ARIZONA GOLF AUTHORITY

Author: Staff AZGA

Annika Sorenstam Academy Introduces Online Lessons

From the Arizona Golf Authority Golf News Desk

ORLANDO, FL – The ANNIKA Academy now offers online golf lessons from its acclaimed team of instructors. Highlights of the program include individual swing analysis and side-by-side comparisons with Annika’s Hall of Fame swing.

Individual online lessons cost $59 per swing analysis. Using state-of-the-art V1 Pro software, instructors will break down video of a player’s swing with drawing tools while offering audio commentary. They will also suggest drills to accelerate progress. The analysis will be emailed back to the player within seven days.

An annual membership option is also available. For $499 golfers will receive 12 swing analyses; one review per month.

As an added bonus, side-by-side comparisons with Annika’s swing – revered by some as the most technically sound in golf history – are featured.

“Golfers of all ages, genders and abilities learn a more efficient, consistent and body-friendly swing through our online lesson platform,” says Annika, a 10-time major champion and the only female to ever shoot 59 in competition. “Our skilled Academy team will pinpoint areas needing improvement and offer advice to help your game reach its full potential.”

For players seeking in-person instruction, the ANNIKA Academy presents a diverse menu of custom-tailored corporate packages, individualized golf instruction, personalized fitness programs, club fitting and even opportunities to play with Annika.

New to the roster in 2012 is the ‘Player’s Package.’ The program includes three hours of instruction on three consecutive days; 54 holes of golf; and full-service breakfast daily. Groups are limited to no more than eight guests, fostering an intimate guest-to-instructor ratio and environment conducive to learning. Prices start at $1,900 per person.

Tailored to suit a variety of tastes and budgets, the ‘Championship,’ ‘Platinum,’ ‘Major Championship’ and ‘Soren-Slam’ packages are also available. Annika participates in three of the four, creating an authentic learning environment unmatched in the marketplace.

For more information, visit www.theannikaacademy.com, or contact Pam Kehoe: pamk@theannikaacademy.com / 888.266.4522

The ANNIKA Academy is a state-of-the-art, boutique teaching facility at Orlando’s Reunion Resort. The Academy opened in 2007 as a platform to share Annika’s passion for golf and fitness, and features her long-time personal coaches, Henri Reis, lead swing instructor, and Kai Fusser, Annika’s personal physical trainer.

Their swing training techniques allow players of any age, gender and skill level to reach their potential by transferring more energy and power to the golf course. One of only 15 certified Callaway Performance Centers in the country, the Academy provides custom-tailored corporate packages, individualized golf instruction, personalized fitness programs, club fitting and even opportunities to play with Annika.

Visit the Arizona Golf Authority, it’s “All Things Arizona Golf.”

Our Arizona Golf Courses Reviews and Guide List Directory has an AZGA Player’s course review for every golf course in Arizona, click www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory.

July 24, 2012
Boccieri Golf Offers Cool Indoor Summer Training Membership

From the Arizona Golf Authority Golf News Desk

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona – Boccieri Golf is offering summer membership packages and instructional specials designed to help local golfers improve all facets of their game at the company’s state-of-the-art indoor Research and Performance Center at 15816 N. Greenway-Hayden Loop in Scottsdale.

Boccieri Golf Membership packages are available in three tiers to accommodate all budgets – including combinations of Boccieri Golf’s acclaimed club and putter fitting services, lessons from renowned instructors and time allocated for practicing on high-tech golf simulators.

June through August, lessons are priced at the special rate of $50 per hour, down from standard in-season rates of $100.

Check out the Membership Package details, click Boccieri Golf Memberships.

The Membership deals include all the high-tech services and equipment Boccieri Golf is famous for, including:

Custom Club Fitting – Using the latest TrackMan and Foresight launch monitors, Boccieri Golf representatives precisely analyze golfers’ swing characteristics and prescribe equipment for optimal performance; available in a variety of packages that cover every club in the bag.

Science and Motion (SAM) Puttlab Analysis – Accurate ultrasound measurements of a player’s putting stroke are relayed to experienced fitters who use the data to determine specific characteristics that will improve performance; available for standard, belly and other long-shafted models.

Individual Swing Analysis and Instruction – Experienced instructors use video analysis to create full player evaluations and training recommendations.

Golf Simulator Practice and Play – Measure your performance stats using cutting-edge launch monitors, enjoy a simulated range session or play a round at your convenience in a temperature-controlled environment.

“Our Performance Center is a real oasis during the summer months,” says Stephen Boccieri, President and CEO of Boccieri Golf. “With the variety of packages we’re offering, golfers of all abilities can sharpen their skills and be ready for the peak golf season.”

Boccieri Golf relocated its headquarters to Scottsdale in late 2011, following six successful years in Ridgefield, CT, where the company established itself as one of the golf industry’s most forward thinking brands.

Its popular Heavy Putter collection and “Control Series” line of full-swing products were the first to integrate counterweight principals.

For more information or to book an appointment please visit www.boccierigolf.com or call 888.788.8374.

July 19, 2012
Slammin’ Sam™ Smoothest Beer in Golf™ Inspired by Legendary Sam Snead

From the Arizona Golf Authority Golf News Desk

PINEHURST, NC – Slammin’ Sam Beer Company has introduced Slammin’ Sam™, a craft-brewed premium American lager inspired by the late Sam Snead. One of golf’s greatest champions, Snead still holds the record for most PGA Tour Wins – 82 tournament victories.

Although he failed to win the U.S. Open, finishing second four times, Snead holds seven major championship victories. The smooth, elegant tempo of Slammin’ Sammy’s golf swing remains the model to this day for blending athleticism, power and accuracy in a golf swing.

To commemorate the centennial of Snead’s birth in 1912, Slammin’ Sam beer will make its debut at the Greenbrier Resort, home of this week’s PGA Greenbriar Classic and the place Snead called his professional home for more than 60 years.

Slammin’ Sam features a refreshing taste with an exceptionally balanced finish that makes it the Smoothest Beer in Golf. It showcases a proprietary recipe developed by Ray Klimovitz, recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Life Service Award from the Master Brewers Association of the Americas.

“Mr. Snead is an international sports icon, and our first priority was to create an amazing beer that honors his legacy,” says Casey Bierer, Founder and CEO of Slammin’ Sam Beer Company. “Through the assistance of a beer industry legend and remarkable craft brewery, we’re proud to present a thirst-quenching premium lager that golfers and all active lifestyle consumers will truly enjoy.”

Made in Wisconsin by Stevens Point Brewery – a World Beer Cup multiple Gold Medal award winner – Slammin’ Sam is available in cans, bottles and kegs. Launching soon at other renowned resorts throughout North America, as well as golf courses, restaurants, bars and everywhere beer is sold, the line’s packaging and marketing depict famous images of Snead from the 1950’s and ‘60’s.

Snead’s powerful, self-taught swing carried him through a professional career spanning from 1934 to 1987. A player on seven, and captain of three U.S. Ryder Cup teams, his countless honors include winning PGA Player of the Year (1949) and the Vardon Trophy (1938, ’49, ’50 and ‘55). Snead, who passed away in 2002 at age 89, is also a member of the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame and World Golf Hall of Fame.

“Dad considered The Greenbrier his home away from home,” says Snead’s son, Jack. “He’d be real proud of Slammin’ Sam Beer, I can tell you that.”

Visit www.facebook.com/SlamminSamBeerCompany for all the details.

Visit the Arizona Golf Authority, it’s “All Things Arizona Golf.”

Our Arizona Golf Courses Reviews and Guide List Directory has an AZGA Player’s course review for every golf course in Arizona, click www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory.

July 6, 2012
Arizona Golf Courses – Friends Hole Back-to-Back Aces at Bellair Golf Club

From the Arizona Golf Authority Golf News Desk

GLENDALE, Arizona – Tony Adolf says he’s been playing golf “for about two years,” and that his regular playing partner, Mark Swearingen, “has been playing forever, even on the golf team in college.”

Par-3 13th Hole at Bellair Golf Club

They both reached the summit of the game Thursday, June 28^th at Bellair Golf Club when Tony aced the 12^th hole and Mark then aced the 13^th right behind him.

“It was bedlam,” Tony shared, “and lucky for us, the beverage cart was right in the middle of it all. I had five witnesses for mine, and Mark had six for his!”

Playing as a low-season ‘summertime sixsome’ from the white tees, Tony and Mark were joined by regular companions Victor Columbi, Dean Alley, Allen Van Loof and Tim McGuire.

At the 178-yard 12^th “I was the last to tee off and I hit 5-wood, just as the beverage cart pulled up,” Tony shared. “The ball didn’t get more than 20-feet off the ground but it rolled, and rolled and I watched it disappear in the cup.”

Mark saw it go in as well and was the first of the group to high-five Tony on the tee.

“I got my clubs as a gift when I retired from the military a couple years ago,” Tony said, “and these are the guys that made me come out and take up the game. Mark told me that in over 40 years of playing, including all his college golf, he’d never had a hole-in-one.”

That was about to change.

The sixsome and the beverage cart moved to the 130-yard 13^th tee where Mark stepped up and holed his tee shot.

“Unlike my ugly shot,” Tony shared, “this was the most beautiful 9-iron you’ve ever seen. It pitched a foot in front of the cup and hopped right in the hole.”

The two “acers” made good on their customary libation obligation and set the Bellair clubhouse and Iron Works Restaurant abuzz with the news of their round. And the consensus “needle” from the close-knit sixsome was this, “That’s Mark, he just wouldn’t let Tony have his day.”

The big news also reminded everyone of an interesting fact regarding Bellair Golf Club teaching Pro Dennis O’Brien. Aces? Dennis has 14!

Click Bellair Golf Club to visit our Arizona Golf Course Reviews Directory Guide List and read the AZGA Player’s Review for every golf course in Arizona.

It’s “All Things Arizona Golf” from the Arizona Golf Authority.

June 29, 2012
Sunice Golf Shirt’s Silver Technology is Best in the West for Arizona Golf Weather

From the Arizona Golf Authority Golf News Desk

Want to play golf in a comfortable and stylish golf shirt whether the temperature is 58 or 108?

Ted Potter Jr. 2012 Greenbrier Classic Champion

Just slip into a Sunice Silver Polo, from their 2012 Collection, and you’ll experience the best performing “technical-fabric” golf shirt you’ve ever worn.

And while you’re at it, congratulate Ted Potter, Jr. on his first PGA Tour victory.

Ted charged to victory at the 2012 Greenbrier Classic sporting Sunice Silver golf apparel and a final round 64, thanks to his strong birde-par-eagle-birdie finish.

Ted secured his first victory, in a playoff against Troy Kelly, with a birdie at the third playoff hole on the Old White TPC Course at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

Sunice Golf Performance Apparel

Why is the shirt so comfortable? Silver and simple science.

You see, Sunice has permanently bonded a layer of pure silver to the surface of each textile fabric of the shirt. And one inherent property of the element silver is that it’s the single most thermally conductive element on earth.

That means when it’s hot, the fabric carries your body heat away from you and delivers it to the atmosphere. And conversely, ambient heat in the atmosphere will be delivered to you when it’s chilly outside, especially when you layer up with Sunice’s selection of attractive outerwear garments.

Sunice calls this technology X-static Fabric® and it also accelerates evaporation, so moisture is transported away from you as well. And because the silver fibers won’t give bacteria and microbes a place to grow, odor can’t get a foothold here.

Science and technology have revolutionized every facet of the golf industry, from clubs and balls to GPS yardages and turf agronomy.

Ask any Champions Tour player why he’s driving it farther today than he did in his prime years and he’ll tell you, “Science and technology work.”

We concur, and the Sunice Silver X-static Fabric® Golf apparel line is more proof.

Sunice, the Canadian based industry leader in sport-specific technical fabrics, was founded in 1976 in Calgary, Alberta and quickly emerged as the dynamic skiwear “must have” brand.

The company grabbed the national spotlight when they outfitted Canada’s first Mount Everest summit team, and took the international center stage when named an Official Supplier to the 1988 Winter Olympics held in Calgary.

When the golf industry turned to “sport-specific” fabrics, Sunice introduced their first golf product lines in 1992.

Sunice is now the Official Supplier of outerwear for the 2011 and 2013 U.S.A. Solheim Cup Teams. Sunice is owned and operated by Montreal based Fletcher Leisure Group, Inc.

Click Sunice.com to view their full golf and ski product lines.

Then visit the Arizona Golf Authority, it’s “All Things Arizona Golf.”

Our Arizona Golf Courses Reviews and Guide List Directory has an AZGA Player’s review for every golf course in Arizona, click www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory.

June 29, 2012
AB Golf Patriotic Headcover Designs Help You Show Your USA Spirit

From the Arizona Golf Authority Golf News Desk

Just in time for the Olympics and the Ryder Cup, AB Golf Designs has introduced their Patriotic Head Cover collection. Boasting true red, white and blue patriotism these head covers will have you swelling with American pride.

AB Golf Patriotic Headcover Collection

The collection offers three designs, including:

The classically designed “America” head covers constructed from 100% premium grade leather in rich blue and featuring the U.S. flag embroidered at its base.

The “Count of Monte Fisto” option, combines the fun form of a classic boxing glove with the bold elements of the US flag design.

The Eco-friendly “Red, White & Blue” Throwback collection featuring traditionally-styled knit covers crafted from recycled plastic bottles.

For more information or to order, visit: www.abgolfdesigns.com

Visit the Arizona Golf Authority, it’s “All Things Arizona Golf.”

Our Arizona Golf Courses Reviews and Guide List Directory has an AZGA Player’s course review for every golf course in Arizona, click www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory.

June 28, 2012
Dixon Golf Introduces New Spirit Ball Design for Ladies

From the Arizona Golf Authority Golf News Desk

TEMPE, Arizona — Dixon Golf, the nation’s leading eco-friendly golf ball manufacturer, announced the launch of its first ball designed especially for ladies – the Dixon Spirit.

This earth-conscience golf ball manufacturer already offers three other balls that cater to all levels of golfers: the Earth, suitable for all golfers; the Wind, an extreme distance ball and the Fire, a multi-layer tour-caliber golf ball. The Dixon family of golf balls is distributed internationally and conform to USGA standards.

The Dixon Spirit ball retails at $29.95/dozen and is engineered to help lady golfers get the most out of their game.

“It is the goal of Dixon Golf to offer its high performance eco-friendly golf products to all golfers. The Spirit ball has been in development for quite some time, and we feel we finally got it right. The Spirit was tested and developed specifically to suit the needs of lady golfers,” says Dixon Golf CEO William Carey.

The new Spirit ball features a 392 dimple pattern and the proprietary Crystal Pink Eco-cover™, as well as Dixon Golf’s high-velocity GreenCoreTM – for added distance. If you’re one of those gals who likes to make a fashion statement on course, the company is also making Spirit branded t-shirts.

The Spirit golf ball is designed for players with swing speeds below 100mph and ladies with a 10+ handicap. The ball has a soft feel and responds with a medium trajectory, rollout and spin.

Dixon Golf, a Tempe, Arizona based company, is the world’s only manufacturer of a high performance, eco-friendly family of golf balls. Born from a desire to limit its impact on the environment, Dixon also offers a golf ball recycling program through its retail locations that gives golfers credit for returning their old golf balls. Even the packaging is made from 100 percent recycled material.

For more information on the family of Dixon golf balls click www.dixongolf.com

Visit the Arizona Golf Authority, it’s “All Things Arizona Golf.”

Our all Arizona Golf Courses Reviews and Guide List directory has an AZGA Player’s Arizona golf course review for every golf course in Arizona, click www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory.

June 22, 2012
Arizona Golf Courses Summer “Tee It Up at 10” is a Winner

From the Arizona Golf Authority Golf News Desk

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona – This summer, thanks to four Valley golf courses, you can scratch your golf itch and support the First Tee of Phoenix at the same time. ASU Karsten, Eagle Mountain, Longbow and the Raven-Phoenix golf clubs are all participating in an attractive program called “Tee It Up at 10 for the First Tee.”

"Tee It Up at 10" Supports the First Tee

Here’s the good news: Each course will reserve one tee time each day, Monday through Friday, between 10 and 11 a.m. on their tee sheet for the Tee it Up at 10 foursome. The reservation will be sold for $100 to the first player to telephone the golf course and request the reserved Tee it Up at 10 tee time.

Here’s the great news: The entire $100 is donated directly to the First Tee of Phoenix!

The Tee it Up at 10 program tee times during the 10 o’clock hour will be available from June 11 through August 31, 2012 at all four golf courses. Telephone the golf courses directly to purchase the reserved tee time. Each course’s advance booking policies determine how far in advance the Tee it Up at 10 reservation may be purchased.

“We noticed that nationally, The First Tee posted a goal of raising 100 Million dollars,” said Daryl Crawford, Director of Golf for ASU Karsten Golf Course. “We thought it was a great idea and through the common thread of OB Sports [the management firm for all four clubs], we now have four golf clubs participating at a local level to help them reach their national goal.”

The First Tee of Phoenix

In addition to donating the tee time fees, each golf course is also collecting donations of used and gently used equipment, e.g. clubs, shoes, balls, pull carts, umbrellas, clothes, for The First Tee of Phoenix. It’s a great incentive to clean out your garage and provide kids around the Valley with the tools they need to take up the game.

“Junior golf has always been one of our top priorities at Longbow and for the OB Sports team in general,” said Jay Larscheid, General Manager of Longbow Golf Club. “Plus, the program allows us to direct the proceeds back into junior golf efforts here in Arizona. In the end, this is a strong incentive to gets more Valley kids playing the game of golf.”

The First Tee of Phoenix teaches youngsters the game of golf by focusing on important core values such as responsibility, respect, integrity and confidence, all of which are keys to success not only on the golf course, but in life.

Telephone each golf course directly to book the special Tee it Up at 10 tee time:

ASU Karsten: (480) 921-8070   Click: ASU Karsten Golf Course Review

Eagle Mountain Golf Club: (480) 816-1234    Click: Eagle Mountain Golf Course Review

Longbow Golf Club: (480) 807.5400   Click Longbow Golf Course Review

Raven Golf Club – Phoenix:   Click: Raven-Phoenix Golf Course Review

Click the Arizona Golf Authority Arizona Golf Courses Guide List Directory and read the AZGA player Arizona golf course reviews for all 350 golf courses in Arizona at www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory.

It’s “All Things Arizona Golf” from the Arizona Golf Authority.

June 9, 2012
Weaver and Barens Tops at AJGA PING Phoenix Junior Tournament

From the Arizona Golf Authority Golf News Desk

TEMPE, Arizona — Lindsey Weaver of Scottsdale, Arizona took home her ninth AJGA championship trophy after a two-hole sudden death playoff against Allisen Corpuz of Honolulu.

Ms. Lindsey Weaver and Mr. Blake Barens

Blake Barens of Villa Park, Calif., won his first AJGA event after scoring even-par 70 to edge the competition by one stroke.

Conducted by the American Junior Golf Association, the PING Phoenix Junior at ASU Karsten was a 54-hole stroke play competition played on the par-70 ASU Karsten Golf Course. The event featured 57 boys and 21 girls, ages 12-18, from 15 states, Colombia, Mexico and Thailand. The Boys Division played the course at 6,858 yards while the Girls Division played the course at 5,977 yards.

Weaver carded a final round 2-over-par 72 and Corpuz carded a 1-over-par 71. Both finished the tournament at 1-under-par 209. Each made par on the first playoff hole, but on the second, Weaver made birdie to secure the victory.

After losing this tournament last year in a playoff, it meant a lot to Weaver to win it in the same fashion. This victory was also special for the Scottsdale local as she looks forward to a future at the University of Notre Dame.

In the Girls Division, Corpuz finished in second place, while Bethany Wu, of Diamond Bar, Calif., finished at even-par 210 to take home third place.

Barens’ even-par round on Thursday was exactly what was needed to withstand the competition.

“It was playing really tough out there, so I knew it was not about who was going to go really low; it was more just about surviving out there,” Barens said. “I found out I was about tied going into No. 15, so I knew I had a chance; I just had to hold on.”

Cody McManus of Phoenix and Dean Sakata of Diamond Bar, Calif., finished tied for second at 2-under-par 208. Zachary Wright of Phoenix and James Lee of Albuquerque, N.M., finished tied for fourth in the Boys Division.

Click AJGA PING Scoreboard to view final results for entire field.

Click ASU Karsten Golf Course to visit our Arizona Golf Course Directory List and read the AZGA Player’s Review for every golf course in Arizona.

It’s “All Things Arizona Golf” from the Arizona Golf Authority.

June 8, 2012