ARIZONA GOLF AUTHORITY

Author: Staff AZGA

Light it Up Celebrates a “Dynamite” Golf Shot

From the Arizona Golf News Desk at the Arizona Golf Authority

Tin Cup Products, LLC announces the introduction of “Light it Up,” the latest style in its award-winning range of patented stainless steel golf ball marking stencils, all Made in U.S.A.

Light it Up is the company’s “Cup of the Month” for July and celebrates the tradition of Independence Day as well as the dynamite feeling of a well struck tee shot.

In a nod to its legions of devoted fans worldwide, Tin Cup named this cup based on comments posted to its Facebook page.

“Some of the coolest product names have come directly from the growing community of golfers that always anticipate the designs we premiere each month,” says Tin Cup President Cabell Fooshe. “Given the early outpouring of enthusiasm for Light it Up, we’re expecting it to be in high demand for individual, outing, event and gift purchases.”

Since being named “Best New Product” at the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show, Tin Cup has grown rapidly. Some of the company’s newest creations were named a top pick by Golf Digest at the 2013 PGA Merchandise Show and earned SCOREGolf’s “Surprise Product of the Year” honor for 2012.

Available at hundreds of retailers nationwide and www.tin-cup.com, Tin Cup stencils ($19.95) boast a personalization process that takes seconds. Players simply place the template of their choice over a ball and trace it using an ultra-fine point permanent marker.

More than 130 unique styles are available, including emblems from all four major military branches, visualization/game improvement marks and college logos. The company also offers an affordable customization program that’s trusted by well-known corporations, charities, media outlets, celebrities and individuals.

For more information: www.tin-cup.com, 888.984.6287.

About Tin Cup Products, LLC

Tin Cup’s patented golf ball marking stencils are crafted from 100 percent stainless steel and Made in the USA. The entire personalization process takes just seconds, placing the Tin Cup over a golf ball and tracing the design using an ultra-fine point permanent marker. In addition to more than 130 existing models, a customization program provides low minimums, affordable pricing and prompt delivery for corporations, charities, media outlets, celebrities, events and others seeking a distinctive gift.

Tin Cup stencils are currently sold at more than 1,200 retail locations worldwide, including PGA Superstore, Edwin Watts, Roger Dunn and Golfsmith, as well as elite clubs and resorts like Baltusrol, Bandon Dunes, Congressional, Kingsmill, Medinah, Reynolds Plantation, The Boulders, Torrey Pines, Wailea and Sea Island. The company also has distribution in Canada, the UK and Japan.

Winner of “Best New Product” at the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show, it has been heralded by leading authorities worldwide, including CBS Sports, Cigar Aficionado, CNN, Forbes, Gifts.com, Globe & Mail, Golf Business, Golf Digest, GOLF Magazine, Good Housekeeping, Men’s Journal, People Country, TheStreet.com, TODAY Show, USA Today, Yahoo! and many others.

July 18, 2013
2013 Golden Ticket – $100 Wins Two Season Tickets for Nearly Every Game in Town

From the Arizona Golf News Desk at the Arizona Golf Authority

Sponsored by the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission, each $100 raffle ticket is a chance to win the “2013 Golden Ticket.” This year, the drawing is scheduled for August 7, 2013.

This year’s “Ticket” specifically includes:

Two 2013 Season Tickets to the Arizona Cardinals
Two 2013-2014 Season Tickets to the Phoenix Coyotes
Two 2013-2014 Season Tickets to the Phoenix Suns
Two 2014 Season Tickets to the Arizona Diamondbacks
Two 2014 Season Tickets to the Arizona Rattlers
Two 2014 Season Tickets to the Phoenix Mercury

Two Tickets to the 2014 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Two Tickets to the 2014 Waste Management Phoenix Open
Two Tickets to the 2013 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl
Two Tickets to two (2) Phoenix International
Raceway Races

Two 2013 Season Tickets to ASU Football
Two 2013-2014 Season Tickets to the ASU Men’s and Women’s Basketball
Two 2013-2014 Season Tickets to the Grand Canyon State University Men’s and Women’s Basketball

The Golden Ticket Raffle is one of the Phoenix Regional Sports Commission’s primary fundraising events. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of Golden Tickets will benefit the Youth Sports programs of the PRSC, including the annual Youth Sports Awards and Youth Sports Summit.

In the recent past, PRSC has sold approximately 300 tickets per year.

For more information, contact Justin Balich at Justin@phoenixsports.org or 602.258.6272.

Visit www.PhoenixSports.org for all the details.

July 12, 2013
Boccieri Golf Introduces EL Putter Series

From the Arizona Golf News Desk at the Arizona Golf Authority

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona – Boccieri Golf has launched it’s new Extended Length EL Series Putters – the first, true alternative to anchoring.

By combining a slightly longer putter shaft with the company’s patented, Tour-proven high-mass head, and a balanced counterweight in the 17″ long grip, Boccieri’s EL Series Putters provide the reliable stability of anchoring in a free-swinging putting stroke.

Part of the award-winning Heavy Putter line, the EL Series delivers unmatched stability and consistency, making it equally suited to players using regular length putters and those relying on belly and long models.

Each of the new styles showcases a shaft that extends beyond the hands, but does not attach to the body. This unique design allows golfers to use the same stroke they would with a traditional length putter while benefiting from a 175-gram counterweight that produces a dramatically raised balance point and the industry’s highest MOI.

“One reason belly putters became so popular was because the additional grip and shaft materials created a natural back-weight,” says Stephen Boccieri, President and CEO of Boccieri Golf. “Other OEM’s are just now adopting counterweighting while we’ve been touting it for nearly a decade and have now taken it to the next level.”

Available in 36, 38 and 40-inch lengths, the EL Series includes 28 styles in three finishes and three distinct weight categories LITE (840 grams), MID (865 grams) and HEAVY (930 grams). This stands in stark contrast to competing brands that offer only one or two models with longer shafts. In all Heavy Putter models, the extra weight engages the body’s larger, more stable muscles to promote greater control with each stroke.

For more information: www.boccierigolf.com, 888.788.8374.

About Boccieri Golf

Founded in 2005 by Stephen Boccieri, the company’s popular Heavy Putter collection and Control Series line of full-swing products were the first to integrate counterweight principals. This unique approach to club design is proven to benefit golfers of all abilities, as strategically placed weight in the butt-end of the shaft produces a higher balance point for smoother, more repeatable swings from driver through putter. Boccieri Golf’s Secret Grip, endorsed by Jack Nicklaus, was introduced in 2013.

The company recently opened a state-of-the-art Research and Performance Center at 15816 N. Greenway-Hayden Loop in Scottsdale. The 9,000-square-foot facility offers golfers a variety of services, including custom club fitting, high-tech swing analysis and practice time on life-like simulators.

Boccieri Golf equipment has played a key role in victories on the PGA, European, Champions, Nationwide, Asian, Canadian and European Challenge Tours, and has received critical acclaim from golf and lifestyle media worldwide.

July 11, 2013
Marilynn Smith, LPGA – Have Clubs, Will Travel

From the Arizona Golf News Desk at the Arizona Golf Authority

Have Clubs, Will Travel is an entertaining “insider’s look” at the LPGA from the tour’s founding member and “ultimate insider,” Marilynn Smith.

A native of Topeka, Marilynn called herself “Just an ordinary gal from the Kansas prairie who has lived an extraordinary life.

“We were a mixture of war heroes, young kids, mothers and world-class athletes. We did things for ourselves, without management companies, a headquarters staff or swing gurus.”

With equal parts humor and sage commentary Marilynn notes, “Amazingly, we survived without corporate logos on our clothing.”

Marilynn and twelve co-founders started the Ladies Professional Golf Association in 1950:

Alice Bauer
Patty Berg
Bettye Danoff
Helen Detweiler
Marlene Bauer Hagge
Helen Hicks
Opal Hill
Betty Jameson
Sally Sessions
Shirley Spork
Louise Suggs
Babe Zaharias

Remember what the U.S. looked like at that time? Here’s a tip, Harry S. Truman was in the White House, Texaco Star Theater led the television popularity rankings and Ben Hogan would author his “Miracle at Merion” in June of that year.

With an assist from Bob Cayne, Marilynn blends personal stories from her World Golf Hall of Fame career with the hardscrabble realities of starting and nurturing the LPGA Tour right up to present day.

Courtesy cars and manicured golf courses may be considered customary today – after all, it is the LPGA Tour.

But if you’d like to know what it’s like to hit golf balls off home plate before the baseball game at the local MLB park to grow a gallery for tomorrow’s tournament round, Marilynn will tell you all about it.

Over sixty years later, Marilynn’s enthusiasm for the game is just as high, as it was on day one.

Join her for a day of golf at the 5th Annual Marilynn Smith LPGA Charity Golf Classic, scheduled for Monday, October 7, 2013 at Tuscany Falls – Pebble Creek in Goodyear, Arizona.

Four amateurs will be paired with an LPGA professional for a day of charity golf, good works and great fun. Click lpgafoundation.org/msmith for all the details.

You’ll find several ways to order hardcover copies of Have Clubs, Will Travel at MarilynnSmith.com, including a PayPal link for credit card transactions. Other options include paperback versions from Amazon, and eBook versions offered by Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other book vendors.

If you like golf, and the rich rewards it grants those who summon the grit and perseverance it sometimes demands of those who play, you’re gonna love this book.

July 1, 2013
Quintero Golf Club Q-Card

From the Arizona Golf News Desk at the Arizona Golf Authority

$495 Q-Card Offers 10 Rounds – No Restrictions – June 1 – August 31

PEORIA, Arizona. – Quintero Golf Club General Manager Tom Wilcox announced today that Quintero’s popular Q-Card is back for 2013 and on sale now.

The Q-Card, good from June 1 – August 31, is a summer golf package that offers 10 rounds of golf with no restrictions (including cart) for only $495 (+tax). Q-Card rounds are fully transferable and can be used individually or divided up within a group.

“With Father’s Day coming up, this makes a perfect gift for those golfing dad’s out there, or just a great gift for yourself to get a fantastic deal for summer play at Quintero,” Wilcox said.

Q-Cards can be purchased at the Quintero Golf Shop or by calling (928) 501-1500.

Quintero Golf Club, formerly Quintero Golf and Country Club, is a semi-private club that recently opened for daily-fee play in November of 2011. This accessible, yet secluded club is located 45 minutes northwest of downtown Phoenix in the high Sonoran Desert, and sits at elevations between 1,986 and 2,670 feet in the stunning Hieroglyphic Mountains.

Quintero is ranked among the “Top 100 Residential Courses” and “American’s Greatest Modern Courses” by Golfweek, and was recently ranked second in the state of Arizona by both Golfweek and Golf Digest. For more information about Quintero Golf Club or to make a tee time reservation, go to www.quinterogolf.com or call (928) 501-1500.

Click Quintero Golf Course – Arizona Golf Course Reviews at the Arizona Golf Authority.

June 14, 2013
Boccieri Golf EL Series Putter

From the Excellent Arizona Golf Adventures at the Arizona Golf Authority

The EL Series putters from Boccieri Golf will knock three shots off your handicap. Now. Right Now.

This is real simple, lads. As in “Why didn’t I think of that?” simple.

Years ago, we all added gap wedges to our golf bag because we agreed with what Tom Kite proved,

“The easiest and most reliable way to play accurate wedge shots is to use one golf swing and let the tool, the loft on the wedge selected for the shot, control the distance the golf ball travels.” It’s true. We all do it now. We hone one move, pick an appropriate tool and let physics do the rest.

The EL Series putters from Boccieri Golf apply the same fundamental truth to putting: Use one putting stroke and let the putter control the distance.

How? Well, that’s the simple part.

All things being equal for a given “size” putting stroke, the longer the putter shaft is, the farther the putt will travel. It’s more simple physics, pure truth, proven centuries ago.

With the EL (Extended Length) Series putters’ 17” long grip, the “accuracy-size” putting stroke you built for holing short putts now works for medium and long putts as well.

Just move your hands up the grip, apply the same stroke, and the longer tool guarantees the putt travels farther.

Click Boccieri Golf – YouTube Videos for a full demonstration by designer, Stephen Boccieri. It’s a quick study in how to hole more putts inside that “I should make this range” and why the EL Series putter is the best tool for the job.

Holing eight and 10 footers with the very same stroke that makes all the short ones is exhilarating. Those additional holed putts appear in the GHIN Index update in short order – that’s fun, too.

Drawbacks? There are none. The EL Series putters are available in 36, 38 and 40-inch lengths, 21 head styles and three different finishes. There’s one to fit every players’ eye.

One highly skilled golf associate initially resisted, “My setup will be destroyed by the additional length.”

He owns four wedges and wields each with surgical precision. We laid them on the practice green, side by side. Four wedges, four different club lengths.

“Oh,” was the response we received as he picked up the putter and began holing six footers at will.

Anyone who’s been anchoring their putter needs to take a look at the EL Series putters as well.

The Tour and PGA ruling bodies are both supporting the January 2016 Anchors Aweigh ban and these putters will serve those relying on belly and long models quite nicely. Each of the new styles features a shaft that extends beyond the hands, but does not anchor to the body.

“One reason belly putters became so popular was because the additional grip and shaft materials created a natural back-weight,” says Stephen Boccieri, President and CEO of Boccieri Golf. “Other OEM’s are just now adopting counterweighting while we’ve been refining it for nearly a decade.”

Players who want to make more putts should report to the state-of-the-art Boccieri Golf Research and Performance Center at 15816 North Greenway-Hayden Loop in Scottsdale, just south of the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course.

The professional staff will put the EL Series putter in your hands to try out. Don’t worry about running out of putting green, it’s a 9,000 square-foot building, full of all the latest swing-analysis technology. You may learn more about how you move a golf club than you ever thought you could absorb.

While you’re there, check out Boccieri Golf’s Secret Grip, endorsed by Jack Nicklaus. Introduced in 2013, the Secret Grip puts the same back-weight secret Nicklaus says he used throughout his career to win 18 professional majors and 73 PGA Tour titles at your disposal.

Simply changing the grips on your full shot clubs will deliver a consistent tempo and shot-dispersion accuracy you probably haven’t experienced before. The 10, 12, 15 yards of additional distance per club is fun too!

Boccieri Golf equipment has played a key role in victories on the PGA, European, Champions, Nationwide, Asian, Canadian and European Challenge Tours. They are happy to help you as well.

For more information: www.boccierigolf.com, 888.788.8374.

June 13, 2013
JGAA Hosts Willie Low Invitational at Phoenix Country Club

From the Arizona Golf News Desk at the Arizona Golf Authority

PHOENIX, Arizona – The Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) is set to host the annual Willie Low Invitational, honoring the late Willie Low, one of the Valley’s top golf professionals for nearly half a century. Started in 1969, the event has showcased the talents of junior golfers from across the state. Past winners have included two-time champion and current PGA TOUR golfer Billy Mayfair along with Ted Purdy.

Willie Low influenced many of the Valley’s top juniors, including Howard Twitty and a young George Boutell who would later go on to win the 1962 Arizona Amateur Championship and then post a stellar career at Arizona State University, earning All American status.

Low began his golf career at Lakeside Golf Club in Los Angeles during the 1920’s where he became lifelong friends with the likes of Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and other celebrities.

“I am not certain how it came together, but I would bet that he introduced these great celebrities to Bob Goldwater Sr. and after 70 plus years of Phoenix Opens, the Valley of the
Sun has been the beneficiary of these friendships,” said ASU Hall of Fame golfer, George Boutell.

Low came to the Valley in 1931 as the Head Golf Professional at Phoenix Country Club and stayed there until his retirement in 1972. He was awarded the Anser Award by the Southwest Section PGA in 2004, honoring individuals whose positive efforts have influenced the history of Arizona golf. Mr. Low was also a member of the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame.

“The Willie Low Junior Invitational is a tribute to Low’s passion for the game that was demonstrated through his interest in young people”. said Scott Frisch, current Head Golf Professional at Phoenix Country Club. “This tournament is a chance for all of us to reflect on the work of this great man in helping build the foundation for generations of golfers to come”.

Some of this year’s top participants will include Alec Bone, Brenden Bone, Sam Triplett, Hayden Webb and Prescott Mann, a top finished in last year’s event. In the girl’s field top finishers Megan Knadler and Miranda Reyes will be competing once again. Other top competitors participating this year will be Kaylee Knadler, Ariana Macioce, and Alisa Snyder.

The 2013 Willie Low Invitational will get underway on June 11 at Phoenix Country Club.

About the Junior Golf Association of Arizona

Founded in 1983, the Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) is a non-profit organization that introduces Arizona’s youth to the game of golf and helps junior golfers develop golf and life skills through competitive programs and tournaments. In addition to developing programs at schools and assisting Arizona golf courses with their junior programs, the JGAA conducts more than 100 programs and activities, including etiquette clinics, tournaments, and college prep seminars throughout Arizona each year. The JGAA awards two scholarship funds annually to high school senior members of the JGAA for their college education – the Tres Arnold and the John Wolfinger Memorial College Scholarships. Celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2013, JGAA’s strong belief in teamwork and cooperation continues to guide the organization and is instilled in all of its members. Visit www.jgaa.org

June 7, 2013
Secret Grip – Boccieri Golf – Jack Nicklaus Endorses new Secret Grip by Boccieri Golf

(Scottsdale, AZ) – Boccieri Golf has tapped Jack Nicklaus to help launch the Secret Grip, a patented technological breakthrough that allows players to easily back-weight their clubs, similar to the way Nicklaus did during his career, winning a record 18 professional majors and 73 PGA Tour titles.

The Secret Grip represents the first time in nearly two decades that Nicklaus has given his personal endorsement to equipment not under the Nicklaus Golf banner. Mr. Nicklaus will appear in promotional materials for the product and use it on his own clubs.

“Throughout my career, all my golf clubs were back-weighted,” Nicklaus said. “The main benefit was that it helped slow down my hands and reduce dispersion. There are a lot of people who could benefit from the philosophy that I used and that is why we have been working with Boccieri Golf. If we can make the game easier and thus more enjoyable for people, that’s not only a good thing for them, it’s good for the game of golf.”

The Secret Grip is designed to be installed quickly and affordably on every manufacturer’s clubs. Its heavier weight raises the club’s balance point, promoting consistent crisp contact for greater control and distance. The grip is manufactured with a tungsten weight in the butt-end and uses a grip material compound that’s 40-percent heavier than materials used in today’s other grip products.

“Extensive research and testing has proven that counter-weighting helps everyone from the high-handicapper to all-time greats like Jack,” says Stephen Boccieri, President and CEO of Boccieri Golf. “With the Secret Grip, players benefit from our unique weighting system without changing the brand or style of golf club they prefer.”

Prototypes of the Secret Grip were unveiled last year and garnered praise from dozens of leading media outlets. This included receiving “Top Products from the 2012 PGA Show” honors from Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine. Recent consumer launch-monitor testing of more than 500 players showed 95 percent reported a strong preference for the Secret Grip versus traditional grips.

Additional advantages offered by the Secret Grip ($16.99 each) include:

• An additional inch of grip length, allowing players to grip-down for improved play around the green or on uneven lies

• The built-up lower section — often preferred by PGA Tour players — eliminates additional layers of grip tape

The Secret Grip is the newest product in a line of pioneering equipment from Boccieri Golf that includes the popular Heavy Putter collection, along with the critically acclaimed “Control Series” of full swing clubs.

The Secret Grip can be purchased at www.boccierigolf.com right now. Beginning in March, the Secret Grip will be available at Dicks and Golf Galaxy retailers nationwide.

If you’re traveling to Arizona, visit the Boccieri Golf Research and Performance Center at 15816 North Greenway-Hayden Loop in Scottsdale, just down the street from the TPC Stadium golf course. In order to keep pace with demand for the entire Boccieri Golf portfolio of revolutionary products, the 9,000-square-foot facility offers a variety of services, including Secret Grip installation, custom club fitting, high-tech swing analysis and practice time in state-of-the-art golf simulators.

For more information, visit www.boccierigolf.com or call 888.788.8374.

June 6, 2013
Masters Golf Socks Return for 2013

From the Arizona Golf News Desk at the Arizona Golf Authority

KENTWOOL is offering their Masters golf sock again this year. But just like the azaleas at Augusta National, they’re only available for a short period of time.

During the 2013 Masters, Bubba Watson will once again compete in the distinctive socks ($19.95) that are available through May 15, while supplies last, at KENTWOOL.com.

“This style became a sensation last year following Bubba’s historic performance and sold out quicker than we ever expected,” says Mark Kent, CEO and President of KENTWOOL. “With there being so much pent-up demand, we wanted to once again offer our loyal customers a chance to ‘Rock the Socks’ with a pair of their own.”

Crafted from a proprietary blend of fatigue-reducing merino wool and high-tech fibers for superior moisture management, the socks are Made in the USA and come with a 100 percent blister-free guarantee.

An avid golfer, Mark had the idea to produce the “World’s Best Golf Sock” after standing in the 18th fairway of the BMW Nationwide Tour Pro-Am tending to blistered, bleeding feet instead of concentrating on the eagle opportunity guaranteeing him a spot in the final round.

An authentic southern textile company founded in 1843, KENTWOOL is devoted to helping golfers feel their best with every step. Each pair features WINDspun technology that infuses the fibers with air to provide unrivaled cushioning at micro-stress points along the foot, enhancing comfort and energy levels while reducing injury risk.

KENTWOOL is the only company in the western hemisphere – and one of 50 in the world – to receive the Usterized Quality Certification indicating the highest level of quality assurance in yarn production.

In addition to Bubba Watson, KENTWOOL socks – including Low Profile, Tour Profile, Tour Standard and 19th Hole models – are trusted by scores of Tour stars, including Matt Kuchar, Jonathan Byrd, Ryann O’Toole, Peter Jacobsen, Duffy Waldorf, Brendon de Jonge, Tom Gillis, Jane Park, Catriona Matthew, Charles Warren, Kevin Johnson, Kristy McPherson, Shasta Averyhardt, Jenny Suh, Sarah Kemp, Jenny Gleason, Meaghan Francella and Jenny Hong.

For more information, visit http://KENTWOOLsocks.com, or telephone 1-877-5-PROSOX (1-877-577-6769).

March 25, 2013