ARIZONA GOLF AUTHORITY

Category: Arizona Golf News Desk

Lovemark Buys Boccieri Secret Grip & Wins Web.com Midwest Classic

From the Arizona Golf News Desk at the Arizona Golf Authority

Jamie Lovemark followed the advice of his favorite player, Jack Nicklaus, bought a Boccieri Golf Secret Grip for his putter and won the 2013 Midwest Classic Presented by Cadillac Web.com tour event.

Following birdies at 15 and 16, Lovemark holed a clutch 15-footer on the 18th green to seal his one-shot victory at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate in Overland Park, Kansas.

Stephen Boccieri, President and CEO of Boccieri Golf, added Lovemark to the company’s overcrowded trophy wall acknowledging tour victories by players using his company’s golf equipment and noted,

“Early acclaim for the Secret Grip led this great young player to purchase it three weeks ago at The Bear’s Club and we’re happy to see the immediate, positive results. We’ve preached the benefits of counterbalanced equipment for years, and the validation by Tour players demonstrates its ability to maximize performance in all areas of the game.”

Players purchasing their own equipment and winning tournaments with it isn’t a new phenomenon. Gary Player always maintained he acquired his famous putter “Blackie” from a used-club barrel.

Jim Furyk famously pocketed $11.35 million in 2010 after winning both the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup with a self-purchased putter from Joe & Leigh’s Discount Pro Golf Shop, just down the street from TPC Boston in Norton, Mass.

“I don’t recall ever making a putt to win like that,” said Lovemark. “It’s one of those putts you practice when fooling around and telling yourself ‘this is to win the British Open’. It felt really good to make it.”

Lovemark closed with a 5-under-par 66 for a 72-hole total of 18-under-par 266.

Endorsed by Jack Nicklaus, the Secret Grip is easily installed on clubs from any manufacturer for an instant boost in performance. The counterbalance is achieved via a tungsten insert in the butt-end, combined with a rubber compound 40-percent heavier than what is used in standard grips.

Available alongside the full-swing Secret Grip, the putter version may be purchased at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy and Edwin Watts, as well www.SecretGrip.com.

For more information, visit boccierigolf.com, or telephone 888.788.8374.

About Boccieri Golf

The Secret Grip, endorsed by Jack Nicklaus, is Boccieri Golf’s latest innovation.

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.

The company is headquartered in a state-of-the-art Research and Performance Center at 15816 N. Greenway-Hayden Loop in Scottsdale, Arizona. 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.

July 23, 2013
2013 Open Championship – Play Muirfield at Home with OptiShot Simulator

From the Arizona Golf News Desk at the Arizona Golf Authority

Dancin’ Dogg Golf – maker of the award-winning OptiShot Infrared Simulator, the ultimate in-home virtual golf system – announces the release of Firth of Forth, a replication of the historic Scottish links course hosting its 16th Open Championship.

Firth of Forth’s first Open Championship was held in 1892, only one year after the original layout was constructed by the legendary Old Tom Morris. With its clockwise-routed front nine and counterclockwise back nine that result in constantly changing winds, Firth of Forth is ranked among the world’s top-10 courses by Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine.

“Once again OptiShot has faithfully re-created one of the most heralded golf courses on the planet, allowing everyone to play it without ever leaving home,” says Russell Edens, CEO of Dancin’ Dogg. “I can’t tell you how much fun it is to re-create the winning shots on OptiShot, right after they happen. It is like being inside the ropes without the jet lag.”

Alongside other major championship tracks – such as Atlanta Highlands, Capitol Club, Golden Gate Club, Jones Lake, Monterey Classic, Old Scot, Red Wickers and Whispering Dunes – Firth of Forth ($74.95) is available for download at www.optishotgolf.com. The entry-level OptiShot system (MSRP: $399.95) comes standard with 12 true-to-life designs, as well as a par-3 option and realistic driving range.

Connecting with Windows computers via a plug-and-play interface, OptiShot requires only 8-½ feet of swing space. Up to four players per round can compete by hitting real balls, foam balls (provided) or no ball at all. Infrared sensors on a durable swing pad precisely record club head speed, face angle, swing path, distance, tempo, face contact and ball flight.

More information: www.optishotgolf.com, www.facebook.com/dancindogg, 866.941.3644.

About Dancin’ Dogg Golf

Based in Traverse City, MI, Dancin’ Dogg Golf was founded in 2005 and specializes in developing innovative technologies. Twice named to the prestigious Inc. 500 list as one of America’s fastest-growing entrepreneurial companies, it has also been honored with the SCOREGolf Research & Development Award, named to the “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” list and received a “Flyover 50 Award” as one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing companies.

The Dancin’ Dogg product range is highlighted by the OptiShot Infrared Golf Simulator, which is offered at nearly 2,000 retail locations throughout North America and a growing number of shops internationally. The company’s ever-expanding library of world class courses includes sites of major championship, international competitions and Tour events.

Durable and built to last, OptiShot comes with a 180-day warranty and has been heralded by leading authorities worldwide, including Asian Golf Monthly, CNBC, Daily Mail, Discovery, Global Golf Post, Golf Channel, GOLF Magazine, Golf Monthly, Golfweek, Maxim, NBC Universal, Pro Shop Europe, SGB Golf, Sports Illustrated, Sports Business Journal, Sportfack, TheStreet.com, USA Today, WIRED and many others.

July 22, 2013
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
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
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
LPGA Returns to Wildfire Golf Club for RR Donnelley Founders Cup March 14 – 17

For the third consecutive year, the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup will be played March 14-17, 2013, at Wildfire Golf Club on the grounds of the centrally located JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa.

This full-field, four-day event will be televised live on The Golf Channel all four days and features a $1.5 million purse, with $225,000 going to the champion.

Karrie Webb won the inaugural RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup tournament in 2011, while two-time Rolex Player of the Year winner Yani Tseng captured the title in 2012.

The tournament is contested on a golf course we daily fee players can’t play; it combines the back-nine of the Palmer Course with the back-nine of the Faldo Course, producing a unique 6,613-yard par-72 test.

The tournament honors the 13 original Founders of the LPGA Tour and helps provide a future for the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program, which has received more than $1 million from tournament proceeds in the last two years.

Daily tickets for the event are $25, and weekly badges are priced at $75.

To purchase tickets for the 2013 RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup, go to www.LPGAFoundersCup.com or call 1-888-LPGATIX.

February 7, 2013