THE WORLD OF
GOLFING Courses, Events & Equipment
Issue 07 2019 | £4.99
La Manga Club Spain’s five-star La Manga Club resort is targeting unprecedented success on the global golf travel stage
IAGTO Tenerife Golf Trophy Sunshine will be awaiting the visitors to Tenerife as the island plays host to the prestigious IAGTO Golf Trophy
Callaway Golf Callaway Golf Announces Epic Flash Drivers And Fairway Woods Featuring Flash Face Technology
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contents
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Issue 07 Contents
Equipment
Courses
32
Howell Deal Marks Arrival Of Titleist At Clubs To Hire
04
Prized European Awards Offer Double Delight For Finca Cortesin
34
Callaway Golf Announces Epic Flash Drivers And Fairway Woods Featuring Flash Face Technology
08
La Manga Club Eyes Historic Golf Awards Hat-Trick
38
12
Extra Services On Offer As Refurbished Resort Opens For ‘Nous’ Season
Events
16
24
Dave Pelz Golf Schools Pitch Up At Foxhills
Alcanada Adds The Finishing Touches
18
New Partner Tag Puts Praia D’el Rey In A Class Of Its Own
20
Verdura Resort Celebrates Spring With Unlimited Golf
26
Great Golf And Familiar Faces At Costa Navarino’s Season Opener
30
Tenerife Enjoys A High Five With Iagto
Apple Watch App From GolfLogix Offers Convenient Access to Yardages, Green Images and More
40
PGA TOUR Chooses Technogym To Outfit New Innovative Mobile Fitness Centres With Smart Connected Equipment
44
Callaway Looking Long Term With Wiltshire As Ambassador
46
Miura Golf Introduces the K-Grind 2.0 Milled Wedge
The Team Editor Winston Goodall editor@theworldofgolfing.com
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courses - Finca Cortesin
Prized European Awards Offer Double Delight For Finca Cortesin Courses Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa’s status as a market leader in the luxury golf resort sector continues to flourish after winning two of the top accolades at the prestigious European Tour Properties Awards. In addition to receiving the 2018 award for ‘Best Staff Engagement’, the exclusive Spanish resort was also the proud recipient of the ‘Best Staff Operation’ honour for the second year running when the winners were announced at the group’s annual conference, which was held at Finca Cortesin last weekend. Results were taken from European Tour Properties’ ‘Mystery Shopper’ initiative,
with the awards criteria based on written confirmation from staff to visitors. Each member club was assessed on tee times, shop presentation, visibility of marshals on the course, payment information, attention to detail, food presentation and data capture. Miguel Girbes, director of golf at Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa, said: “It was a great honour for Finca Cortesin to host this year’s European Tour Properties’ conference, and to win two such coveted awards made the occasion extra special. “The resort prides itself on offering all our members and guests an outstanding customer experience, whatever service
they require. To be rated so highly again against a collection of the top resorts in Europe gives us enormous pleasure, and we will continue to do everything we can to make the service even better going forward.” This year’s European Tour Properties annual conference featured representatives from 20 different venues, with the theme of the three-day event centred around service; product quality and customer engagement; and looking at techniques and innovation from other industries within the luxury segment.
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courses - Finca Cortesin
courses - Finca Cortesin
Guests also had a full opportunity to experience the extensive world-class golf and lifestyle facilities that Finca Cortesin has to offer including an elegant 67-suite hotel, a 6,000sqm Beach Club; an awardwinning spa featuring Spain’s only snow cave; and the choice of four restaurants. For those looking to add an extra layer of privacy and comfort, new for 2019 there are further luxurious accommodation options to choose from with a stunning selection of two, four and five-bedroom villas available to rent – all with full access to the hotel’s superb facilities and a host of attractive extra services included. A three-time host of the Volvo World Match Play Championship in 2009, 2011 and 2012, Finca Cortesin joined the exclusive European Properties Network in 2017, and its membership has helped the resort cement its reputation as one the world’s elite luxury golfing venues.
Among the other leading accolades it has won over the last 12 months, the resort’s acclaimed Hotel Cortesin was crowned ‘Hotel of the Year – Overall’ by Preferred Hotels & Resorts – the world’s largest independent hotel brand – while it was also named ‘Best Resort in Spain’ by the country’s Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Opened in March 2006 and set across a vast 532-acre estate, the resort – located in the rolling hills of southern Spain, between Marbella and Sotogrande – is regarded as one of Europe’s most exclusive modern golf and lifestyle destination resorts. Designed by American Cabell Robinson, the venue’s 18-hole, par-72 layout has hosted numerous high-profile tournaments, while complementing the world-class golf course are outstanding practice facilities including a state-ofthe-art Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy.
Website: www.fincacortesin.com
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courses - La Manga Club
La Manga Club Eyes Historic Golf Awards Hat-Trick Courses Spain’s five-star La Manga Club resort is targeting unprecedented success on the global golf travel stage after being shortlisted for three of the top honours at this year’s World Golf Awards. The iconic sports and leisure destination in Murcia, south-east Spain, has won the awards for ‘Europe’s Best Golf Venue’ and ‘Spain’s Best Golf Hotel’ at the event for the last two years and is a leading contender again when the 2019 winners are announced in Abu Dhabi at the end of October.
La Manga Club’s Hotel Principe Felipe has been voted Spain’s best golf hotel four times in the last five years and will be optimistic of further success in the category, while the resort could complete a memorable evening with its renowned South Course also nominated for the award of ‘Spain’s Best Golf Course’. Launched in 2014, the World Golf Awards have quickly risen to be regarded as one of the most prestigious awards programmes in the golf tourism industry.
Nick Montgomery, general manager at La Manga Club, said: “La Manga Club continues to set the pace for golf resorts across Europe, and to have been shortlisted for these three top awards is very gratifying. “We have enjoyed considerable success at the World Golf Awards in recent years and such recognition is an illustration of the long-term appeal and high regard that the resort is held in, both with golfers and across the golf industry.”
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Set in a privileged corner of Murcia and three times the size of Monaco, La Manga Club is hugely popular with golfers from the UK, Europe and beyond, with its extensive facilities including three 18-hole golf courses, a nine-hole, par-47 academy course and first-class golf training centre. Also the official overseas training base of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), La Manga Club’s unrivalled other facilities include a 28-court tennis centre, a recently-opened European Cricket Performance Centre and a
courses - La Manga Club
2,000sqm Wellness Centre. The resort is host to Spain’s only official Chelsea FC Foundation Soccer School while, in addition, it features the choice of a fivestar hotel, four-star serviced apartments and townhouses and more than 15 bars and restaurants. Voting for the 6th World Golf Awards is open until September 15. For more details about the event and to vote for La Manga Club, go to worldgolfawards.com/nominees/2019
Website: www.lamangaclub.com
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courses - Lindner Golf Resort
Extra Services On Offer As Refurbished Resort Opens For ‘Nous’ Season Courses New golf and cycling services have been introduced at the popular Lindner Golf Resort Portals Nous, in Mallorca, as it reopened for the new season following a major €6.5m renovation. More than 100 artisans have spent the last three months rebuilding and rejuvenating the popular four-star hotel from lobby to attic. Ten new rooms have been added, while the remaining 100 have been refurbished completely and are now decorated in light wood and earth tones.
The hotel has also launched a free golfers’ shuttle to the clubhouse at the adjacent Royal Bendinat golf course, while the new Lindner Golf Service Centre provides preferential green fees for other island courses. In addition, the resort will be opening a cycle garage from where guests can hire a bike, or store and maintain their own, at the courtesy workbench.
On an island renowned for its sunshine, it is fitting that the hotel’s spacious new lobby has been designed to let in more of it. The resort’s general manager, Carolina Cordes, explained: “The large communal area opens up into our new bar and restaurant, ‘Niko’s Place’, named after our long-serving and popular bartender Nikolay Draganov. The bar is the ideal place for guests to sit, chat, work together or to plan their golf outings.”
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In keeping with the resort’s overall theme, the bar is decorated in the African ‘shabby chic’ style and serves fine drinks, local wines and cocktails. It merges into the restaurant, which, in turn, features decorated wooden plates on the walls and furniture in natural tones, to enhance the exotic ambience. Chef Martin Schattenberg specialises in tasty tapas and Mediterranean cuisine, such as lime-mayo chipirones, citrussalted langostinos and mojo sauce, or ibérico ham with Padrón peppers.
courses - Lindner Golf Resort
The opposite side of the multi-functional lobby offers a new lounge with brightly coloured, comfortable armchairs, a games console, dartboard and flat screen TVs, enabling it to be used as an exclusive ‘boardroom’ for 30 people, as a playroom, or, simply, as a cozy retreat.
provide ethnic flair, rounded off by floral patterns on wallpaper and cushions. The completely remodelled and modernised bathrooms now contain a floor-to-ceiling rain shower and are more spacious overall.
The two-floor Bahari Spa offers plenty of opportunities to relax, with an outdoor yoga terrace and spa treatments using island ingredients such as aloe vera and cactus extract.
The new-look resort is offering a special rate for three rounds of golf during May - one each at Alcanada, Andratx and Puntiró - for just €237 when booking an overnight stay in the hotel, from €88.80pp including breakfast.
The resort’s bedrooms are adorned with African art objects, abstractly decorated carpets and rustic wooden stools, to
For reservations or further information, info.portalsnous@lindnerhotels.com or call +34 971 707 777.
Website: www.lindner.de/en/BM
EAST SUSSEX NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
An experience you will treasure LIMITED MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE
» from only £1500 » with Junior memberships £200
Visit the No.1 Golf Shop in Sussex With free club fitting on top brands
»» Priority booking on two championship courses »» All Weather Driving Range (plus free range balls) »» Short Game Area and Putting Greens »» Members Only Bar and Restaurants »» Full Competition and Events Calendar »» Bag Drop, Free Club Storage and Hospitality Service »» Free Use of Pull Trolleys »» No Temporary Greens orTees.
Visit us and find out more: www.eastsussexnational.co.uk Tel: 01825 880256 Email: golf@eastsussexnational.co.uk East Sussex National, Little Horsted, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 5ES
Extra members’ benefits and discounts available at Horsted Health Club, Spa and Hotel
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courses - Club de Golf Alcanada
Alcanada Adds The Finishing Touches Courses Club de Golf Alcanada is “just a few weeks away” from being at 100 per cent, following its ambitious winter revamp.
club professionals from other Mallorcan courses at a recent event.
An extensive €700,000 renovation project took place over the winter to replace all 18 greens, upgrade the irrigation, renew all sand in the bunkers and various other improvements.
But director of golf, Kristoff Both, believes there is further improvement to be seen at the course – not because of the quality of the new greens, but because of the associated works which will take just a little longer to settle.
The course reopened on March 1 and the new greens have already earned rave reviews, especially from visiting
Both explained: “I guess some people always expect the course to be absolutely perfect and it’s probably at
about 90 per cent at the moment. It was impossible to have everything at 100 per cent on the first day and most people understand it takes a couple of weeks more until the other re-turfed areas perfect. “As well as the greens, we have also renewed the entrances to the greens – around five metres of new turf. It’s not the ideal time to plant Bermuda grass because it is dormant in the winter so it looks a little yellow but then becomes
courses - Club de Golf Alcanada
green again as the ground temperatures are rising.” Both insists the vast majority of the early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive about the Alcanada upgrade – especially from those who might occasionally be quick to point out any failings. He said: “We hosted a tournament for the staff members of the other golf courses in Mallorca. It was a good test for us to have these people who would never be too shy in being critical about us! We had some of the local club pros,
restaurant workers, maintenance workers and directors of golf. It was great fun. “These people all know golf and they all know how hard it is to maintain a golf course. They were all saying ‘Wow. You guys did a great job this winter’. It was very positive for us and the professionals who played thought the greens were amazing. “We have to remember that we are still in pre-season and the course is a living animal. It is already really good but will only get better and better in the next
Website: www.golf-alcanada.com
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few weeks and months as we add more finishing touches. “The greens are playing very, very well and they look awesome. The last hole was only turfed five weeks ago and they are just a little slower than we are used to – they are around 9.5 on the Stimpmeter when we are usually at around 10.5-11. But they will get quicker in a matter of weeks. “Most of us know that the number one priority on a golf course is the greens and they are absolutely cracking.”
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courses - Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort
New Partner Tag Puts Praia D’ el Rey In A Class Of Its Own Courses Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort is taking its luxury golf customer experience to new levels after becoming the first venue in Portugal to partner with Tagmarshal, the leading provider of pace of play, golf management software. The top resort in Obidos has followed the example of some of the biggest names in golf – including Major venues Carnoustie, Merion and Erin Hills – by teaming up with the brand and introducing its innovative technology on
its two 18-hole championship courses, Praia D’El Rey and the much-acclaimed West Cliffs Golf Links. Tagmarshal’s state-of-the-art analysis equipment will be carried by all golfers at Praia D’El Rey – on golf bags, trolleys and across the resort’s buggy fleet – and the benefits are set to be immediate, helping the resort to deliver the ultimate playing experience for all golfers thanks to the live tracking of players.
Providing the latest information, the live-streaming software will assist the resort’s golf course management team in monitoring the pace of play across both layouts, enabling potential slow-play bottlenecks to be quickly identified and avoided. And with real-time data instantly available and players accountable for the time they spend on the course, Praia D’El Rey will be able to boost its operational efficiency with enhanced course flow,
courses - Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort
leading to quicker rounds and improved service delivery. Francisco Cadete, director of golf at Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort and West Cliffs Golf Links, said: “We trialled the Tagmarshal software on both courses and were very impressed with the results. “Slow play has been a problem in golf for a long time but we’re confident that, by keeping a close eye on the speed and flow of traffic around our courses, we can make this a thing of the past, helping to raise the golf course customer experience we provide to new heights.”
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“We are delighted to have Praia D’El Rey on board as a Tagmarshal partner and look forward to assisting this prestigious resort to deliver the best possible playing experiences for its visiting golfers,” said Bodo Sieber, CEO of Tagmarshal.
spectacular West Cliffs course being voted the ‘World’s Best New Course’ at the 2017 World Golf Awards and its other championship layout also being ranked among the continent’s top 50 courses.
“We have no doubt that the data analytics and operational efficiencies that Tagmarshal delivers will ensure that Francisco and his team continue to deliver and improve on their world-class offerings.”
In addition to golf, the resort offers an array of other world-class sports and leisure facilities including remodelled five-star ocean front and ocean premium accommodation at a cost of nearly €1m and an upgrade of its restaurant facilities.
Situated less than an hour north of Lisbon, Praia D’El Rey is regarded as one of Europe’s premier resorts, with the
Website: www.westcliffs.com, www.praia-del-rey.com
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courses - Verdura Resort
Verdura Resort Celebrates Spring With Unlimited Golf Courses Unlimited golf in an idyllic setting is the mouth-watering prospect that awaits golfers taking up Verdura Resort’s invitation to book a stay-and-play break at the exclusive Sicilian venue this spring. Described by previous visitors including European Tour star Álvaro Quirós as “paradise”and set next to the sparkling azure waters of the Mediterranean, the resort boasts one of the world’s most beautiful golfing locations and is offering players outstanding value over the coming months – with three-night
unlimited golf packages bookable from €407 per person. Available until May 24, the breaks include unlimited rounds on Verdura’s world-class 18-hole championship course – home of the European Tour’s Rocco Forte Sicilian Open – as well as complimentary use of the resort’s double-ended driving range. Daily use of a golf buggy over 18 holes, a yardage book of the Kyle Phillips-designed course and a Verdura
Resort polo shirt, are also included together with a welcome fruit basket and sparkling wine on arrival, plus a complimentary bottle of Verdura Società Agricola olive oil. All packages, which are bookable for a minimum three nights, are on a bed-andbreakfast basis, with prices starting from €271 per room per night staying in a Deluxe Room. Set in 230 hectares of stunning Mediterranean landscape on Sicily’s
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courses - Verdura Resort
courses - Verdura Resort
southern coast, Verdura Resort’s golf facilities include an outstanding 18-hole championship course as well as a parthree nine-hole course, double-ended driving range and first-class academy and Performance Institute. Located between Agrigento and the fishing city of Sciacca, an 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports,
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Verdura Resort – a member of the exclusive European Tour Properties network – features 203 rooms and suites, all with a sea view, including six villas which offer a perfect solution for family holidays, each with its own private swimming pool.
and lifestyle facilities, while guests also have the opportunity to sample, on and off-site, a taste of the gastronomy, wine, history and culture that has made Sicily famous across the world.
Away from the fairways, the resort offers an extensive array of other luxury sports
reservation.verdura@roccofortehotels.com
For more information and to book, phone + 39 06 0328 88630 or email
Website: www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/verdura-resort/
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EVENTS - Dave Pelz Golf Schools
Dave Pelz Golf Schools Pitch Up At Foxhills Events Golfers eager to sharpen their shortgame skills can combine state-of-the-art facilities and a world-renowned coaching progamme thanks to a new link-up between Foxhills and Dave Pelz Golf Schools. The historic Surrey resort’s state-ofthe-art new short-game practice area, which opens this spring, will host an initial series of three Dave Pelz 3-Day Scoring Game Schools (April 12-14; May 3-5 and May 31-June 2), which can see huge improvements to golfers of all
abilities. More dates are also expected to be added later in the year. With the first session taking place on Masters weekend, it’s fitting that defending champion Patrick Reed is among the many students of the Pelz methods, which played such a pivotal role in his success at Augusta last year. The programme, which costs £1300 for the three days, incorporates tailored tuition for small groups of participants as they benefit from Pelz Golf Institute’s scientific approach and attention on
distance wedges, pitching, chipping bunkers and putting. Every Pelz school includes an analysis of each student’s game, classroom theory sessions and outdoor execution sessions with one instructor for four students. The finishing touches are being added to the new short-game facility at Foxhills, which features two practice bunkers, synthetic hitting areas and a 650 square metre green at a cost stretching well into six figures.
events - Dave Pelz Golf Schools
programmes will see major benefits to their game.”
And director of golf, Chris Fitt, believes the Dave Pelz Golf Schools is a welcome addition which underlines Foxhills’ commitment to quality coaching and practice. Fitt said: “Every golfer understands how vital it is to find the right method with their short game and Dave Pelz Golf Schools can make a massive difference. “We now have these fantastic new practice facilities available at Foxhills and it’s a great way to put them through their paces. Anyone who attends these
A former NASA scientist with a unique analytical approach to the game, Pelz founded his schools in the late 1980s and structured the programme to meet the needs of all handicap levels with trained instructors providing the hands-on expertise. Pelz said: “Foxhills’ new short-game facility is the perfect location to put our methods into practice.
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“For golfers, it’s important to note that 80 per cent of shots lost to par occur inside of 100 yards and two thirds of the shots in any given round will be in that range. Our students leave our schools with a working plan and very useful skills to continue their practice after the course.” Places can be booked online at www.pelzgolf.com/golfschools/ aboutlocation.aspx?location=261 For more information, visit foxhills.co.uk or pelzgolf.com.
Website: www.foxhills.co.uk, www.pelzgolf.com
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EVENTS - Costa Navarino
Great Golf And Familiar Faces At Costa Navarino’ s Season Opener Events The successful third annual Messinia ProAm, featuring competitors from 20 countries, saw a victory for Italy, while Hollywood actor Bill Murray and England’s Rugby World Cup winner Mike Tindall added to the event’s appeal.
Tadini’s final tally of 197, 15-under par, was a hugely impressive 11 shots ahead of his nearest rival, Wentworth’s Stuart Boyle, following two rounds of golf on the Dunes Course and one on the Bay Course.
PGA of Italy’s Alessandro Tadini retained his concentration amid the celebrity spotting to win the season-opening event, at the Mediterranean’s leading destination, Costa Navarino, in Greece.
The 45-year-old Italian was full of praise for the destination, saying: “I would like to thank Costa Navarino for hosting this wonderful event. It is a fantastic place with two spectacular courses, and myself and my team have had the most amazing time in Messinia.”
More than 120 professionals, celebrities and amateur golfers – including Oscarnominated and Golden Globe winner Murray and rugby legend Tindall – enjoyed three rounds of competition golf in a professionally organised event, and a series of thematic social events culminating in a memorable gala dinner and prizegiving hosted by pro golfer and TV presenter Iona Stephen and golf coach and YouTube star Peter Finch. Murray was as in awe of Costa Navarino as Tadini, and said: “This is the best place
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EVENTS - Costa Navarino
events - Costa Navarino
I’ve ever been. The golf courses are great; I’ve never been treated nicer anywhere. This is a different level; it is not like anything I’ve ever seen.”
Event partners included AEGEAN Airlines, a member of Star Alliance, the official airline of the tournament, and Erasmus, the official travel partner.
And Tindall added: “I can see why Costa Navarino is called a gem. The views are stunning and everyone is so friendly.”
One of the world’s most sustainable destinations, Costa Navarino is renowned for its pristine coastal location, breathtaking landscape, cultural heritage, luxury hospitality and real estate. A commitment to the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility exist throughout
The event was attended by a substantial gathering of international media while accommodation was provided for all at the five-star The Westin Resort Costa Navarino.
Website: www.costanavarino.com
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its operation, as well as a desire to promote the entire region of Messinia, while protecting and preserving both its natural beauty and heritage.
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EVENTS - IAGTO Tenerife Golf Trophy
Tenerife Enjoys A High Five With Iagto Events Year-round sunshine will be awaiting the visitors to Tenerife as the island plays host to the prestigious IAGTO Tenerife Golf Trophy (May 20-23, 2019). It’s the fifth hosting of the popular tournament, which has previously been staged in Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, Costa Blanca and Costa Calida and is regarded as one of the leading events on the golf tourism calendar. More than 90 tour operators from 29 countries will descend upon the largest
of Spain’s Canary Islands to discover the many golf, cultural and historic experiences that Tenerife has to offer, as well as meeting with representatives from regional golf resorts, golf courses, hotels and inbound operators. Tenerife features nine courses and a wide variety of layouts: Buenavista and Real Club de Golf de Tenerife in the north, and Golf Costa Adeje, Abama, Las Americas, Golf del Sur, Amarilla, and Los Palos in the south. Tecina Golf is a 40-minute ferry ride from the mainland on the
beautiful island of La Gomera. The accommodation options are also excellent and can meet the demands of any type of holiday and several top-class hotels are several taking part in the programme to showcase the destination even further. IAGTO spokesperson, Peter Walton, said: “Tenerife remains a superb destination for golfers throughout the year with its inviting climate. There is rich diversity among the golf courses and the
events - IAGTO Tenerife Golf Trophy
accommodation options are second to none. I’m sure it will be a fantastic event.” Tenerife Golf’s Carlos Beautell, said: “It’s a huge honour to host the IAGTO Tenerife Golf Trophy. We look forward to providing our customary warm welcome and we will be proud to show everyone the quality of our golf courses and the ongoing attraction of our island.” The event is just one of the highlights in a busy 2019 on the Tenerife golf calendar as it continues to promote the destination to UK and European golfers in partnership with leading UK agency Azalea.
A pan-European group media trip will also take place in April with journalists from countries across the continent experiencing the special attraction of the popular island and the quality, value and depth of Tenerife golf. Average year-round temperatures of 23°c Tenerife provide the ideal climate to enjoy a relaxing golf break thanks to cooling trade winds; while - in contrast to almost everywhere else - golf and hotel rates are generally 20 per cent cheaper in the summer months. The island also offers 70km of beaches and a wide range of cultural highlights
Website: www.webtenerife.com/golf
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and activities both on and off the water, making it the ideal location for a golf break. Tenerife is served by two airports - Tenerife North and Tenerife South - and is barely a four-hour flight from the UK, and no more than a five-hour direct flight from most main European cities. For more details on playing golf in Tenerife, visit www.webtenerife.com/golf; www.facebook.com/TenerifeGolf; @ tenerife_golf on Instagram @TwiTenerifeGolf on Twitter. Or download the free Tenerife Golf app for iOS and Android.
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Equipment - Clubs To Hire
Howell Deal Marks Arrival Of Titleist At Clubs To Hire Equipment Leading golf club rental agency Clubs to Hire is now offering Titleist products for the first time. The Dublin-based company hires sets of golf clubs in 29 popular golfing regions around the globe and is now stocking the leading brand’s range of TS (Titleist Speed) woods, 718 AP1 game improvement irons, Vokey SM7 wedges and Scotty Cameron putters. The announcement comes hot on the heels of the news that six-time Tour winner and chairman of the European Tour players’ committee, David Howell a Titleist staff player - will continue as a Clubs to Hire global ambassador.
Howell said: “I’m delighted to be back working with Titleist after 17 years and equally delighted to see that Titleist products will be available at Clubs to Hire for the first time.” Clubs to Hire co-founder Tony Judge added: “We always strive to offer our clients excellent product and service and the arrival of Titleist product is great news for all concerned. The introduction of Vokey wedges and Scotty Cameron putters is also very exciting.” The Titleist product is already available to book - with collection from March 11 - with a full set costing €85 for a week’s rental.
Website: www.clubstohire.com
Clubs to Hire handles more than 300,000 annual visits to its website and more than 80,000 bookings for rental clubs at 29 locations worldwide, including popular golfing regions in the USA, Thailand, Australia, South Africa and five countries across the Mediterranean, offering the latest clubs on the market, from leading brands such as TaylorMade, Titleist and Callaway - for men and women, left- or right-handed. Clients can also add shoe rental, balls, tees and hats to their order.
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Equipment - Callaway Golf
Callaway Golf Announces Epic Flash Drivers And Fairway Woods Featuring Flash Face Technology, Developed With Artificial Intelligence Equipment The Company Behind Jailbreak Technology Introduces Groundbreaking Face Technology Created Through Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Callaway Golf Company (NYSE: ELY), an industry leader in golf equipment and innovative performance technologies, announced the Epic Flash Drivers and Epic Flash Fairway Woods, featuring the Company’s revolutionary new Flash Face Technology. The new premium performance clubs will be available at
golf retailers nationwide on February 1, 2019. Callaway Golf Announces Epic Flash Drivers And Fairway Woods Featuring Flash Face Technology, Developed With Artificial Intelligence Flash Face’s sophisticated architecture was created by Artificial Intelligence and “Machine Learning,” a field of computer science that uses statistical techniques to give computer systems the ability to “learn” with data without being explicitly
programmed. A new driver face design typically takes eight to ten iterations. Through Machine Learning our computers cycled through 15,000 face architecture iterations, learning from each one, before arriving at Flash Face. Perhaps more importantly, this design might have never been arrived at without AI; the design defies convention. The Flash Face’s unique, internal mapping consists of dozens of subtle ripples flowing from heel to toe. These ripples work together cohesively to elevate
Equipment - Callaway Golf
COR in the face’s center region. That accomplishment results in a significant ball speed boost for a noticeable distance increase when you make solid contact, helping make your longest drives go even longer. The Epic Flash driver also incorporates our revolutionary Jailbreak technology that promotes fast, face-wide speed. The two internal, hourglass-shaped Jailbreak bars connect the crown to the sole, stabilizing and stiffening those two parts at impact, allowing the face to take on greater impact load to generate faster ball speed. Together, Flash Face and Jailbreak make the Epic Flash one of the most innovative and technologically advanced drivers in Callaway history.
Key Talking Points New Flash Face Technology for Faster Ball Speed Callaway engineers used Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to create a radically different face design to promote faster ball speed in the center region of the face. Jailbreak Technology for Faster Ball Speed Internal Jailbreak bars stiffen and stabilize the crown and sole, placing more impact load on the face to promote faster ball speed.
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New T2C Triaxial Carbon Crown Material for Higher MOI A new lighter triaxial carbon fabric called T2C has a tighter weave; the weight it saves is redistributed within the head to raise MOI for exceptional forgiveness on off-center hits. Adjustable Perimeter Weighting for Ball Flight Control Sliding 16-gram weight gives golfers the power to easily promote draws, fades or a straighter flight. 2 Driver Models: Standard/Sub Zero Pricing: $529.99
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Equipment - Callaway Golf
Equipment - Callaway Golf
Epic Flash Fairway Woods The new Epic Flash fairway wood features our new Flash Face Technology to help golfers of every level and swing speed get more ball speed and distance. Within the clubhead, Callaway’s innovative Jailbreak Technology is the engine that promotes increased ball speed. Epic Flash fairway woods also have a new, lighter OptiFit Hosel to make it simple for players to dial in easy launch and optimal flight.
Callaway engineers applied learnings from Artificial Intelligence to create a new fairway wood face design that promotes increased ball speed for longer distance.
New Flash Face Technology for Unprecedented Ball Speed
Jailbreak Technology for Fast Ball Speed Our innovative Jailbreak Technology
Forged Carpenter Steel Face Cup for Fast Speed Forged 455 Carpenter steel construction combines with Face Cup technology to deliver fast ball speed across the face for distance on center- and off-center hits.
Website: www.callawaygolf.com
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incorporates two internal bars that stiffen the body, placing more impact load on the face for fast ball speed. New OptiFit Hosel for Easy Launch and Optimal Flight Callaway designed an entirely new hosel system that’s shorter and lighter; the saved weight is used to reposition the CG for easy launch and high, long-carrying flight. 2 Fairway Wood Models: Standard/Sub Zero Pricing: $299.99
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Equipment - GolfLogix
Apple Watch App From GolfLogix Offers Convenient Access to Yardages, Green Images and More Equipment New update for Series 3 and 4 Apple Watches improves your game at a glance; Download from the Apple Store for a FREE GolfLogix Plus trial Golfers can now get exact yardages, green images, score tracking and hole selection, all on Apple Watch. GolfLogix, the complete game improvement app and global leader in GPS and stats tracking technology, has released its latest update on Apple Watch, offering a more convenient alternative to the iPhone. The app is compatible with Series 3 and 4 Apple Watches. The new GolfLogix app for Series 3 and 4 Apple Watches allows golfers to conveniently access the game improvement features that have made GolfLogix the global leader in GPS and stat tracking technology.
“As we head into the 2019 season, we are excited to introduce our industry-leading golf GPS application to Apple Watch,” says Pete Charleston, President at GolfLogix. “Now with one glance, golfers will have convenient access to all the information they need to improve their game on the golf course.” Series 3 and 4 Apple Watch users can Play Smarter with: Exact Yardages The standalone GPS functionality in Apple Watch provides accurate yardages to the front, middle and back of greens and pre-mapped data points such as bunkers, layups, and water. Green Images Bird’s-eye views of each green provide the information needed to make smart decisions on approach shots and quickly determine the target and club on Apple Watch.
Website: www.GolfLogix.com
Score Tracking Enter scores between holes or edit scores at any time throughout the round on Apple Watch which then corresponds back to the GolfLogix app on the phone. Hole Selection Switch between holes using the top navigation inside Apple Watch. Enter your score or review your yardage. With the game-changing GolfLogix app now available on Apple Watch, golfers can focus on the game and the things that really matter—hitting their target. Download GolfLogix for Apple Watch through the Apple Store and get a FREE GolfLogix Plus trial!
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Equipment - Technogym
PGA TOUR Chooses Technogym To Outfit New Innovative Mobile Fitness Centres With Smart Connected Equipment Equipment Providing world class sports performance equipment and solutions for elite PGA TOUR Players TECHNOGYM the world leading producer of design and technologydriven fitness smart connected equipment and the official equipment provider of the past seven editions of the Olympic Games, participated in the PGA TOUR’s unveiling of a new state-ofthe-art mobile fitness center featuring Technogym smart connected equipment, during a presentation by PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan at The
Honda Classic at PGA National Resort & Spa. The new fitness center will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment supplied by Technogym and will increase by over 200 square feet from the previous facilities. The additional space will provide players with a wider variety of fitness equipment as well as more open space for functional movement exercise. Technogym is the gold standard for professional athletic training worldwide and has been official training equipment supplier to the last seven Olympic
Games as well as official supplier to many professional teams and athletes in different sport disciplines. “Technogym has been training champions for the past 30 years, including our legacy as the official equipment supplier to the past seven Olympic Games,” said Nerio Alessandri, President and Founder of Technogym. “We are very proud to have been chosen by PGA TOUR to provide world class sports performance equipment and solutions for the elite TOUR players. This partnership represents a strong validation of
Equipment - Technogym
our ongoing investment in R&D for our products, innovation and quality standards.” As the Official Supplier of the PGA TOUR Player Performance Centers, Technogym will outfit the fitness centers with the highest performing sports equipment including SKILLRUN Treadmills and SKILLTOOLS. SKILLRUN allows TOUR players to perform traditional cardiovascular training and instantly transition to lower body power training. The Biofeedback feature provides the Player with real time feedback on their running efficiency to maximize results and minimize lower body overuse injuries. Sled pushing allows for lower body power development without the need for high risk exercises while simultaneously creating core activation. Additionally,
there is an extreme incline feature allowing Players to train in a wide range of inclines. This helps with lower body strength and power development, while increasing the cardiovascular demand, and training up to a -3% decline simulating the downhill undulations they face on the course. SKILLTOOLS are a variety of performance tools that create a wide range of training modalities for the players, for total body mobility, stability, and power development within their workouts, before a round of golf, or for recovery after a round of golf. “We are excited about the next generation of fitness services that we will be able to provide for our athletes on the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions,” said Andy Levinson, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President Tournament Website: www.GolfLogix.com
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Administration. “These new and improved facilities coupled with our staff of world-class athletic trainers, physical therapists and chiropractors will allow us to meet the increasing demand of our athletes.” The fitness centers are part of the Player Performance Centers that travel to 62 events between the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions each year. The Centers are made up of two sets of semi-trailers (four total) that navigate the mainland and Canada each year, representing a considerable investment with a goal of providing a consistent and trusted training center for the players. In addition to two fitness centers for performance and training, players have access to two wellness centers dedicated to therapy and recovery. Each unit logs more than 24,000 miles annually.
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Equipment - Callaway Golf
Callaway Looking Long Term With Wiltshire As Ambassador Equipment Long-driver and rising social media star James Wiltshire is looking to add further yards to his game after agreeing an ambassadorial role with Callaway, which includes a full club fitting for his new clubs and an apparel contract. Wiltshire, 28, has more than 28,000 followers on his YouTube channel and is regarded as one of the UK’s up-andcoming golf influencers – and, in his ambassadorial role, he will be creating joint content with Callaway. But he’s also enjoying increasing success with a club rather than a camera, as his long-drive performances start to rack up. He is currently now preparing for a crack at the British title – the first event in the new European Long Drive Games – at Whittington Heath GC, Lichfield, on
March 30. After that he’ll be heading to foreign shores to compete at Münchener Golfclub, in Munich, on April 27-28. Devon-based Wiltshire will consequently be playing Callaway clubs, wearing TravisMathew clothing and trusting OGIO luggage and backpacks for his travel needs. He will also be using an Odyssey Toulon Collection putter – the fastest-growing, milled-putter brand in the world – which features Stroke Lab technology to aid the golfer’s stroke. Callaway’s content manager, Owen Davies, sees Wiltshire as one of golf’s rising social media stars and an up-andcoming long-driver, and feels he is a good fit for the Surrey-based brand.
Website: www.callawaygolf.com
He explained: “James is a really exciting and entertaining character within the world of golf content. His authentic and unique style aligns well with the Callaway family of brands and we look forward to working on some great collaborations in 2019. “James is well positioned to highlight not only the market-leading innovations offered by Callaway and Odyssey, but also the unique products that OGIO and TravisMathew bring to the golf and lifestyle market.” A pro since the age of 19, Wiltshire earned his PGA accreditation aged just 22, and his popular YouTube channel features a mix of long driving, fitness, conditioning, and light-hearted course and club visits.
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Equipment - Miura Golf
Miura Golf Introduces the K-Grind 2.0 Milled Wedge Equipment Timeless craftsmanship merges with modern techniques to produce the next generation of the handcrafted K-Grind milled wedge from Miura Miura Golf today introduced the latest addition to its growing product line by giving one of its most iconic clubs a modern upgrade. Following in the footsteps of the original 1957 K-Grind wedge, the new K-Grind 2.0 features the signature knuckled sole of the 1957 model, but adds cutting-edge milling techniques for an unrivaled combination of functionality and feel. The new K-Grind 2.0 from Miura features the signature knuckled sole that enables the clubface to remain square at impact. The three knuckles deliver increased playability through every type of turf. Given the proven staying-power of the K-Grind, the Miura family craftsmen sought to maintain the integrity of the original design by preserving the fluted sole that enables the clubface to remain square at impact. The three knuckles deliver increased playability through every type of turf. The K-Grind 2.0 sole grind features increased bounce and roll along with heel and toe relief designed to stabilize golfers’ swings of all skill levels.
Club Face Now Fully Milled The other significant evolution of the line is evident on the clubface of the wedge. To keep in line with the modern style of play, the face and grooves of the K-Grind 2.0 have been fully milled to provide increased spin on intermediate and full shots. The K-Grind 2.0 is hand-forged in Himeji, Japan, using Miura’s time-honored 14step manufacturing process. It is offered in five lofts, from 52° to 60°. “The K-Grind 2.0 is the next generation of the trusted and distinctive product line that performs dependably through every turf,” said Hoyt McGarity, President of Miura Golf. “With this club, we have produced a superior wedge that is just as versatile as it is visually striking.” The K-Grind 2.0 is available at Miura Golf authorized dealers around the globe or at www.miuragolf.com. On the manufacturer’s website, customers can also design a custom K-Grind 2.0 with a choice of 19 branded shaft options and 14 diverse grips. About Miura Golf Miura Golf makes the world’s finest forged golf clubs, which are designed and manufactured by the Miura family in their factory in Himeji, Japan. The entire
Website: www.miuragolf.com
family works hands-on in the factory and continues to carry on the Miura legacy. World-renowned craftsman Katsuhiro Miura began hand-crafting and grinding irons in 1957 and has created one of the most-respected brands in the golf industry. Miura’s endless quest for the perfect club has brought to the world more than 10 product series, a number that grows as the next generation of the Miura family – led by sons Shinei and Yoshitaka – continue their meticulous refinement and evolution of product lines. Each club is individually handcrafted and will never be mass produced, as generations of steel-making skill and passion bring to us the world’s finest golf clubs. About 8AM Golf Miura Golf is part of the 8AM Golf family. 8AM Golf was created by golf entrepreneur and philanthropist Howard Milsteinas the holding company that oversees his golf companies — all of which help golfers at every level enjoy the game more. In addition to Miura, other 8AM Golf companies include the Nicklaus Companies (in partnership with the legendary Jack Nicklaus); GOLF Magazine and the GOLF.com website; True Spec Golf, a brand-agnostic clubfitting company that has fit more than 30,000 golfers worldwide; and GolfLogix, the most-downloaded GPS app in golf.