Latest Golf News

GREEN VALLEY, AZ — The Scottsdale Golf Group announced today the hiring of Honorary SWSPGA Southern Chapter President Dan Wickman, PGA as the Director of Operations for both the Canoa Ranch and Torres Blancas Golf Club. In his position Wickman will oversee the golf operations of both facilities, including the John Jacob Golf School.

Founder & CEO of Scottsdale Golf Group, Shelby Futch said “We are excited to have Dan become a part of our team.  His background in golf operations and overall knowledge of the two golf courses will be an asset to the operations.”

With Wickman’s experience, and proven track record of managing golf clubs, he will be a valuable asset for the two facilities. Most recently, Wickman was the Managing Professional; Randolph Golf Complex managing the 36-hole golf operation and four years previous as the Director of Player Development; responsible for designing and implementing player development programs for the City of Tucson Golf. His extensive experience includes being General Manager at Clubs such as, San Pedro Golf Club, Benson, AZ, Prescott Lakes Golf Club, Prescott, AZ, and Robinson Ranch, Santa Clarita, CA. Wickman served as the President of the Southwest Section PGA Southern Chapter for two terms and has been awarded Southern Chapter PGA: Golf Professional of the Year, 2014, Teacher of the Year 2012, Junior Golf Leader 2011, inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame, Salpointe Catholic High School.

Golf Fest returns to Longbow Golf Club Feb. 12-13 where attendees will receive a free round of golf, a chance to test out all of the latest clubs and enjoy free clinics from the pros!

PHOENIX (Jan. 13, 2016) —Whispering in the air of Mesa is the buzz of one of the top outdoor shows in the country. And no, this isn’t your local country concert. Located on green fairways, the stage is being set to tee off another year of excitement. Everything new in golf will be on display at the Longbow Golf Club in Mesa on Feb. 12 and 13. Golf Fest, in its 7th year in Phoenix, will exhibit a variety of activities including free golf clinics by PGA pros, a trick shot exhibition and a long drive clinic.

The Academy Was Spotlighted in a Feature Article in Golf Tips Magazine Where it Was Praised for its Personalized Experience and Attentive Instruction

LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz., Jan. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bird Golf Academy, whose flagship site is at their Arizona golf school, with 20 locations around the country, was recently honored to be featured as one of Golf Tips Magazine's top golf schools in America. The Academy, which provides its students with personalized classes and expert instructors, was also voted Arizona's best golf school by All Over The Pin blog.



In the Golf Tips Magazine article, one of the features that makes Bird Golf Academy so successful is its gift for fitting style to student. Across the country, the school teaches the "Bird Golf Method" to students of all ages and backgrounds. Students receive individual instruction with their own LPGA/PGA Bird Golf professional, and they are taught one-on-one or in pairs during six to eight hour days.

Global Tour Player Will Join the Full Swing Golf Ambassador Team

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Full Swing Golf, the leader in indoor golf simulator technology, today announced a multi-year partnership with three-time Major Champion, Padraig Harrington.
  
"Padraig is a world class player who consistently exhibits drive and commitment on a truly global level," said Ryan Dotters, CEO of Full Swing Golf. "Harrington has been a key contributor to growing the game internationally and we are thrilled to be working with him," Dotters added.
  
Harrington has had success on both the European and PGA Tours, with six PGA TOUR victories, including the 2015 Honda Classic, and 17 international wins. He has also been an integral part of the victorious European Ryder Cup Team with a total of 6 appearances. In addition to his global resume, Harrington became the first Irishman to win his national championship in 25 years at the 2007 Irish Open, shortly before claiming the Open Championship at Carnoustie the same year.  

Premiering in April and Featuring Interviews with the Nicklaus Family, Friends, Patrons and Fans, ’86 Will Celebrate the 30-Year Anniversary of Nicklaus’ Historic Win at Age 46

Not often does a golf tournament garner a nickname that is simply the last two digits of the year in which it was played. However, when people talk about 46-year old Jack Nicklaus capturing his final major championship on Sunday, April 13, 1986 – capping off one of the most legendary performances in sport and arguably the most exciting final round in Masters history – all they have to say is “’86.”

Golf Channel will commemorate the 30-year anniversary of Nicklaus’ historic victory at the 1986 Masters with ’86, a one-hour special premiering in primetime Masters week that tells the full story of the week and Nicklaus’ memorable come-from-behind victory to secure his record 18th major championship victory and record sixth Green Jacket. Highlighted by a final-round 65 and a 6-under-par 30 on the final nine holes, Nicklaus became the oldest winner of the Masters at age 46 and the second-oldest winner of any major championship in history.

As a part of the special, Golf Channel is asking fans to share their own personal stories in regards to the 1986 Masters, including answering the question: “Where was I” on that historic Sunday 30 years ago, at GolfChannel.com/Jack. Select story submissions will be featured in ’86.

COVINGTON, GA – Bridgestone Golf, the #1 ball-fitter in golf and a recognized industry innovator, announced today the launch of its new JGR Fairway Metals and JGR Hybrids at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show. The new Bridgestone JGR Fairways and Hybrids rely on revolutionary technologies to deliver faster ball speeds, higher launch angles and more overall distance than ever before.

"The new JGR Fairways and Hybrids are without question Bridgestone's fastest fairways and hybrids ever", said Josh Kinchen, Golf Club Marketing Manager, Bridgestone Golf, Inc. "Both offer players an unbelievable amount of forgiveness on mishits and impressive distance off the tee or the turf."

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Feb. 10, 2016) – After a successful inaugural season last year at 20 locations nationwide, the PGA of America’s PGA Junior Golf Camps for boys and girls ages 6-17 will expand to more than 75 locations in 2016, and debut its Competitive Edge overnight camps for advanced junior golfers this summer.

Half- and Full-Day PGA Junior Golf Camps

All PGA Junior Golf Camps are taught by PGA Professionals and designed for juniors of all skill levels. The camps’ curriculum allows kids to learn the game in a fun, supportive environment. This follows a unique progression development tract that focuses on promoting fundamental golf skills, including full swing, putting and chipping—as well as life and character skills, such as good sportsmanship, camaraderie and integrity.

IRVING, TX., February 2, 2016 -- It is a classic nothing to lose and everything to gain sports drama. On March 16 at Las Colinas Country Club in Irving, 50 high school and 50 collegiate female golfers from across the country will tee it up in an 18-hole free roll for the chance to win a playing spot in the Volunteers of America Texas Shootout LPGA tournament April 26 – May 1.

The High School and College Shootout, presented by City Garage, will thrust two high school and two college golfers into the spotlight and on to the grandest stage in women’s golf against their LPGA heroes including the tournament’s defending champion Inbee Park, 2015 LPGA Player of the Year, Lydia Ko, Stacy Lewis, Michelle Wie and most of the biggest names on the LPGA. Last year, the tournament attracted 19 of the Rolex Rankings’ top 20 players and the top five season money leaders from 2015 were in the field.

Amber Wang of Sugar Land, Texas, winner of one of the high school exemptions last year, spoke on her experience:

February 6 Opening includes $30,000 in giveaways and $15,000 Donation to First Tee

ATLANTA, Feb. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- PGA TOUR Superstore is ushering in a new experience for golfers in Tucson with doors opening at 9:00 am February 6 for the grand opening of its first interactive Tucson retail store located at 4215 North Oracle Road in the Tucson Fiesta Shopping Center.
  
Known for its large-format interactive stores across the country, including three Arizona stores in Chandler, North Scottsdale and Scottsdale, PGA TOUR Superstore's new Tucson location will be the largest golf retail store in the area and include a grand opening celebration with $30,000 in product giveaways to the first customers in line and a $15,000 donation to First Tee Tucson to provide area youth with the character-building experience of participating in sports.

Thanks for all the contestants in our WMPO promotion! Congratulations to Michelle French of Phoenix who is on her way to a fantastic VIP experience, kicking off with the David Feherty show on Wednesday night at the Orpheum Theatre and then VIP WMPO Members club experience for two plus reserved parking for Thursday opening round through to Sunday’s final round!

Congrats to all winners and keep listening and checking back on the site for upcoming events, promotions and contests!

Have a fantastic week at the Waste Management Phoenix Open Presented by The Ak-Chin Indian Community “The Greatest Show on Grass”!