTO includes 2,122 credited golf tour operators, resorts, hotels,  national tourism organizations, media  and businesses in 95 countries. Operating in 62 countries, these golf tour operators control more than 85% of the golf packages sold annually around the world.

 With a total of six championship courses in addition to some very fine 9-hole layouts, Costa Rica is considered to be a small, but indeed an exclusive insider tip for golfers. Due to all the exciting non-golf activities available in Costa Rica, this is just the right amount of good golf to create a memorable golf experience. The environments surrounding the courses put you in touch with Mother Nature at her finest. True to the country’s strategy of always acting in a most sustainable, social and eco-friendly way, all these courses are recognized by Audubon International (www.auduboninternational.org) for their environmental friendly efforts.

Some of the game’s top architects have their names on the courses, including the La Iguana Golf Course at the Los Suenos Marriott Beach & Golf Club, designed by Ted Robinson; the Reserva Conchal Golf Club at the Westin Golf Resort & Spa, designed by Robert Trent Jones II; the Four Seasons, designed by Arnold Palmer; and the Cariari Country Club, designed by George Fazio and built by his nephew Tom Fazio.

But Costa Rica not only scores with its golf courses but also with its excellent hospitality and gastronomy. The exclusive hotel selection ranges from the cherished and smaller luxurious resorts like The Springs Resort to prestigious and international luxury hotel groups such as Marriott Hotels, The Starwood member Westin Golf Resort & Spa Conchal and The Four Seasons  Peninsula Papagayo Resort.

“Costa Rica has grown tremendously as a destination since I started golf tour here in 1996,” said Landy Blank, owner of Costa Rica Golf Adventures. “The combination of new golf courses, year-round climate and the natural beauty of Costa Rica makes it perfect for golfers seeking a new adventure.”

Costa Ricans are the happiest people on the planet according to the “Happy Planet Index,” measuring the experienced well-being of its population, life expectancy and the ecological footprint of 151 countries in the world. That makes them very likeable and pleasant hosts, an important reason more to come over and experience an unforgettable golf holiday in Costa Rica.
For more information:
Landy Blank, owner Costa Rica Golf Adventures, landy2255@gmail.com, Tel: 1-215-554-2129, 1-888-672-2057 / +506-2293-9785  www.golfcr.com